High damage single target vs moderate damage multi targets...

Mick wrote:

Offense wise, Aya does a bit more damage than Angelus did and its all single target and not spread between 2-3 enemies. Still not sure if that's better or worse...

I thought about changing PCs but figured Ember is a better asset to the party then the Avenger I made. Better to possibly hit multiple targets at +25 damage then one target at +50 damage.

And Jeff already has a shifter Avenger...

Normally spreading out the damage is slightly worse than single target damage since the monsters still get actions. But when you add regeneration or damage reduction, then single target high damage is better.

When the optimizers on the WotC forums calculate DPR, it's
100% 1st target
50% 2nd target
25% 3rd target
12.5% for any additional targets

Though multitarget damage is really nice for softening them up for others to take out.

Included in the +25 damage are the controlling effects that go along with her spells.

But with two rolls, the Avenger will almost alway hit. And with power attack and vs undead she can get the to about +64 damage.
And with a Radiant Great Axe, the criticals damage will be nasty.

Guessing at some numbers...

+23 to hit, 1d12+64 (3d6 on crit) has DPR of 46.63

With Avenger double rolls, DPR increases to 63.47 (more if vulnerability is added in)

The "unofficial" DPR for strikers is 20 (heroic)/40 (paragon)/60 (epic). So you'd already be in the high epic range for damage.

Extra attacks, either as a minor action or on a critical, would push those numbers even higher.


To contrast:
Angelus DPR was
1st target 46.55 (must be adjacent)
2nd target (28 x .5) (must be adjacent)
3rd target (28 x .25) (must be <5 away)
46.55+ 14+ 7 = 67.55

Spoiler:

+23 to hit, 1d12+64 (3d6 on crit)

Actually it +23(-2PA) to hit, 1d12+64 (3d6 & 2d12 on crit)

Ember is the better party asset since the party is heavy on strikers.

Mick wrote:
Actually it +23(-2PA) to hit, 1d12+64 (3d6 & 2d12 on crit)

You may be better off without Power Attack...

+21 to hit 1d12+64 (5d12 on crit, couldn't do 3d6+2d12) DPR 59.98

+23 to hit (with double rolls) has a hit chance of 87.8%
+21 to hit (with double rolls) has a hit chance of 79.8%


Without Power Attack:
+23 to hit 1d12+60 (5d12 on crit) DPR 62.11
+23 to hit 1d12+58 (5d12 on crit) DPR 60.36 (if two handed)

+2 to hit is worth more than +4 damage.

Mick wrote:
Ember is the better party asset since the party is heavy on strikers.

The main reason I'm switching is that we don't have a consistant defender present. I noticed that 60-70% of the healing goes to the leaders healing themselves or each other. They have lower AC, surges, and surge values.

It would be much more efficient for a defender to soak up the damage and for them to heal him/her. Also, if I can get enough enemies around me it'll be a beter target for area attacks on them. I may need to invest in fire resitance though (or whatever types Ember and Ashe do most of the time)...

+2 to hit is worth more than +4 damage.

She uses a Great Axe. T-handed weapons get +6 damage at paragon for the -2 to hit.

I may need to invest in fire resitance though (or whatever types Ember and Ashe do most of the time)...

Mostly fire, thunder & lightning But I took War Wizard feat -5 to hit and half damage to allies.

Mick wrote:

+2 to hit is worth more than +4 damage.

She uses a Great Axe. T-handed weapons get +6 damage at paragon for the -2 to hit.

I updated for two handed as well.

+2 to hit is still better than +6 damage...

OK thank, I'll keep that in mind.
Maybe only good for speds.