Definition of an Attack in D&D

[GreyOwl]

I was reading through the D&D rulebook and came across something interesting in the glossary:

Attack: An attack happens when one figure tries to destroy or
adversely affect one or more figures or objects on the battlefield using
a normal attack, a special attack, or most special powers.

This sort of makes it sound like special powers that cause wounds are considered "attacks", even if they're not a "special attack". That would be new, right? Or am I misinterpreting this?

[Scapemaster]

Hmm, nice find, and it raises an interesting question. By the way it is written, I would also assume so, but by the way we've all been taught to play, then, no its wrong... Hmm...

[ProtoFury]

I think this one is gonna require a Rÿchean-ruling, or a Grungebob-correction....

That's a hairy one.

[Mr Migraine]

[Taeblewalker]

I think it means things like Whirlwind Attack and Double Attack, Sneak Attack, and Broadsword +2. I don't think they'll re-rule Sharpshooter or Poisonous Acid Breath. I could be wrong.

[Mr Migraine]

Originally Posted by Taeblewalker

I think it means things like Whirlwind Attack and Double Attack, Sneak Attack, and Broadsword +2. I don't think they'll re-rule Sharpshooter or Poisonous Acid Breath. I could be wrong.

I guess the term "modifier" could be twisted into a strange form of attack when applied to an ordinary normal or special.

[Agent Minivann]

I'm going to guess that a special power as they are describing it would be like Elf Wizards with a ranged normal attack. There is no discernible weapon on the sculpt, but they are using magic, a special power, to attack from range. I don't think this is retooling any already existing rules/rulings.

[Taeblewalker]

Originally Posted by Mr Migraine

I guess the term "modifier" could be twisted into a strange form of attack when applied to an ordinary normal or special.

The "most special powers" line could also be a typo. There are many movement powers, such as flying and wild pack movement, and there are many other non-attack powers such as bonding, shield wall, one shield defense, etc. "Most" is way off, even if you add up all the special attacks and double attack type powers you are far from mist.

[theGuru]

Most special powers are not considered attacks. That is a typo. I'll correct it in the updated glossary in the upcoming FAQs.

Oops.

[Taeblewalker]

Originally Posted by theGuru

Most special powers are not considered attacks. That is a typo. I'll correct it in the updated glossary in the upcoming FAQs.

Oops.

No one's perfect.

[Kroc]

Originally Posted by theGuru

Most special powers are not considered attacks. That is a typo. I'll correct it in the updated glossary in the upcoming FAQs.

Oops.

This is why its so fun to hang out at the same website as the creators.

[GreyOwl]

Originally Posted by theGuru

Most special powers are not considered attacks. That is a typo. I'll correct it in the updated glossary in the upcoming FAQs.

Oops.

I kind of figured this was a typo, as I didn't expect you guys to suddenly change the rules like that with no warning. No harm done!

EDIT: I also found this slight modification in the glossary to our #1 mantra:

Special attacks are never
modified unless otherwise stated in the wording of the power.

That doesn't really change how anything works, because special attacks have always done that. But it just makes it a little harder to say "Special attacks are never modified" anymore.