Closer Look: Powers

This is an extremely important aspect of 4th Edition D&D, and I've already seen it overlooked on a few occasions. Sometimes it's not immediately apparent as to what you really should be doing in an encounter. Powers will do two things to guide your actions in an encounter. You will either find yourself spending your turn deciding the right power to use, or you will entirely misinterpret the purpose of your character build, and not use any powers. This post will outline some of the general guidelines to what to do with your turn.

Step A: If you aren't using a power on your turn, there had better be a good reason why.

Obvious Reasons Why You Wouldn't Use a Power
1) You have used all of your encounter powers, and none of your at-will powers fit the situation
2) None of your encounter powers fit the situation, and none of your at-will powers fit the situation
3) You prefer to save your daily and specific encounter powers for the right time, and none of your at-will powers fit the situation
4) You need to spend the round either positioning yourself, or using a second wind.

If it turns out you spend the entire battle simply using your basic attack, then you may want to reconsider your character choices. It is always possible to simply explain to the DM why your decisions at character creation have not panned out with your adventuring group, and either ask to make a new character, or simply make some changes. It's always a good idea to have an in-game reason or story as to why you might have different powers now, so as to add some incentive to the DM to allow you to make these changes.

Step B: Make your decisions early, and you won't feel so pressured when everyone waits on your turn. Give yourself a few choices before your turn, so that you can easily change your mind on the fly based on the actions between your decision and when it's your turn.

Step Awesome: Know your powers! Even if you have to look it up, know the intricacies of your powers beforehand, so that it's easier and faster for you to reference. For instance, get a good idea of what kind of exceptions will come up when you use your power. It's good to know the specifics, but it's better to have an understanding of those powers.

All in all, you're better off being prepared for multiple situations, but in the long run, you're going to have turns now and again that will take time, and those should be the exception. Not the rule.

P.S. I'm posting this while playing an Elven Cleric. We're currently in the wolf den, and I'm confident in knowing that I'll know what power to use when the DM calls my name.

-Lance of the Boy Scouts?