Vote for your favorite Paragon Path - Part 9: Swordmage

[mkill]

Now that we have all the polls for the PHB classes up, the next class published is the Swordmage. Now, I don't think I need to explain how awesome swordmages are. Note that polls will be smaller from now on, the newer classes simply don't have as much support yet. Still, I hope you'll find your favorite Swordmage Paragon Path here.

As always, the champion will proceed to the next round.

Other polls:
Cleric - Fighter - Paladin - Ranger - Rogue - Warlock - Warlord - Wizard - Swordmage - Forgotten Realms - Avenger - Barbarian - Bard - Druid - Invoker - Sorcerer - Warden - Eberron - Artificer -

 

[Jhaelen]

Meh, I don't care about swordmages - they have the 'Forgotten Realms' stigma in my eyes.

 

[mkill]

Meh, I don't care about swordmages - they have the 'Forgotten Realms' stigma in my eyes.

I'm pretty sure it's mutual, Swordmages don't care much about you either.

(SNCR - Really, who cares for which setting the class was written. That's Fandumb)

 

[Herschel]

My favorite is actually the Elemental Tempest Genasi Racial Paragon Path. My Earthsoul/Causticsoul absolutely LOVES the versatility it gives him. And if I wanted to "optimize" it more, stormsoul would be even better. Resisting elements rocks, and a reliable Earthshock (Master feat), second racial encounter power and a feat that improves accuracy following the use of a racial power is great for making good dailies and encounter powers stick.

 

[interwyrm]

Meh, I don't care about swordmages - they have the 'Forgotten Realms' stigma in my eyes.

I don't get this either. Swordmages are the base way of doing any kind of warrior-mage. I don't think that's a trope exclusive to Faerun.

As for swordmage paths... my favorites are actually Feytouched and Academy Master, but from this list I think I may go with the anarch.

 

[Dice4Hire]

Don't know these either.

Looking forward to the consensus on the Shaman ones, though as I am building one of them soon.

 

[ppaladin123]

I voted for Coronal Guard because of how powerful it is. My heart is really with the wandering swordmage though.

Additionally, for my voidsoul genasi, I think I am going to have a ball with the Scion of Absence.

 

[Jhaelen]

I don't think that's a trope exclusive to Faerun.

Well, if it isn't why are Swordmages in the Faerun book and not in PHB2?

I know it's completely irrational but I don't want anything related to FR in my games. It's probably caused by some traumatic incident I've repressed.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

Well, if it isn't why are Swordmages in the Faerun book and not in PHB2?

Marketing concerns perhaps, to have a reason to buy an FR book even if you're not a fan.

I know it's completely irrational but I don't want anything related to FR in my games. It's probably caused by some traumatic incident I've repressed.

Maybe the event with Elminster as the DMPC in that campaign about the time of troubles?

Mustrum "Hopes he doesn't raise any bad memories that turn Jhaelen mad" Ridcully

 

[Zinovia]

There's no question but that Wandering Swordmage has some great features, but I really dislike how focused it is on using Wisdom as a secondary stat. To make effective use of the Wandering Swordmage abilities, you need to plan your character for this particular paragon path starting at level 1. Swordmages don't use wisdom for anything in particular, other than will defense, so they are unlikely to have a bonus in it. Sure, you could do it for roleplay purposes, and that's cool. I'm just saying they aren't very likely to have a bonus there.

My players aren't the type to plan the development of their characters out in detail ahead of time. When selecting a class, they focused on what the class can do in heroic tier, and primarily at first level. That approach invalidates PP's like this one, because how would you know you will need a good wisdom in 10 more levels? It's a nice PP, but I chose one that doesn't require advance planning.

The swordmage in our group is likely taking the Elemental Tempest genasi PP.