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Bladesinger - a criticism of its design
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<blockquote data-quote="clearstream" data-source="post: 7256175" data-attributes="member: 71699"><p>Dragging us ruthlessly back to my OP, my argument is that BS was bad design because it needlessly allows a Wizard (the strongest class) to overshadows <em>martials</em>. That happens from 2nd level onwards. Your argument could be trying to say - BS is fine because <em>Abjurer</em> (which is core) does the same thing from 12th level onward (or maybe, from session four onward, but I don't think many campaigns give out multiple +2 items in their fourth session). While I'm not sure that this constitutes the best possible argument against BS overshadowing martials, let's look at Abjurer for a broader analysis.</p><p></p><p>Fighter 1, Wizard X will always be 1 Wizard level behind BS. With +2 armor/shield Abjurer will be AC 25. BS will be AC 26 with +2 armor/ring (also gaining improved saves). What is the consequence of being one level behind?</p><p></p><p>1/11 vs 12 = down 1 ASI and 1 AR spell slot level</p><p>1/12 vs 13 = down a 7th level cast</p><p>1/13 vs 14 = down an arcane tradition feature and 1 AR spell slot level</p><p>1/14 vs 15 = Abjurer finally has better saves (BS did until now, due to ring), but is down an 8th level cast, BS still has a better Concentration save</p><p>This same pattern has been followed for Fighter/Abjurer's entire career, e.g. 1/2 vs 3 = down a 2nd level cast.</p><p></p><p>Abjurer has lower AC and is worse at wizardry. Following DMG pacing guidelines, the Abjurer isn't close to BS for the first half of their career (unless we assume Monty Haul for Abjurer, and nothing for BS). Per WotC's statements about character levels played at, that half of their levelling career is likely to be about 80% of the player's experience at the table.</p><p></p><p>To be clear on what I am arguing here: I accept your general claim that Wizards are stronger than Fighters. However, for me being down a caster level for your entire career while still not equalling BS AC (when you finally do gain two powerful magic items), is not winning the raw AC and saves race. In our "hard" giants encounter, at level 6, Abjurer probably isn't overshadowing Champion by tanking both giants, while at the same time being down a 3rd level spell slot and an AR spell slot level to the BS.</p><p></p><p>You know, I just realised BS gets Extra Attack at 6th level. I'll need to reduce the damage difference between BS and Champion.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="clearstream, post: 7256175, member: 71699"] Dragging us ruthlessly back to my OP, my argument is that BS was bad design because it needlessly allows a Wizard (the strongest class) to overshadows [I]martials[/I]. That happens from 2nd level onwards. Your argument could be trying to say - BS is fine because [I]Abjurer[/I] (which is core) does the same thing from 12th level onward (or maybe, from session four onward, but I don't think many campaigns give out multiple +2 items in their fourth session). While I'm not sure that this constitutes the best possible argument against BS overshadowing martials, let's look at Abjurer for a broader analysis. Fighter 1, Wizard X will always be 1 Wizard level behind BS. With +2 armor/shield Abjurer will be AC 25. BS will be AC 26 with +2 armor/ring (also gaining improved saves). What is the consequence of being one level behind? 1/11 vs 12 = down 1 ASI and 1 AR spell slot level 1/12 vs 13 = down a 7th level cast 1/13 vs 14 = down an arcane tradition feature and 1 AR spell slot level 1/14 vs 15 = Abjurer finally has better saves (BS did until now, due to ring), but is down an 8th level cast, BS still has a better Concentration save This same pattern has been followed for Fighter/Abjurer's entire career, e.g. 1/2 vs 3 = down a 2nd level cast. Abjurer has lower AC and is worse at wizardry. Following DMG pacing guidelines, the Abjurer isn't close to BS for the first half of their career (unless we assume Monty Haul for Abjurer, and nothing for BS). Per WotC's statements about character levels played at, that half of their levelling career is likely to be about 80% of the player's experience at the table. To be clear on what I am arguing here: I accept your general claim that Wizards are stronger than Fighters. However, for me being down a caster level for your entire career while still not equalling BS AC (when you finally do gain two powerful magic items), is not winning the raw AC and saves race. In our "hard" giants encounter, at level 6, Abjurer probably isn't overshadowing Champion by tanking both giants, while at the same time being down a 3rd level spell slot and an AR spell slot level to the BS. You know, I just realised BS gets Extra Attack at 6th level. I'll need to reduce the damage difference between BS and Champion. [/QUOTE]
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