Which Essentials class do you like the most?

[Kzach]

Before you post to this thread I'd first like to ask that you engage in some reading comprehension. This thread isn't asking whether or not you like Essentials classes. This thread isn't asking you how much you hate Essentials classes. This thread isn't about how Essentials ruined 4e.

So please, read the thread title and respond to the actual topic.

Now that the nasty business is out of the way, I'll start proceedings. I freaking LOVE the Essentials Mage. For me, the original Wizard just didn't hit the mark. But the Essentials Mage is pretty much everything I could want from a Wizard/Mage class. In fact, I'd go so far as to say it's currently my favourite class in the entire game. About the only criticism of it I have is that I'd like to see more specialist keywords in spells.

How about you?

 

[(Psi)SeveredHead]

I'm a DM, and have only really gotten to play 4e Gamma World.

So I don't get to use the classes, but often steal their stuff for NPCs. The fighter's defender aura got stolen for NPCs, along with a ton of wizard spells (I run Dark Sun, so a lot of enchantment spells became telepathic powers), and I use some of the rogue's new powers (TACTICAL TRICK!) although I make those recharge rather than at-will. Not loving the warpriest at all though.

 

[Prestidigitalis]

Since Essentials came out, I have played nothing but Essentials classes -- lots of reasons, but mostly I just like powerful at-will attacks powered up by feats.

Knight (level 12 to 17): Lots of fun, definitely irritated the hell out of my DM with all of the slow and immobilize effects. Extra, off-turn attacks are always fun too. There is kind of a big void in Knight abilities at high paragon -- not much new stuff for a few levels -- but if we had gotten to Epic all sort of neat feats would have become available. Not surprisingly, the character was very combat-focused and didn't contribute much else.

Thief (level 7 to 8; level 11 to 12; level 1 to 3): three separate characters, none of them used for more than a few sessions, though the last one is my current character. All distinct -- the first one was damage focused, the second was an escape artist with incredible movement powers, and the third is an attempt to recreate the 3e Expert class, with 10 trained skills at level 3. All of them have been a lot of fun, and the multiplicity of potential combinations of skills gives a lot of room to come up with interesting backgrounds.

Warpriest (level 21, one session): A *LOT* of fun, though that may have been due to being allowed to say things like "You trifle with a goddess -- you will pay for that!" I also like having characters who are nearly impossible to kill, and the Warpriest (well, a Dwarven Sun Warpriest anyway) fills the bill very neatly.

Fey pact Warlock (level 4, one session): Generally fun, and I regret only having one session to explore the potential.

I am also intrigued by the Scout and the Hunter -- I love the "Aspect" stances both for mechanics and for flavor -- but haven't had a chance to play either one yet.

The others all look interesting, though the Slayer probably ends up feeling pretty limited after a while.

So, if I had to pick a favorite... Probably the Warpriest. I enjoy being able to make lots of small contributions to combats, and the two at-will attacks that the Sun domain grants are wonderful for that: granting a save when needed could help turn the tide of battle, and dropping some Resist All onto a Defender or Striker in the middle of a mob of enemies could quickly add up. That both effects are, well, "effects", is a huge bonus -- none of this wondering whether my superbly timed granted save will fail to manifest itself because Sacred Flame misses.

The one downside to the Warpriest is the lack of ranged attacks. There are various ways to deal with that, none of them particularly satisfactory, but it's not like any other character is guaranteed to always be effective either.

 

[MerricB]

The thief. It's powerfully simple, but feels great and plays well.

Cheers!

 

[S'mon]

I like the e-Thief a lot, and my current PC is a Thief. I like being able to reliably hit & dish out tons of precision damage, although he really sucks vs minions. Second would probably be the Knight, although I like the old 4e Fighter too. The old 4e Rogue was rather weak by comparison; as a melee Striker too squishy, as a ranged Striker unable to reliably get CA.

 

[Drakhar]

Thief is definitely my favorite, it gives me that real old school feel as well as being back to being the skill monkey.

I'm also fond of the Mage, liking the schools far more then the Implement masteries.

 

[Vael]

Top 3, in no particular order:

Fighter (Slayer) - I love this as a way to introduce new players. It's simple, yet effective.

Hunter - Bonus points for finally silencing the Martial Controller crowd, but it's also a fun class. I love Wilderness Knacks.

Sentinel - Love the Animal Companion. Would like to see more support, Autumn and Winter builds, but I quite like the class.

 

[Nahat Anoj]

The Fighter. A no nonsense, get-to-the-point warrior that doesn't suck appeals to me the most and was really fun to play.

 

[CancR]

The wizard of course! I can turn the baddest of enemies into frogs.

 

[the Jester]

It's hard to say. I haven't actually played any of them (I am the dm), and there's only one E-class pc in my game, a mage. But I sure like the way the slayer and knight read. I'd have to try them out to know for sure.