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Message: <blockquote data-quote="mkill" data-source="post: 5312399" data-attributes="member: 55985">For those who haven't noticed, the Essentials series will give most races a choice for their second ability score. It's more or less a given that these will be updated into the main product line.The following have been confirmed:Elf: +2 Dex, +2 Int or WisEladrin: +2 Int, +2 Dex or ChaHalfling: +2 Dex, +2 Con or ChaDwarf: +2 Con, +2 Str or WisLet's look at which builds benefit most from these changes.-- Elf --The Elf gains a Dex/Int build, and becomes a competitor of Eladrin and Shadar-Kai. Dex/Int, however, isn't a very popular stat combo and only used by Wand Wizards and Cunning Sneak rogues.For the Cunning Sneak, the Elf is now top choice - double stat match, mobility class features perfect for a striker, Perception bonus, and a feat to sneak attack with bows: What's not to love? Regarding background, it's your choice between a wilderness rogue or an urbanized elf.The main benefit of the Int bonus is that the Elf now has +2 to the primary stat for a number of arcane classes - the Artificer, Swordmage, and Wizard - as well as a secondary stat for Bard and Warlock. The Eladrin, with his +2 racial bonus to Arcana, Fey Step and excellent feat support still reigns supreme here, though, unless there is a different race with a better stat match. With a 7 move, shift in difficult terrain, and elven accuracy, the elf is a viable alternative. Especially Swordmages benefit from the elven mobility.Another Int class to mention is the Psion, where the Elf becomes an interesting option but still takes a backseat compared to psionic races such as Shardminds.In the also ran category we have the tactical warlord, where the elf moves up to the midfield.-- Eladrin --The Eladrin gains an Int/Cha option, which moves him on par with Changeling, Tiefling, Gnome and Shardmind.There are builds in 4 classes with an Int/Cha pair: The Cunning Bard, Telepathic Psion, Fey / Dark / Infernal Warlock, and the Enchanter Mage / Orb of Deception Wizard. Except for the Infernal Warlock, which is pretty much written for the Tiefling, the Eladrin now takes the crown in all of these builds. Not only does their background fit very well, with Fey Step, a free skill, Arcana bonus, +1 to Will, and tons of feat support, they offer the best class features.In comparison, the Changeling suffers from lack of support, and Gnomes... well, nobody takes them serious anyway. Fade Away is good for Strikers and Controllers, but less useful for leaders and defenders. Fey Step is more generally useful. Gnomes also suffer from slow movement speed. As for Shardminds, they'll always be an off-choice. Just finding the right miniature is a pain. Ironically, Eladrin are now better Dark Warlocks than Drow...Charisma is also a main stat for Ardent, Paladin, and Sorcerer, which makes Eladrin interesting choices in these classes now. Eladrin can now be graceful and noble knights of Corellon Larethian, or champions of a fey court. As for Sorcerer, I consider the Cosmic Sorcerer the best match by flavor.Another build that benefits is the Tactical Warlord: Even without a Strength bonus, this was a powerful build with strong feat and PP support. Now, they add a bonus to the other Warlord secondary, which broadens power choice.In the also ran department, we have Barbarians, Battleminds and Clerics. None of these are classic Eladrin choices, but they move to the mid-field with a bonus to a secondary stat in some builds, at least. In other words, you suck less if you want to play one.--- more after the break.</blockquote>

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