Class Acts: Feywild Wizards

[Nifft]

There are a few other ways to add a damage roll to a power:
• Magic items like Shadowfell Gloves
• Leader-powers like a Cleric's Weapon of the Gods

... but even with the extra damage possible due to a roll, the fact that it's not a hit really does minimize abuse.

Cheers, -- N

 

[Shroomy]

That's the smartest thing I have heard WotC do for a quite a while. The CharOps folks know the rules better than the WotC professionals, IMO. It's been an untapped resource for far too long.

I thought it was pretty interesting when the post appeared while I browsing through the WotC forums (it was Stephen Schubert, not Peter Schaefer btw). Here's a link to the thread if anyone is interested.

 

[Dausuul]

Oh hell yeah. 4E wizards are finally coming into their own. Love the new version of spectral force, though I find myself wondering why there isn't a higher-level version.

 

[hvg3akaek]

While I really like the powers (especially the utilities), I really wonder why anyone would take scorching burst anymore....

Yeah, this really annoys me Why continually bring out powers that are simply out-and-out more powerful than current powers? Do they enjoy making our previous books irrelevant?

 

[Rechan]

Yeah, this really annoys me Why continually bring out powers that are simply out-and-out more powerful than current powers? Do they enjoy making our previous books irrelevant?

The designers, for instance, said that their original idea of What A Controller Is, is a guy that hits and does damage to multiple targets.

As other classes started to get multiple-enemy attacks, and as they worked on other controllers, they realized that "Merely doing damage to multiple enemies" wasn't enough. And they realized that the Wizard was underpowered.

Instead of going back and just erattaing the underpowered stuff, they put out newer powers that are on-par with the newer classes and the new perspective of design.

Similar to why they put out the Expertise feats instead of erattaing the to-hit process.

 

[ferratus]

I think eventually though, they will get around to fixing up some of the old powers. The simple area attack damage spells for example, will probably get a slight upgrade in damage, or open better powers based on having those base powers.

The 5th level daily Wizard's Fury for example, makes taking the 1st level at will magic missile completely worth it, even though it is a plain basic ranged attack. A new power that requires scorching burst might come along that requires scorching burst as a prerequisite, but

Besides, scorching burst isn't so bad. There are lots of feats that boost fire damage.

 

[tyrlaan]

Instead of going back and just erattaing the underpowered stuff, they put out newer powers that are on-par with the newer classes and the new perspective of design.

Similar to why they put out the Expertise feats instead of erattaing the to-hit process.

I tend to agree that this is the logic behind what WotC is doing. However, I question whether this was really the best/right way to do it.

To throw out an analogy. If Windows X has a bug, Microsoft provides a hotfix or service pack. This is at no cost to me. The mechanics of an RPG are more or less code, so why not address "bugs" in the same fashion instead of making the end user pay more money?

 

[webrunner]

I tend to agree that this is the logic behind what WotC is doing. However, I question whether this was really the best/right way to do it.

To throw out an analogy. If Windows X has a bug, Microsoft provides a hotfix or service pack. This is at no cost to me. The mechanics of an RPG are more or less code, so why not address "bugs" in the same fashion instead of making the end user pay more money?

Well, look at Windows Vista->Windows 7, and Windows ME->Windows XP

 

[Mercule]

Well, look at Windows Vista->Windows 7, and Windows ME->Windows XP

I like a lot of what 4e brings to the table, but I think this is a fair comparisson. I really don't think I'll mind if there's a 4.5 or 5e in, say 2012. Don't make it any more different than 1e -> 2e or 3e -> 3.5e. Same game, just tweaked a bit.

I think the underlying mechanics of 4e are the best of any edition, but there are some issues with the powers (among other, specific subsystems).

 

[tyrlaan]

Well, look at Windows Vista->Windows 7, and Windows ME->Windows XP

Aye, but to extend the analogy, what you said would map to 1e -> 2e -> 3-> 4e, which isn't my sticking point.

My point is new powers to "fix" the Wizard and the controversial Expertise feats are analogous to service packs and hotfixes.