Complete Divine - Designer Interview posted

[psionotic]

Having only read, but never actually played, Arcana Unearthed, this sounds very familiar. Seems like this is the way most, if not all, of the spellcasters in AU work, although they don't have to "prepare" on a daily basis, just when they want to change the spells to which they have access for spontaneous casting.

Am I right?

It sounds similar. In AU, a spellcaster 'readies' a listed number of different spells for each spell level every morning. That day, they spontaneously cast spells from that list. So, its kind of a 'best of both worlds' combination of the wizard and a sorcerer.

Additionally, a caster can trade a higher level slot for two lower level spells, or trade three slots of x level to cast one spell of [x+1]. (Of course, they need to be able to cast x+1 level spells already, and have the spell they want to cast readied to do this) Its a really nice system, and one of my favorite things about AU.

 

[Altamont Ravenard]

Cool, thanks for the scoop.

The shaman looks interesting, you can't have too many core classes!

AR

 

[Olive]

The shaman looks interesting, you can't have too many core classes!

Well, We'll have to agree to disagree on that. Not that the spirit shaman looks itneresting cos I agree, but I think you CAN have way to many core classes. The thing I like about 3/3.5 and PrCs is that you don't need a seperate core class to replicate every character archetype. You need feats, skills and PrCs if the core classes don't work.

Anyway, can't wait for the book!

 

[Altamont Ravenard]

Well, We'll have to agree to disagree on that.

To each his own, but books for everyone!

AR

 

[the Jester]

I have to say, I'm really looking forward to this product. Is there a release date for it yet?

Lookin' forward to some new domains...

 

[MerricB]

The thing I like about 3/3.5 and PrCs is that you don't need a seperate core class to replicate every character archetype. You need feats, skills and PrCs if the core classes don't work.

Alternatively, you need a new class if the feats, skills & PrCs don't work. I think the Spirit Shaman is a case in point - you couldn't replicate that with feats and skills without major balance implications - especially for other classes. Because it should have certain abilities from 1st level, the Prestige Class system doesn't apply.

I'm very happy Wizards are now creating new classes.

Cheers!

 

[the Jester]

I've got mixed feelings regarding more core classes. On the one hand, I don't need a core class I can replicate with the right choices with existing core/prestige classes; but if you can't do it like that, a new core class is okay.

 

[fba827]

Is there a release date for it yet?

Amazon has a vague listing of May 31st at the bottom of the product description (though something tells me that is just "filler" since they can only say "sometime in May")

WotC product description still just says "May 2004"

Beyond that, your guess is as good as mine -- anyone else hear anything?

 

[Olive]

I've got mixed feelings regarding more core classes. On the one hand, I don't need a core class I can replicate with the right choices with existing core/prestige classes; but if you can't do it like that, a new core class is okay.

This is how I feel. I'd rather stick with the PHB classes, but some things just don't work, or are too fundamental. Totally different magic systems probably need core classes (Shair), different sources of magic need core classes (spirit shaman) and fighter types who can't survive without a class orientated for them (swashbucker) aslo need core classes. HexBlades, I can live without.