Essentials multiclassing playtest?

[Neonchameleon]

Multiclass feats don't qualify for a pact blade; they only provide membership of that pact for specific circumstances.

As for the "Healing surge with your encounter", I spy hybrid PCs multiclassing into vampire... That said, a good way of getting an encounter attack power (as required) is a Paragon Path.

 

[Xris Robin]

Honestly it just needs to say "Vice At-Will (hybrid)- You gain one Vice At-will as your chose At-Will".

Why? Hybrid Warlock's get to choose their at-wills, I don't see why the Blackguard shouldn't.

 

[Neverfate]

Why? Hybrid Warlock's get to choose their at-wills, I don't see why the Blackguard shouldn't.

This is true. I was speaking from more of a hypothetical standpoint I guess to demonstrate my point. Is it an issue that needs to be resolved? No, probably not. Though to me it seems a bit of silly thing to have half a class be better than the entire thing. That's what this article feels like to me in general.

Oh well... most of my email so far (writing it over days) is me pointing out a few things that are worded oddly or that Vampire feat that doesn't do much/anything and asking if most of this is OK. Actually the only change I specifically think they should make is the Pact Blade theft feat. Like, that's what made Hexblades cool and unique (outside of what a couple daily summons?) so don't take it away and give it the ever increasingly supported core Warlock class (they weren't rogues or rangers but were badass in their own right).

 

[Neonchameleon]

The problem with Blackguards choosing their At Wills is that they can choose all Charisma-based powers and dump Strength.

As for the pact blade feat, it solves the biggest problem with Warlocks (although accidently); terrible At Wills - if you're a feylock, you have Eyebite (worse than almost all its rivals - and other than MM the at wills worse than it are never picked) and Eyebite (awful damage, weak control).

 

[Ryujin]

Actually I always found Eyebite quite good for increasing my chances of pasting someone with an Encounter, or Daily.

... or just running away.

 

[Nemesis Destiny]

Yeah, Eyebite has been great fun for my Feylock as well, though I agree that the damage is terrible, and it would be better if the invisibility lasted a little longer.

That said, neonchameleon makes a good point - I had been considering retraining Eldritch Blast into Eldritch Strike for a decent MBA on OAs or a good option when I would otherwise provoke for making a ranged attack, but taking Pact Weapon Manifestation is hands down better in pretty much every way I can think of.

 

[Kobold Avenger]

Eyebite is good for running away, or any multiclass combo that involves extra damage with Combat Advantage.

 

[Ryujin]

Yeah, Eyebite has been great fun for my Feylock as well, though I agree that the damage is terrible, and it would be better if the invisibility lasted a little longer.

That said, neonchameleon makes a good point - I had been considering retraining Eldritch Blast into Eldritch Strike for a decent MBA on OAs or a good option when I would otherwise provoke for making a ranged attack, but taking Pact Weapon Manifestation is hands down better in pretty much every way I can think of.

My build was based on reasonable melee damage; Melee Training: INT, Arcane Implement Proficiency (Heavy Blade), Weapon Focus (Heavy Blade), and the choice of a weapon that added/modified the damage type. With a longsword and Curse damage, I didn't do half bad.

Now, though, I'd likely go the Pact Weapon route.

 

[Ajar]

Eyebite is good for running away, or any multiclass combo that involves extra damage with Combat Advantage.

Yeah, my Rogue|Warlock hybrid/multiclass Assassin used it quite often enable Stealth checks to get combat advantage right before spending an action point.

Now he has Cunning Sneak + Shadow Walk, though, so he can make a Stealth check to hide anytime he moves 3+ squares. Next level I'm probably going to retrain Eyebite to Eldritch Strike, and then I'll pick up Pact Blade with my next feat. Tough to say no to a +3/1d10 light blade that works with Sly Flourish.

 

[Neonchameleon]

Eyebite is good for running away, or any multiclass combo that involves extra damage with Combat Advantage.

In other words it's good for losing fights and letting the devil take the hindmost, and for hybrids rather than the actual warlocks it was meant for. Great.

And [MENTION=85901]Ajar[/MENTION], the pact blade is great - but Eldritch Strike won't help you much as it's not a rogue power and therefore can't sneak attack; you might as well just use the MBA that comes with the Pact Weapon. I'd recommend the Sorceror King Pact At Will I think.