Harper Agent vs. Harper Scout

[Vigwyn the Unruly]

Is it just me, or was the Harper Scout hamstrung when it was turned into Harper Agent in PGtF?

It used to have 2 good save progressions, now it has only 1.
It used to have Favored Enemies.
It used to have Craft Harper Item.
It used to grant spell-casting ability.

To make up for these losses, you get:
+1 level of existing spell-casting class (worthless for non-spellcasters)
2 more skill points per level
speak with animals 3 times per day
+2 sacred bonus to saving throws against spells

This seems a lot weaker to me. So I have 2 questions: 1) am I wrong, and 2) if I'm right, why was this done?

BTW, even the name Harper Scout is cooler than the name Harper Agent.

 

[Snoweel]

So I have 2 questions:

1) am I wrong

Why no, no you're not.

2) if I'm right, why was this done?

In a word - balance.

That's right.

The Harper Scout was so $w33t !!!!!1! that all other classes paled in comparison.

For the record, all eight of my players took Harper Scout as soon as they were able. Even the ninja!!!!

And the cool name - Harper Scout - was one of the main reasons. In fact, most DMs I know houseruled the name-change to Harper Agent back in the days of 3e, and it's refreshing to see WotC has listened to the people and made it official.

Thanks WotC!
Snoweel

 

[rrealm]

It was certainly done for balance. The way it was before - why wouldn't you take it? You'd be foolish not too, unless you were an enemy of the Harpers of course.