New Design: Wizards...

[WizarDru]

It'd be nice to have a focus that is a little more concealable (for DMs really). A ring, perhaps? An amulet. Something that doesn't announce: "Kill me, I'm the wizard".

A little more concealable? How big do you think the Tomes are, exactly? They don't have to be as big as an unabridged dictionary...any more than a standard spellbook does.

I mean, is this any more conspicuous than a miniature metal sword, a jade worth 250 gp, 1500 gp of crushed pearls, a small mirror, a glowing incense stick or phosphorescent rod? Virtually all spells have consipcuous components to them, be they obvious hand gestures, components or spoken phrases. Hell, the Silence spell has a verbal component (presumably SHHHHH!).

 

[F4NBOY]

My staff-wielding elven mage-fighter is loving this. Now, not only is it a totally awesome weapon, but it helps her casting as well? Go WotC!!

I hope they allow Swordstaffs, daggerwands, orbmaces and shieldtomes!!!
Can't get better than that!

 

[Sun Knight]

I hope they allow Swordstaffs, daggerwands, orbmaces and shieldtomes!!!
Can't get better than that!

Errr... NO!

 

[AffableVagrant]

And I can see that the first thing out of the gate, after PHB1 would be alternate implements for wizards. Because I'd like the ideas for athames and chalices for wizard implements over some staffs and orbs.

No doubt.

 

[D.Shaffer]

However it needs to be both for the aethetics and game mechanics of the magic item in question. You can have the most elaborate backstory of a magic item, but a +x item is still a boring +x item.

So why are we assuming that the only possible 'enhances' that can be given to a wizards implements are flat bonuses?

 

[Aage]

The article seems to have been changed the Tome is gone...

We now have:

Orb: enchantment, beguiling, and ensnaring, defenses when invoking spells of thunder or force.

Wand: accurate, damaging attacks, powers of cold and deadly acidic magic, lightning and force

Staff: fierce powers of fire and radiance, shape and sculpt the spells they cast.

"Wizards are rarely without at least one of these tools"

 

[Zurai]

"If what's written in a book gives me +2 to spell X, then why do I have to keep carrying the book around to get that +2 after I've read it?"

Ben

How many different demon/celestial/slaadi/etc names can you remember by heart - remember, EXACT pronunciation is generally required for spells in fantasy - when they're all spelled along the lines of "Zzyzijkiliahkamenstuiovibelliatrixiop"?

 

[Thornir Alekeg]

It would be good to see either (1) A way for wizards to move beyond such limitations or (2) another arcane class (sorcerer/warlock?) that does not have dependence on such tools and does magic inherently.

The way I read between the lines of the Design and Development article, I think option 2 is correct. I think this is the way the wizard class gets differentiated, but is not the rule for all arcane casters. Sorcerers and/or warlocks will have inherent power that will grant them certain advantages and disadvantages from wizards.

 

[WhimsyTheFae]

Wow, this is a growing thread, isn't it?

A couple observations:

1. Sun Knight and 4e don't appear to be compatible at this point. He is correct, though, that prior editions did allow for more variety than just +x in magical weapons and armor. I believe that he is jumping the gun in thinking that 4e will not allow for the same sort of variety with these magical implements.

2. I like this idea, but like some others, the Tome is the real sticking point. I'll probably house-rule a different item in its place. It just doesn't feel right. EDIT: If the Tome is no longer in the article, then this point is no longer an issue...although, I am not happy with the current spellbook...

3. While not related directly to the thread, I did see mention of hitpoints, class-based defense and armor. I would like to see a class-based defense (whether it is a SWSE-style Reflex Defense or not, I don't care). I would like to see armor be used as Defense OR Damage Reduction, at the attackers perogative. Either the attacker attempts to attack around the armor, in which case, it adds to the defense but allows for more damage...OR...the attacker powers through the armor, in which case, the defender is easier to hit but gains DR.

4. I also hope that the cleric has something at least related, so that he may use religious implements in spellcasting.

4e_Optimism = 4e_Optimism + 1

 

[Mercule]

Errr... NO!

On this one point, I agree. I'm fine with the new foci, but let a staff look like a staff.

I'd also like to see tomes made into a global adder -- and a pain in the rear to lug around. Replace that specialty with something else.

Also, my money is on there being a feat or some other mechanism to allow a substitute focus for one of the groupings.