Preview: The Warden

[FireLance]

Does anything stop you from assuming multiple forms at once?

Nothing that I can see from the preview, but since it only goes up to level 3, it isn't an really an issue at the moment. However, I suspect that to keep things simple, you won't be able to use more than one form at once, and if you switch forms, you lose the special attack if you haven't already used it.

 

[Kobold Avenger]

The warden seems a lot more controllerish than other defenders. It may lack in upfront damage compared to the fighter, but it certainly does a lot more to hinder enemies.

I find it amusing that this class, is even more 'mystical' than the Barbarian is. It's like a druid with melee weapons.

 

[Jack99]

Does anything stop you from assuming multiple forms at once?

Not as far as I can tell (from the excerpt). But I would hazard to guess that it's the intention.

 

[frankthedm]

At first read this class seems to be way over the top. It is way more durable than the fighter or the swordmage ...

Ugh. I've DMed and play a lot of 4e so far, and this is the first official class I've seen that I really have misgivings about.

Be vocal about it. Wotc is letting these playtest characters out to see how folks react.

Also, a defender with at max hide armor and not favoring an AC stat is probably going to need extra HP. Lots of extra HP.

 

[RefinedBean]

Also, a defender with at max hide armor and not favoring an AC stat is probably going to need extra HP. Lots of extra HP.

But with Guardian Might, they definitely can focus on an AC stat: Con or Wis.

I suppose this would limit feat choice, but still...the Warden probably won't worry about AC ever. The extra HP seems to be a bit of breathing room just in case, for whatever random reason, they'd like to bump some other stat.

 

[Cadfan]

He favors an AC stat. Either Con or Wis will be his AC stat due to his class abilities.

Assuming a base stat of 14 in your secondary, if he sticks with hide armor he has a base AC of 15, 17 with a heavy shield. Opting for chain only raises AC to 16/18, at the cost of a feat and a point of movement.

I think that balances. He's got better marking than a fighter, and better hit points, but the fighter has +2 base ac, +1 base attack, and an armor check penalty of 0 or 2 instead of 1 or 3.

 

[Glyfair]

Be vocal about it. Wotc is letting these playtest characters out to see how folks react.

Exactly. Anyone who finds a problem should post it where WotC will see it (and even here is very likely to be seen). Even discuss it.

Just don't go knee jerk, be constructive.

 

[mach1.9pants]

This is not a playtest though, but a preview. Does that mean it is more likely to be already set and unlikely to change?

Edit: but yeah a warforged warder (warwar?) would be rather a useful member of the party!

 

[frankthedm]

But with Guardian Might, they definitely can focus on an AC stat: Con or Wis.

I suppose this would limit feat choice, but still...the Warden probably won't worry about AC ever. The extra HP seems to be a bit of breathing room just in case, for whatever random reason, they'd like to bump some other stat.

My mistake. That is way too much HP for the class then. IMHO AC and HP from the same stat should have a knee jerk reaction due to what should be obvious problems.

 

[Rechan]

Does anything stop you from assuming multiple forms at once?

Considering that you can only benefit from one barbarian rage at a time, and a Druid has to wildshape to use their Beast powers, I'm betting that you can only use 1 at a time.