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Message: <blockquote data-quote="NotAYakk" data-source="post: 7996039" data-attributes="member: 72555">Feature thoughts:Possible defensive features:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">10+int+dex AC (like monk) (Swordmage Warding)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Ability to cast Blade Ward as a bonus action, or make an attack when casting Blade Ward</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Some kind of active parry</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">A defensive boost when one hand is not using a weapon (Swordmage Warding)</li> </ul>Possible protective features:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Reduce damage to an ally (Aegis of Shielding)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Trap enemies who attack allies (Aegis of Ensnarement)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Push/pull magic to defend allies</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Point-blank AOEs that are ally-friendly and create enemy-hostile "zones", making enemies want to disengage.</li> </ul>Possible offensive features:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Ability to make a melee attack when casting a spell (Leveled?  Cantrip?  Both?)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Ability to cast spells through melee attacks</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Ability to "bond" your weapon with what is normally a concentration buff</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Teleport-and-strike (Aegis of Assault/Eladrin Swordmage Advance)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Snare (Aegis of Ensnarement) or movement restriction</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Preventing enemy teleports (feyslaughter)</li> </ul>Ribbons:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Sword bond</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Spellbook</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Rituals</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Light/no armor with good AC</li> </ul>Steal from 4e Optimized builds:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">White Lotus stuff is really fun with a swordmage, especially white lotus (master) riposte</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Eldrich Strike, where you slide enemies you hit, is also fun</li> </ul>Mechanical thoughts:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Have more on the sword than just sword bond.  Concentration idea above.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Steal from Avenger -- their Oath mechanic is fun, and might be appropriate for an offensive one</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Steal from EK, but not too much.  Maybe make the EK be a 1/3 this class.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">A rhythm mechanic, where you do a setup on round 1, and execute on round 2 while doing a setup for round 3 at the same time.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Int-based.  I don't know if we want to permit Int to attack and damage (like 4e); maybe just Int to attack but not damage?  That keeps str or dex important.  We want both Str and Dex swordmages; Dex will have hand-free and higher AC, Str swordmages need something.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Story-based subclass means it should definitely be a level 1 choice</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">We don't have to duplicate the mark mechanic.  An Aegis (shield) ability will do even without it.</li> </ul></blockquote>

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