What Do you think of the revised Archmage?

[Merlion]

Some time ago I did a poll on the 3.0 archmage, and got a lot of negative response, mainly about the whole Spell Power thing. Well now its being changed, and I want to see what people think.

 

[tmaaas]

Here's the Archmage class:

Archmage Page 1

Archmage Page 2

 

[Cloudgatherer]

I actually find it quite funny that they stripped him down so much. I mean, what were they thinking the first time?

However, in addition to removing the various Spell Powers, they also made Spell Power quite a bit weaker. So why take it?

 

[BiggusGeekus@Work]

Mastery of Elements is pretty freaking sweet for a sorcerer.

I think it is fair and balanced, but I'd like to see some kind of minor "prestige" ability at 1st and 5th levels. Something to acknowlege that this is one of the pre-emminent casters in the land.

 

[Psion]

It's mechanically fine AFAIACT. The only lingering issue is: what makes an Archmage special? What, in game, would distinguish a high level mage from an archmage?

 

[comrade raoul]

However, in addition to removing the various Spell Powers, they also made Spell Power quite a bit weaker. So why take it?

Because a +1 bonus to all save DCs is always useful, and it's just a fifth-level slot. It seems like a perfectly worthwhile ability to me. Granted, I wouldn't be opposed if they used the +2 version instead (that is, there remained only one Spell Power high arcana, but it cost a 7th level slot for a +2 bonus to DCs), but you can't have everything.

Altogether, I'm very pleased with the revised version. It looks like most of the power and versatility of the archmage is still there, without the potentially abusive ability to get up to a +6 bonus to save DCs. Along with the new flurry of blows, this might be one of the few very smart changes in the new edition.

 

[Xeriar]

Honestly?

I think it sucked before and sucks now.

 

[dagger]

Shaping spells is nice.....especially when us fighters dont like to get that fireball (or MUCH worse) cast on us.

 

[PA]

Because a +1 bonus to all save DCs is always useful,

Very right!

Only... the new Spell Power increases the effective caster level, not the save DCs.

Mastery of Counterspelling is cool, on the other hand, when combined with the now core Improved Counterspell feat.

 

[Voadam]

Is the only difference the spell power high arcana? Which now gives +1 caster level for a 5th level slot instead of plusses to dcs?