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I got a look at the PHB. I'll get a more thorough look when I get my copy, but one thing struck me, and I really tried to convince myself otherwise: There are very FEW powers available for a given class.
Each class has a couple of "build" options. These options tend to push you towards one line of powers or another. Given the synergies between builds, relevant stat, and powers It seems fairly obvious that a Fey Pact Warlock in one game will look very similar to a Fey Pact Warlock in another game.
I assume more powers will be released in a variety of supplements, but it seems a bit disappointing to know that barring a few feat differences and racial differences, (using the warlock example again) All fey Pact warlocks will be nearly identical.
I suppose I just need to convince myself that an enchanter vs a conjurer in older editions were really different classes. When I think in those terms, most conjurers were the same as well...
Anyway, I wanted to throw that out and see if anyone else gets that impression. I'm sure in about 3 months it will be moot as the character build possibilities are explored.
Eh, I think Warlocks seemed to be the most "hedged in" so to speak, of all the classes, because of the choice of their Pacts. That said though, looking through the Warlock powers, I saw several that I'd want to take even if they were outside of my character's specific Pact. For other classes this goes even more so (although Ranger is also slightly "hedged in" via his choice of TWF or Archery)
I think real characters will be quite different on the table. I'd anticipate being able to have two or more of the same class with little overlap (unless the players coordinate to overlap, or have the same taste in powers)
Cheers! :)
I got a look at the PHB. I'll get a more thorough look when I get my copy, but one thing struck me, and I really tried to convince myself otherwise: There are very FEW powers available for a given class.
Well, I guess it depends on what class you are coming from in 3rd edition. If you're used to playing a fighter, then you actually have butt loads of new options and choices.
Coming from the view of a 3.5 wizard or sorcerer, who had over a 100 first level spells to chose from? HUGE reduction in the number of options, but they've so drastically improved the way that spell casting works in my opinion i don't think it matters..
It seems fairly obvious that a Fey Pact Warlock in one game will look very similar to a Fey Pact Warlock in another game.
Unfortunatly, this will probably be true for a while, but I don't expect this to last.
What they've done with 4th edition is build a coherant framework for each class, but that framework allows you to expand things like the powers and feats in dramatic and intresting ways, and if they keep to the power guildlines used in the original powers and feats, then things will remain quite balanced while increasing the options of the players to a great degree.
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One of my big concerns is character homogeneity but 3.5 had (and has) that problem too. Heck, in AD&D all you need to know was class, level, and alignment and you knew everything there was to know about a character.
4e has class choices, feat choices, rituals, and racial differences. And yes, there will be splat books and 3rd party additions. By this time next year PC options will have multiplied like rabbits and we will have lots of powers, feats, classes, etc. to choose from.
The way I look at it is that you get four warlock archetypes, which is more than could be said for monks and even barbarians to a degree: both of those classes all got identical features between characters, the difference being which weapon you used and maybe some feats.
How many barbarians probably took Weapon Focus and Power Attack at 1st-level? How many would STILL do exactly that? Was there really a difference in mechanics between a human monk and a dwarf monk except for a few hit points and the speed? Human and an elf?
I made a tiefling warlock last night just to get a handle on things, building her up as a star pact warlock before remembering that I had actually planned to go fiendish, so I had to reslot some powers about (besides, Hellfire Blood is pretty ideal for that kind of thing).
Really, I dont expect all warlocks to look the same at this point, I expect most warlocks to look the same if they have the same pact, as when I had the star pact I was doing various radiant damage effects, but am now focusing on fire damage.
I've got four characters lined up and only a few months to play them before Martial Powers and the Forgotten Realms Player Guide comes out (then its on to genasi swordmage), so I'm good for now.
I think the key thing to remember is that class powers are just that, from your class only. Characters also now have many different stat combinations to choose from too, skills, feats, and all the stuff present in 3.5.
The main difference now is you actually get to choose your class abilities instead of being forced to take them at whatever level it was listed.
And the comments about fighters are totally true, now instead of being a sack of hp and feats, you get useful tactics abilities that nobody else can do.
Also, remember that each class ability can generally be used in many different ways depending on the situation, weapon, attack type, etc.
Very cool.
I like warlords.
Defy Death (immediate interrupt; daily)
When a creature attacks an ally, move double your speed and make an attack (this movement does not provoke OAs); 7[W] + Str mod damage and the ceature's attack misses; ally can use a healing surge.
MISS: Half damage, target's attack deals half damage.
I like warlords.
Defy Death (immediate interrupt; daily)
When a creature attacks an ally, move double your speed and make an attack (this movement does not provoke OAs); 7[W] + Str mod damage and the ceature's attack misses; ally can use a healing surge.
MISS: Half damage, target's attack deals half damage.
Absolutely. Warlord rock! But I have to say, despite intending to play one off the bat, this new Rogue fella seems pretty nifty. Keeps offering to sell me bridges at low low prices too! I have to go meet him in the alleyway to close up this deal though. Talk to you guys later!
Cheers! :)