Sadly, I didn't get the class pack out yesterday. However, I did take steps to produce better content! I got to successfully playtest the Thaumaturge (all archetypes) and Slayer that will hopefully bring the classes closer to completion. By late tonight, the 29th, the Thaumaturge 2.0 will be out.
The Magus, Duelist, and Slayer should hopefully be done tomorrow.
Thaumaturge 2.0 will include: a new ability called Ambitious Recovery, changes to the Samsaran and Beguiler archetypes, two new archetypes the Fey Warden and the Dread Necromancer with their own spell formulas, changes to the spell lists for the original three archetypes, and more spell formulas for the original three, as well as more spell formulas that are universal, new wording to clarify spell formulas.
What I found overall is that the Thaumaturge is, sure, a powerful class, but perhaps no more powerful than a wizard or sorcerer, but does need some fine tuning. We had examples of a Mass Targeted Banishment spell (hit 9 creatures total), a Blasting Spell Blight, Expansive Casting Fireball, Blasting Spell Hold Person, and other uses of the spell formulas at work. What seemed to be the worst offender was, as you may have expected, Mass Targeting. The formulas that offer more targets do not seem to be overly offensive to the balance because it only works on one spell, at the same time, 12 targets in that case is too many. A blasting Banishment may still be formidable, but doesn't have the same precision as a mass targeted spell. I debated adding a level enhancement part to the spell formulas like metamagics used to work in 3.5, but if they needed a level adjustment, why not make them applicable to any old spell? So, with some changes in mind, spell formulas will be re-balanced. They will still be linked to a single spell with no level adjustment for now. I want to keep the implementation of these mechanics as simple as possible while keeping the abilities of the sorcerer intact.
We found the Beguiler abilities up to 10th level other than surprise casting lended themselves to not be used near as much as the Samsaran or War Mage's abilities, so the other abilities are being reworked.
More to come!
I'd love to hear more about the samsaran play test. It is probably my favorite subclass. I thoroughly enjoyed reading their dichotomous spell list
ReplyDeleteIf, by chance, I can't get them out tonight as all my readers know I am terrible with deadlines, I'll do a more in depth explanation of our findings.
ReplyDeleteWe got to test Warmage, Samsaran, and Beguiler all at once.
Don't trouble yourself too much. I don't know any single creator that can pull together 3 separate classes in a month so congrats on managing that. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteWell, Anatoliy, it's one part ambition, and one part psychosis. (Haha) Next week will be crazy productive because no guests at Archmage Derek's because holidays will be over.
DeleteJust as a matter of curiosity, how do you playtest you're classes? Do you do one shot adventures or toss them into specific situations to test different aspects of the class?
ReplyDeleteI'll give it a proper answer tonight but it is generally done by doing essentially funnels of cr appropriate dungeons, one shot adventures, and actual official material like Lost Mines of Phandelver.
DeleteFindings and updates tonight. (Yesterday was still under effect of a 9th level holiday obligations spell)
Find whoever casting it and beat the concentration out of them, worked for me. I'm just kidding don't be rushed the best material takes time.
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