I need some help, opinions, and ideas from the Character Developers here, as I'm having some conceptual trouble with a PC in an upcoming campaign. The campaign will be very thematic, so it's very important for PC's to be "Flavor Correct", if that makes sense. I'm having issues deciding which Aegis (Shielding or Assault) fits the theme better, and this is what I need your opinions on.
Theme: He's an Abyssal Genasi (Voidsoul) Hybrid Swordmage|Wizard. Thematically, Abyssal Genasi is being reskinned to Abyssal Tiefling...he's the descendent of some sort of Abyssal Demon, which will tie into the campaign late game. He'll look similar to Grazzt, if that helps you visualize it (and if Grazzt exists in this campaign world, then he's probably related distantly).
The class itself is being reskinned into a "Demonologist/Occultist/Necromancer", with a focus on zones, summons, and conjurations. Everything will be reflavored "Abyssally" to represent the corrupted aspect of the Elemental Chaos.
Everything about the character will be themed. He'll have an Imp Familiar, some sort of wicked polearm/glaive/blade, themed powers, themed feats, etc. The Question: I'm stuck between taking Aegis of Assault and Aegis of Shielding. I'm not concerned about optimization, but rather which one fits thematically.
Here are my thoughts regarding how each one should fit-
Shielding: A necrotic hex placed upon his foe, this curse creates a debilitating condition upon the creature that saps the strength and vigor from his foe's attacks...unless the foe has the courage to meet him head on. Assault: Tapping into his inherent Abyssal ancestry, the Demonologist keeps control of the battlefield by stepping through the barriers between the planes, only to reappear and punish those too cowardly to face him in combat.
---
So, what do you think is more appropriate? Optimization is not a concern, but rather which feature fits the concept more?
Make sure you don't say Imp familiar but QUASIT familiar although I think we'll never see the old Quasit demon again...
I'd say that both mechanically and thematically, the choice is difficult, here's why IMO:
Mechanically: - Shielding is based on Con. You got a bonus in Str, you'd have to pump Con a lot, penalizing your primary Int. - Assault is based on engaging the enemy constantly in melee, and you're half Wizard...
Thematically: - Shielding is not a demonic thing per se... - ... But it suits the "void soul" thing quite a bit.
So you know what?? I'd grab Arcane Power and try an Ensnaring Swordmage. It's based on Con so it has mechanical optimization cons, but I think could be the best choice thematically. The attraction of the enemy towards you could be described as a black-hole-like thing provoked by your voidness of soul, or simply some kind of demonic energy vortex. Plus, it's more beareable for the Wizard part of you, since it brings the enmey close to you but Dazed.
EDIT: Also, not related to the question, but polearms are more related to devils than to demons. If you want to give him a demonic-feeling weapon, I'd opt for a wicked Full-blade, or if you want to stay military (and on blades), Falchion, Khopesh or Broad Sword.
For a combination of flavour and efficiency, the level 8 bastard sword Graefling + 2 is a fantastic piece of kit. Of course, I don't know what level you're playing at... but I too play a Swordmage|Wizard, albeit a human one, and although I started out with Aegis of Assault I found that my hitpoints and defences were too low to capitalize on the mark. The same applies to a greater extent with Shielding, I suppose, since generally baddies fear their attack being neutralized far more than being hit with a melee basic attack... but your mileage may vary. I wasn't aware that the Ensnaring option also dazed... but I found Shielding was just too awesome to pass up, in the end. Heck, with a defensive weapon you can mark, take Total Defense, and make life rather unpleasant for your mark.
Of course, those are mechanical concerns. Ensnaring as described by the gentleman above could work excellently for your Voidsoul concept... and explained as such would certainly elicit a "Ooo, nice," at my table. :D
Make sure you don't say Imp familiar but QUASIT familiar although I think we'll never see the old Quasit demon again...
Definitely, though I had to google what made a Quasit different from an Imp. I suppose it's a difference between sharp claws and a scorpion stinger. I can handle sharp claws.
I'd say that both mechanically and thematically, the choice is difficult, here's why IMO:
Mechanically: - Shielding is based on Con. You got a bonus in Str, you'd have to pump Con a lot, penalizing your primary Int. - Assault is based on engaging the enemy constantly in melee, and you're half Wizard...
Thematically: - Shielding is not a demonic thing per se... - ... But it suits the "void soul" thing quite a bit.
So you know what?? I'd grab Arcane Power and try an Ensnaring Swordmage. It's based on Con so it has mechanical optimization cons, but I think could be the best choice thematically. The attraction of the enemy towards you could be described as a black-hole-like thing provoked by your voidness of soul, or simply some kind of demonic energy vortex. Plus, it's more beareable for the Wizard part of you, since it brings the enmey close to you but Dazed.
Excellent idea! I hadn't considered Ensaring before, but I'll have to check it out. I'm fairly certain it isn't "Dazed", but "Grants CA"...but that's still pretty hefty considering I'm in an all Striker party. It's very flavorful tool.
Thanks for the breakdown on the Aegis types! It helps put things in perspective.
EDIT: Also, not related to the question, but polearms are more related to devils than to demons. If you want to give him a demonic-feeling weapon, I'd opt for a wicked Full-blade, or if you want to stay military (and on blades), Falchion, Khopesh or Broad Sword.
Right you are. My DM is allowing the "Free Action Hand Shift" to maintain Warding, so Falchion it is. He uses all implement attacks, so the actual weapon matters little.
For a combination of flavour and efficiency, the level 8 bastard sword Graefling + 2 is a fantastic piece of kit. Of course, I don't know what level you're playing at... but I too play a Swordmage|Wizard, albeit a human one, and although I started out with Aegis of Assault I found that my hitpoints and defences were too low to capitalize on the mark. The same applies to a greater extent with Shielding, I suppose, since generally baddies fear their attack being neutralized far more than being hit with a melee basic attack... but your mileage may vary. I wasn't aware that the Ensnaring option also dazed... but I found Shielding was just too awesome to pass up, in the end. Heck, with a defensive weapon you can mark, take Total Defense, and make life rather unpleasant for your mark.
Excellent point. Thanks for the input. He's definitely squishy until level 2, but then he's just as defensive as a regular Swordmage. I just need to survive one level.
Of course, those are mechanical concerns. Ensnaring as described by the gentleman above could work excellently for your Voidsoul concept... and explained as such would certainly elicit a "Ooo, nice," at my table. :D
Very correct, Ensaring is thematically very awesome.
Glad I could help! By the way, all of this makes me want to try the concpt myself..!
Now I have a new player (complete newbie) that describes me some kind of "lightning warrior", using lightning both as armor, weapon and who knows what else... Need to work on it.
Heck, with a defensive weapon you can mark, take Total Defense, and make life rather unpleasant for your mark.
