I like having some example unique items pre-made in the books. Especially some throw-backs and classics. But they're usually more of a jumping off point for me. I like to design my own items and I don't particularly care for rules (and a chapter thereof) to tell me how to do it "the right way". I generally disregard these rules and generate my ideas. My players enjoy the weapons, items, and artifact I create, and that's the important part. I work hard to make balanced items that don't break...
View full commentI like having some example unique items pre-made in the books. Especially some throw-backs and classics. But they're usually more of a jumping off point for me. I like to design my own items and I don't particularly care for rules (and a chapter thereof) to tell me how to do it "the right way". I generally disregard these rules and generate my ideas. My players enjoy the weapons, items, and artifact I create, and that's the important part. I work hard to make balanced items that don't break games. I give my players my own unique and personal parts of the game - often custom tailored for specific characters. I am not opposed to having guidelines, especially for newer DMs, but leave them at that, and drop the expectations for characters to upgrade their weapons like they do in console RPGs. It ruins the magic. No pun intended. Honestly.
It's hard to side with either, but I do think these abilities make the Cleric tend to be more like the Warlord. The powers aren't necessarily OP as they do have certain limitations. For example, Punish the Profane is a focused damage attack with a little more than tick damage to the rest of the undead around the cleric. Battle Lore gives the cleric more armor, but reduces the benefit only to those people who are granted the ability spend healing surges (instead of a sizable healing bonus...
View full commentIt's hard to side with either, but I do think these abilities make the Cleric tend to be more like the Warlord. The powers aren't necessarily OP as they do have certain limitations.
For example, Punish the Profane is a focused damage attack with a little more than tick damage to the rest of the undead around the cleric. Battle Lore gives the cleric more armor, but reduces the benefit only to those people who are granted the ability spend healing surges (instead of a sizable healing bonus to any power with the "healing" keyword).
The rewards for the new skills/powers are interesting, though very. . .gimmicky . . . and this part tends to lean into the Fighter's territory. The most unique thing is forcing the player to make a choice: a cool new power, or swing my sword without the +1d6 damage.
All in all, this option tries to merge the Cleric with both the Fighter and the Warlord. A little bit of a stretch, but now people will be yelling for more offensive Wis-based attacks.
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