Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Mist-Bound Oct 17, 2008 14:08:08	It's kind of hard to explain precisely where this idea came from. At its root, its fundamentally a blending of the Swordmage (warrior-wizard who casts spells via his weapon) and the Artificer (techno-mage who channels magic via gadgets & gizmos), with some inspiration from Outlaw Star. As you've probably guessed, the basic concept is an Arcane type who uses a projectile gadget (not, neccessarily, a gun- it's more a hand-made implement, a kind of permanent Artifice) to channel and unleash magical energy on distant targets. I was wondering if anyone has some suggestions on how to construct this class. Power Source is obviously Arcane, Striker is the most likely role (though probably with some Controller elements; barrage of spell-bolts and explosive "shells"), and powers are "Spell-Bolts" (aka arcane energy unleased via the Projector). I could use folks' opinion on class features and general 'themes' for the powers.
#2 Mist-Bound Oct 18, 2008 2:28:14	Just some rough thoughts on how this class might work, to see if that draws any interest. Role: Striker. You pick off enemies from afar, focusing on downing one quickly before moving onto the next. Power Source: Arcane. You channel arcane energy via your Slinger to make potent projectile attacks. Key Abilities: Intelligence, Dexterity Armor Proficiences: Cloth, Leather Weapon Proficiencies: all Simple Light Blades Class features Slinger Your Slinger is your implement, a one-handed lightweight artifice that roughly resembles a gun, or in some cases a crossbow. However, as it is designed on principals roughly akin to a wand, which means it is a conduit for your own mystical energy rather than used to propel actual ammunition, it is worthless for others. Intimately familiar with the intricacies of its construction, you can create or repair a basic Slinger in 1 hour, though enchanting it requires a seperate Enchant Items ritual. In addition to using it as an implement, you may also use it as a weapon for making basic ranged attacks, in which case it does 1D4 damage. Sniper Your speciality is in killing enemies by putting a spell-bolt in their weakspots, allowing you to kill them before they can even reach you. Once per round, you may use your Slinger to deal +1D6 damage per tier to an enemy that is at least 5 squares away from you. Defensive Mobility As melee combat is not your forte, you have learned to stay on the move so you can keep to your rightful place- hurling death at your enemies from afar. You gain Defensive Mobility as a bonus feat. Barrage Either via multiple barrels, or a rapid spamming of the trigger, you unleash a cascade of force bolts to strike multiple foes at once. At-Will Implement; Force Minor action Range 10 squares, Primary Target 1 creature Attack: Dexterity vs. Reflex Hit: 1D4 + Int modifier Force damage, attack secondary targets Miss: half damage, no secondary targets Secondary Target: all creatures within 2 spaces of initial target Hit: 1D4 + Int modifier Force damage Miss: no effect Special: increase to 2D4 + Int modifier damage at 21st level. Freeze Bullet With a faint hissing sound, a streak of silvery-blue energy streaks from the tip of your Slinger to encase a foe in ice, numbing their flesh and hindering their movement. At-Will Implement; Frost Range 10 squares, Target 1 creature Attack: Dexterity vs. Fortitude Hit: target takes 1D6 + Int modifier Cold damage and is Slowed until the next round. Miss: target takes half damage and is not Slowed. Special: increase damage to 2D6 + Int modifier at 21st level. Stunner With an almight crackling, a bolt of arcing lightning surges from your Slinger to a target, leaving them dazed and bewildered. At-Will Implement; Lightning Range 10 squares, Target 1 creature Hit: target takes 1D6 + Int modifier Lightning damage and is Dazed until the next round. Miss: target takes half damage and is not Dazed. Special: increase damage to 2D6 + Int modifier at 21st level.
#3 Lord_Ventnor Oct 18, 2008 2:36:29	What I'd recommend doing is reflavoring an Infernal Pact Warlock. But I guess if you're set on this, I'd recommend allowing the class to use Crossbows as implements, instead of inventing something else entirely.
#4 Mist-Bound Oct 27, 2008 2:30:51	So, does no one else have any comments on this? I mean, it's not really that unusual, compared to some of the ideas that folks have been producing here (the various Martial Controllers, Ninjas, etc)...
#5 teamfireyleader Oct 27, 2008 14:18:32	It looks good but there is one problem with what i can see so far, and that is that not all gunners are snipers. Some are much more used to close up shooters; hence the reason for bayonets to deal with close up fighters. If they sniped there would be no need.
#6 Mist-Bound Oct 27, 2008 14:25:11	I don't really follow what you're saying... are you suggesting that I give this class a "path" feature? Choose between being a sniper and being a 'shotgunner' (short ranged but vicious)?
#7 nephallim Oct 27, 2008 15:20:36	I'd just reflavor warlock and describe your implement (rod) as having a rifle or pistol style stock, depending on the flavor you want to go. Maybe have a particularly thick or metallic style 'gun' be a pact hammer.
#8 mrparadigm Oct 28, 2008 12:47:22	Since the entire Battlesmith build of the Artificer (the only build we have...) has powers that are all either Impliment or ranged Weapon, I think you could just make a weapon/impliment, like suggested above. I see where you're going with this (sort of) as I play an Artificer/starlock (artlock?) in my current game. The blend of striker and leader is great, provided you keep mobile and/or as far out of melee range as possible. A Impliment/weapon that was enhanced, like say a +1 Spike Wire hand crossbow (which you can build as an artificer as early as you can afford it) would give you plenty of skatter-gun mechanics from the burst 1 atack, and with Arcane Replenishment, you could use it up to twice/day. My Artlock has a Wand of Dire Radiance (MC encounter) that is very nice for snipeing targets from atop a phantom structure spiral staircase, no new class or clocktower needed. Perhaps a feat to extend the range of Impliment attacks....