Class specific Spells

Post/Author/DateTimePost
#1

Xeviat-DM

May 22, 2015 4:22:34

Why did the Paladin get smite as a class ability that burns spell slots, yet the ranger and warlock have to learn hunger's mark and hex? Is it just my own anal retentiveness seeking symetry, or has anyone else found this to be strange? I only noticed it when my players picked a Warlock and a Ranger for our new game, and they were looking through to find the ways of playing their classes effectively (we're not super optimizers, but we don't like to be bad). I found it odd that the Warlock didn't get eldritch blast automatically.

 

Are there any other spells that stand out to you like this? Spells that feel "necessary" for each of the classes? At least the cleric, druid, and wizard get to prepare their spells day to day, but the other classes are fairly locked into their choices, making choices very important and weighty.

#2

mellored

May 22, 2015 5:08:52

Because divine smite doesn't take an action, bonus action, or reaction.  So... you can't make it a spell.

 

Similar to ranger's Primeval Awareness, which ties in with a class feature.

#3

Lady_Auralla

May 22, 2015 5:26:19

Hunters Mark is a class ability parading as a spell and primeval awareness is just plain bad design.

#4

Tempest_Stormwind

May 22, 2015 7:02:59 		All Divine Smite does is damage, in melee, once. A more direct comparison might be the smite spells, like Thunderous Smite. (Compare to either of the other spells you mention). For me the bigger question is why rangers use a spell-known system at all, instead of the paladin's half-level-plus-Wis preparations.
(Reply to #3)

Mechatarrasque

Lady_Auralla wrote:
#6

Ashrym

May 22, 2015 9:50:24

 

Burning spells on smites runs through those spell slots fast. Hunter's mark and hex last a long time and cash easily give more total damage for the same slot than a smite would.

 

(Reply to #4)

Ashrym

Tempest_Stormwind wrote:
#8

durntaur

May 22, 2015 9:56:05

Paladins do get Improved Divine Smite at L11 which is an always-on damage bonus.

(Reply to #2)

AaronOfBarbaria

mellored wrote:
#10

Horwath

May 22, 2015 14:28:58

Ashrym wrote: