Geonie
03-15-2005, 12:49 AM
The proposed first lot of changes to classes has been released. Can find the full list here. (http://eqlive.station.sony.com/community/dev_view.jsp?id=64032)
Key bit for us:
Druids are a unique challenge in that the class is divided evenly between you offensive druids who enjoy doing damage, and you defensive druids who prefer to play the role of healer. We want to support both play styles, but if we were to increase both halves of the druid equally the class would quickly become overpowered. Our plan is to introduce a new option where a druid can enter into a particular “mode” or “stance” where they become better at one part at the expense of the other. Our preferred solution for this is to add an innate ability for druids. The ability would get its own button similar to abilities such as backstab or track. You will be able to be in one of three states and can switch between them once every 5 minutes. a. Normal – Their healing and offensive abilities are in balance. This is the state they exist in today.
b. Offensive – Their offensive power is boosted by 25%, but they suffer a 50% reduction in the power of their healing spells.
c. Defensive – Their healing power is boosted by 25%, but they suffer a 50% reduction in the power of their offensive spells.
Another of our goals is to broaden the core grouping roles to allow all classes to more easily put together groups. Similar to how any of the 3 main tanks should be able to perform that role in a group, we want any of the 3 healers to be able to perform the role of a main healer in a group. The changes mentioned above for druids will allow you to fill a healing role and perform at about 80% of the effectiveness of a cleric.
Geo
Key bit for us:
Druids are a unique challenge in that the class is divided evenly between you offensive druids who enjoy doing damage, and you defensive druids who prefer to play the role of healer. We want to support both play styles, but if we were to increase both halves of the druid equally the class would quickly become overpowered. Our plan is to introduce a new option where a druid can enter into a particular “mode” or “stance” where they become better at one part at the expense of the other. Our preferred solution for this is to add an innate ability for druids. The ability would get its own button similar to abilities such as backstab or track. You will be able to be in one of three states and can switch between them once every 5 minutes. a. Normal – Their healing and offensive abilities are in balance. This is the state they exist in today.
b. Offensive – Their offensive power is boosted by 25%, but they suffer a 50% reduction in the power of their healing spells.
c. Defensive – Their healing power is boosted by 25%, but they suffer a 50% reduction in the power of their offensive spells.
Another of our goals is to broaden the core grouping roles to allow all classes to more easily put together groups. Similar to how any of the 3 main tanks should be able to perform that role in a group, we want any of the 3 healers to be able to perform the role of a main healer in a group. The changes mentioned above for druids will allow you to fill a healing role and perform at about 80% of the effectiveness of a cleric.
Geo