No Mechanic?

[Estebar]

So, according to Barnett, the main thing to remember about the Shadow Warrior was that it could follow one of two paths: SHOOT-SHOOT-SHOOT or SHOOT-SHOOT-STAB.

With these Career Paths now being implemented into every class in WAR (each class getting three paths, including a third one for the Shadow Warrior presumably), where does that leave the Shadow Warrior when it comes to the class's game mechanic? Paul didn't mention anything else.

But then, did the Bright Wizard have a game mechanic either? Or the Engineer? Looks like Order Ranged DPS classes got screwed on having actual game mechanics rather than fancy ways of damaging people from a distance (arrows, gadgets and fire).

[Chilltouch]

Fire Wizards have the Seven Keys. They're meant to be special incantations that can be used.
I can't remember the speciality for Engineers but I am sure they have something.
As for the Shadow Warriors, expect something funky. From what I know about Shadow Warriors, I am thinking about a combo-list that rapidly builds up and is forced down when the Shadow Warriors get hit.

[Thorens]

engineer - a middle ranged (heavier armored?) dps dealer who uses grenades and traps.

Bright Wizard- pew pew magic dps, your everyday fire caster.

Shadow warrior- as we know he is a bow using ranged dpser who can use a sword when needed.

Ya so not many gimmicks besides the engineer's traps and grenades, the destruction side does seem to have more things to do.

Squig Herder- bow using ranged dps class, but with a pet that provides versatility.

Magus- pew pew magic dps, another everyday green and purple fire caster.

Sorcerer- magic dps that has the ability to hurt itself if it goes all out.

As an order player i feel kinda left out on gimmicks :( , but at least we dont have suicidal sorcerers blowing themselves to bits on their first day. 8)

"Hey whats this bar do... it goes up when i cast stuff, i wonder what happens when I..." BOOM! haha :p

[ChosenOne]

Who needs a mechanic? Anyone who has played a bow user in daoc knows you dont need a mechanic. You simply kill people. You want a gimmick? Go play a gimmick character. You want to play a character that bears a serious grudge and just wants to kill dark elves and their allies efficiently? Then play a shadow warrior.

[viscanti]

As for career paths, I imagine they will follow somewhat similarly to the other RDPS. So you would likely have a DD tree, an AoE tree and either a DoT or some buff/debuff tree. Each class is supposed to be able to do all the necessary functions of its archetype. And they've said that many classes within an archetype will share similar trees. So the trees are there to build upon what that archetype is already supposed to be able to do. So for RDPS you have DD, AoE, Dot, Buff/Debuff, CC. They're down playing CC, so I wouldn't imagine seeing that as one of your trees.

[BIGRIG97]

As for career paths, I imagine they will follow somewhat similarly to the other RDPS. So you would likely have a DD tree, an AoE tree and either a DoT or some buff/debuff tree. Each class is supposed to be able to do all the necessary functions of its archetype. And they've said that many classes within an archetype will share similar trees. So the trees are there to build upon what that archetype is already supposed to be able to do. So for RDPS you have DD, AoE, Dot, Buff/Debuff, CC. They're down playing CC, so I wouldn't imagine seeing that as one of your trees.

I couldn't really see them putting in an AoE tree for shadow warriors, it just doesn't seem to fit the class to focus on AoE'ing. Sure there will be a few attacks where you can hit a few targets with some arrows, but I don't think you could balance an entire tree to fit that role. As for the other two, I don't think they would have shadow warriors be focusing on dot'ing or CC'n, they're way to interesting of a class with many options to be limited to just doing that stuff.

I think that there going to stick to have one tree as the shoot-shoot, one as the shoot-stab, and.. not sure about the last...

[viscanti]

I couldn't really see them putting in an AoE tree for shadow warriors, it just doesn't seem to fit the class to focus on AoE'ing. Sure there will be a few attacks where you can hit a few targets with some arrows, but I don't think you could balance an entire tree to fit that role. As for the other two, I don't think they would have shadow warriors be focusing on dot'ing or CC'n, they're way to interesting of a class with many options to be limited to just doing that stuff.

I think that there going to stick to have one tree as the shoot-shoot, one as the shoot-stab, and.. not sure about the last...

It's hard to say really. It seems like they want each class of each archetype to be able to fill the "basic" roles of that class. RDPS should be able to take care of large groups or single targets, some might do it better than others, but you would think each would be capable of it. But this class is tricky because it seems like one of the few true hybrid classes.

Ideas I think they might be able to use:
Dot: Seems like an arrow could be tipped with something to cause damage over time. I'm not a huge lore guy, but if it doesn't completely break the lore, it could be a mechanic that could work.
DD: Ranged direct damage seems obvious. More pew pew.
AoE: Again, I don't know a lot about their lore, but if they can shoot multiple arrows, this is possible.
Melee: I don't think they'll be great in melee, but they should be able to hold their own, and spec for better melee possibly.
Damage Mitigation: Possible skills that help them not die so fast.
Buff/Debuff: If they have any buffs/debuffs, they could be strengthened.

My guess is it will be 3 of those trees, or a combination of those.

[Vikingkingq]

Fire Wizards have the Seven Keys. They're meant to be special incantations that can be used.
I can't remember the speciality for Engineers but I am sure they have something.
As for the Shadow Warriors, expect something funky. From what I know about Shadow Warriors, I am thinking about a combo-list that rapidly builds up and is forced down when the Shadow Warriors get hit.

Actually, the Seven Keys are Bright Wizard tactics.

From what we know of the two options of a Shadow Warrior (and note that's one less than the usual path mechanism, which makes me suspicious that we're dealing with two different things), the ranged option unlocks abilities like aimed/sniping shots, volley shots, magic arrows, etc., while the mixed option probably unlocks melee abilities of various kinds.

While it's true that these might be two different paths of the path system, I'd like to suggest that they could also be part of a "switch" mechanism, whereby you can move from one to the other with some sort of cooldown effect. You could still have three paths (say, one focusing on different arrow effects, one focusing on traps, and one focusing on direct damage).

[ChosenOne]

From what we have heard Shadow Warriors can shoot multiple arrows at the same time. Effectively an AoE. But will it be a full AoE? Or have a limit to the number of targets it can hit?

Either way I doubt its enough for an AoE tree. Most likely in the mastery path that deals with bow skills.

[Ashanor]

It will probably be limited target imo, we aren't going to nuke people down as well as a Bright Wizard because we will have more survivability and utility. Single target damage equal to a Bright Wizard? Sure. AoE damage equal to a Bright Wizard? I seriously doubt it.

[Eltair Shadowblade]

It's hard to say really. It seems like they want each class of each archetype to be able to fill the "basic" roles of that class. RDPS should be able to take care of large groups or single targets, some might do it better than others, but you would think each would be capable of it. But this class is tricky because it seems like one of the few true hybrid classes.

Ideas I think they might be able to use:
Dot: Seems like an arrow could be tipped with something to cause damage over time. I'm not a huge lore guy, but if it doesn't completely break the lore, it could be a mechanic that could work.
DD: Ranged direct damage seems obvious. More pew pew.
AoE: Again, I don't know a lot about their lore, but if they can shoot multiple arrows, this is possible.
Melee: I don't think they'll be great in melee, but they should be able to hold their own, and spec for better melee possibly.
Damage Mitigation: Possible skills that help them not die so fast.
Buff/Debuff: If they have any buffs/debuffs, they could be strengthened.

My guess is it will be 3 of those trees, or a combination of those.No-no for the DOT, shadow warriors resent poison and using it.

[Axxar]

I guess the arrow could instead be ignited, burning the victim over time.

[ChosenOne]

It will probably be limited target imo, we aren't going to nuke people down as well as a Bright Wizard because we will have more survivability and utility. Single target damage equal to a Bright Wizard? Sure. AoE damage equal to a Bright Wizard? I seriously doubt it.


I would agree. It would have to be. Imagine on a huge battlefield and you might have like 10 targets within range. Can he accurately shoot ten arrows at once? :lol:

I would say 4-5 at Most. More likely around 3.

[Dastion]

Bright Wizards do have a gimmick, it's the "burning" effects they can do. They have to get the target burning with certain spells before they can use their really powerful ones.

[Vikingkingq]

No-no for the DOT, shadow warriors resent poison and using it.

It could also be bleed effects from serrated arrows.

[Stick&Move]

From what we have heard Shadow Warriors can shoot multiple arrows at the same time. Effectively an AoE. But will it be a full AoE? Or have a limit to the number of targets it can hit?

Either way I doubt its enough for an AoE tree. Most likely in the mastery path that deals with bow skills.

Could be similar to 'Rain of Arrows' from LOTR. The Hunter shoots multiple arrrows directly upward and any models in the AoE stand a chance of being hit.

[Stick&Move]

No-no for the DOT, shadow warriors resent poison and using it.

But bleed effects would certainly work. Barbed arrows & the like.

[Phoenix]

My personal take is that the three trees are going to be Ranged DPS, Versatile melee and ranged DPS and then just general improvements as the last tree.

Ranged DPS tree: would mainly have things to improve Single target DD but would have an occasional AoE, DoT or CC skill. Its focus would remain Single target DD but having some ranged versatility thrown in there.

Melee/Ranged Tree: This would improve the Melee parts of the Shadow Warrior and would give him/her a variety of new options for melee. It would also add some useful ranged skills, probably more to do with versatility

General improvements: this would have things such as increases a stat or your life by a %, or increases range or effectiveness of something. it would provide a nice place to put points after youve specialized in the only ranged dps or the melee/ranged. Would also add some versatility but almost exclusively to ranged abilities

I mainly thought of this because theyve always mentioned that there were two paths for the shadow warrior but three trees, so it seemed only logical that the third one would provide general improvements

[Stick&Move]

I mainly thought of this because theyve always mentioned that there were two paths for the shadow warrior but three trees, so it seemed only logical that the third one would provide general improvements

Yes, and could include standard archer archetype abilites like tracking, traps, fast move, porting abilities and the like but at an improved level.

[ChosenOne]

My personal take is that the three trees are going to be Ranged DPS, Versatile melee and ranged DPS and then just general improvements as the last tree.

Ranged DPS tree: would mainly have things to improve Single target DD but would have an occasional AoE, DoT or CC skill. Its focus would remain Single target DD but having some ranged versatility thrown in there.

Melee/Ranged Tree: This would improve the Melee parts of the Shadow Warrior and would give him/her a variety of new options for melee. It would also add some useful ranged skills, probably more to do with versatility

General improvements: this would have things such as increases a stat or your life by a %, or increases range or effectiveness of something. it would provide a nice place to put points after youve specialized in the only ranged dps or the melee/ranged. Would also add some versatility but almost exclusively to ranged abilities

I mainly thought of this because theyve always mentioned that there were two paths for the shadow warrior but three trees, so it seemed only logical that the third one would provide general improvements

Sorry, its been said there wont be any base stat bonus's available in the mastery paths. A few stat buffs that are temporary but nothing permanent.

[Selvandra]

It's hard to say really. It seems like they want each class of each archetype to be able to fill the "basic" roles of that class. RDPS should be able to take care of large groups or single targets, some might do it better than others, but you would think each would be capable of it. But this class is tricky because it seems like one of the few true hybrid classes.

Ideas I think they might be able to use:
Dot: Seems like an arrow could be tipped with something to cause damage over time. I'm not a huge lore guy, but if it doesn't completely break the lore, it could be a mechanic that could work.
DD: Ranged direct damage seems obvious. More pew pew.
AoE: Again, I don't know a lot about their lore, but if they can shoot multiple arrows, this is possible.
Melee: I don't think they'll be great in melee, but they should be able to hold their own, and spec for better melee possibly.
Damage Mitigation: Possible skills that help them not die so fast.
Buff/Debuff: If they have any buffs/debuffs, they could be strengthened.

My guess is it will be 3 of those trees, or a combination of those.


I think it should be
"Damage Mitigation: Possible skills that help them not die so fast."

That seems most reasonable besides the
"Melee: I don't think they'll be great in melee, but they should be able to hold their own, and spec for better melee possibly."

Others seem not to fit a ranger/melee kind of class.

They fit but won't be able to supply enough spots in a tree
for it to be useful.

[Nightz]

Magus- pew pew magic dps, another everyday green and purple fire caster.


they arnt everyday they can summon stuff too and they got a disk that is pretty quick

[Ranti]

they arnt everyday they can summon stuff too and they got a disk that is pretty quick


Magus real gimmick is that the vast majority of their spells have a secondary effect to it

So a good magus knows when to use purple fire, when to use green fire, and when to use crazy knockout gas fire.....

[Kaeldor]

Who needs a mechanic? Anyone who has played a bow user in daoc knows you dont need a mechanic. You simply kill people. You want a gimmick? Go play a gimmick character. You want to play a character that bears a serious grudge and just wants to kill dark elves and their allies efficiently? Then play a shadow warrior.

I feel exactly the same way.

[Spifnar]

Most of the range DPS classes have some kind of gimmick:

Engineer: Short-ish duration turrets, mines, etc. along with the usual damage "spells"
Bright wizard: Several of their spells cause a combustion effect. Other effects consume it for higher damage (think Immolate->Conflag)
Sorc: managing their "darkness" for more damage with risk of self damage
Squig herder: pet
Magus: Secondary effects?
Shadow warrior: ??

Although I have to admit, most of these seem kinda lame compared to support and melee gimmicks. Building righteous fury, combo points, hatred, waaagh, etc are all more interesting IMO.

[Gemini]

Spifnar, thats about right, but the Shadow Warrior does have a gimmick, it's the option of having decent melee ability to benefit their range. There may be more than that too, but that seems to be it.

[Estebar]

Most of the range DPS classes have some kind of gimmick:

Engineer: Short-ish duration turrets, mines, etc. along with the usual damage "spells"
Bright wizard: Several of their spells cause a combustion effect. Other effects consume it for higher damage (think Immolate->Conflag)
Sorc: managing their "darkness" for more damage with risk of self damage
Squig herder: pet
Magus: Secondary effects?
Shadow warrior: ?? You almost got them all except the last one.

Engineer: Gadgets.
Bright Wizard: Combustion/Explosion effects.
Sorc: Dark Magic.
Squig: Breeds of pet Squig.
Magus: THE DISC!!! How could you forget about the Disc?
Shadow Warrior: ????

Hence the reason I started this thread in the first place. :D

[Dan gerous]

A way the shadow warrior could AOE is with exploding arrows. Or select an area for the SW to bombard with arrows, effectively hitting everyone in the area.
DOTs. Flame/poison arrows. Arterial shots that make the opponent bleed.
ETC. Lots of ways guys.

[ChosenOne]

Yeah, but if shadow warriors get the ability to melee decently they should lose something for that in comparison to other ranged dps. It was my own personal opinion that SW will be lacking in Aoe.

[Vikingkingq]

Shadow Warrior Mechanics:

"These “strategic maneuvers” can be divided into three major groups: Scouting, Skirmish, and Assault. Scouting maneuvers focus on moving into territory ahead of the vanguard and striking out at critical locations from long range. Skirmish maneuvers focus on hit-and-run tactics using powerful short range bow attacks that can be unleashed on the run. Assault maneuvers focus on slaying their opponents at close range with quick, graceful strikes of a longsword."

EDIT:

"Q: Other classes have WAAAGH! or Grudges and other systems that make a specific class unique. Can you give us some insight on what Shadow Warriors bring to the table that makes playing one unique?

A: The Shadow Warrior’s most unique feature is the ability to move & shoot. Couple this with strong long range and melee options, and this makes for a very potent fighter. In addition, the Shadow Warrior has a stance-style mechanic. They can choose which stance they are in to unlock different abilities. Therefore, their challenge is not in managing a special meter, but in managing which sets of abilities work best at what ranges, and toggling stances at the proper times to be effective."

[Gemini]

Stance dancing with an extra dash of win for good measure, it seems. I'm down for that...

[ChosenOne]

We have a berserk.....

Shadow warrior group synchronized berserk. So much for that witch hunter jump back ability. They will have to hotkey that one.

[Kosme]

ChosenOne .. you have to change your name now ... :P

[ChosenOne]

ChosenOne .. you have to change your name now ... :P

Yeah, Im gettin that feeling as well. I'm already getting hammered on it. :grin:


Any ideas?

[Shalaa]

Yeah, Im gettin that feeling as well. I'm already getting hammered on it. :grin:


Any ideas?

I thought up some brilliant ones but ill keep them for myself because i'm mean. But you knew that part already....:p

[ChosenOne]

I thought up some brilliant ones but ill keep them for myself because i'm mean. But you knew that part already....:p

Oh I really do hate my curiousity. :lol:

[Shalaa]

Oh I really do hate my curiousity. :lol:

You know what they say "Curiosity killed the cat" :mrgreen:

[c_vadnais]

Yeah, Im gettin that feeling as well. I'm already getting hammered on it. :grin:


Any ideas?

alfred ^.^

[Dranex]

i think Beserk or
Vengeance is a mechanic like rightous fury

[Vikingkingq]

i think Beserk or
Vengeance is a mechanic like rightous fury

Vengeance of Nagarythe isn't like Righteous Fury. It's a "miniature Berserk," that most likely provides a time-limited damage boost, similar to the Choppa's Beserk ability.

[ChosenOne]

Vengeance of Nagarythe isn't like Righteous Fury. It's a "miniature Berserk," that most likely provides a time-limited damage boost, similar to the Choppa's Beserk ability.


Proper usage of such will make these guys very deadly. Ranged with berserk. Thats just nasty.

[Dranex]

Proper usage of such will make these guys very deadly. Ranged with berserk. Thats just nasty.

yeah i think you jsut proved it for me...prob gunna play a Shadow Warrior lmao