True Archetype Discussion

ArchivedUser

Following all the Q&As to date, and their google documents on current information, one thing that I want to know more about are the Archetypes. As it is known, out of the 8 main archetypes, you can pick a secondary one, there by making a unique class, such as the Predator class we saw for the Ranger/Rogue. As it has been told to us, the secondary class will augment the primary class, example was given of the fighter charge turning into a teleport if that player picks a mage as his secondary. However, what I am more curious about are the True Archetypes:

Archmage, the popular name for Mage/Mage.Will Archmages get special unlocked abilities only a true mage would learn? Example would be summoning a blizzard, or creating a massive barrier around themselves and other players? Very Gandalf like, and not necessarily the ability we have seen in the mage pre-alpha footage. Or, will Intrepid simply augment the already known abilities of the main Archetype, such as a a fire ball is just bigger now, or you get different color effects? It sounds kind of dumb with the latter option, I can see that even as I type this out, but I am honestly curious. My hopes are True Archetypes will unlock abilities that no other class can do, to make them more unique?

A possible third route: When discussing class ultimate abilities during sieges, Summoners can combine their power together to create an arcane-golem-creature that a select player can control. Would this select player be a true Summoner and not something like a Summoner/Fighter or Summoner/Rogue?

I would like some feedback and possibilities that we may see in game.

Thanks and have a great day!

ArchivedUser

I think it's apperantly yes. What would be the point of Archmage then? New Mage skills like you mentioned, summoning blizzard, emerging a mini volcano from the ground, tidal waves, tsunami, earhquake, Avatar/Naruto style elemental usage etc. (<== course I don't expect this as they are really hard to animate and implement even in mini scale)

Also it'd be cool though if they got some Harry Potter and The Magicians level of spells underneath the class' ability tree.

ArchivedUser

Theres probably a very long and deep discussion waiting to happen here, but I'm not feeling it (plus I have to go to sleep soon ). But theres one thing  I would like to say. 
I think this is gonna be a very iterative process, maybe at first its gonna "bigger fire ball, brighter colors etc.", but over time it might change to something more exciting

ArchivedUser

Don't all combinations get unique augments? A Mage/Mage would then get Mageier flavoured spells. It would seem odd if every other combination had unique spells aside from "true classes'

ArchivedUser

AutumnWillow said:

Don't all combinations get unique augments? A Mage/Mage would then get Mageier flavoured spells. It would seem odd if every other combination had unique spells aside from "true classes'

That's how I've understood it also.

ArchivedUser

didnt they mention something about tank/tank aka Centurion or Goliath (my favorite name attempts so far) having a immovable object style to it 

ArchivedUser

Not sure how immovable as I don't think they've elaborated that much but they did advocate that you wouldn't get more immovable than a Tank/Tank. If I've understood correctly, cleric/cleric will outperform any other healer and a Mage/Mage will be the purest/most effective form of ranged caster.  

ArchivedUser

Yeah, all combinations, including pure archetypes will have unique skills and play styles. My guess is players' decisions will depend on where they want to be in the spectrum of versatile ←→ pseudo-niche ←→ niche play styles. It'll be interesting to hear more from Steven as they develop ideas with regards to combinations and balancing.

ArchivedUser

I hope its the former, but they definitely have their work cut out for them in terms of long term balance

ArchivedUser

dracdoc said:

I hope its the former, but they definitely have their work cut out for them in terms of long term balance

With all the possible combinations, that could be an understatement.

ArchivedUser

True, we'll hopefullf get more details over the coming months, but it us certainly an interesting concept, Ihope they just follow through with it.

ArchivedUser

I think since the other combinations would just add little changes/buffs to the primary skills, I think you could probably mix and match mage skills, like make a freezing fire skill or something along those lines, or possible just enhance the skills damage and effects. It would be kind of unfair if they added new skills with true archetypes, but I can see how amazing that would be!