Couldn't agree more about the AoE bit, and I'm heartened to see that you agree. Single-target DPS seemed to be the heart of the original vision of the class, but it's been weakened to the point that it no longer fits this vision. The stealth mechanic, as it currently stands, is quite frustrating to use and rely upon.wargrimnir wrote: ↑Tue Jun 09, 2020 6:07 pmOne of the common things that people seem to spin around on is a desire to have some AOE focused build. We've dismissed that in the past, it's simply not a function that WH or WE performs outside of a few abilities. One such ability was quietly used in combination with a bug, that's what set off a lot of people to start their forum threads about poor balance. Many other conversations about building class identity are far more interesting to follow, but this AOE stuff always comes up. I feel if I were to jump into each thread to crush that desire we wouldn't get nearly as much conversation related to other aspects of the class.velenne wrote: ↑Tue Jun 09, 2020 5:54 pmThat makes me super sad. There have been several lively discussions recently in the Empire forum about the sad state of WH, with lots of great feedback and ideas, especially as it pertains to the unclear vision of the class.wargrimnir wrote: ↑Wed Jun 03, 2020 4:01 pm
Every class could use a little something if we dig into them. Other priorities are up first. We have some backlog already and adding more can be distracting. My statement wasn't to dismiss any discussion on them, but to set expectations that we're not likely to make significant changes in the near future.
When we do eventually get around to a balance pass for WH/WE, chances are the people who have kept a measured response to the state of the class will be listened to over doomsayers. WE/WH really excels in one thing, stealth. No one else has that one thing, nothing comes close to it. It's not a function that will put them over the top in 6v6, it's not a function that has strong demand in the current warband meta, but it's still a uniquely powerful ability, and core to the class identity. AOE is certainly not. That's broadly why we're comfortable with the (perhaps situationally underpeforming) state of the class, although again, anything could have improvements made when we get a chance to focus on them.
I said this elsewhere, but the vision of the class isn't being met and this is evidenced in two fundamental areas of the game: oRvR and Cities. WH's are a rare sight in oRVR. I've been dismissed from more than one warband during a city queue due to my choice of class ("Sorry, but WH = lose city" is the quote). This story is all too common. WH's need a niche to fill during these encounters, something that can contribute to the group's effectiveness. I've suggested an ability to prohibit resurrections, so that things we kill are forced to respawn.