Considering the single target Magus post the changes to Bolt of Change
Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2017 11:47 am
The last change to the single target magus was the increase in the cool down of Bolt of Change (BoC). This occurred in early Dec. The ability went from 5 seconds to a 10 second cool down. Afterwards, Bolt of Change was also moved to the 13 point spot of the Havoc Mastery Line. The reasons given for the cool down change at the time were:
1) To break reliance on BoC
2) Avoid less down time between a BoC burst rotation
3) Address implications of trying to avoid damage (due to the abilities range)
4) Consideration of the mirroring with Engi Snipe.
Time has passed. I think the BoC cool down change should be reconsidered. As it stands, and having played the class consistently since the cool down increase: the single target focused magi remains lacking and behind other single target ranged classes. It does not generate the same level of threat, simply because the kill potential is notably less.
With the time that has passed since the change to BoC and to respond to the initial rationale(s) for the change:
1) Per BoC reliance: BoC is the hallmark ability of the single target mastery. It is only available to magi that are committed to the single target focus (due to its move to the 13 point mastery spot). It therefore should be a key feature of the single target focus
2) If BoC is reverted to a 5 second cool down, one has 5 seconds between use, with a 3 second firing time. I don't believe 8 seconds is untoward between times of ability affect. The current 13 second between ability affect means the BoC is simply an aside.
3) Per BoC range: I have no issue with changing the range of BoC to a base 100 ft. It was mentioned this requires client control. I do not know if this falls within the current powers of game developers. If it does not: there would remain pairing with Engi's Snipe. If both sides have a similar ability, with the same cool down, there is no unbalance.
4) Engi Snipe should have the same cool down as BoC so there is matching.
Thank you
1) To break reliance on BoC
2) Avoid less down time between a BoC burst rotation
3) Address implications of trying to avoid damage (due to the abilities range)
4) Consideration of the mirroring with Engi Snipe.
Time has passed. I think the BoC cool down change should be reconsidered. As it stands, and having played the class consistently since the cool down increase: the single target focused magi remains lacking and behind other single target ranged classes. It does not generate the same level of threat, simply because the kill potential is notably less.
With the time that has passed since the change to BoC and to respond to the initial rationale(s) for the change:
1) Per BoC reliance: BoC is the hallmark ability of the single target mastery. It is only available to magi that are committed to the single target focus (due to its move to the 13 point mastery spot). It therefore should be a key feature of the single target focus
2) If BoC is reverted to a 5 second cool down, one has 5 seconds between use, with a 3 second firing time. I don't believe 8 seconds is untoward between times of ability affect. The current 13 second between ability affect means the BoC is simply an aside.
3) Per BoC range: I have no issue with changing the range of BoC to a base 100 ft. It was mentioned this requires client control. I do not know if this falls within the current powers of game developers. If it does not: there would remain pairing with Engi's Snipe. If both sides have a similar ability, with the same cool down, there is no unbalance.
4) Engi Snipe should have the same cool down as BoC so there is matching.
Thank you
