Posted by Mehan on January 25, 2000 at 10:09:59:
In Reply to: an idea for healers posted by Gerandin on January 25, 2000 at 09:43:07:
The following is a story of little relevance to your query. But, hopefully it will give you an insight as to why healers are the way they are. Story mode on: The mortals were not pleased. This super-class was ignored and neglected by all who looked upon it, for it was boring and doing regular << One day, the gods looked upon the cleric and a consensus was reached that it was not living up to its purpose. Clerics did not worship gods, try to convert others to a religion, or even have the slightest sense of a quest. And the cleric died. In the ashes arose two to fill the void. Shaman and Healer (I intentionally leave out paladins here, since they have changed very little). They were required to pursue a cause, and fight for a religion. They gained a few new powers, but at the cost of specializing in either offense or defense. Oh, the mortals complained. These new clerics were too boring. The shamans couldn't kill without using too much mana. Healers could only kill people one on one with dispel evil and flame-strike. Empowerment was a hassle, and anybody who devoted their life to a new-cleric was doomed to be bored, neglected, and underpowered. Then, the shamans lost some defensive powers, and healers lost offensive strength. Such treachery was unheard of. To further complicate and humiliate the clerical role, druids were thrown into the mix. These bastard-creations were the new laughing stock of thera, with their prime power being fireseeds, a power which generally did grazes on a good day. Ah, the mortals were not pleased, and much lamenting was heard in Thera. Clerical studies were regarded as a hobby for the masochistic fools who couldn't hack it as a bard. Eventually, all the cleric classes were evened out, given more potent powers in their field, and toned down as needed. Immortals put many-a-night's effort into making them worthwhile and sound investments for any willing to take up the challenge. And they were ignored. So, that is where we are today. Healers are defensive, and do this supremely well. Shamans are offensive (against players mainly) and excel at tearing through even the toughest opponent, knowing that any suicidal attacks can only be looked upon with favor by the god they worship. Paladins are... well, the same basically. Story Mode off. After the breakup of cleric classes, it was generally decided by the powers that be that all classes should remain distinct and unique. No class would be able to "do it all" (although some may argue that point on druids), but what each class could do, it would do it very well. No new powers would be added to a class if it basically copied something another class could do, since that would detract from the uniqueness of each class. In short, healers will probably never get slow, or anything like slow, because it is very much against the purpose of the class. Dang, this is alot more long-winded than I intended. I better get some work done today. Mehan
Once upon a time, there was a class known as clerics. The gods blessed them with super strength, and they could do it all... fight, maladict, defend, gate, summon.