I did some work on new material for the fighting classes last night. Here's what I came up with.
Deflect
Specifically designed to help warriors be the superb defenders they're intended to be, Deflect is a low-level effect that allows the user to block or parry things that can't normally be blocked or parried. This includes packet-delivered effects, Repel effects, and Pierce effects (see below). As a special bonus, a Deflect can also be used to counter a Burst effect, but not other area effects.
The rating is lower on Deflect than other general defense effects for one simple fact: The user still has to defend normally. Other defenses automatically counter, whereas Deflect can only work if you catch the attack with a shield or weapon.
Haste
Earmarked for the unfinished dervish class, Haste might be described as "legal machine-gunning." Here's how it works. If you have an action that grants three swings of Haste, you call your damage without its type for three swings. "10 Sharp, 10 Sharp, 10 Sharp," then, becomes, "10, 10, 10," allowing you to swing much more rapidly.
Before everyone gets excited, note that there's a major limiting factor on Haste. Specifically, Hasted attacks cannot be increased by Strike effects. Hones, Strengthens, and all that still work, but you can't pump these attacks up with your "Weapon Damage + X" actions. It's good; it's not that good.
Pierce
Don't get too excited Solar folks; this isn't the Pierce you all know and love. Pierce is a new meta component that can be applied to melee attacks to make them unblockable. "30 Sharp Pierce," for example, hits as long as it hits the creature or anything the creature is holding or wearing, including a weapon or shield. Note, of course, that a Deflect can still counter a Pierce if the user blocks or parries.
Nobody has Pierce just yet because I can't decide who to give it to. It's pretty pointless for rogues; they have to use their meta component to deal damage from the front at all, and a Pierce from the rear is pretty pointless (get your minds out of the gutter). Savages and warriors aren't out of the question and, being the heaviest melee classes, make the most sense. I'm open to ideas.
What do you guys think? Got any cool action ideas for these? Does something jump out at you as broken? Talk to me.
I forgot to mention, but Deflect has been increased to rank 4 and approved for general use by the warrior class. I'll probably also make a shield enchant for disciples. Beyond that, though, I don't plan to dilute the specialness of the effect by giving it to a bunch of classes. Shield warrior, FTW! :P
"You are technically correct. The best kind of correct!"
- Bureaucrat 1.0, Futurama
I personally like the deflect but i have had the chance to playtest it and it works well especially for those AOEs.
As for the haste that could be handy to any class that swings a weapon.
I like pierce too. That's straight damage awesome but scary at the same time. Would definitely add some spice to those swings