TOPIC: Very Latest Ultra Rare Tokens!

Yeah, that's a good point Binia. At the end of the day Jeff has to live with these for good. But at the same time, he has to get people to want to acquire them, so it is a double edged sword (pun intended). As for the crown, I don't consider it very "creeping" to add one AC point to classes that can't wear a helm. I continue to see the crown as underpowered but in the context of a three item set and not knowing what the other two items do, it's impossible to be sure at this time. <br /><br />I don't think "creep" is a pervasive issue for all classes. The "creep" problem is manifested in the fighter type classes, that present the most powerful weapons and can maximize their AC beyond any other class and way beyond the average player in the game. The ability to deliver max damage and defend with max AC sets these people apart and will drive "creep" issues going forward in my opinion. It seems to me that the wizard, bard, rogue, druid, monk, even ranger can hit some level of damage although far less than a maxed out fighter or paladin. These classes with the exception of the wizard can all use medium level defenses and reach some level of AC, although far less than a maxed out fighter or paladin. It's true that fighter and paladin SHOULD be highest in these criteria, as long as they don't get too far off the chart. Commensurate with their improvements, the other classes need to improve in their respective special skills (and I see some of that happening). I don't think there are any "creep" issues for the non-fighter classes. The bard has had some significant improvements. Same for the monk and rogue. This is the year of the druid it would seem. That's cool. I hope to see the year of the wizard come up soon, where improvements are all in the form of magics that really transform the class. Right now, wizard strikes me as the weakest in a relative sense.  <br /><br /><br />

I don't really see this as the year of the Druid.  There are no unique Druid armors & weapons.  The Druid does get the Mistletoe and the Circlet (which is finally usable, although only in one combat per dungeon), but there are other classes with PURPs at least as good as that.  I'm still waiting for a special Druid weapon, I think it is now the only class without one. 

Mike,<br />    I think if you look at the total collection and not just ultra rares, it is the year of the druid.  Many of the tokens I think are druid inspired even if they are usable by multiple classes.  Also, when you take into account the theme that Jeff has alluded to for next year's dungeon, I think the druid as a class is going to be even more valuable than it already is.<br /><br />Kim

I thought the druid could use the dragonscale armor set. It's not unique to them but it's pretty unique overall, especially s a set, and wasn't it kind of the first set? In case I'm missing something, I can't see making sets where some classes can use some of the set items but not all of them. That seems unnecessarily constricting. The druid should get a unique weapon like a powerful staff or something that is unique to them. For this year, the circlet seems top notch when set up the way it is now. The druid will excel in combat when they use the circlet. It never should have been considered for being charged and consumable. I think Jeff likes to rattle people's chains sometimes, but now they have to make sure that it is not inappropriately overused.

<br />Mike,<br />     I think if you look at the total collection and not just ultra rares, it is the year of the druid.  Many of the tokens I think are druid inspired even if they are usable by multiple classes.  Also, when you take into account the theme that Jeff has alluded to for next year's dungeon, I think the druid as a class is going to be even more valuable than it already is.<br /><br />Kim<br />

<br /><br />Kim,<br /><br />I completely agree that this year has a definite Druid feel - in that way I guess you could say it is the year of the Druid.  But, from the Token set, it isn't the year of the Druid.  The Druid only got two unique items, and neither really stacks up to the special tokens other classes got this year.  <br /><br />Mike

If you look at it from the point of view that the druid can now polymorph into a dire bear, that's a pretty potent weapon in and of itself.  Isn't it like 14 points maximum damage?  That's pretty good.<br /><br />Kim

I think he's just greedy for more. Reality doesn't really enter into things.

<br />If you look at it from the point of view that the druid can now polymorph into a dire bear, that's a pretty potent weapon in and of itself.  Isn't it like 14 points maximum damage?  That's pretty good.<br /><br />Kim<br />

<br /><br />True, but the Druid (if they have Dragonscale Helm and +2 Keen Scimitar) loses quite a bit to change to the Dire Bear, I don't think the trade-off is worth it.  It is an average of 9 damage in one combat, which is a significant improvement, but the losses are even more severe.  Now - for someone without the Dragonscale items and +2 Keen Scimitar, I can certainly see them using this item.  <br /><br />And Henwy - it's not that I"m greedy for more, I'm just saying that as written, the Circlet isn't a token I'd use, I'd be losing more than I'd be gaining.  Although - to put a less negative twist on what you're saying, I think everyone is always hoping to see tokens that will help them out in the Dungeon, wouldn't you agree?  That isn't greed, it's just the nature of obtaining tokens to help you in the Dungeon.  I'm not complaining, just stating a fact that this wasn't really a bumper year for Druid tokens.  <br /><br />Mike

On a completely unrelated note - doesn't Gearon's Mace need to say what character classes can use it?  As written, every class can use it.  Even though only the Cleric can get the +3 Undead Damage, I have to think the intent wasn't to have a Wizard running around wielding one.  <br /><br />Thanks,<br />Mike

<br />Although - to put a less negative twist on what you're saying, I think everyone is always hoping to see tokens that will help them out in the Dungeon, wouldn't you agree?  That isn't greed, it's just the nature of obtaining tokens to help you in the Dungeon.<br />

<br /><br />Not for me. I've got more than enough tokens and I think we even showed convincingly we could even survive without them this year. Looking at the tokens now, I'm more interested in long term stability than power gains for whatever class I might be playing. It's practically all butter anyway by now.<br /><br />I guess it is simply human nature that the average person will simply want more and more for themselves. It just seems sorta schizophrenic to see people pushing for bigger class gains when those classes have already benefited quite heavily.

<br /><br />1)  Does the Circlet take the helm slot, or can you wear it along with a helm?  <br /><br />

<br /><br />It takes a helm slot, so no you can't wear a helm with it.<br /><br /><br /><br />

<br /><br />2)  Will you still get the benefit of all your slot items (rings, gauntlets, girdles, etc) while in Bear form?<br /><br />

<br /><br />I like 1st AD&D polymorph rules.  Basically, all your items change form with you.  The only thing you would loose in bear form is the weapon token you are replacing.  So, that +2 Keen Scimitar won't make your Bear have Keen ability, but the AC, hit points, and magic effects are still there.  And the change is very fast so you can attack next round.<br /><br /><br />

<br /><br />3)  What are the current 2nd level Druid spells that we have to pick from to activate the Circlet? <br /><br />

<br /><br />She has 3 2nd level spells:  Flame Blade (2) Bull Strength (1)

<br />On a completely unrelated note - doesn't Gearon's Mace need to say what character classes can use it?  As written, every class can use it.  Even though only the Cleric can get the +3 Undead Damage, I have to think the intent wasn't to have a Wizard running around wielding one.  <br /><br />Thanks,<br />Mike<br />

<br /><br />Good point!