New Year's Content

Maybe replace it with a statement about the absence of spell component requirements for vestige spells?

Michael Djangali

Now that you bring it up, I can probably forgo the spell focus thing entirely, but I'll have to double-check that my wording about not needing spell components is consistent. And I think I'll need to make a sidebar about binders counting as spellcasters, since it's a weird sticking point for a bunch of random rules. On the subject of armor: In general, armor doesn't prevent spellcasting, as long as you're proficient with it, so I don't think we have an issue here.

Mage Hand Press

Also, does wearing armor prevent casting vestige spells? I think raw yes, but should there be an exception given it does not require spell components?

Michael Djangali

The play test you posted has a sidetone about spell foci. 1. Since they don’t require spell components, does a spell focus make sense? 2. Can a Binder utilize magic items, such as wands and staffs, that improve to hit spell attack and save DCs? Essentially, are binders considered spellcasters when bound to a vestige that bestows spellcasting?

Michael Djangali

That's a good note. You should have access to both of those abilities, so I'll change the wording. (Update won't happen right away)

Mage Hand Press

Question on shape void, can you use both of the options is just that you choose one at a time, or is it truly that you choose just one option that you can use for the future, because if so the Barrier feels far too situational to ever be picked as the option for shape void, if it isn't pick one, I would remove the choose one wording

James Olmsted

I'll aim to fail miserably then! :D

Far as I know, 5e doesn't have any system for distinguishing additional damage sources, so current reading would suggest it lets *everything* through. Sneak attack, ongoing damage boosting spells, smite-likes that work on ranged attacks. Theoretically even magic item bonuses, since nothing would seem to preclude summoning the bow and quiver before using another bow. I think in this case it might be worth putting in a sentence for explicit clarification, rather than relying on the reader to discern intent through legalistic interpretation of text?

Kasper

If you don't manage to level up for a few months, I might catch up with you!

Mage Hand Press

Good notes! The Strange minor spirit should last until the end of your next turn (I'll add that line and update the changelog). Hou Yi's fire arrow should deal half of all the projectile's total damage (1d8+1d4+Dex), not including additional damage sources, like Sneak Attack. I think the current wording lets Sneak Attack though. I'll have to crunch some numbers to see if this is, in fact, problematic, and come up with some clever wording if it is.

Mage Hand Press

And I thought Christmas was over! Looks very nice. Digging the formatting for the vestiges, and the minor spirits are a very nice combo of downplayed combat power and nice ribbon abilities. Plus, liking the immediate availability and use of more than one. Some first read feedback: The alternative use of the Strange Minor Spirit (shielding thoughts) doesn't list a duration, which seems like it should? Hou Yi's sunkiller arrows AoE effect could maybe use some clarification. Specifically, whether or not it deals half of the additional 1d4 fire damage, or if it deals half of *all* damage dealt by the attack. IE: 1d8+Dex+1d4+Anything else (like sneak attack). I'd wager the former, considering the 9 uses of it, but could do with some emphasis. Other than that, eagerly waiting to see what other glorious stuff you got in mind for it!

Kasper

Also, being Warlock-y isn't a bad thing! I am a huge fan of Warlocks, and I am super excited to try a Binder as well! My current game is up to level 9 though, so I've got to wait a bit longer for that. :)

I didn't, good catch! 2nd level should offer two minor vestiges.

Mage Hand Press

I think the big thing that makes the binder work as a class (and the reason we've felt compelled to revisit it) is that it has built-in roleplaying and lore elements that are a blast to play at the table. At some level, it's a little warlock-y, but getting to dive into the vestiges and absorb their stories and personalities is what sets it apart. Also, even if you're not a fan of the concept, this class is _fantastic_ if you have a party of flaky players, since you can shift your character at the start of each session to fill the party gaps.

Mage Hand Press

Extra Attack really has to be at a 3rd level vestige or higher, so the binder is not out-pacing dedicated martial classes. That being said, I thought it was important to give it at _exactly_ third level, so that the binder can be a viable in melee at the same level as other martials. It's part of the design philosophy for the new binder: in contrast to 3.5 and even our last version of this class, the binder shouldn't be nerfed to balance its versatility. So, it can choose fireball or Extra Attack at 3rd level.

Mage Hand Press

We definitely have. I'd love to get some softcovers made for Siegeball, for example. No idea _when_ that'll happen, but it's on my mind.

Mage Hand Press

At the rate I'm writing and releasing vestiges, it'll take me around three months to knock the rest of them out. Plus, probably another month or two of other non-vestige posts.

Mage Hand Press

You know, I've never been a huge fan of this class concept (it seems tailor made as a Warlock archetype) but I love the amount of lore you have put into the vestiges. It's a really fun element for roleplaying purposes, and I can already see some fun elements it could bring to a character.

Kristopher R. Hunter

Do you have a desired date for the rest of the class being released?

Smotheredingravy

New Art for the older books? Are you guys maybe going to put some of the better selling/more popular books into print maybe? Paperback for the shorter ones? Cuz i'd buy that shit!

Charles Koeppel

I noticed that you are tying extra attack to the vestiges. Do you have a thought for allowing lower level vestiges to gain access to extra attack without requiring stacking vestiges?

I love it and happy new year! :)

Liam N OP

Did you mean for the minor spirits to jump from 1 to 3

James Olmsted