With the addition of Augmentation Evokers to the game, the door is now open for some new exciting possibilities. Not only can WoW now introduce support specializations, but it can also be done mid-expansion!
Now with Augmentation Evoker brought into the game, it’s time to do Gladiator Warrior.
This 4th spec for Warrior would be very identical to how the spec existed in game before. The focus is on using a sword and shield for dealing damage while also providing unique combat benefits compared to that of the other warrior specializations.
Unique benefits for Gladiator Warriors could be as follows:
Magic Debuff dispels
Demoralizing Shouts, reducing the damage dealt by enemies
People are already complaining about balance. Adding more specs that are a support role would not only make balancing even worse on a giant scale you’re talking about adding 6 more.
On top of that we have current specs that are needing reworks.
Not to mention Aug wasn’t just a random add mid expansion. It’s something they have been working on since evoker came out. They just pushed back that spec due to the issues they probably had with it.
The game can’t have one support spec and no others. If the support specs are built differently as to not buff players, then it’s not that big of a balance issue. And with the lower damage they deal, no one is bringing more than one in a 5 man.
If you’ve never played Rift, I’d suggest checking out how their support specs worked to see how it can work here.
But Aug can’t be the only one and support doesn’t need to buff players like that.
With how many specs we currently have and with the age of the game, balancing concerns this early should not deter fresh additions to the game at face value.
Many players have asked for these types of specializations for years. Plus, Gladiator Warrior was already in the actual live game once before. Same with Apotheosis Warlock, Ranged Survival Hunter and Blood Damage Dealing Death Knight.
I’m not opposed to the idea, but I think “Commander” is a more fitting title for a support-style spec for Warriors over “Gladiator”. To me, the idea doesn’t mesh with what I envision a “gladiator” to be.
I would posit a better name for such a spec would be “Warlord” to reflect it’s commanding role.
As to other specs:
Warlock: Fel bargainer. Instead of using the fel to summon demons or destroy your foes, you instead offer powerful buffs to allies that come with negative side effects (IE increased haste but a penalty to movement speed, a boost to damage but you suffer a dot while under it’s effects, ect.)
Chrono/telemancy: A wizard that focus on time and space; think lots of movement and haste effects.
Trickster rogue: vanish your friends to protect them from targetting effects, confuse your enemies and provide bonuses by way of poisons and debuffs to enemies.
Philosopher monk: more buff/debuff effects along with paralysis effects.
