An RoBF idea... (in General)

As I learn more about the RoBF, it seems odder and odder. I am not saying "over-powered"... I like that it is a viable choice. It's just odd in terms of other game-play aspects.

For example, the fact that GA doesn't retaliate seems weird. Then again, GA can't really retaliate against a rune. In that way, it makes sense.

Also, a balrog is not a rune, in any realistic sense. Gandalf wasn't fighting a rune.

So, why not make the RoBF a familiar instead of a rune?

That changes a lot, I know. First of all, GA would make more sense then. The Guardian Angel knows what to hit -- the familiar. Damage would be treated like normal damage. Does that make it too samey to a DD familiar? Maybe. But it does fire a concentrated damage to the front of the line (no other magic does that except Decay, but Decay is already odd *smile*), is still not affected by AMF, and it could train more endurance. In that way, it is a cross between a Jig and a DD familiar.

Junction would also work.

Overall, it would probably be a nerf. Runes are nice because you can put them on a huge minion and have them evade, etc. A familiar is all on it's own (that's why it would still need endurance).

I'm not totally sure about any of these ideas, but having it be a rune, being immune to GA...it just seems out of whack with the rest of the game. Making it a familiar would make more intuitive sense. Plus, who doesn't want a baby Balrog on their back! Huzzah!

"Also, a balrog is not a rune, in any realistic sense. Gandalf wasn't fighting a rune."

heh
i think the intent is to make the minion the balrog by surrounding it in flames.

and also, i think the forums have had enough 'let's nerf the RoBF so no one uses it again!' type posts.

it only recently became any kind of choice to use and that seems to have created a huge backlash.

This is my thoughts on the RoBF.

The RoBF damage appears on the "enemy" side of the battle log, so it's considered in the same vein as GA and AMF damage, sort of like passive or retaliation damage (the enemy gets burnt by the flames rather than you actively seeking the enemy out and burning them with your cloak if that makes sense).

GA doesn't retaliate against this type of damage and PL doesn't block this type of damage either.

This actually made a whole lot more sense to me when the RoBF required someone to perform a melee attack for it to retaliate. Now it seems more like active damage since the damage isn't dependent on enemy actions and an argument could probably be made for it to appear on the other side of the battle log and be subject to GA/PL.

I'm not trying to nerf the RoBF. Nothing I said is a particular reduction in it's capability. It would work better in some cases as a familiar, worse in others.

It was just an idea.

I view the RBF flames as an effect, an aura rather than damage dealt. Maybe instead of finding ways to counter it, you give it some negative effect to the minion wearing it, a friendly fire effect if you will but only on the minion wearing it.

I've always liked the Balrog Flame idea when it has some strength behind it; I'd rather it stayed the same as it is but is given negative effects to work around from the user's point of view. Much like the mage shield.

after thinking through many of the things in other threads and with my own setup i have come to the conclusion that if jon does deem it necessary to change the rbf from its current state, it should probably just lose the bonuses to mitigation methods. the ability to concentrate xp may be the kicker here. if all i have to put xp into is hp/evasion/amf, then do i really need bonuses to two of those stats.

this is based on my single minion team though and i am not sure how that would affect others with more minions. i can really get high levels in the stats i need without the bonuses though.

i am not saying it is over powered and needs nerfage! i believe we need to see what other options arise for combating the newest strategies. all i am saying is that if there is a problem with it, the concentration of xp on fewer stats/skills/spells may be something to look at.

How about changing it to an Aur of Fire Damage, so that, from round one Ranged, it damages all other friendly minions, and from Melee it also does the same damage to *all* emeny minions.

While leaving the wearer unharmed. ;)

A Solo minion friendly item? Never! :P

i had proposed that in another thread as well, or something very similar. i would sure love it! ;)