Gear for Mages

[thaelis]

I'm always complaining about Mages not being useful as offensive caster's blah blah but today I'd like to raise another point.

Having just started playing a warrior class, I'm noticing it is much more fun than playing a caster merely because there is so much relevant useful gear you can find in drops.

In contrast, there is hardly any gear that is actually useful to a Wiz/Sorc or offensive-type caster of any class.

Staffs: Cast a spell at -15 Caster level a few times before running out of charges? The cost and charged nature means you save it for emergencies.

Robes: Ok, these aren't bad, especially if you're a member of a faction!

Wands: Cost prohibitive. Save for emergencies.

Maybe more items could be added that can store spells? These items would have charges (perhaps 20, and the spells use 1 charge per spell level) and could be recharged at rest spots by casting the relevant spell into it. The caster levels should be kept low, maybe around 5-7th?, so as to keep Wands useful, and perhaps only allow offensive spells to be charged into the items.

Examples:
Arcane Spark - The essence of an Arcane manifestation from the Sundrite mines of Mirakus has somehow been trapped in this magic lantern. Whilst not seeming to be 'alive', it still resonates arcane energies, and a smart arcanist may utilise this power - Magic missile (CL 5, 20 charges, 1 charge per use)

Heart of Flame - This ruby-coloured crystal is formed in the shape of a giant's heart. Whether or not it was truly once the heart of a Fire giant is open for debate, though its ability to store and amplify magics of elemental fire somewhat lends credence to this rumour - Fireball (CL 7, 20 charges, 3 charges per use)

Eagle Feather Talisman - This large white feather was plucked from the plumage of a Giant Eagle, a bird almost unheard of in the cold climes of the Valley. Through chance or perhaps the machinations of a skilled arcanist, the feather can be used to store and release powerful gusts of wind - Gust of Wind (CL 7, 20 charges, 2 charges per use)

Or heck, you could just make Wands rechargeable by casting spells into them :P Of course, that would put wand makers out of business almost entirely.

[Talleyman99]

I know the staff is working on a item recharge system, this will still cost you money. I understand your want for items you can cast spells into to recharge.... but they they might as well be rest refill items, cause all thats gonna happen is stop at a rest point cast your spells into said items, rest, repeat till done, reprep spell list, buff only use items to attack. The rest system was changed to limit casters, cause when they are not limited they are overly powerful.... I'd just make wands, gonna cost you no matter what.

[thaelis]

Yeah, the overpowered casters you are thinking of from before were mostly EK's and Clerics, who used to be able to solo everything with extended buffs, resting as they went.

Unfortunately as it stands an offensive caster is rather useless compared to say a Fighter when in a party, as they run out of spells after 3-5 groups of challenging enemies.

Of course they are still moderately useful for PvP battles (if someone can keep the enemy away from them long enough). Its just that PvE is what you're doing 99% of the time, so it'd be nice if they had some more tools that could give them more stamina.

Anyway, no point complaining! I've gone with the flow now instead of swimming against it and made a warrior