Topic: IYO Which realm is better for Semi?

[markc]

 If you have 20 PC's of various levels 1-10 which do you think would be the strongest Semi's in your game? Semi Channeling? Semi Essence or Semi Mentalism?

MDC

[thrud]

It all boils down to your style of play and your goals.
No one is necessary better than any other.

[markc]

I was more interested in what you would pick in your game and maybe even why?
MDC

[rdanhenry]

Given that a Semi is generally going to have Base lists and little to nothing else, Realm isn't so important (except that Mentalism is ideal if you want to run around in heavy armor). Of all types, Realm means least to the Semis.

[kevinmccollum]

Mentalism. I only use core material and that makes them the only caster that can heal, defend and attack with their spells.

[thrud]

I was more interested in what you would pick in your game and maybe even why?
MDC

I could go either way. My personal favorites are usually mentalism but I could still go either way.

[DangerMan]

My first thought was mentalism as well, as they may wear armour, have healing spells, and has a variety of attack and utility spells.

Interesting that people thus far seem to agree on this..

[Nders]

If you use the transcendence skill I would go essence as it is the most diverse realm. If not I would go mentalism because of their ability to wear armor. IT really all depends on your setting and what companions and optional rules you use. if you're using RoCo II and the unified skill system I would say warrior mage because of the diversity in skill focus and spell abilities making it possible for numerous characters to be different even with the same profession.

[RandalThor]

Just in case no-one else has asked: Why all these questions about our preferences? You doing a survey, markc? (just wondering about your wondering... )

As for this thread's question: It depends upon what I want to play at the time. Right now I want to play an Armsman, so it would be mentalism. I do generally like the mentalism lists more than the others due to their quicker benefits for semi's and even arms users (a few levels of Anticipations is fantastic for staying alive).

[markc]

RandalThor;
 I was just wondering myself as well as thought it was a broad issue that many people could post on. I have had these questions on my mind for a while but wanted to wait until a low point in posting to propose the questions.
 So just personal curiosity as I know there are many different types of games out there and IMO sometimes one specific option in PC gen is better for GM's games.

MDC

[Vince]

Usually mentalism, you can carry some armor except helm, and the open lists are useful.

[Temujin]

I'd go with Magents & Armsmaster vs the other realms personally, master strategists coupled with assassins is a fairly nasty combo, compared to what other realms can achieve as semis.

[yammahoper]

I like the Toaist Monk, Dabbler and Magent.  So either Ess or Ment.  However, my last semi was a Paladin, DOH.

My mentalist users do not typically wear armor.  For one, our games are set mostly in cities/towns, so armor types tend to be 1, 2, 5-7, with an occosional 9 or 13 thrown in.  Second, cities and town authorities often frown upon heavily armored citizens, or even outlaw it.  For example, a standard law is no blade larger than a knife/dagger may be carried.  Not a big deal really since most play revolves around discourse.  Brawls and martial arts cover the fighting.  These restrictions play into the Magent and Dabblers strengths, particularly from a character design point of view.  One unarmed skill and one catagory of with NO need to train armor skills/catagories leaves more DP for spells, power points and social/athletic/lore skills and LANGUAGES, a weapon all their own in an urban setting.

Choice does depend on state of mond for me too.  Do I want to be the talented underachiever who ran the streets and skipped out of the acedemy (dabbler), or perhaps the rich noble with talent and lack of dicipline who is drawn to the arcane (dabbler again)?  Maybe an ex soldier/city guard turned ruthless vigilanty after his friends were slaughtered and the local nobles did nothing to bring the guilty to justice (Magent)?   

I like the SKILL SET of the Bard, but just hate his spell list.