Hi there folks.
I came up with this idea a while back (original post: http://eu.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/11546474962#1). I reposted it in another thread last week, and had some positive feedback, so thought I'd make my own thread to see what y'all think.
So without further ado, I give you....
The Apothecary
The apothecary is a scientist who specialises in augmentation and genetic manipulation to weaken his foes and strengthen his allies.
Armour - Mail.
Weapon - Ranged, melee 1 handers/fists.
For the following I'm not going to try using any numbers. I'm not a theorycrafter and I suck at maths.
Spec 1 - Healing
Intellect mail, ranged weapons.
The apothecary utilises poisons and potions that he fires from his weapon, that strengthen and heal his allies. His concoctions speed up metabolism to aid healing. His serums alter his allies genetic code, strengthening them against attacks.
Example abilities:
Revitalisation Serum - The Apothecary fires a hypodermic dart at the target, injecting them with Revitalisation Serum. Heals xx instantly.
Scale Skin - The Apothecary fires a hypodermic dart at the target, causing their skin to grow hardened scales, reducing their damage taken by xx% for xx seconds.
Rejuvenating Gas - The Apothecary fires a gas cannister that explodes at the target location, healing all allies in it's cloud for xxx over xxx seconds.
Spec 2 - Ranged DPS
Intellect mail, ranged weapons.
Instead of utilising beneficial serums, the apothecary loads his weapon with poisons and compounds designed to weaken his enemies. His serums disintegrate armour, weaken flesh, and strike at vital organs.
Example abilities:
Necrotic injection - The Apothecary fires a hypodermic dart at the target, injecting them with Necrotic Serum. Causes xx damage over xx seconds.
Burrowing Parasites - The Apothecary fires a hypodermic dart at the target, injecting them with Burrowing Parasites. The parasites burrow into the target, causing xx damages over xx seconds. After xx seconds they burst from the target, causing xxx damage.
Crippling Gas - The Apothecary fires a gas cannister that explodes at the target location. All enemies in the area are damaged for xx over xx seconds. When the cloud dissipates, all allies within xx yards gain xx haste for xx seconds.
Spec 3 Tank
Agility mail, melee 1 handers.
The apothecary augements his own genetic structure, vastly enhancing his strength and durability. His serums harden his skin, and boost his metabolism to create an immovable behemoth. For this role, the apothecary forgoes his ranged weapon, and instead relies on his bare hands, which he alters into fierce weapons in their own right.
Shapeshift form would act as tanking "stance".
Example abilites:
Scale Skin - The Apothecary injects himself with a serum, causing his skin to harden. Decreases damage taken by xx% for xx seconds.
Leeching Toxin - The Apothecary injects his target with Leeching Toxin. Causes xx damage over xx seconds, and heals the Apothecary for xx of the damage dealt.
Augment Skeleton - The Apothecary injects himself with a serum, causing his skeleton to mutates. Bone protrusions form on his knuckles. Increases physical damage dealt by xx% for xx seconds.
As far as resources, it's quite hard to think of any that would offer something unique. The only thing I can think of is a dual energy bar system, one for injections and one for gases, possibly with some kind of life tap mechanism at it's core.
The main reason I chose mail is because, as has been stated many times, it's the only type of armour in the game that is only shared by 2 classes. So it would balance out the loot tables a little.
The idea behind using ranged weapons is that the class is supposed to be based around physically injecting enemies and allies. The idea is that the Apothecary would load the weapon with darts and vials of poisons/toxins, and then fire them. The idea of shooting your allies might seem a bit wierd, but mechanically there's no difference between casting a spell and shooting. The only difference is the animation.
One of the reasons I came up with this spec is that the theme is quite prevalent in WoW already. The Black Dragonflight were constantly manipulating and trying to create new creatures. The scourge created plagues, and various monsters and abominations. The iron/true horde have their Malkorok type monstrosities. The mogu experiments created Primordius and the Saurok. So I think the basis is there to build this type of class.
Secondly, I think it offers something unique, and doesn't particularly tread on the toes of other classes, thematically. One of the most common new class suggestions is the Demon Hunter, but one common criticism is that it would be very similar to rogues. I feel this class, although sharing some mechanics with other classes, would offer a unique feel.
Hope you enjoyed my idea!