So in another thread, intellect plate and it's uselessness came up somehow. I came up with a starting idea for a few specs that could make the gear more useful. Among these classes were the Death Knight (Necromancer, DPS), the Warlock (Demon Knight, Tank), and Mage (Arcane Warrior, DPS). This thread is about the Arcane Warrior specialization. It's totally not taken from Dragon Age, but honestly, nothing in this world is original. So without further ado, I present the...
Arcane Warrior
Or A Battle Mage or Something
Now, the whole premise behind the class is this that the Mage bends their magic inwards instead of out, bolstering their physical strength. This allows them to equip Plate armor and wield 2 handed weapons (Swords, Maces, and Axes; a benefit for Paladins, Shamans, and Druids as well. Rejoice!). Intellect is converted to attack power, as well as increasing their spell power (albeit at a lessened rate compared to their brethren specializations). They also have a few sustained "buffs" or Auras, similar to a Warrior's stances or a Death Knight's Presences. The Auras are also a sort of group buff, giving different benefits to the group or raid depending on which the mage is using (in case certain classes aren't in the group to provide such a buff). These are:
Arcane Aura: Coats the Mage's weapon in Arcane energy, causing physical attacks to deal extra Arcane damage and increases the rate of the Mage's attacks by [X]% for 5 seconds. Grants increased spell haste/spell power to party/raid member.
Flame Aura: Coats the Mage's weapon in flame, causing physical attacks to deal extra Fire damage and burn for another [X amount] damage over 5 seconds. Invigorates party/raid members, granting increased attack speed.
Frost Aura: Coats the Mage's weapon in frost, causing physical attacks to deal extra Frost damage and the target to be slowed, causing Frost attacks to deal extra damage. Applies the Weakened Blows debuff.
The Arcane Warrior is an experienced spell-sword, able to effortlessly blend Magical and Physical attacks.
Arcane Smash: A physical attack dealing Arcane damage.
Hand of Winter: An instant cast spell dealing Frost damage.
Explosion: A 2 second cast dealing Fire damage to the main target, and Fire damage to enemies within [X] yards of the target.
Winter's Grasp: A 1 second cast spell dealing some Frost damage and Freezing the target.
Fire and Ice: A physical attack dealing Fire damage, then Frost damage over time.
[More to come, WIP]
So, what do you guys think? It's a cool concept, and I think should 4th specializations ever be put into the game for other classes, I think this would be a cool way to get intellect plate some more use and add back those cool weapons we rarely get anymore. Either way, I'm going to continue working on this.