If so, what do you think it would be?
https://www.wowhead.com/news/datamin...0-1-ptr-331802
I admit that it's quite unprecedented, but that doesn't mean it isn't something that Blizzard would attempt.
If I had to guess, I would say its a faux-ranged tank (see SWTOR) that utilizes the Evoker's reduced spell range to justify a tank caster. That would work with the class' current dynamics, and match the thematics of the Black Dragonflight. I feel that "support" can mean tank as well.
Anyway, what do you think? Will Evokers get a third specialization mid-expansion?
Here are some developer quotes which show a rather strong history of openness and consideration in terms of a 3rd spec;
https://www.wowhead.com/news/ion-haz...326855?webhook“This class is initially only going to have two specializations, there’s certainly room in the future to add a third, but for now range dps and healer is where we’re focused.”
https://www.wowhead.com/news/dragonf...danuser-326869This is a spellcaster class at its core. The class is initially only going to have two specializations, but if they do have a third, ranged dps and healer is where they’re focused.
https://www-breakflip-com.translate...._x_tr_pto=wappWe can consider (a tank spec) but for now we really want to focus on the two current Dracthyr specializations . There is a lot to do with a new race, a new class, new talents and adjusting all that will be complicated but later we are open to new ideas.
EDIT: PICS!!
Clue #1 The quest:
Clue #2 The dialogue from 10.7 (Dracthyr had their black dragon essence drained, which crippled them). We will be fighting this character in 10.1.;
Clue #3 we battle Adamanthia the lackey who drained essence from the Dracthyr and who presumably releases energy while we fight her;
Clue #4: Stoneclaw, a Dracthyr (possibly Evoker) tank
Clue #5: Scalemaster Sakareth; the final Evoker boss in the new Aberrus raid that takes place in Neltharion's old digs, has phases called "The Legacy of the Dracthyr" and is using Void magic after seemingly absorbed black dragon essence from Neltharion;
Clue #6: User @Auxis linked a reddit post that possibly showcases new spells for the 3rd Evoker spec hidden in the PTR files (Electrical abilities?);
https://www.reddit.com/r/wow/comment...ning_findings/
Clue #7: Evidence of a sixth dragonflight to be revealed in 10.1:
https://www.reddit.com/r/warcraftlor...flight_in_101/
Clue #8: Emberthal and the Adamant Vigil:
A Weryn of Dracthyr that were destroyed when the primals attacked at the beginning of dragonflight. Their leader, Emberthal is still active, and is the one who sends us on the specialization quest. Each weryn represents a specialization of the Evoker (Ebon Scales: Devastation, Healing Wings: Preservation), and this Weryn quite possibly represents a lost 3rd spec. This Weryn is visibly utilizing 2h weapons. Evokers can also use 2h Axes, Maces, and Swords, weapons that a spell-casting class really aren't going to use. This could indicate a tank or melee DPS spec.
Clue #9: Ion's interesting interview;
https://www.wowhead.com/news/wow-eu-...-10-0-7-331998PTR Testing and Secrets
They have considered giving certain rewards to players who test things, but it would require a public beta. Currently, WoW betas are invite only and that feels unfair and wrong if they were to give special rewards. If they have something that requires a lot of testing on to make sure it's going to be a good experience, then it's something they definitely consider.
There is content that is encrypted on the Patch 10.0.7 PTR.
Blizzard trying to keep as much as they can secret (not necessarily in the Jeremy Feasel big "Secret" sense), even just things that are unexpected that haven't been seen. They want every patch release to have some secrets and the Forbidden Reach is a place that is ripe for exploration and things to uncover.
There are no plans to standardize special items like the Evoker Staff, Kharnalex, The First Light. They do this where it makes sense to have bosses drop weapons or other things that are flavorful or themed to a single class like the Dagger or Legendary Bow from Sylvanas. Evokers will probably be interested in what Commander Sarkarth may have for them when we get there though.
Clue #10: Neltharion's voice lines in 10.1;
In 10.1, we get new voice lines from Neltharion describing the three Dracthyr Weryns and their purpose. As suspected, each Weryn outside of the faction weryns represent a specialization in the Evoker class;
As you can see, Sarkareth and Viridia's Weryn's represent the specializations we have now. Then we get to Emberthal, the scalecommander currently traveling with Ebyssian;You three shall be the examples all Dracthyr will follow.
Sarkareth, my devastator, you shall rend your foes with the powers of the Red and Blue Dragonflight.
Viridia, my preserver, you shall heal our allies with the graces of Green and Bronze Dragonflights.
So we have "Augment" being the purpose behind Emberthal's weryn. This is further backed up by the edict of the Adamant Vigil, the Weryn that Emberthal led;And Emberthal, you will wield the essence of the Black Dragonflight to augment all those around you with my power.
By my command, kneel and obey.
"Amplifying the strength of our allies" falls right in line with "Augmentation"Where our enemies tread, you will find them. Where our armies fly, it will be your guidance that directs their talons. Learn the weaknesses of our foes and amplify the strength of our allies.
There's also this part;
That sounds like a leadership role, and that alongside the buffing and debuffing abilities leads me to think this is a tank spec. We'll see soon enough one way or another.Only the most bold, most cunning, and most gifted commanders shall join the ranks of the Adamant Vigil. This weyrn shall be granted unprecedented authority to act on its own initiatives, and shall answer to only Scalecommander Emberthal and the Earth-Warder.
Clue #11: Ion's two interviews
The lead designer of WoW, Ion Hazzikostas, stated that there would be no Evoker 3rd spec in patch 10.1. He reiterated this again in an interview a few days later. What makes this interesting is that when asked about a DH 3rd spec, Ion said that there would be no DH 3rd spec during the entirety of Shadowlands. He also stated that there were no plans for a Demon Hunter third spec, and three years later, there is still no DH 3rd spec. Due to this difference in addressing a similar circumstance, an Evoker 3rd spec could be coming to dragonflight after 10.1, as indicated by Ion.
Clue #12: The Hidden Evoker Legendary
https://www.wowhead.com/news/evoker-...poilers-332864
In 10.1 an Evoker legendary was datamined. This legendary is different from other legendaries in that its being hidden by Blizzard, something Blizzard hasn't done with any other legendary weapon. This secrecy around items and abilities related to Evokers and Neltharion is a continuation of what we saw with the PTR specialization quest that began this thread over 2 months ago.