From a design standpoint, I don't understand why the [mwcard=FWC04] Goblin Builder[/mwcard] is treated so different from all other familiars.
In general all familiars have this in common :
- they generate mana
- can cast some type(s) of spells
- Can move before casting their spells
- can cast their spells as printed
When you look at the Goblin Builder you'll notice that he's nerfed in three instances compared to other familiars.
- He doesn't generate mana :
That's a handicap because you can't play channeling boosting spells or effects on him.
On the other hand he's the cheapest of the familiars at just 5 mana.
Naiya, Fellella and Sersyrix cost 12 mana for example and have to be in play 7 rounds to break even in cost with the Builder.
So having no channeling but being cheap to cast makes sense.
but
- He can't move before casting his spells :
All his spells are to be cast as Full Casts. Was this really necessary ? Were there indications that he otherwise could become overpowered ?
Why can Naiya, Fellella or sersyrix for example play their spells as quickspells ?
Aren't Curses, Enchantments, Fire Attack spells or water spells just as effective as Conjurations ?
- The range on his conjuration spells is reduced to 0-0 :
Was it really necessary to add this nerf as well on top of the other two ?
Even if he had to cast his conjurations as full casts, if his conjurations kept their printed range ( usually 0-1 ) he at least could take position in one of the Centre zones and potentially cast 5 conjurations in a row before having to move. This would make him a lot better already.
As he currently stands, he's a Familiar you'll hardly ever see in a game.
I can live with the no channeling as he's costed alright.
I can understand you'll want him to be in the same zone ( thus range 0-0 ) as conjurations are arguably stronger spells overall than enchantments or incantations or attack spells.
But at least allow him to cast them as Quick casts so he can move around and potentially do something every turn.
In his current state he just seems too slow for the early game, which is the part of the game where you'd want him most imo.
He could be used later in the game to cast an Armory, Altar of carnage or a second Ballista but overall his role would be very limited at this point, I guess.
So, my main question.
Is there anybody in the know here on why the Builder was nerfed the way he is ?
