Suggestion: Runestone Weapon Skill Line

Lynx7386

As an addition to the magicka weapon arsenal, since we're currently limited to destruction and restoration staffs, I'd like to suggest a skill line utilizing runestones: one handed, magicka-based weapons that function similarly to destruction staves in that they come in three flavors: fire, frost, and shock. Runestones have a shorter range than staves, with max basic attack range at 17 meters rather than 28 (as it is with the staves). Runestones may be dual-wielded with other runestones, but not with other one handed weapon types, and they may also be equipped with a shield in the offhand (this will further promote magicka tanking).

As a concept skill line, here are my suggestions:

Elemental Barrage
Channeled: 3 seconds
10 meter range
Deals damage per second to the target with a beam of destructive elemental energy.
Fire adds burning for damage over time
Frost Snares the target for the duration of the channel
Shock deals 50% damage to enemies within 5 meters of the target

Elemental Blast
1 Second Cast
5 meter radius around self
Deals damage to all nearby enemies upon finishing cast
Fire adds knockback
Frost grants a damage shield per enemy hit (a la brawler)
Shock stuns enemies damaged by the blast

Smite
Instant
10 meter range
15 second duration
Taunts the target and deals damage over time for the duration
Fire increases the damage dealt
Frost applies minor maim, reducing target's damage by 15%
Shock interrupts spellcasting

Rune Shield
Instant
16 second duration - Self
5 meter radius
Applies an aura to yourself that deals damage each second to nearby enemies
Fire applies major breach and major fracture, reducing physical and spell resistance
Frost chills enemies in the area
Shock deals additional damage for each enemy within range

Elemental Affinity
Instant
20 second duration - self
Grants major sorcery, increasing your spell damage by 20% for the duration
Fire also grants major fortitude, increasing health recovery by 20%
Frost grants major resolve and major ward, increasing physical and spell resistance
Shock grants immunity to snares and movement impairing effects for the duration

Passives:
1. Heavy runestone attacks restore stamina as well as magicka
2. You take reduced damage from spells while a shield is equipped. You gain increased spell penetration when two runestones are equipped.
3. Increases damage against low-health enemies with runestone abilities.
4. Blocking attacks costs 25/50% less stamina, but drains magicka as well.
5. Dual wielding runestones increases the chance to apply the burning, chilled, and concussed status effects.

thesesneaksaredopeb14a_ESO

So like the weapon from lord of the rings online? Well if they do that I would like a dedicated summoning class as well like the lore master that used a summoning book as a weapon

Lynx7386

Well, more along the lines of having spells equipped 'in the hand' a-la skyrim. Wands have been suggested at one point as a one handed magicka weapon type, but received a lot of negative feedback, and there arent a lot of other options, so I went with what made the most sense - using runestones or some form of gemstone that can channel magical energy. Think of taking the head off of your staff and using that as a weapon on its own.

dday3six

The majority of class morphs are Magicka. That's why there are less Magicka weapons. Blocking is a Stamina utility, and that's why there's not Magicka Tanking weapon.

I get that you want to play this way because you'll find it interesting, but how does this fit into the balance of the game? That's also an important part, not just this is new and exciting.