Branching jobs and WOW’s specialization

[Kemonologist]

I’m interested with current extra jobs. However, in future expansion I think the more extra jobs will make weapon pool crazy. The armors are always limited at 7 sets and accessories are limited at 5 sets even we have any expansions. But for weapons pool, we will have of 15 weapons in 4.0. I think at some point branching jobs should revamp and implement in future.

WOW’s specialization system is good example for making branching jobs. All class in WOW can spread in 3 sub class (2 or 4 in some class) from choosing specialization. Players can swap specialization outside combat anytime when they want. Even they are same class based but each spec have very different gameplay and role such as Shaman can choose to be Melee DPS, Ranged DPS, or Healer and they are play differently role in party. Moreover, all DPS spec like Warlock can spread to 3 different gameplay i.e. Affliction spec for DoT based attack, Demonology for pet based gameplay, and Destruction for direct based attack.

The advantage of branching jobs help to reduce number of weapon type, make class more diversity gameplay, and players don’t need to leveling new jobs when new expansion add. They can play new job by using their current job. This is an example idea for create new branching jobs.

MRD
Tank - Warrior
DPS - Berserker (can use MRD’s axe but change their gear to maiming like ACN use healing gear when change to SCH)

GLA
Tank - Paladin
DPS - Pirate (can use GLA’s sword but change off-hand to off-pistol, shield related action can swap to dps action by using ROG’s kiss passive mechanics) (Use striking gear instead of fending)

ARC
Support based DPS - Bard
Attack based DPS + Pet job - Ranger/Beastmaster

ROG
Attack based DPS - Ninja
Support based DPS - Dancer (Melee DPS that can regen MP/TP like BRD/MCH)

CNJ
Healing based healer - White Mage
Support based healer - Geomancer

In term of balance, I think it isn’t different from AST case. Up to level 50, AST are similar with CNJ, most of their kits aren't different from CNJ as following and you should think AST’s unique card buff like WHM’s unique job actions for CNJ.

Basic healing

• Cure
• Benefic

Expansive healing

• Cure II
• Benefic II

Healing + effect

• Regen* (WHM)
• Aspected Benefic

Instant healing

• Benediction* (WHM)
• Essential Dignity

AOE healing

• Medica
• Helios

AOE healing + effect

• Medica II
• Aspected Helios

MP regen

• Shroud of Saints
• Luminiferous Aether

Rez spell

• Raise
• Ascend

Cleanse spell

• Esuna
• Exalted Detriment

Casting speed buff

• Presence of Mind* (WHM)
• Lightspeed

Healing power buff

• Divine Seal* (WHM)
• Synastry

Attack spell

• Stone II
• Malefic

Heavy spell

• Stone
• Stella

Instant Dot

• Aero
• Combust

Casting Dot

• Aero II
• Combust II

Cross class

• Cleric Stance
• Protect
• Stoneskin
• Aero

CNJ Unique

• Fluid Aura
• Repose
• Cure III
• Stoneskin II

WHM Unique

• Holy

AST Unique

• All card buff related action

When all level 50 AST kit are similar with CNJ, I don't it isn't hard for create new support based healer brancing from CNJ.