Only thing I'm slightly confused about is how you actually intend the spell to work. You intend the ap to riposte using a spell based defense? Hmmm, if I were you I'd try replacing something like 'protection' with this aura of pain. Gives the anti-paladin the 1/4 damage redux with the occasional not overly sized return of half the pain they take from a single blow. This would mean things like mongoose attackers feel next to nothing (they hit for decimate, AP sends half that back every 2 rounds or so) and big axe wielding bastards start feeling it really dig into them. Adds something interesting and unique to the class too.

I think you do have some point with power words and aura's. Making them the basis for the class would really make them enjoyable RP wise. Their utilities are already fairly powerful and with added offensive aura's (maybe make it a choice, one aura at a time up) we could have a class that nicely balances combining the preping that mage classes undergo with the 'throw myself at the enemy and eat them alive' feel you get with a giant axe spec. Not overly powered but certainly not vulnerable if preppared for the right situation.

Of course, I may have missed something in your original post, you'll have to forgive me if I skim read it too fast, I don't have a lot of patience for long arguments I'm affraid - Entirely my fault of course.


GinGa.