It's widely accepted that Pain Boyz are the worst support class in EC right now. So I'd like if we could brainstorm possible ideas to improve them. This isn't a thread to argue "Apothecary OP" or for nerfing anyone, just to try and help a floundering class. Possible ideas: Give Pain Boyz a choice between a Shoota or Choppa/buffed syringe to mirror Apothecary. Let Pain Boyz choose which juice to use as a base for their Dok Bombz, giving a weaker AoE version of the usual boost (eg: 20% melee buff would become 5-10% AoE) Anyone have any suggestions?
Adapting the Apoths to them would fit tbh, and would help for LSM players to switch to Ork faction when bored
I'm all for helping Pain Boyz but I think it should be noted: Despite having the worst support, Orks win pretty damn well. Tread carefully my fungus padawans.
Role of supports contirbuting to ork victory is kinda low. Orks seem beefy enough and strong on the dakka that conventional means of buffing supports by giving X bonus stats will only end up skewing things overly. Imo this has to be a mechanics change or gameplay paradigm change. This would also have to be a lorewise consistent change. Painbois are usually feared by the normal orks too...so in that vein...i propose randomizing buff/debuff for these gits. Randomly apply (- 10 % armor+10% ranged dmg) OR (-10 % toughness + 10 % melee dmg ). Applied buffs/debuff combo cant be overridden until death or smth. This way the general orks will "fear" painboy love but at the same time should one jab you ...you get a mix of buff/debuff that keeps overall faction balance consistent.
I've actually had some thought into it, and I've come to two things: Reduce the LP cost of their Dok Bomb, to maybe 100LP. On a vacuum it's clearly worse than the Apoth beacon/ServoTerminator, so I don't see why it should cost the same. This frees some LP for other things, like getting tankier. Second, make the +Lifesteal syringe also provide +Impact. This is a different flavor from the straight +Damage mods from the other 3 supports, while directly helping the painboy on its weakest area: It's knife-tier weapon. This way, when a Painboy self buffs himself for Melee, it can now actually compete with dedicated Melee specialists.
I main Painboy and call me crazy I don't feel that underpowered. I play support and I usually go for Shiny Dakka Slugga or Sikky Slugga, Urty Syringe, combat vials, medium armor. I feel I do a good job at keeping my friends healed, buffed, and I can provide a decent melee / Ranged support. The only problem is Dok Bombs that are too big and easy to destroy. LSM healing beacons are so small sometimes I cannot even see them. And btw Servo Skulls are too tanky .
