The Prefix/Suffix Mechanic

[Kane0]

From what I know, the Warlock/DFA have a unique mechanic (beyond invocations, they're just glorified SLAs to me) in their Eldritch Blast & Breath. The whole concept that they have one primary tool that they can apply a prefix (Essences) and suffix (Shapes) to in order to turn that tool into a swiss army knife (ignoring the fact that Invocations ended up taking more than a supporting role).

Why hasn't this recurred? It seems a really applicable and usable mechanic, one that could definitely be a great addition to the game if refined a little.

[KillianHawkeye]

I think it's because by the time the Warlock had been introduced, all of the main systems for the game were already well developed. Afterwards, the only new systems introduced were mainly experimental (incarnum, Tome of Battle, Tome of Magic) and, thus, they weren't really copying the ideas from any previous game mechanics.

[Kane0]

Makes sense, too bad they didnt run with it in 4e. Or an Incarnum-esque system.