Historically, crossbowmen planted large pavises shields to protect against enemy fire. There are numerous examples of elite crossbowmen using these tactics: one example is the famous Genoese Crossbowmen. The Rhodok faction in M&B is quite reminiscent of the Italian city-states, and their crossbow line wields large pavise shields. However, in M&B, these pavise shields are not used to their full potential; currently, crossbowmen merely keep them on their back, rather than using them in accordance to historical tactics.
Here's a picture of a crossbowman utilising his pavise shield.
What effects will this have on the game?
The main disadvantage of the crossbow is the slow firing rate. Historically, pavise shields were used to make up for this disadvantage.
Adding pavise shields will add a sense of historical authenticity, as well as a sense of much-needed uniqueness to the Rhodok faction.
Proper pavises go along perfectly with the Rhodok faction; it is indisputable that the Rhodoks are a defensive faction, with their large shields, long polearms, and crossbows. Pavises will simply add to the flavor.
Of course, the player will also be able to use this ability as well; it would be a quite useful tactic for crossbow users.
One argument presented is that this will unbalance the game; this is simply not true.
Though the pavise provides protection against enemy fire, it does not provide total protection. A crossbowman will still have to expose himself in order to fire his weapon, and it still does not counter the fact that the crossbow has a slow firing rate. At the moment, the Rhodoks are one of the weakest factions. Their infantry troops are sub-par compared to Swadian Sergeants, Vaegir Guards, and Nord Huscarls. (based on numerous tests) They also lack a heavy cavalry line such as Swadian or Vaegir Knights and Khergit Lancers. It is my belief that adding pavises will only act to balance the Rhodok faction.
How will this be implemented?
Some good ideas are:
1. When any crossbowmen with pavises stand still (with the hold position or stand ground commands), they will ground their pavises . When the crossbowmen start moving, they will pick up their shields and move.
2. A special command used to ground/unground the pavises. The AI will also use this when assaulting with a siege tower, or when using the "slow advance" or defensive field tactics.
Here's a picture of a crossbowman utilising his pavise shield.
What effects will this have on the game?
The main disadvantage of the crossbow is the slow firing rate. Historically, pavise shields were used to make up for this disadvantage.
Adding pavise shields will add a sense of historical authenticity, as well as a sense of much-needed uniqueness to the Rhodok faction.
Proper pavises go along perfectly with the Rhodok faction; it is indisputable that the Rhodoks are a defensive faction, with their large shields, long polearms, and crossbows. Pavises will simply add to the flavor.
Of course, the player will also be able to use this ability as well; it would be a quite useful tactic for crossbow users.
One argument presented is that this will unbalance the game; this is simply not true.
Though the pavise provides protection against enemy fire, it does not provide total protection. A crossbowman will still have to expose himself in order to fire his weapon, and it still does not counter the fact that the crossbow has a slow firing rate. At the moment, the Rhodoks are one of the weakest factions. Their infantry troops are sub-par compared to Swadian Sergeants, Vaegir Guards, and Nord Huscarls. (based on numerous tests) They also lack a heavy cavalry line such as Swadian or Vaegir Knights and Khergit Lancers. It is my belief that adding pavises will only act to balance the Rhodok faction.
How will this be implemented?
Some good ideas are:
1. When any crossbowmen with pavises stand still (with the hold position or stand ground commands), they will ground their pavises . When the crossbowmen start moving, they will pick up their shields and move.
2. A special command used to ground/unground the pavises. The AI will also use this when assaulting with a siege tower, or when using the "slow advance" or defensive field tactics.
