A timer for held attacks

[Arkle]

I've been playing the game for a while, I mostly play on duel servers, I've noticed that a lot of players have adopted a style where they hold all of their attacks for a very long time. Held attacks make sense to prevent chambers and to break the rhythm of a fight; however, when taken to extremes they look ridiculous - they also work very well. So I would like to suggest a three second timer, you can only hold attacks for three seconds after which they will be released. You would still be able to use them to counter chambers and to stun weapons, but you would no longer have long stand offs with one person holding attacks and the other the block. 
There is also the realism argument to consider, you simply couldn't hold an attack chambered for a long amount of time - the weapon would be too heavy.
So - thoughts, suggestions.

 

[Papa Lazarou]

I agree that it often looks silly, but I don't think a timer would be the best solution. Instead the ready positions should be changed so that they look comfortable. A real chamber is not "held" at all, but relatively static positions were almost certainly used in fighting (as threats for example).

Also, chambered attacks should lose their power bonus after a very short period. There's no such thing as a static chamber really.

 

[skullman]

You could make the attack weaker after it has been held for a set period of time, and maybe even throw in a longer recovery time to simulate a tired arm or glancing blow.

Personally, I would rather have a penalty than have the game take control *shrug*.

 

[Papa Lazarou]

Your arm wouldn't get tired from standing in a real guard for a few seconds

 

[deprav]

I hope they won't. I like to strike a pose by holding the attack key anywhere I want. =)

 

[skullman]

Your arm wouldn't get tired from standing in a real guard for a few seconds

If you are talking about not getting tired from a more comfortable/realistic position (like you suggested in your original post), then that is understandable.I was referring to the positions currently in-game because I'm am pretty sure those would kill your arm after a while.

 

[Hamelech]

Completely agree with OP.

Maybe not a timer, but a decrease in speed or damage. At the moment every duel server has people running at you holding an attack. Its boring - you end up holding a block until they realise that they aren't fooling you into thinking their internet crashed - and they look idiotic.

It has a function in preventing chambers and staggering weapons, but at the moment its ridiculous. Needs a drawback as well, like slower swing speed after a certain time.