[Suggestion] Class upgrades

[Night Ninja]

The basic idea behind this is that you can choose to access a higher-tier class by paying a sum of gold. For example, someone playing as a Veteran could have accumulated a bit of gold, and could choose to upgrade his class to a Huscarl. This class upgrade acts in the same manner as equipment in that you have to purchase it every time you die and respawn.

For example, to upgrade to a Huscarl from a Veteran, you would need 800 gold. This is an approximate sum and is subject to change. The upgrade acts like equipment in that you have to purchase it again if you die and wish to continue using the upgrade when you respawn. Think of it as equipment that gives a stat boost, if you will.

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This following portion is a bit of further expansion on the idea, but the gist of it is represented above.

The upgrade represents a sort of advancement for the character and it should be reflected in the equipment options. In addition to the minor stat enhancements (IIRC the Native Huscarl has 2 Ironflesh and 1 Power Strike over the Warband Veteran, and the proficiencies aren't drastically improved), you should get a different equipment selection. There are two possible ways to represent this:

1) You receive a slight decrease in cost for the high-tier equipment and start out with free mid-tier equipment to represent the improved access that the 'elite' troops have. Since the cost of this equipment is factored into the upgrade cost as well, it is an incentive to keep the base equipment and not run around in your underpants. People who wish to invest in heavier armour may also want to look into upgrading their class to benefit from the stat boost and the slight discount.

2) Create a higher tier class for each battlefield role which removes most of the mid-tier equipment options, in exchange for the aforementioned stat boost. Swadian Knights shouldn't be running around in gambesons, and the Nord Huscarl who made it to that lofty rank without owning any mail is a lucky bastard indeed. This has the advantage of simplicity, but the problem is that it reinforces the feedback loop that results from a good streak.

 

[Moss]

What would the benefits be? Just higher stats? Access to more equipment choices? Better default equipment?

 

[Night Ninja]

What would the benefits be? Just higher stats? Access to more equipment choices? Better default equipment?

Probably a combination of them. Higher stats, but not significantly (compare the Native Huscarl's stats to the current Veteran's), and a different equipment selection.

Another possibility is including decent basic armour (rough equivalent of the leather jerkin, for example). It would encourage people to make use of it instead of running around naked, and its logical as well since you have to possess a certain amount of equipment to make it to that stage. Unequipping a shirt is probably fine for most players, but doing the same for free armour that costs approx. 300 gold for everyone else might make them think twice. Of course, the cost of the class should take this into consideration.

 

[Phallas]

Ah now its time for me to flame one of your posts ,But i won't ill, I'll just say i don't like the idea like a civil person.

 

[Plazek]

I think it could be a good idea.

 

[Ehecatzin]

I dont think I like the idea either, what would be the point of giving the best player improved stats? like they need them to start with, in the other hand it would worsen the problem of naked 2h spam, just imagine it, I go naked and pack a 2h and spam like crazy, get enough extra money to get better stats and spam even better!

As for higher troop tiers, I'd rather see more troops types and equipment for all factions, that way you get more variety in both tactics and aesthetics.

 

[Night Ninja]

I dont think I like the idea either, what would be the point of giving the best player improved stats? like they need them to start with, in the other hand it would worsen the problem of naked 2h spam, just imagine it, I go naked and pack a 2h and spam like crazy, get enough extra money to get better stats and spam even better!

As for higher troop tiers, I'd rather see more troops types and equipment for all factions, that way you get more variety in both tactics and aesthetics.

Well, the problem is that balancing those new troop types is going to be a pain. They need to be fun and interesting to play, and they need to fill a niche in the faction. Class upgrades are just 'more of the same', so to speak, so I'm not seeing much of a problem there. Bundling armour with the class upgrade is also a good way to ensure that people don't dump it and run around in their skivvies.

 

[Lord Rich]

I think theres already too much of a positive feedback loop with the gold and purchase system we have now. This would only exacerbate that.

 

[Moss]

Not really. Most players don't bother with the most expensive equipment so as long as your playing a team game you won't ever have issues getting the gear you want.

Deathmatch is slightly different, you have to be pretty good to afford the best gear but even then as a middle rank player you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[Hethwill]

I agree with the setup of an option like this.

But...

...not before the balance of weapons/armor/factions/horses/etc

has been achieved to a majority receptivity level.

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P.s- I would suggest you, OP, to make the breakdown of class tiers then. Could give more insight of what you are thinking instead of presenting a sterile suggestion.