Random Peasant
Sergeant Knight at Arms
To me, Multiplayer seems a bit on the dull side as far as faction classes go. I mean, sure it's pretty clear what a faction's specialty is, but they all work the same. The only thing that really dictates what a faction is and isn't good at is which items they have access to.
So instead of following the same old Missile/Infantry/Cavalry formula, why not make it Missile/Infantry/?, the ? standing for a faction-specific class.
[Edit:] I've added in the thoughts of the people who've commented below, as well as additional suggestions.
Nords
Current Classes: Nord Archers, Nord Huscarls, Nord Scouts.
The first two I'm okay with, but Scouts? Correct me if I'm wrong but I've never heard of Northern clans ever using a cavalry-type troop, but I have heard stories of the mighty Beserkers! So why not replace Nords' cavalry with something that further defines their role as an infantry based faction?
The Nord Berserker would introduce a new line of weapons and armor, and would also call for the implementation of a Duel wielding skill (possibly). Their line of weapons would obviously be a set of axes (counts as 1 item, one axe in each hand, disables the use of shields) and swords, possibly give them a few weak shields and a low shield skill. Their armor would be a new line of fur armor, very weak and light. And their skills should reflect their profile.
Alternatively, skip the duel wielding bit and give them weak fur armor, while making them very fast and strong. (I'm sure this would satisfy all those naked warriors out there.)
Swadians
Current Classes: Swadian Crossbowman, Swadian Infantry, and Swadian Man-At-Arms.
I think the Swadians are already well defined, since they have very good cavalry troops, but if someone else can come up with something, feel free to mention it.
Rhodoks
Current Classes: Rhodok Crossbowman, Rhodok Sergeant, Rhodok Horseman.
I believe these too should lose their horseman, since it doesn't seem to fit their role very well. Instead, remove the pike from the sergeant's stash and replace the horseman with a Pikeman.
This new class would have access to a large line of pikes of different sizes and strengths, ranging from just a long sturdy branch with a pointy end to an extremely long (albeit slow) pike with a steel head and langets. They should have access to heavy armor and be very skilled with polearms, while lacking in the one-handed weapon department. To even things out, they should be given small and weak shields to protect themselves against incoming arrows and bolts. These new shields should go strapped on to the arm and only deflect passively. You wouldn't be able to ready them like you can ordinary shields. (possibly)
("Minor" suggestion to make this class more appealing: You should be able to set these pikes into a "couched" position with the "x" key. When standing still, it would display as the player bracing the butt of the pike against his foot. When on the move, it would slow the player down considerably as they held it pointing ahead of them. The transition from the stationary to mobile/couched to un-couched stances should leave the character open for a little bit of time.)
Vaegirs
Current Classes: Vaegir Archer, Vaegir Spearman, Vaegir Horseman.
I'm not too keen on this faction. From what I can tell they seem to depend on their archers, which gives me the impression that they're more of a skirmishing faction than anything else. In the event that I'm wrong, I'll give two suggestions for them.
1:As skirmishers, they should keep their horseman, but lose the lance. Instead they would take up the role that the Nord Scout currently holds, tossing javelins and throwing spears all about. This should call for more spear-based throwing items as well. Along with giving them cavalry specific long swords. Something along the lines of a Shashka (I really don't know the age of that type of sword, so I wouldn't know if it would fit into M&B's setting), or perhaps just a variety of scimitars.
2: Lose the cavalry altogether and remove the bardiche from spearman's stash, then introduce another heavy infantry troop: the Vaegir Axeman. They should rival the Nord Huscarls with their bardiche-swinging glory. However, they shouldn't be allowed throwing weapons since the spearmen already have them.
Khergits
Current Classes: Khergit Horse Archer, Khergit Lancer.
Same as the Swadians, I believe they are fine as is unless someone can propose something.
After reading a few comments I've come to the decision that the Khergits deserve a light infantry class along the lines of Skirmishers, whose role would be tossing javelins and spears at enemies. They shouldn't be unlike dismounted Lancers with relatively the same equipment but a different default set-up. Possibly give them a fairly high Athletics skill.
In the end, I haven't been playing as long as others. But I have played each faction and each class evenly, and I'm relatively decent with all of them. I'm not too sure whether or not these suggestion would toss things out of balance or not, but I always thought this would be in the spirit of the game and it always bothered me how the factions weren't as thoroughly defined as they deserve to be.
And I wrote this with equality in mind, so if any other savvy players think it could work, perhaps the suggested classes can be a 4th class option.
If this thread goes anywhere I'll add a poll or some sort.
So instead of following the same old Missile/Infantry/Cavalry formula, why not make it Missile/Infantry/?, the ? standing for a faction-specific class.
[Edit:] I've added in the thoughts of the people who've commented below, as well as additional suggestions.Nords
Current Classes: Nord Archers, Nord Huscarls, Nord Scouts.
The first two I'm okay with, but Scouts? Correct me if I'm wrong but I've never heard of Northern clans ever using a cavalry-type troop, but I have heard stories of the mighty Beserkers! So why not replace Nords' cavalry with something that further defines their role as an infantry based faction?
The Nord Berserker would introduce a new line of weapons and armor, and would also call for the implementation of a Duel wielding skill (possibly). Their line of weapons would obviously be a set of axes (counts as 1 item, one axe in each hand, disables the use of shields) and swords, possibly give them a few weak shields and a low shield skill. Their armor would be a new line of fur armor, very weak and light. And their skills should reflect their profile.
Alternatively, skip the duel wielding bit and give them weak fur armor, while making them very fast and strong. (I'm sure this would satisfy all those naked warriors out there.
)Swadians
Current Classes: Swadian Crossbowman, Swadian Infantry, and Swadian Man-At-Arms.
I think the Swadians are already well defined, since they have very good cavalry troops, but if someone else can come up with something, feel free to mention it.
PsykoOps 说:
Rhodoks
Current Classes: Rhodok Crossbowman, Rhodok Sergeant, Rhodok Horseman.
I believe these too should lose their horseman, since it doesn't seem to fit their role very well. Instead, remove the pike from the sergeant's stash and replace the horseman with a Pikeman.
This new class would have access to a large line of pikes of different sizes and strengths, ranging from just a long sturdy branch with a pointy end to an extremely long (albeit slow) pike with a steel head and langets. They should have access to heavy armor and be very skilled with polearms, while lacking in the one-handed weapon department. To even things out, they should be given small and weak shields to protect themselves against incoming arrows and bolts. These new shields should go strapped on to the arm and only deflect passively. You wouldn't be able to ready them like you can ordinary shields. (possibly)
("Minor" suggestion to make this class more appealing: You should be able to set these pikes into a "couched" position with the "x" key. When standing still, it would display as the player bracing the butt of the pike against his foot. When on the move, it would slow the player down considerably as they held it pointing ahead of them. The transition from the stationary to mobile/couched to un-couched stances should leave the character open for a little bit of time.)
Hailionaona 说:
Vaegirs
Current Classes: Vaegir Archer, Vaegir Spearman, Vaegir Horseman.
I'm not too keen on this faction. From what I can tell they seem to depend on their archers, which gives me the impression that they're more of a skirmishing faction than anything else. In the event that I'm wrong, I'll give two suggestions for them.
1:
2: Lose the cavalry altogether and remove the bardiche from spearman's stash, then introduce another heavy infantry troop: the Vaegir Axeman. They should rival the Nord Huscarls with their bardiche-swinging glory. However, they shouldn't be allowed throwing weapons since the spearmen already have them.
Halcyon 说:
Hailionaona 说:
Khergits
Current Classes: Khergit Horse Archer, Khergit Lancer.
After reading a few comments I've come to the decision that the Khergits deserve a light infantry class along the lines of Skirmishers, whose role would be tossing javelins and spears at enemies. They shouldn't be unlike dismounted Lancers with relatively the same equipment but a different default set-up. Possibly give them a fairly high Athletics skill.
Qwertyman 说:footman would be all about speed, even their best armour would only be on par with other factions medium armour. their melee equipment would likely be scimitars and similar fast swords, perhaps having a line of 2hander scimitars too?
Hailionaona 说:
In the end, I haven't been playing as long as others. But I have played each faction and each class evenly, and I'm relatively decent with all of them. I'm not too sure whether or not these suggestion would toss things out of balance or not, but I always thought this would be in the spirit of the game and it always bothered me how the factions weren't as thoroughly defined as they deserve to be.
And I wrote this with equality in mind, so if any other savvy players think it could work, perhaps the suggested classes can be a 4th class option.
If this thread goes anywhere I'll add a poll or some sort.
