Pil
03-10-2005, 12:23 AM
<DIV> <P>Here are a couple of ideas I have had to tweak Rangers, without making game-altering changes to the class balance. </P> <BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr> <P>-<FONT color=#ff0000><STRONG>Assumption</STRONG></FONT></P> <UL> <LI>Rangers prefer Longbows because our damage comes from specials, not "ranged attack"</LI></UL> <P>-<FONT color=#ff0000><STRONG>Proposals</STRONG></FONT></P></BLOCKQUOTE> <UL> <LI>Restrict the rate of growth in Longbow skill for other classes (leave Shortbow the same, they are easier for unskilled archers to use). Rangers would always have a higher skill level in Longbow relative to another player of the same level then we would truely have a ranged advantage. (access to better bows sooner)</LI> <UL> <LI>This would limit (but not eliminate) other classes ability to pull with bows, and ensure that Rangers would be have the best bows available for a given level. This creates class desireability, at least a little.</LI> <LI>Every time I look around, the tank in my group is using the same bow I am. <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></LI> <LI>Shortbows (and eventually cross-bows and other goodies we thought would be there) would still be desireable to all classes, and as they level so would Longbows, but Rangers would add Longbows as a specialty.</LI></UL> <LI>At the same time, I would like to see the range on Shortbows cut significantly. As it sits now, it is hard to tell the difference in the range between short and Longbows as a practical matter. You just keep hitting your attack until the game fires the bow instead of give you the 'out of range' message. </LI> <UL> <LI>Making this difference clear and meaningful to players would help with differentiation. </LI> <LI>Perhaps a slight increase to Longbows might help this, but I am not looking for a handout.</LI></UL> <LI>Slightly increase the rate of fire on longbows, or tie the rate of fire to Archery skill. Better archers fire quickly with the same accuracy as a newb, but the newb requires the extra time to carefully aim and steady. </LI> <UL> <LI>I would like to see Bows operate the same way melee weapons do when a player is affected by a combat speed increase. The increase affects the attack speed of the weapon by a percentage. Archery skill could increase the rate of fire on a bow by a percentage. </LI> <LI>This ties in with my first suggestion. By splitting the skills out and awarding a bonus in Longbow skill to Rangers, they would be able to employ Longbows a bit more effectively in regular "ranged attack" mode because their added skill would improve the attack speed. This would only slightly improve our DPS because Rangers do not ordinarily rely on "ranged attack", though if it was carried far enough this system could theoretically produce an "archery only" playstyle that still yielded good DPS. I am not sure thats practical, but right now I don't see another way to make rangers "archery only" without whole-scale changes.</LI></UL> <LI>Finally, fix Tear to pull Fulginate arrows.</LI> <UL> <LI>SOE has tried to set up Rangers as the only class that DOES NOT need to purchase their arrows. That seems to be the intent of "Makeshift Arrow" and "Rip". Tear seems to be the clear exception. I really don't believe this was intended and should be fixed. Once fixed, then Rangers will have the clear advantage of being self sufficient in arrows, while other classes must purchase theirs.</LI></UL></UL> <BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr> <P><STRONG><FONT color=#ff0000>Intended Outcome</FONT></STRONG></P> <UL> <LI>This is not intended to radically shift us relative to other classes. There are probably other balance issues associated with our damage types, weapons and armor. Please feel free to add them here.</LI> <LI>My primary concern is to make the class distinctive and desireable.</LI> <LI>I also root these suggestions in a basic belief (at least up to 37, where my ranger is now) that the class is basically sound, and only needs these types of small changes. I know some of you don't feel that way.</LI></UL> <P><FONT color=#33cc00>Green Means go - so flame away.</FONT></P></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV>