Character Classes

[Chenier]

Something I have thought about for a while is to get rid of subclass and have instead specialisations. The specialisation in general would not add more abilities, but boost the relevant ones. So as you say a courtier would have the non-combat skills and be able to fulfil all those roles, with a small advantage in their area of specialisation.

We already have skills, specialization seems redundant.

[De-Legro]

We already have skills, specialization seems redundant.

In most cases, with access to the abilities that would quickly mean courtier characters maxed out in all fields. Specialisation ensures a character is not master of all.

[Chenier]

In most cases, with access to the abilities that would quickly mean courtier characters maxed out in all fields. Specialisation ensures a character is not master of all.

Really? I don't... My characters tend to specialize naturally. Warriors would either have high jousting or high swordsmanship (actually I don't think I ever favored jousting), courtier/diplomats would have administration or oratory, but not both at similar levels. I've never had a character with very high stats for more than one skill, or generally high stats for more than two.

[De-Legro]

Really? I don't... My characters tend to specialize naturally. Warriors would either have high jousting or high swordsmanship (actually I don't think I ever favored jousting), courtier/diplomats would have administration or oratory, but not both at similar levels. I've never had a character with very high stats for more than one skill, or generally high stats for more than two.

I was more meaning that if you create a general class for non-combatants, and those characters have access to ALL the abilities, then yes it is possible to have characters with very high oratory, trading etc. If you make a general jack of all trades class, then you need to have methods that make sure that they are not going to be masters of all. For instance infils already have very high skills in two levels if they wish to excels, many courtiers likewise have both high oratory and bureaucracy, mine certainty did so without significant effort.

[vonGenf]

Something I have thought about for a while is to get rid of subclass and have instead specialisations. The specialisation in general would not add more abilities, but boost the relevant ones. So as you say a courtier would have the non-combat skills and be able to fulfil all those roles, with a small advantage in their area of specialisation.

I can see how you could merge Courtier, Trader and Diplomat into a single non-combat (sub)class with specializations.

However, priests and infiltrators maybe should remain as separate choices, for both RP reasons and gameplay reasons. They have a much different feel to them.

[Chenier]

I was more meaning that if you create a general class for non-combatants, and those characters have access to ALL the abilities, then yes it is possible to have characters with very high oratory, trading etc. If you make a general jack of all trades class, then you need to have methods that make sure that they are not going to be masters of all. For instance infils already have very high skills in two levels if they wish to excels, many courtiers likewise have both high oratory and bureaucracy, mine certainty did so without significant effort.

Takes a long time to really master a skill. By then, usually, you start getting old and start suffering skill decay. But hey, if a character takes a long time to get really good oratory skill, then again for bureaucracy, then again for trading, then again for whatever else... why shouldn't he be a jack of all trade? He actually spent the time to train it all. Feels like gamey than just choosing a class and instantly gaining bonuses, and then opting out and replacing them for others.

[Eldargard]

Perhaps the specialization would allow one skill to progress faster wile other skills progressed slower. This would make a Non-Combatant who specialized in diplomacy better in oration but not better over all.

One could then combine the three non-combat classes of Courtier, Diplomat and Trader. The Courtier would be the base with equal gain in all skills. Diplomats gain a boost in oratory, Traders gain a boost in Trading and the new administrator would gain a boost in Bureaucracy.

One could consider something similar with the combatant classes. Combine Warrior, Cavalier, and Hero (minus the mortality). Warrior is the base with equal gain in all skills. Have three specializations: Cavalier boosts Jousting, Hero boosts Swordfighting and the new Officer specialization that boosts Leadership.

Then make mortality something all players can chose to opt in on - not just heroes.

Priests would just stay priests I guess which would kind of suck for the Priest/Diplomats out there.

Infiltrator could be a subclass for anything except for priests.

[vonGenf]

One could then combine the three non-combat classes of Courtier, Diplomat and Trader. The Courtier would be the base with equal gain in all skills. Diplomats gain a boost in oratory, Traders gain a boost in Trading and the new administrator would gain a boost in Bureaucracy.

One could consider something similar with the combatant classes. Combine Warrior, Cavalier, and Hero (minus the mortality). Warrior is the base with equal gain in all skills. Have three specializations: Cavalier boosts Jousting, Hero boosts Swordfighting and the new Officer specialization that boosts Leadership.

Then make mortality something all players can chose to opt in on - not just heroes.

Priests would just stay priests I guess which would kind of suck for the Priest/Diplomats out there.

Infiltrator could be a subclass for anything except for priests.

I think I like that!

[Eldargard]

Unique Purpose in the Game:

The warrior does posses a set of abilities no other has. When one becomes a Courtier, Trader, Diplomat, Hero, Cavalier or Infiltrator certain warrior abilities are lost or diminished as others are gained. Though it is the most bland class in the game, It does serve a unique purpose.

Fits into the Game:

I do not think the name fits into the game well but I can not think of a better one. From what I recall of history I believe that few middle age nobles would be warriors or heroes and that their "base class" would be something closer to cavalry.

Usefulness:

Warriors are quite useful. They are the only combat centric class/subclass capable of performing civil work. They are probably the most versatile of the classes. They can aid in region maintenance, lead worth units, attend tournaments, do police work, hang rebels and so much more.

Fun Factor:

The class itself does not lend itself to fun though it does not prevent it either. Being such a versatile class, players can seek many fun opportunities as a warrior!

Extras:

Being the base class of the game, I would try to make it a little more like the cavalier as most noble warriors, from what I recall were such. I would also make it easier to switch into certain other classes so a player can get their character on the track they most prefer sooner.

[Zakilevo]

That is an interesting way to look at it.

I think turning on mortality should give you maybe 50% extra gain on h/p or faster skill gain. Or gain skills on the battlefield but more often.

[Lorgan]

I still hope advies will be allowed infil actions one day.

[Eldargard]

That is an interesting way to look at it.

I think turning on mortality should give you maybe 50% extra gain on h/p or faster skill gain. Or gain skills on the battlefield but more often.

I don't know. The only benefit I think would be good is making the effects of old age less severe. The whole old-age penalty thing is to encourage turn over and by opting for mortality one is electing to aid in turnover in a different way. I think that having any other bonus would quickly be perceived as a penalty by those who do not opt in for mortality. I know I would turn on mortality for all characters bonus or not.

[Zakilevo]

I honestly think old characters should have auto mortality after a certain age.

It is ridiculous to see characters that are over 100 years old...

[Zakilevo]

I still hope advies will be allowed infil actions one day.

That will be the day I catch any advy I encounter.

[Lorgan]

That will be the day I catch any advy I encounter.

If you can!