Suggestions, Feedback & Bug Reports (OOC) > Module Feedback and Suggestions
Shields too weak compared to Parry, suggested fix
FlattedFifth:
I've noticed that very, very few characters beyond a certain level use shields. Two-handed weapons predominate. Figured out that, even with heavy armor, around level 12 I could be using a greatsword and still have the same AC as with a Tower Shield +1 if I get a certain set of bracers and two feats, improved parry and skill focus parry.
There's supposed to be a defensive advantage to using a shield to make up for the lesser offensive capabilities when compared to a two handed weapon. Right now, there's zero advantage to using a shield and the disadvantages of extra weight and lower offense. I'm not suggesting we anger the whole server by nerfing Parry, rather, I suggest adding a couple feats to allow people to choose a more defense-oriented character. This would allow for more fighting styles instead of seeing nearly everyone using greatswords.
New Feat: Shield Mastery
Requirements: Base Attack Bonus 6 or Better, Shield Proficiency
Use: Automatic
Description: The character has improved the skill of not just clumsily blocking blows with a shield, but angling the shield to cause the opponent's weapon to slide off, moving the shield into the opponent like an active part of combat, and properly absorbing blows to increase the effectiveness of the shield.
Effect: Whenever the character has a shield equipped*, the character receives a +1 dodge* bonus to armor class.
New Feat: Greater Shield Mastery
Requirements: Base Attack Bonus 8 or Better, Shield Mastery Feat
Use: Automatic
Description: The character has mastered the use of a shield, making the shield almost a part of her as she fights.
Effect: Whenever the character has a shield equipped*, the character receives an additional +1 dodge* bonus to armor class (total of 2 from both feats together).
((* The feat should check that the base item of thing equipped in the shield slot is one of the three types of shields, this should not apply to off-hand weapons, torches, fashion accessories, et cetera
** + dodge ac, not shield ac, because if the shield already has a bonus, like thick chitin shields or the Akiri Sun shield +2, then the feat granting + shield ac will not stack. Dodge AC stacks with everything including itself, though, so this will not negate spells like haste))
In terms of how this will affect the server, it would mean that high lvl characters using shields will have, on average, an armor class 2 higher than those using two-handed or two weapons. Obviously those not using shields will still be doing more damage than those who do.
Nemesis 24:
I'd actually go one step further with this one and make it a fighter only feat. It would certainly give fighters a bit more of an interesting flavour, for certain. As paladins and clerics can get extremely high ac thanks to the power of divine shield not to mention spells, they more than make up for the deficit. And barbarians get the frankly fantastic barbarian feats. Rangers have their spell selections such as barkskin, and two weapon fighting feats. I'm probably missing a combat class in there - but this would be a really great one for fighters, to make them just that bit tankier.
Admittedly a lot of these deficits can be overcome by having some buffing help. For example, an enchanted shield makes up a huge difference in AC that the parry bonus won't reach. And a cleric can buff a combat classes shield 'and' armour but that requires them as well.
Overall though, I kinda like the idea. If it was for fighters I would like it even more. Show the fighters some love!
julienchab:
Totally agree with this, considering how parry is overwhelming compared to shield, which can also be so heavy. And adding it as fighter only would make it more flavor for fighters, and interesting for them.
+1
FlattedFifth:
--- Quote from: Nemesis 24 on February 06, 2017, 11:24:44 AM ---I'd actually go one step further with this one and make it a fighter only feat. It would certainly give fighters a bit more of an interesting flavour, for certain. As paladins and clerics can get extremely high ac thanks to the power of divine shield not to mention spells, they more than make up for the deficit. And barbarians get the frankly fantastic barbarian feats. Rangers have their spell selections such as barkskin, and two weapon fighting feats. I'm probably missing a combat class in there - but this would be a really great one for fighters, to make them just that bit tankier.
Admittedly a lot of these deficits can be overcome by having some buffing help. For example, an enchanted shield makes up a huge difference in AC that the parry bonus won't reach. And a cleric can buff a combat classes shield 'and' armour but that requires them as well.
Overall though, I kinda like the idea. If it was for fighters I would like it even more. Show the fighters some love!
--- End quote ---
I think fighters already get enough love from the massive amount of feats they get, and being the only ones able to specialize in weapons. What I think the server needs is more build options that are not class specific and also not dependent upon spellcasting ability.
Maybe though, there could be a 3rd feat that IS fighter specific,
New Feat: Expert Shield Mastery
Requirements: Fighter class Only, Base Attack Bonus 10 or Better, Greater Shield Mastery
Use: Automatic
Description:The Fighter has perfected the art of cushioning blows with her shield, flexing her arm to reduce the shock.
Effect: Whenever the character has a shield equipped*, the character receives Damage Reduction 2/-
Making the first two feats I suggested be fighter ONLY would basically mean that ONLY fighters are using shields, which is not what I'm aiming for. More diversity and build options for all, not some.
Night of Reod:
I don't think that it is a good idea to have such feats added into the game. It is true that you can get a similar AC to that of using a shield with two handed weapons and dual wielding, but you are forgetting that it often requires an investment of at least two feats and skill points. Using a shield enables you to spend your feats and skill points elsewhere, which can be quite valuable, and an enchanted shield ends up having one more AC than a two handed weapon does, and with a level 16 cleric it can potentially have two more AC.
What I would love to see, however, is a way to make the large and small shields relevant. Perhaps a feat could be added to let you use your parry skill alongside of a shield up to a cap? That way, players can trade a feat and some skill points for the benefit of lower weight or simply flavour, such as a rapier and buckler duelist, without losing AC.
Another suggestion would be to add utility feats for shield users, such as bonuses to discipline or other combat relevant skills while using a shield, or add a shield bash feat which gives a bonus to knockdown attacks much like improved knockdown does.
Also, do keep in mind that fighters get extra feats, which means it is less of a problem to invest feats in parry compared other classes. I think fighters are naturally more inclined to use dual wielding and two handed weapons, which makes sense as they require more drilling and martial training, something the fighter specializes in, hence the extra feats. I think fighters have their place as a key part of many multiclass builds, or characters that can perform multiple roles depending on the party composition. A full fighter has enough feats to get expertise and even improved expertise for frontlining, all the dual wielding feats and archery feats as well as some more, which gives them quite a bit of utility and flexibility.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
Go to full version