Shields giving AV

Dec 24, 2017, 6:50 am
#1
Joined: Apr 2, 2014
Occupation: Navastating
Location: Aslona
Posts: 764
I have a new solution to the useless shields problem mentioned many, many times. Here is the relevant branch.

I don't think adding offensive capabilities (bashing etc.) to shields is the best way to go, mostly because this makes shields similar to dual-wielding, while IMHO shield builds should feel differently and more defense oriented than offense oriented dual-wield builds. Therefore, I think a nice way to buff shields is to give them an AV bonus applied to all body parts, just as cloaks. That way, you can either go dual-wield route and have more attacks/higher damage, or go shield route and have less damage, but more blocking (already present) and more AV (my change).

Even better, this change makes both light and heavy shields viable and different. Light shields are more accurate, thus better at blocking blows and negating the damage completely. Heavy shields are inaccurate and bad at blocking, but have much higher AV bonuses and will reduce damage taken. You can decide yourself which is better for you, but both types of shields have pros and cons.

While you will still sacrifice offense by wielding a shield, now they will offer a tradeoff that is hopefully worth it.

Coincidentally, this also fixes a bug with Aegis which was already present in CLIVAN and I didn't notice it until now - it only gave its elemental resistances to the arm you wielded it with, not your whole body. Now it will be fixed.

What do you think?
Dec 24, 2017, 11:30 am
#2
Ex-Tyrant of the IVANers


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If I recall correctly light shields are better at *blocking* but actually block *less* damage. So take that into account as well. (Amount of damage blocked is dependent on material strength and blocking strength).
"Put more stuff in the... thing where... more stuff goes in."
Dec 24, 2017, 10:32 pm
#3
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Uchuudonge wrote
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Dec 25, 2017, 4:12 am
#4
Joined: Apr 2, 2014
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chaostrom wrote
That was one of the suggestions I made previously in order to enhance what Izzy mentioned just above.

Wow, I just reinvented the wheel! Good idea, chaostrom, I like it.
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