cRPG

cRPG => Suggestions Corner => Game Balance Discussion => Topic started by: Diomedes on February 03, 2011, 12:54:03 am

Title: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Diomedes on February 03, 2011, 12:54:03 am
Lol by four huh? whered you get this number from? your ass? you make that thing any shorter/less damaging and every one will just go back to using the military pick. So basically what your arguing for is to take it out completely because that's what you'll end up doing.

I was talking about the masterwork pick specifically but the length change would likely apply to all cases.  I chose four because that would bring the pick's length to sixty, making it a full palm's breadth shorter than its sister the warhammer, thus evening out the odds a bit between the two weapons.  Right now the steel pick has speed, damage, its unique head, weight, requirement, and price over the warhammer while the warhammer has knockdown, blunt damage, stab, and 1 point of length.



To everyone:

Am I alone in thinking the steel pick has irregular stats?  Does this possible irregularity translate to an imbalance?


For reference:
Quote
Steel Pick   6889   
weight 2.25
requirement 12
spd rtng 100
weapon length 64
swing damage 33, pierce
thrust damage 0 pierce
   
Warhammer   7550   
weight 3
requirement 15
spd rtng 99
weapon length 65
swing damage 31, blunt
thrust damage 18 pierce
Knockdown
   
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Xant on February 03, 2011, 12:55:57 am
imba op, nerf.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: AdNecrias on February 03, 2011, 02:46:01 am
Nerf archers. They are clearly OP now that 2h and throwing have been nerfed.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: zagibu on February 03, 2011, 02:57:45 am
I think the pick is alright...it's damn short, ever tried using one?
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Rextard on February 03, 2011, 03:25:53 am
Pick is fine, it has 1 damage type and 3 attacks.

Warhammer has 3 blunt damage attacks, which according to the calculator (http://infinitum.dyndns.org/crpg/calc.htm) do the most damage against armor. Warhammer also has 1 piercing attack, which is the only damage type for the pick.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Diomedes on February 03, 2011, 05:12:19 am
Pick is fine, it has 1 damage type and 3 attacks.

Warhammer has 3 blunt damage attacks, which according to the calculator (http://infinitum.dyndns.org/crpg/calc.htm) do the most damage against armor. Warhammer also has 1 piercing attack, which is the only damage type for the pick.

Warhammers do the most against armour but don't do x3 against the head, which is the main target for most 1h strikes.  The pierce attack for the warhammer, though, is pretty bad.  The long wind up, short reach, and really obvious animation make it undesirable against most targets.  The blunt vs pierce damage distinction is not very important here because when dealing with differences between the moderate 31 and 33 attack points the calculated average difference against 60 armour comes to +1 for pierce damage over blunt.  The difference when dealing damage to the head, however, is much more substantial.

But in the pick's favour over the warhammer is speed, damage, heirloomed damage, price, and weapon shape (it can hit sooner than a regular 1h because of its unique head).

I think the pick is alright...it's damn short, ever tried using one?

Yep.  Used the warhammer too.  I'm not saying either weapon OP generally - just that the pick is either under-priced or over-powered for its price.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Fasader on February 03, 2011, 07:33:58 am
will be slower next patch considering it got +4 range at no cost
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Kherr on February 03, 2011, 09:09:08 am
Ok... I have to admit that I use a masterwork steel pick. I play Louis le Mort and I remember kills of some of the participants of the discussion.
I cannot understand that there is always a speed discussion.
You have a problem? More agility.
You were killed? The weapon is too fast... lets nerf.

Louis has a boring 21/15 strength build. So I topped the damage, not the speed.

There are a lot of tactics against str builds with short weapons. You can...
...kick with your feet and use the stun
...go back while swinging your 2h (hey... use the length)
...use a long maul
...cav, throwing, archer
...use an axe. Shield will be destroyed in a few hits and 1h blocking is bad cause of stun.
...better timing with your 1h/2h
...whatever

You can do a lot. Some tactics will not work against agi builds with a pick, but the damage of the pick will be much lower... so no fear.

But atm most guys use an agility build. They circle around and always do a left2right swing. Not a lot of damage and hp. One hit and they are dead. Ok... there are agi guys out there who use much better tactics... but you have to use them.

Yes, you can nerf it. But I think the main problem will stay... wrong tactic against picker.
Also I dont think it is a big problem... how many player use a pick? Not a lot.
Also I hope the balance of the steel pick and the other weapons will be still ok then. So e.g. I really miss the thrust.

Btw... if I die one hit of a 2h the 21:3 k/d guys tell me "hey... i heirloomed it. what do you want? AND IT IS SKILL". And such guys fear a 64cm stick?
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Casimir on February 03, 2011, 09:25:03 am
From what ive found in game most pick users are Agi builds. The high speed rating coupled with the pierce damage makes it a good weapon for fave hugging people. Also peirce scales pretty good against armours so no more str than what ur equipment requires is really needed.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Mouse on February 03, 2011, 09:28:52 am
wrong tactic

This pretty much sums up most (not all) complaints about balance in the current version of cRPG. People use the wrong tactics and then cry when they lose.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Xant on February 03, 2011, 10:27:32 am
There are a lot of tactics against str builds with short weapons. You can...
...kick with your feet and use the stun
...go back while swinging your 2h (hey... use the length)
...use a long maul
...cav, throwing, archer
...use an axe. Shield will be destroyed in a few hits and 1h blocking is bad cause of stun.
...better timing with your 1h/2h
...whatever

Kicking is hardly something that's reliable for the vast majority of players and missing one usually means death.

Use the length you say? How? You can sneak in a hit now and then if you've got a lot of agi by backpedalling but that's about it.

You have to use a specific weapon to counter it? And long maul counters everything else just as much.

Cav, throwing, archer? Forgot about the shield?

OK, your shield is destroyed. Now you have to actually... gasp.. manual block! And you still have the advantage.

So, "Play better?" Well d'uh. A level 1 peasant can kill a level 31 player if the peasant plays better. Doesn't mean it's balanced.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Kherr on February 03, 2011, 10:54:59 am
Kicking is hardly something that's reliable for the vast majority of players and missing one usually means death.

Use the length you say? How? You can sneak in a hit now and then if you've got a lot of agi by backpedalling but that's about it.

You have to use a specific weapon to counter it? And long maul counters everything else just as much.

Cav, throwing, archer? Forgot about the shield?

OK, your shield is destroyed. Now you have to actually... gasp.. manual block! And you still have the advantage.

So, "Play better?" Well d'uh. A level 1 peasant can kill a level 31 player if the peasant plays better. Doesn't mean it's balanced.
Xant... cmon... you are a very good player. We could discuss some of your comments... so e.g. 1h blocking is different than 2h blocking... it is not the same because of the stun.

But whats the big picture? At least for me I can say I die often enough... cause the opponent has better tactic or I make a mistake. e.g. I know 2h player against them I loose almost every time.

And yes... sometimes you need a specific build or weapon against a specific opponent. But thats normal. I build a thrower - Francine - explicitely against 2h spammer and cav. And it works quite well.
A 1h cannot do anything against lance cav. A 2h str nothing against archer. and so on.

So we have to work as a team in a battle. Every build has its strength and its weakeness. But imho the most player want to be a hero with every build... win against all types of enemies. That does not work.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Xant on February 03, 2011, 12:47:21 pm
Xant... cmon... you are a very good player. We could discuss some of your comments... so e.g. 1h blocking is different than 2h blocking... it is not the same because of the stun.

But whats the big picture? At least for me I can say I die often enough... cause the opponent has better tactic or I make a mistake. e.g. I know 2h player against them I loose almost every time.

And yes... sometimes you need a specific build or weapon against a specific opponent. But thats normal. I build a thrower - Francine - explicitely against 2h spammer and cav. And it works quite well.
A 1h cannot do anything against lance cav. A 2h str nothing against archer. and so on.

So we have to work as a team in a battle. Every build has its strength and its weakeness. But imho the most player want to be a hero with every build... win against all types of enemies. That does not work.

Point is, the counters you list have nothing to do with the weapon, except perhaps the length. The comparison should be made to other 1h weapons - or 2h, considering it gets 39 pierce and 102 speed at gen3, which is much better than a gen3 german greatsword which is supposedly the 2h pierce weapon.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Kherr on February 03, 2011, 12:55:09 pm
Point is, the counters you list have nothing to do with the weapon, except perhaps the length. The comparison should be made to other 1h weapons - or 2h, considering it gets 39 pierce and 102 speed at gen3, which is much better than a gen3 german greatsword which is supposedly the 2h pierce weapon.
Ok... lets compare it with other 1h weapons. How? 10cm length are worth 1 speed point?

Suggestion... we use statistic. Let us see which 1h weapon is used how often and how many kills are done with it.
According to my experience a weapon or a weapon type which is clearly overpowered will be used by a lot of people and cause a lot of kills. If there are no significant more kills than with other 1h weapons there is no overpowerment.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: UrLukur on February 03, 2011, 02:08:19 pm
Ok... lets compare it with other 1h weapons. How? 10cm length are worth 1 speed point?

Suggestion... we use statistic. Let us see which 1h weapon is used how often and how many kills are done with it.
According to my experience a weapon or a weapon type which is clearly overpowered will be used by a lot of people and cause a lot of kills. If there are no significant more kills than with other 1h weapons there is no overpowerment.

First, we should have to calculate median of k/d ratio among lvl 30. players who use pick over other 1h weapons. Then we would have to worry about sample size.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Kherr on February 03, 2011, 02:24:33 pm
First, we should have to calculate median of k/d ratio among lvl 30. players who use pick over other 1h weapons. Then we would have to worry about sample size.
You are right.

But at the moment I simple look around and I dont see a lot of steel picks. I dont fight very often against another steel pick user.
An example would be the sword of cookies. A few weeks ago a lot of people used it cause of its effectiveness. Clear sign of overpowerment. The last patches changed that.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: UrLukur on February 03, 2011, 02:31:48 pm
You are right.

But at the moment I simple look around and I dont see a lot of steel picks. I dont fight very often against another steel pick user.
An example would be the sword of cookies. A few weeks ago a lot of people used it cause of its effectiveness. Clear sign of overpowerment. The last patches changed that.

Still people use it a lot, as it's still extremely useful. I see some DRZ and RuConquista guys with picks, they do just fine, topping scoreboard from time to time.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Engine on February 03, 2011, 04:20:47 pm
About me:
My primary weapon has pretty much always been a pick. I used to use a Military pick, then the Steel Pick made it obsolete so I switched to it. Currently it's heirloomed once. I consider myself very familiar with picks.

It's a great 1h, BUT you really need to learn how to address the length disadvantage. Unquestionably and frequently I miss out on kills because I'm just out of range. It really is a severe detriment, and I think it's HILARIOUS to hear complaints from 2h/pole users.

1. Why are 3x heirlooms being being discussed? I frequently see Masterwork German Swords, Deadly awlpikes, Masterwork becs etc... the same longtime favorites people have always used. Post-patch I have not ONCE seen another heirloomed pick on the field but mine. Not ONCE. If it were OP you'd see more.

2. There is far less heavy armor running around. The pick, as an anti-tincan weapon, is subsequently less effective on today's battlefield.

3. It's a 1h, that's insanely short, and in tradeoff only does only a point or two more than an espada or side sword. It doesn't have knockdown or anti-shield bonus. What's the problem?
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: rustyspoon on February 03, 2011, 04:29:43 pm
I used to use the steel pick a lot on my dedicated 1 hander. If you're a good player, you can kill average players left and right with it. The problem is when you run into a skilled player. That's why I switched to an italian sword. The steel pick just doesn't have the versatility of a long sword.

Sure the pick does good damage against armor and has decent speed, but it has a short reach and you can only attack from 3 directions. That in and of itself is a big balancing factor. You have to be practically on top of someone to hit them which makes it even harder to circle around them.

Steel pick isn't OP at all. Now if you mentioned the side sword, I MIGHT agree with you.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Noble Crassius on February 03, 2011, 05:35:08 pm
Yep.  Used the warhammer too.  I'm not saying either weapon OP generally - just that the pick is either under-priced or over-powered for its price.

Included some views of your from last topic which it seems you reevaluated from this statement - if all your asking is for a price adjustment then sure I'll roll with that.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Engine on February 03, 2011, 06:22:57 pm
Errrr... The Steel Pick costs 366g to repair, iirc. The Long Espada costs about 400g.

Are you saying the Steel Pick is better?

Really?
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Noble Crassius on February 04, 2011, 07:04:44 am
Yes I don't really liek the long espeda myself *shrug* matter of preference. Do I think price needs to be adjusted for the pick to be "balanced"? No. price can't balance out anything. I just agree with it because if it makes these whiners happy why not? a +1000gmax (anything above is over-kill) on price won't effect me using it no way no how.

Do I think steel pick is imbalanced? No not particularity but it is edging.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Spawny on February 04, 2011, 04:07:21 pm
There's a very easy counter to pick users:

ANY crushthrough weapon wielded by someone with the PS to crushthrough regularly AND a sense of timing.

That's the main reason I switched from using my steel pick to a side sword. When someone has an overhead chambered with a great maul, you have to rely on footwork to stay alive with a pick. You can't outrange the maul and when the guy has proper timing, he will always hit you before you can strike him.
Once he missed his first attack, he's in trouble though.
With a side sword, you have this nifty thrust attack. It's really helpfull to kill people with overheads chambered. It's also faster than a steel pick, about 50% longer and deals just 1 damage less (even though it's cut damage, doesn't matter that much with the generally lower armourvalues).
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Dexxtaa on February 04, 2011, 08:39:52 pm

1. Why are 3x heirlooms being being discussed? I frequently see Masterwork German Swords, Deadly awlpikes, Masterwork becs etc... the same longtime favorites people have always used. Post-patch I have not ONCE seen another heirloomed pick on the field but mine. Not ONCE. If it were OP you'd see more.


Dawg, I just wanted my horsekiller back. I never wanted it to be more awesome that it already was.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Rhaelys on February 04, 2011, 10:13:46 pm
There's a very easy counter to pick users:

ANY crushthrough weapon wielded by someone with the PS to crushthrough regularly AND a sense of timing.

That's the main reason I switched from using my steel pick to a side sword. When someone has an overhead chambered with a great maul, you have to rely on footwork to stay alive with a pick. You can't outrange the maul and when the guy has proper timing, he will always hit you before you can strike him.
Once he missed his first attack, he's in trouble though.
With a side sword, you have this nifty thrust attack. It's really helpfull to kill people with overheads chambered. It's also faster than a steel pick, about 50% longer and deals just 1 damage less (even though it's cut damage, doesn't matter that much with the generally lower armourvalues).

Actually, damage type matters quite a bit. Against medium armor (40) with 5 Power Strike and 150 WPF:

1) With a 32 cut weapon, you would, on average, do 20 damage
2) With a 33 pierce weapon, you would, on average, do 28.5 damage.

*Taken from Vargas' Melee Weapon Damage Calculator.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Rextard on February 04, 2011, 11:08:26 pm
Srsly, steel pick doesn't need to be nerfed. The 2h morningstar is the best example of why, that I can think of: (especially when you consider most pick users are shield users)

Steel Pick   6889   
weight 2.25
requirement 12
spd rtng 100
weapon length 64
swing damage 33, pierce
thrust damage 0 pierce

Morningstar   3978   
weight 3.8
requirement 13
spd rtng 92
weapon length 82
swing damage 38, pierce
thrust damage 0 pierce
Unbalanced
Bonus against Shield

Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Xant on February 04, 2011, 11:24:17 pm
Unbalanced.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Vexus on February 04, 2011, 11:47:11 pm
When a 1h weapon which can be used with a shield has nearly same damage of a 2h and polearm pick then there is something wrong.

Plus yea like above unbalanced.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Kherr on February 05, 2011, 01:13:20 am
Again... is there only a feeling "overpowered" or can someone proof it with numbers? Is there really a problem?

It's ok if you dont like it cause you were killed by it... but that is not enough to demand a nerf.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Diomedes on February 05, 2011, 01:34:13 am
Again... is there only a feeling "overpowered" or can someone proof it with numbers? Is there really a problem?

It's ok if you dont like it cause you were killed by it... but that is not enough to demand a nerf.

Weapon stats have been posted multiple times.  Look at it compared to a morningstar.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Rextard on February 05, 2011, 02:29:28 am
Um, morningstar may have unbalanced, but its also the only piercing weapon other than some polarms with piercing stabs that has a bonus against shields.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Kalam on February 05, 2011, 02:47:33 am
If you have more of an issue with picks over other weapons, there's something wrong with the way you're playing.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Kherr on February 05, 2011, 10:04:38 am
Weapon stats have been posted multiple times.  Look at it compared to a morningstar.
Yep, but imho that's not the point. You have two level of balancing.

At first you have to ensure that no weapon class is overpowered compared to the other classes. So e.g. you have to ensure there are not only archer, but also cav, 2h, 1h,... Each class must be viable.

2nd you should have a balance within the weapon class. There should be no weapon within a weapon class which is used significantly more than an other weapon of the same class. You could see that problem with the sword of cookies... a lot of 2h used that.

So it is not possible to compare the 1h stats with the 2h stats. We have to compare the steel pick with other 1h weapons. So the question is... are there more significant kills with the steel pick than with other 1h weapons. And I say no.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: [ptx] on February 05, 2011, 10:12:03 am
Steel pick model is just so friggin thin and tiny... such a pain to block >_<
Especially, if it is hidden behind a huscarl shield.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Z_E_N on February 05, 2011, 10:18:15 am
As mentioned, anyone with a crushthrough weapon is an easy counter for the steel pick.

I typically use 2 weapons on my 1h + shield.  One is the Sarranid Cav sword (because I'm a cav and it has good range).  The range on it lets me surprise overhead chambered crushthroughs like the barmace and great maul.  People that try to keep me at range (long 2h or poles) I also use against because they are in the sweet spot of the weapon.  However it has a severe disadvantage of always whiffing at extreme close range (even with 8 PS).

Thus, the Steel pick!  I would say its a very powerful extreme close range weapon, as it has a fast left-to-right animation (that usually hits the head), and it never whiffs because the sweet spot is pressed right up against them.  If I'm fighting against a 1h+shield I use this weapon because of it's consistancy.

I would never say its overpowered though.  Stats wise it looks great, but the range limitation makes it really hard to hit any backpedaling target.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Patricia on February 05, 2011, 02:07:55 pm
Recently started a sword pick and boarder using the steel pick, and I'd say it's not OP.

The reach is TERRIBLE, it's really terrible, before asking to nerf a weapon try it for a bit, anyone who's backpedaling can pretty much just dance while hitting your shield and never having to block the steel pick due to the toothpick reach of it.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: zagibu on February 05, 2011, 04:27:13 pm
Yep, everything below 70 reach is very hard to fight with. If you don't believe it, pick up a warhammer on the battlefield. 5 more length really makes a lot of difference in this range.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: LordRichrich on February 05, 2011, 05:12:41 pm
I used to run round with mail, war hammerand a shield with the SINGLE purpose of taking out tincans
It worked amazingly well
I don't find range to be an issue with the warhammer, and therefore other short 1h weapons
If the enemy back pedals, find a new enenmy
If he breaks your shield, learn to manual block
If he out reaches you, press him

There's a solution to all the anti-nerf the picks
I think it needs a nerf tbh. Not much, maybe a little less length or speed
Speed because if you're holding a weapon such as a pick, you HAVE to hold it in a certain way to make sure the tip hits them
This would mean a constant grip readjust before each strike. So take 1 speed off
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: zagibu on February 05, 2011, 05:58:41 pm
And swords don't need grip adjusts? I didn't know you can slice through flesh with the flat side of a blade...
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Diomedes on February 05, 2011, 06:39:37 pm
I used to run round with mail, war hammerand a shield with the SINGLE purpose of taking out tincans
It worked amazingly well
I don't find range to be an issue with the warhammer, and therefore other short 1h weapons
If the enemy back pedals, find a new enenmy
If he breaks your shield, learn to manual block
If he out reaches you, press him

There's a solution to all the anti-nerf the picks
I think it needs a nerf tbh. Not much, maybe a little less length or speed
Speed because if you're holding a weapon such as a pick, you HAVE to hold it in a certain way to make sure the tip hits them
This would mean a constant grip readjust before each strike. So take 1 speed off
This.
 
And swords don't need grip adjusts? I didn't know you can slice through flesh with the flat side of a blade...
Not even close to comparable.
 
Yep, everything below 70 reach is very hard to fight with. If you don't believe it, pick up a warhammer on the battlefield. 5 more length really makes a lot of difference in this range.
I use a warhammer.  I initially realized an incongruity in the steel pick when I compared it to the warhammer.
We have to compare the steel pick with other 1h weapons. So the question is... are there more significant kills with the steel pick than with other 1h weapons. And I say no.
You're wrong.  Compare stats between it an the warhammer.  Anecdotal evidence of many kills is weak evidence when it comes to balancing.  It's easy to find a lot of kills if you just swoop in for killshots or go after less skilled players. 
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Kherr on February 05, 2011, 09:14:57 pm
Ok, lets compare it with the warhammer:
Steel Pick
weight 2.25
requirement 12
spd rtng 100
weapon length 64
swing damage 33, pierce
thrust damage 0 pierce

Warhammer
weight 3
requirement 15
spd rtng 99
weapon length 65
swing damage 31, blunt
thrust damage 18 pierce
Knockdown

The steel pick has 2 more damage and is one point faster. But the warhammer has a little bit more range and - very important - it has thrust and and knockdown. So I dont see that the steel pick is better than the warhammer... imho the warhammer is even more usable and so should be more expensive... and... it is more expensive. Also the warhammer has more weight so the stun with 1h blocking should be not so bad.



Anecdotal evidence of many kills is weak evidence when it comes to balancing.  It's easy to find a lot of kills if you just swoop in for killshots or go after less skilled players.
Do you think its weapon dependend whether player are trying to find easy kills? Killing player is the goal... imho there is no better measuring stick.

Whatever... we will see. I heirloomed the pick and i will stick at the pick.


Edit:
Why do I use it then? It looks nasty and I like the sound if I hit somebody.
I used the warhammer about 3 months as primary weapon last fall. So I know both quite well. I cannot say which weapon feels faster in normal usage. I usually use str builds... so i dont optimize speed. What I really miss is the thrust.
The knockdown was very cool, but you have to do a fast up-down swing to hit the opponent the 2nd time. If you get used to it you can often do a very quick kill.

Edit 2:
There are 2 different damage types... so let me add this:
warhammer 31 blunt against 40 armor with 18 str and 6 ps and 140 wpf deals in average 29.5 damage
steel pick 33 pierce against 40 armor with 18 str and 6 ps and 140 wpf deals in average 31 damage
So the steel pick has less than 2 points more effective damage than the warhammer.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Gorath on February 05, 2011, 09:21:27 pm
If the enemy back pedals, find a new enenmy
If he out reaches you, press him

Aren't these two the start of a vicious loop?  Everyone out reaches you with a short 1her, so you press.  Therefore they will backpedal while spamming your shield.  You move on to a new enemy, they outreach you.  Cycle starts anew.

I dunno.  LIQUOR AND WHORES!
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Kherr on February 06, 2011, 10:46:39 am
@Diomedes
I just remembered you already wrote a nice post about the warhammer ( http://forum.c-rpg.net/index.php/topic,1814.msg28329.html#msg28329 ).

I have a question about
Quote
Warhammers do the most against armour but don't do x3 against the head, which is the main target for most 1h strikes. 
3x against head? I did not know that.... very interesting. Only pierce against head or are there more special damage type against hit region combinations?
What's your source?
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Diomedes on February 06, 2011, 07:47:49 pm
My source is from asking around in-game.  I don't have a particular file or authority to back it up more than that though.  To be clear, for future reference, my understanding is:

Blunt does the most damage against armour and X2 when striking the head
Pierce does a lot of damage against armour and x3 when striking the head


Can anybody else confirm the headshot damage?
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Vexus on February 06, 2011, 07:54:32 pm
Blunt is the type of damage which deals the most and correct x2 to the head.

Pierce deals a little less than blunt but yes x3 to the head.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: zagibu on February 06, 2011, 11:20:54 pm
Don't forget that most blunt weapons also have knockdown, which is a nice addition. I say if the pierce damage is not more than 10% higher, go blunt.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Kherr on February 07, 2011, 02:09:20 pm
I tried to verify the 2x/3x head damage.
I made a new char (test with lvl3, 6str, no ps) and equipped him with a spiked club with 20p and a hammer with 21b.

Then I joined a duel server and tested the headdamage against an unarmored head.
The damage was nearly the same... so I cannot confirm the 3x pierce damage against head.

If somebody wants to make more or different tests please let me know.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: zagibu on February 07, 2011, 03:40:48 pm
Hmm, that's interesting. Maybe it was only a rumor? I've searched the taleworlds forum and also couldn't find a direct statement to support the x3 pierce dmg to head claim.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Noble Crassius on February 07, 2011, 03:59:08 pm
Peirce does get x3 to the head, its why head shots are so fatal with any kind of ranged wep. It's why when archers got switched to cut you could feasibly survive a head shot since cut i believe gets x2 to the head.

However you cannot bring the head shot bonus into a balancing argument, unless your arguing for pierce in general to be nerfed. After all they all receive this bonus..
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Kherr on February 07, 2011, 05:14:51 pm
Peirce does get x3 to the head, its why head shots are so fatal with any kind of ranged wep.
Nobel Crassius... let's test it on a duel server. My pierce-test char is ready. Ok?
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Vexus on February 07, 2011, 05:21:13 pm
I can 1 shot with morningstar overhead but a maul needs 2.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Kherr on February 08, 2011, 09:59:54 am
Sorry guys... I tested it again on the duel server. I wanted to know more about the overhead.

Pierce 3x, blunt 2x head damage is not true. I tried overhead and head-side-swings... both deals the same damage.

We can do tests on the duel server if you want to see it with your own eyes. But please dont tell me always pierce 3x without proof.
If I made a mistake with my tests you can show me that I am wrong.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Noble Crassius on February 08, 2011, 05:20:49 pm
Pics or it didn't happen. And tell the circumstances don't just come in here saying nope i tested it.

It's common knowledge passed on by the elders what you speak is heresy! On the real tho maybe it's not exactly x3 maybe it is whos to say? All I know is a pierce blow to my head is usually fatal, while a slash or blunt head trauma hurts a whole lot but is usually survivable.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Kherr on February 08, 2011, 06:50:05 pm
Pics or it didn't happen. And tell the circumstances don't just come in here saying nope i tested it.
http://forum.c-rpg.net/index.php/topic,1814.msg30888.html#msg30888
Sorry, what do you expect? A screenshot of a red bar?
I invited you to test it with me.

Cmon... peace... i am interested in the mechanics of the game and I dont want to argue with other player. I tried to verify and I could not confirm it.
Let us test it on a duel server and you can see it. If another player is interested... you are welcome.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Diomedes on February 08, 2011, 08:39:51 pm

However you cannot bring the head shot bonus into a balancing argument, unless your arguing for pierce in general to be nerfed. After all they all receive this bonus..

The initial comparison I made with the steel pick was to the almost identical length 1h warhammer.  I made this comparison because both weapons rely upon tactics common to most short one handed weapons.  One of these primary tactics is the left-to-right swing which, besides being fast and sometimes difficult to see, is principally aimed at the head.  I find that at least 25% of my normal encounters with the warhammer end through these shots at my opponent's head.  Since this tactic is so fundamental to short one-handed weapons any potential variability is something worth considering when it comes to weapon balance.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Engine on February 08, 2011, 10:53:14 pm
Disagree. It's the same animation regardless of weapon length, so it doesn't need to be discussed. The left-to-right swing isn't a close-range "tactic", it's just one of the three attacks the pick has!

Also, I believe you're off in your first post about the "shape" of the weapon doing anything at all. AFAIK, the models may be curved, but the code views them as straight weapons and merely takes length into account... A good example is Balbaroth's scimitar, and how talented he was at utilizing this "ghost" straight hitbox while the blade ingame didn't actually touch your model.

Anyway. Pick does good damage, short size balances it. Don't see a problem.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Diomedes on February 08, 2011, 11:02:40 pm
Disagree. It's the same animation regardless of weapon length, so it doesn't need to be discussed. The left-to-right swing isn't a close-range "tactic", it's just one of the three attacks the pick has!

It is a tactic.  Striking simply from left to right will not hit the head, nor is it surprising.  However, moving towards your opponent's right side and hugging them while doing the left to right strike is faster, harder to see, and very likely a headshot.  This entire effect is also augmented by the weapon's length, which places the strongest striking position right at head height.  This is what I meant by left-to-right tactic for short weapons.

Quote
Anyway. Pick does good damage, short size balances it. Don't see a problem.

Pick does more base damage than the warhammer, has a unique shape (though it's importance is now disputed), greater speed, and is harder to see (colour).  It's also a fair shade cheaper than the warhammer.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Engine on February 08, 2011, 11:16:03 pm
It is a tactic.  Striking simply from left to right will not hit the head, nor is it surprising.

No? Seems to happen quote frequently with swords, in my experience. Both the giving and receiving of headshots. It's got to do with the angle of the slash, as opposed to the plain level right swing.

However, moving towards your opponent's right side and hugging them while doing the left to right strike is faster, harder to see, and very likely a headshot.

Sure, but the same is true for all 1-handers.

This entire effect is also augmented by the weapon's length, which places the strongest striking position right at head height.  This is what I meant by left-to-right tactic for short weapons.

This is true. While it's rare to survive a headshot with any weapon, you won't survive one with a pick unless heavily armored.

Pick does more base damage than the warhammer, has a unique shape (though it's importance is now disputed), greater speed, and is harder to see (colour).  It's also a fair shade cheaper than the warhammer.

And the warhammer has knockdown, which is a major feature, no? It also does blunt damage, which is better against armor than cut.

The pick is the 5th most expensive 1h; about as expensive as a Knightly Arming Sword. It's a pain to repair. I'm still not sure why you think the gold cost is off.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Engine on February 08, 2011, 11:33:01 pm
One more semi-ontopic thing: I'm tempted to go back to the old pick because the shortened reach of the new one is really brutal, but unfortunately the Military Pick is now obsolete. :(
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Noble Crassius on February 08, 2011, 11:40:19 pm
The initial comparison I made with the steel pick was to the almost identical length 1h warhammer.  I made this comparison because both weapons rely upon tactics common to most short one handed weapons.  One of these primary tactics is the left-to-right swing which, besides being fast and sometimes difficult to see, is principally aimed at the head.  I find that at least 25% of my normal encounters with the warhammer end through these shots at my opponent's head.  Since this tactic is so fundamental to short one-handed weapons any potential variability is something worth considering when it comes to weapon balance.
Warhammer has 25%(I can make up percentages too!) knockdown so it evens out.

I do however agree with you that perhaps it is better/equal to the warhammer due to whatever (I base this on the amount of Picks I see to the amount of warhammers I see) So either drop warhammer price or raise the picks up a tad, either way nothing will really change.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Noble Crassius on February 08, 2011, 11:44:21 pm
I tried to verify the 2x/3x head damage.
I made a new char (test with lvl3, 6str, no ps) and equipped him with a spiked club with 20p and a hammer with 21b.

Then I joined a duel server and tested the headdamage against an unarmored head.
The damage was nearly the same... so I cannot confirm the 3x pierce damage against head.

If somebody wants to make more or different tests please let me know.
Yes pics of the red bar would be nice =/. However your peasants damage would be negligible. It would be hard to notice a difference between 1/16th of my life gone and say 1/14th  :) if you have a high level character (and a nice helm) I will gladly hit you in the head a couple of times. I have a warhammer and a steel pick although slightly different damage values it should be close enough to see if there is a greater difference. 

If you only have a mid/low level char I can down grade to softer hitting weps.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Diomedes on February 09, 2011, 06:36:51 am
I do however agree with you that perhaps it is better/equal to the warhammer due to whatever (I base this on the amount of Picks I see to the amount of warhammers I see) So either drop warhammer price or raise the picks up a tad
This sort of change was what I was going for.  I never claimed the pick was exceptionally OP or anything, just that its stats seemed incongruous amongst comparable 1-handers.

This is true. While it's rare to survive a headshot with any weapon, you won't survive one with a pick unless heavily armored.

And the warhammer has knockdown, which is a major feature, no? It also does blunt damage, which is better against armor than cut.

The pick is the 5th most expensive 1h; about as expensive as a Knightly Arming Sword. It's a pain to repair. I'm still not sure why you think the gold cost is off.

As mentioned earlier in the discussion, a x3 headshot with a steel pick normally does 61+ damage to a well-armoured opponent.  It's a killing strike in all but the most extreme circumstances.  You're also arguing glibly in what I've attempted to make a very evidence-based discussion: Yes, knockdown is a "major feature" - as already mentioned.  Yes warhammers deal blunt damage - as already mentioned.  Yes, blunt damage is better than cut - as already mentioned (though this point specifically is irrelevant).  The distinction I'm trying to draw is not between a knife and a sword but a good weapon and an exceptionally good weapon.  Though they're both expensive weapons one is still considerably cheaper than the other.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: XavierX on February 09, 2011, 07:19:30 am
Picks, Axes and Maces need to be longer, slower and do a little more damage than their nimble sword counterparts. I see no reason for a warhammer to be faster than a sword.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: panderson on February 09, 2011, 08:04:49 am
Picks, Axes and Maces need to be longer, slower and do a little more damage than their nimble sword counterparts. I see no reason for a warhammer to be faster than a sword.

This.

Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Kherr on February 09, 2011, 06:26:02 pm
After the last damage test (3x, 2x) I wanted to ask more than the steel pick discussion participants about their opinion.
So i started a new thread http://forum.c-rpg.net/index.php/topic,2002.0.html  (3x, 2x damage question only).
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Diomedes on February 09, 2011, 06:57:41 pm
Picks, Axes and Maces need to be longer, slower and do a little more damage than their nimble sword counterparts. I see no reason for a warhammer to be faster than a sword.

I find they're balanced - for the most part.  I've found that weapons are generally imbalanced if they excel in more than 2 of the following traits:

- speed
- damage
- length
- crushthrough

The warhammer has a fair 1-handed speed, good damage, very short length, and knockdown.  The steel pick has good speed, good damage, very short length, and some eccentric perks.  They're both very good weapons, deserving of top tier prices, but they're not imbalanced on a battlefield.  As for realism, as a person who's used a lot of hammers in his life (lived/worked on a farm), I can vouch for their uncanny speed when they're balanced properly.  The main difficulty is in trying to reign in their weight after a swing, but that's why the warhammer has a requirement of 15.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: zagibu on February 09, 2011, 09:29:02 pm
Why should a mace be longer than a sword? That doesn't make any sense whatsoever...
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: XavierX on February 10, 2011, 03:11:01 am
Why should a mace be longer than a sword? That doesn't make any sense whatsoever...

Not longer than a sword, but definitely longer than they currently are. Thus, make them slower. They were cheap weapons that hit hard back in the day, whereas a sword was painstakingly balanced and VERY expensive. It should be faster than an unbalanced broad headed axe. I'd also like to see certain 2 h swords able to be used 1h without the damage penalty, like the bastard sword and longsword.

Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Elmetiacos on February 10, 2011, 05:38:08 pm
This sort of change was what I was going for.  I never claimed the pick was exceptionally OP or anything, just that its stats seemed incongruous amongst comparable 1-handers.
It's an incongruous weapon, really: it's the Native Rhodok pick, which seems to be based on a mountaineer's ice axe rather than any actual mediaeval weapon. Here's a photo of two actual picks from a museum in Poland
(click to show/hide)
They aren't short; they were meant to be used on horseback so more weight, more length and less speed would be the realistic option.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Engine on February 10, 2011, 06:55:39 pm
Horseback pick?

I'm so erect right now!
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Murrogh on February 10, 2011, 07:10:41 pm
It's an incongruous weapon, really: it's the Native Rhodok pick, which seems to be based on a mountaineer's ice axe rather than any actual mediaeval weapon. Here's a photo of two actual picks from a museum in Poland
(click to show/hide)
They aren't short; they were meant to be used on horseback so more weight, more length and less speed would be the realistic option.

War Picks very similar to that actually existed. As an infantry weapon they got more popular in the 1500's.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Elmetiacos on February 12, 2011, 09:19:23 pm
War Picks very similar to that actually existed. As an infantry weapon they got more popular in the 1500's.
In fact, I would go so far as to say that those actual picks existed, and that's why they're in a museum...
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: zagibu on February 13, 2011, 01:50:26 am
In fact, I would go so far as to say that those actual picks existed, and that's why they're in a museum...
A bold claim.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Soldier_of_God on February 17, 2011, 07:01:02 pm
personally, i think that these weapons are well balanced. its shortness, like axes, is offset by its damage output.
does it suck to get hit by one, yes. is it in need of a nerf? no. i think that as an educational experience, you should try fighting with either and see that while rewarding, it is a difficult weapon to fight well with unless you spam... which everyone does with every weapon anyway, so really trying to get a nerf is a moot point.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Spawny on February 17, 2011, 07:38:29 pm
It's an incongruous weapon, really: it's the Native Rhodok pick, which seems to be based on a mountaineer's ice axe rather than any actual mediaeval weapon. Here's a photo of two actual picks from a museum in Poland
(click to show/hide)
They aren't short; they were meant to be used on horseback so more weight, more length and less speed would be the realistic option.

The picks in that pic *lol* are horribly unbalanced. All the weight is towards the swinging end, making it terribly heavy to swing more than once. Most likely the reason they were used from horseback, if you use that on foot, you can swing it 10 times before your arm is so tired it falls off.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Siiem on February 18, 2011, 12:17:45 pm
The picks in that pic *lol* are horribly unbalanced. All the weight is towards the swinging end, making it terribly heavy to swing more than once. Most likely the reason they were used from horseback, if you use that on foot, you can swing it 10 times before your arm is so tired it falls off.

The reason they were heavy was because they were meant to pierce steel. And then more weight towards a small area is better. Sadly this would allso mean that the weapon would end up beeing stuck in the poor reciver's armour. That would suck ingame.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Xant on February 18, 2011, 01:47:28 pm
The reason they were heavy was because they were meant to pierce steel. And then more weight towards a small area is better. Sadly this would allso mean that the weapon would end up beeing stuck in the poor reciver's armour. That would suck ingame.

In fact, almost as much as you suck in game. Though not quite that much.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Vicious666 on February 25, 2011, 06:26:04 am
The picks in that pic *lol* are horribly unbalanced. All the weight is towards the swinging end, making it terribly heavy to swing more than once. Most likely the reason they were used from horseback, if you use that on foot, you can swing it 10 times before your arm is so tired it falls off.

what we have in this mod is not the picks you linked,  but more       of the size of this

visitors can't see pics , please register or login



visitors can't see pics , please register or login
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: bruce on February 25, 2011, 02:29:42 pm
That said, I'd love a 90-ish length or so cavalry pick, give it 80 speed and unbalanced, I don't care :)
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Engine on February 25, 2011, 06:37:57 pm
That said, I'd love a 90-ish length or so cavalry pick, give it 80 speed and unbalanced, I don't care :)
I have an erection just thinking about it.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Rasputin on February 25, 2011, 08:19:16 pm
I think, at most, the steel pick just needs the same price as the warhammer, and for people to choose between minor stat upgrade or knockdown chance.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: ViiKOLD on February 25, 2011, 08:29:27 pm
That said, I'd love a 90-ish length or so cavalry pick, give it 80 speed and unbalanced, I don't care :)
Morningstar?
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Engine on February 28, 2011, 04:47:30 pm
Can't use one without thinking I'm playing like Finn or Thulsa Foom, and vomiting. Despite the crushthrough removal.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Vicious666 on March 05, 2011, 01:27:45 pm
Can't use one without thinking I'm playing like Finn or Thulsa Foom, and vomiting. Despite the crushthrough removal.

i got no problem own  finn with my 100 speed long eslavona.

so the issue is your style. not his weapon :), i still see shitload of noobs facehugging a clearly faster enemy with a faster weapon and try swing from right to left who is the most slow swing... = fail
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Patricia on March 05, 2011, 03:07:15 pm
i got no problem own  finn with my 100 speed long eslavona.

so the issue is your style. not his weapon :), i still see shitload of noobs facehugging a clearly faster enemy with a faster weapon and try swing from right to left who is the most slow swing... = fail

He never said he had any problem fighting finn, he just said that even though they removed the crush through on the morning star he can't use it or else he feels like finn and starts projectile vomiting all over the place.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Engine on March 07, 2011, 05:04:19 pm
He never said he had any problem fighting finn, he just said that even though they removed the crush through on the morning star he can't use it or else he feels like finn and starts projectile vomiting all over the place.

+ 10 cool points for reading comprehension and explanatory post to person who lacks reading comprehension!
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: BlackMilk on March 07, 2011, 05:07:49 pm
Niuweidao   
4110   
weight 1.5
requirement 6
spd rtng 101
weapon length 88

swing damage 33, cut
thrust damage 0 pierce

Steel Pick   
6889   
weight 2.25
requirement 12
spd rtng 100
weapon length 64
swing damage 33, pierce
thrust damage 0 pierce
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Diomedes on March 07, 2011, 09:39:11 pm
Niuweidao   
4110   
weight 1.5
requirement 6
spd rtng 101
weapon length 88

swing damage 33, cut
thrust damage 0 pierce

Steel Pick   
6889   
weight 2.25
requirement 12
spd rtng 100
weapon length 64
swing damage 33, pierce
thrust damage 0 pierce

- pierce damage deals more to armour
- a steel pick doesn't bounce nearly so much as a niuweidao
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Dravic on March 07, 2011, 09:49:05 pm
Maybe now i will lose, because I use Niuweidao, but...

I am not bouncing off anything, even tincans with tempered Niuweidao, 9 str, 3 ps, 24agi 8athl (atm, will be 30 agi 10 athl).

However I really dont deal too much dmg, also attacks to head dont hurt that much. Just not bouncing.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Bifi on March 07, 2011, 09:54:01 pm
Try to hit a standing tincan, you will bounce alot
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Darkkarma on March 11, 2011, 07:51:43 am
+ 10 cool points for reading comprehension and explanatory post to person who lacks reading comprehension!

Sarcasm on point
Evening the awesome bar
To a point well-earned?


Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Engine on March 11, 2011, 06:05:56 pm
Dual-color hood;
Bolts to the head, women swoon;
Karma incoming
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Native_ATS on March 14, 2011, 09:38:54 pm
nerf the shit out of this weapon, 39p damg at that speed is just BS, not only that but you can and will combo it with a sheild, to has or to high damg, nerfed need
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Spawny on March 14, 2011, 10:16:02 pm
Yeah! Make it shorter. Make it's range negative so you hit yourself when you swing it!
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Murchad on March 14, 2011, 10:18:07 pm
I think the pick should lose some speed especially.
If you have seen Murrogh in the NA servers you know what I mean.
with overhead or left hand swing he usually gets headshots and those are 1hit kills on most people.
masterworked with 102 speed pretty hard to block

He's my brother btw so im not biased against him
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Native_ATS on March 14, 2011, 11:38:14 pm
I think the pick should lose some speed especially.
If you have seen Murrogh in the NA servers you know what I mean.
with overhead or left hand swing he usually gets headshots and those are 1hit kills on most people.
masterworked with 102 speed pretty hard to block

He's my brother btw so im not biased against him
this is why i posted its up there with the op items, 2 swings and he killz you in plate and he has a sheild =[
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Engine on March 15, 2011, 03:20:27 pm
39p is TRIPLE HEIRLOOMED. Gimme a break. To use the pick you completely give up range, it doesn't knockdown, it doesn't break shields, and it's MORE expensive than any axe and it's just under the warhammer. You accept all those things in exchange for pure damage. That's always been the case with picks. What more do you want?

The warhammer does 37p when triple heirloomed AND it has knockdown, nerf nerf!

PS - If I could, I'd put my heirlooms into the military pick instead, because that's how much the disadvantage the short range is.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Tydeus on March 15, 2011, 04:25:00 pm
39p is TRIPLE HEIRLOOMED. Gimme a break. To use the pick you completely give up range, it doesn't knockdown, it doesn't break shields, and it's MORE expensive than any axe and it's just under the warhammer. You accept all those things in exchange for pure damage. That's always been the case with picks. What more do you want?
But it has speed and damage that is better than several two-handed/polearm weapons. Sure 2hers might have 40cut damage but that only ends up being more damage on very low armored people. Range doesn't mean much of anything, especially when you have a shield. Range really only becomes important when you're fighting more than one opponent at a time. This is why it doesn't mean anything if you have a shield, shielders have an easier time fighting when they're outnumbered than anyone else. I'm sure if there were a 2handed pick with 90 range 38p damage and 100 speed everyone would be complaining about that as well, and with good reason.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Engine on March 15, 2011, 05:13:24 pm
All 1hs are generally faster than 2hs, despite it not seeming that way ingame sometimes. That's how it is. That's why everyone chooses fast 1hs.

I don't see any triple-heirloomed poles on the field that do less damage than a triple heirloomed pick. Do you?

Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: WaltF4 on March 15, 2011, 05:40:01 pm
39 pierce does about as much damage as a 50 cut weapon or a 38 blunt weapon to people in 50 armor. So a masterwork steel pick does more damage than any polearm other than:

deadly long hafted spiked mace
deadly long bardiche
long maul
deadly bec de corbin
deadly great long axe
balanced great long bardiche
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Spawny on March 15, 2011, 05:51:50 pm
39 pierce does about as much damage as a 50 cut weapon or a 38 blunt weapon to people in 50 armor. So a masterwork steel pick does more damage than any polearm other than:

deadly long hafted spiked mace
deadly long bardiche
long maul
deadly bec de corbin
deadly great long axe
balanced great long bardiche

What's your point? To make a pick even remotely effective you need to combine it with 7 or 8 athletics. That's not a whole lot of PS.
Other than that, the ONLY thing you have to do to kill the guy with the pick is.... step back and swing the same time he swings. The damn thing is so rediculously short he will miss and get cleaved in half by your 7 PS deadly great long bardiche.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Engine on March 15, 2011, 06:07:34 pm
So what you mean to say is actually

"ONLY Against people with 50+ armor, the pick does more damage than the:
long-hafted spiked mace, which has knockdown
the long bardiche, which is a shieldbreaker
the long maul, which has crushthrough
Walt, how does it do more damage than the bec, which is also pierce?
the GLA, which is a shieldbreaker
and your last example isn't comparable as you neglected to triple heirloom it"

Look dudes, there gotta be a one-hander that does good damage against armored targets. You'd think it would be used more if it were OP; I know of only three people who use the pick regularly and have heirloomed it, and I can't speak for myself, but the other two guys are great players who would be at the top of the scoreboard regardless of their weapon of choice.

I do think the steel pick could lose a speed point or two, but still be faster than the military pick.

Man, I wish I'd heirloomed my mil pick.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Kalam on March 15, 2011, 06:38:41 pm
What's your point? To make a pick even remotely effective you need to combine it with 7 or 8 athletics. That's not a whole lot of PS.
Other than that, the ONLY thing you have to do to kill the guy with the pick is.... step back and swing the same time he swings. The damn thing is so rediculously short he will miss and get cleaved in half by your 7 PS deadly great long bardiche.

That's pretty much it. I use the pick because I want something that can kill people in less than five hits while playing a high agility support character, which is useful in group battle situations.

I'm a regular on the duel server, and the others there can tell you that I typically hit them once and then get hit in the manner Spawny describes and proceed to die. I get really excited on vent whenever I one-shot someone with my shielder.

Now, this is probably due to the high concentration of strength builds here in the NA servers, and I can see how it's considered overpowered in EU where I'm informed balanced builds hold sway.

I personally find it easier to fight people who are using steel picks rather than the weapons you listed and server statistics (where a pick is listed as a 1h blunt) seem to agree.

It always comes down to this: if it's so overpowered, why is it still a relatively rare weapon to see on the battlefield?

I know that my K/D is triple what it is when I'm in a strength sword-wielding generation.

The cry for a nerf is typically strongest when exceptional players grab the offending weapon and push the limits of its use to ungodly heights. We saw this with Goretooth and his bec, ManofWar with his sidesword, Linden & Wallace with the barmace, etc.

Who do you want nerfed, here?
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: WaltF4 on March 15, 2011, 06:52:28 pm
What's your point?

Engine mentioned not seeing polearms that do more damage than a masterwork steel pick. I made a list of the polearms that do more damage than a masterwork steel pick against some of the most common armors. I do not understand the confusion here  :?



Walt, how does it do more damage than the bec, which is also pierce?

If the information in the itemized heirloom thread (http://forum.c-rpg.net/index.php/topic,965.msg12265.html#msg12265) is correct, the generation 3 steel pick does 39 pierce. The generation 0 bec de corbin does 36 pierce, the generation 1 bec de corbin does 38 pierce damage, and the generation 2 bec de corbin does 40 pierce damage. So, a deadly bec de corbin does more damage that the masterwork steel pick.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Kalam on March 15, 2011, 07:01:45 pm
Engine mentioned not seeing polearms that do more damage than a masterwork steel pick. I made a list of the polearms that do more damage than a masterwork steel pick against some of the most common armors. I do not understand the confusion here  :?

CONFUSION!
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Engine on March 15, 2011, 07:55:54 pm
Engine mentioned not seeing polearms that do more damage than a masterwork steel pick. I made a list of the polearms that do more damage than a masterwork steel pick against some of the most common armors. I do not understand the confusion here  :?

No, Walt. I actually said I don't see any triple heirloomed polearms that do less damage than a triple-heirloomed steel pick. Unless we're talking about triple-heirloomed peasant forks. :)


If the information in the itemized heirloom thread (http://forum.c-rpg.net/index.php/topic,965.msg12265.html#msg12265) is correct, the generation 3 steel pick does 39 pierce. The generation 0 bec de corbin does 36 pierce, the generation 1 bec de corbin does 38 pierce damage, and the generation 2 bec de corbin does 40 pierce damage. So, a deadly bec de corbin does more damage that the masterwork steel pick.

Walt, it would be helpful if you compared triple-heirloomed items only to other triple-heirloomed items.

I support Kalam's post entirely. I need to kill armored foes, and keep moving fast. I'll leave the shieldbreaking, knockdown, and weapon range to others.

I still think this thread is in existence solely because the other two people I know of that use picks are great players. In my case I'm only sporadically awesome... When I'm not intoxicated. However I usually play intoxicated, haha.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Dravic on March 15, 2011, 07:58:56 pm
Just reduce Steel Pick and due to that all other picks speed rtng by 2. Problem solved, no more agility monsters who kill you in lighting speed.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Diomedes on March 15, 2011, 08:16:08 pm
39p is TRIPLE HEIRLOOMED. Gimme a break. To use the pick you completely give up range, it doesn't knockdown, it doesn't break shields, and it's MORE expensive than any axe and it's 662 gold less than the warhammer. You accept all those things in exchange for pure damage, speed, and a better shape. That's always been the case with picks. What more do you want?  Besides a slight cost increase or speed decrease.

The warhammer does 36b when triple heirloomed AND it has knockdown, nerf nerf!

Fixed.


I should point out that it's a logical fallacy to argue that a weapon isn't OP just because it isn't "used by more people."  I find it incredibly easy to kill people with a steel pick yet I don't use it very often.  I save it, like dessert, for certain times.  If I use the pick too frequently the manner of play becomes boring for me.  And although the pick is extremely efficient it has an essentially limited strategic capacity.   Many other players, even if they could use it quite well, don't use the pick because they find the strategy required for using it unpleasant and cheap.  My point is: the power of the pick is inherent to the pick regardless of whether or not people use it.

A possible analogy:  I live in a neighbourhood where I might get assaulted and robbed by hoodlums.  Guns are good at stopping hoodlums from attacking people.  Thus, if this logic holds, I own a gun.  But I don't.  Not because I can't use it, or because I can't own it, but because I don't want to use it.  Not only do I not want to be the sort of person who carries around a concealed weapon but because I don't want be in a position to shoot somebody. 


To re-iterate the original post of this thread: the steel pick is unbalanced.  Not horrifically, not to the point of rage quitting, not so much so that Obama places sanctions on its production and trade, but enough that it should be tweaked.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Vexus on March 15, 2011, 08:33:57 pm
To repeat myself:

Quote from: Vexus
1h should have lower damage than 2h/pole but slowly with the new weapons implemented the gap of 2h/pole damage and 1h is always getting thinner.

When steel pick has 33 pierce and bec 36, morningstar 38 only 3/5 difference.
When warhammer 31 blunt and spiked mace 34, bar mace 35 only 3/4 difference.

But people that use a shield think it's fine on having a 1h weapon dealing almost same damage of a 2h/pole weapon with which you have to manual block not right click and shield blocks you anything in front.

Higher price doesn't mean they can be very strong they still need to stay in range within the type of weapon style.

Yes they are shorter so what? you can use a shield, with the low requirements almost all weapons have it's so easy to get a high agility build since these weapons have high damage.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Engine on March 15, 2011, 08:50:32 pm
Oh sweet, the pick expert Diomedes is here to explain everything to us.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Kalam on March 15, 2011, 08:59:34 pm
Just because you use a shield doesn't mean you can't manual block. In fact, I believe you'll find that the best shielders do just as well when they change builds, since you don't really get an understanding for the timing needed as a shielder until you play a 2h or polearm first.

Every great shielder I know but one is actually better individually without the shield. The shield is for ranged spam. There's no better way to check this out than playing a shielder alt.

Anyway, if they do nerf the damage, it'll just be time for me to go back to strength and make you cry for italian sword nerfs.  :wink:
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Vexus on March 15, 2011, 09:01:36 pm
It doesn't have 101 speed so doesn't have to be nerfed :P
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: ThePoopy on March 15, 2011, 09:05:51 pm
make them get stuck in enemy body
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Kalam on March 15, 2011, 09:06:15 pm
It doesn't have 101 speed so doesn't have to be nerfed :P

It will if I masterwork it. Which I might be able to one day. When I have the time.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Vexus on March 15, 2011, 09:10:44 pm
It will if I masterwork it. Which I might be able to one day. When I have the time.

Yea but heirloomed sidesword gets to 103 speed max.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: WaltF4 on March 15, 2011, 09:19:49 pm
No, Walt. I actually said I don't see any triple heirloomed polearms that do less damage than a triple-heirloomed steel pick. Unless we're talking about triple-heirloomed peasant forks. :)

I listed the minimum heirloom level required for the polearms to exceed the damage done by a masterwork steel pick to a player in 50 armor. Further heirlooming the polearms on that list will still leave them doing more damage than a masterwork steel pick. Polearms not on that list do less damage than a masterwork steel pick regardless of the number of times they are heirloomed. I can make a list of the 40 masterwork polearms and 27 masterwork two-handed weapons that do less damage than the masterwork steel pick if you would like.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Engine on March 15, 2011, 09:53:37 pm
Sorry, got confused and somehow got it in my head that the ones you listed did less than a MW steel pick. Actually, it's kind of funny that all of those you listed have either crushthrough, shieldbreak, or knockdown. :) Not relevant to the discussion but funny.


Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Diomedes on March 15, 2011, 11:03:14 pm
Sorry, got confused and somehow got it in my head that the ones you listed did less than a MW steel pick. Actually, it's kind of funny that all of those you listed have either crushthrough, shieldbreak, or knockdown. :) Not relevant to the discussion but funny.

Except the bec.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: MountedRhader on March 15, 2011, 11:07:23 pm
There should be low level items and high level items with obviously better stats, as they would be used more often by rich nobles in the medieval era. Of course nobles will want better gear. My point being if you're willing to pay (upkeep) you should get a better item.

---
Back on topic I haven't seen many people running around with picks. I have not had the chance to play in a few days due to clan matters so I may be a little off.  :?
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Engine on March 16, 2011, 12:03:05 am
Except the bec.
Right, except the Bec.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Diomedes on March 16, 2011, 12:14:06 am
Back on topic I haven't seen many people running around with picks. I have not had the chance to play in a few days due to clan matters so I may be a little off.  :?

They're not as common like some other weapons but they certainly do turn up now and again.  Though, consider their placement in the cRPG demographic:

- only some cRPG players use 1handers
^ the steel pick requires getting in close and surviving some hits while getting there.  This is best done by a dedicated 1hander.
^^ of all the 1h players there are only a few people who feel comfortable with a weapon as exceptionally short as the steel pick
^^^ those players are selecting gear from amongst the entire cast of 1h weapons
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Tydeus on March 16, 2011, 12:19:42 am
I listed the minimum heirloom level required for the polearms to exceed the damage done by a masterwork steel pick to a player in 50 armor. Further heirlooming the polearms on that list will still leave them doing more damage than a masterwork steel pick. Polearms not on that list do less damage than a masterwork steel pick regardless of the number of times they are heirloomed. I can make a list of the 40 masterwork polearms and 27 masterwork two-handed weapons that do less damage than the masterwork steel pick if you would like.
I think this quote by itself should end the discussion right here. We're talking about a one-handed weapon doing more damage than 40 MW polearms and 27 MW two-handed weapons. How the fuck does anyone think this makes sense? Dan and MoW have been going higher str builds than athletics recently and they still have no problems closing in on people. You don't NEED athletics to use this weapon effectively, just as you don't NEED athletics to use the Great Maul(the shortest range two-hander coming in at 68) effectively.
Actually, it's kind of funny that all of those you listed have either crushthrough, shieldbreak, or knockdown. :) Not relevant to the discussion but funny.
The bec has stagger, which is just as burly as the three other things you mentioned and indeed, it is rather interesting.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Engine on March 16, 2011, 05:36:38 pm
I think this quote by itself should end the discussion right here. We're talking about a one-handed weapon doing more damage than 40 MW polearms and 27 MW two-handed weapons. How the fuck does anyone think this makes sense? Dan and MoW have been going higher str builds than athletics recently and they still have no problems closing in on people. You don't NEED athletics to use this weapon effectively, just as you don't NEED athletics to use the Great Maul(the shortest range two-hander coming in at 68) effectively.The bec has stagger, which is just as burly as the three other things you mentioned and indeed, it is rather interesting.

Ty - the pick is the 5th most expensive 1h. It kind of makes sense that it'd do more damage than a Farmer's Scythe... :)
The comparison makes more sense when you compare the damage against the top 5 or 10 poles or 2hs.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: WaltF4 on March 17, 2011, 12:43:04 am
The comparison makes more sense when you compare the damage against the top 5 or 10 poles or 2hs.

The steel pick does more damage than 3 of the 5 most expensive polearms and 4 of the 5 most expensive two-handed weapons to people in 50 armor. The steel pick also does more damage than 5 of the 8 polearms and 9 of the 11 two-handed weapons that cost more than 6889.

EDIT: Fixed typo
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Engine on March 17, 2011, 07:22:11 pm
Sweet!
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Tydeus on March 18, 2011, 06:44:55 am
Ty - the pick is the 5th most expensive 1h. It kind of makes sense that it'd do more damage than a Farmer's Scythe... :)
The comparison makes more sense when you compare the damage against the top 5 or 10 poles or 2hs.
I'm not a person that thinks you can balance something in crpg by simply giving it a high price. When people have 500K+ even if you allowed someone to use an AWP for 100K gold and 10K for bullets, it still wouldn't be remotely balanced. Making an item used less often does in no way affect its usefulness when actually equipped.

Sorry, Engine. You're a skilled 1her but I still can't say the item of your choice is balanced.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Engine on March 18, 2011, 04:48:39 pm
Fair enough, Ty. My point there was to show that yes, it does more damage than a lot of poles/2hs, but that a lot of those are only used while leveling. Who uses a pitchfork consistently, not as a joke? They're stepping stones.

I totally agree - if something is broken, putting a high pricetag on it doesn't fix the problem. I just don't think the steel pick is OP, considering its drawbacks.

Oh yeah... I'd also ask people to take into consideration that of the three consistent pick users (that I know of) on NA, all three of us have heirloomed our picks... So, they will seem faster and more damaging than normal.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Spawny on March 18, 2011, 04:55:28 pm
On EU, the only guys I've seen use picks consistently are DimaUrban (RuConqista) and Louis le morte (Fallen).
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Diomedes on March 18, 2011, 06:18:14 pm
I think I have screenshots of five guys who were using steel picks consistently and to great effect, and I know at least one of them wasn't using an heirloomed pick.

Should I add a poll now that the thread has had time to play out?
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Kalam on March 18, 2011, 07:01:46 pm
I think I have screenshots of five guys who were using steel picks consistently and to great effect, and I know at least one of them wasn't using an heirloomed pick.

I'm actually a little disgusted at how common it's becoming. Disgusted enough to consider retirement for a change of weapon. I still hold that it's easier for me to kill people who are using steel picks than most other weapons.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Tydeus on March 18, 2011, 07:54:00 pm
Fair enough, Ty. My point there was to show that yes, it does more damage than a lot of poles/2hs, but that a lot of those are only used while leveling. Who uses a pitchfork consistently, not as a joke? They're stepping stones.

I totally agree - if something is broken, putting a high pricetag on it doesn't fix the problem. I just don't think the steel pick is OP, considering its drawbacks.

Oh yeah... I'd also ask people to take into consideration that of the three consistent pick users (that I know of) on NA, all three of us have heirloomed our picks... So, they will seem faster and more damaging than normal.
I wouldn't call 19 of the 37 Two-Handers stepping stones and there are 27 which do less damage than the pick on an opponent with merely 50 armor. I wouldn't call 22 of the 45 polearms stepping stones and there are 40(FOURTY) which do less damage than the pick on an opponent with merely 50 armor. If this doesn't put it into perspective with how much damage that weapon does I don't really know if there is any way to convince you. This seems pretty obvious to me, you're swinging it with one arm instead of two. You're swinging it from behind the comfort of your shield.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Siiem on March 19, 2011, 12:31:34 pm
I like how the only reason for balance is "Does someone top the scoreboards with a certain weapon" mentality.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Fluffy_Muffin on March 19, 2011, 12:47:23 pm
I like how the only reason for balance is "Does someone top the scoreboards with a certain weapon" mentality.

Exactly, ppl get owned by the skill of a player that happens to be using a steel pick and they yell nerf steel pick :rolleyes:

Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Diomedes on March 19, 2011, 06:04:21 pm
I like how the only reason for balance is "Does someone top the scoreboards with a certain weapon" mentality.

I already stated that I'm far more effective with a deadly steel pick than my deadly warhammer.  I also gave many reasons for the pick being an exceptionally effective weapon for its price.  Please don't try to derail this discussion just because you don't like what people have to say.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Siiem on March 19, 2011, 07:11:46 pm
I already stated that I'm far more effective with a deadly steel pick than my deadly warhammer.  I also gave many reasons for the pick being an exceptionally effective weapon for its price.  Please don't try to derail this discussion just because you don't like what people have to say.

It was more of general reply honestly. And I agree that this weapon might be abit too much. I only hate it when people bring up the topping scoreboards statement.
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Vicious666 on March 20, 2011, 12:16:50 am
i score much more with my eslavona  masterwork

than my deadly steel pick.  just for say
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Fluffy_Muffin on March 20, 2011, 12:11:46 pm
Tbh warhammer is superior to the steel pick
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Diomedes on March 20, 2011, 02:34:28 pm
Tbh warhammer is superior to the steel pick

We've had ten pages debating the merits of that statement.  If you want to have any weight in here you need to back it up with more than 'tbh.'
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: TheFinn on March 26, 2011, 05:03:09 pm
Can't use one without thinking I'm playing like Finn or Thulsa Foom, and vomiting. Despite the crushthrough removal.

i got no problem own  finn with my 100 speed long eslavona.

...?

Is there a new player in cRPG who's in game name is "Finn" or is this a case of mistaken identity again ?

I never used the morning star or any other crush through block weapon, but a heavy lance. And while mounted I didn't die all that often to a long eslavona.


Is there a new guy playing called "Finn" or what are they talking about ?
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Fluffy_Muffin on March 27, 2011, 12:38:29 am
We've had ten pages debating the merits of that statement.  If you want to have any weight in here you need to back it up with more than 'tbh.'

Well if you enter the damage in the damage calculator (if that is accurate) the damage is pretty much the same, i would trade that little bit of speed/lenght for knockdown any day.
Thats just my opinion
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Engine on March 28, 2011, 05:29:10 pm
I was messing around with the weapon damage calc last night, and noticed that blunt starts to equal and do more damage than pierce when attacking enemies at 45 armor and up. Is that right?
Title: Re: Steel Pick (continued discussion)
Post by: Diomedes on March 28, 2011, 07:28:51 pm
I was messing around with the weapon damage calc last night, and noticed that blunt starts to equal and do more damage than pierce when attacking enemies at 45 armor and up. Is that right?

I think so.  At least, that's what it looks like to me too.