Proposal for a new item.
The pavise (
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pavise) was used by medieval crossbowmen and archers to provide cover while they reloaded or drew their bolts/arrows. It would be placed on the ground and held in place by a wooden or metal rod.
In game we have the "Long Pavise Shield", but being a shield, it does not represent actual pavises, as it cannot be deployed.
My suggestion is to add a new item based on the Siege Shield, but with the following differences:
- Model of the Long Pavise Shield, but scaled to be wider and taller (not by much)
- Hitbox accordingly smaller than the Siege Shield
- Occupies only 1 slot, instead of 2
- Price slightly raised
- (Optional but would be sick) a Heraldic Pavise Shield
- Weight slightly lowered
This would make archers and crossbowmen more historically accurate should they choose to use the pavise. It would also expand the role of archers during sieges, where archers on the offensive side are markedly less effective since there is very little cover compared to the defending archers. Additionally, it would expand the utility of equipment during regular Battle, Siege, and Defend the Virgin modes, by giving archers a means of defending themselves from enemy projectiles. Finally, pavisiers would be more of a team utility by potentially providing cover and defenses for both themselves and their fellow infantry.
Note: I know there is a lot of hate for range right now, but the implementation of this shield is NOT a buff for archers. First of all, it requires 1 slot, which means that a pavisier would be limited to using the 0-slot weapons. This would also reduce the max ammuntion available to heavy archers (longbows/arbs) by 50%. Second, it inherently reduces the effectiveness of ranged enemies, as it is a shield. The pavise would benefit the wielder and the teammates of the wielder by giving everyone additional protection from archers.