HX is currently the most over-powered class in battle mode.
The standard build only requires 7 str, with the rest stacked into agility. They are the fastest horseman, and deal considerably more damage than horse archers with greater ability to perform "clutch" close range shots. They are only vulnerable to other horse archers, but with far superior damage and speed they can still compete if the archer does not manage to interrupt reloads. They can dodge foot archers and xbowman easily on open maps due to good maneuver used against long travel time for projectiles. They should have their speed reduced by 25% while loading crossbows, they should take a greater WPF loss when moving to make charging armed infantry (with the prospect of hitting them with a bolt, and then ramming them) more of a risk, should have their reload speed increased by 25%, and should be allowed to use the regular crossbow. This would reduce the HX's ability to constantly pester without running away first, and it would make them more vulnerable to horse archers. With the ability to use a regular crossbow, HX's would take more str, resulting in even greater reduction in mobility, while giving them a solid niche as a tank buster.
The greatest thing about HX is their ability to manhandle heavy cavalry. Give them more tools to put a hurting on shieldless tin cans on foot and on horseback, while reducing their ability to snipe people at high speeds for incredible damage.
Also, don't remove nudge, but implement a shield bash. I know people keep saying this would make shields overpowered, but it would be an appropriate addition to the class in response to nudging. The shield bash speed would be between a nudge and a kick depending on the weight of the shield, with frequency of use dependent on shield skill, with similar range greater than a nudge but less than a kick. The shield bash should not stun for long enough to guarantee a hit, only to break an attack or parry and force the opponent onto the defensive. Shields require a considerable investment in agility to use and should a greater defensively than simply soaking up damage. Shield users should have some capability of remaining a threat while holding ground and playing defensively. As it stands, shielders playing defensively are kick fodder. This would also give more viability to buckler use. Reduce the "force field" effect of bucklers and force users to actively attempt to catch oncoming projectiles by positioning their shield up or down. In a fight there is little reason to take a sheild over a 2handed weapon when you are familiar with the blocking system due to the sheer damage and "spamability" of 2handers. With a shield bash we would see less strength stacking dedicated 2handers (and according to this thread, most people agree it is the most over powered class after HX) and more balanced spec'd 2handed users with some points in shield, carrying a 1hander and shield as well as a 2handed weapon into combat. This would give hoplites the ability to create range with their spears.
This would not make shields over powered it would only incentivize players (especially 2handed players) to utilize axes. Axes are currently far inferior to swords in their applications, give players a reason to bring an axe instead of a sword. Shields should not be and never were just an anti-arrow device.
Poll