Elindor I just have to argue that throwing should do more dmg than an arrow because of the extra mass. However, when I just did the math for Kinetic energy of the Jarid Vs a Bodkin arrow shot from a Horn Bow, the bodkin had more Kinetic energy. because of its velocity.
This tells me that throwing weapons should be heavier. A stack of bodkins weighs 10 but a stack of jarids only weighs 4, less than half the weight.
KE=1/2 * m *v^2
Jarid 266= 1/2 *1.33 *20^2
Bodkin from Hornbow 644=1/2 * .666 *44^2
just my 2 cents
Pshh... child's play!
Just kidding, nice to see someone actually use real science for once in a post, not just in-game stats. Granted, speed/weight are arbitrary values (assumed to be m/s and kg, perhaps). This really made me want to do a hardcore analysis of the physics behind this game and post a huge, scientifically accurate reason why ranged should be nerfed... but frankly I don't really want to do any more of that kind of work than I have to do to pass my classes.
Maybe someday I'll be bored enough...
Let me know when you take into account impusle/momentum, and of course the geometric and hardness factors of the materials used in the collision (armors vs. arrow/jarid point) which will give you a better idea of penetration by each missile type. You can even take into account deformation, but that is arguably taking it too far, in case the previously suggested steps weren't overkill enough. Also, something to keep in mind is the artificial weight of arrows in this game to nerf kiting archers. A quiver of 15 arrows does not weigh as much as chain mail armor. This increased weight definitely adds more KE to each arrow. In your analysis, using the weight form the game, one arrow (assuming the weight of the quiver = 0) was 2/3 kg, which is roughly 1.5 lbs. I can assure you, and I am sure common sense would also say the same, a single arrow does not weigh anything close to 1.5 pounds. I would guess based on my experiences that a single arrow weighs roughly one ounce, but might be even less. The only source of measurement I have is how heavy the arrows felt in my hand, and I not going to claim to be a human scale, but I will say usually my guesses are good...ish.
Of course, this all depends on what material the arrow is made of. I would guess that medieval wooden arrows have a bit more weight behind them than modern composite arrows, though not much I'm sure.
In my post earlier, I pointed out that in this video many of the throwing spears tend to fall out, or barely penetrate the poor animal's hide. Undoubtedly a small arrow traveling at a higher velocity, while having a much smaller cross sectional area, will penetrate far better, and thus arguably 'cause more damage' to its intended victim.
Remove damage bonous vs shields for all but axes?
Yes. It is pretty dumb when all ranged players tell you to get a shield, and yet your high-tier shield with 5-6 shield skill gets eaten alive by just 3 jarids.
Another thing to keep in mind, and in my opinion the only thing that could ever justify throwing's high damage output would be if all throwers (of spear-like throwing weapons at least) had the option to use a spear-thrower. Using one would give the current, absurdly high damage output, but perhaps sacrifice 'reload' speed and/or accuracy (since something actually has to be loaded). Also this might be a 1 slot item, so less ammunition allowed. Now, sure, this stands about a 0% chance of ever being implemented, since it requires brand new models and animations, but hey, just a thought.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spear-throwerNow I know that the various types of spear-throwers have been found come from civilizations that come far before the time period of this game... oh well. Perhaps there was a medieval era spear thrower that I am unaware of, I won't pretend to be any kind of history expert. I personally tend to think of native americans when I think of this type of tool.
