This part of the forum is for discussing/bitching a bout various aspects of cRPG. Let us consider the subject of horsies...
As things stand, cavalry in cRPG is rather balanced when compared to the other playing styles. Within the framework of the game, it works--no more, no less. My reason for prompting this discussion is that, I feel, the current way in which horses work is not the best way. Or rather, since "best" is so relative a term, I might say that "there is a better way of doing things". I am not arguing for the sake of perfection, or for change for its own sake, for despite the fact that cavalry is balanced within the context of cRPG, the way in which this balance comes about is rather fucked up.
The most effective horses in cRPG--the ones you see the high-scoring (see, me) players use--are the fastest or the most maneuverable horses. The best cav players generally use speed, suprise, and a lance longer than their ensmy's primary weapon to get kills. The long lance's effectiveness is increased by high maneuverability, which allows skillful cavalrymen to trot just out of reach, and strike with perfect timing, indeed, I find that I can even feint using my horse. The longer lance also allows the cavalry player to strike sooner than if he was using a shorter lance, thus decreasing the likelihood of bieng heard/detected by a small margine. Alas, to balance this ninja-ness out, these faster horses also have low HP, charge, and armor.
The horses with lots of HP and armor, on the other hand, are so costly that using them is very, very silly, and they kinda suck anyway. Why use a tank-horse that's ludicrously expensive when I can use a rocket-horse that's more effective? These tank horses also aren't particularly survivable, despite the fact that they appear to be made out of metal. My experience with high-tier horses is limited to those I can steal ingame, however I notice that though they are resistant to arrows, melee players (particularly two-handers) slice through their armor without too much trouble. It takes a few hits, yes, but when a horse is unable to move because a man weighing a whopping 180 pounds is standing infront of it, the surrounding infantry have little trouble hitting home.
I think something is wrong with this.
I very much dislike having to use speed and suprise to kill my enemies, stabbing them in the back without them even HEARING ME. I also dislike having to resort to expensive metal horses in order to close with and kill my virtual enemies fair and square (or try to, given their softness). I dislike the idea that the best horsemen use the heavy lance, ride the courser, and have to fight like absolute pussies. I dislike not being able to charge into the flank of an enemy gaggle-fuck with my comrades in arms and cut bitches. I also really (really) dislike my horse dieing in three or four arrow hits--perhaps alot "realistically", but not in the world of cRPG.
I has a suggestion in mind to fix this, but I lets discussion happen first. Please avoid realism arguements. Please avoid derpin' and a-herpin'.
