Two-handed combat

[Zhar]

I wanted to suggest a minor fix to two-handed combat skill. I've read some articles and watched some videos on the subject of dual-wielding and it appears that it was very rarely utilised on the field of battle (possibly when you lost your shield or something you would pick up another weapon, but that was rare). If ever, it was only used to display skill or in 1v1 duels and then very rarely with the same weapon in your off-hand (2 swords is a no go).

Based on that, I think it would be possible to change two-handed combat by simply designating some weapons as "off-hand" (you still can use them in the main hand) and that if you dual-wield them it gives you some bonuses, regardless of your skill in the weapon. If you wield the off-hand weapon in your off-hand, your two-handed combat skill might grant you bonuses based on this skill alone.

Now, the question is, what kind of bonuses should it grant? Increased AC to make up for the lack of shield? Improved parry chance? Bonus to hit?

What do you think?

[Kiara]

If it isnt broken dont fix it?:)

No really, whats wrong with how it works now? Dual wielding (with decent skill) gives more offensive power, but you sacrifice the tanking abilities you get from a shield. Seems like a good system to me??

[Zhar]

I just remembered this topic being raised over and over again. The bonus power you get from dual-wielding doesn't justify losing your shield. Maybe when you pass legend in size it becomes an option, but before that shield is far superior. Thus, people were complaining that they're essentially paying tax for a useless skill.

Just summarizing what people were saying here. Personally I don't care much and I'd remove it alltogether, but since several guilds already have it, I was thinking about ways of making it attractive to the point of being a serious choice between dw and shield. That's how this idea was born. I'd really like to see glads running with axe/dagger combination, BDA with sword/axe for example etc. Adding a bit of variety to the game definitely can't hurt and can increase competition for gear. As it is, there's just one guild that's interested in daggers, why is that?

[cotillion]

Dual wielding sucking comes mostly from alot of shields being broken.
Hopefully we'll get around to fixing abusive shields eventually.

[Zhar]

Heh, I already proposed a fix for that. Simply give shield skill to everyone (trainable to sup lay in AG and higher in certain guilds, like KoS, Neidar and obviously AA) that will work pretty much like parry, blocking some hits but not giving AC.

[Syrk]

I just remembered this topic being raised over and over again. The bonus power you get from dual-wielding doesn't justify losing your shield. Maybe when you pass legend in size it becomes an option, but before that shield is far superior. Thus, people were complaining that they're essentially paying tax for a useless skill.

Yes. Till you are champion/legend is better tu use a weapon and a shield than two weapons.
I guess this is why Gladiators have high defence skill but even with that it is still not enough.
And in another thread someone was complaining about this unjustified overpower of Gladiators
skills, with example of the defence one... If you want them to use two weapons you need to compensate that.


As for not-in-game dual-wielding.

In two swords form there are usually two swords of different size:
a shorter one wielded in front to parry, block, seize weapon
or just confuse the opponent and the longer sword which is used
for actual cutting.

Compared to two-handed one sword form, two swords is harder to master.
One needs greater strength to control two weapons.

Two swords give better blocking/defence abilites.
Also as it's rarely used, opponents often do not know how to fight
against such a style.

The disadvantage is this form requires you to hold your longer blade
above your forehead which will tire your arm quickly.

[OgreToyBoy]

Think when you wield two two-handed weapons you should get a massive defensive bonus AND ninja-nuke specials.

[Syrk]

AND ninja-nuke specials.

At least as powerful as Blademasters or even MORE so.

[Snowrose]

oh oh give rangers dual wielding! *whistles innocently*

[Amberlee]

Heh, I already proposed a fix for that. Simply give shield skill to everyone (trainable to sup lay in AG and higher in certain guilds, like KoS, Neidar and obviously AA) that will work pretty much like parry, blocking some hits but not giving AC.

So what sort of bonus would different shields give?
More blocking?