Commando Archive

We've all pretty much looked over ways to increase the damage output that a Master Commando is able to dish through weapons, and pretty much everyone agrees that a fixed AOE is neccesary and that grenades need a major boost in power to be useful. Some are now looking back at the pre reqs for the profession, and I think there is reason to do so. I think it's possible that part of the problems we face as Commandos can be linked directly to the extremely weak skillset that ranged support grants. I routinely use placed shot and aimed shot and find them useful even as a Master Commando. Does anyone use the tumble shots? Does anyone use the overcharge attack? Maybe part of the problem isn't so much with commando's lack of ability so much as it is with the completely worthless nature of our prerequisites.

StarNick recently took a look at getting more mileage out of marksman specials, and that got me thinking a little about what we actually get out of the marksman ranged support line. The answer, is sadly, virtually nothing. The unarmed line could be made central to commando simply by allowing COB to be used with a heavy weapon equiped. I don't know if they'd go for that one or not, but it would make that skill line useful to a Commando, and not simply a skill point sink. I'm going to work off the assumption that the developers are working away from the idea that a higher skill point sink can be used to justify higher power level, and instead have one power level in mind for straight ranged, melee, scout, or medic professions, anda slighty higher power level in mind for hybrids in the form of greater flexibility. This would mean no master marksman requirement, so that leaves us in the position of looking to get the most out of what they do require IMO.

Even if we were able to use COB with heavies equiped, what about our other prerequisite line? This is something that effects not only commandos, but also Squad Leaders, Combat Medics, and if carbines are not selected as a new Ranger prereq, in favor of trapping and ranged support, it is something they wll want looked into as well. Bounty Hunters at the novice level should also be looking at this. The CU was supposed to introduce new utility to the tumbling attack line, and it has fallen flat on it's face in this regard. So... should we be looking at how marksman itself needs a tweek in order to accomplish some basic damage dealing within Commando? What ranged "support" abilities could be used to replace the currently completely worthless (other than a few small mods)skill line?

Tyyy LowYspetily:
_______\^/_______
~ Wookiee at LarGe ~