Development Cycle Archive

Thread: In Concept 1-1: Combat Roles; Bounty Hunter

J2xC
Wed Jan 21, 2004 11:03 am
#53


Given the basic considerations listed above, please answer the following questions:


What defines theBounty Hunterrole in combat?


BH's are man-hunters... They track down a single target, or group of them and kill them, not necessarily through direct confrontation but ruse. When it comes to a fight they can definitely hold their own using a variety of weapons. Currently the ruse is represented by a series of state effects, which are useless in PvP against the famed defense stackers, but work well and as intended for hunting humanoid bounties.


They should not be particularly strong against heavily armorred machinery, and have no special abilities for dealing with monsters, but when it comes to humans they know all the shortcuts, and aren't afraid to fight as dirty as they need to, so that they can take their marks down.


What basic combat elements should they possess?


Versatility(it's already there, but broken by defense stackers)and the ability to set up ambushes through the use of humanoid traps. Currently the scout mastery required for novice BH is meaningless.


They should also have bonuses for hitting humanoid targets(in the same way as scouts have bonuses for hitting creatures from the hunting line).


What offensive abilities?


If BH's are going to have minimal defense and be tuned for humanoid combat, considerring the fact they are the one profession with the highest skill point cost to master, they should have the highest offensive capabilityof all classes against humans(commando should have this against large creatures, mechanized infantry, and as support). The LLC is good for this in many PvE situations, but in PvP BH's are pretty hopeless. With the upcoming reductions to DoT's(which I completely support), the bleeding shot and torso shot are going to become far less useful then they were, fastblast is a useless ability, and the carbine abilities are very costly(though this is being fixed). An ability to do high damage(other than the LLC, which is useless against composite armor, and never hits in PvP)needs to exist.


What defensive abilities?


Not many.A BH should be mainly relying on the elementof surprise,however things go wrong, and as a hardenned veteran of many fights, you'd expect a bounty hunter to be able to avoid blaster fire pretty well, so at least the ability to dodge attacks would be warranted. Looking at the way that BHdefenses arenow, all I can imagine is a guy walking at the enemies with all guns blazing, with no regard for his own life. This is not what I imagine a bounty hunter to be doing.


What unique abilities?


Bounty hunter was originally planned as being the richest of the Combat professions due to bounty missions having huge payouts. This was going to be one of the rewards for the skill point cost, and it was going to allow BH's to be the best equipped fighters in the galaxy(and thus the need for natural defenses would not be necessary as BH's would have the best armor, weapons and skill enhancers). The problem is though, that right now, that in the time it takes to do one BH mission for 23K credits, orI can do 4 enraged rancor missions on my TKM character alonefor 37K each, get more xp, have a chance at high end loot, andget lots of xp.


Hunting down bounties must stay in of course, but right now, no sane bounty hunter does bounty missions for anything other than the investigation xp, and they hate every moment of it.


Bounty hunters already work with droids a lot. I understand that the devs are planning a droid handler class eventually, but there's also the possibility of strengthening the relation between bounty hunters and droids by allowing them to use more powerful droids than your average joe. This would of course require careful balancing of the profession, but one must keep in sight the fact that BH costs over 2* as many skill pointsthan most elite professions which could take master droid handler in addition to their existing profession.


The other unique ability is the ability to hunt down jedi. The droids are broken, so we can't do it as intended.


Should add what advantage or asset in group combat?


Not much. Bounty hunters work alone essentially, though of course in group combat they'd be able to deal out damage, by their very nature they're not the type of people you seek out for an attack on a rebel base. They're the ones you hire to kill the rebel general.


How could/should they interact with other professions?


The droid engineer mechanic is already in. Should they eventually become the richest fighter-types in the galaxy, they'd also be spending very large amounts on weaponsmiths and armorsmiths for the best equipment.


People should be able to take out bounties on other people, but the charge should be high so that they wouldn't be frivolous, and couldn't be exploited to get tef's on people at will.


What interaction / dependencies should exist with other combatants?


Again, bounty hunters generally work alone, so not much. I understand that SWG is a lot about group combat, but bounty hunters in the star wars galaxies are lone wolves.


What should be their unique role in the Galactic Civil War?


Nothing special really.


There's currently no real mechanic that'd be suitable, but I could imagine high level officials posting bounties on wanted enemy generals or something similar. They could be PC or NPC characters, and their deaths could carry temporary sway with the current side that's winning the GCW.




Kyris Iwo - Swordsman extraordinaire
Xabbu Iwo - Retired MBH, Master Chef
Leana_Txorana
Wed Jan 21, 2004 11:12 am
#54


What defines theBounty Hunterrole in combat?


The Bounty Hunter hunts his target. This is a profession, this is not revenge. Thus the Bounty Hunter is methodical, unceasing, and dangerous. While the target may be competent or even very good at what he does, the idea of being hunted by a Bounty Hunter is scary.


Note: The Bounty Hunter hunts A TARGET. While he may find himself fighting a group that is not the Bounty Hunter way. Thus one-on-one he should be fearsome. But against a group he is just another person with a gun.


=========================================================================


What basic combat elements should they possess?


Wide range of attacks. This is currently done well by having such a large range of weapons and damage types. He should be able to determine the weakness and use the correct weapon to take advantage of this. This is done today. Competant Bounty Hunters carry 5 or more weapons. They can deal just about any type of damage needed to take advantage of their target.


==========================================================================


What offensive abilities?


I think the Bounty Hunter is well served in the offensive department. The only change I would like to see is traps that work on people. Specifically a single trap with a very high speed factor. Basically we can use it once on a target. As we progress along the appropriate tree or trees, the trap causes more effects (dizzy, KD, blind, stun ...) and has a higher chance to hit. So we can use one trap on a target to induce one or more effects. I dont see a bounty hunter having to change to one weapon to produce dizzy, anther weapon to product KD, a third weapon to stun and blind and finally a fourth weapon to finish off the target.


So have a person trap that has a real small change of doing Dizzy, Stun, KD, Blind. Have each box of the BH tree slightly increase the chance of each state occuring. By the time you are Master there is a real high chance of each state. This will overcome most of the high defenses the other classes has. high chance of four state changes against high defenses will have a fair chance of one or more state changes.


=======================================================================


What defensive abilities?


One-on-one I thing the BH should always have the advantage. Afterall that is what they train for. The regular combat profession is set up to deal with a wide range of combat situations. Sure the Rifleman is the master sniper but knows he must be prepared to deal with being spotted. But the BH trains to track and kill his target.


How would I represent this. I believe that a Bounty Hunter should be able to identify one target, PvE or even PvP, humanoid or creature, and the bounty hunter get great defenses against that target (AND ONLY THAT TARGET). Any other attacker can whomp on the bounty hunter and he has little or no defenses against that attacker. A noob with a CDEF can open a can of woop-*** on the bounty hunter. This may be a little extreme but how I envision the BH. The bounty hunter is so concentrated on that one target that he is vulnerable to others. But he is his targets worse nightmare.


=======================================================================


What unique abilities?


I believe I identified one unique offense and defense ability above. Others unique abilities I think are already covered. use of droids to track targets.


=======================================================================


Should add what advantage or asset in group combat?


In grop combat the bounty hunter should just be another body with a gun. Always good to have an extra gun. But they should not add synergy to a group. They are hunters. Sure the one target in the opposing group he can pretty much own. But the others in the opposing group will own him.


So the bounty hunter has the challenge to be extra careful and try to get a member of the opposing group single out and try to take him one-on-one. If as much as a second person can devote time to the bounty hunter then he is in trouble.


=======================================================================


How could/should they interact with other professions?


What interaction / dependencies should exist with other combatants?


Effectivly grouping with a bounty hunter should be difficult. If the bounty hunter cannot avoid the large confrontation, he will go down quickly but if he can get the opponents broken appart and attack them one at a time he is awsome. So his best interaction is with a group that can help him split the opposing group into individuals.


========================================================================


What should be their unique role in the Galactic Civil War?



I think that if there becomes player bounties then the role of the Bounty Hunter is to incapacitate the opposition. If he can find and isolate the leaders then the opposition becomes more vulnerable.


The bounty hunter could attack the regulare soldiers but they tend to group and killing a private does not provide the effectivness of killing a general.



www.usa4usa.blogspot.com
=========================================
There are 10 kinds of people, those who understand binary and those that don't
There's no place like 127.0.0.1
================================
3.14159 + Ice Cream = Pi ala mode
Trebor0712
Wed Jan 21, 2004 11:13 am
#55


What defines theBounty Hunterrole in combat?


Excellent use of tracking and be able to hunt. That is why they are called Bounty HUNTERS.


What basic combat elements should they possess?


Excellent weapons skill and good defenses.


What offensive abilities?


It would be great to see the addition of being able to use double pistols. Let the pistol be a certain type that can only be used in this siuation. The ability to be quick to hide or move faster in attack. A bounty hunter is a sly or deceiver in their tatctics.


What defensive abilities?


Some type of quick moves to avoid being attacked back or caught.


What unique abilities?


Double pistols would be great. Just like in the movies. This is way too cool.


Should add what advantage or asset in group combat?


Having some type of advantage over others. Tracking is a key thing to Bounty Hunters. Why not give the BH a better way with tracking.


How could/should they interact with other professions?


Other players should be able to pay Bounty Hunters to get things done for them. Like if they are killed so many times by a certain player or acts against groups or such.


What interaction / dependencies should exist with other combatants?


Melee would be a good start. Being able to see who can get the bounties the fastest and most effective.


What should be their unique role in the Galactic Civil War?


Bounty Hunters should be hired to go out and extract the information or bring back a user that could be important information.






Hudsen Hawke
Starsider
Tatooine
Sahara Moon
URA
Ryutek
Wed Jan 21, 2004 11:25 am
#56






Thunderheart wrote:

Given the basic considerations listed above, please answer the following questions:


What defines theBounty Hunterrole in combat?


The Bounty Hunter should be the most feared 1 Vs. 1 Combatant available. He is skilled in tracking down and elimintaing (or capturing) his mark. He should be able to fend off multiple attackers long enough to get aid or to run away, but should not be able to obliterate them.


What basic combat elements should they possess?


A Bounty Hunter is similar to a "jack-of-all-trades" He should be able to utilize anything around him to complete his mission. For example, if a Bounty Hunter were to walk into a room he should be able to grab anything (such as someone's blaster) and use it effectively with finesse and precision, but should not be the best with that particular weapon as someone who has mastered it.
Basically a Bounty Hunter should be able to use all weapons effectively, but only his specific weapons to their full potential (like the scatter pistol and LLC).
Through having to learn to survive on his own in the wilderness while tracking a mark the bounty hunter should also know enough about first aid to heal himself (not others).


What offensive abilities?


The Bounty Hunter is almost a purely offensive machine. His attacks should be designed to catch the target unprepared (i.e. their defenses do not have the chance to counteract the first shot because they were caught "flat-footed" by the skilled (and note skilled) bounty hunter). Their attacks should deal out very high amounts of damage, and should cause lasting effects (i.e. bleeding or something of that manner, after all the Bounty Hunter knows how to incapacitate his marks quickly and efficiently, and so would hit them where it counts).


What defensive abilities?


Basic defenses. Through "years" of hunting marks they know how to defend themselves from a variety of attacks, but are not masters of defense. Their primary focus should be devestating offense.


What unique abilities?


The ability to cause devastatingly high amounts of damage quickly and accurately. The ability to cause their targets to be unable to return fire after a well placed shot from them,and the ability to cause a player to bleed profusely (or the fire DoT from Torso shot, as it seems to be the only special that was designed correctly from the get go).


Should add what advantage or asset in group combat?


Bounty Hunters should not really add an advantage to a group other than their ability for high damage output ans controlling a single target. They are mostly solo characters.


How could/should they interact with other professions?


Bounty Hunters should be the people that you go to when you need someone eliminated or captured and you cannot send an army in to do it. Or if you do not know where your target is the Bounty Hunter should find and eliminate / capture them for you.


What interaction / dependencies should exist with other combatants?


Should rely informants to supply information. Should rely on weaponsmiths and armorsmiths to keep them supplied with good equipment. In the current incarnation should rely on DE's to provide the means for finding their target.


What should be their unique role in the Galactic Civil War?


They should be hired by high ranking officials on either side to capture or eliminate high ranking officials on the other side. (This is sort of what we have with Imperials wanting all Jedi eliminated in the way of player bounties, as Vader hires the Bounty Hunters' Guild to track down and eliminate all Jedi).


Request For Comments:


The community is invited to make commentsthrough April. At that time, the thread will be closed to further comments. Feel free to comment on any or all of the above items. Please stay on topic.











Ryutek

Former Teräs Käsi Correspondent, Circa 08/2004 to 02/2005

No longer holding out hope, SWG will never be the game we fought so hard for, that we believed so much in. Farewell friends.



[email protected]
RozhlokLightningskull
Wed Jan 21, 2004 12:03 pm
#57






Thunderheart wrote:

Given the basic considerations listed above, please answer the following questions:


What defines theBounty Hunterrole in combat?


The BH is the "well-rounded" killer, if you will. We are part commando, part pistoleer and part carbineer. We can control our targets with our carbine, we can then dish out large amounts of damage with an LLC or pistol depending on our targets' vulnerbalities, our targets' state and/or our personal preferance. We excel in one-on-one combat and are weaker in group battles.


I like to think of BHs as a true hybird profession in that we get a little bit of everything into one profession.


What basic combat elements should they possess?


High offensive output and accuracy, very low defense.


What offensive abilities?


Should be able to efficienty control his target with his carbine and inflict numerous state changes. Should be able to inflict DoT attackson his target with his pistol. Should be able to inflict large chunks of damage at close range with his LLC.


What defensive abilities?


Very little.


What unique abilities?


BH should be able to use weapons of every damage type and inflict every state on a target.


Should add what advantage or asset in group combat?


BHs are well rounded killers and can assume multiple roles, not as well, as a Master Pistoleer or Master Carbineer or Master Commando, mind you.


How could/should they interact with other professions?


Bounties should be issued on Jedi who gain a JEF and Smugglers who fail a Hutt faction mission.


What interaction / dependencies should exist with other combatants?


BH shouldn't be dependant on other combatants. That's why they can so a little bit of everything. So they can make on their own. BHs should be hunting bounties. Smugglers should be smuggling.


What should be their unique role in the Galactic Civil War?


Little to none. Why would the Alliance make use of a BH? As far as I'm concerned BHs and Smugglers should be removed from the GCW and exist in a seperate underworld faction controlled by the Hutts. Now to get a taste of the GCW BHs should be able to take occasional missions for the Empire and smugglers should be able to smuggle arms/supplies/etc to the Rebellion. Our professions don't have ideals or care about either side. The only thing they care about with this war is how they can profit off of it.







/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++\
| Razhlok Lightningskull: Master Bounty Hunter ~ Master Rifleman ~ Alliance Pilot -- Wanderhome Galaxy |
| Lynsana Jantal: Teräs Käsi Master ~ Master Swordswoman ~ Privateer -- Bria Galaxy |
\+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++/

Leana_Txorana
Wed Jan 21, 2004 12:14 pm
#58

What defines theBounty Hunterrole in combat?


The Bounty Hunter hunts his target. This is a profession, this is not revenge. Thus the Bounty Hunter is methodical, unceasing, and dangerous. While the target may be competent or even very good at what he does, the idea of being hunted by a Bounty Hunter is scary.


Note: The Bounty Hunter hunts A TARGET. While he may find himself fighting a group that is not the Bounty Hunter way. Thus one-on-one he should be fearsome. But against a group he is just another person with a gun.


=========================================================================


What basic combat elements should they possess?


Wide range of attacks. This is currently done well by having such a large range of weapons and damage types. He should be able to determine the weakness and use the correct weapon to take advantage of this. This is done today. Competant Bounty Hunters carry 5 or more weapons. They can deal just about any type of damage needed to take advantage of their target.


==========================================================================


What offensive abilities?


I think the Bounty Hunter is well served in the offensive department. The only change I would like to see is traps that work on people. Specifically a single trap with a very high speed factor. Basically we can use it


What defensive abilities?


What unique abilities?


Should add what advantage or asset in group combat?


How could/should they interact with other professions?


What interaction / dependencies should exist with other combatants?


What should be their unique role in the Galactic Civil War?





www.usa4usa.blogspot.com
=========================================
There are 10 kinds of people, those who understand binary and those that don't
There's no place like 127.0.0.1
================================
3.14159 + Ice Cream = Pi ala mode
LemiOkeaf
Wed Jan 21, 2004 12:17 pm
#59

Im only going to answer a few questions since most people have addressed the others to my satisfaction



What basic combat elements should they possess?

The general knowledge of multiple weapons should mean that whatever weapon his opponent has, he has the perfect one to counter attack their weaknesses. Ranged weapons, he gets in close... melee weapons he stays back. There should be no perfect range for a BH, any distance should be comfortable.

Currently a Rifleman would never start a duel with a TKA at 1m and vice versa. But a BH should never care what the distance and what the opponent, he should have the skills to take on any profession at any distance and HOLD his GROUND.


What offensive abilities?


A wide variety of weapons and skills, so that no matter what his opponent may have, the Bounty Hunter can exploit their weaknesses.


What defensive abilities?

The bounty hunter's Marks attack with all forms of weapons, melee and ranged. As the Bounty hunter climbs the investigation tree his offensive knowledge against both Melee and Ranged weapons should increase. He should be quick and able to dodge incomming attacks.



What should be their unique role in the Galactic Civil War?

We should be BOUNTY HUNTERS! We should hired by both sides to take out members of the opposing side. We should be able to switch sides of the GCW at will (or maybe for a price!). Bounty Hunters should have their own guild! But be able to side with wich ever side of the GCW they want to. We take the side of who ever is paying the most.

Maybe as MBH you can never have negative faction, allowing you to switch sides quickly, BUT you can never have enough positive faction to gain a rank either....



*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI
*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI
*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI
*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI
*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI
*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI
*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI
*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI*LEMI


meeuki
Wed Jan 21, 2004 12:29 pm
#60

What defines theBounty Hunterrole in combat? the bounty hunter should have no place in factional squabbles. it should be the master of 1 on 1 combat, able to defend himself against all manner of attacks proficiently. you should not expect to win a duel with a master bounty hunter, if nothing else but because of all the superior tools at his disposal.


the only way i can see this being achieved without imbalancing the GCW would be to restrict bounty hunters to the factionless.


What basic combat elements should they possess? bounty hunting is about the investigation class currently. i personally think it should stay that way, allowing a bounty hunter to dabble in whatever combat profession he sees fit in order to achieve the post powerful set of skills available to them. the actual bounty hunter tree should be riddled with unique weapons, PC and NPC traps and a variety of specials that enhance the marksman based elites he may choose to dabble in. the master scoutrequirement of bounty hunter should be lifted, and replaced with the trap line alone.


What offensive abilities? high damage, all kinds of damage, all kinds of weapons.


What defensive abilities? nimble and quick, they should be able to easily defend themselves against a single skilled target. high ham costs should be the penalty for their fast damage output, thus encouraging 1 on 1 combat and not group situations.


What unique abilities? variety of specials enhancing the other marksman weapons.


Should add what advantage or asset in group combat? none. they should compliment other bounty hunters perhaps, but they should be out of the GCW except in cases where rebels or imperials are paying for their bounty.


How could/should they interact with other professions? see above


What interaction / dependencies should exist with other combatants? see above


What should be their unique role in the Galactic Civil War? to keep jedi numbers in check. assasinate high ranking imperial/rebel officials. for the paycheck.







Replicant.NonStopDisco.Kettemoor
Tactic.Ycoto.Kettemoor
ATM.Gorath
make server transfers free you crooks!


Mordechia
Wed Jan 21, 2004 2:01 pm
#61









What defines theBounty Hunterrole in combat?


The Bounty Hunter should be a deadly opponent. They should be a powerful offensive force vs players and small mechanical devices (droids / vehicles), since they spent a whole line devoted to the use and knowledge of Droids.



What basic combat elements should they possess?


Powerful offensive striking ability, with state changes / effects etc... this has been covered by numerous posts previously.



What offensive abilities?


Again, covered extensively will add the following:


State changes should be effective more often than not if you are Master Bounty Hunter.


What defensive abilities?


I think similar defensive abilities to those elite lines in the marksman skill tree are fair (Marksman is a pre-req)


What unique abilities?


We need to be able to use our droids! Battle droids would be a nice thing - if we could use them (since Investigation is dedicated to using droids). We need the ability to track players (via droids or something else). I don't think there needs to be player traps - Just to clarify: We are talking about players here not Durni's so the concept of "traps" as we know it does not jive with the role we need to play.

And the Single most important role we need: Player Bounties


Should add what advantage or asset in group combat?


Do they really have a role in group combat? I don't think they do. Unless it is to defend someone from another player. (example: Jango protecting Count Dooku)


How could/should they interact with other professions?


If you are not an Armorsmith or Weaponsmith I see no need to interact with other professions (This leaves out the needed support classes i.e. Dancers/Entertainers, Doctors, Medics, Chefs'). Unless of course these other professions need someone terminated.


What interaction / dependencies should exist with other combatants?


None - Its a solo profession (unless we are talking about simple "group hunts")


What should be their unique role in the Galactic Civil War?


Killing high level officals from either side - Personally I don't think BH's should be in the GCW. I think they ("we") should be their own faction; something related to the HUTT/TRADE/BANKING or whatever faction other faction other than rebel or imperial. Jango played both sides in the GCW - we should be able to do the same.






________________________
Master Bounty Hunter
Carbineer 0/0/0/3
Novice Medic


Apolo13
Wed Jan 21, 2004 2:11 pm
#62

after this 6 month of us testing the BH and writing here the changes it needs ...are we getting pay ..?
TheWildJedi
Wed Jan 21, 2004 2:22 pm
#63






theRansacker wrote:


What defines theBounty Hunterrole in combat?


Bounty Hunters should be masters of 1v1 combat based on strategy and target control. Unlike reports to the contrary we are not looking for an "I WIN" button but we are looking for higher expectations for the skill point investment.


What basic combat elements should they possess?


Bounty Hunters should be the masters of technology. Have access to special modifications to armor and weapons that are only available to Bounty Hunters. Here is my idea on how to accomplish this task. Create a thrid fation called the Bounty Hunters Guild. When any bounty is accomplished faction points are awarded these points can be used to get special schematics. These schematics are given to crafters to produce the item. These items include all the toys we see in the films. Wrist rockets, poison darts, entangle traps etc. Ill most likely get "FLAMED BIG" for this but I suggest that if we had access to these tools that effected the defenses of the target then even the UBER DEFENSE STACKERS might begin to think twice when a BH enters the room.


What offensive abilities?
I think as a Master Bounty Hunter my current offensive output is stellar. The problem is that the UBER DEFENSE STACKERS cant be hit. Now calm down this isnt a NERF CRY. Repeat this isnt a NERF CRY. I would like to see the addition of "TOYS" that would be able to lowers those defenses briefly.


What defensive abilities?
Our current lack of defenses wouldnt bother me IF we could be sure we could engage any target effectively. Sadly that currently isnt the case. Most PVP combat ive been in looks like a scene from the MATRIX. Dodge,Block,Evade.... cloning center. If the above suggestions are not implemented then I feel we need to have increased defenses. I mean a trained killer should be able to defend themselves better than a Master Dancer.


What unique abilities?
Humaniod Tracking like Ranger. Humanoid traps. Their own GCW faction the Bounty Hunters Guild. More immersive missions that require a team of bounty hunters to complete. More difficult bounty targets.


Should add what advantage or asset in group combat?
Bounty Hunting as a profession lends to a solo life but this shouldn't revmove the player from functioning in a group. I know that many groups Ive been in have include me simply for the huge DPS the LLC can produce. And being a master of combat version Humandoids any group fighting such targets should welcome the aid of a well trained bounty hunter.


How could/should they interact with other professions?
As a Bounty Hunter I live and die by my equipment. I need the best of everything. I buy food and drink buffs. I am addicted (sad to say) to spices. I buy armor and weapons. I spend huge amounts of time and money in the cantina. And a personal physian is almost manditory. I have stock in several droid manufacturers. That said I think only a couple of professions are left out. Now if the special scematic idea is implemented then I would interact with even more professions. CM for poison darts, BE for special fibers for entangle traps and so on. I think that while the job of hunting bounties is a solo occupation that doesnt mean that i have to sit in a corner and wait for my mission to spawn.


What interaction / dependencies should exist with other combatants?
If more difficult missions are implemented I think the BH should be able to "HIRE" others to assist in taking out the target.


What should be their unique role in the Galactic Civil War?
My postion on this is based on the films and books which are set in this time period. Bounty hunters should have their own faction the BH guild. This wouldnt preclude a BH from doing "JOBS" for either side or from opting to go overt BH (the true scum of the universe) and be open to attack from either side. While overt you gain faction points that can be spent on toys.







For what it is worth... I agree 100% with this above, and most other posts as well, but this one abovein particular is right on the money.


What I would also like to add is a concept of specialties.


We as BHs, especially MBHs, are so limited in what we can do with the remainingskill points (33 for MBH) that we are ALMOST ALL EXACTLY ALIKE.


BORING! No distinction in any way other than a few points and our GCW faction from EACH OTHER.


What we need is the concept of Assassins to be implimented. This has been brought up before, so I am not taking credit for this idea, just mentioning it as a great one. This would entail "using up" your complied Investigation BH xp once you hit Master (which become TOTALLY USELESS by the way once you hit Master) to "specialize" in either your faction (as a hired assassin) or some other faction (i.e. Jabba) and be able to "buy things with it... perks and stuff" or maybe special different types of "faction training".


That way, those of us who are rebel BH assassin mercs have a logical reason for actually working for the alliance (although even we will take a job if the money is right from pretty much anyone, heh).





Jana Ma'rie
------------------------------------------
Master Bounty Huntress - forever.

Insurgent Sisterhood
Starsider
Pikthulhu
Wed Jan 21, 2004 3:03 pm
#64






Thunderheart wrote:

In a galaxy far, far away, it is a time of civil war. The Empire has taken control over the galaxy and attempted to build the ultimate battle station to enforce the will of the Emperor. The rebellion destroyed the fearsome Death Star and this galactic conflict is at its peak.


In Massively Multiplayer combat, each profession should have a distinct role. Each role should help define the profession and have a relationship with its abilities in combat. In popular fantasy games, wizards cast ranged spells, warriors are “tanks”, and clerics “heal”. Each archetype has a specific role in combat and they all depend on each other for success. Additionally, each role gives any particular player group a unique feel depending on how many of each type is involved in a group and the role they play when combat gets tough.


In a science-fiction oriented game, those traditional roles aren’t so clear cut. Most skills and abilities are redundant because of balance issues, which take away from the unique feel of the profession. Many players have stated that they would like to see SWG professions have a more unique feel to them and we would like to know what your thoughts are.


Some basic balance considerations are:


* Ranged and Melee Professions


In SWG, a key thing to consider about each profession and its role in combat is that there are many ranged combat classes and many melee combat classes. Each ranged combat profession should have a unique aspect to their “ranged” abilities that helps distinguish them from other ranged combat professions, and likewise, each melee combat profession should have a unique aspect to their “tanking” or melee abilities that helps distinguish them from other melee professions.



* Redundant vs. Unique Abilities


There are two basic set of combat skills any profession should have. The first are Redundant Abilities. These are abilities that either most or all combat professions posses, in other words, “everyman combat skills”. The second set of combat skills a profession should posses are Unique Abilities. Unique abilities are the abilities that give a profession its unique feel in combat. In other words, it defines the profession and its role in combat.



* Game Space


Another basic concept to keep in mind when thinking about combat professions and their role in combat is Game Space. The next big consideration for assessing combat abilities is where the combat takes place. There are indoor spaces and outdoors spaces. Indoor spaces would be dungeons, bases and the like and outdoor spaces would be wilderness and/or city spaces.



* PvP and PvE


In SWG, players can choose between PvE and PvP playstyles and even shift back and forth to play in elements of both. PvE is “Player versus Environment” and basically deals with fighting computer controlled enemies in combat. PvP is “Player versus Player” and is real players fighting real players and tends to be very tricky because anytime something in game is at stake (like faction equipment, etc), it is important to keep things fair and balanced, but also fun.



* Profession Lifespan


What is the profession’s role in its novice state and how should the skill progress over the course of a player’s time investment in the profession? At all times any given profession should have a distinct role and value in combat. As a player progresses from Novice to Master, the profession should reflect something special about the profession and also be fun to play.


Given the basic considerations listed above, please answer the following questions:


What defines theBounty Hunterrole in combat?


What basic combat elements should they possess?


What offensive abilities?


What defensive abilities?


What unique abilities?


Should add what advantage or asset in group combat?


How could/should they interact with other professions?


What interaction / dependencies should exist with other combatants?


What should be their unique role in the Galactic Civil War?


Request For Comments:


The community is invited to make commentsthrough April. At that time, the thread will be closed to further comments. Feel free to comment on any or all of the above items. Please stay on topic.









What defines theBounty Hunterrole in combat?


The ablility to absolutely staple a man to the floor on a one on one battle. Not everyone can be Boba Fett and take out whole crowds meanwhile assasinating your bounty. We need weaknesses in large scale. I think that they should only be granted bonuses to escaping in large scale pvp(I.E. area KD)


What basic combat elements should they possess?


I can either make this the short answer, or the long drawn out answer...I'll make things simple. BH is the hardest class(next to jedi) therefore they need to be the most powerful..hands down. Bh need some serious defenses as well as offensive capabilities. First and foremost they need any defense that keeps them on their toes, a BH is no good on their back and often times need to make a fast break. posture change/dizzy/kd defense as well as offense that to those status effects to their target. That way a BH can keep his/her target from running.


What offensive abilities?


A powerful carbine attack that isnt just a dizzy, a KD or a dizzy/KD(ie underhand confusion and firekd). They also do need those attacks that slow their target down. Wether that be a -terrain negotiation attack or a KD/posture change. Also, the LLC needs to have range brought up on specials, say to 30m.


What defensive abilities?


DIZZY/KD DEFENSE, maybe a defense against burn dots as well!!!!


What unique abilities?


Player bounties(non jedi type), smugglers especially need to be marks(primorequests this )


Should add what advantage or asset in group combat?


I think that an area KD would be nice, even if it just stopped the crowd for a couple seconds.


How could/should they interact with other professions?


I think the main interaction that needs to exhist are player bounties..not just names that show up on terminals, but like an alternate trade window, where the non BH would put in a name and a price and the BH can accept.(jedi names should be void in this player to player bounty, they have it hard enough.)


What interaction / dependencies should exist with other combatants?


BH need a strong relationship with DEs. we are dependent on them to deliiver droids. This also goes along with other crafters,so BH can get some costum gear (I think every class should get way more class-exclusive gear).


What should be their unique role in the Galactic Civil War?


Bh are really not faction oriented. Lately I've been reading posts that say BH shouldn't be able to join a faction. I am beggining to agree with them. I have a new concept for BH, they should not be faction oriented, but they should be able to target everyone. HOWEVER, this means that if they engage an attack with someone ANYONE can attack them back! For example: BH attacks guy A. Guy A is a friend of guy B, C, D and F. Since BH attacks guy A, the rest and anyone around may attack BH as well. This is where are KD will come into effect. So BH kills guy A and the rest are in persuit, BH uses area KD and knocks everyone down for just long enough to escape and let his tef wear out. This may be a stupid idea but it sounds reasonable.







----Sonn Fere(Ahazi)-----
Damn, has it been that long since ive played!?
Narenek
Wed Jan 21, 2004 3:47 pm
#65


What defines theBounty Hunterrole in combat?


A bounty hunter is a loner focusing on taking down individual targets. They take on some of the toughest and meanest individuals around for monitary gain. Bh are solo artistsrelying on their own wits and abilities to track down and eliminate individual targets.


What basic combat elements should they possess?


BH should be fearsome in one on one combats able to concentrate on a single target with the aim to take them down by any means possible. Damage in one on one combat should be high. Bounty hunters tend to have one favourite weapon or weapon stylewhere they are very good (although not as good as someone who can specialise in that one weapon) but are able to use other weapons to a reasonable level as needs be. They should be flexible and adaptable to the current situation through their use of various weapons at hand. Also the ability to jury rig their weapons in a similar way to smugglers (suggest bounty hunter usable only powerups above the power of the basic artisan ones)


What offensive abilities?


Offensive capabilities should be focused towards taking down individuals targets, high damage abilities with some good controlling state effects and good bleeds.... all the Bounty Hunters know how to incapacitate marks quickly and efficiently, and so would hit them where it counts. I don't think there should be any cone effect abilities such as the LLC cones... all damage should be high and concentrated onto one target at the exclusion of all others. First strike of some sort would be good too, BH's often wait till they have the advantage to take out a mark and the ability to negate any defenses on that first shot. There should also be some form of intimidation.. after all bounty hunters have a reputation and your average mark will live in fear when he knows a BH is on his tail (even the great Han Solo ran scared from BH's in the films... ok not greedo i'll agree)


What defensive abilities?


Bh's have to survive in one on one fights for a living, they should be tough and hard to put down. These guys live a hard life and the weak are quickly culled from their ranks. A BH should haveat least someresists to state changes (not the zero defenses he currently has) . He should also havesome ability to heal himself out of combat once the fight is over as often Bh's follow marks into areas where healing is not available or the authorities need to be avoided.


What unique abilities?


The Bh should be a master of one on one combat and putting down a mark hard and fast. Damage should be high allowing the bounty hunter to achieve this, hard to resist but short lived state effects along with this damage will make the intial offense something to be feared. If the mark survives the initial surprise then the bounty hunter has more of a fight on his hands and should have a much harder time. The investigation line should be kept with players able to post bounties.. this is truly what the Bh is about and when working correctly should add a great amount to the class.


Should add what advantage or asset in group combat?


Other than high damage and the ability to take down a single target BH's should have no advantage in a group... they are really loners.


How could/should they interact with other professions?


Bounty Hunters should be the people that you go to when you need someone eliminated or captured .. the main interaction should be through the posting of bounties and the subsequant hunts.


What interaction / dependencies should exist with other combatants?


Bounty hunters will rely on informants for their mark information and this would also include droid engineers for seekers. They would also require interaction with weaponsmiths, smugglers and armorsmiths for their equipment and slicing needs.


What should be their unique role in the Galactic Civil War?


BH should be a feared individual combatant specialising in finding and killing/capturing single targets. They should be available for both sides to post bounties for. Almost they should be neutral... feared and loathed by both sides but respected for their combat abilities and needed for the dirty jobs that the law cannot quite handle.

Page 5 of 26