Fencer Archive

Raph Koster on balance in SWG:

"On the other hand, we're just plain giving up on the issue of melee combat. A good ranged guy is always gonna take a good close quarters guy, and there's no getting past that. Yes, we've innvested a fair amount of time in vibroblades and stun poles and what have you, and there's skills to learn for melee, motioan captured moves, and all sorts of goodness. But really, we already know the min-maxers won't use that stuff. So it's there for those whose self-image really calls for it."

Complete post:
http://www.kanga.nu/archives/MUD-Dev-L/2001Q4/msg01048.php

That was written in 2001 though...it's not exactly a recent statement

(That was written in 2001 though...it's not exactly a recent statement)

You never played UO when it was first released and Raph Koster was in full control did you?

Raph during them days was grossly hard headed on his stance of player policing which alienated the playerbase.

What UO is now since he left to what it was during the time he ignored the playerhelpsfor the mass PKing and griefers due to his hard stance brings memories when posts like this are dug up.

You have been warned.

I think we all know the game is geared for ranged combat. Nothing new there. I am not worried at all. I am having fun now, and I only see our class slightly improving if anything in the future.

I think jokecamp said it best. I'm having fun, and I'll tell you this, being a TKA and Fencer, the ranged guys at least have some respect for me. Melee is not an easy route, and its not common either.

Also, woe be to he who lets me get close in PvP. Its a one punch death for that poor bloke.

I think the majority of Fencers choose it to be unique. Anyone can make a BH/CH combo, or a Pistoleer. If you want to be the most powerful class in the game, then go do it. I started working on Pistoleer, but decided to start Fencing. Why? Because I don't want to be like those other guys, many of them mindless gun toters. Fencer is more artful, and I enjoy watching my toon in 3rd person.

Yeah, it would be great to have an equal chance to kill a range fighter, but let's face it, it's not logical. Two people start at 30-60m, the range person SHOULD win. It's common sense guys. However, stick me in a city, and let me use the geometry of the buildings...we can holdour own just fine.

I'll take the road less travelled and have other people's respect to see me fight, than be a no name gun toter.

Ok guys, think of it in real life terms. Ever heard the saying "Don't bring a knife to a gun fight"? I agree with the above poster. People with guns will always have the advantage. About the only thing a melee combatant has going for him is class, style, and the need for individuality. I love my fencer and I wouldn't have it any other way. I don't care so much for making everything equal, it's not supposed to be. I mean, in the real world, we have all sorts of imbalances.

I still get woe's on the damage I do, and I have been doing high damage alot longer than any of my bh/ pistoleer/ carbineer/ marksman pa friends have. I love being the one on the front line when grouped keeping the target at bay while they (safely) shoot from afar. I am considered the one with the big cahones (so to speak) for fearlessly rushing the attacker. I have been slain many times, and I have been kd'd many more times. Yet have I never whined about it not being fair. I chose my skill knowing what I was getting in to.

For those who still whine and complian. SOE made a "surrender skill" button for a reason. If you don't like melee, I suggest you take advantage of this button and follow the crowd and pick up a gun.

and also,

Any bloody fool can pull a trigger.

Personally, Im happy to be a fencer

with the pvp as broken as it is, Melee is where its at for me. Enjoy PvE, conquor new challenges, and have fun with people

Once they fix that PvP, I'll be back, and all over people, happily trying to fence and getting my ass shot while doing it. I'll be happy even if I just get one kill a week, cause if its that bad.. well, the line "Haha, you died to a fencer" comes to mind

Well I know they are Jedis but in the movies, they use melee weapons to block laser blasts all the time.

Maybe have the Fencer need to be Master, and have some type of special made sword (not a light saber, but maybe some rare metal or what not) and have them have a chance to deflect range shots.

Would nto be overpowering and would give the fencers some chance in PvP to dodge or block shots and move in closer for the kill.