Ranger Archive
Thread: Stirring up an old debate: Ranger Weapon
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Phenix1050
Thu Mar 24, 2005 2:31 am
#1
Okay, it's 2am and nobody else is on, soI figure it's time to put down an idea I've been kind of mulling over now.
I bought Oddworld: Strangers' Wrath the other day (since my computer broke). Of course, I never got to play it (damn X-Box!). However, I've seen screenshots and the cover art and stuff, and the double crossbow that the stranger carries really got me thinking about how cool it would be to have something like that for Rangers. Of course, we wouldn't be using animals as ammo, but rather traps.
Now what this would be is an equipable item on the forearm of the left arm (since weapons are carried on the right) it has two internal pouches which can be loaded with up to 5 sets of traps in each pouch. when you type the command /crossbow, it launches one trap from each barrel. This would allow a great amount of personal preferance and ingenuity when it came to traps. For example, using a p-dart and a adhesive mesh would be smart for ranged professions, since you root the creature, run away, shoot and the root breaks, but the p-dart is still in effect. For melee trypes, a glow-wire and stinkbomb combo would do wonders to soften up a solo target.
Now I still like the idea of ranger bow, so perhaps these two ideas could be integrated, so the double crossbow could also fire darts that did damage. A single dart would do half the damage that a regular weapon would. So a Ranger would have to choose between damage an state attacks. Or, they could load one set of traps and then the rest darts, meaning they use traps to soften up the target then switch to doing damage.Darts would come in larger stacks, but you should be able to "split" them, like resources, to choose how many you wanted in each stack. Of course, a melee weapon would also be added to give versatility to the profssion. But the crossbow would be usefull for both, since you could use traps.
Some people may be saying "but wait-- you can't have two items with compartments equipped at once". I say-- look at the fishing pole. if you have it equipped all the time, you can make it a weapon that bypasses the weapon-switch rule. So when you activate it, it automatically unequips your current weapon (if you have one) and then automatically has you re-equip it the second that attack round is over (no weapon switch penalty).
So....whatcha'lll think?
Owen-Lars
Thu Mar 24, 2005 3:28 am
#2
I love the concept of a trap launching weapon of some sorts and one that is arm mounted would truly be something else 
I like how it was proposed but all this auto-switch fishing pole thing has me a little confused. I wasnt previously aware that fishing rods did this, which is cool, but could you run it by me once more, in dumb mans terms Its early heh.
Its early heh.Other than trying to get my head around the stitch thingy all looks great and id love to have something like this. Possibly gives you an extra 50 trapping or something and a longer range.
Phenix1050
Thu Mar 24, 2005 3:41 am
#3
well longer range of course. but to compensate, perhaps make it only at Ranger Trapping IV?
as for the fishing pole thing: Many people believe that it's impossible to equip two items that have an internal inventory. However, as long as one is equipped in the weapon slot, it's okay. A fishing pole has an internal inventory where you drop bait.
So when you have the crossbow in your inventory, it's displayed graphically on your arm without it actually being "equipped". When you use it, it automatically unequips your current weapon, equips the crossbow and uses it, then reequips your original weapon. you know how right now, you have to wait before you can change weapons? Well this weapon would bypass that wait time. So it wouldn't be a hinderance.
ideally, of course, you wouldn't need a scheme this complicated, if the system allowed you to have two weapons.
by the way, I'll probably end up turning this into a more formal "owen-lars-esque" type of post (you know, long + complicated with lots of colors) if I get enough feedback/support.
Message Edited by Phenix1050 on 03-24-2005 05:45 AM
Message Edited by Phenix1050 on 03-24-2005 05:46 AM
Tarnak_Archvold
Thu Mar 24, 2005 3:47 am
#4
I do not like the idea of a damage dealing weapon, being given to rangers. But the idea of a trap launcher I do like. However, I think someone else should make them and that they should have a limited number of uses.
We need other professions that we have to get products from, just as we need other profession to get products from us. Interdependency builds a better community.
The double crossbow as you describe it would seem to have few if any drawbacks, and once acquired would not have to be re-acquired.
The ability to launch two traps at once would be nice, (I would load 2 p-darts to increase chance of them sticking) but something working more like the rocket launcher or heavy acid stream launchers commandos use would be better and easier to code. That would mean we had the item in our inventory (or backpack) and would have to use it from the tool-bar or by right clicking on it. And just like throwing traps or grenades, or using a rocket launcher, a special animation would play.
Also if it could only be loaded once, (but with a lot of traps, say for 50 shots) and we had to buy them from someone else (say weaponsmiths). Then they would not only help us, but would stimulate the economy, and would prevent over use.
They could even have experimental qualities... like accuracy (a trapping bonus), efficiency (ham use), condition (room for traps), and firing speed.
In the new CU system where there is windup times and cool down times and so on, the firing times in particular would be interesting.
Oh and I have nothing against it looking like a double crossbow. Crossbows lcan look cery cool, double crossbows more so. (my favourite crossbow is the pump action loaded one for "Dusk till Dawn")
We need other professions that we have to get products from, just as we need other profession to get products from us. Interdependency builds a better community.
The double crossbow as you describe it would seem to have few if any drawbacks, and once acquired would not have to be re-acquired.
The ability to launch two traps at once would be nice, (I would load 2 p-darts to increase chance of them sticking) but something working more like the rocket launcher or heavy acid stream launchers commandos use would be better and easier to code. That would mean we had the item in our inventory (or backpack) and would have to use it from the tool-bar or by right clicking on it. And just like throwing traps or grenades, or using a rocket launcher, a special animation would play.
Also if it could only be loaded once, (but with a lot of traps, say for 50 shots) and we had to buy them from someone else (say weaponsmiths). Then they would not only help us, but would stimulate the economy, and would prevent over use.
They could even have experimental qualities... like accuracy (a trapping bonus), efficiency (ham use), condition (room for traps), and firing speed.
In the new CU system where there is windup times and cool down times and so on, the firing times in particular would be interesting.
Oh and I have nothing against it looking like a double crossbow. Crossbows lcan look cery cool, double crossbows more so. (my favourite crossbow is the pump action loaded one for "Dusk till Dawn")
Phenix1050
Thu Mar 24, 2005 3:57 am
#5
Tarnak_Archvold wrote:
IThe double crossbow as you describe it would seem to have few if any drawbacks, and once acquired would not have to be re-acquired.
Well, like any weapon, it would decay, meaning it'd need to be bought again (btw, I think like any weapon, this would be made by AS). It should be more effective againstcreatures. The weapon would use a type of consumable ammo (also made by weaponsmiths). Without specials, the weapon wouldn't be able to apply states AND do lots of damage. To apply states, you'd need to load traps, which don't do damage. So a person has to decide whether its' more effective to use it, or their main weapon. This would simply give some versatility to Ranger which will be sorely needed.
Owen-Lars
Thu Mar 24, 2005 4:02 am
#6
The damage dealing weapon im not too bothered about tbh, i mean ill never use anything but my rifles anyway so it would be a waste for me, as i expect many others too.
Aslong as its weaker than core combat profession weapons then it wont be used on a wide scale.
The trap thingy sounds great though. Its always something that has intrigued me, mainly because i believe the ranger weapon is traps, not a bow or hunting rifle etc and this would be perfect.
Cheers for the explaination too phen, i know what you mean now.
As for:
"by the way, I'll probably end up turning this into a more formal "owen-lars-esque" type of post (you know, long + complicated with lots of colors) if I get enough feedback/support"
tut tut
Dariane_Kamutsovy
Thu Mar 24, 2005 5:31 am
#7
I do like it tough, see Clicky
Have been thinking about it more and I realise it can have more potential, maybe combined with new CU.
* Short bow: arrows of different kinds (medium range 30m-60m)
* Long bow: arrows of different kinds (long range 60m-100m)
* Crossbow: traps
Just my .2c
Eszra
Thu Mar 24, 2005 5:37 am
#8
How about a traplauncher, crafted by WS, that will be connected to a (ranged)weapon.
It can not be removed, if the weapon is destroyed, the launcher is lost also. To use the launcher, you have to load it with traps (like a ships rocket launcher). To fire it, you get a special called/traplaunch - or even /traplaunch2 at a higher level with better accuracy.
KainMalice
Thu Mar 24, 2005 5:47 am
#9
I think this is a great Idea especissially for Rangers like me that have spent most of their skill pts in ranger/scout/ch. Hope they listen.
Kalaf
Thu Mar 24, 2005 5:53 am
#10
I'd prefer a Composite Bow. With special attacks vs Creatures and NPCs. It would do Kenitic damage. Not alot in and of it's self. But as part of it and added to our Creature Knowledge skill we would get a special attack vs the creatures that would be like a 1 shot kill. But it would only be effective inside say 30 meters. So it would mean using camo and cover to get close for that perfect shot.
Yeah I know it's adream but what the hell I can dream.
Calculus_Entropy
Thu Mar 24, 2005 6:30 am
#11
I'm having deja vu all over again!
FWIW, we got trap launcher already.
OK, I am done being a gloomy gus, please continue!
FWIW, we got trap launcher already.
OK, I am done being a gloomy gus, please continue!
Tarnak_Archvold
Thu Mar 24, 2005 6:55 am
#12
Weapons belong in the combat professions. Ranger should NOT be a perfectly self-contained profession. The skill point system of SWG is about making choices, a ranger who chooses to also master CH also choose to have fewer weapon skills.
If rangers got weapon certifications and the skills mod's to use them, it would negate that choice. Even if the weapons did low amounts of damage, compared to other weapon types.
That is why I am against damage dealing weapons for ranger. Nevertheless, am still for trap launchers, trapping could use some more advanced features for rangers. If a ranger wants to do range damage, they should pick up marksman, just a all other professions.
If rangers got weapon certifications and the skills mod's to use them, it would negate that choice. Even if the weapons did low amounts of damage, compared to other weapon types.
That is why I am against damage dealing weapons for ranger. Nevertheless, am still for trap launchers, trapping could use some more advanced features for rangers. If a ranger wants to do range damage, they should pick up marksman, just a all other professions.
JokitoRoyo
Thu Mar 24, 2005 7:04 am
#13
Eszra wrote:
How about a traplauncher, crafted by WS, that will be connected to a (ranged)weapon.
It can not be removed, if the weapon is destroyed, the launcher is lost also. To use the launcher, you have to load it with traps (like a ships rocket launcher). To fire it, you get a special called/traplaunch - or even /traplaunch2 at a higher level with better accuracy.
I like the under the weapon mod idea.
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