Sarissofoi

[Sarissofoi]

After playing some more and spending time with the game I must change some of my early impressions.
Pro:
-it looks nice
-wooden medieval look, nice
-more icons and pictures, nice
-more smooth, nice
-can end battle when enemy running, cool
In short its looks much better.

Cons:
-no UI scalling
-cool and visible blue borders on named items replaced by red fog, kinda mixed about that as it less visible and can miss
-not much actual UI improvments
-removed reverse sides button
-only one colour of UI

What would be helpful:
-sort items in loot panel(easy to spot better items if one have limited space)
-lack of easy inventory access and switching weapons is really annoying overall and tiresome in long run for some setups(like using throwing weapons)
-setup your companies(change equipment, formation,soldiers) before battle, player still can start battle, quit, load autosave and do that but it would be great to have Prepare for battle button and change what you want without using tricks
-have hide quest info button(playing on small laptop and it blocks nice portion of map when active), what worse early build of game had it
-repair all/armour/weapon button
-it would be nice to mark some types of armour/weapons/items as trash that would be not repaired by above and can be sold using one button, for example marking sticks, knives etc as it and then on market just click Sell trash button to clear inventory
-info panels for contracts that are available in settlements(like Burn orc camp, or escort or delivery) with some basic info(like reward, mission type, expected enemy), that are visible without going through all that contract panels and haggling

[Sarissofoi]

PsenBattle wrote:

Sarissofoi wrote:

Psen are you gonna make some mid tier Cleaver? The position is lacking. Just pointing that there are actually 2 very similar in stats weapon(Short sword and Falchion) so maybe Falchion can be made some a cleaver or sword/cleaver mix? Kinda like scramasax is a sword/dagger mix.

Good observation. Just a week ago we adressed this issue. We moved the Sax to the Tier 2 Cleaver position as it is a slashing weapon anyways and was never meant to work like a dagger. On top of that we adjusted a lot of stats for the weapons to have a smoother progression from t1-t2-t3.
The Falchion also feels a little awkward in the sword position. We will think about if we move it.

Cheers!

Greetings Psen and thanks for answer. Nice to see progress going.
Personally I would prefer to see Scramasax as some sort cheap basic sword(slashing weapon) than a cleaver, sort of starting/peasant weapon. Falchion being a cutting weapon would make more sense as a mid tier cleaver. Just my 5 eurocents.
Are plan to make or already make some other missing weapon tiers? Like mid tier hammer, heavy human xbow, long spear(2hand 2 ranged bastard pike/spear weapon) or quarterstaff for travellers(and as a cheap version of 2ranged 2 hand weapon?)? Also I would ask if you plan make some named/unique weapons sets for goblins and undead? As far as I can see you will make some undead weapons for skeleton faction but are they gonna get some specials? It would be nice to grab some ancient cool looking stuff.
Also are you gonna add some 2 ranged melee weapons for Orcs? Giving them some long sticks could really lead to some interesting battles.

About balancing things. Are you gonna review and balance units?
Current AI is working but sometimes it isn’t working well. Changing some units equipment or perks would fix or at last patch some annoying problems.
-travelling peasants, it just flavour but its irks me that they are unarmed in such world, at last give them some sticks, knives or quarterstaff. Giving them some Rocks(throwing weapons) would be great thing to prevent their AI to rush to their deaths or run and block player(and then die)
-peasant militia, again flavour but its really irks me that all peasants are poor with sticks and rags, they should have at last some decent tier cloth armour and shield and some weapons(not juststicks or knives)as they actually posses or rent land and are worth enough to not waste their life, simple poor drifters with no land or obligations run, the men who need to protect their property and families are actually worth enough to arm themselves well
-caravan hands, it would be make more sense to give them a ranged weapon(shrotbow or a light xbow), again the rushing to their deaths problem solved and it would force hostile AI to charge caravan rather than sit and wait(which is annoying when it happen) it would add more fluidity to the escort missions
-caravan guards could get some bonus throwing weapon as it would synergy well with now ranged caravan hands
-removing rotation from a Marksmen bandits, it not work well, as Marksmen often rotate and then switch to melee and try engage again(lost turn), giving them footwork would be more sensible(and cause more problems for the players, hehe).
-bandit Marksmen could be switched into two categories(low tier like current with low/mid ranged weapons and, and higher tier better but still light armoured and with 2 ranged melee as backup weapon to cause them pose more threat at night)
-adding 2 ranged melee for Young orc would make them fill more roles on battlefield
Hope to see update sooner than later but take your time and bless us with more of your art.
Cheers

[Sarissofoi]

Shield-bearers are actually fairly decent all around troops but you need them to make them defensive-utility hybrid.
Both variant defensive heavy or utility heavy are viable.
Essential Defence
Deflect-Shield expert-anything else but Battle forged recommended
Hold out
Essential Utility
Quick hands-Belt and bags- pathfinder
Brawny
If going ‘Orcs can’t push me’ way
Indomitable plus Rotation is nice but any other than Nimble is OK
If going ‘Shield wall all day’ way
Weaponmaster(for cheaper skill fatigue cost), Fearsome is also great eventually Sunder strike from Off tree or more 1st tier def perks as all of them are great in some way

[Sarissofoi]

Psen are you gonna make some mid tier Cleaver? The position is lacking. Just pointing that there are actually 2 very similar in stats weapon(Short sword and Falchion) so maybe Falchion can be made some a cleaver or sword/cleaver mix? Kinda like scramasax is a sword/dagger mix.

[Sarissofoi]

Overall there is little reason to use 2 handers builds other than xbow/pike builds that support main battle line from behind.
Still I use Zwainhanders build as I wrote before mostly because I like heads flying. They can be effective especially against softer enemies because they can dish more damage thanks to AoE and if enemy die fast he can’t hurt your guys but overall nimble builds are better in melee and shieldbearers better as main line.
Offensive nimble build can not only have great melee survivality but also dish serious damage thanks to Full Force and Double grip. Its even better because Full Force apply to 2 attacks and he is hard to hit so bonus from it is mostly stay whole fight.
But back to the topic.
There is 3 categories of 2 handers troops.
1. backliners – they are suppose to fight from 2nd row and often use xbow as oppening, they should go 6-Off/4-Utt, Offensive tree grant them solid bonus to damage, when utility either grant them fearsome or brawny for more sweet Full force bonus if soldier have low fatigue
In short its all offence with no defence. Main level up stats are Melee Skill, Ranged Skill, Fatigue. Heavy armour should protect from arrows and main tanks with Indomitable from Orcs. Pikes, long axes, billhooks plus xbows. If more oriented on ranged carry more xbows and get ranged perk instead of Full force, can wear lighter armour.
Overall they are the ones that are worth using and do great.
2. AoE flankers – they are suppose to fight on flanks using Great Swords with AoE attacks, 6-Off/4-Deff offer solid damage and survivality but low fatigue. Hold out is essential for bonus hit chance and defence stats. Can be train as 4-Utt instead or 4-Deff for more flexibility as they can carry variety of weapons and shields but they really need that defence perks for close combat. Berserk and Full Force can greatly increase damage but its also cost fatigue so either invest heavy or have hornblowers/sergeants nearby.
Great swords are great for this role as they have 2 AoE attacks and solid damage. Warbrands have to low damage to compensate lost survivality compared to Nimble Builds.
Hammers are also great thanks to bonus effects.
Axes not really as they lack reliable AoE and can’t be supported or protected by your other soldiers if you want to use it.
I personally like them but they are not the best. Can die easily if not supported.
3. axemans – build similar to AoE flankers but armed with orc big Axes, mainly used for shield destruction and single target damage, obsolete as there you can make backliners armed with Long Axes so no need to risk soldier on front line. Also their main use is against orcs against their shields and armour but then again 1 handers do better job on front line.

For two handers you want to grab berserk for 2nd attack/turn. Then Full force and Killing frenzy is too good to miss. QuickHands and BegBelts look great but then soldier can’t go into Defence tree and grab Hold out and its important for close combat ones. Still if you use Quick hands and free shield swap it can be worth sometimes.
Tried to make 2 handers with out going deep into Offence tree but then their defence is still low and damage is much lower. Not worth.

[Sarissofoi]

Problem is that current system reward using strict specialised build and there is problem with plenty of little worth perks or perks overlapping in one tree. Not even mention some perks that are only worthwhile for specific builds.
Although it would be nice to have some sort of Random perk tree for all soldiers Option on the start of the game.
Lets look at Utility tree(the bigger offender).
First it contain 2 best 3rd Tier perks as they are have company range and are plainly speaking necessary for a good company.
Then you have almost zero choice in 1st tier perks. Th Holy Trinity of Utility(Quick hands, Bags Belts and Pathfinder) is must when rest perks can not even compete.
2nd Tier have plenty of Fatigue oriented skills but for example Quick hands and Bags and Belts make Weaponmaster obsolete(even if its one of my favourite) as you can easily carry spare weapons for no fatigue cost. Battle flow is rather useful perk but only for characters who do killing and for full utility or utility-defensive hybrids it present little worth. Then there is Captain that is only for resolve builds(Hornblower/sergeants) and Brawny that is no brainier as it offer great Fatigue boost on any heavy armoured soldier. Fearsome is great perk to have but it really shine when you employ its in mass on many characters with specific weapons(hammers, xbows). Footwork can be useful sometimes but its costly and offer little benefits compared to other perks.
In the end its really clear path of perks to take.
1st tier Trinity of Utility
2nd tier Captain for resolve build, Brawny for all, Battle flow/weaponmaster for PF builds, Fearsome for hybrids and line soldiers
3rd tier one inspiring presence as its boost whole company, two rally the troops for keeping them fighting
Offensive tree offer rather limited choices
1st tier perks are again no brainier, Sundering strike is best, executioner can be useful, Crusher is decent for axe user, then its Bloody harvest for AoE weapons and that its all. No really a choice
2nd tiers is either Berserk and Fullforce for melee or berserk and CCA/Bullseye for ranged
3rd tier is either PF for PF build or Killing frenzy for rest
Defence tree offer most options especially on lower tiers
1st tier offer plenty of choices(although 2 perks are only for shield users and dodge rely on secondary attribute)
2nd tier have some interesting options but Nimble for Nimble builds and Hold out for rest stay out from the rest
3rd tier return the favour for nimble build, Indomitable for rest
Overall I would say that current perk system is very rigid and limited. It lack flexibility and interesting choices to make. You can say that something is wrong when you can name specific builds after one perk.

[Sarissofoi]

I have some success with Offensive Defensive hybrid. It works unless its under heavy attack(like by group of Orc warriors or dagger goblins and without support). Main issue is low Fatigue so reliance on Hornblowers/Sergants.
Preferable military backgrounds with high Fatigue/Hp/Md/MS – Hedge knights, Sellswords, Squires, Raiders. Swordmasters or Retired soldiers are to fragile and have to low fatigue although they have good MD and MS
Level Up stats
Melee skill- to hit
Melee defence – to be not hit
Fatigue – to wear heavy armour and actually do anything
HP – to not die easily
First build Defence tree.
Battle hardened/Colossus/9 Lives
Non shield user so no shield perks and low Initiative so no Dodge
Hold out – its essential as its plain free stats to Attack and Defence also morale. It working best with Inspiring Presence or Determined trait.
Then Offensive tree:
Sundering strikes/Executioner or Headhunter/AOE hit chance bonus
Why headhunter? If you use Zwaihander you want to use AoE attack and it looks like it benefit more than executioner(as enemy characters tend to die in 1-2 hit)
Berserker(for 2nd attack) and Full force(for more dmg).
Killing frenzy is optional but it really help.
2nd weapon is Dagger(0 fatigue cost)
Weak point is relative low Defence Skill compared to Nimble or shield one handers builds and low fatigue and fatigue regeneration rate as zero Utility perks.
This build cannot operate without Sergeants/Hornblowers.

It work rather well if supported. Biggest danger are orc warriors(as always), massed xbows and goblin daggers.

[Sarissofoi]

They read but probably they don’t want you tell things that you want to hear.
Simply speaking looking at game files its either all or nothing. Unless devs would spend time and resources to make some separate editors which is unlikely.
Non compiled files would be probably make it for extremely easy pirating and abundance of mods could make selling DLC and expansions less profitable. Still I don’t think so that somebody could make graphics mods that can challenge Psen.
Its simple about money and control. So its not gonna happen. Probably.
Still if this game would be easily to mod it could probably get similar following to Mount and Blade. Full conversion mods even in post Apocalyptic or sf worlds would be awesome addition.
Heck even small balancing changes to items, perks, enemies, contracts and economy would be great. Not even mention that some mods even in EA could be used for testing and balancing purposes.

[Sarissofoi]

Vereor Nox wrote:

Bro, calm down. All the items should be listed and not just noted. This helps players progress with builds. Not every weapon carries the same stats and in a game where hit points are minimal it makes a big deal to those who understand tactics.

Bottom line is dont just assume people look at the notes, take the time to make a correct wiki and not half ass info.

Are you mentally challenged?
Let me explain then.
The Unique/Named items with red fog/background(it used to be a blue) are randomly generated. Their stats are based on highest tier of specific weapons type with some random +/- variations.
Name is randomly generated too.
You can find the same weapon that have same look and even have the same name but have different stats.
Making separated pages for any randomly generated weapon would be stupid waste of time but if you really think that its necessary that you can do it yourself.
Wiki is made by some guys in their spare time and in fluid state as game still is in the early access.
Can you do better? Great. If not then at last learn to read.

[Sarissofoi]

You welcome.
You should really dig a Steam forum as there some guides and more people. Wiki is in working stage as game change all the time so its not reallz that great source of information but at last there is some basics.

[Sarissofoi]

PsenBattle wrote:

Sarissofoi wrote:

Are you plan add company banners to game?

We have been discussing this back and forth. It’s not on our to do at the moment, but also not completely off the table.

Sarissofoi wrote:

Also will we get some amulets, holy symbols or lucky charms for accessories?

Yes, at least as special items for certain events. We will see how big this whole accessory thing will become. We have plenty of ideas

Thanks for reply. Its good to know that things are going forward.

[Sarissofoi]

Looks great as always.
Small question Psen.
Are you plan add company banners to game?
Not really a combat item but more as a support one with a aura or active skill?
(something similar to Warlord Roar that boost Morale rating of your allies would be nice).
Also will we get some amulets, holy symbols or lucky charms for accessories?

[Sarissofoi]

PsenBattle wrote:

Sarissofoi wrote:

Anyway can you bless us poor souls with some high quality daggers?

Your wish is my command
Just kidding, was working on these anyways!

Oh yeah!!
That are sexy daggers and I can’t wait to take my hands on them. Rondel dagger here I come!
New update with all these goodies in this Friday?

[Sarissofoi]

Check wiki.
No. there is nothing like that but:
-spears are very accurate(+20% to hit on basic attack)
-swords are accurate and have steady damage but don’t work very well against armour
-axes can be used to chop shields and have extra crit damage, good against armour
-flails bypass shield defence
-cleavers have high damage and cause bleed effect
-hammers can crush armour easily but have not that high damage against flesh
-dagger can be used to ignore armour

[Sarissofoi]

PsenBattle wrote:

I can only take requests for weapon categories I havent covered yet
Time is running out! Here are warhammers and Warbrands:

This is some quality work.
Hammers are great, never was too much into warbrands but now I want to use them.
Anyway can you bless us poor souls with some high quality daggers?

[Author]

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