Preview: Ranger

[dayrinni]

Hello!

As you know, the final class we intend to implement is the Ranger class. We have always intended Rangers to be present in the game. Tralisia is not civilized and having a class specialize in the wilds and environment is something we've always envisioned in the game.

(NOTE: The below is currently in development and is subject to change at any time, without notice. Many of the names are pending at this time)
Ranger
The Ranger will be masters of the Ama'rane wilderness and the bow and arrow. They receive many bonuses to fighting in Terrains such as forests, hills and caves. Additionally, they will receive several unique skills used for ranged weapons. One such is the Penetrating Arrow passive. This has a small chance to make all arrows pierce their target and strike another one, randomly in the room. Depending on the focus, you can also specialize in becoming more adept at using a bow or becoming a wilderness master.

Ranged Weapons
Ranged weapons are a new weapon type in the game. There are three types: bows, crossbows and firearms. All forms of weapons can fire at a range in the room and in some cases, volley into other rooms at a distance!

These weapons will also use the tactical movement system. You will suffer penalties while trying to use a ranged weapon in close range.

Weapon Types
Bows: They use quivers and you automatically nock and fire them. There are different types of arrow heads, such as broadhead, bodkin, blunt, and so on. Each have different properties. Bows can volley.

Crossbows: You need to load a crossbow with a bolt and then fire it each time, manually. However, they will do more damage and you can fire them much quicker than a normal bow. They have the same types of arrow heads. We're still deciding on volleying.

Firearms: These range from a single shot pistol, or musket, to a fully fledged modern machine gun (lol, this is for my own pleasure and staff use). Depending on the type of fire arm, you can either load a single bullet or an entire magazine into it. The magazine holds the bullets, which are used to deal damage at a certain ROF (number of shots per attack). Firearms cannot volley.

Wounds
Perhaps the most interesting feature and addition due to ranged weapons is the fact they fire projectiles at their targets. If you miss, the projectile may land in the room or it may break. If you strike the target, the projectile may also break, or get lodged into the wound!

Projectiles which are lodged in wounds will easily be seen when wounds are normally examined and will not heal. They won't deal more bleed damage because we don't want to create a death spiral situation. You must take the time to remove these projectiles from your wounds before you can close them.

When a target is slain, all of the projectiles that were not broken during the 'dying' process are automatically put into the corpse.

Role
The Ranger's role is to be able to deal ranged melee damage and perform utility in the wilderness.

Focii
The two focii for Rangers are Marksman and Pathfinder.
The Marksman specializations in shooting bows. You'll gain access to unique abilities such as being able to use your bow to strike up to three targets at once and, f course, dealing more damage. Those who really enjoy ranged combat will want to select this focus.

The Pathfinder is able traverse the wilderness better. Players who select this focus will be able to lead their groups through the wildness more safely – such as making the group immune to aggressive monsters, being able to teleport the entire group to different locations in the world and other various utility bonuses. Finally, Pathfinders will be able to start the Great Hunt. You speak to a special NPC and summon a tough badger. If you are able to defeat the badgers, you will be award some unique equipment and rewards such as gold and experience, and perhaps a tier point on a rare chance.

Specializations
The basic specializations for Ranger will focus on missile weapons, survival and other goodies. The specializations are meant for more overlap to ensure that a Ranger can still be an effective wilderness fighter.