Starting Equipment

bobthegreat · April 18, 2009, 23:22

With all the current emphasis on balance for Vanilla, I think it's high time someone takes a look at rebalancing the starting equipment for the different classes, as it really makes a difference over the first few character levels. Lately I've been trying out new race/class combos (having lost a good char to my own stupidity) and it really bugs me how unbalanced the current starting kits are. Rangers, for example, start with a longbow (and arrows), a broadsword, the first magic book, and the "default kit" (?WoR, food, torches). Mages, on the other hand, get a dagger, MB1, and the default. I'm not sure what the optimal arrangement should be (do we go for gold value? general completeness of kit?) but either way, the current arrangement seems very unbalancing.

Magnate · April 19, 2009, 17:10

I've always found it odd that Rangers start with a longbow rather than a shortbow (which would leave them more to aspire to). I think all chars should start naked with 500gp, with shortbows, arrows, mains gauche, ?WoR, torches, food and {M|P}B1 all guaranteed in stores.

buzzkill · April 19, 2009, 18:33

All classes should start with a dagger, and a torch, a WoR, and a spell book, or a few additional daggers for non-casters. Let the player buy the rest.

EDIT: doh!

PaulBlay · April 19, 2009, 18:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by buzzkill

speed book

I want a speed book. I've never found one yet.

Nick · April 19, 2009, 22:35

I think all classes should start naked and confused with an aggravated mercenary next to them. That would sort 'em out.

takkaria · April 19, 2009, 22:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick

I think all classes should start naked and confused with an aggravated mercenary next to them. That would sort 'em out.

And an empty potion of confusion on the other side.

Mondkalb · April 20, 2009, 10:04

At least with the new pricing system rangers are given some pretty good kit.
Other classes can't afford to buy even a sling ...

Magnate · April 20, 2009, 22:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mondkalb

At least with the new pricing system rangers are given some pretty good kit. Other classes can't afford to buy even a sling ...

... which is another argument in favour of giving all characters the same starting kit (or cash).

rdanhenry · April 22, 2009, 08:01

Classes should only be given equivalent gear as a "balance" measure if they are assumed to be otherwise equal at level 1. In practice, it will almost always be easier to use an imbalance in the quality of starting gear to balance out difference in the (perceived) strength of the classes at first level.

rdanhenry · April 22, 2009, 08:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnate

I've always found it odd that Rangers start with a longbow rather than a shortbow (which would leave them more to aspire to).

I think a Ranger should start armed only with a broken sword.

April 18, 2009, 23:22	#1
bobthegreat Rookie Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 12	Starting Equipment With all the current emphasis on balance for Vanilla, I think it's high time someone takes a look at rebalancing the starting equipment for the different classes, as it really makes a difference over the first few character levels. Lately I've been trying out new race/class combos (having lost a good char to my own stupidity) and it really bugs me how unbalanced the current starting kits are. Rangers, for example, start with a longbow (and arrows), a broadsword, the first magic book, and the "default kit" (?WoR, food, torches). Mages, on the other hand, get a dagger, MB1, and the default. I'm not sure what the optimal arrangement should be (do we go for gold value? general completeness of kit?) but either way, the current arrangement seems very unbalancing.

April 19, 2009, 18:33	#3
buzzkill Prophet Join Date: May 2008 Location: Indiana, USA Posts: 2,939 Donated: $8	All classes should start with a dagger, and a torch, a WoR, and a spell book, or a few additional daggers for non-casters. Let the player buy the rest. EDIT: doh! __________________ www.mediafire.com/buzzkill - Get your 32x32 tiles here. UT32 now compatible Ironband and Quickband 9/6/2012. My banding life on Buzzkill's ladder. Last edited by buzzkill; April 19, 2009 at 18:41.

April 19, 2009, 22:35	#5
Nick Vanilla maintainer Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Canberra, Australia Age: 58 Posts: 9,529 Donated: $60	I think all classes should start naked and confused with an aggravated mercenary next to them. That would sort 'em out. __________________ One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.

April 20, 2009, 10:04	#7
Mondkalb Knight Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 982	At least with the new pricing system rangers are given some pretty good kit. Other classes can't afford to buy even a sling ... __________________ My Angband winners so far My FAangband efforts so far

April 22, 2009, 08:01	#9
rdanhenry Scout Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Sol III Posts: 29	Balanced does not mean "same" Classes should only be given equivalent gear as a "balance" measure if they are assumed to be otherwise equal at level 1. In practice, it will almost always be easier to use an imbalance in the quality of starting gear to balance out difference in the (perceived) strength of the classes at first level.

April 19, 2009, 17:10	#2
Magnate Angband Devteam member Join Date: May 2007 Location: London, UK Posts: 5,079	I've always found it odd that Rangers start with a longbow rather than a shortbow (which would leave them more to aspire to). I think all chars should start naked with 500gp, with shortbows, arrows, mains gauche, ?WoR, torches, food and {M\|P}B1 all guaranteed in stores.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Best starting weapon ever	rdermyer	AAR	18	June 8, 2010 14:03
high elf ranger - ideal starting stats	pedrorf	Vanilla	2	April 12, 2009 08:51
To everyone having problems with Angband starting slowly or not at all...	takkaria	Vanilla	3	January 9, 2009 07:09
[FA] Races starting in dangerous places	Zikke	Variants	3	June 6, 2008 23:14
Which equipment to prefer?	Softwarer	Vanilla	4	March 2, 2008 09:07