[Concept Class] Dragoon/DragonKnight

Class name: Dragoon/Dragon Knight/ Rider

Energy: Similar to that of a Warrior, 20-25 energy range.
Armor: A cross between Warrior and Ranger, a more balance AL against physical and Magic. But less than a Warrior and bit more than Ranger.
Weapons: Spear/Lance and Polearm/Halberd type. They are different than the normal melee weapons. Spears have a more focus damage (a max might have a 24-32 attack range), with similar speed as a bow. It attacks in a thrusting motion in a straight row (so if two foe stand in front of you in a row, you can hit both of them at once). Polearm weapon have a wider damage range (18-32), and attack in a 30-degreen Fan sweeping motion (so might hit up to 5 at once, if the enemy is standing in a cone shape in front of you). However, both weapon have an interesting property, in that when attacking a target in close melee range, they suffer a 33% attack power reduction. This makes them good when attacking a range enemy, or when sporting your tank from the back, but weak when being pressed, or engaged, by an enemy fighter.

Premise:
Unlike warriors, Dragoon are more as a support attacker than a tanker. You must be more strategic conscious to better take advantage of you weapon’s special properties. A rider Dragoon has lots advantages, since you can gain much and better control from that of a pet, but also have lots cons to offset it. Dragon Mimicry offers a range of supporting skills, to not only dragoons, but any other sub/primary class as well.

Attributes:

Ridesmanship (primary)
(See special concept) Its primary to make it easier to create riding animation (just need one model for one class), as well as to better balance the weak armor that Dragoon have.

Spear Mastery - Skills in use Spear/lance weapons. Most are single target heavy damage skills, as well as condition applying skills. Skills may need both Adeline and energy.

Polearm Mastery -
Skills in use of Polearm weapons. Most are physical AoE skills that use lots energy and adralines. Also some defensives skills. Skills may need both Adeline and energy.

Dragon Mimicry –
Magic type of skill that deals elemental/physical damage at closer range. Also defensive and self-healing skills.

Special Concept:

Mount:
One of the biggest attractions for playing as a Dragoon. But note, THIS IS NOT A SPEED BOOST! (Think more as a living offensive-defensive armor) Mounts, like pets, are use more as an attacking tool than transportation purpose (but there are still speed boost skills to go with it) There are different Mount you can choose from, each have its own personality and stats. (See below) Mounting offers many advantage and disadvantage:

Pro:
- When engage in melee combat, your mounts will attack with you. Some mounts even have range attacks.
- There are percentage chance (say 33%) that the attack dealt to you will be transfer to the mount.
- Some mount will have passive speed bonuses.

Con:
- Controlling your Mount is not an easy task. You must have good number of points in the attribute, else there are chance where they will go “Out of Control”
- Some skills, like Warrior’s stand, will not be usable while in mount. (Mount will have their own line of stand type of skill). And some skills can only use with a mount.
- You move faster in straight line, but will turn slower in rotating turns.
- It will take up a skill slot (like Charm Animal)
- When one take the damage, either the rider or mount, (25%- 10%) of that damage will also be apply on the other. This makes them more weaker to AoE type of skill, since will take double damage.
- Beside the Spear and Polearm weapons, all other melee weapon will take a reduction when use on mount (maybe 20%)
- You can get dismount by several skills, including knock down. You suffer 1 more second on the ground if you do.

Out of Control
Your Mount can sometime go “Out of Control”. This may be cause by seeing an enemy, when its hp goes low, attack by an elemental attack it doesn’t like, etc. It will be depend on the personality of that mount, and what type it is. When it does go out of control, you won’t be able to control its (and yours, since you are on it) movement for few seconds, and it might go charge into the frenzy of enemy, or run away from battle when you don’t want I to. More attribute points in ridesmanship will reduce the chance of that happening, and can also carry a skill “Rein Control” to get them back in control.

Mounting and Dismount
In some case, you might want to go on foot. You can choose to dismount any time, as well as mount back up anytime, as long as you are next to your mount (like when you get knockdown). This will take 2 seconds to do. Once dismount, your mount will follow you, but stay in the back as a neutral, not attacking nor being attack. (But in PvP, player can still target them)

Type of Mount
There can be lots possibility for type of mounts (from horse, to insect, and such). But to keep the them more toward Dragoon, will suggest only Dragon Type of Mounts. They will be small (bit smaller than the Drakes and Hydras in game) land bounded Dragons that look a bit like Raptors or Bear (can be on two leg, or on all four). Each type has its own stats, characteristics, and personality. Here possible example of some:

Fire Drake
Heavy Melee Fire damage. Decent AL, but bonuses against fire attacks. Berserker type, in that they might go Out of Control when see enemy, and rush in.

Wind Drake
Weak Range Air damage. Weak AL, but have a passive +15% speed boost. Coward type, in that they might go out of control when their hp is low and sees enemy, would run away.

Earth Drake
Decent Melee Earth damage. Good AL, and bonuses to Earth and physical attacks. Steady type, where they are easier to control. But have a passive –15% speed reduction.

Crystal Drake
Poor Range Earth damage. Poor AL, but with bonuses any elemental attack. Coward type, in that they might not engage in enemy. Have a passive –15% speed reduction, but +10 energy to the Rider.

Skill Examples:

Ridesmanship

Rein Control :
5e | 1c | 10r : Regain Control of you Mount if it goes Out of Control. Also make your mount a Steady-type in the next (5-10) seconds when use .
Gallop:
10e | 0c | 45r : You move X% faster in T seconds while on Mount.

Charge:
10e | 1c | 60r : You move 33% faster in next 5 seconds, and gain +X attack boost. This skill ends after you do an attack. Must be on Mount.

Chump:
5e | 0c | 10r : Make your Mount attack with +X extra damage.

Mount Attack Up:
10e | 2c | 60r : Increase the attack power of you mount in next T seconds.

Tanker:
10e | 2c | 60r : In next T seconds, you mount will take 66% of the attack for you.

Gentle Petting:
5e | 2c | 30r : Heal your Mount for X hp.
Tight Saddle:
10e | 1c | 45r : In next T seconds, will not be Dismount.


Spear Mastery

Throw Spear:
5e 4a| 1c | 10r : Throw your spear for a Range attack. You will suffer a self-imposed “Disarm” condition for 3 seconds.

Pin Down Throw:
5e 6a| 1c | 10r : Throw your spear for a Range attack that deal only 50% of damage, but make your target cripple for T seconds. You will suffer a self-imposed “Disarm” condition for 3 seconds.

Interrupting Throw:
5e 4a| 1c | 10r : Throw your spear for a Range attack that deal 50% damage, but interrupt target’s current action. You will suffer a self-imposed “Disarm” condition for 3 seconds.

Penetrating Thrust:
5e 6a| 0c | 10r : Your next attacks have X% of armor Penetrating.
Pushing Thrust:
10e 6a | 0c | 30r : Your next attacks will Knock Back your foe.

Dismounting Thrust:
5e 8a| 0c | 30r : Your next attack will dismount a Rider.

Separating Distance:
5e 4a| 0c | 20r : Your next attack will move you back a step, to the optimal distance range of a spear.

Deep Thrust:
5e 6a | 0c | 20r : Your next attack will cause Bleeding on your foe.


Polearm Mastery

Half Moon Swipe
15e 4a| 1c | 20r : Attack all in the front.

Full Moon Swipe
20e 8a| 1c | 45r : Attack all foes around. Easily interrupt when casting.

Tail Swipe:
15e 6a| 1c | 30r : In the next T seconds, foe around you will also suffer X% of your attack each time you attack.

Power Swipe:
15e 8a| 1c | 30r : Your target foe suffers X extra damage, and enemy around you suffer Y damage.

Force Swipe:
15e 8a| 1c | 30r : Deal no damage, but Knock Back all foes in the front.

Easier Swipe:
0e 4a| 1c | 30r : Reduce the next use Polearm Swipe skill by 5 energy.

Push Block:
5e 4a| 1c | 30r : Block the next melee attack to you. If successful, will
Knock back the foe.

Polearm Defense:
10e 4a| 1c | 30r : In next T seconds, you gain X AL, but reduce your attack damage of Polearm by Y%.


Dragon Mimicry

Fire Breath
10e | 2 | 30r : X fire damage per second to all foes in front for 3 seconds. (cone shape range)

Ice Breath
10e | 2 | 30r : X Ice damage per second to all foes in front for 3 seconds. (cone shape range)

Dragon’s Claw:
15e | 2 | 45r : Deal X physical damage, and cause Bleeding OR Blind on foe.

Dragon’s Teeth:
15e | 2 | 45r : Deal X physical damage, and cause Deep Wound OR Weakness on foe

Dragon’s Wing:
15e | 2 | 30r : You “Jump” back, dodging the next attack, and attack with X extra damage.

Burn Dragon Scale:
10e | 2 | 30r : In next T seconds, reduce the damage receive from fire damage, and gain (1-5) energy when receive fire damage. Become extra weak against Ice damage.

Harden Scale:
10e | 2 | 30r : Increase your AL against physical attack by X. Reduce your movement and attack rate by 33%.

Dragon’s Blood:
5e | 0c | 30r : Sacrifice X hp, but you gain Y pip of hp regent in next T second.

Background Story: Deep in the high mountain of Canthra is the secretive Highborn Golden Dragon Clan. Their populations are few, but everyone in the clan is well trained. They worship Dragons, honoring them, and taking it as their symbol. To them, the legendary Golden Dragon is their deity. Its been foretold that one day, a human child born of the Golden Dragon, would become the one True Emperor. For this purpose, the warriors of the Clan have been training hard to one day serve and protect their emperor.

The goal is to try making Dragoon as not another Warrior Clone. Unsure if making the Ridesmanship primary a good idea or not, but seem like the easier way to go. (in term of developing). You can take different mounts to suit your playing style, it is almost like a 2nd armor. Spears have more single target attack, while Polearm is for physical AoE. When use right, they would have even a greater attack power than of a Warrior. War/Dra is still a good combo for those who want more armor, becoming a Footman. A Rang/Dra or Elm/Dra Dragon Mimicry build could become a terror. A Death Knight Dra/Necr combo sounds nice (all those minions charging with your mount), or a Dra/Mes Nobel Knight sounds good too, especially on a crystal drake.
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The class of Dragoon is of course, not very original, since there have already been many who made write up of this concept. However, I always want to revise by old version of Knight, and make them not the FF Dragoon, but one that actually can Ride on a Mount, and to present my view of how Mounts would work in GW. (as well as recent love for polearm weapons) Here are the links of “inspirations”, of other’s dragoon class that I read before. Feel free to take a look.

http://www.guild-hall.net/forum/showthread.php?t=622
-Knight- actionjack
http://www.guild-hall.net/forum/show...hlight=dragoon
-Dragoon-Ti-ben
http://www.guild-hall.net/forum/show...hlight=dragoon
-Dragoon/Cavalry- Roguefeebo
http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...hlight=dragoon
-Dragoon-Kago Seirei , Lyra Song
http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=76800
-Retiarii-Benmanhaha


Lineage's Dragon Rider. (something you need super hard grind to get... )


sketch of my own...



comments welcome, flame only if you played it.

Concept Class

O, im glad i could be an inspiration to you jack. I like this class, but there are a few minor changes. Ridesmanship has to be renamed. I unfortunatly cannot think of a better name, but that just sounds strange.

I also think your dragon should help you whether or not you ride it. Also as in final fantasy, your dragons may either be offensive or defensive. In FF your dragon could heal you or attack depending on which one you had. I don't think the dragons should be drakes. I think we should get totally new dragons to ride, and some should fly, walk, or swim(although that would kinda restrict you from going to the crystal desert.)

In addition, I don't believe that there should be a skill to get your dragon undercontrol. It should just come with higher ridesmanship(lolz). This is something rangers don't like with just haveing one skill to hold on to their pet, we probably don't need 2 skills required to use our dragon.

Overall, I dub thee, 9.5 out of 10. Way to go!

I was absolutely loving this idea, up until i got to the part about dragoon-only mounts. you say its the greatest part, i think it's the worst... it's just ridden with too many potential problems.

/signed without mounts

- to Benmanhaha: Feel free to think up another name for Ridesmanship... yes.. it does sound funny.. but better than Ride-them-up-er...
Not sure if dragon sure help if you don't ride them. It would turn into too much like Ranger's Pet. Isn't Drake a type of dragon? (not the current one seem in the game of couse... but similar). In high ridesmanship, the chance of your mount go out of control is reduce, so it is link to the attribute. However, if one want to be more secure, or not want to invest that many points, can take an additonal skill for it.

- To Aenimus: Feel free to stat what some potential probme might be. Its posted on the forum for that purpose too, to hammer out the possible kinks.

Mybe you have to "jump on" a drake or a mount like your charming with a ranger.

GREAT original idea /signed

with some balancing (Apply poison + AoE polearm + virulence/epidemic= GG, yes i do realize it would be a 2 man job for this to work) this could be amazing

/signed

Wait a minute, if he would change the mounts to horses...it would be horsemanship, and that is actually a real word...

It could still be ridesmanship, if that were a realy word. And to Jack, if you meant drake, as in other drakes, not already in the game, then cool. But since this would have to be put in in chap. 2, you would think that the new area(cantha maybe) would be the only place you could capture of of these beasts. So I would suggest just calling them something completely different. But its not terribly important.

On a sorta off topic note: Did any one ever wonder if we just make these ideas hoping that anet will implement them, when in reality, they may not care at all? I makes me sad to think that may be the case. I think this second new class should be a user made class, such as the alchemist, druid, or dragoon. Just getting that off my chest.

benmanhaha is so pessimistic...
I am not sure about other people, but it is no surprise to me that A.net would never consider some of the posted suggestions. And beside some game-improving ideas, idea like this, the "It Would be Cool to Have them" type, A.net should not care much about. However, realize that long before, I still enjoy writing and reading them (even more so than actual playing the game) Its a creative challenge, a brainstorming game. With a interst in game developing, it is sorta like playing as a Mock Dev, with the reward being poster's reply. That would be my view.

Dragonmanship?
Feel free to point out the possible unblancing issue, or your concerns, further suggestions, or what you like or dislike about it. Maybe will do a drawing for them too...)

i kinda like the idea of the weapon hitting enemies in an area of your attack, but this would cause some huge balancing issues, but it could be solves by making it something like this: your weapon will hit (lets say 2 enemies in front you) 2 enemies, your total damage is evenly split up between each enemy your weapon hits.

also, this could be used cheaply, like making an IWAY team with "dragoons" only, and they would probubly be even stronger than what an IWAY team is currently.

I love the idea of a dragoon, always wanted to play one, but i dont quite think your whole idea would work to well with GW.

yeah, i was a bit vague about the potentialproblems, mostly because i didn't have the energy to type it all out (yes, i'm a lazy bastard, i wont deny it :P).

but what i see happening is players becoming jealous; i mean, i can see the comments now: "why should dragoons get mounts while we're stuck with nothing?" and "he looks so coooool, it's not fair, i'm petitioning on mounts for every class" it would be differentif the drake/dragon were just a pet and not mounted, but even then it would be potentially covetable... dragons are the stuff of lore, the coolest of the cool, the awesomest of the awesome... but only dragoons get them... idunno, this may seem petty, but i can see this being the most prevalent complaint.

i like how you balanced it out though, with navigation control being tied to ridesmanship (whose name i have no problem with :P), but i think that would just turn into another common complaint from players, "omg, dragoons are worthless, i cant even move around without wasting 12 skill levels in ridesmanship"

and some of the drake/dragon personalities can be used as benefits rather than drawbacks, such as the berserker type one, if the character is built offensively and meant to be in combat at all times, then we'd see a million threads about how goons need to be nerfed.

it's really not somehting i disagree with personally, i just think it would cause way too many problems within the community, albeit it's well-thought-out balancing. even with perfect balancing, i don't think players would stop bitching about it...

also, splitting damage between player and mount is too much, imo.

/signed

like it ^^

/signed

I dont think it was splitting the damage. Say the dragon took 30 damage, well then the rider would take say 12 damage. The rider would recieve a percentage of the damage while the dragon would still take the original amount. That is just the way I interpreted it.

edit: Now that I went back and read the post, I can't seem to find where I came up with that idea. So, yall can just forget it.

dragorider...

"I'm using Gentle Petting!" lol maybe change the name of that one

This is a very well thought out and revised concept. Not being a picky person, I've found nothing to pick at.
Great sketch too. I love your art actionjack, especially your most recent assassin art in the the Nolani Academy.

Saddle Mastery?

well.. the name of couse can all be change.. I am not the best at coming up with nice name... and they are more for easier understanding than sounding cool...

But Rides-a-man-ship... hmm... does sound a bit funny...

And feel free to pick... there is a reason why it is posted on a forum....

dammit GW needs mounts horses dragons i dont care


/signed

Wow, I can't believe so many people are agreeing with this ridiculous idea. It's a copy of Lineage, it's not original. This doesn't fit in with GW, and this is just undermining Beast Mastery so much more. Why have a pet when you can have a DRAGON and in addition, you can ride on your dragon? give me a break.

y is it there is always someone who can point out where it's been used befor

and oh

everything you say and do or think you came up with has been done befor at this point so no point in whining about it

/super signed
i love your drawing dude. i want that armor on my warrior! I really want a dragon or horse to ride. Why does a-net give lineage stuff to ride while gw stays behind on their bare feet?
and again
/super signed

I aways like to reply back to those who "disagree" with me...
Of couse, each to our own opinion, but I already consider this...

Yes, Many many other games have mounts... why? Cause people want them, they feel they are "cool" charing into battle on a mighty stead.. and that is the purpose of a fantasy game. Now, unlike other MMO, I strested many time in my op, that mount suggested here are not for the purpose of tansporation or moving faster.

GW already have mobs that rides on beast, or centurs, so it is not realy far fetch off.

Rides are not pet... when you don't ride them, they don't attack, only tag along. Actually, might drop the idea of Dragon riding, and change it to Magical Stone Golem Beast Riding (like the Lion or Tiger statue in game, or have dragon ones...) That way, you have more excuse as to why they are not attacking. Also you can still have pets and mount, together!

Now, how unbalance is it? I would like to hear. Note that I didn't put any real number in, so to keep it open.
------------------------------------------------
to brybry: thxs for liking my drawing... its people like you who encouage me to post....

/signed

I will bump me thread with this mock screenshot of Dragoon. (with parts cut and paste from the game) Of couse.. in my concept, I think the Mounts should not be real dragon, but more of an Animated Animation (made of stone and other materials) with the look of Drake or Dragon. A sort of a magical Guardian Beast.

Oh my... this is gonna be a long message

My first impression was the Boss on the drake you kill at Thunderhead Keep (I can't remember his name atm). Am I right if I say this prof would be something like that?

I think that the Spear should be able to harm only 1 opponent, but there could be a small possibilty (say 20%) for that foe to be interrupted/knocked down when hit.

Polearm would be very slow to attack, but it would then have higher maximum damage. And of course it would also cause interrupt/knock down.

Why couldn't it be called something simple as Animal Riding? Or Pet Riding?

I wouldn't make it charge into enemy but run away only (for like 10-T secs, T depending on your skill level at #Ridesmanship#)

I think it the percentage of the tranferred damage should be considerably lower (like 25-33%). The pet's armor wouldn't have any runes on it anyway (meaning: major or sup. abs.), and it would get killed rather quickly, and I think it wouldn't like that

This one should be a stance. Stances may be ended by attacks (for example, Wild Blow). Otherwise... ok. Casting time could be 3/4.


Range of those attacks should be short (Like for example Ice Spear)

I think that when you attack with Polearm, your AL should receive a slight penalty, like -20 cause it will open up your defences when you do the strike.

Make it 5 Energy only and towards 1 opponent only. Half the dmg if opponent wearing a shield (you must be able to cover yourself behind a shield like all the great knights of legendary tales )

I would make the "Jump" a 75% evade... damage bonus is ok.

I would rather have this to steal some HP from the mount to the master, bit like the Necro skill Taste of Death. Making it like 50-100 HP's transfer.

Anyway... a nice idea and I think it would really be nice to have at least some mounts in the game (be they horses or mules... or dragons).

How could any one even think to suggest not allowing it becuase it would be too like other games, true some things should not be added becuase they simply are not Guild warsy, classed however are not one of those things. I mean really, how many MMOs have things like...um, Rangers and Warriors and Mages (eles.) The classes of GW are not unique to GW, and also I dont believe there is a class in Lieage devoted to mounts like this one is (in therory anywho)

/signed John Handpenis style (not sure if i would get in trouble for using his real name even though i think i would be most definately be allowed to use his name as i too have that word in my last name:Glasspenis. I love it)

sorry if that post sounded flamie, that is not how it was intended to sound.

Since I got quoted, guess need to give back a proper reply.
Well.. sorta. But I would change to a more magical none-living guardian drake-beast type than actual Drake. The Art team will figure it out.


Spear are more for single oppoent, since it would be rare to have enemies standing in a row for you to hit. I would not have a passive knowck down associate with any regular attacks. But feel free to suggest related skill with it, maybe like a Spear Knock down skill.


Polearm are slower (maybe about the attack speed of a bow), but with some AoE damage effect (front 45 degee). Good for crowd control. (of couse, also need to take in the account that it will be less effect at close melee range)


Name could always change. maybe Mount would be better? But no on Pet Riding... since its not really a pet, or an animal...

Yes, the chance of out of control is related to the attribute. But I would still make it charge into enemy, since to some.. it is a unwanted risk, which is the drawback that would keep mount different and more balance. Again, it would be depend on what type of mount you are on.
Some people don't like the share damage as well. That part could need some work on, but it is not to make having a Mount too overpowering. Again, the choice of the Mount (weither you pick a high hp vs low hp mount) would play some effect here, since want to make it a valid strategy to kill the Mount first.

Stance on a Mount? Could be... but why? Casting time could be lowed.


Yes... about the typical casting range.. or shorter.

It not a bad idea.. but don't think need it. Maybe can add it to the more overbalance skill as a counter weight.

but Cone shape range its its biggest uniquness! They could move out the way as well.
Of couse... could always add a skill like:

Fire Tongue
5e | 2 | 15r : X fire damage to a single target in mid range.

The skill only say dodeg one attack... how about adding this one?

Draco's Dive:
15e | 0 | 15r : You have 75% evade for 3 seconds, but can not attack or use skill in duration, and at the end of duration, you attack your target for X more damage. (they could dodge it with a stance, or just run out of range)

Sprial Dive: [Elit]
10e | 0 | 20r : You have 100% evade for 3 seconds, but can not attack or use skill in duration, and at the end of duration, you attack your target for X+ more damage. (they could dodge it with a stance, or just run out of range)
Such skill might go under the Ridesmanship. The pose skill is a way for Dragoon to heal (all class have its way of healing). The HP regen you gain will be much greater than the one you lost, thus giving you more HP back.
You sure a picky about lots of thing.. espcially the skills.
Always nice to have a constructive comments, and I do like to Q&A. And give some good inspiration to other skills. Feel free to give more suggestions or what you would think would be over balance. That is what the post are for.

i love it...
/signed

I wanna ride a char...

Charrider

ohhhh and a blue mage

This time I'll make it a lot shorter

I wonder how you could possibly hit two foes simultaneously with a spear without outright piercing the one in front of you, thus killing that foe. It is after all a long stick with just a sharp end - not a huge battleaxe that hacks its way through the opposition.

The skill related...

Spear Thrust:
10e / 0c / 30r With your next attack you deal +X damage to your opponent. If that opponent is suffering from Deep Wound or Bleeding, that opponent is knocked down for T seconds.

But when would it charge in? Only when the Rider has decided to participate in combat since the distance where it sees the opponents is the same when the opponents see it ( = aggro range). I think it wouldn't be a big disadvantage, unless it tried to go through their lines as well...

I would still be a bit careful with the power of the Mount as the Dragons in GW (Glint & Co.) have a strange tendency to withstand unbelievable amounts of beating. But if the mounts were only Drakes... they sound too easy to kill.

I tought that skill was a riding skill... to prevent you from falling down from the back of the mount. Thus I suggested it being a stance, but it wouldn't be bad to have a Stance on a mount as well. Why would it be a stance? I pondered how to classify it (whether it is Stance,Shout or Skill) and ended up in Stance. You have a Stance that prevent you from being knocked down (Dolyak something...) and I think this was kinda similar to that.

*** And speaking of Dolyaks - I still wonder how those short fellows get up there? ***

Those will be the longest 3 seconds in the game... you are just standing there doing nothing at all. And then you strike only to find that your opponents have either died or left.
But they would not be overpowering, I'd be ok with those.


Oh, thanks
Eventhough this may never find it's way to the game, it's always fun to plan things and what would be a more fun way to do it, than doing it co-operatively.

/singed
however, i agree with the mounts. We dont need this profession to be a rider..he could have the dragon/drake as a pet like a ranger.
other than that ..great Idea

It would not be a seperate class, it would end up being a beastmaster skill, just like the summit dwarf mounts. It would be balanced because only one can fight; either you, Droylak, or the beast, Dwarf Beastmaster.

Hmm.. just wondering why would not have a Mount? Few people dis like such thing, but want to hear a more detail explaination on it.

I would not like to see it treated as a Pet, since Pet are only exclusive for Rangers. And pet should not be ride upon, since that is abusing the animals...

OK..about the mounts.

Personally...I LIKE THE IDEA.
however, it doesnt seen the right idea for GW, IMO

First:
MAp jump. Mounts would be nice to ride over long terrain where speed and the ability to avoid enemies matters in order to reach the next zone/town.
WE have runners that seemt o do this well enough on foot. Distance between towns and zones arent that far. ANd of course, one you get there, you cna jump automatically back and forth without the hassle of time lost. Mounts "might" add more runners to the game if they add more speed/defense to that players profession. IE: LF DRAKE RUNNER!!

Second:
As stated by a previous poster, once one group has it, the others will want it.
Other profession players will want a mount of some sort that they can use. The will come the demand for customization of armor for mounts, looks and type of mounts, buyers/sellers of mounts (if allowed), and who is faster/better for a mount.

Could it work? Yes. If the rider/mount was a seemless charachter. No extra defense or speed from mount. Health of rider is tied to health of mount. Like Dwarven beastmasters, when the beast dies so does the rider(this also means that there is no dismount of animal excpet for towns). Attacks are tied together so either the mount attacks or the rider...no combo unless is it some type of special or elite skill.

In conclusion,
as I stated before, I like the idea of this profession, I like the ideas of mounts.
However, unless carefully done, it wouldnt work for GW.

Everyone is entitle to their own opinion. Hope you won't take any feel of offense for my "counter" to you comment, but just want to point out to few things (since I like to interact with the repliers)

Yes, I positively agree with you on NO TRADITIONAL MMO MOUNT in GW. Already said before, mount is not really use for transportation or running. (and even suggested a slow moving but lots HP mount). But they might still be consider a better runner.. however, nothing is stoping A.net in putting some "Anti-Rider" type of monster in game and at key place of the map, which would have skills like Dismount, Knock Back/Down, and Slow.

Mount is the "Perk" of this class, like Ranger's pet. All class could ride a mount... provided you take Dragoon class as primary. (I was debating of should make Ridesmanship primary or not... however, since Mount really would balance to such class's lack of armor, it seem better at time to make it primary)

Mount, its concept, might need a bit or rework. The share damage and have it able to attack without skill of its rider might be a bit too much, but that will be needed to play test to see.

So in conclusion.. I agree with you. Unless carefully done, it wouldnt work for GW. Now, since this is a suggestion forum, won't mind in hearing ideas of how such thing could be done.

First, thank you for such a great counter response. Its good to see a civil response now and then.
I am still mulling over how it could work the best for GW if it were to be implemented.
Primary focus:
Design
I personally think that the rider/mount would have to be one charchter.
Not just shared damage/health, but for graphics purposes.
Animating seperate movements then the rest my add more complexity than anet wants to do. However, its not impossible.
Also, when buying armor, it is armor that you upgrade for your mount. The change of armor reflects both the rider and mounts looks. Saves designing two sepreate types of armor and save the player gold frmo having to buy two types of armor.
Second part of design would be types of mounts.
This could be debated by whats in tyria and waht could be added. FOr example purposes lets use drakes.
Do we stick with one type of drake? or do we allow the rider to "trade in" his mount for a bigger/newer/better type of drake. From my view point, the focus is mainly on the mount as the main point what people/enemies see. So maybe keep it simple by having the mount grow in size as you progresses in levels. Using dyes to color the armor will also help in looks.

Fighting.
As I suggested before, the rider/mount share damge and health. Attack skills are tricky actually thinking about it. Rangers, spellcasters have advantage for they have range weapons they can use if used as a secondary to the dragoon primary. Warrior secondary is left at a disadvantage unless they can use polearms or long reaching pikes as weapons.
Making the rider the primary attacker allows for balancing of skills. Choosing your mounts attack as secondary prevents rider and mount attacking causing double damage and being considered overpowering.

Speed:
I like the idea of slower movements with the benfit of higher AL.
With knockdown skills, an added balance (or disadvatage) may be that the rider/mount stay down longer when knocked down. Using skills properly will help keep the rider on the mount (doylak signet for example).

That is it for now...need to think this over more...however, the more I think about it, the better I like this idea.

PSfftopic


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Happy birthday actionjack!