Would it be possible to get more details on the abilities?

Does AI use these abilities?

A quick update on the goals of this mod.

The main problem with the current tactical combat is that units are currently cookie cutter templates attached to numbers.  We want to change that by giving each weapon a tactical role on the battlefield.

Let's take an example of the pike.  It allows new strategies to form.

- - E - -

- - - - -

- - P - -

D - - - D

This is a basic defensive line, with P being our pikeneer, and D being a typical high damage, zero armor unit, the type that is currently creating a problematic glass cannon centric metagame.  E is our enemy.  Now, the logical course of action here is to attack the pikeman, since the first strike is currently so important--but that wouldn't be wise.  The pikeman now has the ability to brace its spear, receiving a massive defense boost and a large counterstrike attack bonus.  If the enemy attacks the pikeman, most likely he will whiff and be shredded by the units powerful counterattack.  If he moves into position to attack one of our low armor/high damage units, he will of course get shredded since our guy will get the first attack off.  So our attacker is screwed, right?

- - E W -

- - - - -

- - P - -

D - - - D

In this scenario, W is a unit equipped with a warhammer, which can now make a 'disorienting strike,' which deals no damage but denies counterattacks and stuns.  Now our pikeman is screwed!  He'll get bopped by the hammer, and shredded by the enemy DPS!

- - E W -

- - - - -

- - P - -

D - - - D

- - B - -

Now we add a bowman to our defensive line.  In our mod, shortbows can make an attack that slows a unit.  A tactically minded player will target the hammerman, even though the attack will most likely bounce off armor, the slow effect will stick, and our hammerman will only move 1 square, replicating the outcome of scenario #1.

Now, consider that every weapon now has different effects like these.  This produces a much richer tactical environment.  Unit design now has more consequences, as you might need lower tier weapons for their special effects!  Eventually (when stardock gets the cooldown command working properly), every unit will have its default attack, an at will secondary attack with a strategic niche, and a more powerful once per combat effect.

Now all we need is extended ranged (2 squares) attacks, attacks of opportunities...okay no grappling turles, tho. 

We can do extended range, but it would be a bit funky.  It would function like a ranged ability attack, so it could pass through a unit to attack behind it.  That's not really ideal.

Grappling turtles... Actually, you just gave me an idea for a net weapon that roots both units for a certain period of time....  Or maybe its a "Martial Arts Training" kit that roots both units and applies a bleed to he target.  That would be fun!

Upcoming features include: archery scaling with troop density. So they'll do more damage to a squad of twelve than to a single guy.  Warhorses trained for combat that will grant a Heroic Charge ability (bonus attack and movement, penalty to counterattack and defense for one round), various balance tweaks, hopefully a final solution to the buggy Kaz sword "Disruption" ability.  Possible new weapons.

We are really hoping to add as much tactical depth to the current game play, without just moving some number here and there. I am really excited about the future of this mod, but what will make it better is feedback from players. We really would like to know what works and what doesn't. What kinds of tactical roles do you see developing and how can we make them more interesting. I started doing this mod because I honestly think it is the best way to enhance tactical combat, but it is the community that will make it better.

I'm installing it right now, hope to give decent feedback by the end of the week ,

I'm with the game for the long run and such mods will extend it even further!!

great stuff (from description only for the time being )

What about composite longbows, crossbows, etc?

I think we need to extend the archery tech tree and spread it out some so it's not so imbalanced early game and so lame late game.

Humans invented ranged weapons for a reason.  Because close combat, while awesoe, is kinda risky.  Way more fun to shoot them in the face with a crossbow bolt.

Excellent work . May I suggest making the Download Link a little more pronounced?

"As you can see, Lonestar, my schwartz is Bigger than yours."... Perhaps Lonestar needs Enzyte like Bob?

LoL sorry, couldn't resist.

You may want to wait for 1.08 first. It's probably going to come out soon and there will be lots of changes (probably in tactical combat too, but I'm not sure).

bump.

Sorry, I just noticed this, and as I'm a Spaceballs nut, I feel I have to correct this quote...It's "So Lonestar, I see you have the ring, and your schwartz is as big as mine. Now, let's see how well you handle it!"