I saw an interesting idea in the OXCE forum recently regarding the spotter/sniper system. Basically, if an enemy unit is instantly killed or knocked unconscious by a single powerful hit their spotting abilities are negated, preventing the enemy team from knowing where the killer is. That makes perfect sense to me. However Meridian stated that he would only include such a feature if one of the mod authors requested it, so maybe consider the idea if you think it would be a good fit for XPiratez?
--
Secondly I think there is room for a mid-tier spear weapon between spear and pike. The spear is highly useful but is considered "crude" and caveman tier, it doesn't even require any tools to manufacture. The Pike is a more refined weapon with a longer range, but is much heavier and slow to attack. My idea would be to add a "Boar Spear" that fits in between the two. In simple terms a boar spear is a spear with a wide triangular blade backed by a crossguard. As with broadhead arrows the idea is to inflict large amounts of tissue/bleeding damage to a charging animal while the crossguard prevents the angry critter from impaling itself down the shaft and giving you the business. Boar spears are not intended to be T2 spears and more of a sidegrade because they have unique drawbacks:
- Has a range 2 thrusting attack and a weaker strike attack that can be used at range 1 with no penalty
- Requires both hands to use (unlike the spear and pike)
- Deals cutting damage instead of stabbing, with a 1.25x armour effectiveness (better for hunting animals than people)
- Accuracy is .4 Melee + .3 Throwing + .3 Strength (not a weapon for novices)
- The thrust attack has a 2.5x reaction disrupt modifier and a high chance of inflicting fatal wounds
- Boar spears are crafted from a regular spear + 3 scrap metal
- 2x6 tiles wide in inventory and weighs 9kg
- Counts as a Medieval weapon instead of a Primal weapon for condemnation purposes
- Boar spears can be researched after you unlock the Monster Hunting tech and research any captured monster, bloodhound/shambler/scorpion/spider etc.