Sharana wrote:In the last interview on our TS he said that the the majority will go in the meta classes (with specific armor) and that's good, but it's not forced. If archer wants to sacrifice some damage and reload speed he is free to go for chainmail that will give him better protection, but can't expect to have only gains (protection) without noticeable sacrifices (damage/reload speed). That's the reason the trees are shorter now as well and you can grab more skills. What makes you a better lancer will be the chainmail, because even melee with scale will have points left to be lancer as well and it wouldn't be very fair if the bonus is unnoticeable for your meta class.
Not to mention that it will lead to the old mixing of plate/chainmail for example to have both protection in the areas that usually get the hit and speed as the other parts will be lighter. That's definitely not the targeted effect, but the trees allow you to do it if there are no noticeable bonuses that you aren't ready to sacrifice.
Hey Sharana, thank you for the info.
You make good points, particularly about archers and being able to choose between faster reload vs armor. However, I don't think this principle applies to other "classes" within the game. What if you want to play as a light armor shield user? I suppose you could go 1h spear, but what about swords or maces? Not as viable, as giving up the damage and shield bonus from scale is too heavy a penalty to make the extra movement speed worthwhile. Some play styles still have options while others are completely pigeonholed. If they do insist on keeping these armor bonuses, as you indicate they are, then I really think the bonuses need to be changed or toned down. I don't think there should be only one viable option for each class, and it looks like we are headed very quickly in that direction.