Alternative to Killing Guards (Justice System)
So I've been gone for awhile, before the Justice System and Thieves Guild were even implemented. I just came back a couple days ago, and I've been frequenting the forum for a day or two before that. I am not going to claim to fully understand these systems, because I don't, but I'm seeing frequent complaints from people about not being able to kill guards and avoid being caught.
It does seem rather disappointing, but it's supposed to be high-risk, high-reward... Right? So, I'd like to propose some alternatives I thought of. Maybe these are viable, maybe they aren't; it'll be up to those more knowledgeable than I to decide. Rather than being able to kill guards, I propose the following:
Avoid:
Avoiding guards is a viable option already. Sneak past them, or simply avoid the areas they are in entirely. This is somewhat difficult, and not very enjoyable if you ask me. Guards, from when I played before, had a pretty large range of detection and once you were spotted could pretty much lock you into place and kill you in second. What I propose here is more options to avoid them entirely.
Disguises, for example, could be used to reduce the area of detection. Guards would still be able to identify you but from a massively reduced range, meaning you would be able to walk into town, but getting to close would result in detection. Like disguises work with enemies, you wouldn't be able to sneak and you shouldn't have the option to steal. This is only meant to allow you to get into town to trade, craft, socialize, etc without being caught.
Other methods to avoid guards could be added, like being able to climb over/ under obstacles and maybe go as far as added rooftop access. This would allow you to avoid guards, while still being able to sneak and steal more. It would also add a new mechanic and interesting new ways to get around and break into houses.
Incapacitate:
Incapacitation could be done in a variety of ways, and tie in other skills.
If you are caught using these it counts as an assault. If another guard sees an incapacitated guard they will call for reinforcements, making things even more challenging than they were to begin with. In exchange, an XP bonus could be offered or something.
Distract:
This is a super straightforward one, but could also be done creatively. Smaller options offering shorter distractions, like firecrackers or something, could be thrown and buy you a few seconds of everyone looking away. Larger, more elaborate, distractions could be created such as causing a ruckus in the marketplace would cause all the guards to be focused there. This would allow you to steal from other locations with little to no witnesses, for a slightly longer period of time.
These are just a few ideas, and even if others agree I doubt it would be implemented, but I just wanted to share and see what people would think on them. I was also going to add having multiple levels of notoriety but it looks like that was already implemented!
It does seem rather disappointing, but it's supposed to be high-risk, high-reward... Right? So, I'd like to propose some alternatives I thought of. Maybe these are viable, maybe they aren't; it'll be up to those more knowledgeable than I to decide. Rather than being able to kill guards, I propose the following:
AID: Avoid, Incapacitate, and Distract!
Avoid:
Avoiding guards is a viable option already. Sneak past them, or simply avoid the areas they are in entirely. This is somewhat difficult, and not very enjoyable if you ask me. Guards, from when I played before, had a pretty large range of detection and once you were spotted could pretty much lock you into place and kill you in second. What I propose here is more options to avoid them entirely.
Disguises, for example, could be used to reduce the area of detection. Guards would still be able to identify you but from a massively reduced range, meaning you would be able to walk into town, but getting to close would result in detection. Like disguises work with enemies, you wouldn't be able to sneak and you shouldn't have the option to steal. This is only meant to allow you to get into town to trade, craft, socialize, etc without being caught.
Other methods to avoid guards could be added, like being able to climb over/ under obstacles and maybe go as far as added rooftop access. This would allow you to avoid guards, while still being able to sneak and steal more. It would also add a new mechanic and interesting new ways to get around and break into houses.
Incapacitate:
Incapacitation could be done in a variety of ways, and tie in other skills.
- Melee uses could have a blackjack(s) that allow you to sneak up on a guard and knock them out.
- Marksmen could use arrows with hollow heads, filled with knock-out gas that produces a similar effect.
- Mages could have access to a spell to put guards to sleep, which would also produce the same effect.
- Alternatively, or additionally, there could be vials of gas thrown to incapacitate guards.
If you are caught using these it counts as an assault. If another guard sees an incapacitated guard they will call for reinforcements, making things even more challenging than they were to begin with. In exchange, an XP bonus could be offered or something.
Distract:
This is a super straightforward one, but could also be done creatively. Smaller options offering shorter distractions, like firecrackers or something, could be thrown and buy you a few seconds of everyone looking away. Larger, more elaborate, distractions could be created such as causing a ruckus in the marketplace would cause all the guards to be focused there. This would allow you to steal from other locations with little to no witnesses, for a slightly longer period of time.
These are just a few ideas, and even if others agree I doubt it would be implemented, but I just wanted to share and see what people would think on them. I was also going to add having multiple levels of notoriety but it looks like that was already implemented!
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