01-06-2004, 08:35 PM
(This post was last modified: 01-06-2004, 08:45 PM by Little Faith.)
Since the variant has evolved quite a bit from the the chaotic get go I will make a recab of where I stand right now on the subject. Here I will sum up what my variant rules are right now, though several important facet is still in full debate.
My own Roman Legion variant rules as of now:
Naming conventions: All characters must have a suitably "roman" name, and no Caesar's please.
The Roman Legion variant is a variant designed to roleplay and simulate a small unit of Roman Legionaries in Diablo 2 LoD. They will be equipped and use the same tactics as the actual Roman Legionaries as far as is possible and fun within Diablo 2. Focus will be on fighting in formation and using a mix of thrown weapons and melee weapons.
Let me first announce that this is intended to be a team variant. While many of the characters could probably be played solo with great success there is really no point in being a legionary if you don't belong to no legion.
There is three kinds of characters in this variant: Legionaries, centurion and standard bearer.
The most common will be the basic roman legionary. They are the main warriors using javelins and gladii (short swords) and wearing great imposing tower shields. They are to conduct themselves with discipline, stay in formation and follow the orders of their centurion to the best of their abilities.
Each detachment of legionaries will be lead by a single centurion. His role is to provide guidiance and inspiration to the troops. The centurion is not armed with javelins so he is free to issue orders and assess the situation. He is armed with a powerful gladius so he can enter melee along with his legionaries once melee commences. The centurion has command over the legionaries, but should strive to the best of his ability to give commands that will aid the entire unit. He should also strive to observe general roman tactical considerations at all times. No "barbarian tactics" here.
The standard bearer's role is to carry the standard of the Roman empire (symbolised by a long staff). The roman standard is almost considered sacred and must be present in all parties of 5 or more players. It is of utmost importance that the standard bearer remains safe at all times and the standard must never be compromised in any situation!
Build rules:
Legionary (barbarian class):
The legionary is the meat of the great roman army. All legionary units must at least made up halfly by legionaries, preferrably more.
The legionary is an expert in the use of the javelin and the gladius. He is also extremely disciplined and will stay in ordered formation with his comrades even under the most severe conditions.
Being a master of shield combat he will strive maximise his block chance via pumping dexterity. His goal is 222 in dexterity. The other skills are much more up to his own choices though he should always have enough strength to lift the standard imperial tower shield. Further in his lifetime he might want to boost his strength even further to allow for the exceptional and elite versions of the tower shield.
There is one skill that he must max. That skill is throwing mastery. One of the greatest assets of the Roman armies was the high power shield piercing javelins that were thrown before engagement. He is also advised to hone his training in the gladius (Sword Mastery).
In the warcry tree he is allowed, though not required, to max Shout. Besides the prerequisites he cannot use any other points in that skill tree. (Perhaps a bit of Howl).
Besides the warcries he is prohibited from using any of these skills in all circumstances:
All weapons masteries except throwing mastery and sword mastery. Throwing mastery may only be used with javelins.
Double Swing, Double Throw and Frenzy, since they all exclude the use of a shield.
Whirlwind since it requires the user to break formation.
Centurion (paladin class):
The centurion is a leader and shining example. He will guide his troops forward with his commands and lead the way as a champion when entering melee.
Regarding placement of stat points the centurion must observe the same rules as the legionaries.
Skill wise the centurion should concentrate on auras that will help his legionaries.
The few prohibited auras are:
Holy Fire, Holy Freeze and Holy Shock, Sanctuary and Redemption.
He is advised to have some well developed combat skills. Ideas could include Smite, Zeal and Vengeance. Perhaps even Holy Bolt.
He is prohibited from using these combat skills in any circumstances (but as forced prerequisites):
Charge (he advances along with his men).
Holy Shield (he does not carry the brand of Christ, but the brand of the Roman Empire).
Sacrifice, Conversion and Fist of the Heavens.
Standard bearer (druid class):
The standard bearer is especially limited. His role in combat is not so active. His main duty is to keep the Standard of Rome high and flying at all times.
It would make sense to him to observe the high-block stat requirements of the other characters since he will most likely carry a gladius/shield setup on weapon switch for emergency.
He is only allowed to put points into following 8 skills:
Cyclone armor: His wolf pelt protects him a bit from the elements.
Ravens: He is often followed by flocks of carrion birds. Imperial diviners sometimes reads these as omens.
Spirit Wolf and Dire Wolf and Grizzly: He can sometimes call for the motherly protection of the great she-wolf that nurtured Romulus and Remus, the founders of the Republic of Rome. He can only use this boon when the standard is in utter danger of being lost and he cannot rely on the protection of his comrades. Grizzly may only be used as a synergy, not actually summoned.
Oak Sage, Heart of the Wolverine, Spirit of Barbs: These are not nature spirits, but the inspiring effects of the imperial standard. He will always keep up at least one spirit.
Item rules:
The soldiers of the Roman Legion will at all times possible use the standard roman battlegear:
For the legionary this is:
Weapon switch 1: Javelins and tower shield.
Weapons switch 2: Gladius and tower shield.
Body armor: Banded mail.
Helmet: An ordinary openface helmet. Not a skull cap or a full helm.
The other slots is up to the character.
It should be said here that a "gladius" means any kind of short sword or war sword and a javelin is any kind of javelin class weapon. Also the exceptional/elite versions of all equipment may be used.
The centurion's battlegear is:
Weapon switch 1: Gladius and Scutum. A scutum is any kind of ROUND shield. He can also use a tower shield.
Weapon switch 2: Gnarled staff. This is a ceremonial implement that will never be used in actual combat.
Body armor: Breast plate.
Helmet: Crown, until one can be acquired and ordinary helm has to do.
The other slots is up to the character.
The standard bearers battlegear is:
Weapon switch 1: The Standard of Rome. This will be represented by a long staff, A battle staff or a war staff.
Weapon switch 2: Gladius and scutum or tower shield.
Body armor: Breast plate.
Helmet: A wolf pelt.
The other slots is up to the character.
Gameplay rules.
It is very important at all applicable times to observe Roman tactical dogmas. These are:
1: Stay in formation! This cannot be understated. Don't ever abandon your comrades.
2: Keep your shield up at all situations.
3: Advance steadily while keeping the enemy under javelin fire. No running and no mad charges.
4: Obey your centurion.
5: Never ever lose your battle standard. Keep the standard bearer safe at the expense of all other concerns.
Under an advance the centurion and standard bearer are to be kept safe behind the protective wall of the legionaries' shields. When melee is entered the centurion might enter along with his men. The standard bearer should still try to keep the battle standard as safe as possible, though he might help out in melee if this is the best way to keep the standard safe.
If the standard bearer should die in softcore the retrieval of his corpse is of utmost importance. If he should die in hardcore the standard must be retrieved instead. Any hardcore standard bearers must set their corpse to be lootable.
Keeping in formation and following battle plans is the majority of fun in this variant. Please observe the "Keep in formation rules".
Until all have acquired their full battle gear the unit is still considered "trainees". Twinking in a bunch of nonmagical tower shields is allowed. Any other kind of twinking or boosting is totally prohibited.
EDIT: There has been some great ideas about allowing the standard bearer to use certain Fire skills to represent the artillery that is providing support for our brave legionaries. I think the idea is excellent and makes the standard bearer role more "interactive". He is not going to use those wolves anyway.
All the fire skills but Volcano can be justified in this way:
Firestorm: Greek fire.
Moulten Boulder: Short range catapult fire.
Armageddon: Long range catapult barrage.
Fissure: An especially violent catapult hit.
Still all my other rules and pointers about the standard bearer are in full force.
My own Roman Legion variant rules as of now:
Naming conventions: All characters must have a suitably "roman" name, and no Caesar's please.
The Roman Legion variant is a variant designed to roleplay and simulate a small unit of Roman Legionaries in Diablo 2 LoD. They will be equipped and use the same tactics as the actual Roman Legionaries as far as is possible and fun within Diablo 2. Focus will be on fighting in formation and using a mix of thrown weapons and melee weapons.
Let me first announce that this is intended to be a team variant. While many of the characters could probably be played solo with great success there is really no point in being a legionary if you don't belong to no legion.
There is three kinds of characters in this variant: Legionaries, centurion and standard bearer.
The most common will be the basic roman legionary. They are the main warriors using javelins and gladii (short swords) and wearing great imposing tower shields. They are to conduct themselves with discipline, stay in formation and follow the orders of their centurion to the best of their abilities.
Each detachment of legionaries will be lead by a single centurion. His role is to provide guidiance and inspiration to the troops. The centurion is not armed with javelins so he is free to issue orders and assess the situation. He is armed with a powerful gladius so he can enter melee along with his legionaries once melee commences. The centurion has command over the legionaries, but should strive to the best of his ability to give commands that will aid the entire unit. He should also strive to observe general roman tactical considerations at all times. No "barbarian tactics" here.
The standard bearer's role is to carry the standard of the Roman empire (symbolised by a long staff). The roman standard is almost considered sacred and must be present in all parties of 5 or more players. It is of utmost importance that the standard bearer remains safe at all times and the standard must never be compromised in any situation!
Build rules:
Legionary (barbarian class):
The legionary is the meat of the great roman army. All legionary units must at least made up halfly by legionaries, preferrably more.
The legionary is an expert in the use of the javelin and the gladius. He is also extremely disciplined and will stay in ordered formation with his comrades even under the most severe conditions.
Being a master of shield combat he will strive maximise his block chance via pumping dexterity. His goal is 222 in dexterity. The other skills are much more up to his own choices though he should always have enough strength to lift the standard imperial tower shield. Further in his lifetime he might want to boost his strength even further to allow for the exceptional and elite versions of the tower shield.
There is one skill that he must max. That skill is throwing mastery. One of the greatest assets of the Roman armies was the high power shield piercing javelins that were thrown before engagement. He is also advised to hone his training in the gladius (Sword Mastery).
In the warcry tree he is allowed, though not required, to max Shout. Besides the prerequisites he cannot use any other points in that skill tree. (Perhaps a bit of Howl).
Besides the warcries he is prohibited from using any of these skills in all circumstances:
All weapons masteries except throwing mastery and sword mastery. Throwing mastery may only be used with javelins.
Double Swing, Double Throw and Frenzy, since they all exclude the use of a shield.
Whirlwind since it requires the user to break formation.
Centurion (paladin class):
The centurion is a leader and shining example. He will guide his troops forward with his commands and lead the way as a champion when entering melee.
Regarding placement of stat points the centurion must observe the same rules as the legionaries.
Skill wise the centurion should concentrate on auras that will help his legionaries.
The few prohibited auras are:
Holy Fire, Holy Freeze and Holy Shock, Sanctuary and Redemption.
He is advised to have some well developed combat skills. Ideas could include Smite, Zeal and Vengeance. Perhaps even Holy Bolt.
He is prohibited from using these combat skills in any circumstances (but as forced prerequisites):
Charge (he advances along with his men).
Holy Shield (he does not carry the brand of Christ, but the brand of the Roman Empire).
Sacrifice, Conversion and Fist of the Heavens.
Standard bearer (druid class):
The standard bearer is especially limited. His role in combat is not so active. His main duty is to keep the Standard of Rome high and flying at all times.
It would make sense to him to observe the high-block stat requirements of the other characters since he will most likely carry a gladius/shield setup on weapon switch for emergency.
He is only allowed to put points into following 8 skills:
Cyclone armor: His wolf pelt protects him a bit from the elements.
Ravens: He is often followed by flocks of carrion birds. Imperial diviners sometimes reads these as omens.
Spirit Wolf and Dire Wolf and Grizzly: He can sometimes call for the motherly protection of the great she-wolf that nurtured Romulus and Remus, the founders of the Republic of Rome. He can only use this boon when the standard is in utter danger of being lost and he cannot rely on the protection of his comrades. Grizzly may only be used as a synergy, not actually summoned.
Oak Sage, Heart of the Wolverine, Spirit of Barbs: These are not nature spirits, but the inspiring effects of the imperial standard. He will always keep up at least one spirit.
Item rules:
The soldiers of the Roman Legion will at all times possible use the standard roman battlegear:
For the legionary this is:
Weapon switch 1: Javelins and tower shield.
Weapons switch 2: Gladius and tower shield.
Body armor: Banded mail.
Helmet: An ordinary openface helmet. Not a skull cap or a full helm.
The other slots is up to the character.
It should be said here that a "gladius" means any kind of short sword or war sword and a javelin is any kind of javelin class weapon. Also the exceptional/elite versions of all equipment may be used.
The centurion's battlegear is:
Weapon switch 1: Gladius and Scutum. A scutum is any kind of ROUND shield. He can also use a tower shield.
Weapon switch 2: Gnarled staff. This is a ceremonial implement that will never be used in actual combat.
Body armor: Breast plate.
Helmet: Crown, until one can be acquired and ordinary helm has to do.
The other slots is up to the character.
The standard bearers battlegear is:
Weapon switch 1: The Standard of Rome. This will be represented by a long staff, A battle staff or a war staff.
Weapon switch 2: Gladius and scutum or tower shield.
Body armor: Breast plate.
Helmet: A wolf pelt.
The other slots is up to the character.
Gameplay rules.
It is very important at all applicable times to observe Roman tactical dogmas. These are:
1: Stay in formation! This cannot be understated. Don't ever abandon your comrades.
2: Keep your shield up at all situations.
3: Advance steadily while keeping the enemy under javelin fire. No running and no mad charges.
4: Obey your centurion.
5: Never ever lose your battle standard. Keep the standard bearer safe at the expense of all other concerns.
Under an advance the centurion and standard bearer are to be kept safe behind the protective wall of the legionaries' shields. When melee is entered the centurion might enter along with his men. The standard bearer should still try to keep the battle standard as safe as possible, though he might help out in melee if this is the best way to keep the standard safe.
If the standard bearer should die in softcore the retrieval of his corpse is of utmost importance. If he should die in hardcore the standard must be retrieved instead. Any hardcore standard bearers must set their corpse to be lootable.
Keeping in formation and following battle plans is the majority of fun in this variant. Please observe the "Keep in formation rules".
Until all have acquired their full battle gear the unit is still considered "trainees". Twinking in a bunch of nonmagical tower shields is allowed. Any other kind of twinking or boosting is totally prohibited.
EDIT: There has been some great ideas about allowing the standard bearer to use certain Fire skills to represent the artillery that is providing support for our brave legionaries. I think the idea is excellent and makes the standard bearer role more "interactive". He is not going to use those wolves anyway.
All the fire skills but Volcano can be justified in this way:
Firestorm: Greek fire.
Moulten Boulder: Short range catapult fire.
Armageddon: Long range catapult barrage.
Fissure: An especially violent catapult hit.
Still all my other rules and pointers about the standard bearer are in full force.