Working on Belegarth.ca

[Cib]

belegarth.ca/

As you can see the site is really not finished, and is really just meant as a place to start from. So if any of you would like to poke around and give some feed back on what might be good to change or have or not to have.

In another thread we were talking about how it would be good to have some articles and guides on the site. I am willing to write them al but don't have the time would anyone be willing to help out with this? Some of the ideas for guide/articles are:
-Spectators Guide: What to bring?
-Spectators Guide: How to watch?
-Noob Guide: What weapon should I use?
-Noob Guide: What about a shield?
-Noob Guide: What should I wear?

At some point I also need to streamline the site (it is not efficient is its use of pace).

[David of Doell]

I'm working on Noob Guide: What weapon should I use? I'll post it in a few days and you can tell me what you think.

[Cib]

Thanks Dave!

[David of Doell]

Okay here it is. Let me know what you think. I kept it really simple on purpose because it's for beginners. I call them beginners because in my vocabulary at least, noob is a condescending word. And of course like any article, this is my opinion.


Beginner's Guide: What weapon should I use?

That's a great question Timmy. In this case it's a good thing that there is no easy answer. If one weapon was the ultimate choice then there wouldn't be any diversity in Belegarth. In my opinion your weapon should reflect your own personal style. If you want to wield something big and flail it around then a two handed red sword might be for you. Or if you like to chuck things from a distance then maybe a javelin is your thing. Everyone will have a different style, I recommend trying all the weapon types and giving them each a fair chance. Let's start by exploring all the weapon types.

Weapon Classes

Class one weapon: "A Class 1 Weapon, also known as a blue weapon, is a relatively short weapon (under 48") that is swung with one hand. Armor absorbs the first hit it receives from a class 1 weapon, but a subsequent class 1 hit does damage to the target area. A class 1 weapon is never capable of destroying a shield. Also, a class 2 weapon swung with one hand is considered a class 1 weapon." (Geddon.org) This includes Swords or sword like weapons shorter than 48" overall, Flails, Daggers, Clubs shorter than 48" overall, Axes and Hammers shorter than 48" overall and Staves of all lengths. This type of weapon will give you good speed and accuracy. Now would be a good time to make a few notes about range. When facing an opponent with a longer weapon than your own it will seem like they have a big advantage, they can reach you before you can reach them. While this is true it's not the whole story. Range is actually both your advantage AND your disadvantage. If you get up close to the guy with the super long sword he's going to have a very hard time hitting you because his sword is easily trapped. That's when your shorter sword becomes your advantage. So one is not "better" but the shorter weapon requires a little more manoeuvring.

Class two weapon: "A Class 2 Weapon, also known as a red weapon, is a relatively large weapon that is swung in two hands. A class 2 weapon ignores armor and is capable of destroying a shield with two solid hits. A class 2 weapon swung with one hand is considered a class 1 weapon." (Geddon.org) This includes glaives, large swords, large hammers, clubs, and axes, including poleaxes. These are great for cutting through armour and shields. Since your weapon is fairly long and heavy you'll have to really make sure your opponents don't get too close to you(even more so with pole weapons). You have a little bit of "recharge" time with a big two handed sword. Since it's heavier it takes more time and strength to change it's direction. Flailing wildly is one way to fight but you'll lose energy quickly. This weapon is about making swings count because if you miss it might be your last.

Class three weapon: "Class 3 (thrusting) Weapons wielded one-handed cause one hit of damage to an unarmored Target Area. Class 3 Weapons also cause two hits of damage when wielded two-handed against a Target Area, ignoring any Armor the Target Area may have. If the Target Area is armored, the Weapon must be wielded two-handed to cause damage to the Target Area. A one-handed strike causes no injury to an Armored Target Area." (Geddon.org) This includes spears, javelins and also can apply to most class one and two weapons. If your weapon is a class three then you can stab. This gives you another great option in your arsenal. I can't think of any reason why you wouldn't want your class one or two weapon to also have the stabbing ability of class three, so I'll address weapons that are only class three. Spears are great if you want to fight from a distance but you'll really have to watch the range principle discussed earlier because once your opponent gets past the tip of your spear you'll have to retreat, draw another weapon or hide behind your friends. Javelins are great for people who like to throw things at other people. You can keep your distance while throwing and then draw a sword when your opponents get close. This approach will leave you with only small side arms to defend yourself with however, because you need at least one hand to throw javelins and possibly the other to hold extra ones. You also have to be aware that your opponents can pick up the javelins off the ground and throw them back at you.

Summary

If I had to describe each class in two or three words this is how I'd put it:

Class one style: Speed and accuracy
Class two style: Heavy hitter
Class three style: Keeping your distance

As I said before, try everything and see what you like best. Some weapons you might call "advanced", they take more practice to use effectively, such as the spear. Trying to start out with an advanced weapon might get you frustrated so before you try one make sure you get some tips from an experienced fighter. Find the weapon that reflects your own personal style and remember that practice, practice, practice is the key to fighting well. I recommend starting off with the standard sword and then moving on from there once you develop your skills. Remember that no weapon is the best for everyone, a weapon's effectiveness depends greatly on the one holding it. I look forward to meeting you in battle!

-Article by David Doell

[Cib]

Nice. Well summed up. A bit technical, but a new player will be eager get that kind of information. You didn't include any info on class 4, but that may be best as it gets more complicated.

[Hakan]

Well it seems the article was written for beginners. I really wouldn't want beginners arching anyway @_@

[Cib]

Hopefully I will have an update of Belegarth.ca ready to go up in a short bit. I have been working on the new Resource Store. I have decided to go with Word Press.com and host downloads on mediafire. I only have 5 files up right now, but it already is much better than the google pages store: resourcestore.wordpress.com/

[Cib]

A few more files on the store now (still not all) if any of you would be willing to take a gander and make any suggestions etc. Also maybe rate anything you/we have used. resourcestore.wordpress.com/

(And, I know this is asking much, but if you have time make a short review on anything you have used.) Thanks guys!

[David of Doell]

The store looks really nice, I like it. Good job.

[Cib]

Did a small web site update: www.belegarth.ca/

[Cib]

I have added a Spectators section please give me some feed back: www.belegarth.ca/Spectators.html

[Cib]

Also added Dave's article: www.belegarth.ca/Weapons.html

[Moginheden]

In the what to bring section ether all or none of the boxes should be checked, and obviously we need a picture there... dunno what one to use.

In the how to watch section "while" is miss-spelled on the first line.

The main section of spectators shouldn't say what to bring.

There should be a consistent menu system so people can get from what to bring, directly to how to watch or to the main spectators page easily.

Both the players and spectators sections should have a link to the full rules somewhere.

[Moginheden]

The schedules section should be an easy to read page with common practice times along with a link to the forum for events. It shouldn't go directly to the forum.

[Cib]

Ok, made some of the recommended changes: www.belegarth.ca/

I think the only one I didn't do was the schedules page, I just don't have time to set it up properly right now.