Currently low-ranking characters, especially those played by new players, are expected to rely on the "compare" command to figure out whether one weapon is better than another. From what I can tell, this command examines weapon average and ignores all other factors. Unfortunately, there's also code in place to make high-level weapons function less well when used by low-ranking characters. This creates a scenario where "compare" could actually "lie" to a low-ranking character about which weapon is better for him to wield.

So, my idea is to do one of two things. Either change the behavior of "compare" to take the weapon's level in to account (vis-a-vis the comparer's current level) or create a separate command with that behavior.

Thoughts?

>Currently low-ranking characters, especially those played by
>new players, are expected to rely on the "compare" command to
>figure out whether one weapon is better than another. From
>what I can tell, this command examines weapon average and
>ignores all other factors. Unfortunately, there's also code
>in place to make high-level weapons function less well when
>used by low-ranking characters. This creates a scenario where
>"compare" could actually "lie" to a low-ranking character
>about which weapon is better for him to wield.
>
>So, my idea is to do one of two things. Either change the
>behavior of "compare" to take the weapon's level in to account
>(vis-a-vis the comparer's current level) or create a separate
>command with that behavior.
>
>Thoughts?

We are aware.

It would be nice if things were a little more newbie-friendly gear-wise. Unless you're a vet, or are directed by a vet it's a total crap shoot. Some kind of general knowledge for lower levels sub-20 or -30) would be nice, I'm not talking powerful items but some of the more common pieces of equipment that each of the classes might benefit from. I can't see knowing outright, or at level 10, hurting anyone, if anything it could lessen the learning curve and let us concentrate on perfecting our skills and how to PK and avoid being PK'd. :) It could, for example, be something told to you by your guildmaster for attaining level 10 or maybe level 11 when you're at risk of PK.

Not sure you'd need a seperate command for what you propose, a simple message stating "You seem too inexperienced" or "unskilled to properly use ." Right now COMPARE will tell you something is better when in fact it's only "better" because, for example, it gives you more mana while giving you much less damage protection (useless for say a warrior). Not that that's ever happened to me... :)