Shattered Kingdoms

A good swashie is probably one of the most dangerous things in the game, to every single class. Which, to my understanding, isn't how the classes should be. Every class has its strengths and weaknesses. They don't have an I WIN!!!! for every single other class.

Now, an average, or worse swashie, will get steam-rolled by everything, even a crappy merc or barb.

I agree...and disagree!

I think any class, put into the hands of an elite character will own any one

Some come to mind: Necros (WHO REMEMBERS DIMMEL!), Sorcs (They have I-win spells, they just need to land and as we can see -- they do sometimes!)...I'm sure a bard could do some nasties (I remember Peso's Fist fondly, though there's a few songs/chords in their arsenal)...

There's a way to get around any i-win spell/skill. And I can't see taunt as an i-win anything unless it's a cloth priest in the front row or with a crap NPC in front of him. Sorcs, Necros, Warlocks...they ALL have ways to get around a taunt. Wands...a certain spell. Just saying.

Their combat skills were buffed by finesse. They currently do VERY well in combat against any weapon-equipped fighter... which is their purpose. Finesse addressed their mediocrity in combat, as long as they equip the proper weapons.

You are also focusing on a singular skill...the common argument I've heard being that taunt is the "saving grace" of the swash. It's obvious this was the intention of the change when it was made, but I find it to be very lazy and flawed. As far as being a tank goes, it reduces their tanking ability by making the victim hit them even harder and more accurately. This is because what used to be a tanking skill is now a (JACKED) trapping skill.

I would propose, although this is obviously difficult to do, that swashes be given more non-automatic skills that can be useful in PK while having taunt taken down to at least being only able to trap enemies engaged in melee with them. This would make them just as decent as any other warrior class without any of the ridiculousness.

You are avoiding the grandest picture, which is the PK field in general. This skill at the moment completely circumvents every convention about it.

I'm not sure what other classes have a skill that is 1.) Instant 2.) All reaching 3.) Trapping 4.) Costless 5.)Practically saveless

Like I've been saying, swashbucklers are a bore. That doesn't mean that giving them one overly buff, nonsensical skill makes them more interesting in any respect. It just messes with the game and provides shallow consolation to people playing them. I mean come on, they are swordmasters. It's fine that barbs revolve around berserk. Swashes should not revolve around taunt.

I'm going to pick at this again: People in the back HAVE WAYS to get out of a taunt. Remember...it doesn't last forever. Now people in the front? Not so much! Hence the enhanced (however slight) attacking given to them.

What would you propose be given to a swashee that 1. fits their rp (as if insulting one's mother -- that goes across ALL rows and formations) 2. Benefits the class in a way that won't make them the worst fighter?

I also want to add: Rogue has an I-win and THAT can reach a third-row and honestly, I would fear that I-Win more than a swashee's taunt. But again! There's a way around THAT I-win.

Shamans do not have a way out of taunt, unless I want to be deaf all the time, and be bored out of my damn mind.

Which isn't even a way out, it's just a way to avoid it. And when people can just gate right into inns, and instant taunt you...You either go sit in the middle of nowhere, or sit deafened.

Bash and backstab, both destructive skills which can be avoided by buying a pet and being in the proper formation.

This is not the case with taunt. Solutions are far more limited.

Honestly, I believe giving them a first row trapping taunt (while having back row people only get the other effects) would be perfectly balanced. However if you'd like to brainstorm possible interesting command skills to add to the swashbucklers small and pathetic list of skills, I'm sure we could make another thread for that.

Sorc could just go ethereal (or zap if concentration is too great).

Necro could zap their way into ethereal (or deafen themselves)

Warlock could zap their way into ethereal.

Deafen doesn't get you OUT of taunt, it just stops it.

Can I trade voodoo for scrolls now? Kthx.

Oh but if you're fighting a rogue...and as a mage! Putting the animal in the perfect spot would put YOU in a tripping position.

All this talk makes me want to roll a mage.