[Balance/Idea] Designing Units With Traits
Elemental Forums
Edit: I just realized that the Warfare tree does have some traits. But I only found out by looking at the XML. 
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The trait system rocks. It is the gooey center of the tactical combat system. I of course would like to suggest a few ways to better integrate it into the rest of the game.
When designing units at turn one I have the trait options for every factions' unique units and as of turn 400, I have gotten most all of the Warfare Tree's traits without notcing. This really doesn't fit into the style of the rest of the game. Every human will most likely realize that using all three trait slots is going to make regular troops much more powerful. So, because we want them so bad, you should not give them to us. Withhold from us what we love so that we keep coming back for more. Simple onemoreturn philosophy.
When I, the hardcore TBS gamer, look at the Warfare Tree I see the weapons/armor first, the logistics second, the buildings third. I notice that you get more from researching weapons and some of those even give you buildings. They are the most expensive techs, but they will give me more benefits when I include all the unique loot and gold to be had from adventuring. Then logistics. This will let me build larger units and have more in my army. These are relatively cheap, a good thing to get after I am already adventuring with my first army. Buildings come last and only after my army is away destroying the competition. I call that tier one. Tier two utilizes what I have build/researched while they were away. Tier three repeats the process.
I would propose that traits should be taken away from the beginning and scattered about the tech trees. Logistics techs should unlock most traits and buildings should increase the maximum number of traits each unit can have. Logistics is training. Organization and experience should lead to a trait. Some should be faction specific. No sharing means each faction is unique. Unique means replayability and faction characterization. Some should come from random buildings. Some should come from Civilization techs. The more traits are spread out among techs, the more my faction feels unique. But what is the overall effect on the game?
Civic minded nations will have hardier, cheaper, and multipurposed units. Warfare minded nations will have special attacks, tactics, and bonuses to attributes. Magically minded nations will have fantastic abilities, spells, and shiny particle effects.
Please post any ideas on new traits or where you think a trait belongs in the tech trees.
