Adding dual weild to non-NIN jobs

[Kitalrez]

Re: Adding dual weild to non-NIN jobs

Yeah, I think I made this post too long and jokey to really get my point home. I'll try again.

See, think of THF for a moment. It takes 2 hands to pick a lock. THFs also specialize in misdirection. If you're coming up to my THF acting all lost and I see you as a mark, I'm going to gesture where I'm sending you with the Right hand. Maybe you noticed I'm right handed, maybe not, either way its the hand you'd naturally expect me to use. While I do that, my left hand is slipping under your cloak and cutting your purse. You're so focussed on my right hand and what I'm doing, that you don't even notice it. In the case of THF, it makes sense for me to be ambidextrous because that directly impacts my job performance.

RNG is different. I realize you guys really want RNG to be DW, but think on it for a minute. How do you really use a bow? If I'm drawing a bow, the hand holding it is going to really need to be just strong enough to keep the bow steady and keep my shoulder and elbow joints locked. The aiming component of that arm is really only about a foot in diameter, (everything beyond that is done with my waist). This aiming distance expands slightly for short bows since you've got less draw weight to worry about. In contrast to this arm, the other arm doing the actual drawing is going through a range of motions. In addition the speed at which you can perform these motions directly impacts your rate of fire. It pays to be quick with this arm. Now, I'm going to drop this bow and pick up two swords or daggers. Am I going to be anywhere near as proficient with the off hand as I am with the main? Will I be proficient enough to execute two good attacks? No, that off hand might be good enough to swing, but I'm really unused to putting it exactly where I need it to be in short order. That right arm might be able to pluck a bowstring and plant a knife with real ease, but the left is really only good for putting a buckler in the way of someone else's sword. You saw this borne out with the English Longbowman who had an "Archer's Sword", (single not plural), and a buckler if it could be strapped on without ruining his aim. Same deal with gun, my left arm is doing the firing position building, once there, it locks position. Meanwhile my right arm is flying around pulling the trigger, reloading from my belt pouch, etc. The faster I do this, the faster I can shoot.

RNG really isn't designed to DW. It would change the game some and make other subs viable, but would it really make sense? I don't see where it would.

[Malevolent]

Re: Adding dual weild to non-NIN jobs

Well to satisfy everyone make a strap or ammo peice to give the trait DW. although that would eliminate a place for ranged equip or MP+ items like phantom thalum etc...etc...

Or maybe SE could implement something like the imbue option from the Diablo games...but then every single handed weapon would have to be imbunable (not really a word but i hope you get what I'm saying)

Where i got the idea was from the Tzar Egg or Imperial Egg...it gives the effect of provoke but only when thrown...Thats what I'm getting at but you wouldn't throw it to get the DW effect...just equip it.

[Wise Donkey]

Re: Adding dual weild to non-NIN jobs

Making a strap that gave the DW trait would be silly, as a strap takes up the off hand slot.

[LilithAngel]

Re: Adding dual weild to non-NIN jobs

I could see the argument for THF, BLU, and DNC to get DW or an equivalent, but I have to agree with Kitalrez on RNG. Unless, that is, said Ranger was trained in dual pistols/hand crossbows (both of which would make reloading a bit of a chore, as you'd have to at least drop one firearm to reload the other, and then vice versa).

Thieves and Dancers also have RL historical examples of why they'd be either naturally ambidextrous or have reason to train to be that way. Blue Mage, on the other hand, is a purely fictitional concept; however, we can still look at it from a game lore standpoint and make a decision.

Considering that a Blue Mage uses both magical and physical magic that does not make any distinction between the individual's handedness, it could be argued that a BLU is trained to use both hands for the main component of their craft. Naturally, this could translate to use of their trademark scimitars, falchions, and kilijs as an extention of their training. The counter argument is that a Blue Mage isn't trained in the use of a shield, and thus, is untrained in the use of their off hand at all. Blue Magic comes from within, not a simple gesture that requires one to wave both arms around.

While both arguments have valid grounds, I'd lean more to the side that grants Dual Wield/Ambidexterity to BLU. I could see someone that uses that sort of magic be equally proficient in swordsmanship in either hand, as a Blue Mage already is someone who is in good physical shape as is. FFXI Blue Magic requires both physical fortitude and mental strength to be able to endure the trials to learn their magic, as well as to resist the effects of The Beast Within (as per the game lore). Part of that training could conceivably be to train one's body and mind to be flexible to the situation, and to be able to attack at any angle. DW/Ambidex. would contribute to that training.