A Cunning Plan: Trample

[Fate]

This is a fun thread to read. I like the real-world analysis. There are two Dominions vs real-world problems I have noticed, however.

@Autochthon. Any unit being able to trample is interesting, though it raises many balance issues. First, units that have trample use it automatically, which is annoying if they had a better attack/spell available.
In terms of logic, size doesn't necessarily mean trample ability. Caelum has size 3 units, but they don't look heavy enough to trample Hoburgs. There are more examples, such as Niefelheim's size 4 mage. Should they be able to trample ulm's infantry?


@Cleveland. You have some very valid points. Unfortunately, I don't think they can be easily transposed to Dominions, because there is no calculation for velocity (AP's are the closest). If there were a good velocity calculation (like an adaptation of the charge mechanic), I would support the addition of velocity to trample damage.

[Autochthon]

One more idea...

We could simply use the mechanic listed above and have a base Unit Size threshold (say =>3), and simply add Trample for unusually bulky units that can reduce the Unit Size threshold.

So, for example, a Unit Size 6 Titan can auto-trample up to Size 3 enemies and thus cause them great confusion, while a Size 6 Elephant w/Trample (+1) can auto-trample up to Size 4 enemies.

As for flying units, I think it's safe to say that they can't Trample at all, or that they have a penalty to auto-trample (Trample (-2)?). Same goes w/Ethereal and other units that have an innately low mass.

What do you think? Remember, it's important to think of Trample less as a weapon and more along the lines of Repel. Otherwise, it'd just be too "imba".