Less Lethal Options

[Ozimandias]

Since Morrowind i have wanted the option of a less lethal way of dealing with the bad guys. In Morrowind and Oblivion there are guards who seem pretty useless (empty prisons and bandits everywhere). Why not give the player the option to capture bandits and bring them to justice without having to kill them.

I thought along the lines of being able to incapacitate an opponent with a spell or a knockdown blow, or perhaps even persuading them to give up (the imperials have the voice of command power). Then maybe disarming them, and cuffing with slave bracers or binding them with magic or rope and taking them to prison.

And maybe collect a reward. A lawman or bounty hunter character would be the go.

Not all bad guys would come along quietly, and some will fight to the death, but at least there should be the option. To me the "Hero" in each of the games is supposedly a good guy, fighting for truth, justice and the Tamrielic way.

What is a Knight if he cannot right the wrongs of the world?

It might just show there are other value systems where progress does not mean you have to kill. less lethal option might even appease the wowsers that want violent games banned.

I've done the Diablo Hack and Slash, and i am looking for something where i can use my brains.

But having said that, i will still play Skyrim (i have already pre-ordered the Collector’s edition).

[Alcrin]

Well, there's one consideration: How do you get them back to town so they can be jailed? Do you just drag them all the way there? Do you teleport them?

[marharth]

Would suppose you would need to bring them with you all the way.

[Vagrant0]

Not sure if you've noticed, but the legal system in Tamriel is not much to speak of... Death is probably a better alternative. And the game would get rather boring quickly if you have to make your way back to town after every other encounter to drop them off in the local prison.

[IndorilTheGreat]

Ever heard of the game, Mount & Blade?

 

It's almost exactly what you described above. :thumbsup:

 

As for non-lethal combat in the ES universe... there is always paralysis spells and conjuration (technically, you don't kill them... :rolleyes: ).

[Ozimandias]

Once they are restrained they are under your control.

As for it being boring taking them to prison, that is a matter of opinion and how deeply you are into the game world.

I believe that Skyrim allows you to do various crafting jobs, buy and run businesses, get married, and more.

This is why i like TES, you can live a real life in a fantasy world.

Great escapism.

 

My point about less lethal options not being available, is that they are easy to implement, but are not available. Why not?

How can I import my own morality into a game that only allows the Kill or Run and Hide choices. I’m not saying it should be compulsory, but at least a choice

What is the point of being a Hero if you have to be Rambo. Why can’t I be Sir Lancelot?

Edited September 1, 2011 by Ozimandias

[Vagrant0]

Why can’t I be Sir Lancelot?

I'm pretty sure he killed a few people along the way too...

 

It's not murder, it's self-defense, therefore nobody cares who you kill. Having a country in constant war, a society based around the belief of fighting and drinking, and a world where you have divine beings who kill or torture people without a second thought, it kinda brings with it a different sort of morality. Peacemakers tend to not live very long, or spend most of their lives inside dusty bookshops.

[10dmcghee]

If you want to try and talk a dragon into not trying to kill you, then go ahead. Your funeral though.

[El`derina]

If you want to try and talk a dragon into not trying to kill you, then go ahead. Your funeral though.

 

good humor :)

I agree with the author tho,... you find a bandit, any random bandit, and this "radiant story" system should have the capability of implementing these ideas nicely

[SansSword]

I think this is a brilliant idea.

 

To elaborate it a bit: sneaking up on a bandit in a cave (or wherever) allows him to surrender to you. Then you have the option (obviously; this is TES, after all) of executing him or taking him to the law. If you bring him out to the nearest prison, you get a bounty of cash and/or some sort of faction/reputation increase with said prison guards, allowing better relations with them, perhaps better prices at their shop, easier recruiting of them to assist you in dungeon clearing, etc.

 

So perhaps sneaking can be a fundamental element of Bounties. And perhaps sneaking classes (Thief, rogue, agent, etc.) can have an easier time capturing bandits/fugitives, or have an innately higher percentage of success.

 

As for traveling, sure, you could slowly walk them out by yourself, taking the long route and get your reward. Or I would even allow fast-travel with a prisoner to the prison but give a lesser amount of gold/reputation/faction/standing. Gives the player an alternative for either choice--less time or more money/faction.

 

Great option, this is. Gives the player a real viable alternative to the usual hack'n'slash and more like an advanced RPG.