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[Riemann]

I think it would be quite worthwhile if dwarves had a way to keep their assinged weapons other than in their hands. This would allow civilians who have a weapon assigned to keep it on their person while doing other tasks. When they get activated they don't have to then go on a pickup equipment trek and can jump right into the slaughter.

It would be extra nice if armor worked the same way. If it's assigned the dwarf wears it. Regardless of whether their unit is activated or not.

[Nesoo]

I actually have to disagree with this one, as much as I would like it. Depending on the kind, armour can be heavy, cumbersome, and undoubtedly hot. I don't think it makes much sense for a dwarf to, for example, make small stone crafts while decked out in full plate.

Of course, some people don't think my dwarves should be living in tall wooden apartment buildings above ground...

Which just gave me the idea of carving out a huge cavern to place tall wooden (or more likely stone) apartment buildings in in my next fort.

[Edit: UBB Code, not HTML. Also, I wouldn't have much of a problem with holding on to weapons. They could use a sheath or a sling to carry them.]

[ November 15, 2007: Message edited by: Nesoo ]

[ November 15, 2007: Message edited by: Nesoo ]

[Keiseth]

Having citizens carry small weapons is a good idea, in my opinion. Armor not so much, for Nesoo's reasons.

However, not having to run off to get your weapon when switching between Soldier and Civillian is a good idea. Armor is crucial, sure, but without a weapon, why bother fighting? For non-wrestlers, of course.

A good default sort of weapon would be the sort of knives kobolds use.

[Riemann]

Oh I agree that generally having your civilians in plate mail would not be a good idea. In that case you just don't assign them any armor in the military screen.

There are definetly times however, especially in this new version, when you want one or more guys to be all geared up while doing their job. Collecting webs, for example.

[Angela Christine]

I think leather armor should be allowed for civilians.  Leather armor probably wouldn't be much hotter than leather clothes.  Leather leggings and leather trousers are probably equally uncomfortable.  

Carrying a weapon is good too.  It would be plausible for dwarfs to have a cultural tradition encouraging everyone (or every adult) to carry a weapon at all times.

The downside would be the added weight and encumbrance.  Leather armor may not be much heavier than leather clothes, but it is much heavier than spider silk clothes.  If an unskilled dwarf is wearing leather armor and hauling his mace around (possibly they could carry a backpack to keep their weapon, rations, and other soldiering supplies?) he is going to be even slower than usual if he has to haul a bin full of stone blocks across the fortress.

Or the list of jobs that allow you to wear armor could be expanded.  Right now they only wear armor when soldiering or hunting.  That could be expanded to other inherently dangerous jobs like mining, plant gathering, fishing and mechanics.  Those guys are always wandering off into dangerous areas all alone.

[Leonidas]

If I lived in a cave subject to random attack from without and within, I would sure carry some kind of weapon.

As for the armor, why not let the current rules on armor skill and encumbrance handle it?  A no-skill armor wearer in plate mail should be basically immobile, while leather would slow them down 20-30%.  Armor would be particularly hard on haulers, as they would have to carry the armor, plus whatever else they're carrying as part of their job.

So fiddle with the encumbrance rules, and then let the players decide for themselves whether the hit to productivity is worth the extra protection.  But it would also be important to show the players exactly how fast each dwarf is moving, and why.

[Tracker]

I think it'd be neat to make dwarves scabbards to let them carry weapons hands-free.

[Sowelu]

You want to fish in armor?  Good luck if you get attacked and pushed/dragged in.  You'll drown.

I would prefer assigning escorts or more intelligent guards to having civilians that wear armor.  Have a big guy with a sword hang around by your miners in case they run into trouble.  Make your fishermen go as a group, with an armed escort.

[Tyrion]

Leather armor is not biker gear.  It's hard, boiled leather (cuir-boulli) with padding underneath.  Think of it as going about your business in full American football equipment.

I like the idea of personal weapons, it would make small knives useful and give some defense against thieves.

[Nite/m4re]

quote:Originally posted by Tyrion:
<STRONG>Leather armor is not biker gear.  It's hard, boiled leather (cuir-boulli) with padding underneath.  Think of it as going about your business in full American football equipment.

I like the idea of personal weapons, it would make small knives useful and give some defense against thieves.</STRONG>

I can imagine the tantrums. There will be 2's flying everywhere!  

[Nil Eyeglazed]

Just enable hunting on any dwarves you want to deck out in armor and weaponry.

[Dame de la Licorne]

quote:Originally posted by Nil Eyeglazed:
<STRONG>Just enable hunting on any dwarves you want to deck out in armor and weaponry.</STRONG>

But what if you don't want the dwarves hunting, but still have them protected from the nasties?

[Nil Eyeglazed]

quote:Originally posted by Dame de la Licorne:
<STRONG>

But what if you don't want the dwarves hunting, but still have them protected from the nasties?</STRONG>

Groundhog genocide!

[Earthquake Damage]

I see no compelling reason to prevent me from equipping my civilians with full plate armor if I so choose.  I'd probably just give them all leather and keep the plate to the military, but it should still be my decision, yes?

Naturally, I fully endorse the "civilians carry weapons on their belt" concept in the OP.