The combat could use some changes that would increase time to kill to make it feel more average player friendly. One way of achieving such goal could be introducing damage reducing shield that would automatically regenerate over long duration of time. There are many possibilities of implementing it.
Option 1: Shield being simple HP buffer
Player takes 80 damage. Shield decreases 100 – 80 = 20. HP zero change.
Player takes 80 again. Shield decrease 20 - 20 and HP 100 – 60 = 40.
Option 2: Shield being 50/50 damage reduction
Player takes 80 damage. Shield decreases 100 - 40 and HP 100 - 40 = 60.
Twice => Shield 20, HP 20.
Third time takes 80 damage. Shield decreases 20 - 20 and HP 20 – 60 = Dead.
Option 3: Shield being half damage reduction with per hit charges
Player takes 80 damage hit. First shield charge removed and HP 100 – 40 = 60.
Player takes 50 damage hit. Second shield charges removed and HP 60 – 25 = 35.
Player takes 10 damage hit. No more shield charges so HP 35 - 10.
Option 4: Shield capping max damage
Player takes 80 damage. Damage over 25 gets reduced. Shield 100 – 55 = 45, HP 100 – 25 = 75.
Option 5: Shield buffer for small damage
Player takes 20 damage. Damage under 21 goes to shield first. Shield decreases 100 - 20. HP no change.
Player takes 25 damage. Shield decreases 80 - 20, HP 100 – 5 = 95
Bonus possibility: Shield working only against range attacks (cannonballs included)
Shields would introduce new room for combat balance.
If you have any other ideas how to implement shields post them up!
