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[en] Edain Mod => [Edain] Suggestions => [Edain] Dwarven Suggestions => Thema gestartet von: Odysseus am 15. Okt 2015, 23:52

Titel: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Odysseus am 15. Okt 2015, 23:52
Guten abend ET and community,

I have a little enquiry and proposal for Dain Ironfoot attached with a poll.

What exactly is the meaning or role of his ''Dwarven Realms'' summon?

He spawns four units from the different realms, which sounds neat, but at the point where Dain is level 10, it is kind of lacking. Why, you ask? It summons basic troops, without any upgrades. There are not even any dwarven defenders, slaughterers or Great Axe Guardians. Just phalanx, guardians, crossbowmen and axe throwers if I am correct.

I was thinking, because the community clearly seems to ''whine'' a lot about Iron Hills, we could change the idea to the following: Replace that ability with a ''Ram Rider'' summon and to perhaps differentiate it a little from the older Dain and Mister Arkenstone, we could set it to level 9. Because, if I recall correctly, one king has a final level 10 ability, the other a final level 8, we are only missing a final level 9 ability :P. (Ps. I am probably wrong, so correct me.)

Anyway, it would summon something like three small Ram Rider battalions for a short to medium duration that mostly specialise in knocking enemies around, without almost instantly dying like the BattleWagon. They'd be similar to Warg Riders in a sense with less attack speed and power perhaps, but more durable and more knockback?

You already possess the model (from Murin's summon and the Battle Wagon), and the animation (Warg Riders, Dain Ironfoot mounted), perhaps it would be nice to implement that for the community. It is of course not a priority at all, but it is a suggestion to consider, perhaps? I will let the poll go for 7 days, if I have your permission of course.

I look forward to hear your thoughts!

Kind regards.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Saruman_the_wise am 16. Okt 2015, 00:36
I think using them as a summon bye dain is an excellent idea!
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: aminetude am 16. Okt 2015, 01:03
I think using them as a summon bye dain is an excellent idea!
yes indeed, and making them temporary summon will even fit more with the movie, since the ram riders helped dain just for a little while ( i guess they dismount from their rams later to fight the orcs )
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Elite KryPtik am 16. Okt 2015, 04:44
This has been suggested countless times now, and while I did vote to have them summonable in the poll, I guarantee you its not going to happen. The team have stated multiple times on several different threads that they do not like the designs of the Iron Hills Dwarves in the movies, and that they don't think the Dwarves should have any cavalry. Sorry, not trying to be a fun-killer, but don't get your hopes up.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: NetoD20 am 16. Okt 2015, 05:04
I like the summon idea (even though I voted for a buildable implementation). But particularly I would absolutely like the liberty of using them as a permanent summon. Also the current models for them as used in Murin's skill is kinda bad, because they're nothing more than regular guardians on rams.

I must say that I like @Odysseus comparison of them to Warg Riders, and his idea that they could be a slower cavalry unit but with higher armor and the ability to knock enemies back (I think the knockback thing should also apply to Ram Chariots).

I think using them as a summon bye dain is an excellent idea!
yes indeed, and making them temporary summon will even fit more with the movie, since the ram riders helped dain just for a little while ( i guess they dismount from their rams later to fight the orcs )

Personally I don't believe that the fact of them not appearing much in the movie is enough to say that a temporary summon fits them. As opposed to other units that currently appear in the mod as temporary summons, the Ram Riders were a integral part of Dáins army, not last moment reinforcements like the Rohirrim to Gondor or Gondor  forces to Arnor. There's plenty of permanent summons in the game and I don't see a reason to why RRs should be temporary.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Odysseus am 16. Okt 2015, 12:47
@Kryptik
Personally, I don't mind what they decide in the end on them. I just let this poll go to evaluate some of the popular opinions. I do think it is worth discussing to some extent.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: korner am 16. Okt 2015, 20:16
omg another discussion about ram riders? Really??

It has been stated a hundred times that the team doesn´t like them and that they won´t implement them (besides Murins spell), no matter what polls or evaluations are being made.
Why can´t people accept such decision?

Do as you like, if you like to waste your time.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: CragLord am 16. Okt 2015, 20:44
Maybe because some of those lads simply don't know about history of dwarven topics?
And why you always need to be "one" who points out something in the name of ET ???? This is not your first time!
ET underlined their decision about this matter and we know about that, but also your post of this content is unneeded and will make chaos in topic... Simply think about that, maybe???
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: korner am 16. Okt 2015, 21:07
sorry, I forgot that it´s your right to post comments on every thread while it´s not allowed for me.
Next time i´ll ask you before I write my comments to get your permit!
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: CragLord am 16. Okt 2015, 21:18
And this is your famous effect on topic... We start now with posting of something which isn't part of this topic. I have just gave you suggestion, because there is no reason to point out something in name of team! And yes, please improve your conduct in future posts!
(My last comment about this matter)
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: korner am 16. Okt 2015, 21:24
And this is your famous effect on topic... We start now with posting of something which isn't part of this topic. I am just give you suggestion, because there is no reason to point out something in name of team! And yes, please improve your conduct in future posts!!!!

or maybe it´s the effect of your answer to my post?

Anyways: Each time I post any criticism on this forum, you´ll post an insulted answer some minutes later.
This forum is meant for discussion, and discussion works only if people share different opinion.
It is allowed to say: "guys your idea has been rejected several time, do yourself a favour and don´t wast your time".
I never say they are not allowed to make those polls!!! I just tell them that they are wasting their time - for which they should be gratefull!

But somehow on the english forum every criticism is always taken as an insult. I don´t know why, but if you cannot accept others having different opinion then you, maybe it´s not the right board for you.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Walküre am 16. Okt 2015, 21:46
First of all, korner, you wrote about respecting other opinions, but, it's indeed not the first time that you seem to be a little bit 'harsh' and judgemental about films-based discussions or polls.
You are not the one in charge to indicate, even in an apparently pacific way, what other users should discuss about to not waste their time.
The thread is still open, and, like for the previous BOTFA Iron Hills Soldiers one, it is a relatively open space to express the varying opinions of, primarily, the English Community, in this case.

CragLord, as it is an open place of discussion, everyone is also free to express, within the rules, its negative opinions, though lore or Dwarven History accurate could these proposals be.
Otherwise, it wouldn't be Discussion at all.

It's always useful discussing with these films-based themes, that involve a lot of aspects in the general structure of the Edain Mod.
But, keep in mind, if this turns out to be what the previous Dwarven poll became, I will be probably forced to lock this thread.
If you want more 'heated' chats with others that have very different opinions from yours, you can easily do it via PMs.
Please, respect each other and keep this thread a welcoming place for possible new suggestions.

Greetings  :)
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Whale Sharku am 16. Okt 2015, 22:44
I think that korner never intended to have this thread being closed. He is making arguments, just like you are. It's just a different kind of argument that works on a different level and should not be confused with the act of denying others their opinion.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Odysseus am 16. Okt 2015, 23:36
I had no idea, sorry about that. Close the poll whenever you see fit.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Walküre am 16. Okt 2015, 23:55
I had no idea, sorry about that. Close the poll whenever you see fit.


No, don't worry, I mentioned the possibility of locking the topic only if the hateful and raging situation of a previous thread will take place again.
But, I'm really convinced that it won't happen.
The Discussion is obviously still open  :)

I think that korner never intended to have this thread being closed. He is making arguments, just like you are. It's just a different kind of argument that works on a different level and should not be confused with the act of denying others their opinion.


I know, he was expressing his position, and, I also clearly understood that he didn't want to indicate whether this thread deserves to be closed or not.
I called him out for what I felt it was a not very appropriate way to behave in threads and discussions in general, stating what others, in his opinion, shouldn't do to 'waste their time'.
I just didn't see it very proper to encourage or enrich an useful discussion.
And, I also called CragLord out, to accept with a more critical spirit current and future negative and opposing opinions to his.
Furthermore, the two had a similar 'misunderstanding' as well in the past, always in the Dwarven Suggestions.

My primary interest is maintaining and ensuring a peaceful and quiet context in which everyone is free, and possibly encouraged, to meaningfully contribute to any kind of debates  :)
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: NetoD20 am 17. Okt 2015, 05:25
So, in order to pull the thread back into more friendlier ground, I think you all voting here should see this:


I'm sorry if posting these videos here is not appropriete, but I figured they indeed have a lot to do with this thread.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Fredius am 17. Okt 2015, 16:30
I watched them all and it got me like  :o :o :o! So fricking awesome!

And I'm in favor of rams becoming a unit ;).
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: LordDainIronfoot am 17. Okt 2015, 17:56
Hello to all !I will make only one post here since I am staying aside from the Forums!
 
People always say Rams are not Canon!Ok I agree BUT Battlewagon is non canon too and are a type of Cavalry Unit!Next are Mirkwood Elks Riders Rangers they are not Canon and not mentioned in the Books but people seem to not have a problem with them(I myself too do not have one) so my point is why should Rams be a problem especially if limited to 3 Battalions for exaample either recruited or Permanently Summoned by Dain LV 10 which I like the most but you shouldn't be able to get more than 3 at the same time!

So it will make Iron Hills unique to other Dwarves and will add more to their Speed Dased Faction but they will be limited and weaker than Gondor Knights and slower than ordinary Cavalry! :-)

Thats from me,I will post nothing more!And I hope people wiil respect each other opinions and let the Team decide! :-)
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: korner am 17. Okt 2015, 19:23
This has been discussed several times now, and all the pros and cons are still the same...

I am against implementation of ram riders, no matter which way (summon, recruitable or whatever).
Why?

Dwarves are an infantery faction. They don´t have cavalry and I like that.
I actually play dwarves most of the time and always wish I had cavalry - but wouldn´t it be too easy and too standard? Best infantry + best heroes + cavalry would be too much, no more challenge any longer.
Rams = not canon. correct
Battle Waggons = not canon. correct. BUT they are in the game since the original EA-Games release and people are simply used to them. AND: they are unique.

Rohan is best example in comparison:
They rely mostly (or should mostly rely on) cavalry. They only have very weak infantry. All sorts of people want stronger infantry for Rohan, but that would destroy the character of the faction and the Edain team always rejected requests for stronger infantry.

Summa summarum:
I won´t die if rams would be implemented, but I like the lack of cavalry among the dwarves. I wouldn´t like that be changed.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Fredius am 17. Okt 2015, 19:39
Having studied history myself I can tell you that EVERY faction needs a cavalry unit. The reason for that is very simple; to counter artillery and archers. Armies who completely rely on infantry would be annihilated by armies who have superior archers. The best way to counter archers is too send in cavalry who can deal with them quickly, without losing to much infantry. Especially for slow Dwarves who would likely be killed by archers before they even could reach the enemy. People who are against Rams; please keep that in mind!

Now I understand that this is just a game and the archery system is not super realistic in BFME, but if you want to make this mod more realistic then it's only smart to give EVEN the Dwarves a cavalry unit.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: CragLord am 17. Okt 2015, 19:43
And I could say that is your opinion and I respect it!
See korner, just do comparison (in content term) of your first comment in this topic (where you started with OMG,REALLY etc, it was pretty insulting to people who support this idea!) and this comment, and I hope you will get why I started to discuss with you at first place. I never had bad intention on this forum in any meaning of that word!
Regards
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Skeeverboy am 17. Okt 2015, 19:49
For this the Dwarvens have at the moment Battle Wagons. They can kill bows and artillery very fast and easy.

I find that the Dwarvens don't need a other cavallery unit, because I think that the Battle Wagon sufficient.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: CragLord am 17. Okt 2015, 19:59
That is true, but wagons are so damn weak in offensive, and you could use them only for supportive roles. That is also one of reasons why I think rams are needed as standard cavalry knock back offensive units...
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: NetoD20 am 17. Okt 2015, 20:05

@korner we understand those points very well, but there are two groups of people, I think, those who value the fun and uniquiness of a given theme above mechanics and those who value the fun of balance and playability more.
I for one belong to the former, and while I understand the balance/playability argument, I think this exception wouldn't hurt overall b/p that much as you think it would. Both are valid opinions, I should think.
Particularly, in any game, like tabletop RPGs too, I value options and theme above balance. Balance is important, and it's part of the fun too, but it shouldn't be too rigid or always win cases against other elements of a game. It should be flexible in order accomodate new, fun and interesting concepts, like the ram riders, not hinder them. Even if those concepts hurt balance a little, well in that case (which is our case with the RRs) the concepts then should be limited not to harm balance too much, but should not be entirely excluded. That I think most RRs supporters understand that this unit should be limited in order to compromise with the balance and mechanics of the factions (IMO: elite units limited to three and difficult to get, and only in late game).


Yes, I think wagons, while fun, are too weak, and should be delegated to their more supportive role, so the RRs can step in as a decent but limited cavalry.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Fredius am 17. Okt 2015, 20:11

Like Craig and Neto said, they are very weak. On top of that the Wagons are damn expensive, not to mention the costs for the upgrades; and all that for a single wagon who gets destroyed by some small attacks. That's why imo you can't label them as a cavalry unit, but like people said a supportive unit.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Skeeverboy am 17. Okt 2015, 20:18
Than is the main problem not that the dwarvens have no cavallery. The Problem is, that the Battle Wagons are to weak.

What is to weak by the Wagons?
-Is the Damage to weak?
-Is the Speed to low?
-Is the Healt to low?
-Is the cost to high?
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: NetoD20 am 17. Okt 2015, 20:22

They are weak for the fact that they are a single-unit battalion, one that can be easily destroyed, while a regular cavalry battalion can manage to be saved even with one returning rider down on his health. That can only be solved by a multiple-rider battalion, like the Ram Riders.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: CragLord am 17. Okt 2015, 20:24
Everything is weak Skeeverboy...
And about rams:
Interesting argument that ram riders are non canon ... although Lord of the rings online has rights only to books ... and interesting argument that Ram rider is "Pj's product" ... when Moria expansion pack comes from 2007 ...

Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Fredius am 17. Okt 2015, 20:29
Than is the main problem not that the dwarvens have no cavallery. The Problem is, that the Battle Wagons are to weak.

What is to weak by the Wagons?
-Is the Damage to weak?
-Is the Speed to low?
-Is the Healt to low?
-Is the cost to high?

No, that is not the problem of the Wagon at all. As said the main role of the battle wagon is that it has a support role, meaning they make other units stronger in battle. You can't just make a support unit very strong because that would make him too overpowered, which would destroy the balance of the game.

And please excuse my habit to use historical references; but the usage of war chariots (and thus battlewagons) declined because during the medieval ages the more developed usage of soldiers on horseback (so Ram riders as well) and pike tactics rendered the warwagons useless.

http://www.ancient.eu/chariot/
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Skeeverboy am 17. Okt 2015, 20:50
I think we have the following Problem:
The Battle Wagon is a Unit with needs very much micro, more as a normal hero.

Multiplayer player how I liked units very much which needs more micro, for example Battle Wagons or heroes how Celeborn, because so we can improve our skill and use them better in every situation. This units aren't easy to use, but more often you use them they will be very much stronger as macro units.

Singleplayer players liked units with macro more, for example normal cavallery or heroes how Gandalf. This units are very easy to use and don't need very much skill to be good.

That means:
Multiplayer player liked Battle Wagons more, Singleplayer player want normal cavallery.

Zitat
and pike tactics rendered the warwagons useless.
When I say that this isn't so, every good Multiplayer player will give me right, and all Singleplayer players will say that I'm wrong. :D
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: NetoD20 am 17. Okt 2015, 21:04

I think you're right on point in this multiplayer/sigleplayer duality. Being a singleplayer most of the time, but having played multiplayer on various occasions, I can agree with that.

But still, the thread and poll are about the implementation of Ram Riders. The weakness of Battle Wagons, mainly if compared with  regular cavalry, was brought up as a good reason for implementation of Ram Riders. But it's not itself the problem, the problem is people want to play with Ram Riders, and they don't care that much if this awesome-fun possibility can hurt balance a bit, even though they understand that they should be limited. People who prize balance and mechanics above the coolness of RRs don't want them in the game. But let it be clear that the people who want RRs don't simply support them because Battle Wagon is weak, they support RRs because of the unit in itself, because they would be fun to play with! :D
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Fredius am 17. Okt 2015, 21:30
I would lie if I say that I don't agree with Neto xD. I don't know about other people but on my part realism has a great effect on my decisions either, like I told you guys that every faction needs cavalry (and unless battlewagons come in hordes of 5 or 10, that unit can't be called cavalry).
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: korner am 18. Okt 2015, 11:18
Zitat
the problem is people want to play with Ram Riders

not everyone wants to play with them... please keep that in mind. Not only because of balance, some people just don´t like them. If you think they are awesome this is your opinion which not everybody has to share.


Zitat
every faction needs cavalry
this may be right in a real world, but it does not automatically apply to a game.


- dwarves have no cavalry
- Rohan has few/ weak infantry
- Lothlorien has (or had in 3.81, don´t know how it´ll be in 4.2) no spears

this has nothing to do with "realism", it´s just something about game mechanics. Edain Mod is so popular BECAUSE every faction has his own, unique gameplay and character.
In my opinion, this should not be changed, because it´s the great advantage of Edain over all other mods (why are so few other mods still alive? Maybe because of this unique faction concepts??).

Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Fredius am 18. Okt 2015, 12:41

First of all;  Lotlhorien has spearmen, and Rohan has infantry, even if they are weak they still have them. And when upgraded with armour and weapons they become a force to be reckoned with.

Secondly; we are talking about the Iron Hills subfaction, not the Dwarves in general. Giving the Iron Hills a cavalry unit distinguishes them from the other Dwarven realms; that makes them unique right? Isn't that what you want?

And about realism; that is indeed something that differs on opinion. But having more realism makes the game much better to me, because there are certain logics that apply to medieval battles. Like I said; to counter archers and to give you an advantage over superior infantry forces, you need cavalry.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Skeeverboy am 18. Okt 2015, 12:55
Zitat
Like I said; to counter archers and to give you an advantage over superior infantry forces, you need cavalry.
And here again: They have the Battle Wagon, which is a fast and very navigable Cavallery who can kill archers and infantry.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Fredius am 18. Okt 2015, 12:58
Zitat
Like I said; to counter archers and to give you an advantage over superior infantry forces, you need cavalry.
And here again: They have the Battle Wagon, which is a fast and very navigable Cavallery who can kill archers and infantry.

And yet again the Battlewagon is too weak to be called a cavalry unit; I already explained before how they have a support role and are not good to be used as a combat unit.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Skeeverboy am 18. Okt 2015, 13:03
I find the Battle Wagon is better as all other normal cavallery, because it is very navigable, have a cask against pikes and can heal himself on level 2.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Fredius am 18. Okt 2015, 13:18
Well that is ofcourse your opinion so I'll not go against it :).

However; guys don't forget that the usage of battlewagons has been reduced to nothing since people had a more developed way to ride on horses. There is always a reason why something has ceased to exist.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: ringbearer am 18. Okt 2015, 13:55
I have to agree on that with Fredius , battlewagons were good cavalery in vanilla , but now they are , well , useless in combat. For me it's jusť supporting units , in defensive stance behind line.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Adrigabbro am 18. Okt 2015, 14:18
I think the point some people, me including, are trying to make is that dwarves need serious cavalry options, whether improved battlewagons or Ram Riders. Because let's face it: battlewagons die ridiculously fast to enemy troops, even when there is no pikesmen.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: CragLord am 18. Okt 2015, 14:23
Agree totally with this.
As beta tester from my experience, I confirm this. That is mainly why battlewagons are support units in this moment, and there is no other smart way to play them. Simply if I try to play them otherwise, offensive, you need really "great" mircro skills to keep them alive. That isn't main reason (micro skills) to change them, but they are really weakened...
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: korner am 18. Okt 2015, 14:26
If there is any unit which does not fullfill his job (by being to weak, too slow, whatever), the consequence should be to rework and improve that unit, rather then introducing another unit which makes the battlewaggon obsolete.

Zitat
guys don't forget that the usage of battlewagons has been reduced to nothing since people had a more developed way to ride on horses. There is always a reason why something has ceased to exist.
given that dwarves were never known as people who cultivate animals in high quantity, nor have they been known as great riders, this "evolution" wouldn´t take place among them.
So the battlewaggon is still more fitting then riders among dwarves.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Odysseus am 18. Okt 2015, 14:28
I somewhat agree. I am actually quite surprised though, to see more votes in the passively buildable Ram Riders than the summon. I thought a summon would have been the way to go and to keep it to a bare minimum (Due to Dwarves being infantry-centred) so that the core of the faction is not affected too much, but I'd love to see what a dev thinks.

I personally see no true harm in adding Ram Riders into such a limited function and I am a multiplayer-person, so balance is extremely important to me. Yes, Dwarves are currently the strongest faction, but will probably be tweaked/toned down a little (that's what my insticts tell me about ET anyway haha).

Furthermore, I see the lack of cavalry not only as a unique feature of the faction, but also as a unique weakness. When playing against dwarves, I never really need pikes. Archers are mostly the way to go against them, I feel. With the summon, you can temporarily cover that weakness, that lack of cavalry . Besides, you need to get Dain to level 9/10 for that ability in my proposal, so you'll barely see it. It is just something nice to strive for for the fans, while not being impossible to balance, from my point of view. It comes late, has a short duration and Iron Hills are light dwarven infantry, so mobility might apply better to that concept. I even compared them to Warg Riders, and gave some ways in how they could be diversified.

I hope, nonetheless, that they will share some of their thoughts.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: CragLord am 18. Okt 2015, 14:30
Yes in first place, but there is also second option which could be also good in term of refreshing game with new stuff etc. If ET never add new units instead old one, we will never have this mod. So please, we will need better argument than that.

And that is also your personal opinion, which could also be wrong.
For instance, what is pulling those wagons?
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Skeeverboy am 18. Okt 2015, 14:42
Zitat
Yes in first place, but there is also second option which could be also good in term of refreshing game with new stuff etc. If ET never add new units instead old one, we will never have this mod. So please, we will need better argument than that.
You guys just say that Battle Wagons are to weak, this is the only argument you all have said.
Me an Korner say that they need a buff, so it fixed the problem. So you guys must say a new argument, why the ram riders must throw in.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Odysseus am 18. Okt 2015, 14:45
Maybe some new strategic and tactical possibilities? As far as I know, there is no unit in the Dwarven faction that would have the role of Ram Riders so it at the least avoids an overlap issue. I think they can be compared to somewhat cheaper cavalry like Rohirrim or Warg Riders.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: korner am 18. Okt 2015, 14:53
If there is any unit which does not fullfill his job (by being to weak, too slow, whatever), the consequence should be to rework and improve that unit, rather then introducing another unit which makes the battlewaggon obsolete.
Yes in first place, but there is also second option which could be also good in term of refreshing game with new stuff etc. If ET never add new units instead old one, we will never have this mod. So please, we will need better argument than that.

Zitat
given that dwarves were never known as people who cultivate animals in high quantity, nor have they been known as great riders, this "evolution" wouldn´t take place among them.
So the battlewaggon is still more fitting then riders among dwarves.
And that is also your personal opinion, which could also be wrong.
For instance, what is pulling those wagons?

1. I am not against never adding any new unit to the game. I just think that dwarves should not have cavalry more then the battlewaggon.
Of course this is my own opinion, not the law, and anyone else is allowed to share or to dislike my opinion.

2. is there any hint in the books for dwarves cultivating animals? I cannot remember. They are always describes as walking, not riding (the dwarves dislike their ponies very much, when they leave from Bilbo!). Even Dains army who had to rush to the lonely mountain came on foot, not riding (in the books). Why would they do, if they are in a hurry and have mounts?
I may be wrong on this matter, so if you find any proof about the different, tell me.

If you´d like to make up a comparison to the Game of Thrones universe  :D:

- the dwarves are like the Ironislanders, which hate mounts and fight on foot (ok dwarves not using ships, but hey  ;))
- Rohan is like th Dothraki who live from their horses and are therefore the best cavalry faction
just a little excurse...
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: CragLord am 18. Okt 2015, 15:12
Skeeverboy, it is weak and it need good improvement, also it is not argument in term of ram favour. I am speaking in general, wagon stays what it is. If you start with improving same, you will never get unit like battalion of cavalry units. Simply if you buff armor or anti pike armor of wagons so they could do basically everything then you have a hell of unit. Main idea here is to add rams maybe like knocking back units with good armor and small dps, so you can charge with them and wagons stays as support unit. That is my opinion...
I was never speaking here about rams like regular cavalry unit, that would be a bit strange. I would only like them for knock back effect, which fits them in natural attributes and maybe good armor so you can use them for knock back and destroying formation of enemies. Nothing more
I know I didn't write that you have said that, I have just give you general argument which concerns your previous comment and concerns this suggestion also. So I am just expecting from others to be precise, or discussion hasn't value in general.
You are not wrong. There is no lore prof, or I also don't know.
But in it is also natural to presume this. Rams and Wild boars (maybe bears aslo) are animals which correspond to dwarven kind. Correspond in natural way of living, natural environment etc.
tight etc. And I have also post this yesterday: Link (http://en.modding-union.com/index.php/topic,31921.msg414749.html#msg414749)
So, yes, there would be some profs.

I prefer to look this in Tolkien world. This is a bit rought comparison in my opinion. That is all.
And you compare pirates (in general, navy nation) with dwarves in term of cavalry...
And Dothrakies which are nomads with Rohan.
It is true about horses ofc. :)

P.S. Please people use spoiler buttons when you quote something, it makes discussion more legible.
Thank you.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Walküre am 18. Okt 2015, 15:26
not everyone wants to play with them... please keep that in mind. Not only because of balance, some people just don´t like them. If you think they are awesome this is your opinion which not everybody has to share.


That's why there is a poll, here.
To test what the majority of the English Community really thinks about this concept.
And, so far, its majority has proven to like it  :)

However; guys don't forget that the usage of battlewagons has been reduced to nothing since people had a more developed way to ride on horses. There is always a reason why something has ceased to exist.


I am always delighted by your comments involving the lore of the World, the actual World we live in.
Extremely conceptual and explanatory, I would say  ;)
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: NetoD20 am 18. Okt 2015, 18:08

I actually did say an argument. But when @korner quoted it, he cut it by half:


My argument then and more clarified now is: there are people whom want Ram Riders because they like their theme and and find them awesome (never meant to imply that everyone thinks that way) and there's people who don't want them because of balance. What I said was that balance shouldn't be too much harmed by the introduction of this unit because what we are discussing is their integration in a limited manner, and that people worried about balance could be exaggerating how much these units would tip the scales in the game. Meaning: it's not that big a deal for balance, guys (at least I think). My side argument also was that, even if it harms balance a little, balance and mechanics should be flexible, and not hinder a new unique addition to the game.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: korner am 18. Okt 2015, 20:11
Zitat
not hinder a new unique addition to the game.

what is exactly "unique" about a hero who summons units? There´s plenty of that in the game.

The only uniqueness is dwarves not having cavalry - and that would be lost.

Zitat
it's not that big a deal for balance, guys (at least I think)

Those ram riders either have to be strong (as lvl 10 summon), which will definitely affect balance and gameplay as everyone not using them would be acting stupidly.
Or they will be weak in order to not affect the balance. But given that - what would you need them for?

The only pro argument really counting for ram riders is that some people like them/ their design.
And as every "preferation" this is a matter different feelings.

At the end the team will decide if they like those riders and if they are willing to take the effort to implement a unit which is definitely not absolutely necessary for the dwarven gameplay (the dwarves already perform pretty good in the mod) or not.

If so many people absolutely love those riders and seem to die if they´d not be implemented - why don´t you make models/ skins and whatever is necessary and provide it to the modders? Maybe they´ll implement them, when they get your support.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: NetoD20 am 18. Okt 2015, 21:00

In the first place, I'm thinking of them as permanent units limited in number, as that is the winning option for the time, and what I voted for. Summon or regular, either way the Ram Riders are unique in theme, the only cavalry of rams, beast riders (be it worgs, elks, or a boar) add to the exotism of fantasy and are displays of the different cultures represented by each faction, it sets dwarves apart from other races, it gives them a trait related to the environment they live in. I like to think that uniquiness and amazing differences between factions that make Edain so great comes not only from wildly different gameplay and mechanics of each faction, but also from the different themes and motifs displayed. Second, Ram Riders would be the first and only cavalry with a kockback attack.


You would need them in late game as an alternative to Battle Wagons, which are too weak. You could then say "well, just make Battle Wagons stronger!" as it has already being pointed out. But introducing Ram Riders is a better solution, because that would not only solve the wagon problem but also the popular demand for Ram Riders. Only strengthening Battle Wagons, on the other hand, would make them OP, because they already cause area damage and support units. So I believe it would be good to leave Battle Wagons the weak ""cavalry"" that they are and regale them most to support roles and create RRs as a elite late game cavalry that can properly take on the job decently.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: korner am 18. Okt 2015, 21:11
ok elite cavalry...

are we still talking about implementing them for Iron Hills only, or for every dwarven faction?
If only Iron Hills: What would the other 2 dwarven realms get instead of the ram-riders?
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Fredius am 18. Okt 2015, 21:17
I am always delighted by your comments involving the lore of the World, the actual World we live in.
Extremely conceptual and explanatory, I would say  ;)

Thanks man, I appreciate it ;).

2. is there any hint in the books for dwarves cultivating animals? I cannot remember. They are always describes as walking, not riding (the dwarves dislike their ponies very much, when they leave from Bilbo!). Even Dains army who had to rush to the lonely mountain came on foot, not riding (in the books). Why would they do, if they are in a hurry and have mounts?
I may be wrong on this matter, so if you find any proof about the different, tell me.

Alright to most arguments I already gave an answer, so I'm not going to repeat them; but this argument I will give my full attention. First of all, Tolkien was a genius by making this excellent story; but military-wise he is pretty much an amateur to me. I'm sooo glad that Peter Jackson didn't follow the books on that matter. Do you know how the Dwarves were equipped in the Battle of the Five Armies in the book?
They came with mattocks, and a short sword with a small buckler shield. Sorry but if the Dwarves only carried those arms against Elven archers, they would have been slaughtered within minutes. They litteraly had nothing to defend themselves with, while they actually had the time to prepare themselves for the battle??

In the movies you can see that they were really prepared for battling Elves. Big shields with which they can form shieldwalls and testudo formations, cavalry and Ballistas; all of these factors are the perfect counter against superior archers. What I'm saying is that even great writers like Tolkien have flaws; and in his case he is flawed on the military aspect. So please don't use the books as a reason for military issues; they are pretty much unrealistic.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: korner am 18. Okt 2015, 21:57
Zitat
So please don't use the books as a reason for military issues;

I don´t.

Just read my comment that you quoted carefully:
I´m talking about dwarves not being known as farmers. Taming and cultivating animals as mounts needs a lot of time and work, which the dwarves (at least in my mind) rather spend on mining or forging.


Edit:

Relating to your arguent, that dwarves were in the book not properly equipped to fight elves:
I they´d carried all that weapons they have in the movies, they´d simply arrived on the battlefield some days too late. Is that clever?
They have to move very quick, therefore they carry only light armor and weapons. Nothing unlogic or unrealistic about that...
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Fredius am 18. Okt 2015, 22:06
As far as I know you stated in that quote:


This seems to me like a military issue. You're basically saying that they walked on foot to the battlefield because Dwarves don't use mounts? You're absolutely right about that; in the books it is stated that Dwarves don't use any kind of mounts, because they don't like riding on animals. But what I'm saying in response to you is that one doesn't need to follow the books on every single point, especially military-wise.


Uhm have you read the rest of my argument? It is indeed true that armies move faster when lightly equipped but the fact still remains that the Dwarves would have been annihilated if they only carried those arms; that's my whole point. You really think that those small buckler shields would have stopped a barage of arrows? I would like to hear your answer to that question. Carefull preparation is the key to victory; not just rushed mobilization of your army like in the books.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: korner am 18. Okt 2015, 22:16
There is a slight difference between adding some things that are not mentioned in a book and adding something which the books explicitly says does not exist in that world! (dwarves riding animals)
Following your argumentation one could argue that dwarves should get tanks, as Tolkien simply didn´t understand tanks being superior weapon to sword-fighting...


Interesting that you cut off now the first sentence of my quote:
Zitat
2. is there any hint in the books for dwarves cultivating animals? I cannot remember.
The rest of that quote was just added to underline this sentence.
Dwarves do not tame animals as mounts (I didn´t even remember that it´s said in the books), otherwise they would have used them, if they are in such a hurry to get to Lonely Mountain.

Zitat
You really think that those small buckler shields would have stopped a barage of arrows?
No. Anything else?

Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: NetoD20 am 18. Okt 2015, 22:20
ok elite cavalry...

are we still talking about implementing them for Iron Hills only, or for every dwarven faction?
If only Iron Hills: What would the other 2 dwarven realms get instead of the ram-riders?

Particularly I would prefer the Ram Riders to be implemented in all three of the subfactions, because it makes sense with the Battle Wagon argument, plus I'd assume that rams and mountain goats inhabit the three realms. You can see Erebor goats/rams and even small boars in this shot from the dwarven refugees in the Prologue of An Unexpected Journey:

There's people who don't like that idea, so I remember suggestions for new elite units for the dwarves, a different one for every realm, in this thread: http://en.modding-union.com/index.php/topic,31195.0.html

If the Ram Riders were to be introduced only in Iron Hills, maybe Ered Luin could get the Dwarven Adventurers of Eriador and Erebor could get Dáin's Royal Guard with the CaH's Boar Shield. Maybe these units, if to be implemented, could be recruited at the Citadel, representing noble class dwarves.

Thanks to @DieWalküre for dealing with my post's problem.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Fredius am 18. Okt 2015, 22:30
There is a slight difference between adding some things that are not mentioned in a book and adding something which the books explicitly says does not exist in that world! (dwarves riding animals)
Following your argumentation one could argue that dwarves should get tanks, as Tolkien simply didn´t understand tanks being superior weapon to sword-fighting...

That's just plain exaggeration. I'm still keeping this argument into a medieval sense of warfare, hell I wouldn't care if Peter Jackson put the Dwarves on ponies; but since ponies are no mounts meant for military purposes that's why he added those Rams.

Zitat
Interesting that you cut off now the first sentence of my quote:
Zitat
2. is there any hint in the books for dwarves cultivating animals? I cannot remember.
The rest of that quote was just added to underline this sentence.
Dwarves do not tame animals as mounts (I didn´t even remember that it´s said in the books), otherwise they would have used them, if they are in such a hurry to get to Lonely Mountain.

First of all; I purposely cut off that sentence, because it was the next sentences that I wanted to reply to. It doesn't matter anyway; I made my point clear and if you are against it then please tell your reasons.

Zitat
Zitat
You really think that those small buckler shields would have stopped a barage of arrows?
No. Anything else?

Nope, I just hope you understand that you shouldn't even try to make up the flaws of the book, it's a waste of your time.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: korner am 18. Okt 2015, 22:37
Zitat
you shouldn't even try to make up the flaws of the book
I don´t see the flaw:
Dwarves have to get to the mountain as quick as possible. Therefore they carry only light armour and weapon. If they´d carry ballistas and stuff like in the movie, they´d simply come too late.
And if dwarves would have mounts, they would have used them - but they simply don´t have them. Not a flaw in my opinion.


Zitat
it's a waste of your time.
8-) please let´s not talk about this... read first page of that topic and see the reactions I got...
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: NetoD20 am 18. Okt 2015, 22:41
There is a slight difference between adding some things that are not mentioned in a book and adding something which the books explicitly says does not exist in that world! (dwarves riding animals)

By that argument Dáin shouldn't have his boar in the mod.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Fredius am 18. Okt 2015, 22:43
I don´t see the flaw:
Dwarves have to get to the mountain as quick as possible. Therefore they carry only light armour and weapon. If they´d carry ballistas and stuff like in the movie, they´d simply come too late.
And if dwarves would have mounts, they would have used them - but they simply don´t have them. Not a flaw in my opinion.

Well if you think that the Dwarves were lightly armoured then I can only say that you are very wrong. They were heavily armored even by Dwarven standards (thanks to KingDainIronfoot for this information!). Which means a big shield wouldn't make much of a difference.

So basically you're saying that the Dwarves came to the battle just to lose it? Can you please explain to me in what way they would have won the battle with the weaponry they carried? That is the flaw in the book mate.

There is a slight difference between adding some things that are not mentioned in a book and adding something which the books explicitly says does not exist in that world! (dwarves riding animals)

By that argument Dáin shouldn't have his boar in the mod.

And let's not forget the elk riders xD.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: korner am 18. Okt 2015, 22:46
There is a slight difference between adding some things that are not mentioned in a book and adding something which the books explicitly says does not exist in that world! (dwarves riding animals)

By that argument Dáin shouldn't have his boar in the mod.

Correct.

Lorewise he shouldn´t have it. But Dain´s boar was one of the very few things that nearly everyone liked about that movie, so the team implemented it.

Furthermore you could also argue that it´s a difference between some few dwarves having mounts (at least Thorins company uses the ponies, even if they don´t like them) and equipping an army with mounts.
Breeding and taming herds of animals over generations is something different then taming one specific boar...
But still: lorewise it shouldn´t be in the mod.


Zitat
Well if you think that the Dwarves were lightly armoured then I can only say that you are very wrong. They were heavily armored even by Dwarven standards (thanks to KingDainIronfoot for this information!). Which means a big shield wouldn't make much of a difference.

So basically you're saying that the Dwarves came to the battle just to lose it? Can you please explain to me in what way they would have won the battle with the weaponry they carried? That is the flaw in the book mate.

???

Sorry, but now I understand nothing anymore...

First you complain, that dwarves are too light armored/ euipped to survive an elven rain of arrows.
Then you say they wear heavy armour and they don´t have need for bigger shields and armour (to survive the elven rain of arrows).
And then you say they are not properly equipped to win the battle?

So - what is your position now? Are they fit for battle or not?
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: NetoD20 am 18. Okt 2015, 22:52
So basically you're saying that the Dwarves came to the battle just to lose it? Can you please explain to me in what way they would have won the battle with the weaponry they carried? That is the flaw in the book mate.

Ok, hold on there a second, @Fredius. I wouldn't say it's a flaw in the book. Remember The Hobbit is a children's book, if you analyze it from a war historian's perpective of course it will not make sense. But it's a fairy tale it doesn't have to make sense, at least not where milititaristic specificities are concerned. And that's fine.

That doesn't mean I think that these book elements should be taken in consideration when creating a game. Remember the dwarves set out from Bag End unarmored and carrying only daggers, yet both Peter Jackson and the Team ignored that in their respective creations, and that is also fine.

And, IHMO, all this makes it also fine to ignore the fact that dwarves are stated to not use mounts, and simply give them Ram Riders, and a boar in the case of Dáin.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Fredius am 18. Okt 2015, 23:25
So basically you're saying that the Dwarves came to the battle just to lose it? Can you please explain to me in what way they would have won the battle with the weaponry they carried? That is the flaw in the book mate.

Ok, hold on there a second, @Fredius. I wouldn't say it's a flaw in the book. Remember The Hobbit is a children's book, if you analyze it from a war historian's perpective of course it will not make sense. But it's a fairy tale it doesn't have to make sense, at least not where milititaristic specificities are concerned. And that's fine.

That doesn't mean I think that these book elements should be taken in consideration when creating a game. Remember the dwarves set out from Bag End unarmored and carrying only daggers, yet both Peter Jackson and the Team ignored that in their respective creations, and that is also fine.

And, IHMO, all this makes it also fine to ignore the fact that dwarves are stated to not use mounts, and simply give them Ram Riders, and a boar in the case of Dáin.

Yes that's why I stated that I look a lot on the realistic part, but even if it's a childrens book it doesn't mean one should ignore certain important elements of warfare. And perhaps the book is meant for children, the game BFME is not ;).


Zitat
Well if you think that the Dwarves were lightly armoured then I can only say that you are very wrong. They were heavily armored even by Dwarven standards (thanks to KingDainIronfoot for this information!). Which means a big shield wouldn't make much of a difference.

So basically you're saying that the Dwarves came to the battle just to lose it? Can you please explain to me in what way they would have won the battle with the weaponry they carried? That is the flaw in the book mate.

???

Sorry, but now I understand nothing anymore...

First you complain, that dwarves are too light armored/ euipped to survive an elven rain of arrows.
Then you say they wear heavy armour and they don´t have need for bigger shields and armour (to survive the elven rain of arrows).
And then you say they are not properly equipped to win the battle?

So - what is your position now? Are they fit for battle or not?

I said they are too lightly ARMED, meaning weapons and shields. Armoured is the armour they wear, and even if the armour is heavy the Elven arrows would still deal colossal damage to the Dwarves, since the Elven arrows would penetrate the Dwarven armor. Even so please read everything carefully man; the reason I mentioned the heavy armor was that it doesn't make any difference to how fast they would have arrived on the battlefield, because you stated that the reason they wore light armour (which they didn't) was that they had to move quickly to aid Thorin.

And where exactly did I state that the Dwarves DON'T need the big shields, when I'm actually explaining the whole time that they NEED them? If it's all too much to read, I will summarize it in a couple of easy sentences that even you should understand:

In the books the Dwarves are not well equipped, in the movies they are perfectly equipped.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: NetoD20 am 18. Okt 2015, 23:28
And perhaps the book is meant for children, the game BFME is not ;).

Yes, I know, that's completely part of my point in my second paragraph.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Fredius am 18. Okt 2015, 23:30
And perhaps the book is meant for children, the game BFME is not ;).

Yes, I know, that's completely part of my point in my second paragraph.

Ah excuse me I misread that part!
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: korner am 18. Okt 2015, 23:40
Zitat
I will summarize it in a couple of easy sentences that even you should understand
No need to get rude, man! Rudeness is my privileg in this forum, not yours  ;).


Back to topic:

 
Zitat
And where exactly did I state that the Dwarves DON'T need the big shields,
In your last posting:
 
Zitat
Which means a big shield wouldn't make much of a difference.
I understood you meant no difference in battle, you obviously meant no difference in carrying... such misunderstandings can happen, no need to get insulting!

All this argument started when you said:
Zitat
They came with mattocks, and a short sword with a small buckler shield. Sorry but if the Dwarves only carried those arms against Elven archers, they would have been slaughtered within minutes.
My answer was that they had to carry light armour AND weapons, to arrive in time.
Ok so in fact they wore heavy armour. But still that´s less then carrying spears, big shields, BALLISTAS and such things.
Remember Gimli hunting the Uruks in HdR2? Running with heavy armour... but no shield.

AND:
My argument always was: IF the dwarves had mounts, they would have used them to get to the mountain, as they were in a hurry.


By the way: I don´t remeber what all this has to do with the topic (ram riders)? I think we have been discussing off-topic for too long now.. I for myself go to sleep now, have a nice evening.
Titel: Re: Dain Ironfoot level 10 summon and Ram Riders?
Beitrag von: Fredius am 18. Okt 2015, 23:58
No need to get rude, man! Rudeness is my privileg in this forum, not yours  ;).

Zitat
And where exactly did I state that the Dwarves DON'T need the big shields,
In your last posting:
 
Zitat
Which means a big shield wouldn't make much of a difference.
I understood you meant no difference in battle, you obviously meant no difference in carrying... such misunderstandings can happen, no need to get insulting!

Hahahha sorry for that, mistakes can happen xD.

Zitat
All this argument started when you said:
Zitat
They came with mattocks, and a short sword with a small buckler shield. Sorry but if the Dwarves only carried those arms against Elven archers, they would have been slaughtered within minutes.
My answer was that they had to carry light armour AND weapons, to arrive in time.
Ok so in fact they wore heavy armour. But still that´s less then carrying spears, big shields, BALLISTAS and such things.
Remember Gimli hunting the Uruks in HdR2? Running with heavy armour... but no shield.

AND:
My argument always was: IF the dwarves had mounts, they would have used them to get to the mountain, as they were in a hurry.

Gimli didn't really wear heavy armor. Heavy armor is what the soldiers of Erebor and the Iron Hills wore. Gimli only wore some chainmail with some leather clothing. But that isn't really important right now.

Actually the argument I started was about the fact that the Dwarves are not well equipped for battle, I personally don't care about the matter of speed that they needed to arrive on time. Again I'm saying that if they only were prepared in the way as was described in the book, they would have arrived on the battle only to lose it. Now that would be hilarious!

Now let me tell you something; you are damn right that Rams were not mentioned in the book. Dude I never said I disagree about that, I just agree with Peter Jackson that he added those Ram Riders. If you want to know why I am in favor of Ram Riders you can look it up on page number 2, cuz I'm not going to repeat everything :P. And no the Rams would have not made any difference in how fast they would arrive to the Lonely Mountain, since the main regiment of the army consisted of infantry and the Rams should adjust their speed to that of the infantry.