Developer Chat: Volume 6

The Value of Rideables
By - Jonathan "Oaks" LeCraft

Many aspects of Ultima Online set us apart from other games, and one of my favorites is the ability to charge into battle riding a fearsome nightmare, or just prancing around the bank on an unusually colored forest ostard. Rideables, or mounts, in UO provide many interesting elements for players including a more customized appearance, altered movement speed, and an instant battle companion in the time of need.

Because the increase in speed is constant for all mounts, and only a handful are truly worth their salt in battle, appearance is the probably the most important reason for which a player selects their mount. One's steed is a key part of a complete outfit, and the more rare or colorful, the better. In fact, some steeds like the nightmare or unicorn are elevated to status symbols due to the difficulty required in obtaining and riding them, as well as their notable battle prowess. You can often find a grizzled ranger selling several different ostards, horses, or nightmares at the bank or stables, for each come in a variety of hues (some of which are more sought after than others).

But the coolness factor doesn't stop there, because rideables have incredible potential. In addition to those listed above, the mounted player could be given other options for choosing their beast of burden, such as the certain mounts assisting their rider by absorbing some damage while mounted, or performing a special attack. If a high-level spell such as flamestrike were modified to do damage to both the rider and their mount, toughness and magical resistance would suddenly become very important, and new strategies would emerge on the battlefield.

We have often said that the advantages of riding are too great. Why? A lot of fun is lost when you are forced to use a mount simply because walking is painfully inferior. In this case, you may not feel as if you are making an interesting choice when making the decision to ride a mount, and it is for this reason we are adding slight advantages to relying on a pair of sturdy boots instead of horseshoes, whether in combat or strolling across the landscape. For example, hurling a bolo that can potentially dismount a rider can only be thrown while on foot. Something we are considering is the capability to continue walking, but not run, when you are fatigued. However, if your mount becomes completely tired, it will not budge until it has regained some strength. Animals are stubborn, after all.

Jumping back into the saddle again, I'll say the new McFarlane release of Ultima Online adds many unique and strange creatures to our already-impressive array of beasties, and you can bet your bottom gold piece that some of them are going to be of the rideable variety. I'd hate to ruin any surprises, but I will say that the mounts being released by the ongoing content team are especially cool and offer something our UO players have been asking for for a long time... and more! As we further develop our taming and combat to enhance rideables, these new McFarlane additions are very likely to introduce not only a one of a kind appearance, but new and interesting game mechanics as well.

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