Concept:
What if the defensive capabilities of Guard Towers scaled in relation to the strength disparity between attacking and defending kingdoms? In this model, the larger the difference in strength, the more likely defensive effects are triggered—especially if the defending kingdom has a higher ratio of Guard Towers per land. While larger kingdoms can also benefit from Guard Towers, their impact would be less significant compared to smaller kingdoms utilizing them strategically.
Goal:
To penalize "bottom feeding" (strong kingdoms preying on much weaker ones) by providing meaningful, scalable defenses for smaller kingdoms, while keeping mechanics flexible.
Suggested Mechanics / Bonuses (Developer Discretion):
Intimidation
Effect: The attacking kingdom must reconsider its strategy and retreat (similar to the Shadow Hall effect).
Rationale: Gives smaller kingdoms a chance to strike before the larger kingdom’s army returns.
Additional Effect: Attacks are disabled while the Generals Deliberate (no more attacks for the duration).
Optional Effect: If the smaller kingdom attacks during this window, they suffer no retaliation but still gain CLI
Dishonor
Effect: A percentage of the attacking army deserts during travel after spotting the towers—interpreting the attack as dishonorable.
Mechanic Similar To: Starvation — the units vanish before the battle.
Rationale: Adds a controllable, punishing deterrent for stronger kingdoms abusing weaker ones.
Early Detection
Effect: The defending kingdom gains enhanced battlefield readiness due to early warning—reducing incoming damage by a percentage rather than a fixed value (e.g., instead of absorbing 40 damage, absorb X%, with a cap).
Applicability: Scales better for smaller kingdoms but can be used by larger ones as well.
Abandonment Protocol
Effect: When Guard Towers are captured, they are rigged to explode, potentially destroying adjacent buildings.
Rationale: Adds uncertainty for attackers—especially if the number of towers is unknown.
Counter: Can be revealed through True Sight
Would be cool if the GH does everything, but I will leave to discretion of developer (and how hard the coding might be). Just general thoughts.
