Flying Mounts and PvP

A topic is raging on the EQ2 Forums about PvP and Flying Mounts. Rothgar has waded hip-deep into this one, asking for player feedback.

Rothgar posted this:

If we changed it so that players have a chance to knock other players off their mount, would that alleviate some of the issues? I realize it probably doesn’t solve the entire issue, but perhaps its a move in the right direction.

A player responded:

Please no knee jerk reactions like just giving people the ability to knock others from the sky. Those that cannot melee, bow shoot, or bring mage pets to bear on an oppenent on the way down will be at a disadvantage. People like sorcerers would die more becuase they cannot cast on the move.

Vlahkmaak posted:

Seriously – just dont do something – lets think about it. The flying mount has a potential to attract players to the game. Make it work – on your breaks discuss PVP on a flying mount. Maybe add inate attack skills to the griffon – 1-4 CA/Spells (Claw CA/ Breath Weapon Spells etc) usable ONLY while mounted (no player skills usable). Attacks from different quadrants could do more damge (underside/top/flank/ etc). Add in flying endurance and MASS MARKET the game. Bring some donuts and spiked coffee over to the marketing team and get them to see the potential $$$ for – lets make Dragon Riders of Norrath epic.

Rothgar threw ice water on that idea:

There has to be a solution somewhere that doesn’t involve throwing away flying mounts altogether or completely designing a whole new combat system filled with its own balance issues.

And if we were just going to do something without thinking about it, would I have taken the time to post here? Not only are we thinking about it, but I’m also asking for your opinions.

Although with most PvP-related topics, I expect we will have as many different opinions as we have responses.