To what degree should players be able to change the appearance of armor?

Customization is extremely important to me, and I would like to see as much as possible, while maintaining the appropriate level of visual recognition of whether something is cloth, plate, chain, leather, etc.

I vote that we limit it to armor class, I love the idea of people being able to wear anything they want, and deep down I want to be able to create a cloth wearing tank, but I want some realism in my character. By that I mean, I want to be wearing cloth, and taking more damage than I would if I was wearing cloth.

Now if we limit it to armor class people can still get that variation they want, but we can also have the realism maintained. Rift is a prime example, telling a class archetype apart is a case of checking abilities, buffs, and resource bar.

I believe it should have two options. #1 being the dye option like the first EverQuest, secondly the option to add a small type of logo like design that is customizable that will go on the armor itself. We should always be able to look at them and be able to tell what kind of armor there wearing.... except for low level armor of course which some pieces are expected to look the same. (its okay it does not bother the players)

Players should be able to customize the look of their equipment as much as they like. Now I'm not just saying let them do it without working for it, but make the skins, colors, appearance pieces, attachable pieces like trophies or mods be acquired through questing, exploring, looting, crafting, or bought from other players who have found said pieces. More options are always better than fewer.

I seriously doubt they won't have a wardrobe system like in EQ2 but I would love the ability to dye gear.

Nothing gives my a greater sense of ownership and connection to my character than having control over how they look. If I want to play a druid that travels around in a plain robe (instead of a level 50 gem covered flaming bear pelt), I don't see why I should have to sacrifice my viability as a combatant in order to maintain my connection with my character.

I am all for more control over my character's appearance. If there's a set of plate shoulder pads that look like they're made of wood, I'd love to be able to use their appearance on my druid, for example. The more freedom like that you give players, the more diverse and unique player's appearances will be.

Being able to dye armor is a requirement at the very minimum, however I'd love to see more customization than just that. Being able to change your equipped armor's appearance is another thing that's become fairly standard in MMOs these days, so I'd like to see that as well.

I would like to see armor customization taken a step further. Perhaps have "slots" on armor, that changes from piece to piece, that would allow additional customization. Such as being able to remove one, or both sleeves of a shirt, having a tear or crack in armor, or even add some trophies, such as attaching a tooth of a dragon you slayed to your pauldron(s). It'd be nice if even while wearing the same armor as someone else, that more than just color can differentiate you.

I always preferred that Class Quest armors and weapons not be alterable. It is a built achievement score. In EQ seeing folks running around in their Planes armor is what made me soooo happy when I got mine.

I understand that people want to look unique etc... and I am fine with costume sets, and altering crafted items etc...

But make the armor/items from epic achievements non-alterable.

I like the way you think!

Players should be able to make their armor fairly custom, but within guidelines. If we need to stick to the tank in plate, caster in cloth, whatever, but they should have options within those guidelines, e.g., a little plate or chain or leather detail on a wizard robe might be interesting; the option should be available. Also dye is necessary, and a two-and-three-color armor option is ideal as long as the colors aren't over-the-top and are perhaps grouped in somewhat complimentary tones. Also, something I have always wanted in an mmo (and never gotten) is being able to turn on and off armor bits, like sleeves, gauntlets, gorget, faulds (the little skirt under the breastplate), pauldrons, etc. Not just helms! That would be so cool. The same should go for cloth and leather armor. Armor designs should be created with this "sectioning" ability.

As much as possible, but to a varying degree based upon your trade level.

Color tint only here.

All for changing the color of armor and such but not the overall appearance.

Agreed! Color dyes but no trans-mog

Yes yes yes, and this holds true for pieces of crap too! If you're wearing a rusty breastplate, let it look like a rusty pos!

Let us decorate, fine. Dyes or charms or whatever. Accessories that add on to appearance, cool. But wear what you're wearing.

I think one of the classic elements of EQ1 was the fact that some armor couldn't be customized and that's how people knew instantly what you were wearing and whether or not you had dedicated the time/hard work to earn it. That being said, I'm also a big fan of customization....so I think there should certainly be armor sets that look unique and can't be changed, but also plenty of wearable social armor that people can customize if they desire.

I really think armor should fit into the "style" of the world. Seeing people running around in a santa suit while questing, really breaks the immersion for me. If its a holiday event, letting people where costumes while in town is fine. Lets try to keep the player appearance out in the world more fitting. Dying armor is a nice feature to have .

I don't see why a mage can't wear leather or chain armor. Even plate. Slap them with a penalty or something if you have to. But at least give the option to vary appearance.

You got to be able to match your gear and look how you want. But this should be something you work for. At Lvl 2 your gear shouldn't be amazing looking ... ie you rusty armor and sword should be rusty. And one you get that fine plat armor and fine steel long sword should it be shinny looking... You just got to work for having that sweet set of gear and being able to customize all the gear you get is a must for sure

Yes sir, this is what I'm talking about.