Simply don't give it too long a range.
As for how to do it and what needs to be done. I'm not sure yet.
The easiest thing I can think of now is pretty much the M4's 'range of fire' for the commanders view. As for the 8incher method of 'map attack' as I call it, I'm not sure what range to put on that.
If it's too short, then what is the point of having it? If it's too long, then it's overpowered and would be the only thing used.
Delicate balance. Not sure as to how to balance this weapon without making it nerfed and everything else obsolete.
The tank guns we currently have can already can reach from base to base in many cases. It is balanced by not having a sight that can adequetly aim at such distances and not having line of sight to see where the shells hit. On the current map today we do have LOS from one base to another through a gap in the trees. (in TT) That means I can up an M4 and destroy a VH having never left my own fields concrete. Aiming could still be relatively easily established outside of game parameters. (assuming LOS to target)
Obviously(?) adding artillery support would either be useless if there is not at least a rudimentary way to aim, but game breaking if there is one. Reducing the range of artillery for game balance seems to me to go against the grain from what AH is.
This is how I would do it.
Give all non LOS GV's targeting capability that is a mix of ingame ship bombardment, and bomber calibration. Perhaps add a system msg if a structure is hit but not destroyed. I am thinking something that takes some time to "dial in" but afterwards is rewarding in ability to do damage.
All non LOS GV's with such capability can not spawn from a VH and must use a vehicle spawn point.
Non LOS fire should show in a similar way to cruiser or destroyer fire. (.i.e giving away the position) I say this because I think artillery fire should be very effective, but very risky.
Landed dmg should be a system message.
Currently HE tank shells have a very limited splash damage, so only the closest of direct hits really does much damage (try taking out troops with an HE round
). Perhaps there could be a small incentive to keep a base under constant bombardment?