Unknown2004-11-13 02:29:03
Some archetypes are designed to make use of half a ton of entities. This is fine. However, because of this, many members of said archetypes tend to prepare for the worst by summoning every single entity they can. This is also fine, as it's analogous to a mage running through their defensive spells or a knight invoking a ritual or six. However, once these entities are around, they make terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad spam in room looks, info here, and movement messages.
I suggest that these entities be "condensed" into a single unit (a horde of Fae, a flock of angels, whatever). Individual entities can be targeted as usual, and have no change in the syntax needed to command them. Looking at the unit will reveal all entities within it. One can probe the unit to get specific entity numbers.
For instance, I have formed a sacred pact with Father Cellophane to summon things from his colorful, crinkly realm. In normal circumstances, the following would be shown in a room containing myself and a fellow adventurer:
If this idea is put into effect, the following would instead be seen:
Worth a thought, I hope?
I suggest that these entities be "condensed" into a single unit (a horde of Fae, a flock of angels, whatever). Individual entities can be targeted as usual, and have no change in the syntax needed to command them. Looking at the unit will reveal all entities within it. One can probe the unit to get specific entity numbers.
For instance, I have formed a sacred pact with Father Cellophane to summon things from his colorful, crinkly realm. In normal circumstances, the following would be shown in a room containing myself and a fellow adventurer:
QUOTE
Alter-Ego Mary, Get of Cellophane is here. A red bird fluffs its feathers here. An orange bird perches nearby. An elusive yellow bird hops around. A green bird bobs its head from its perch. The shape of a blue bird can be seen floating nearby. You notice a purple bird in the shadows. The sound of candy wrappers in a dark theater emanates from a black bird. Foobar the Example Guy is here.
If this idea is put into effect, the following would instead be seen:
QUOTE
Alter-Ego Mary, Get of Cellophane is here. A flock of Cellophane's brood flaps and crackles. Foobar the Example Guy is here.
Worth a thought, I hope?
Faethan2004-11-13 02:31:55
If this were put in, it would have to be something that can be toggled on and off, because some people will find it important to see what entities thier enemies have in the room.
Eldrich2004-11-13 18:32:55
No it wouldn't. I doubt anyone sees what entities they're fighting by typing look. Most people type info here.
Unknown2004-11-13 19:12:10
I can't really find a flaw in the idea...except from, which numbers would be condensed?
If someone walks into a room and sees:
A group of fae sits here, shining with the glory of the Seren.
it's not very specific. Are there two, or six? You could probably, instead of 'a group', do "there are (number) fae here, shining with the glory of the Seren." It's equally as long, and it gives you that little bit more information.
There are three fae here, shining with the glory of the Seren.
I think that would be great. You could probably do it with pilgrims, too.
A group of six pilgrims is here, stopping to rest.
If someone walks into a room and sees:
A group of fae sits here, shining with the glory of the Seren.
it's not very specific. Are there two, or six? You could probably, instead of 'a group', do "there are (number) fae here, shining with the glory of the Seren." It's equally as long, and it gives you that little bit more information.
There are three fae here, shining with the glory of the Seren.
I think that would be great. You could probably do it with pilgrims, too.
A group of six pilgrims is here, stopping to rest.
Gwylifar2004-11-13 22:55:08
It makes one wonder if there shouldn't be veneries, or collective nouns, for these things. Like "a murder of crows" and that lot. We could have quite a contest coming up with the best veneries for different things. An ether of fae? A moonshine of fae? A flittering of fae?
But, more on topic, I think this is a good idea, but I agree it should be something the viewer can configure on and off the same way we can have PLANTS ON or OFF. But that means it's probably more work to implement than is likely to get implemented, I bet.
But, more on topic, I think this is a good idea, but I agree it should be something the viewer can configure on and off the same way we can have PLANTS ON or OFF. But that means it's probably more work to implement than is likely to get implemented, I bet.
Unknown2004-11-13 23:46:03
They just need to add a masking ability, so people don't get spammed by me running around with a full entourage of fae, and so they just don't appear in the room description at all (Unless you use thirdeye).
