First, I don't think distort needs to block cubix use.

Instead, I feel that the method in which these artifacts are used could be changed to better balance their use for instant escape. I mentioned this in a topic in the General section, but having thought on it for a while, I think its worth suggesting as a proper idea for implementation.

My suggestion is that TOUCH PRISM/CUBIX opens a mystical gateway to the fulcrux (spawns an object in the room) which remains for a few seconds. The action of touching consumes two or three seconds of equilibrium, and of course requires it, along with the same restrictions on mental afflictions that cubix use has always had.

The gateway object would remain in the room for around four to five seconds, during which anyone can ENTER to travel to the relevant planar fulcrux. You must be able to move normally in order to enter, exactly the same as the Faethorn archways.

It is possible that after a single use the gateway will close, but I feel that keeping it open allows for much more interesting and sometimes useful outcomes. In this way, using a cubix or prism in group combat is not an instant escape should your enemies not possess this expensive artifact. You must first get away from your attackers long enough so that they cannot follow you through, or alternatively be prepared for them to hound you all the way through the fulcrux.

This does not in any way affect the potential for cubixes and prisms insofar as quick travel throughout the planes, nor its usefulness in entering enemy territory or planes. It affects only the ability for a single raider, or team, to escape in the blink of an eye. (Note that this implementation can sometimes be useful particularly with teams, as you don't have to wait on every member following you, being upright, on balance, etc. They can follow through when they regain if you need to leave in a hurry.)

The inevitable response will be that the way to stop a cubixer is to buy a cubix of your own. This is an elitist attitude that I don't believe contributes to fair combat in any way. The cubix is an individual artifact, and every defender cannot afford 2000 credits just to be able to realistically counter raiders.

I believe this change retains most of the advantages that a cubix artifact provides to a customer, but does not also allow for a subversion of the principles of combat.

So, would anyone like to point out any flaws in this idea that I haven't noticed?

I like it.

You can follow a cubix off-balance, by the way, so the "everyone gets to enter doorway on their own" thing doesn't really matter.

Ah, I'm always paranoid about it. I could have sworn I've cubixed out of astral and lost someone following because they're off-balance, but maybe I'm not remembering correctly.

Yea, I don't like that. I bought the damn thing, I want to be able to use it. I don't want my enemies to come with me (unless they have a cubix)

If you don't cubix away in the middle of them, they won't.

Why negate one of the reasons of buying one?

I don't like this solution either, because then it seems to allow anyone to use the Cubix whether the owner desires it or not. That is why I prefer the manner in which Imperian limited their similar artifact. It does not allow for quick escapes, but it does not allow what your suggestion would allow either.

I'm not sure in what sense you mean. If you open a rift in a public place, then others can follow you in, yes. However, if the owner does not want to be followed, he need only move to a private location and use the cubix. In most cases, that is not too difficult.

It is still only the owners of cubixes who can open those gateways, so I'm not sure how you mean it would allow anyone to use the artifact with or without the owner's permission.

I may be wrong, but did you not say the doorway remains open for 4 seconds? If that is the case, then yes it allows anyone to use the Cubix. The person can find a private place, but any person walking in could then use the Cubix after the person opens it and is forced to remain in place for 3 seconds. I may be wrong, but that is the impression I got from your suggestion.

Yeh i do'nt like it. Cubixes are fine, distort is too strong which is the problem.

Cubix's are fine. I don't even have one anymore and I still think they are fine.

I dont like the idea of everyone being able to enter the portal really.

Only the person who holds the cubix should be able to touch it and then enter.