Unknown2007-11-19 15:44:46
QUOTE(Hyperion @ Nov 18 2007, 11:07 AM) 459059
I can see it now... the monk stops between katas to fold a crane, then sets it upon you! Be afeared! 
Also, because Lusternian monks aren't actually from Japan!
Unless, of course, I am terribly confused as to the nature of the undervault.
Gwylifar2007-11-19 16:33:04
You mean you haven't found the place where the Undervault connects to the Tokyo subway yet?
Eldanien2007-11-19 16:54:36
True and this is a good thing to remember. But we also make use of certain historic and fantasy elements, building up from cherry-picked portions we like and replacing the rest with Lusternia specific details.
I suppose I wouldn't mind seeing origami become a monk-only thing, but in general I'm averse to seeing trade skills get bound to a particular group. Even enchantment and alchemy I feel should be opened up all over, with the individual abilities differing a bit. A warrior enchanter (still requires highmagic) couldn't enchant web, but give them (and perhaps monk enchanters) sole access to fist sigils. Certain few enchantments universal, but continue with the per-archetype limits on other enchantments. But... eh, that's a different topic.
The more I think about this, the less I like the idea of making it an alternative specialization to Bookbinding. I'd rather see Bookbinding's trans skill item get adjusted (at the least, no longer necessary to wield it), and then give them some moneymaking abilities.
Language primers. Three levels of them. The lowest level gives the ability to understand one language (that the Bookbinder knows), but you hear them 3 seconds later. You would 'translate with primer' and 'translate with primer off', which toggles an effect with a mild willpower drain.
Soandso says something in Elfen, and you begin to translate.
(3 seconds pass.)
After translating, you determine that Soandso said, "Blah."
The second level grants the same ability, but you can also speak the language. It will be obvious to whoever hears you that you are using a translation dictionary (a direct text hint, or perhaps very mild garbling?). There will be delay as well, aeon-like in behavior.
The third level can be enchanted, and makes the communication smooth and transparent.
Tweak the durability of the books as well as costs as needed for game balance. Modest moneymaker, if done right.
Then maybe a book of Healing (inspirational scriptures or whatever relevant to an org?) only useable by a particular org. Lasts (twice? thrice?) longer than scrolls, gets enchanted (and alchemy treated?) to enable, but doesn't require/use charges. Instead, they require and use up the same scroll balance, only (tweakable) longer.
Some people will prefer the book of Healing. Some will prefer scrolls. Some might use both and alternate depending on need, or use the book for a backup if they run out of charges. Another moneymaker.
Back to Origami...
I'd like to see Origami effects be gained when the origami is crushed. No balance used, but physical balance (or eq?) is required. Game balance is achieved by making the origami more or less pricy in terms of power to create. Perhaps another use for powerstones, but I'm thinking not allowing powerstones.
Example:
Roc
Power: 3
Paper: 4
Flavor text goes here.
When crushed, the user is prevented from being blown by the wind when flying or in trees, and also becomes impervious to Gust for one day.
Similar effects might give the (long desired) immunities to tide/Earth rumbling (include a minor similar effect of water/earth magic).
Not to focus on mages, here. These are just examples. But by giving origami some small combat use, they'll be desireable. By preventing the use of powerstones, it'll keep the costs fairly high and supply low.
I suppose I wouldn't mind seeing origami become a monk-only thing, but in general I'm averse to seeing trade skills get bound to a particular group. Even enchantment and alchemy I feel should be opened up all over, with the individual abilities differing a bit. A warrior enchanter (still requires highmagic) couldn't enchant web, but give them (and perhaps monk enchanters) sole access to fist sigils. Certain few enchantments universal, but continue with the per-archetype limits on other enchantments. But... eh, that's a different topic.
The more I think about this, the less I like the idea of making it an alternative specialization to Bookbinding. I'd rather see Bookbinding's trans skill item get adjusted (at the least, no longer necessary to wield it), and then give them some moneymaking abilities.
Language primers. Three levels of them. The lowest level gives the ability to understand one language (that the Bookbinder knows), but you hear them 3 seconds later. You would 'translate with primer' and 'translate with primer off', which toggles an effect with a mild willpower drain.
Soandso says something in Elfen, and you begin to translate.
(3 seconds pass.)
After translating, you determine that Soandso said, "Blah."
The second level grants the same ability, but you can also speak the language. It will be obvious to whoever hears you that you are using a translation dictionary (a direct text hint, or perhaps very mild garbling?). There will be delay as well, aeon-like in behavior.
The third level can be enchanted, and makes the communication smooth and transparent.
Tweak the durability of the books as well as costs as needed for game balance. Modest moneymaker, if done right.
Then maybe a book of Healing (inspirational scriptures or whatever relevant to an org?) only useable by a particular org. Lasts (twice? thrice?) longer than scrolls, gets enchanted (and alchemy treated?) to enable, but doesn't require/use charges. Instead, they require and use up the same scroll balance, only (tweakable) longer.
Some people will prefer the book of Healing. Some will prefer scrolls. Some might use both and alternate depending on need, or use the book for a backup if they run out of charges. Another moneymaker.
Back to Origami...
I'd like to see Origami effects be gained when the origami is crushed. No balance used, but physical balance (or eq?) is required. Game balance is achieved by making the origami more or less pricy in terms of power to create. Perhaps another use for powerstones, but I'm thinking not allowing powerstones.
Example:
Roc
Power: 3
Paper: 4
Flavor text goes here.
When crushed, the user is prevented from being blown by the wind when flying or in trees, and also becomes impervious to Gust for one day.
Similar effects might give the (long desired) immunities to tide/Earth rumbling (include a minor similar effect of water/earth magic).
Not to focus on mages, here. These are just examples. But by giving origami some small combat use, they'll be desireable. By preventing the use of powerstones, it'll keep the costs fairly high and supply low.
