Shulamit2010-07-08 05:24:13
Yes, I know it looks like one now...but it having the title, a sonic screwdriver, would be even cooler? *shrug*
I do like my wand, really. *hide*
I do like my wand, really. *hide*
Unknown2010-07-08 08:15:56
Something I've just really began to ponder: why is it that Harmonics is based on vibrations, but when the gems attack, they shine light? I might have this wrong, but I assumed we were talking about actual sonic vibration, as opposed to mystical 'woo-woo' energy fields?
Firstly:
We can't make ruby, sapphire or diamond wands, currently. I was under the impression this was intended, but if not, and we're supposed to be able to make crystalwands out of the gems we get after crystalwand, please tell us!
Also, I love the crystaltool idea. Some adjustments/clarification, maybe?
I like this one, and actually, this is or should be the 'default' tool, since if harmonics isn't magical new-age vibration and actual sonic vibration, this makes perfect sense. The 'sonic engineer' is therefore, really, the 'harmonic engineer'. Question about the sound damage, though: would this hit on targets that are deaf? If not, could we have the secondary effect be 'tune screwdriver' to undeaf them like blanknote?
Also like this one. Obvious choice for the more Aeonics focused people. I'm wondering what the actual chance and strength of the timewarp would be, but thematically, it's a pretty solid option. Maybe have it called a 'temporal chronometer' instead, to appease people who think that fixing time with a spanner is goofy? (Personally, I like it, though.)
The rest are sort of... random? If the trick is to treat this like a pathways-type option representing personal area of study, I'm wondering if we've anything remotely as ubiquitous as time/harmonics. Some ideas, though:
* Auric Scalpel - Restores health/ego on hits? Can target allies/self with it using 'turn scalpel' or something similar to do an aff cure. Focus on healing vibrations (biologist / doctor).
Pretty self explanitory option for healers. Seeing as Healing has a strong 'vibrations' type bent with the auras, and we're the only Hallifax guild with Healing, it'd be nice to have an option for medical technicians, doctors, so on.
* Astral Telescope - Chance to do an aff on hit (preferably based on nativity, for flavour)? Reduces power cost of casting stellium/constellations, maybe? Focus on cosmic vibrations (astrologer / astrophysicist).
Astrologer flavoured option. It'd be nice to have a secondary effect with an astrology-bent, but I don't know what would be possible/allowed/balanced.
* Tachyon Hammer - Chance to do double damage on hit, or always hits with a damage-type at random. Focus is on atomic vibrations (quantum/chemical physicist).
Same caveat goes as with the temporal spanner. If people don't like the idea of a hammer because it seems too bulky/goofy for a scientist, change to 'tachyon welder'.
And an alteration to your version of the void wrench:
* Void Wrench - Breaks shields when it hits them? Causes moderate bleeding on hits (sort of a cudgel-y effect), with a chance to do a short stun? Focus is on negative vibrations (void engineer/planar physicist).
Kind of a combatant-y type option, though they're all just as good as eachother, really. As with the spanner and hammer, if people don't like a wrench, they can have 'void splitter'.
Wonder what people think of these options. As an aside, I like the screwdriver/hammer/spanner/wrench bulky weapons, because you can make them only as 'tool-like' as you want them to be. The sonic screwdriver might actually more closely resemble a magic wand with buttons, for example.
Firstly:
QUOTE
You'd probably also continue to specialize in each by gem-type like the wand, i.e., a ruby sonic screwdriver.
We can't make ruby, sapphire or diamond wands, currently. I was under the impression this was intended, but if not, and we're supposed to be able to make crystalwands out of the gems we get after crystalwand, please tell us!
Also, I love the crystaltool idea. Some adjustments/clarification, maybe?
QUOTE
* Sonic Screwdriver - Uses sound damage (like bards). Possibly able to unlock doors? Focus on sonic vibrations (sonic engineer).
I like this one, and actually, this is or should be the 'default' tool, since if harmonics isn't magical new-age vibration and actual sonic vibration, this makes perfect sense. The 'sonic engineer' is therefore, really, the 'harmonic engineer'. Question about the sound damage, though: would this hit on targets that are deaf? If not, could we have the secondary effect be 'tune screwdriver
QUOTE
* Temporal Spanner - Chance of timewarping the target. Focus of temporal vibrations (time engineer).
Also like this one. Obvious choice for the more Aeonics focused people. I'm wondering what the actual chance and strength of the timewarp would be, but thematically, it's a pretty solid option. Maybe have it called a 'temporal chronometer' instead, to appease people who think that fixing time with a spanner is goofy? (Personally, I like it, though.)
The rest are sort of... random? If the trick is to treat this like a pathways-type option representing personal area of study, I'm wondering if we've anything remotely as ubiquitous as time/harmonics. Some ideas, though:
* Auric Scalpel - Restores health/ego on hits? Can target allies/self with it using 'turn scalpel' or something similar to do an aff cure. Focus on healing vibrations (biologist / doctor).
Pretty self explanitory option for healers. Seeing as Healing has a strong 'vibrations' type bent with the auras, and we're the only Hallifax guild with Healing, it'd be nice to have an option for medical technicians, doctors, so on.
* Astral Telescope - Chance to do an aff on hit (preferably based on nativity, for flavour)? Reduces power cost of casting stellium/constellations, maybe? Focus on cosmic vibrations (astrologer / astrophysicist).
Astrologer flavoured option. It'd be nice to have a secondary effect with an astrology-bent, but I don't know what would be possible/allowed/balanced.
* Tachyon Hammer - Chance to do double damage on hit, or always hits with a damage-type at random. Focus is on atomic vibrations (quantum/chemical physicist).
Same caveat goes as with the temporal spanner. If people don't like the idea of a hammer because it seems too bulky/goofy for a scientist, change to 'tachyon welder'.
And an alteration to your version of the void wrench:
* Void Wrench - Breaks shields when it hits them? Causes moderate bleeding on hits (sort of a cudgel-y effect), with a chance to do a short stun? Focus is on negative vibrations (void engineer/planar physicist).
Kind of a combatant-y type option, though they're all just as good as eachother, really. As with the spanner and hammer, if people don't like a wrench, they can have 'void splitter'.
Wonder what people think of these options. As an aside, I like the screwdriver/hammer/spanner/wrench bulky weapons, because you can make them only as 'tool-like' as you want them to be. The sonic screwdriver might actually more closely resemble a magic wand with buttons, for example.
Eventru2010-07-08 08:26:24
They're 'charged' gemstones for a reason. 
'Tis why they shine.
Also, as I've mentioned elsewhere, there's definitely a solar-energy theme underlying various aspects of Hallifaxian science - see the Arthar'rt Observatory (and there's some mention of it in some of the research projects)
'Tis why they shine.Also, as I've mentioned elsewhere, there's definitely a solar-energy theme underlying various aspects of Hallifaxian science - see the Arthar'rt Observatory (and there's some mention of it in some of the research projects)
Kaalak2010-07-08 08:48:29
QUOTE (Estarra @ Jul 7 2010, 02:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Positronic Converter - Chance of healing user each time successfully hitting target. Focus on positive vibrations (positronic engineer).
Estarra are you referring to the 'positronic brains' of Issac Asamov's robots? I'm not sure based on the context here.
If so that would totally fit in with the theme of the Institute.
Kaalak2010-07-08 09:18:23
QUOTE
Something I've just really began to ponder: why is it that Harmonics is based on vibrations, but when the gems attack, they shine light? I might have this wrong, but I assumed we were talking about actual sonic vibration, as opposed to mystical 'woo-woo' energy fields?
Lets see if I can rationalize this.
You could assume that Harmonics deals with the principles of excitation of many different particles. Sometimes this is the excitation of the traveling wave through air (sound), the 'fundamental particles of time' (Ruby, timewarp), or electrons to jump from one energy level to the next.
If you recall how a lazer works, lets say your crystal is your lasing medium and your mana is the source of energy that your harmonics ability uses. Your mystical harmonic ability pumps energy into your crystal, exciting the electrons to a higher energy level.
Lets say the internal geometry of the crystal can organize any emitted photons (or whatever resultant energy particle) to be emitted in a directional coherent monochromatic fashion (you don't need mirrors).
Here's where we get mystical. When your crystal is activated, all those excited electrons relax to their basal lower-energy orbit, emitting a partical that either heals you or whatever. You could rationalize that photons are a lower type of energy that is being released concomitantly with the 'higher' form of energy that causes the effect, thus your gems shine (emit) light upon attack.
Casilu get in here and check my rationalization.
Ayden2010-07-08 09:24:03
QUOTE (geb @ Jul 7 2010, 01:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The ideals sound interesting to me from a role-play level, but they also seem like to me they would actually be more limiting mechanics wise. Example, if you have to create and plop each tool into a room when you move, then you have far less fluid combat potential than other guardians who just have the entity following and performing the actions for them. I have no problem with cool sounding abilities, but I personally prefer function over flashiness. The best looking and sounding abilities can be worthless, if their functions are not that fluid in the flow of combat.
I personally would prefer that we first remove the problem of gem effects stacking by making most of them targeted in effect, and then increase their effective levels (speed, damage, etc) to the same levels as other guardians. Then after that, perhaps remove some of the redundancies in abilities and give harmonics users a bit of control over what types of afflictions they give similar to how pacts work, but in a manner that befits the Institutes use of crystals. One example would be just a slight change in the syntax of the Malefactgem ability to "crystalspin malefactgem target afflictionname". The afflictions being possible would be limited to the afflictions the ability is already capable of giving randomly, but now the harmonics user can control which is given.
Anyhow I personally believe Harmonics only needs a few changes, but outside of what I have mentioned above and in other places the skill-set seems fine to me.
I personally would prefer that we first remove the problem of gem effects stacking by making most of them targeted in effect, and then increase their effective levels (speed, damage, etc) to the same levels as other guardians. Then after that, perhaps remove some of the redundancies in abilities and give harmonics users a bit of control over what types of afflictions they give similar to how pacts work, but in a manner that befits the Institutes use of crystals. One example would be just a slight change in the syntax of the Malefactgem ability to "crystalspin malefactgem target afflictionname". The afflictions being possible would be limited to the afflictions the ability is already capable of giving randomly, but now the harmonics user can control which is given.
Anyhow I personally believe Harmonics only needs a few changes, but outside of what I have mentioned above and in other places the skill-set seems fine to me.
Agreed. You guys seem to be going a little crazy with ideas. I think Harmonics only needs a few tweaks here and there to give it more of a guardian vibe (<-- see what i did there?) and more flavourful.
Siam2010-07-08 12:17:31
QUOTE (Estarra @ Jul 8 2010, 05:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I basically agree with this (surprise!) and I'll look at doing some tweaks this week or weekend regarding the spinning gems. To re-emphasize, we have no desire to really diverge from the design of spinning gems and the crystalplex which we believe is a solid and strong design. Other ideas are interesting but it is probably more productive to resign yourselves that the current skillset design isn't changing and to alter your ideas to fit that design. Regarding mendingstone, balestone, glorygem and malefactgem, we'll probably keep them targeted to enemies/allies.
The one additional idea that I like is that of changing the wand to choosing among several crystaltools, but no one has taken me up on expanding on that. Well, here goes:
Apologies for sonic screwdriver and use of 'positronic' (open to substitutes). Note I'm specifically trying to stay away from "elemental" energies. You'd probably also continue to specialize in each by gem-type like the wand, i.e., a ruby sonic screwdriver.
Please feel free to expound! I would want to keep it at 6 tools.
The one additional idea that I like is that of changing the wand to choosing among several crystaltools, but no one has taken me up on expanding on that. Well, here goes:
- Sonic Screwdriver - Uses sound damage (like bards). Possibly able to unlock doors? Focus on sonic vibrations (sonic engineer).
- Temporal Spanner - Chance of timewarping the target. Focus of temporal vibrations (time engineer).
- Transdimensional Sensor - Increases damage on non-prime planes. Focus on dimensional vibrations (transdimensional engineer).
- Spatial Manipulator - Increases damage on prime plane. Can knock down walls? Focus on spatial vibrations (spatial engineer).
- Void Wrench - Chance of doing double damage. Focus on negative vibrations (void engineer).
- Positronic Converter - Chance of healing user each time successfully hitting target. Focus on positive vibrations (positronic engineer).
Apologies for sonic screwdriver and use of 'positronic' (open to substitutes). Note I'm specifically trying to stay away from "elemental" energies. You'd probably also continue to specialize in each by gem-type like the wand, i.e., a ruby sonic screwdriver.
Please feel free to expound! I would want to keep it at 6 tools.
OMG. Yes, please!
Placeus2010-07-08 12:47:54
QUOTE (Inky @ Jul 8 2010, 05:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
... sonic/transdimensional/spacial/void/positronic engineer ...
If the scientists in the institute are anything like real life ones, they won't appreciate being called engineers!
Unknown2010-07-08 13:06:08
QUOTE (Placeus @ Jul 8 2010, 01:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If the scientists in the institute are anything like real life ones, they won't appreciate being called engineers!
Hey, that was Estarra's doing, not mine! You'll notice that the new ones I suggested don't have 'engineer' in the description.
Arel2010-07-08 16:30:36
Honestly, I would be really disappointed if the wand was changed to "Sonic Screwdriver". If we want to have a sonic screwdriver and call it a wand, cool. But if I think that actually having a sonic screwdriver and using it to hunt is disruptive to my immersion and to the image of the guild. I'm patient enough to deal with most things, but a sonic screwdriver would firmly place me in the "get refund, transfer guild" boat.
Unknown2010-07-08 17:30:21
How about a basic ' rod' for those who don't want the other tools - looks like a wand without the technological connotations. It could deal magical damage. I honestly didn't know what a sonic screwdriver was until I wiki'ed it. Seems funky but I can see where people have concerns!
Noola2010-07-08 18:02:18
*googles it* I don't get why folks would be concerned, myself, I think it looks cool. But then, I've never seen Dr. Who and, honestly, I'm always more amused by things that kind of reference RL stuff in a round-about way than upset by it.
Aicuthi2010-07-08 18:14:30
I feel like sonic screwdrivers undermind the grandiosity of what the Institute should be RP-wise. If the tool existed in the game, that is fine. But not replacing the wand. The wand just seems right, especially because it seems aesthetically synergistic with how Jewelry uses wands(I know that isn't really relevant).
The tools would be an interesting addition, and I do like the idea in some aspects. Especially the Astral Telescope idea Inky thought up. But I firmly disagree that the wand should be replaced.
The tools would be an interesting addition, and I do like the idea in some aspects. Especially the Astral Telescope idea Inky thought up. But I firmly disagree that the wand should be replaced.
Rodngar2010-07-08 18:32:53
Add the functionality to wands, based on relevant crystal type?
Prav2010-07-08 18:37:49
QUOTE (Noola @ Jul 8 2010, 02:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
*googles it* I don't get why folks would be concerned, myself, I think it looks cool. But then, I've never seen Dr. Who and, honestly, I'm always more amused by things that kind of reference RL stuff in a round-about way than upset by it.
Me too. One of the things I've really liked about Lusternia so far is that it has managed to capture almost the perfect balance of great roleplay and not taking itself so seriously.
Noola2010-07-08 18:43:26
QUOTE (Prav @ Jul 8 2010, 01:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Me too. One of the things I've really liked about Lusternia so far is that it has managed to capture almost the perfect balance of great roleplay and not taking itself so seriously.
Exactly!
Shaddus2010-07-08 18:43:42
Is there any way we can consolidate Crystalspin/Crystalplex/Crystalspire? You know, make it one syntax?
Prav2010-07-08 18:47:09
One tool that might be cool:
Temporal Vacuum: Has a chance on each attack to either transfer any herb or group of herbs in targets inventory into your inventory or place them back in the target's rift.
This would work nicely with Aeonics, hoping to nab/inrift reishi so you could possibly stick aeon a bit longer.
Temporal Vacuum: Has a chance on each attack to either transfer any herb or group of herbs in targets inventory into your inventory or place them back in the target's rift.
This would work nicely with Aeonics, hoping to nab/inrift reishi so you could possibly stick aeon a bit longer.
Prav2010-07-08 19:05:50
A few more possibilities:
Kinetic Handplane / Kinetic Spokeshave: Has a chance of silently "shaving away" the quicksilver defense.
Chromatic Metronome: When an enemy is in aeon, the metronome throws off the ticking of their internal clock, causing the amount of time it takes for each command to go through to vary from .75 to 1.75s.
Or, how about a tool that prevents or lowers the chance of passive curing being able to cure aeon?
Kinetic Handplane / Kinetic Spokeshave: Has a chance of silently "shaving away" the quicksilver defense.
Chromatic Metronome: When an enemy is in aeon, the metronome throws off the ticking of their internal clock, causing the amount of time it takes for each command to go through to vary from .75 to 1.75s.
Or, how about a tool that prevents or lowers the chance of passive curing being able to cure aeon?
Estarra2010-07-08 19:40:41
QUOTE (Shaddus Mes'ard @ Jul 8 2010, 11:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Is there any way we can consolidate Crystalspin/Crystalplex/Crystalspire? You know, make it one syntax?
No, sorry, that's a terrible idea. They have completely different (and multiple) functions, which would make any single syntax overly complicated, harder to code and (in my opinion) confusing for the user. And it's not like having to remember 3 words should be that hard!
