Dark's Itty Bitty Bites #1: Alien Redundancy
Jul 31, 2022 11:50:00 GMT -5
K500 and Jagaimo like this
Post by Jackie on Jul 31, 2022 11:50:00 GMT -5
Hi yall. Yeah, I haven't ever made one of these before. And honestly, the original plan was to make a mega thread of each and every issue I have stumbled across both hard mechanics and otherwise. But looking at some things, I decided making smaller little suggestions like this would be easier to discuss and hone in on one particular piece of the puzzle I've been trying to wrap my head around. Without further ado, tho, lemme introduce my first bit: Alien Optional Traits.
It wasn't too long ago a lot of species got a lot of their traits revamped for the better balance of the whole, as some were grossly niche, impractical, OVERpowered, or just didn't do enough compared to the other options. And there's maybe a couple that still fall under that umbrella outside Aliens, but we can get to that later. For the most part, everything's better! Aliens included, look at all that buffed stuff they got in there!
Except for a couple of pretty big outliers I wanna highlight. One not so obvious and one glaringly so. Let's actually start with the simple one;
"Dark, what's wrong with this one? This is a very clear general boon to their evasive ability!"
It's largely a matter of being vestigial to a time Alien Optionals, at least a good portion of them, was half-baked versions of other species' traits (Even more damning when you realize some WEREN'T even back then, making them the defacto best options). With the most recent update to species traits, a lot of these got replaced 1:1 with their non-alien counterpart. Something, I might add, is good. Here's the thing though; This one was never touched. Mysteriously, it's missing 10% of it's strength, where it could be exactly like it's counterpart, ITTY BITTY. What's even funnier about this is the other tuffle trait aliens pull from, UNDERDOG, is in all its full power glory in the form of SURVIVALIST!
Give my boys full evasive glory please! There's little reason they need a bad version of an already kinda? niche option.
That was the easy half. Now let's stare at the elephant in the room... I'm sorry, I have to call out all the COMMUNAL HERITAGE enjoyers out there.
Plenty will recognize this as pulling from Namekian's Optional Trait SELFLESS. In fact, it's 1:1! Nice. Now, while it and CAUTIOUS FIGHTER I'd argue are kinda mediocre in terms of choices compared to the new and hip BATTLE WISDOM, we aren't here to compare. And honestly? Namekian Cores are so very nice that them having just okay Optionals is probably fine (Except you cautious fighter grrrrr I’ll get back to you). What makes it so BAD on an Alien then? Like, it's a free friendly block, right?
The problem mostly came with the trait update. This is one of the few traits left untouched by it, and it shows because KINETIC GENETICS kinda does all that it can do and more?
Uhh. Yeah. No restrictions, and a possible reward for using it at the right moment. All for the same free defense. This was added to Aliens once the Androids in the same update got the trait this references, ABSORBER MODULE, updated. And I have no problem with KINETIC GENETICS being a choice here so... I'm going to do it. I'm going to say "Delete this".
Before we pull that trigger though, it's not like I just wanna give them one less option because of redundancy. No. I wanna cook em up with a new option. Hopefully pulled from somewhere we haven't really gone before. Hopefully people can discuss other options too if they are open to this suggestion!
SANE OPTIONS:
While not exciting, this would be a unique option that only Bios have as well. The only possible problem we have is Bios doubling up on this using their own optional trait. But, really, are we scared of a bio that uses one of the strongest optionals to pick up one of the weakest cores? The general traits aren't outstanding as is so make with this suggestion as you will. Fear the mighty 4 General trait warrior.
It being an Optional for them instead of a Core doesn't really upset anything in terms of balance. Some of the species that get this trait have a few optional traits like THIRST FOR BATTLE, TURTLE SCHOOL SECRETS, etc. which functionally can give them similar offensive capabilities as the first Alien Core. Switching the order around from Optional and Core, and vice versa isn’t really gonna bust anything.
INSANE(ly fun) OPTIONS:
Yes. ZENKAI Aliens. No, I don't think this is super strong an option with the others available to them.
A Heran Core, as an Alien Optional!? Honestly, the same reason I suggested STARSEEKERS. The species that get these traits have a few optional traits like THIRST FOR BATTLE, TURTLE SCHOOL SECRETS, etc. which functionally can give them similar offensive capabilities as the first Alien Core. Switching the order around from Optional and Core, and vice versa isn’t really gonna bust anything.
This is actually my favorite option for this slot, solely for the idea that it keeps it close to COMMUNAL HERITAGE in spirit by being a helpful support option. Hell, you could even still call it COMMUNAL HERITAGE if my suggested name isn't on the docket. I won't repeat it again, but for the same reasons I suggest STARSEEKERS I don't see much issue switching the order of optional and core in this case.
Open Discussion and Possible Unique Optional Trait?:
I think it'd be fun to discuss which of these could be a neat alternative to the current, as this is mostly what this thread will be about. Heck, even suggestions pulling from other things not yet realized could be fun. There was one thing I wanted to mention before letting this loose in the wild though; The idea Aliens could get a unique optional for themselves.
Most species still have unique cores and optional no one but the occasional bio (And even then, some cores are locked TIGHT) can pull from currently. Aliens being an outlier, as they are a culprit of duplicating optional themselves. It did lead me to wonder if something COULD be created unique to the diverse aliens species that worked to not only replace communal heritage but work well with the cores offered among them. So along with the ones I suggested, I'd like to hear your takes about this theoretical unique optional; Should it be attempted? Or should aliens be kept in the realm of imposters where they solely take from existing species?
Thank you for your time, I'll actively respond to this as ideas come in.
It wasn't too long ago a lot of species got a lot of their traits revamped for the better balance of the whole, as some were grossly niche, impractical, OVERpowered, or just didn't do enough compared to the other options. And there's maybe a couple that still fall under that umbrella outside Aliens, but we can get to that later. For the most part, everything's better! Aliens included, look at all that buffed stuff they got in there!
Except for a couple of pretty big outliers I wanna highlight. One not so obvious and one glaringly so. Let's actually start with the simple one;
OUT OF THIS WORLD
Your small size makes you harder to hit. All non-Sparking evasive techniques and escapes have their effectiveness increased by +10%.
Your small size makes you harder to hit. All non-Sparking evasive techniques and escapes have their effectiveness increased by +10%.
"Dark, what's wrong with this one? This is a very clear general boon to their evasive ability!"
It's largely a matter of being vestigial to a time Alien Optionals, at least a good portion of them, was half-baked versions of other species' traits (Even more damning when you realize some WEREN'T even back then, making them the defacto best options). With the most recent update to species traits, a lot of these got replaced 1:1 with their non-alien counterpart. Something, I might add, is good. Here's the thing though; This one was never touched. Mysteriously, it's missing 10% of it's strength, where it could be exactly like it's counterpart, ITTY BITTY. What's even funnier about this is the other tuffle trait aliens pull from, UNDERDOG, is in all its full power glory in the form of SURVIVALIST!
Give my boys full evasive glory please! There's little reason they need a bad version of an already kinda? niche option.
That was the easy half. Now let's stare at the elephant in the room... I'm sorry, I have to call out all the COMMUNAL HERITAGE enjoyers out there.
COMMUNAL HERITAGE
Once per thread, you may use a free 30% strength defense technique when you block for another player. This cannot have its power boosted in any way.
Once per thread, you may use a free 30% strength defense technique when you block for another player. This cannot have its power boosted in any way.
Plenty will recognize this as pulling from Namekian's Optional Trait SELFLESS. In fact, it's 1:1! Nice. Now, while it and CAUTIOUS FIGHTER I'd argue are kinda mediocre in terms of choices compared to the new and hip BATTLE WISDOM, we aren't here to compare. And honestly? Namekian Cores are so very nice that them having just okay Optionals is probably fine (Except you cautious fighter grrrrr I’ll get back to you). What makes it so BAD on an Alien then? Like, it's a free friendly block, right?
The problem mostly came with the trait update. This is one of the few traits left untouched by it, and it shows because KINETIC GENETICS kinda does all that it can do and more?
KINETIC GENETICS
Once per thread, you may use a free 30% defensive technique with the unique 'absorber' variant. If the barrier remains unbroken, you gain 1 KP.
Once per thread, you may use a free 30% defensive technique with the unique 'absorber' variant. If the barrier remains unbroken, you gain 1 KP.
Uhh. Yeah. No restrictions, and a possible reward for using it at the right moment. All for the same free defense. This was added to Aliens once the Androids in the same update got the trait this references, ABSORBER MODULE, updated. And I have no problem with KINETIC GENETICS being a choice here so... I'm going to do it. I'm going to say "Delete this".
Before we pull that trigger though, it's not like I just wanna give them one less option because of redundancy. No. I wanna cook em up with a new option. Hopefully pulled from somewhere we haven't really gone before. Hopefully people can discuss other options too if they are open to this suggestion!
SANE OPTIONS:
ESOTERIC ENERGY
You can pick any additional third General Trait during character creation.
While not exciting, this would be a unique option that only Bios have as well. The only possible problem we have is Bios doubling up on this using their own optional trait. But, really, are we scared of a bio that uses one of the strongest optionals to pick up one of the weakest cores? The general traits aren't outstanding as is so make with this suggestion as you will. Fear the mighty 4 General trait warrior.
STARSEEKERS
You gain Sparking Techniques every 70k PL instead of the standard 100k PL. You also start with four technique slots instead of three.
You gain Sparking Techniques every 70k PL instead of the standard 100k PL. You also start with four technique slots instead of three.
It being an Optional for them instead of a Core doesn't really upset anything in terms of balance. Some of the species that get this trait have a few optional traits like THIRST FOR BATTLE, TURTLE SCHOOL SECRETS, etc. which functionally can give them similar offensive capabilities as the first Alien Core. Switching the order around from Optional and Core, and vice versa isn’t really gonna bust anything.
INSANE(ly fun) OPTIONS:
WARRIOR CULTURE
Upon being damaged 150% or more in one thread, gain a +10% bonus to thread completion. If you heal from 150% or more, you may gain that completion bonus up until that point mid-thread, for immediate application to your PL. Only usable in Action Threads, and only occurs once a thread.
Upon being damaged 150% or more in one thread, gain a +10% bonus to thread completion. If you heal from 150% or more, you may gain that completion bonus up until that point mid-thread, for immediate application to your PL. Only usable in Action Threads, and only occurs once a thread.
Yes. ZENKAI Aliens. No, I don't think this is super strong an option with the others available to them.
GALACTIC EMBARGO
Once per thread, select a single non-Super item from an opponent's inventory. That opponent may not use or trade away that item for the duration of the thread, or until you are knocked out/defeated. You must be within 60% of the target's PL to use this.
A Heran Core, as an Alien Optional!? Honestly, the same reason I suggested STARSEEKERS. The species that get these traits have a few optional traits like THIRST FOR BATTLE, TURTLE SCHOOL SECRETS, etc. which functionally can give them similar offensive capabilities as the first Alien Core. Switching the order around from Optional and Core, and vice versa isn’t really gonna bust anything.
STATUTE OF PILGRIMS
You can heal your allies with your magical abilities. You can generate a heal valued at 75% of your PL for 3 KP, 150% of your PL for 6 KP. This interacts exclusively with your base power level, and heals based on your target's base power level. Once per thread regardless of level used.
You can heal your allies with your magical abilities. You can generate a heal valued at 75% of your PL for 3 KP, 150% of your PL for 6 KP. This interacts exclusively with your base power level, and heals based on your target's base power level. Once per thread regardless of level used.
This is actually my favorite option for this slot, solely for the idea that it keeps it close to COMMUNAL HERITAGE in spirit by being a helpful support option. Hell, you could even still call it COMMUNAL HERITAGE if my suggested name isn't on the docket. I won't repeat it again, but for the same reasons I suggest STARSEEKERS I don't see much issue switching the order of optional and core in this case.
Open Discussion and Possible Unique Optional Trait?:
I think it'd be fun to discuss which of these could be a neat alternative to the current, as this is mostly what this thread will be about. Heck, even suggestions pulling from other things not yet realized could be fun. There was one thing I wanted to mention before letting this loose in the wild though; The idea Aliens could get a unique optional for themselves.
Most species still have unique cores and optional no one but the occasional bio (And even then, some cores are locked TIGHT) can pull from currently. Aliens being an outlier, as they are a culprit of duplicating optional themselves. It did lead me to wonder if something COULD be created unique to the diverse aliens species that worked to not only replace communal heritage but work well with the cores offered among them. So along with the ones I suggested, I'd like to hear your takes about this theoretical unique optional; Should it be attempted? Or should aliens be kept in the realm of imposters where they solely take from existing species?
Thank you for your time, I'll actively respond to this as ideas come in.