Dark's Itty Bitty Bites #3: Ancient Artists and Cutthroats
Dec 30, 2022 22:34:17 GMT -5
Amara, Nasu, and 2 more like this
Post by Jackie on Dec 30, 2022 22:34:17 GMT -5
The last batch of patches (Currently not listed officially on-site) show a very promising change of pace for lots of my gripes surrounding redundant/actively harmful traits some of the species have. A lot of these were fixed! WOW! Now I want to pick on the last few Core traits that either sometimes don't work on an opponent or are technically a buff but don't actually give their recipients a noticeable edge. That's right folks, CUNNING CUTTHROAT and MARTIAL ARTIST/ANCIENT KNOWLEDGE are on the chopping block today! The difference here for this pair of core traits compared to the rest of my complaints thus far is that they are either oddly specific for a Core OR the majority of their benefits are easily erased by a coupon/advertising.
This is an odd case where the effect itself is actually pretty strong. Against characters packing consumables, some of the strongest resources in the forum, this can be a great bully option to force those characters into either squaring you off so they get that resource back or fighting an entire thread without it. And surely as more item options open up there will be more applications for this core. However, running around with what is essentially NO second Core trait if you're fighting someone not reliant on their items... Idk? Even shutting down battle items on characters that aren't tuffles isn't the most useful thing when other cores can give you a massive heal or free-ish technique Momentum Boosts on either offense or defense. It almost feels more suited to the optional slot alongside Counterfeit. Which is what I am first going to suggest to free up the core slot but still give Herans that fun mechanic as an optional.
Slightly nerfs the counterfeit use by requiring it be the item you are 'stealing', but makes just as much sense and adds the current core's functionality to it. Also makes it less dependant on an opponent's action. Now the option to disable a strong consumable or take away a battle item and use it yourself are about equal in terms of effect, too!
Sweet, so what would we be doing to that Core trait slow then? I would propose something that had recent precedent set by the Konatsian's revamped Core!
Doesn't that sound SCHWEEFTY? Rather than the Konatsian's Bleed+ Core, I figured Overflowing+ could be a unique alternative to play around with. As it stands, most sparkings don't get too much great use out of going all the way into the Overflowing+ variant. But with it essentially adding power and punishing with a greater offense, I can see this being weaker in some cases but stronger in other cases compared to its Konatsian brethren. This is, of course, just one suggestion. Something I think slots in well to the Heran lifestyle.
Let's also talk about the pair of core traits I think are least deserving of the spot now that a majority of species have been substantially buffed in some way or another. Earthling's and Oni's very own!
This trait actually used to be a bit worse off. The extra technique upon creation was a later addition made during the SPECIES UPDATE. Still, it was considered low-priority compared to other traits that were seen as either detrimental or severely lacking. The benefit here is seen in the number of techniques the character has. Except, it's not that simple. The general trait QUICK LEARNER instantly outpaces the benefit of this core trait. But that's the hard way. A simple coupon or advertising for free basically gets rid of the main benefit. Because, yes, the main benefit IS the extra starting technique. The quicker Sparking Technique slots have an inherent problem of not really aiding the user as Sparkings are fairly limited already.
Disregarding a player maybe not understanding the Sparking Creation System (Or techniques in general), characters tend to gravitate towards their best option immediately. Be it optimally or thematically. Over the course of Sparking, someone with this trait will have about ONE extra OPTION over their peers' post 140k. Two by the very end game. Pretty much no one is going to be struggling having made a good one by either time. And even if those options were more flexible?
You can still only ever do One/Thread. Someone without this trait just doing their own thing will have no issues. The person WITH this trait will most likely not see the benefits of this (Even in the Earthling's case, where their sparkings are technically better) even if they played with it. This is in stark contrast to things like Pride/Supremacy, Overdrive, Mystic Arts, and Strategist. Hell, even things like the Oni's own Dark Departure or something more unnoticed like a Tuffle's Salvage. No I didn't include Earthling's other Core cause it has a similar issue with Sparkings. But it at least is actually doing something, even if that something is essentially +20% power on sparkings 9/10 times.
I'll be square with yall though, I don't know what I'd DO with these traits. Obviously, they already give the extra technique and it'd require Earthlings and oni retroactively go erase one of their created techs if removed entirely. Not unheard of, but it's to be considered. I don't know if it even the sparking part should be tweaked. This trait may just be an overall issue with Sparkings as a whole. But I'm no quitter. I can find something.
Oni Suggestion: Adopt an optional, and replace it with something.
A suggestion the Mori-ster gave. The fix would be to shift VENGEFUL FINISH over from an optional to a core trait.
Would immediately make this optional into a good core now that you don't have to choose it over picking Demonic Might and Otherworld Training as actual combat options. It would mean Shinjin loses this option as well. And I'd need to replace it with something else that makes sense. Oh! I have an idea from the whacky island.
This sort of requires the codification of Splits during ATs, but I think it'd be a funny trait for both oni and shinjin that switches up how they can move around. And it's the best I could brainstorm for Oni. Earthlings are actually a lot messier.
Earthling Suggestions: Varied and Complicated
There are a LOT more ways you could take Earthlings. I honestly might have to sit here and workshop it a bit as I write... For now, just chew on what I have right now and I'll edit this whenever it comes to me in a dream.
BOTH Solution: SUPER-Trump Card
For all intents and purposes, this is basically a super Trump Card. Giving them free rein with any two of their sparkings. It wouldn't be unheard of, considering things like Alien's EXTRATERRESTRIAL. Conversely, it should be worded to where you can still use this with a trump card for a possible 3 Sparking Techniques. Two of which must be lights!
CUNNING CUTTHROAT
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.
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.
This is an odd case where the effect itself is actually pretty strong. Against characters packing consumables, some of the strongest resources in the forum, this can be a great bully option to force those characters into either squaring you off so they get that resource back or fighting an entire thread without it. And surely as more item options open up there will be more applications for this core. However, running around with what is essentially NO second Core trait if you're fighting someone not reliant on their items... Idk? Even shutting down battle items on characters that aren't tuffles isn't the most useful thing when other cores can give you a massive heal or free-ish technique Momentum Boosts on either offense or defense. It almost feels more suited to the optional slot alongside Counterfeit. Which is what I am first going to suggest to free up the core slot but still give Herans that fun mechanic as an optional.
COUNTERFEIT (OLD)
If your opponent has used a once-per-thread item, you can use it as if it were an item you already owned. Does not apply to consumables or Super Items and can only be used once per thread.
If your opponent has used a once-per-thread item, you can use it as if it were an item you already owned. Does not apply to consumables or Super Items and can only be used once per thread.
COUNTERFEIT (NEW, Remixed w/ Old Cunning Cutthroat)
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. If this item is not a consumable, you can use the item as if you already owned it.
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. If this item is not a consumable, you can use the item as if you already owned it.
Slightly nerfs the counterfeit use by requiring it be the item you are 'stealing', but makes just as much sense and adds the current core's functionality to it. Also makes it less dependant on an opponent's action. Now the option to disable a strong consumable or take away a battle item and use it yourself are about equal in terms of effect, too!
Sweet, so what would we be doing to that Core trait slow then? I would propose something that had recent precedent set by the Konatsian's revamped Core!
CUNNING CUTTHROAT (NEW)
Once per thread, add the Overflowing and Overflowing+ effect to any non-Sparking technique.
Once per thread, add the Overflowing and Overflowing+ effect to any non-Sparking technique.
Doesn't that sound SCHWEEFTY? Rather than the Konatsian's Bleed+ Core, I figured Overflowing+ could be a unique alternative to play around with. As it stands, most sparkings don't get too much great use out of going all the way into the Overflowing+ variant. But with it essentially adding power and punishing with a greater offense, I can see this being weaker in some cases but stronger in other cases compared to its Konatsian brethren. This is, of course, just one suggestion. Something I think slots in well to the Heran lifestyle.
Let's also talk about the pair of core traits I think are least deserving of the spot now that a majority of species have been substantially buffed in some way or another. Earthling's and Oni's very own!
MARTIAL ARTIST/ANCIENT KNOWLEDGE
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.
This trait actually used to be a bit worse off. The extra technique upon creation was a later addition made during the SPECIES UPDATE. Still, it was considered low-priority compared to other traits that were seen as either detrimental or severely lacking. The benefit here is seen in the number of techniques the character has. Except, it's not that simple. The general trait QUICK LEARNER instantly outpaces the benefit of this core trait. But that's the hard way. A simple coupon or advertising for free basically gets rid of the main benefit. Because, yes, the main benefit IS the extra starting technique. The quicker Sparking Technique slots have an inherent problem of not really aiding the user as Sparkings are fairly limited already.
Disregarding a player maybe not understanding the Sparking Creation System (Or techniques in general), characters tend to gravitate towards their best option immediately. Be it optimally or thematically. Over the course of Sparking, someone with this trait will have about ONE extra OPTION over their peers' post 140k. Two by the very end game. Pretty much no one is going to be struggling having made a good one by either time. And even if those options were more flexible?
You can still only ever do One/Thread. Someone without this trait just doing their own thing will have no issues. The person WITH this trait will most likely not see the benefits of this (Even in the Earthling's case, where their sparkings are technically better) even if they played with it. This is in stark contrast to things like Pride/Supremacy, Overdrive, Mystic Arts, and Strategist. Hell, even things like the Oni's own Dark Departure or something more unnoticed like a Tuffle's Salvage. No I didn't include Earthling's other Core cause it has a similar issue with Sparkings. But it at least is actually doing something, even if that something is essentially +20% power on sparkings 9/10 times.
I'll be square with yall though, I don't know what I'd DO with these traits. Obviously, they already give the extra technique and it'd require Earthlings and oni retroactively go erase one of their created techs if removed entirely. Not unheard of, but it's to be considered. I don't know if it even the sparking part should be tweaked. This trait may just be an overall issue with Sparkings as a whole. But I'm no quitter. I can find something.
Oni Suggestion: Adopt an optional, and replace it with something.
A suggestion the Mori-ster gave. The fix would be to shift VENGEFUL FINISH over from an optional to a core trait.
VENGEFUL FINISH (Replaces Ancient Knowledge as a Core)
When you defeat an enemy within 80% of your PL, recover 3 KP and 3 MP. If they are within 60% of your PL, recover 2 KP and 2 MP. If they are below 60%, recover 1 KP and 1 MP.
When you defeat an enemy within 80% of your PL, recover 3 KP and 3 MP. If they are within 60% of your PL, recover 2 KP and 2 MP. If they are below 60%, recover 1 KP and 1 MP.
Would immediately make this optional into a good core now that you don't have to choose it over picking Demonic Might and Otherworld Training as actual combat options. It would mean Shinjin loses this option as well. And I'd need to replace it with something else that makes sense. Oh! I have an idea from the whacky island.
CONNIVING (Replaces Vengeful Finish as an Optional)
You gain the ANTISENSE general trait. In addition to its normal benefits, you can use escapes to move to different splits (or the main) of a thread using your MP in place of the standard KP cost. This is considered technique use and still stops KP Regeneration.
You gain the ANTISENSE general trait. In addition to its normal benefits, you can use escapes to move to different splits (or the main) of a thread using your MP in place of the standard KP cost. This is considered technique use and still stops KP Regeneration.
This sort of requires the codification of Splits during ATs, but I think it'd be a funny trait for both oni and shinjin that switches up how they can move around. And it's the best I could brainstorm for Oni. Earthlings are actually a lot messier.
Earthling Suggestions: Varied and Complicated
There are a LOT more ways you could take Earthlings. I honestly might have to sit here and workshop it a bit as I write... For now, just chew on what I have right now and I'll edit this whenever it comes to me in a dream.
BOTH Solution: SUPER-Trump Card
MARTIAL ARTIST/ANCIENT KNOWLEDGE (NEW)
You gain Sparking Techniques every 70k PL instead of the standard 100k PL. You can also use an additional Sparking Technique during a thread. (Maybe also keep the extra technique learned at creation)
You gain Sparking Techniques every 70k PL instead of the standard 100k PL. You can also use an additional Sparking Technique during a thread. (Maybe also keep the extra technique learned at creation)
For all intents and purposes, this is basically a super Trump Card. Giving them free rein with any two of their sparkings. It wouldn't be unheard of, considering things like Alien's EXTRATERRESTRIAL. Conversely, it should be worded to where you can still use this with a trump card for a possible 3 Sparking Techniques. Two of which must be lights!