73 replies to this topic

[Caveman]

@No criticals w/Merciful Fighting- That's a good idea! I never thought about that.
@New HLA- Cool, cool... Does it have anything to do with causing enemies to suffer a morale failure? (Don't answer if you don't want to spoil the suprise...I can wait!)

[SimDing0]

Our greatest problem here are dialogs. External reactions: this is what is truly missing, and to add them in a reasonable way I still think the best method would be to add a "generic-multi script", forced, at some point, upon "spared" creatures.
This would trigger brief reactions and dialogs choosen basing on race, intelligence, wisdom, the SA's charisma, or anything else.

Instead of dialogues, I'd suggest using DisplayStringHeads. There are already a few generic ones used ingame, such as gpshout's "I can't take this!"

Well... obviously don't do this for major characters. For Generic Slaver #24, it's probably okay, though.

Edited by SimDing0, 12 October 2004 - 02:42 AM.

[T.G.Maestro]

Being here, I'll just do a more detailed report.
Improvements for the Sword Angel in V2:
* Merciful Figthing re-implemented. *Much* better and cleaner system for activating/deactivating the ability
* Thx to our recent discoveries and a fitting suggestion from TGM, a S.A. won't be able to score criticals while using Merciful Figthing
* Improved Criticals will be added to the HLA table (as for fighters, but S.A. won't get Toughness)
* Probably a new kit specific ability will be added. *If* I can convince TGM about the one I have in mind, it might have Heroism as a prerequisite

Well, lets just say that Improved Critical is not really what we need for the SA. I just cannot imagine why this kit would need inmproved critical chances... to be honest, I'd remove the Smite HLA as well from here.

[Feanor]

Being here, I'll just do a more detailed report.
Improvements for the Sword Angel in V2:
* Merciful Figthing re-implemented. *Much* better and cleaner system for activating/deactivating the ability
* Thx to our recent discoveries and a fitting suggestion from TGM, a S.A. won't be able to score criticals while using Merciful Figthing
* Improved Criticals will be added to the HLA table (as for fighters, but S.A. won't get Toughness)
* Probably a new kit specific ability will be added. *If* I can convince TGM about the one I have in mind, it might have Heroism as a prerequisite

Well, lets just say that Improved Critical is not really what we need for the SA. I just cannot imagine why this kit would need inmproved critical chances... to be honest, I'd remove the Smite HLA as well from here.

I thought improved critical was dropped for all the kits...

[T.G.Maestro]

It seemed we will have to drop it (Littiz reported that there will be problems with the hardcoded weapon-style bonuses of the same kind) but after our tests we found out that this isn't the case. It will be added to most warrior classes/kits.

[Littiz]

Well, lets just say that Improved Critical is not really what we need for the SA. I just cannot imagine why this kit would need inmproved critical chances... to be honest, I'd remove the Smite HLA as well from here.

Don't forget that S.A. is a master swordsman: this must be evident somewhere.
By adding criticals when wanted, and by removing them when they are *not* wanted, we emphatize one thing: control.
Ehi, there are also demons, undead and whatever in the game.
Smite is a little more debatable, but I think it has valid strategical uses, after all.

@Sim:
it's a nice suggestion actually, though the implementation cost would be similar.
Yet it would allow to "cut it short", probably it would be the way to go.

@Caveman:
No anticipations since I'm sure the final outcome will be entirely different anyway

[T.G.Maestro]

Don't forget that S.A. is a master swordsman: this must be evident somewhere.
By adding criticals when wanted, and by removing them when they are *not* wanted, we emphatize one thing: control.
Ehi, there are also demons, undead and whatever in the game.

I think something more fitting would be better - something that would be most udeful versus those "evil" opponents and creatures. I think something like the Exorcism ability seen by paladins would be nice, but I can accept IC of course.

Smite is a little more debatable, but I think it has valid strategical uses, after all

And this is a most weak reason. I really think we should replace it with something. (To be honest, I'd allow Smite only for 2-handed weapon users if it would be possible, amd only for the most powerful warrior types - simply take a look at it's effects, it has nothing to do with the SA).

[Littiz]

I think something more fitting would be better - something that would be most udeful versus those "evil" opponents and creatures. I think something like the Exorcism ability seen by paladins would be nice, but I can accept IC of course.

It's not really in the concept of SA to be "anti" something
I think IC is very fitting for this kit, even though I admit I couldn't have said it without your suggestion about Merciful Fighting.
Now all things come nicely together, at last.

About Smite, I can be convinced of course. We'll see what options we have at hand

[T.G.Maestro]

I think IC is very fitting for this kit, even though I admit I couldn't have said it without your suggestion about Merciful Fighting.
Now all things come nicely together, at last.
About Smite, I can be convinced of course. We'll see what options we have at hand

Agreed.

[Littiz]

Ok, some anticipations for Caveman, at this point
Things are *a bit* more decided.
SA will lose Smite, but will gain:

• Improved Critical, as other warriors.. but no Toughness.
  
• Probably a weakened version of Second Wind (remember that a SA has some traits in common with monks... only that SA's inner development is less "selfish", at some point)
  
• Soul Touch: a new aura-like ability affecting party members (requires: Heroism). Thanx to TGM for the aura idea and the amazing visual!!!
  
• Freedom of Spirit. This one is still a bit undecided and debated, but it should prove very original in concept anyway (requires: Spiritual Integrity)

This should make the table complete and a bit more flexible (allowing for different paths/focuses).
The 10 HLAs of the old version were a bit "tight" in this sense.

Edited by Littiz, 19 October 2004 - 12:03 PM.

[T.G.Maestro]

This should make the table complete and a bit more flexible (allowing for different paths/focuses).
The 10 HLAs of the old version were a bit "tight" in this sense.

I suggest thinking in the 15 slot limit as we did for monks and sorcerers (and maybe barbarians).

[Littiz]

Indeed, the new total would be 13

[Caveman]

Ok, some anticipations for Caveman, at this point

Appreciated! Cool, cool!

[Littiz]

Current table, "finalized" and working:
(still undecided if it needs an additional ability or not, but all of the mandatory skills and concepts for this character seem to be present):

-Power Attack
-Critical Strike
-Improved Merciful Fighting*
-Heroism*
-Banish* ---------------- (requires: Sustaining Will*)
-Spiritual Integrity* --- (requires: Sustaining Will*)
-Body Purge* ---------- (requires: Sustaining Will*)
-Regeneration* -------- (requires: Sustaining Will*)
-Freedom of Spirit* ---- (requires: Spiritual Integrity*)
-Soul Touch* ----------- (requires: Heroism*)
-Improved Critical* ---- (requires: Critical Strike)
-Sustaining Will*


@Caveman, let me avoid spoiling the new abilities since they're truly wonderful
This table seems really a tribute to perfection now (well, I shouldn't be the one saying it, but I will abuse of my moderator status )

Edited by Littiz, 01 November 2004 - 05:43 AM.