A Journey through Consciousness - Facing Alpha Nemesis - Monthly Log #20 (no video) - 01.09.2024 - 30.09.2024

Couldn't finalise the playable Warrior's properties, but I did a lot of changes and rearranging of files and how things are gonna be taken into account later on, when I start creating the AI.

01.09.2024 - 31.09.2024

<> Mostly finalised the creation of each playable character's Stats properties.

 > What is missing is the allies' support abilities, which will be finalised when all playable characters' skills' properties are finished.

<> RULE: Added a Team Shield Max Value of 300, yet per character, not per team.

 > Team Shield is always consumed first from struck target, then from allies, randomly.

 > Value added in "Default Values for All" file.

<> RULE: Sabotage / Interrupt - An ability has Cast Chance -100%.

<> RULE: Reflect now has a maximum of 100 value, max 25 can trigger per damage instance.

 > All Reflect instances active on target trigger for max 25 (if there are multiple instances).

 > Typically, each character will gain 1 single Type, or rarely 2 Types of Reflect (usually from allies)

<> RULE: Battle Stances (Behaviours) are not Stances (abilities) since they do NOT count as abilities.

 > These are randomised / chosen (scripted) behaviours for the encountered enemies. They will be found in the enemies' descriptions.

 > Will be added at a certain time in the Encyclopedia.

<> RULE: Enforcers and Protections are a sub-Type of Obstructions, yet these 2 do NOT count as abilities.

<> RULE: Each character can only be influenced by 1x instance of each General Potion per round

 > this is because Potions can be granted from one to another

 > this is to prevent stacking of their effects or stuffing 1 single character

 > only exceptions for now are Potion of Healing and Potion of Mana

<> Deleted several old files and also deleted variables that were of no more use for the present version of the game

 > Realigned variables to new IDs to be better clumped - this will happen as they will be moved to places that would make better sense.

<> Created a different algorithm that stores ALL the GENERAL properties that characters will have (allies and enemies).

 > Created one where to store all the enemies effects on them (supportish abilities).

 > Created one where to store all the players' effects on them (supportish abilities).

< Mini Effect changes >

<> Healing Presence (Buff) - added a max of 10 healing (could heal too much).

 > Changes added in properties, also replaced description.

<> Corrected "Immunity" effects' keyword color within descriptions:

 > Buff: Solidified, Pyrophobia , Astraphobia.

 > Utility: Protected.

 > Dark Favor: Confusion.

<> Dora's Brilliance (Utility) effect description change, adapted to newer mechanics.

 > Rewrote description to show how long each effect lasts, removed a redundant effect description.

<> Created description for Confusion (Dark Favor) - it didn't have.

 > Corrected effect description and also created this effects' properties.

<> Added properties for Confusion (Debuff) and Confusion (Dark Favor).

<> Stability (Buff) also applies Stability +1 (Distortion).

<> Stability (Utility) also applies Stability +1 (Distortion).

<> Nora's Unity (Utility) no longer has a duration (it couldn't have a duration any more).

<> Strength (Buff) and Wearried (Debuff) effects adjusted to modern template.

 > No functionality change.

<> Atelophobia (Debuff) effect rewriting, now also selfinflicts Staggered (1 round).

 > Performed changes to description picture.

<> Holy Splinters (Debuff) now deals Holy damage instead of Thorn.

 > Rewrote effect to better show that only the consumer target cures Crippled (on self, not on the target who the Debuff was consumed from).

 > No longer automatically cures Crippled.

<> Stability (Buff) and Stability (Utility) no longer have a duration, it was redundant.

 > Corrected this in all instances, including property files.

< Changes to Game Mechanics >

<> Removed Refract mechanic, no need for too much convolution.

<> Changed Block Rate and Dodge Rate to no longer be a defensive mechanic, too much convolution.

 > The 2 only have effect on the offense; adjusted descriptions.

<> Deflect +X was changed to: "When damaged at any range, Deflect -1 and first return up to 25 damage back to aggressor as Saintly damage."

 > Type Distortion.

<> Reflect +X was created with effect: "When damaged at any range, Deflect -1 and first deflect up to 25 damage back at the aggresor (same Type)."

 > This was as a result of having removed "[Type] Reflect" effect (this is the same, yet with less flexibility - no longer reflecting damage of a predetermined Type).

 > Type Distortion.

<> Synchronicity +X was created with effect: "When caster gains a Buff, Synchronicity -1, caster takes 1 Saintly damage & allies in range 4 also gain that Buff."

 > Type Distortion.

<> Change performed to Combo Siphon due to the removal of Refract mechanic - somewhat Well-related.

                     - Gain Siphon Barrier +30 and a mini Shield of +20 versus the same damage Type of the triggering ability.

                     - Created all Combo Effects properties within General Values for everyone file.

<> Combo Detonator changed - when triggered, struck targets lose up to 4 Buffs and take 10 (+5 per Buff removed) damage of the main Combo Field's Type of the tile target is on.

                     - changes applied to properties.

<> Combo Assimilator - (single target effects only): when triggered, replicates up to 2 Buffs on main target on self. Absorb +1.

<> Combo Utility (NEW) - when triggered, allies in range 1 heal 30 HP and gain Resistance +5% (1 round) of the main Combo Field that CASTER is in.

<> Combo Reflexes (NEW) - when triggered, caster gains Lightning Reflexes (Distortion, no duration) - Block +1, Dodge +1 (Distortions).

<> Combo Burst (NEW) - when triggered, apply the corresponding Multiplex effect on struck target(s).

                     - this refers to the sub Type(s) of damage corresponding to the damage Types inflicted to struck target(s).

                     - Example: if an ability deals Fire and Lightning damages, also trigger Multiplex: Cinder and Spark.

<> Combo Despoil (NEW) - (single target effects only): when triggered, Mini Effects applied to target also spread to their allies in range 1.

                       - struck target and its allies in range 1 take 1 damage of the main Combo Field's Type for each Mini Effect applied on main target.

                       - if it is a Death Field, deal 2 damage instead.

<> Combo Corruptor (NEW) - inflict target 1 Loss of Life per Debuff and Scourge on them (max: 20). Debuffs on struck target(s) have +1 duration.

                         - can be affected by this once in 2 rounds.

<> Combo Consumer (NEW) - choose 1 general Potion in struck target's Inventory and automatically Steal that and drink it, if possible. Doesn't consume Action Points.

                        - this acts as a Steal mechanic. if target has Steal Prevent +X, then Steal Prevent -1, their item is not lost, and this effect doesn't trigger.

<> Created the properties of each Combo Effect.

<> Limit Breach Prohibited (Disability) now also disallows gaining its counterpart, Limiter Immunity (Enforcer).

<> Limiter Immunity (Enforcer) now also disallows gaining its counterpart, Limit Breach Prohibited (Disability).

<> Added description to Intercept +X (Distortion) to underline the fact that "Intercept is countered by Ability Failure Prevent +X, since it induces the failure of an ability's cast".

<> Added Reflect properties to each playable character as well as to the minor foes (were missing).

<> Added the max values for mini Shields (50), Barriers (60), Refract (30) and Armors (30) into the General Values for All file.

<> Added Behaviours as initial ideas. On finalisation, they will be created the properties for.

<> Warrior Path (general) received access to Block X, Dodge X (Favors).

<> Warrior Path (general) received access to Counterattack X, Intercept X (Distortions).

<> Pierce damage sub-Type discards Auras instead of removing them.

<> Created a new value for the Absorb mechanic, which for now is rare, but more sources will be added.

 > Max Absorb value is 300, added in General Values for All as well as for each character - playable and enemy.

 > Absorb triggers before ANY damage calculation, Shields, etc.

<> Removed "Current Resistance" properties from all characters, as an attempt to simplify coding.

 > Added 2 new properties that represent total Resistance value gain and removal for each character, playable  and foe.

 > Above 2 properties are within Resistances chapter of their properties, except for Xandaara, in whose case they are within the Stats chapter.

<> Added a new mechanic named Precision, which is a Distortion that Ferenji will grant to allies.

 > Precision has max 5 points, like Ferenji's other base Favors (Block and Dodge) and Distortions. It will make next ability ignore Block, Dodge, Evasive and Elusive chances.

<> Block Rate and Dodge Rate have received their final description effect.

 > Each has a defensive role, adding to the amount of damage reduction received from corresponding attacks (melee / range respectively) in case of an unsuccessful block / dodge.

 > Each also has an offensive role, showing how much of defender(s)' Resistances the corresponding Attack will ignore (or whether it will face stronger Resistances - as mark of a "weak attack").

 > On the offense, an Attack can have a minimum Rate of 0, meaning it ignores target's Resistances entirely. 2 means it faces 2x the corresponding Resistance(s) - "weak attack".

<> Removed Countermeasures effect, was redundant.

 > Also removed Elemental Imbibition effect, was redundant.

<> Created a differentiation in between Block and Dodge (Favors) and Block and Dodge (Distortions).

 > Favors automatically block (except Unblockable) ABILITIES directly (and any effects and damage instance they may deal).

 > Created separate properties for each, changed the description to show exactly their function.

<> Added properties for Burn Immunity, Poisons Immunity and Stun Immunity (Type: Enforcers).

<> Changed Potion of Warding's effect to better reflect its mechanic (ends after first trigger - no need for it to last its full duration, since it has 1 trigger only).

<> Changed Potion of Invigoration's as part of Wearried (Debuff) and Strength (Buff) effect rewriting.

 > Also removes 3 other Debuffs, increased healing per boon on self from 7 to 12, added a max of 48 to healing.

 > No longer increases max HP (too many sources for this aren't needed, and easily accessible also).

 > Grants Absorb +1 (Distortion) or +2.

 > Added all changes in properties file.

<> Potion of Warding slight effect rewrite for better understanding, also underlining that is ends after its first trigger.

 > Added all changes in properties file.

<> Potion of Healing felt somewhat poo-poo, so increased its healing from 30 to 50, and improved healing from 84 to 105.

 > Added all changes in properties file.

<> Started creating description boxes for each effect that can be applied by characters in general (not just one).

 > These effects have the code name "General Effects".

 > Properties were added in General Properties for All file.

 > These descriptions will be removed from ability descriptions and will appear next to them.

 > This allows ability descriptions to be shorter, particularly when multiple abilities will be applying these general Effects.

<> Created description box for "Adaptive Harvester", which also describes EACH of the Harvester effects.

 > Adaptive Harvester is a Distortion that lasts 1 round, below effects do not have a Type, they are just a General Effect's sub Types.

<> Buffed Adaptation +X, increasing all its values: Mana Cost reduction from -1 to -2 per stack, Armor gain from 3 to 10 and healing extra from +1 to +4.

< Xandaara the Wise >

<> Several corrections within some effects' descriptions regarding absorb.

 > Replaced "absorb Ailment" with "transfer Ailment", was a bit redundant to have 2 separate mechanics that are ultimately similar, or the same.

 > Void Breach is gained through damage conversion, instead of damage absorbance. The correct intended word was always conversion, since this action has nothing to do with the new Absorb mechanic.

<> Adaptive Warp (Attack) no longer grants Refract (Transcendence Level 3 effect), but Reflect +1.

<> Harness Inner Majesty (Attack) no longer grants Refract, but Chaos Barrier +30 and Absorb +2.

<> Essence of Improvement (Essence) no longer grants Refract, now grants Deflect, Reflect and Intercept +1.

<> Essence of Planetary Creation's (Essence) Energy Denaturation Poison also inflicts Mana Cost +1.

<> Nora'ine's Blessing (Heal) grants Absorb +1 instead of Refract.

< Ferenji the Brave changes >

<> Can use Specialisation Swap 2x per round maximum! (decided upon).

<> Added the Specialisation Point as property.

<> Added 4 Banner abilities (no alignment), these have effects for whoever gets to bear them and for the allies around.

< Passives >

<> Specialisation Mastery - effect partial rewrite to remove awkward texting and make more sense.

 > Changed a series of Mini Effects granted by each Specialisation.

<> Resource Plethora (I) - added Tag that mentions that the gained boni each lasts 1 round.

<> Synergetics - Changed the effect of Intimidation (Obstruction), adapted to newer Protect mechanic.

 > Added max possible damage (60) and also increased the possible damage dealt, to make sure this max damage can be reached.

 > Damage Type changed from Physical to Thorn.

 > No longer damages allies and units, only foes.

 > Changed the effect of Intimidation (Distortion) - added a max damage reduction of -24. Also grants Block +1 and Dodge +1 on Sacrifice.

 > Added durations to the 4 Intimidation effects.

 > Changed the effect of Intimidation (Curse) - induces 2 Disabilities now on Consume.

< Operations >

<> Intercept - effect change, greatly improved (buffed).

 > Added Intercept (Distortion) and Counterattack (Distortion), which are "stack"  based, like Block and Dodge (though these 2 are Favors).

 > Attack ratios for the actions has been reduced to 33% ATK, since they are free actions. A sense of balance is needed.

<> Defiant Approach - Shield Type is no longer mini Shield, now it acts as ability Shield.

 > Now it's also a hidden effect.

<> Brilliant Defiance - effect rewording, effect change, buffing of Brilliance (Obstruction).

 > Changed Brilliance (Obstruction) to no longer have (in)active mechanic, but heal for the same 2 values, with the final heal being the higher value.

 > Now it's also a hidden effect.

<> Intent Defiance - effect rewording.

 > Now it's also a hidden effect.

<> Smug Defiance - effect rewording, moved the CD reduction to first cast, added Enforcers to second effect instead.

 > Second cast prevent damage and Loss of Life taken.

 > Now it's also a hidden effect.

<> Striking Defiance full rework, received a 3rd cast effect.

 > Now it's also a hidden effect.

<> Sentinel's Defiance effect received a 4th cast effect, reworked 2nd cast effect, reworded 3rd cast effect.

 > Now also applies a new Distortion effect.

 > Now it's also a hidden effect.

<> Focused Defiance effect rework partly, added Adrenaline gain, Counterattack gain.

 > Now it's also a hidden effect.

<> Soldier's Defiance effect rework partly, generally buffed.

 > Now it's also a hidden effect.

<> Created separate description box for Shrink (Obstruction) and Vulnerable (Distortion).

< Signets >

<> Defense Signet - base effect changed to add Enforcers instead, overall buff. Also increased Team SHield gain from 50 to 90.

 > Corrected Tag colors to show it has enhanced effect for Darkness Specialisation as well.

<> Replicator Signet received its name, now replicates Buffs and boons that foes apply on themselves (or gain).

 > Initially this was not a replicate action, but had the same functionality.

 > Corrected Tags to show it is only active during Darkness Specialisation (since it is Freezing Aura related).

 > Now also has share mechanic.

<> Renewal Signet received its name and had its Sacrifice effect removed.

<> Defiant Signet received its name, received a buff, like lowering Ailment application chances, and grants Precision +1 during Darkness Specialisation.

 > Also applies Taunt on Craft.

< Defense and Deflection >

<> Stances CD increased from 3 to 4.

<> Reflection (Passive) - received its name and slight changes.

<> Enduring Stance (Stance) - received its name and slight changes.

 > Changed healing to 10 +10 per ally who is alive (global range).

 > Effect description rewritten to make sense much easier.

 > Improved the effect of Endurance Ward and changed its name to Ward of Endurance; created it a separate description box.

<> Blessed Stance effect rework and name given.

 > Changed the effect of Blessed Ward and created it a separate description box.

<> Clearstate Stance effect change and name given.

 > Changed the effect of Blinding Ward, renamed it to Clearstate Ward and created it a separate description box.

< Shieldforce >

<> Rework. Removed durations. Reduced amount of Shieldforce gain from boons, now is also gained when receiving boons from allies, and when granting boons to allies, BUT for ally affected, not boon number!

<> Reworked most of the actual 5 Shieldforce abilities, added 5 more and also provided each a name (initially missing).

<> Added 6 extra abilities.

< Runes >

<> Slight rework and effect rewriting for most Runes to reduce possible cunfusion upon reading.

<> Given name to each Rune ability.

<> Adding 15 extra Runes, last 10 being each oriented towards preventing 1 damage instance of a certain Type and sub Type of damage.

<> Last 10 Runes have received a trigger limit of 1x per round.

 > There can be a max of 2 Runes holdable at any time (applies only to the last 10 Runes).

< Attacks >

<> Created a Passive effect named "Cunning" that explains their function entirely.

<> Added an explanation within "Deflective Counter" (Attack) to describe the difference between counterattack and Counterattack +X.

<> Counterstrike (Attack) effect rewritten to make more sense and also added it a counterattack so that it actually deals some damage and act as a "counterattack".

<> Counterwhirl: Melee effect rewritten to make more sense, added Combo Burst effect.

<> Counterwhirl: Ranged effect rewritten to make more sense.

<> Counterforce: Utility was added a counterattack effect to also act as an actual attack.

< (Defiant) Stances >

<> Shielding Compassion I - moved the description of Defiant Stance to its own description box.

 > Rewrote effect to be easier to understand.

<> Slight effect changes to description to the other 4 effects.

< Shouts >

<> Face the Aggression - mentioned that it also affects caster for first effect.

< Fanaticism >

<> Overall CD changes for abilities, a general reduction.

<> Blessing of the Masses was given a name, now also reduces the CD by 1 of Fanaticism abilities granting specific Class-related Auras AND Flag abilities.

<> Created a new ability Type named Flags.

 > Flags will belong to different Specialisations, have same name, yet attach a different effect.

 > Require a character in range to be declared as corresponding ability's Flagbearer.

<> Changed the effect of Retribution Aura, removed End Effect and 1 other effect, now it deals 5 Saintly damage to aggressors when they deal damage or Loss of Life.

<> Changed the effect of Defensive Aura.

<> Changed the effect of Karmic Aura - full rework.

<> Lightstrike and Punish (Attacks) received their names, cost 1 Fanaticism now instead of 1 Adrenaline.

<> Staggering Hit (Attack) effect shortened, CD reduced from 5 to 3 and ATK Ratio reduced from 125% to 75%.

<> Removed 3 Attacks, let them be just 10, changed a few costs from Adrenaline to Fanaticism.

 > Rework of each Attack or slight changes.

<> Changes to the general Obstructions granted by the Shouts: "Pressurised Bubble", "Limitbreaker" and "Purifier Beam".

< Darkness >

<> Vanquish Their Magicks (Passive) - effect description rewriting to make more sense.

 > Presented in description the fact that the Field follows caster as their move.

<> Nullifying Field (Passive) - adjustments to its general Distortions, created properties for those in General Properties for All file.