A Journey through Consciousness - Facing Alpha Nemesis - Monthly Log #27 (no video) - 01.05.2025 - 31.05.2025

< Rework of the Blade >

<> RULE: effects that grant something to self and others always act as share actions. Wrote it as Rule 91 in the RULES Tab.

<> RULE: each action can be followed by max 1 Reaction / Impulse per character.

  >> can be more from the same character, but rarely in succession (a few professions may)!

  >> if more Reactions would trigger at the same time, only 1 can, so the character will choose.

  >> that is why stacking more Reactions is rarely of any good, other than the choice (if spammable).

  >> even if AI is working for playable characters, player still has to make the choice for some effects.

<> Absorb value was upgraded now to Personal Shield (since many characters lack such a mechanic).

 > Triggers at step 5 of damage calculation (according to counter-damage effects' priority chart - Clarification Mechanics Excel tab, keyword "damage").

 > Was given a max value of 150.

 > Automatically depleted to absorb damage (not Loss of Life) and is converted into HP / Mana (50% ratio).

< Encyclopedia >

<> Created several descriptions for different terms (keywords) of the game, which will be added within the Encyclopedia.

<> Rewrote the description effect of entry Damage subTypes, explaining in better words the function of the damage subTypes within the game.

 > Created a description box with fluff descriptions about these damage subTypes as well as their specific effects (own + Multiplex).

<> Rewrote the description of Saintly damage Type to better depict its effect.

<> Toxin damage Type no longer increases a randomly chosen Debuff's duration (too much code would be needed to be written), now just applies Poisoned.

 > Caster also heals a little bit per struck targets.

< General Effects and Mini Effects >

<> Ward of Endurance grants Boon Remove Prevent instead of Buff Remove Prevent.

<> Ward (Buff) now acts as share action.

<> Purifying Ward now removes Dark Utilities on allies, heals allies and removes Buffs from foes.

<> Stalwart Ward also grants Stability, its last 2 effects were removed. Also it grants Thorn Field.

<> Craftcrazed +X (Stat) was reworked to grant 30% chance for extra Craft and no longer take into account its value for extra chances, since this isn't spammy (or at least yet).

 > Rewrote its description and the 2 clarifications below were marked with a <!> marker instead of <> to better highlight the importance of those 2 lines.

<> Panic (Distortion) had its default chance reduced from -33% to -12%.

<> Death Aura also prevents Defilement value increase from Negative Effects.

<> Holy Aura prevents Nourishment value decrease from foes and Environmentals.

< Combo Fields rework >

<> Though not a Combo Field, Hallowed Field's overwrite effect now Retriggers.

<> Removed the 10 damage they would deal to all units, since Combo Fields may end up used often and will deal more damage than abilities themselves.

 > Changed some effects that trigger on characters within.

 > Now they also increase allies' corresponding Resistance by +10%.

<> Each Combo Field will have an effect on characters stepping within.

< Mini Effects > 

<> Blightfulness (Dark Favor) no longer grants boons but cures 1 Debuff of choice.

 > Performed changes to properties.

<> Intimidation (general Obstruction) also increases Attack damage done per Protection effect on self.

<!> RULE: Personal Shields do not benefit from damage reduction, unless specifically specified!

< Xandaara the Wise >

<> Corrected keyword color for "Frozen" within Ether Frostshield's and Spine Chill's descriptions.

< Nora the Pure >

<> Gained a new Passive, Racial "Grave of the Nora'a" that is centered on Nature Field.

<> Shankfar'harkaara (Heal) is also Nature related.

<> Flow Transfer (Transferance) is also Nature tile related.

<> Ailment Transfer (Transferance) has a slightly better effect if Nora is on a Nature tile.

<> Gift of Martyrdom (Harmony) is also Nature tile related.

< Ferenji the Brave >

<> His Specialisations now have a max duration of 1 round. When 1 is chosen it must not be the previous.

<> Slight improves to the bonuses of Specialisations, since these no longer stack (and are only active while that Specialisation is active).

<> Darkness Within resource functionality changed to no longer be exchangeable for resources, but to apply effects on struck foes.

 > Can be gained while in any active Specialisation, but only trigger while Darkness is active.

<> Changed how Adrenaline is gained, also added gaining it from using own Reaction effects (more synergy).

< Passives >

<> Rewrote the Resource Plethora Passives' descriptions to better underline the way(s) that their described resource is gained.

< Operations >

<> Changed Intercept's description to better reflect function.

< Plague Tickets >

<> Invitation to Suffering now grants Thorn Reflect.

<> Invitation to Sorrow no longer spreads its Poison to foes, but reduces the Speed of foes (in range of caster) who have at least 1 enemy (Weapon) Poison effect active on them.

<> Each was given a CD of 3 rounds which starts after the Effect triggered.

<> The CD specified is both for Craft and trigger (separate).

< Attacks >

<> Punish effect shortened, a few effects removed.

< Signets >

<> Now have a Tier system, which make them have different effects.

<> Now they have a field-related effect.

<> Defense Signet increases own Resistances by +10%.

<> Intimidating Signet is somewhat Shout related. Also doesn't have a last Tier.

<> Restoration Signet is correlated a bit with Crafting, summoning a Banner or Shouts on CD.

 > Does not have last Tier.

<> Replicator Signet (new) allows sharing effects from self to a specific ally.

<> Strip Signet now is somewhat Banner related and generally removes or transfers 1 Mini Effect from self to target.

<> Recovery Signet grants a Specialisation Swap Point (max: 1 / round anyway), cures a Debuff or recovers some resources (depending on version).

<> Renewal Signet renamed to Recovery Signet.

 > Blessing of Nora (Distortion) was granted a description box, now also affects vampiric healing and rewritten description (same functionality).

<> Defiant Signet reduces some damage either to Personal Shield or to self.

< Banners >

<> Changed all 4 Banners, made the first 2 more complex.

<> They all have a new effect: if wielded by non-Martial Professions, those characters will have Movement Speed -1.

<> Now Banners can be equipped by a character and de-equipped.

<> Added several effects to each of the first 2, made the last 2 more simple, effect-wise.

< Runes >

<> Runes can trigger 3 times per round now.

<> Rune of Pyre's effect was made more diversified, granting Fire Shield instead of Shieldforce.

 > Has 2 new effects depending on which Specialisation is active (1 for Defense and Deflection, 1 for Defiance).

<> Rune of Potioncraft grants Craftcrazed and has a Sacrifice effect.

 > No longer has refresh Effect (since now it has 2 Effects and no longer lasts 2 rounds).

<> Mark of the Seeker Dora'a (Environmental) effect rewritten and was granted more explanation to be easier to understand. Same function.

<> Holy Relic of the Nora'a (Inventory Item) also inflicts Confusion against ranged aggressors.

 > Effect rewritten and explained better. Also added a Reminder for better clarification. :)

< DEFENSE AND DEFLECTION >

<> Reflection (Passive) also grants Reflect instead of increased Deflect Strength and Specialisation Swap Points +1.

 > No longer resets Deflect +X value on Specialisation Swap.

< Stances >

<> First 3 Stances no longer trigger their coresponding Ward effect.

<> These 5 Stances last 1 round instead of 1 Phase.

<> Enduring Stance grants Shieldforce on Block +X triggers, and has a new effect.

 > A bit more Shieldforce is gained if Nora is alive.

<> Blessed Stance grants damage reduction and extra damage reduction depending on some conditions.

 > Adrenaline cost reduced from 3 to 2.

<> Purifier Stance deals Holy damage now, triggers Purifying Ward after 5 triggers.

 > Purifying Ward triggered has been turned into a personal version (completely different except the last).

<> Stalwart Stance completely reworked to grant damage reduction instead and Iron Will.

 > Was also given an Improve effect, to make it quirkier.

 > Grants 1 newly created Sigil which allows the trigger of Stalwart Ward.

< Runes >

<> These Runes' duration has been reduced from 2 rounds to 1.

<> 1 of the Runes was removed.

<> Added duration as Tag instead of it taking 1 effect description line, added new Tags to depict Craft and Cast Speed (same for each).

<> Rune of Thorns (Deflection) was renamed Rune of Deflection and was reworked greatly. Now it is worth of its name.

<> Rune of Bleeding grants caster Savagery on cast and effect induces Block / Dodge Rate -0.25x on next 2 Attacks as well (such a rarely used effect).

 > Now also detonates Mana.

<> Rune of Striking returns damage on aggressors instead of its old effect.

<> Rune of Armor now grants more Armor and for Elements that player chooses.

<> Rune of Deflection was renamed Rune of Thorns and was reworked.

<> Rune of the Twisted has an effect related to Banners.

<> Rune of the Faith centered on Focus, effect shortened.

<> Rune of Deliverance effect slightly shortened, its use also acts as a Sacrifice.

< Attacks >

<!> Each except the first were made to be triggereable in any playable Phase instead of just the Engage Phase.

<!> Each of these Attack's main effects is now a Reaction.

<> Deflective Counter no longer returns the Ailments and Mini Effects to aggressor, reworked the ability since it felt awkward description wise.

 > Now it reduces target's chances to succeed with the Attack they were about to make.

 > Added Reminder in the descrition to remind player of the counterattack mechanic.

 > Counterattack ATK Ratio is now based on Absorb value instead of Absorb +X value.

<> Counterstrike now triggers AFTER an enemy melee ability hits caster instead of before an enemy Attack (this effect was becoming repetitive).

<> Counterwhirl: Melee renamed to Counterwhirl. Also applies Thornstruck.

<> Counterwhirl: Range renamed to Ranged Counter, reworked.

< Defiant Stances >

<> Renamed as Link Stances, increased their CDs from 6 to 8 rounds.

 > 3 of these can be active in parallel, however they still have the Stance-related effect that no other Stance can be cast while one is active.

<> Are related to wielding Banners, making them feel a bit more synergistic.

<> First was reworked to grant Shieldforce or Team Shield (caster's choice).

<> Second was reworked to grant extra Resistance to allies (caster's choice).

<> Third was reworked to grant Harvester (a very rarely mentioned effect in player's characters' abilities).

<> Shielding Compassion IV renamed to Extending Compassion, reworked to function around Sacrificing a boon.

<> Shielding Compassion V renamed to Truthful Compassion, reworked to increase allies' healing.

< Shieldforce abilities >

<> Shieldforce Mastery (Passive) now also allows recycling unnecessary Shield / Barrier values into Shieldforce (1:1).

<> Now they cost Shieldforce instead of Adrenaline.

<> They are fast actions (instant) instead of taking 1 Phase.

<> Command: Armor Up grants allies in Banner's range Armor and a -phobia Buff.

 > Must wield a Banner to be used.

<> Command: Taunt still applies Taunt, now inflicts Knockdown on melee aggressors.

 > Improved effect if wielding a Banner.

 > Removed all Improve effects and was granting 1 new one instead.

<> Command Restore reworked to function around Sacrificing a boon and still targets 1 ally.

 > Gained an effect if caster wields a Banner and 1 effect if targeted ally wields a Banner.

<> Command Stabilise changed to grant any disables in the range of caster's wielded Banner instead of anti-Stun on just 1 ally.

 > Requires wielding a Banner.

<> The other 5 abilities were removed (the Warrior has quite some many abilities in some Specialisations).

< Shouts >

<> "Face the Aggression!" removed its "bonus effects if the specific allies are in range".

 > Changed to grant Barrier towards chosen Elements, caster gains Rage +1 and grants Precision and Unblockable to self and allies if caster has a Banner.

<> "Never Capitulate!" grants anti-defeated and also has a Banner-related effect.

<> "No Step Backward!" grants Speed and damage reduction, but reduces own and allies' Movement Speed to 0 for that round.

 > Increased damage dealt to foes from 24 to 30.

 > Removed 1 of the Improve effects, part of the 2nd Improve with part of the first.

<> "Dispel their Magicks!" also removes foes' Aura and if wielding a Banner also breaks Shields.

<> "Heal thy Wounds!" removes anti-heals and grants HP Regeneration.

<> "Stand Firm!" now its effect works if affected allies haven't moved this round.

<> "Purify the Blood!" now cleanses Diseased as well on a condition, no longer has the last 2 effects.

<> "Abolish Limitations!" reduced effect, no longer grants protection vs Ailments, but removes any penalties against Speed and Movement Speed.

<> "Armor Up!" reworked to grant damage reduction to allies and caster takes more damage.

 > Renamed "Toughen Up!"

< Skills >

<> Zenith Wave minor description rewrite for easier understanding.

<> Shielding Wave also grants Siphon Shield for allies only. Minor description rewriting to make sense easier.

 > Also is Banner related.

<> Protection renamed Focused Preprotection, first effect remained, last 2 were replaced with 2 effects that trigger depending on caster's remaining HP.

<> Noraine Focus also heals caster for next damage taken x2, added 1 round duration.

 > This is also HIDDEN now. :)

<> Thirst for Conquest changed to trigger its effects when damaging / dealing Loss of Life on foes with Attacks only.

 > Second effect is also [Combo Utility] now (just like the first).

<> Filth Prevention reworked to grant protection versus each negative Mini Effect Type.

 > No longer has a duration.

<> Thorns Juggle now lasts 2 rounds and grants caster a few effects when caster is hit (successful abilities that inflict either damage or Loss of Life).

 > Also deals aggressors a bit of damage.

< FANATICISM >

<> Removing the stack-related personal Auras, not bad but replacing them with simpler skill designs.

<> Reworked to function around gaining some effects and Sacrifing effects as well.

<> On the Offense (Passive) renamed to Fanatic's Preparation and some of its effects were removed.

 > Deals damage when caster Sacrifices effects.

<> Unyielding Aura has been replaced with Banner of the Unyielding.

<> Intimidating State renamed Intimidate Opposition and reworked. Has a mostly similar function of applying Ochophobia, but gained End Effect and Sacrifice effect.

 > Limited to being cast in Main Phase 1, also grants Intimidation. CD increased from 4 to 6.

<> Removed the remaining Aura abilities, redundant.

< Attacks >

<> Wavestrike renamed Wavestriker and was reworked to function as an AoE Reveal.

<> Lightshine renamed Lightshine and is a Passive effect that triggers when caster uses an Attack.

<> Ultimate Cleave reworked to have multiple costs and trigger once more for each cost payed.

 > CD reduced from 6 to 5.

<> Determined Slash allows movement to a target now, retained much of its functionality.

< Stances >

<> The Stances now last 1 round instead of 1 Phase.

<> Are castable in any payable Phase, for now, instead of just during the Engage Phase.

<> Overall effects improved, costs slightly increased.

<> Dispersion changed to also grant a Banner and a random Sigil.

 > Stance lasts 1 round instead of 1 Phase and needs to end through triggers to enable the Shout.

<> Nourish changed its Effect and Shout Effect entirely, Shout deals Sonic damage.

< DARKNESS >

<> Alongside Damage Vault and Freezing Aura, there is a new Passive named "Oppress Defenses".

 > These 3 main Passives have also been given the Sigil ability Type, and they have their own subType.

<> Vanquish their Magicks (Passive) is no longer an Ultimate, removed cost, becomes automatically active on Specialisation swap.

 > Now is countered by Hallowed Field, rendering this Specialisation somewhat less oppressive, or requiring more coordonation with Nora the Pure.

 > This Specialisation is made harder to use with allies, unless the team is willing to pay the costs of such power.

 > Grants allies Effect Resistance now, which slowly adds up, but resets to default outside of Darkness.

 > Devoid Field carries on after the Specialisation swap, with its default values, but with its nuissances as well.

<> Nullifying Field (Passive) grants caster damage reduction and Loss of Life taken reduction.

 > Sets own Movement Speed to 2.

 > Stacks gained from being damaged, taking Loss of Life or when allies / foes fail actions.

<> Deleted some abilities (redundant) and some minor effects (Distortions) that caster used before this rework.

< Psychotic Bursts >

<> Kept their newer mechanic that they no longer cost

<> Thornburst I renamed Frostspike, now it deals Frost damage and also can gain Multiplex: Cold.

 > Rewrote effect to be easier to understand.