Okay, most likely this is nothing much. The only reason why I'm suddenly having itchy fingers is due to my feline curiosity concerning my super mignonne stickwoman. Namely, is she still in the U.S?
A/N: I suddenly remember a few people I know over there in North Carolina. To HY, HX, and their kids YR, ZR, ZY, and JR, hope you all are well.
Add A/N: No, I'm not about to speculate whether my super mignonne stickwoman is crashing at their house.
Upping this because I'm very sure my super mignonne stickwoman is a Chouder. More specifically, I just only want her to know that I'm more of an indie guy even though I'm not above in appreciating mainstream stuff.
What is a RPG without stats? From JRPG to ARPG, half the gameplay is about stats (okay, that's a lie given different games have different gameplay systems). For this one, it's no exception. There are two aspects of doing the stats normally. Namely, the numbers and stat type. But what if it's possible to think out of the box? What if Nasu Kinoko has already done something like what you see in the right-hand column?
In the game, there are five stats defining the character. Namely, Strength, Fortitude, Will, Reflex, and Recovery.
If above five stats read like something done by Gary Gygax... well, you can't be blamed for seeing things this way.
At the same time, stats in this game are defined by rank, not numbers. Hopefully, Nasu won't end up hiring Drew & Napier to sue me for plagiarism. Period.
Strength:
The source of physical prowess, the pride of all who wield the sword. Strength affects the amount of physical melee damage your character deals. Also affects the amount of fire or lightning elemental damage dealt.
Fortitude:
The root of physical hardiness, the only bastion standing between mere injury and death. Fortitude affects the amount of damage your character takes, both physical and magical. Also affects the duration of any earth or magma magic.
Will:
Ever synonymous with mental strength, the one thing defined by the existence of magic. Will affects any control duration imposed upon your character and the power of any magic used by your character. Also affects the power of any water or ice magic.
Reflex:
Defines the quick and nimble, the only proof of agility and speed. Reflex affects the evasion chances and hit accuracy. Also affects critical chances of any air or lightning magic.
Recovery:
The key to surviving difficult circumstances, the reason behind every act of rallying. Recovery affects power cooldown and amount of hit points healed via self-heal. Also affects how fast your character's Chaos gauge deplete when entering Chaotic mode.
Note to self: I need to kick myself to restart my history analysis. Left only the last part of my Zhang Liang series, hope to get started on Cheng Yu. After all, it's not a daily occurrence in history to have a highly intelligent dude insulting lowly educated neanderthals and highly educated idiots alike. Wait, am I referring to myself? Nah, doubt so.
Okay, let's go back to the color code. We all know how that kind of thing works in terms of representing different levels of the relevant situation. Different colors representing different levels. Because I do not want Nasu to hire Drew & Napier to sue me over intellectual rights invasion, I choose not to use the whole Rank E to S system.
And yes, the color code system is used to grade the stats.
No, it has got nothing to do with Taylor Swift's Red 2017. This is about the second highest level for the stats color code. Alphabetically speaking, this is counted as B. Numbers wise, this is counted as the 15-18 range.
Blue:
Is it my favorite color? Well, blue is that color associated with the non-white protagonist of A Requiem From Winter Past. This is the highest grade for the stats color scoreboard. Alphabetically speaking, it's A. Numbers wise, it's counted as the 19-21 range.
Note: There's a reason why I used 21 as that so-called maximum numbers cap. I blame my super emo teenage years where I actually started playing Might and Magic II despite the game too damn retro to be widely known.
Modding the stats
Various magic effects can and will modify the stats. In gaming speak, it's called buff and debuff. Modifying the stats, be it buff effect or control (read: debuff) effect, won't change the color code. Rather, it will either confer + (for buff) or - (for debuff) on the affected stats. How powerful the effect is will be indicated by the number of stacks with the minimum number of stacks being capped at one.
How to know which stats are being affected?
Very simple. Below your character portrait lists all the four stats arranged in a straight line. The number of stacks will be indicated beside the relevant sign listed below the affected stat (e.g. +1, +2, +3, etc; or -1, -2, -3, etc).
Another set of elements
If magic by itself is defined by the four elements of fire, earth, water, and air, then what about the stats?
The concept of elements is not just something exclusive to the white people. The ancient Chinese also have their own brand of the elemental science, namely three plus two. Three because of fire, water, and earth (火、水、土). Two because the remainder has got nothing to do with the white man's elemental science (i.e. metal and wood). Going by the proper order according to the Original (Chinese) Sanders, it should be metal, wood, water, fire, and earth (金、木、水、火、土).
Above paragraph is me getting ahead of myself. Let's get back to topic. Every character has a certain fighting style. It's like watching football/soccer. You have formations like 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1, and 4-3-3. You have people called gaffers who define how the formation should be played, people like Jürgen Klopp, Antonio Conte, and Chris Hughton (I know the last name sounds like a stranger to you, but that's because he's actually black). So how does the whole fighting style work? Let's go through each of them.
Before that, however, let me just state that every such element has a symbolic stat. Symbolic stats will always be automatically set at blue level according to their respective elements, no matter what.
Note of total recall: Elements used in magic is now called elementum while elements used in the stats/fighting style is now called natura. Yes, they're Latin terms. I know that.
Commonly associated with trials and tribulations, the metal natura represents the mental aspect of mortality.
Symbolic stat: Will
Effect: Reduces the effectiveness of all control effects by one stack. If the effectiveness of any control effect is two stacks or less, that control effect will be nullified. After all the current control effects have expired, the affected character gains 10% bonus in damage dealt while damage taken is reduced by 15% for the next 20 seconds. During this time, affected character cannot be targeted by any control effect.
Characters associated with this natura: Aeravor and Guts.
Wood:
Commonly associated with renewal and rebirth, the wood natura drives forth the natural order of the mortal body.
Symbolic stat: Recovery
Effect: Increases amount of hit points healed via all sources by 25%. When using self-heal, power cooldown is reduced further by 2 seconds. The second effect can only be triggered once every 30 seconds.
Characters associated with this natura: Alestrial Eliaden and Dany.
Water:
Commonly associated with calmness and unpredictability, the water natura is synonymous with knowledge and fluid movement.
Symbolic stat: Reflex
Effect: Increases hit accuracy by 10% for 5 seconds after every successful evasion. Every successful hit will increase the critical chance of the next power by 0.5%. The second effect will be reset upon triggering a critical effect.
Characters associated with this natura: Tristan Aias and Eliath de Serpentwine.
Fire:
Commonly associated with fury and passion, the fire natura is tied with aggression and instinct.
Symbolic stat: Strength
Effect: Increases critical chance by 5% per successful hit, up to the maximum amount of 20%. Upon triggering a critical effect with any power, this effect will be reset with the power's critical effect increasing by 150% this way. The effect will be reset afterwards with a cooldown of 30 seconds.
Characters associated with this natura: Guy Cody and Arondight.
Earth:
Commonly associated with steadfastness and sudden wrath, the earth natura is linked with structure and fortification.
Symbolic stat: Fortitude
Effect: Increases overall damage resistance by 2% for every hit taken, up to the maximum amount of 50%. Once this maximum amount has been reached, the next damage dealt will trigger an area attack against surrounding enemies, dealing damage equivalent to 300% of overall damage taken during this effect. The effect will be reset afterwards with a cooldown of 30 seconds.
Characters associated with this natura: Lars Alterfate and Drizzt Do'Urden.
RNG and default PCs
When it comes to the color code, the difference between your created characters and default PCs lies in the RNG. In other words, only your created characters will be subjected to the RNG rule when it comes to the stats (apart from the symbolic stats ofc). For the default PCs like Aeravor, every single thing is basically rigged.
Next up: I need to sleep soon (read: 1 am now). Also, I need time to think what to do next. Enjoy this song below. And yes, I know I'm a connoisseur unlike 90% of my fellow S'poreans.
It's a bit of a double whammy atm. I'm down with a minor flu and a legitimate case of depression. Okay, I admit the latter part isn't that bad. I'm still quite sane, just that certain things about humanity will never change. Note: Above statement was done in like... erm... actually I don't know when I typed this part...
Guess maybe that's why the world of Berserk resonates well with me despite my understanding being restricted to the series wiki. Not to mention Guts' personality as well. Hopefully, I can restart my engine for A Requiem From Winter Past.
Fashionista, Connoisseur, or both?
At this point of time I'm typing this, my mum decided to break character. She's not one to enjoy shows like Star Awards 2017. But still... well, you get the drift. Because I got nothing better to do, might as well I play the fashionista. After all, I'm already a "proven" connoisseur unlike (?) 90% of my fellow S'poreans. Don't believe me on the connoisseur part?
This is proof that you don't have to be a Chouder to be a connoisseur. No offense to my super mignonne stickwoman.
Zhang Zhen Huan
My comment: Being the first on the stage, he basically set down the glass ceiling. His tuxedo exuded an air of class and confidence. Funnily enough, pretty much most of the guys seemed to play it safe by wearing the similar black-and-white style.
Shane Pow
My comment: I don't know who designed that guy's power black-and-white style, but that designer deserved a round of applause from yours truly. On one hand, it's a daring choice. On the other end, it's so daring that the chance of hitting a backfire is too damn high. The outcome? Fortune may not favour the foolhardy, but fortune surely favours the bold.
Lee Teng
My comment: If Shane Pow broke the glass ceiling through the sheer power of fashion derring-do, Lee Teng broke the same glass ceiling with class. His all-white getup was nothing short of a white knight to Zhang Zhen Huan's Le Chevalier Noir (I'd liken Shane's getup to a swashbuckler instead of a knight).
Pornsak
My comment: Like Lee Teng, Pornsak broke the glass ceiling with class. Unlike Lee Teng's Le Chevalier Blanc style, Pornsak's suit is more of a cream colour. Like Lee Teng, Pornsak was definitely guilty of oozing class in a manner different from the rest.
Desmond Ng
My comment: If you think Shane Pow is the only son of a gun when it comes to wearing the daring, think again. Desmond Ng basically replicated... well, I won't say Shane's style. The jacket was far less daring than Shane's bling, but the presence of shiny sequins on the sleeves made him stood out from the rest. In a way different from Shane's power style, no less.
The A-babes
Rebecca Lim
My comment: Nothing flashy. Sometimes, simplicity works. At least for Rebecca, that is. Come to think of it, I find her nickname to be the Mother Of All Ironies.
Jesseca Liu
My comment: In a local drama entitled The Queen, she's the... well, queen. Like Becks above, it's a case of simplicity made good. Pretty sure my super mignonne stickwoman would agree with me since she's both a woman and her fan.
Felicia Chin
My comment: Only one name comes to mind. Scarlett Johansson. Her hairdo really reminds me of the most famous Jew in showbiz (read: Scarlett Johansson, not some British four-by-two). Even without the prominent frontal curves, she still looked good in her dress. And yes, her dress really looked good.
Chris Tong
My comment: Getting into the top 10 is a shocker. It's like seeing my beloved Middlesbrough making that Geordie Shearer eat his words (read: pulling off the Great Escape). Then again, if Chris can do it, why can't Boro? Her dress looked nothing short of being elegant. Elegant in black no less. Interestingly enough, I see her and Jesseca Liu as the two ice queen icons.
Sora Ma
My comment: I have to say she's a wee cut below the above four. But still, the dress was decent enough. Compared to the rest, that is. In fact, it could have been better if the dress was a dark coloured one. Maybe black, dark blue, or maroon
Note: No JAV jokes on Sora Ma, please. I'm not going to up the relevant links fyi. It's bad enough that I ran afoul of pr0n during my years of hormonal idiocy. Thankfully, I never ended up like Brock Turner. That'd be extremely terrible given that my family is too damn poor and my education level too damn low.
List of ranger feats (class feats and heroic feats)
Okay. End of my pointless cock and bull talk. Let's continue.
The progression table listed for every class (note that Mk XI has already done the progression table for ranger class) includes some of the class feats on top of other information. However, heroic feats were not included for a good reason. To gain access to heroic feats, one must reach level 40.
Unlike class feats, heroic feats do have certain requirements respectively. Feats will always activate without cooldown or usage of action points. Also, any class feat listed on the progression table is automatically given even without the requirements.
Class feats unlocked via character progression:
[Unlocked at level 1]
Woodland Stride-Suffers no movement penalty when in any forest terrain.
Favored Enemy-Select any one enemy type. During combat, you automatically gain +2 base attack bonus against any target of that enemy type.
List of favored enemy types: Natural (e.g. plants and animals), Non-living (e.g. constructs and undead), Elemental (e.g. fey and elemental creatures), Humanoid (e.g. drow, goblins, orcs, and humans), Outsider (e.g. aberrations, yeth hounds, and howlers), Immortal (e.g. devils and demons).
Wild Empathy-Whenever an animal is within 10 feet away, you can try taming that animal to be your companion by pressing L1/L2/R1/R2. A question mark will appear above every animal within the area of effect. Chance of success ranges anywhere from 10% to 90%.
[Unlocked at level 2]
Select your combat style from the list below:
Archery Style-Gains Rapid Shot feat without the need for requirements. Rapid Shot increases the attack rate if armed with any bow weapon (apart from crossbow).
Two Weapon Fighting Style-Gains Two Weapon Fighting feat without the need for requirements. Two Weapon Fighting gives a 10% chance of attacking automatically with any off-hand weapon.
[Unlocked at level 4]
Endurance-Duration for any damage over time against you is halved.
Improved Archery Style-Gains Manyshot feat without the need for requirements. Manyshot gives you a 20% chances to fire more than one arrow in an attack. Number of arrows fired this way depends on your Dexterity (one additional arrow fired for every 4 points of Dexterity above 12). Number of arrows fired this way cannot go below two.
Improved Two Weapon Fighting Style-Gains Improved Two Weapon Fighting feat without the need for requirements. Improved Two Weapon Fighting gives a 20% chance of attacking automatically with any off-hand weapon.
Improved Favored Enemy-During combat, you automatically gain +4 base attack bonus against any target belonging to your favored enemy type. Refer to Favored Enemy for a list of favored enemy types.
[Unlocked at level 8]
Evasion-Whenever you roll a successful Reflex save against any area attack, you take no damage instead of half damage.
Improved Wild Empathy-Increase the maximum range for your Wild Empathy feat to 15 feet. Any animal within 10 feet will have an increased chance of success from 15% to 40%.
[Unlocked at level 12]
Archery Style Mastery-Gains Precise Shot feat without the need for requirements. Precise Shot allows you to fire any ranged or thrown weapon at melee range without any penalty to hit. In addition, Precise Shot reduces the penalty to hit against any target behind cover by 50%.
Two Weapon Fighting Style Mastery-Gains Greater Two Weapon Fighting feat without the need for requirements. Greater Two Weapon Fighting gives a 30% chance of attacking automatically with any off-hand weapon. Whenever a critical hit is done by the main-hand weapon, damage inflicted by the off-hand weapon is increased by 15%.
Wild Empathy Mastery-Increase the maximum range for your Wild Empathy feat to 20 feet. Any animal within 10 feet will have an increased chance of success from 30% to 90%.
[Unlocked at level 16]
Favored Enemy Mastery-During combat, you automatically gain +6 base attack bonus against any target belonging to your favored enemy type. Refer to Favored Enemy for a list of favored enemy types.
[Unlocked at level 20]
Camouflage-Whenever you stay near any forest cover without moving, you will automatically trigger a successful Stealth skill check even if you do not have this skill. If you attack any enemy in this way, the Stealth status will be removed. If you have the Stealth skill, you can attack target enemy twice instead of just once this way.
Hide in Plain Sight-Whenever you stay near more than 2 friendly characters, you automatically trigger a successful Stealth skill check even if you do not have this skill. After this effect is triggered, there will be a fixed 50% chance of failure. If you have the Stealth skill, chance of failure will be reduced to 30%.
Total Recall?
Above vid can only mean one thing. And that is I may need to do a total recall on certain aspects of my planning. For now, it's the feats unavailable via the progression table. To make things easier for others (not to mention making life easier for me since my daily job doesn't involve my talent in any way or form), I decided to streamline the whole damn thing. In other words, class feats are only available via the class progression table. Other feats apart from heroic and paragon feats can now be accessible to every character class.
Basically, this means one thing: I'll have reserve at least one post for that. After all, I need to work like any hardworking citizen even though my job doesn't involve the things I do best.
Before I end this...
A naughty idea suddenly popped up in me. Okay, I admit it's not naughty at all since it has got nothing to do with any Sora. Remember what I did for Arylos? Well, I decided to add one more thing. Namely, a character specific daily power. Not for all characters, mind you. Rather, it's reserved only for characters with names instead of any Tom, Dick, and Harry created together with every Mary, Jane, and Sue for that matter. So here it is. Arylos' exclusive daily power.
Scroll to the end to know what I'm about to do. Also *spoiler below*
Apparently, Archer managed to impress Illya-chan despite her Berserker class Servant being the renowned Greek hero Heracles. Sounds a bit like me if I say so myself. I mean the Archer part.
)0(
["I find it quite amusing to see such an attack taking somewhat after m'lord's last name."
Before a chuckling Jergal, Kelemvor uttered nary a word. To see an amused Jergal, however, was a rarity in itself. In fact, it was whispered oft amongst the mortal folks that amusing the former god of death was the only means to court immortality in every sense of the word. Of course such rumors were merely tales sung by minstrels and bards who never understood the truth.
"Lyonsbane," murmured the Lord of the Dead, "To think I still have to witness a glimpse of my past. Perhaps an image of what I should have been if not for Ariel Manx."
"You mean the current Mystra," shaking his head, Jergal took his leave. There was no way the god of death could ever revert to the life of Kelemvor Lyonsbane. Perhaps this was the reason why his liege made Arylos one of his Chosen, reasoned Jergal as he glanced back towards the one whom he must both serve and supervise.]
Arrow of Lyonsbane:
[Damage type-Multi target ranged; arcane; burst]
With his bow and a single arrow, Arylos unleashes a bolt of immense power and fury. Upon contact, the projectile will detonate in a massive explosion. All enemies caught in the area of effect will be sucked into a vortex and blasted upwards.
[Burst-+10% critical chance]
Damage: 12000
P.S: Additional info here. Also my ideal theme for ネバーウィンターの勇者伝説 below. Performed by Kalafina, no less. In my super mignonne stickwoman's own words, an awesome group.
Add P.S: Wonder if she's still in America. I mean my super mignonne stickwoman, not any other woman.
Good Friday had been... well, good for the climate here in Singapore. After a damn hot 1-2 weeks, Good Friday Eve heralded a cooler weather. Then came Good Friday itself (which is today), the coolness got even better. No thanks to my lack of faith, I'm down with flu due to switching on the fan. Because Martin Luther was a German while John Calvin was French, I decided to translate "Blessed Good Friday" in the respective languages.
[Gesegnet Karfreitag]
-This is "from" Martin Luther
[Béni Vendredi Saint]
-This is "from" John Calvin.
Also, I don't know French unless my super mignonne stickwoman is willing to teach me.
I just feel like upping this. Yes, I know I'm a connoisseur in my own right unlike 90% of my fellow S'poreans, degree or no degree, A*STAR scholar or no A*STAR scholar.
Yggdrasil=your base and lab
In the game, there are two types of base. The first type is the standard city/town you get in games like Marvel Heroes, Neverwinter, and Path of Exile. For now, I decide to list down two for each (Causacean) faction.
Kalaran Empire:
Romus (capital), Saltsea (city)
Note: Romus is inspired by ancient Rome and Remus, the brother of Romulus. Saltsea is inspired by a place in North Yorkshire named Saltburn-by-the-Sea.
High Realm of Teutonia:
Anglsax (capital), Normand (city)
Note: Anglsax is inspired by the Anglo-Saxons while Normand is inspired by that most famous beach party in the human history. Namely, Normandy.
Free Lands of Slarvea:
Stalz (capital), Santesburg (city)
Note: Stalz is inspired by that one place which crippled Hitler and his BFFs. Namely, Stalingrad. Santesburg is inspired by a recent target of terror attack. Namely, St Petersburg. And no, I'm no using a tragedy to plug my own creativity. I'm confident enough when it comes to my own talent, thank you very much.
Why I listed this part under Yggdrasil is very simple. Like that non-nuke bomb America used to defend itself, Yggdrasil is also considered a MOAB. Not Mother Of All Bombs, but rather Mother Of All Bases. Once you enter that particular realm, you can just teleport via a waypoint to.. well, any city/town of your choice.
However, there are two waypoints instead of just one. The other waypoint will bring you back to your previous location instead of the city/town of your choice.
In Yggdrasil, you're unable to purchase any item. However, it is the only place where you can customise and create your own set of magic. The steps are as followed:
1. Upon reaching Yggdrasil, you'll get a total of three random properties (e.g. dealing direct damage to target enemy, healing, removal of control effect, etc) together with their respective elements (i.e. fire, earth, water, and air).
2. You can opt to either fuse any two properties together while storing the last one into the World Tree (i.e. some kind of personal bank) or putting all three into the World Tree) or store all three into the bank.
3. Fusing the properties in order to create the end-product (i.e. usable magic).
On the final step, there will be a certain chance of failure. When you fuse the properties, the resultant magic power's level will be scaled according to your current level. The higher the level, the higher the chance of failure.
There will always be a possibility of getting two identical properties instead of three different types. Fusing two such properties is possible with the outcome being the magic having only one property so as to speak.
Creating hybrid elements
Creating hybrid elements is like creating a single element magic. To create a usable magic of any hybrid element, you'll need to do the fusing twice. Once for creating the hybrid element, the other for fusing said element with any one property. Due to the nature of hybrid elements, however, only a property belonging to any single element used to form the hybrid element can be used. At the same time, any hybrid element created as a result will automatically have a random property per normal.
Alternatively, you can create a hybrid elemental magic by using two hybrid elements instead.
Limitation imposed (because God doesn't exist in the Crucible)
Humanity can be the highest form of paradox in the world of creation. On one hand, religion and atheism actually go hand in hand. Without religion, there won't be atheism. On the other hand, atheism can also be seen as a form of religion where humanity assumes the role of God. The concept of being a god is very simple: Either it's a total lack of fallacy or one person's fallacy deemed more logically correct than the other person's lack of fallacy. On a moderate level, it doesn't pose a danger to society. On a more dangerous level, we have cults, cult leaders, and cultists running about causing problems. Believe it or not, I actually discovered the big boss of MV Sewol happened to be some head honcho of... well, you get the drift.
In a world where God doesn't exist, human fallacy won't cease its existence just because God doesn't... well, exist. In the realm of Yggdrasil, fusing can only involve elements of the same type. Period. If you want to go ahead and break this rule, you're not gonna die because of that. But you can be very damn sure the fusing process will be denied.
What if you fail?
Once you fail your try, the properties will automatically transfer to the World Tree. You can only try fusing the same properties again in your next trip to Yggdrasil. However, it must be stated that you can only enter that realm for a fixed number of times per day (read: per day as in the game, not real life).
At the same time, the World Tree has only 24 slots with one property assigned to one slot. So yeah, you'll most likely have to do the offloading one way or another. Also, one slot can accommodate a magic effect successfully created.
Any usable magic will have its level fixed according to your character level and that it cannot be levelled up. On the flip side, however, any form of magic, be it Thaumaturgy and Metallurgy, is considered more powerful than other moves apart from Elegy.
Elegy
The special one of the gameplay. Like Thaumaturgy and Metallurgy, Elegy is also considered a powerful form of supernatural force. The extent of its power, however, can only be described as the MOM. Not the Ministry Of Manpower in my country, but rather Mother Of Magic.
To execute an Elegy, two requirements must be met. Namely, entering Chaotic mode and having at most 40% of your HP. After executing an Elegy, you cannot use that power again until one full day has passed (i.e. 1 hr of your gaming time).
I believe I've covered pretty much most of the basic gameplay apart from the above two. Self-heal is... well, self-explanatory. After all, there's a need for healing, potions or no potions. Self-heal can be used during or outside combat. However, it will have a base cooldown period of 10 seconds (and I say base because you'll never know what kind of third party effect will come into the picture). When using self-heal on a standalone basis, it will heal you for 10% of your HP. Once you enter Chaotic mode, the amount of HP healed will go up to 30% with additional heal over time effect. Doing so, however, will hasten the depletion of your Chaos gauge until the heal over time effect expires.
As for Focus effect, it is used to augment attacks, self-heal, magic, etc. By holding down R2, you can execute a more powerful version of your selected move. The longer you hold, the more powerful the effect. Maximum duration for holding down is 10 seconds. If you get attacked during the focus animation, there will be a 25% chance of being interrupted. This probability will increased according to the amount of damage and hits taken.
As for the inventory, you can only open it outside combat. To select the item you want to use, just press any button.
Next up: Other aspects of the gameplay (read: not the basic aspect). Need to eat dinner.
P.S: Let's see if my super mignonne stickwoman is still in America or now back in S'pore.
I watch my past seven years ago unfolding like a play, myself seated as the lone audience. Everything is too surreal, this has never been the way to spend my eighteenth birthday. Leers exposing my fears back then, my kidnappers spared no effort in unmasking their hopeless lives. Who would ever commit his lust unto an eleven-year-old girl yet to see maidenhood? ‘Tis a question which I will never know the answer to. Joenne said outlaws like them only desire money and ransom, Karen asking why money and ransom since either should be enough. That was two years ago, I still remember a sombre Karen nodding in response to Joenne’s answer.
"Only ransom if you’re a son. If you’re a daughter, then ransom exacted plus getting sold to a bordello."
They claimed to be after my father's gold, said gold was nothing to these ravenous animals licking their lips. Two things they aimed to get, one end was all they wanted. To take their undeserved reward and my body, to renege on their word so as to sell me off like what Joenne had said. I know what they were thinking, for each man spoke aloud out his mind.
Should sins and all things evil from the heart have a higher authority than the mind?
I ask myself this question every now and then, rumoured tales of potent brew running rampant in my head. There is always more than one way to be intoxicated, be it through the hands of a conniving servant or a seemingly innocuous offer to the thirsty. As for me, being both the audience seated and a victim seemingly doomed is another way to be intoxicated even though I know not why.
"There is no honour in fuelling our evil desires, 'tis why even the gods are also sinners. For we are their image in the same way they are of ours."
My mother not from birth has taught me this much, this is why I abhor such a life. What purpose does the promise of power serve if your soul knows not what you are living for, let alone why? What manner of gods are appeased by such heinous individuals? My father is no stranger to scoundrels doing such things in the name of their gods, this is why I know certain things without being cursed with the luck to see them. My mother first taught me about them, my father then followed suit. Not because he was willing, but because my mother effectively forced his hand by acting first. In fact, there were moments where I was left wondering whether my mother did love her husband even though I could see my father giving his love unreservedly to his wife. For I was nevertheless their daughter despite not through birth, the parents' honesty tends to be the most direct before their child. Never mind whether 'tis via a truthful show of emotions or truthful words whispered to me in private.
Then he enters the act abruptly, the only words my inner self can conjure being Chaos Incarnate. All twenty bandits bereft of repentance were hacked down, any reprieve given naught. The continuous nature of his blinking movements was outrageously alluring, it remains so whenever I still think about it. Beholding my saviour weaving to and fro is beauty truly defined, his impunity displayed like a beast mocking its quarry. I witness nothing less than a marvellous sequence of someone disappearing and reappearing at will, me being both the audience seated and a victim saved. Those whose lives are like mine tend to shun me because they say a Cinha is no Causacean. They call me a harlot and a whore, yet his eyes betray a life countless times worse than mine.
His eyes of crimson red... should I be fearing him?
Is he a demon so many have whispered about in fear or merely someone forced to be an avatar of death?
Or mayhap this man is chaos itself assuming flesh? After all, both the heart and head did proclaim the words Chaos Incarnate.
Questions without answers I choose to force away from the porch of my mind, I know with nary a doubt that this dream is never the end. 'Tis, but only a beginning to something I cannot foresee. My heart reaches out to my saviour brandishing a sword baptised in blood, I stand up from my seat with a hand extending towards the stage.
If I am that damsel in distress, is he then the hero who saves her?
As the only audience seated below, should I adore him akin to how Joenne and Karen admired that comely actor years ago on the stage?
My instincts tell me he is indeed a living sigil embodying conflict, my mother used to say trustworthy is a woman's instincts before herself. Surely he is not the type of man Joenne or Karen would fancy, but is he handsome?
More likely he is the rugged type comfortable with charming smallborne girls serving in taverns or even in a bordello. Tuor once commented such men are only good enough for whores, that was when I was only twelve winters or so. My father was not amused by this bluntest jape, a stinging slap and words equally harsh ensured history would not be repeated again.
I then see the full moon gradually laying down its cards, I witness the lunar sky invaded by a captivating sea of blue. The resultant clarity ensnares my soul, this has to be someone from that enigmatic race known as the Vánagandr. A silent understanding seems to greet the rugged figure as he turns around, his back becomes the most poignant portrait ever. Mother has spoken before of beings both fair and powerful, their long ears and hair of wintry snow setting themselves apart from the elves others have spoken about. Then a violent wind assaults both the stage and without. It feels like the frigid wind arriving every eleventh month, but the force resembles a blizzard during the month of winter. His cloak billows wildly left and right, the wind directing its course in the most chaotic fashion possible. His hood blown away from the head it is meant to cover, indeed 'tis a show of force from a forceful gale.
I never expected a complexion bronzed like a Tamurian. Yet, I would never accept that stark white hair and his distinct features as a lie. Our eyes met each other for the first time, burning jewels of crimson red supplanted by the most beautiful colour never before seen...
The colour belonging to that azure moon hanging above...the never-ending blanket of clearest blue…
There is no difference between the past and present, it seems. And may the future be like this as well. If only I could tell him that night my name is Alestrial Eliaden.
)0(
The boiling anger is all too evident, Aeravor’s seething wrath directed against that one person he once called a friend. Lars Alterfate the demon hunter, Lars Alterfate the thrice-damned betrayer…
"Fight me like a man," snarls the ranger, his fist tightly clenched despite every sliver of strength departed from him.
"Just to make sure I die like one?"
"You don’t deserve to die like one."
At those words, Lars gives a smile. Not the devious kind or the occasional leer Aeravor is used to giving, but rather a smile from someone haunted by hurt and guilt. Lolyx does not know whatever transpiring between the two, but something in her says that it isn’t that simple. Above all, that very smile captures her heart like a little girl feeling pity for a wounded puppy.
As for the former Vánagandr, forgive and forget is never part of his language. Let alone the mood to do so. Gripping Fragarach tightly despite the searing pain caused by Lars’ weapon, Aeravor snarls his defiance like a wolf cornered by a relentless hunter. Crimson warmth trickling along the arm, Aeravor steels himself with a raging fire stoking within. He can’t give in to the pain, he can’t give in to defeat. If Kagetsu no Ji'Yeon is to be the only woman he will ever love, then Lars Alterfate is that one person who must die because of her. Even though he knows what Enkidu can do, it merely means Lars is not the only person wielding a Grail.
"Kill you! Kill you, kill you, KILL YOU! LARS ALTERFATE!"
A bestial roar resounds throughout the forest, a multitude of voices accompanying a wounded wolf in his full anger. In an awesome show of power, be it due to physical fortitude, a determination of steel, or both, the chains immobilising the ranger and the knight are shattered. For the first time since Arondight rescued her from the slavers, Seelia has a real taste of fear. The ghosts haunting this place were drawn to the stranger for reasons unknown, the peace and tranquillity coming from them now warped into incessant wails, curses, and every expression of bitterness towards a world which has wronged them for no cause at all. There is something disturbing about him, an unseen spectre which seems to deny everything the world has stood for. Perhaps even the world itself.
"Seriously, you drunk or what? Contra Mundum? What's that?"
"No joke. I unearthed something funny. A rock with funny words inscribed. I tried to get it interpreted. And guess what? Someone was actually good enough to do it!"
“So you paid him?"
"Well, sorta. He demanded payment, I said I don't have the money." "That's bullshit coming from you." "Yeah, I know. That's why I killed him before he started getting too noisy."
"So what does that word mean?"
"Enemy of the world. Scary joke, huh?"
Such was the last conversation between two of her tormentors before Arondight suddenly appeared, a bestial fire raging brightly in his deep blue eyes. If there is any part of her past which Seelia would gladly forget, it has to be her days as a slave ravished many times over before she was to be sold. Yet here it is, an unexplained reminder of a nightmare taunting her.
It all happened in a momentary flash. In a show of madness, Lolyx runs hastily towards Lars as Aeravor prepares to strike. The ranger has teleported behind his wide-eyed prey, surely all will end here in a single blow. With golden orbs narrowed immediately, a silver chain strikes from above. Struck from behind and immobilised again, Aeravor glares at the object of his hatred. Unable to utter a word, there is only this far his inhumane fortitude can go. Shocked numb by the attack, his senses struggle to piece themselves back together as pain erupts like a conflagration gutting a town.
"My thanks, little girl. You don’t have to do this, though."
If Lars’ statement is intended as one of gratitude, Lolyx would have nothing of it.
"Little girl? Look, I’m already eighteen. You know what this means?"
"Why, yes I do," smirks Lars suddenly in the most roguish fashion, "It means having a pair of breasts."
"What?" retorts an outraged Lolyx, the manner of such a reply causing awkwardness in a watching Adine, "You know what you’re saying, you deplorable lowlife?"
"Why, yes I do, my dear grown-up kitten. I know your friend over there is also a looker even though her breasts are small. But hey, she's also eighteen like you."
Before a banter sparked abruptly, Aeravor gnashes his teeth. It is so much like a past worth countless years of hate, a past damning him forever. If there is truly a life worse than one of despair, it would be that of hope shattered like an infant mercilessly dashed against the rocks. Lars then casts a glance towards the person who used to be his friend.
"You know what it means to be best friends forever? I know that sounds really sappy, Aera."
"You’re drunk, Lars."
"No, I’m not. How can a drunk shaft a whore since he doesn't know where to put it?"
"Too many books on children's tales then, whoremonger."
"I guess so. I mean the children's tales part, not whoremonger. Erm... Aera?"
"What? You want me to shut up about your adventures in the whorehouse?"
"Thanks, Aera. Ji will kill me and hang me upside down if not for your promise of timely aid. She likes children's tales, but it doesn't mean anything once she starts breathing fire and brimstone down my neck."
"You owe me one, Lars. And no best friends forever unless you want me to kill you in Ji'Yeon's stead."
With nary a show of farewell save that smile of a wounded man, Lars Alterfate departs abruptly. His form disintegrates into a murder of crows, incessant caws ringing like piercing shrieks. Lolyx, Adine, and Seelia are left stupefied while Arondight merely exposes a frown. As for Aeravor, his rage flares up like a massive bonfire. Then he finally gives in to the searing pain, darkness befalling and usurping his senses.
)0(
Beneath the morning sun stands a manor, its foundation surrounded by a wall spanning miles. Perched atop a fertile plateau overlooking the region of Saltsea, this is the seat of House Eliaden. Given to its first patriarch Erasmus Gaius Eliaden, Lancershire is a place named after the finest spearmen the Kalaran Empire has ever seen. Despite countless years passing by, these fearsome fighters have never been displaced from their home. Like his father and forefathers before him, Louthes Gaius Eliaden is tasked with the duty to oversee law and order while looking out for marauders attacking from either side of the Endless Straits. With its back facing the Rock Coast and Eagle's Horn to the north, Fort Cairn is ever ready as the watchtower. For despite Histalonia’s claims of being nothing more than a mercantile nation neutral and fair, many a question has been asked concerning alliances forged between Histalonian buccaneers and the dwarven reavers of Crag Isles. Not to mention as well the occasional Cinha pirates from the Nanban archipelago at the Furthest East.
"Young Mistress, there is someone out there seeking your audience," with a formal bow, Tuor announces the arrival of a person he’d rather die than to show respect for.
The target of his reverence is a beautiful maiden of eighteen winters. Wavy hair of raven black reaches to her waist, the fairness of her complexion different from that of the Causaceans. Dressed in a light blue gown, a shelf full of books faces her with an open tome before a pair of dark brown eyes.
"Let me guess," snickers a portly middle-aged man dressed in finery and a chainmail shirt underneath, his sturdy frame leaning against the window sill, "It’s our brave little lion, no?"
"Yes, you’re right. Happy now, Yeovil?" snaps the elderly man, his wiry frame tensing up.
"Let him in, Tuor."
With a tone gentle yet firm, Alestrial Eliaden rises from her chair made from oaken wood.
)0(
"Getting married?"
Expecting disappointment from the man who has pledged himself as her bond, Alestrial is unable to mask her surprise at Gael Kodr’s composure. Surely there has to be a sliver of sadness in his words!
"I know I should have been disappointed. I guess years of knowing certain things do have a wonderful effect. That's why boys will become men. What a bullshit reality."
The sandy blond betrays a rueful smile. When they were twelve, a promise was made in the name of loving union. Kids will always be kids, his only family member would always say. Catterm Leen called him both a cretin and loon for harbouring the absurd dream of being both a hero and Alestrial’s beloved. Lukas Brun, on the other hand, would always encourage him to take that leap of faith. For it is nothing less than his own life, nothing less than a case of now or never. By his own decisions, his life should be defined. As for Adine, she first proposed to him when they were thirteen. She was called an ugly little wench and she disappeared from his view after he mentioned the promise made with Alestrial. For years, she worked as a tavern wench under her father's wary eyes. Within those years, she actually became a beautiful lass. In the words of a children's tale, the ugly duckling has always been a baby swan. And now, Gael has to announce a decision made with much effort coming from Garyth Parkins and Crocker Tayne, two senior figures only wanting the best for their charges.
"You’re not the only one getting married," shrugs Gael, a fortitude of steel being the only wall between anguished denial and fatalistic acceptance, "I and Adine will be getting married. Next spring to be exact. Which means I'll be sending you off first."
Upon those words, the Cinha daughter of Causacean nobility can only nod in stoic calm. Jewels of brown never straying from a pair of sapphire orbs, Alestrial recalls that very day where a little girl first met a lion cub.
"Ales…"
"Don’t worry, Joenne. I’m here."
Grabbing her friend’s arm tightly, Alestrial could only watch in awe and shock as the unruly boy decimated their tormentor. No one knew whence the wild child hailed from, neither could any discern how a smallborne was able to enter a school reserved for the nobility and rich. Sneaking a glance towards Karen Tenias, the Cinha realised she’s wearing an expression no different from the rest. Only Joenne Nantes was scared stiff, yet who could blame her for being the victim instead of a mere spectator?
The trio has been close to each other since their first year in form school. Yet, it was the untimely death of Eirlanna Ulst-Eliaden, beloved wife of Louthes Gaius Eliaden, which brought them closer still. Joenne detested her family watching her every move, the less said about Karen’s father the better. The gaze Graniar Calig Tenias sent towards Alestrial a fortnight ago after his standoff with her father remained a nightmare yet to be shaken off, perhaps this was why sweet gentle Karen would always have nothing good to say about him.
As for that wild smallborne boy, no one has yet to discover how he managed to evade the security. What the Cinha did know, however, was that the bully had gone too far by ripping off Joenne’s skirt and pelting Alestrial with slurs lewd and obscene. Only the Holy Quintet knew where he got his knife from. That was before the offensive object got knocked away from his hand when a violent fist broke his wrist.
"Kill you! Kill you, kill you, KILL YOU!"
Those were the words bursting from the boy’s lungs, his voice resembling a lion’s roar. Prior to her death, Alestrial’s only mother had brought her to the Imperial Zoo. She remembered two animals standing out from the rest, the lion happened to be one of them.
Was this then how a real man should be like? Full of wrath against what is wrong and blessed with an unruly, yet upright soul?
"Ales, stop him! We’ll get implicated if Victis dies!"
The Cinha stared blankly at Karen’s pleading look, Joenne shaking her head vehemently in response.
"No! Let that bastard die!"
"Joenne!"
Promptly interrupting Karen's rebuke, a crippled man laid a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Your father is worse than a scoundrel, but not you. Lady Karen of House Tenias, I give you my word that I’ll stop this child of mine. And besides, Gael can be quite a troublemaker at times."
Calling out his son’s name, the kindly man with a limp seemed to have fulfilled his promise. Then arrived a moment more shocking than the violence done, the boy’s question resembling more like an animal’s growl.It was a question repeating an obscene boast, the words repeated slowly and causing every girl's blushes. As for the boys, they could only remain speechless for whatever reason inside their heads.
"Garyth Parkins! Tell your boy to shut up before I terminate your service!"
"No wonder he looks familiar…” sniffled Joenne as their school principal and Garyth Parkins engaged in a staring duel, "His vegetable loaf is the best we’ve ever tasted. Vegetables have never tasted this good before."
"None…" sobbed Victis Blaem, "Please, no more…"
Without saying a single word, Garyth’s son turned his back on a defeated foe.
"Watch out!"
Alestrial’s warning was a split moment too slow, Karen and Joenne could only stare in tears and horror as a rock was smashed across the boy knight’s head. Yet, he managed to survive a hit which could have killed someone of his age. Someone of the same age as Alestrial and her two friends. What kind of being is he? More than just a boy, he seemed more of a beast. With a twisted grin, the smallborne gripped the rock firmly in his right hand. Licking the blood which stained the weapon, he spat like a tavern brawler. Wearing a leer, a vicious pursuit was now on the cards before all who were present.
"Hu… huh… HAH!"
Victis Blaem ran away as fast as possible, every girl including Joenne laughing at his plight. The boys, on the other hand, started whispering at each other. It was one thing being convinced that one amongst them was a god, quite another to see that very god wetting himself. As for Alestrial, she kept her eyes on what made the firstborn son of House Blaem flee like a craven knave vanquished.
The saviour’s eyes and his smile… nobody noticed his mundane features. But the Cinha knew another person of a similar bearing. Gael Kodr was merely someone around her age, but his anger was reminiscent of a Vánagandr she met under that blue full moon a year ago.
)0(
Glossary:
Causacean: Basically my version of the white people. If you never saw this coming, most likely it's due to you reading too much whites-only fantasy literature (which by itself is not a sin unless you're too dumb to make an independent judgement as a result). Enkidu: Not gonna spoil it for you. But I can say that Enkidu is the name of a central character in the Epic of Gilgamesh.
Grail: Not gonna spoil it for you as well. But I can say the Holy Grail is a central part of Arthurian tales. Seat: A region under the direct supervision of the governor. Beyond its boundaries, the relevant authorities are instead given the task of daily management with audits coming from the governor on a yearly basis. When needed, however, the governor has the authority to assume total authority over the county under his care. [Note: A viceroy does not have a seat. Unlike a governor, however, a viceroy has the right of direct access to the Senate without the need to seek permission. At the same time, every governor has to submit his audit findings to the viceroy.] Lancershire: A region within Teslaide that is the seat of House Eliaden. Name inspired by a place called Lancashire. Fort Cairn: A fortress situated in Lancershire, hence also considered as the seat of House Eliaden.
Rock Coast: A rocky coast with a predominant high ground terrain facing the eastern sea border of the Kalaran Empire. It has only one single pass leading to inland, hence its high defensive value. Crag Isles: A group of islands where the dwarves made their home. However, it must also be stated that those forsaking the way of piracy are always found in places beyond Crag Isle. Due to its central location between the east and west of the Endless Strait, dwarven raids are never confined to just the Kalaran Empire. Instead, there are also moments where Teutonia was also a target. Due to the vast plains defining Slarvea as a nation, however, the Homm'Eot never attempted any attack on the Slarvs. Endless Straits: A body of water that is part of the Boundless Sea. Above the Causacean continent of Nordeas and below the frozen wasteland of Acard, it stretches from Eagle's Horn at the eastern end of Nordeas to the Teutonian port city of Leavre at Nordeas' western tip. Furthest East: The eastern continent where the Cinha people reside. Currently split into three factions. Namely, Kamakura at the east, Shikoku to the west, and Nanban down south. Nanban: The sole archipelago region in the furthest East where multiple shugos (i.e. feudal lords) reign in tandem. Based loosely on the Ryukyu Kingdom. Bond: An oath sworn by any smallborne to bind him/herself to any member of the nobility. Such an oath can never be broken unless the recipient of the oath decides to nullify it. Form school: An education system reserved for children aged seven to twelve. After that will be the nurturing school where the system is reserved for those aged thirteen to eighteen. For those pursuing excellence in the individual field of expertise, the Imperial College is the only place for such people aged nineteen onward.
Today during work, a convo between me and a staff nurse actually reminded me of how long I've procrastinated. 99% of my free time has been eaten up by gaming (all the more so with Path of Exile pushing my brain to excel). The fact that I'm not the only one guilty of procrastination means nothing. Period. In the language of stickman and his (super mignonne) stickwoman...
Interesting trivia:
Athena is not just a men's goddess. She's also a goddess of wisdom, craft, and war.
Also, above portion was done dated 4th April.
Metallurgy and Thaumaturgy: The Age of Renown, an era forgotten and long gone. 'Tis a time where magic flows freely, a time of elves and dwarves. A period where power slowly corrupts both slave and master, a period of burgeoning decadence reshaping this crucible of a world we now know of. Both Metallurgy and Thaumaturgy powers can be customised freely. In the world known by a chosen few as the Crucible, magic is separated into four elements: Earth, Fire, Water, and Air.
Thaumaturgy harnesses the power of these elements in the purest form while Metallurgy does so the same in a refined form. If Thaumaturgy is seen as a parallel of untamed nature, then Metallurgy represents the refinery known as civilisation.
There are three categories of magic as we now know it. Namely, Evocation, Enchantment, and Reinforcement.
Thaumaturgy focuses on Evocation and Enchantment while Metallurgy focuses on Enchantment and Reinforcement. Below are their respective definitions.
Evocation: The art of creating visual effects where the presence of any phenomenon can be materialised out of nowhere. During the Age of Renown, the Homm'Nua (now known as elves) perfected the ability to accelerate the power known as reality. However, perfection of ability doesn't mean perfection in absolute control. One can build a dam to block a river, but no one can control the raging waters of the sea.
Usable by-Thaumaturgy Enchantment: The ability to enhance matter through adapting the various aspects of elements. Every element possesses a symbolic quality, such an aspect can be materialised within the physical body. The Homm'Nua, as manipulators of the unseen, are able to control two of the four elements. The Homm'Eot, as craftsmen of what can be seen, are able to do so the same for the other half of the four. Why neither people can assume total control... well, as the smallborne always like to say much to their own ignorance, "only the dragons know".
Usable by-Thaumaturgy and Metallurgy Reinforcement: The path leading to strengthening what is not alive, that which is used by the living. In every hand, any matter can be used. Some are for the sake of beauty and pride, others used in the name of defending and killing. This is the power only privy to the dwarves (as in the Homm'Eot) during the Age of Renown, their ability to stabilise the power of reality honed to perfection. Yet, this power can only affect what is without life in the same manner the force of enchantment can only affect those containing life.
Usable by-Metallurgy
Note: While Evocation can either be duration based or a one-shot effect, Enchantment and Reinforcement effects are counted as duration based only.
Crit happens (either that or shit happens)
Contrary to the popular belief, magic is never 100% foolproof. Every form of magic used in the game has its own power level. The higher the power level goes, the more powerful it is (*duh*). However, a higher power level also indicates a higher chance of creating a surge effect. Surge effect can only happen in either scenario listed below:
1. The power goes off wonderfully well. In this case, the Overdrive effect will kick in where an additional property will be conferred.
2. The power backfires spectacularly hard. In this case, you take damage according to the power level (i.e. the higher the power level, the more damage you take). At the same time, your Chaos gauge will be disabled for the next 3 seconds.
Thaumaturgy has the higher chance of creating a surge effect while Metallurgy will instead confer a 10% penalty in damage taken albeit with a lower surge effect chance.
Base chance of surge effect:
Thaumaturgy-30% (plus 1.5% per power level)
Metallurgy-10% (plus 1% per power level)
Note: Every element will have a unique property which will be triggered by any Thaumaturgy/Metallurgy power of that particular element.
Below are the base effects of the respective elements:
Earth:
Elemental property-Confers temporary hit points fixed at 10% after power is used.
Effect type-Control and Damage; increase in damage dealt after power is used if under Overdrive effect. [Thaumaturgy] [Evocation]
Buff type-Defence and Temporary Hit Points; increase in power duration if under Overdrive effect. [Metallurgy] [Enchantment] 40% increase in weapon durability; 40% increase in durability for all armour and weapons equipped if under Overdrive effect.[Metallurgy] [Reinforcement]
Fire:
Elemental property-Confers 15% bonus in damage for the power used.
Effect type-Damage; converts 5% of the damage dealt into damage over time after power is used if under Overdrive effect.[Thaumaturgy] [Evocation]
Buff type-Attack and Control Resistance; increase in power effect if under Overdrive effect.[Metallurgy] [Enchantment] Confers the fire elemental property to any weapon used; creates a conflagration effect that will double the damage dealt while converting 100% of the weapon damage value into splash damage if under Overdrive effect.[Metallurgy] [Reinforcement]
Water: Elemental property-Confers 20% bonus in any potion effect after power is used.
Effect type-Control and Outgoing Heal; also removes every damage over time effect and gains immunity to all damage over time effect if under Overdrive effect.[Thaumaturgy] [Evocation]
Buff type-Movement and Incoming Heal; gains Control Immunity as well if under Overdrive effect.[Thaumaturgy] [Enchantment] Converts 4% of weapon damage dealt into hit points healed; next weapon attack removes all buff effects if under Overdrive effect.[Metallurgy] [Reinforcement]
Air: Elemental property-Confers 25% bonus in the area of effect for the power used.
Effect type-Control and Outgoing Buff; next attack will be counted as critical damage dealt at 150% if under Overdrive effect.[Thaumaturgy] [Evocation]
Buff type-Movement; automatically evades the next attack, after which the Chaos gauge will fill up faster if under Overdrive effect.[Thaumaturgy] [Enchantment] Weapon attack speed is doubled; 30% increase in chance to counter melee attacks and 50% increase in weapon damage dealt this way if under Overdrive effect.[Metallurgy] [Reinforcement]
Fusion
Fusing of magic is always a tricky venture. Due to the mortal nature of the physical world, any attempt to do so can easily result in serious injury or even death upon failure. However, the realm of Yggdrasil provides an absolute refuge where failure merely means just that: Failure without any price exacted in return. At the same time, the chance of success is also higher.
Interestingly enough, those who are able to use magic are also able to transport themselves to Yggdrasil where a massive tree stands. This is a tree with a single living eye etched on its trunk, a tree where crows and doves make their home upon its lush leafy boughs.
Fusing of magic is all about combining two single elements into one. To do so, one needs to combine two forms of magic which he/she possesses. At the same time, there is a fixed pattern where fusing is concerned. For there is no such thing as a power beyond the control of the world which made it possible.
Note: Hybrid elements do not have any classification when it comes to Enchantments. In short, any Enchantment of hybrid elemental nature can be used as either Thaumaturgy or Metallurgy power.
Below are the base effects of the respective hybrid elements:
Lightning: (Elements used for fusion-Fire and Air) Elemental property-Confers 10% bonus in outgoing damage and 15% bonus in the area of effect for the power used.
Effect type-Control and Damage; next attack will be counted as critical damage dealt at 150% if under Overdrive effect.[Thaumaturgy] [Evocation]
Buff type-Movement and Defence; automatically evades the next attack, after which the Chaos gauge will fill up faster if under Overdrive effect.[Enchantment] Confers the lightning elemental property to any weapon used; creates a chain lightning effect that will deal 70% of the weapon damage against all targets beyond the first if under Overdrive effect.[Metallurgy] [Reinforcement]
Magma: (Elements used for fusion-Earth and Fire) Elemental property-Damage dealt is counted as damage over time for the power used; counts as fire elemental property damage fixed at 10%.
Effect type-Damage; damaged target takes 5% more damage after power is used if under Overdrive effect.[Thaumaturgy] [Evocation]
Buff type-Attack and Temporary Hit Points; increase in power duration if under Overdrive effect. [Enchantment] 5% increase in weapon damage; 40% increase in durability for all armour and weapons equipped if under Overdrive effect.[Metallurgy] [Reinforcement]
Ice: (Elements used for fusion-Water and Air) Elemental property-Confers 7% bonus in outgoing damage and slowing down the target by 25% for the power used.
Effect type-Control and Damage; slow down the target by 50% instead if under Overdrive effect.[Thaumaturgy] [Evocation]
Buff type-Defence; gains Control Immunity as well if under Overdrive effect.[Enchantment] Confers the ice elemental property to any weapon used; converts 4% of weapon damage dealt into hit points healed if under Overdrive effect.[Metallurgy] [Reinforcement]
Next up: Yggdrasil, how to customise your magic, and... I really need to sleep now because I got work unrelated to my talent(s) tomorrow. zzzzzzz....
Here's some Berserk from yours truly before I go sleep.
