[冬の鎮魂曲] Drei

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.

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2017/01/eins.html

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2017/02/zwei.html

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.

Just a random rambling...

Ever wonder how it felt to be in a contradictory fix? On one hand, you want to do something. On the other hand, your emotions are preventing you from doing so via weighing you down. When we talk about bipolar disorder, it's very easy for us to pay lip service. Problem is, do we know how such people feel? Believe it or not, I think I know how they felt. Perhaps it's true that I am the Vincent van Gogh of Singapore.

A/N: Quite obviously, it doesn't help that my online gaming connection has been experiencing one day's worth of DDoS assault. For today, no less.

A loner and a lone wolf

Sometimes, I can't help but wonder whether I'm the only one capable of creating a mentally unhinged character. When I put things this way, I'm not referring to any third person portrayal of such character. I'm referring to either the first person or second person POV. On the first glance, it's very easy to humanise a mentally unsound character. That is until you realise how difficult it is to see reality via such a person's lens. The reason behind this? You're actually mentally normal while that character is not.

A small part of my childhood comprised of Gummy Bears, Ewoks, and Darkwing Dark (in fact, I still remember waking up around 9 am sharp just to watch that one). A large part was just trauma. I didn't know how to interact with people without rubbing them off, no one pointed out that I needed help. At best, I was ignored. At worst, I was ridiculed as... well, siao. As if that's not enough, I was subjected to physical and verbal bullying. Once I was character assassinated by a self-righteous bully. And yes, you've guessed it. He was indeed a bully before he decided to play the pharisee during that time where I was involved in a science project with another classmate.

The physical abuse was more evident during my secondary school days while the verbal abuse was more common during my ITE days. No one understood the hell I've been suffering. Not even my family or churchmates. This is due to the inability to phrase my words properly before them. I don't know what to say because my mind would always go blank. To them, I was only that useless fellow (for the lack of better expression of course). When I first derived joy from writing, my father sneered at me by asking me whether I could earn a living by writing. Imagine how bad it was back then.

Initially, I enjoyed writing the standard epic heroic fantasy fare. This was due to works like the Belgariad and Malloreon, Lord of the Rings, and the Drizzt Do'Urden saga. However, there's a problem. Some members of my family (read: relatives) harboured a legalistic view on the fantasy genre. As a result, I became the victim. From that particular day onward, I had to live in fear and insecurity. The environment of my first church starting from 2000 felt stifling. It was the same legalistic environment I had to endure before. Thankfully, my current church feels nothing like that. Period.

When I first started writing A Ranger's Tale (i.e. the current A Requiem From Winter Past), the experience was quite rough. I first uploaded my works on Fictionpress (not just this one, but also some others before it), I hoped to get reviews. The nice ones, mind you. After all, you don't expect strangers to know you if not even your own family can understand you. Some of the reviews were the ones I craved, some others not so. Yes, critique hurts more oft than not. We all know that. It's part and parcel of growing up. Thanks to Fictionpress, I actually discovered that I do have a certain standard in judging other people's works. Just because I wanted recognition doesn't make me a spineless squid.

Ironically, some of the reviewers just enjoyed dishing out criticism. In other words, their defensive attitude towards my questions asked ended up going a long way in forming an independent mind in yours truly. I didn't notice it back then, but it seems truly the case when I looked back at those years. Then there were those who ignored me because I did something stupid. It's called hounding them for reviews. Yes, that's a very bad thing to do. I won't say stupid because that'd sound like downplaying the severity. However, I really didn't know the unspoken rules of etiquette. I was only desperate for attention (i.e. reviews). At the same time, I got myself into trouble because either I was being verbally insensitive or the other party was being a jerk. Sometimes both added together.

There was one who sounded nothing less than a troublemaker who thinks it's only right to repay a goodwill review with nastiness. Then there's one who went like "oh I don't want to sound like an asshole, but no one cares about what you do" (ironically, such a statement means you're making yourself out to be one). Then there's another who claimed to be a Christian, yet making false accusations against me (There's a difference between being stupid and being a bigot, it's called intention).

Ultimately, I doubt I would mind if they sent me a PM pointing out what I did wrong. Problem was, everything was being done without any first warning.

Also, I have to admit hypocrisy is the one thing (if not one of the few) I hate the most.
Perhaps I'm truly emotionally broken beyond repair. Who knows?

However, it must be stated that my reason for ditching Fictionpress wasn't down to negative people and negative experiences. There were nice people there, I'm sure there still are right now. I didn't want to burn up too much of my time over replying to reviews and returning the favour. If I have to do the latter via a one-liner, I'm not sorry to say I'm not gonna do it. My way of doing things is very simple: If I want to get something done (especially on a self-volition basis), it means I'll have to put in at least 70% effort, if not 100% altogether. On one hand, I need to respect myself. On the other end, I need to respect others in my own way.

An extension to A Requiem From Winter Past

When I first wrote the original draft, it was extremely childish. There was nothing in depth, nothing of lasting value plot wise. Thankfully, I never made it past the first 10 chapters or so. That'd be disastrous.

Because of my personal experiences with people and reality, I actually realised I've created a worl no different from what was written in the Bible concerning the generation of Noah in the Book of Genesis. And I was like "hmmm... interesting... what if I can build up from there?" I'm pretty sure it's a case of coincidence so as to speak, but that didn't prevent me to expanding from what I've accidentally created. I recalled coming across a Family Guy's episode. Not in terms of watching, but in terms of the synopsis (since I accidentally came across the series via a stranger's FB profile. And no, I never stalked her, tyvm). That inspired me to create a counter-question. If Christianity is seen as merely a religion without God being factored in, then what would a world without God look like? After all, religion=/=presence of God. History has taught us this much. In order to pose forth such a counter-question, however, there's a need to provoke a reaction. The Crucible is that act of provocation where every individual is a god unto self. In other words, such a mentality would also be deeply linked with religion where no one can be sure who's the boss. Is it religion bossing humanity or is it the other way round? I won't spoil it for on how the Crucible came about in plot, but you're allowed the freedom to hazard a guess or two.

I find creating Aeravor (formerly known as Aeranath, but I prefer Christopher Tolkien taking me in instead of hiring the law firm made famous by my country's government) to be a blast. Initially, I intended on creating a character that resembles Genjo Sanzo of Saiyuki. Totally badass and anti-social,  yet having a heart of gold as the plot progresses. But hey, guess what? I got hooked on creating a character much more screwed up that just that. In Dungeons & Dragons speak, it's called chaotic neutral.

It's quite funny seeing more than a fair bit of myself in Aeravor. It's not as if I intended things this way. There are plenty of stuff for me to explore. Hopefully, that is.

Note: I thought Aeranath as a character's name refers to this guy. Apparently, either my memory is too hazy or Mr Christopher Tolkien is more than happy to take me in instead of suing me via Drew & Napier. Nah, must be the former.

On the race, religion, and all the other bs

My vision for A Requiem From Winter Past stays the same: To create a fantasy novel reflecting the questions plaguing humanity. Questions like "is there really no such thing as a god?" and "what is the purpose of life if God isn't real?"

In a twisted sense, I find that humanity cannot imagine a world without God. It's not a matter of whether, but who. Who is God? Is it your religion? Is it yourself? Or is it that person whom you idolise, be the platform a wooden pulpit or Hollywood? If God isn't real, then where does the need for redemption come from? If there's a need for redemption, then is there a universal reason justifying such a notion?

On race, I doubt I'd move away from what I've planned. Namely my very own Malay ethnicity, Tamil race, and East Asian people (note that I say East Asian because I don't want to play the racial OCDP game where Japanese, Koreans, and Chinese are concerned. Not to mention races like Mongolians as well). Also, what is epic fantasy without white people? If there's anything untypical about this typical dark fantasy work, it's the presence of Aeravor as the protagonist (c'mon, you think this is a spoiler? Three chapters  and you should have seen this coming). If you still don't get what I'm trying to say, then all I can say is 30th March (and no, I'm not referring to Vincent van Gogh).

On religion, it's the same logic. However, it must be stated that whatever plans involved are directed towards the Holy Quintet faith (basically my own version of this inspired by the medieval church) and the monotheistic religion of the Tamurians (basically my own version of Malay ethnicity for the lack of a better term). On the Cinha ethnicity, I may need to do some fine tuning on their religion and culture.

Currently, I've got an idea concerning the military system of the Kalaran Empire. At the same time, I may need to streamline certain ideas conceived beforehand in this aspect (read: the military system for every nation). On the bounty hunting economy, I'll need to create a believable system since decomposition of body parts is a complication no bounty hunters would want (after all, the best evidence lies in recognising whose head is being tossed). Then we have horses and whether every bounty hunting sellsword is rich enough to maintain one rather than just ownership.

On the sex scenes (now let's not get too excited because I don't intend the erotica aspect to look like this), I really need to keep the whole thing short and succinct. There's no point for me to indulge every sliver of your hormones if all I need is to tell you "look, this is reality and your eyes ain't kidding ya". A Requiem From Winter Past is about what went wrong with humanity (I don't have to spoil this because you all should have known this by now). Therefore, there has to be a gloves-off approach. And to do that, I cannot afford to play the double standard game. If you have a problem with explicit sex scenes, please don't act as if the act of murder is less sinful than the act of rape. Thankfully, I don't do either or both above. If all I need is a paragraph or three (I won't say two because I'm not confident enough) to show, why should I need one whole page to tell?

Because I need to sleep asap (read: it's now going to be 2 am)

Let me just say that I'm no C.S Lewis. I'm not going to play the actor by saying "hey, I'm out to proselytise people!" I respect C.S Lewis and I don't want to get myself into trouble by making use of a well-respected writer of his time. If A Requiem From Winter Past can force you to think, good. Otherwise, it's not going to reduce even one second of my life. If it's time for me to go, it's time for me to go. I'm not about to be equally stupid as Ajax the Lesser.

P.S: One of the potential minefield I may have created for myself lies in the real life blueprint of Alestrial Eliaden. Let me just say that in this matter, I'm also chaotic neutral.

I find this song to be surprisingly apt for Aeravor...

Souls of the Realms (ver. SLG, Pt 1)

Yes, I know SLG as a form of abbreviation sounds like some kind of illegal stuff. To the culturally unschooled (?), chances are that the first other abbreviation in mind is LSD (something which imam Zul would definitely preach against before those from good families). To those who blessed with cultural understanding, SLG refers to the simulation genre in video games. On the first glance, it (read: only the genre itself) sounds sleazy. In reality, it's not. Don't believe me?

Pretty sure you don't know Japanese. Me too. Got card illustration though.

Card list (just a general summary)

Basically, the card list includes the notable characters called Souls in the world of Abeir-Toril. Originally, it should be Faerûn. Because I desire to be a shameless showoff like Cristiano Ronaldo, I decided to use Abeir-Toril as the scope.

At the same time, factions will be available. For now, the factions list goes as below...

1. Neverwinter

Faction symbol: A blue banner bearing the city symbol of Neverwinter

Available Souls:
Arylos, Linu La'neral, Heriol the Warder [Epic Rare]
Knox, Celeste, Makos, Xuna [Rare]
Jon Lark, Illaine Kalinoth, Sabine, Abbey Fargo, Vesper Soulhearth [Uncommon]
Wilfred, Zoey Fargo, Hazel, Zemmer, Benton [Common]

Total number of faction Souls: 17

Introduction: Known as Jewel of the North and the City of Skilled Hands, this once proud city where Nasher Alagondar set his seat is only starting to find its feet back. In a bid to revive the city's fortunes without wasting valuable resources, the current ruler Dagult Neverember enacted a shrewd military policy allowing easy access to Neverwinter for all adventurers. Despite the city far from restored and the Lord Protector's personal wealth being stretched, the adventurers nevertheless were expected to defend Neverwinter from major perils. Unlike the sellswords hired from Mintarn at a price or the local military driven by loyalty, the adventurers were promised fame and future opportunities throughout northern Faerûn. Something which has worked surprisingly well so far due to the Lord Protector keeping true to his word.
As a city which always has to rely on itself to survive and prosper, Neverwinter relies on effective organization and decisive strikes.

Faction bonus: For every Soul of the Neverwinter faction under your control, every Soul under your control will gain action points by a certain amount per every 5 secs during play. This bonus will further increase when your Souls are engaged in combat.

2. Icewind Dale

Faction symbol: A leafless tree set on a green background (A/N: If this symbol sounds familiar, it's because I'm asking to be sued)

Available Souls:
Drizzt Do'Urden, Akar Kessell, Catti-brie [Epic Rare]

Wulfgar, Anara the Cerulean, Biggrin, Bowen Brant [Rare]
Berkthgar the Bold, Jubal Oakstaff, Aelred Windsinger, Kinnera Foxwood, Gurth Grimstalker [Uncommon]
Kierstaad, Revjak, Beornegar, Heafstaag, Celynn the Half-blood [Common]

Total number of faction Souls: 17

Introduction: A land where only the harshest cold and hardiest of men prevail, Icewind Dale is where civilization ends at the arctic north. Home to the ruthless Reghedmen barbarians and hardy folk of the Ten Towns alike, this region is most famous for two things. Namely, knucklehead scrimshaw and the legendary drow ranger Drizzt Do'Urden.
As a confederation of settlements banding together in the name of survival, the inhabitants of Ten Towns will not hesitate to join forces with their foes in the form of the barbaric Reghed tribes. Hence, Icewind Dale is always never short of hardy durability on the highest level.

Faction bonus: Every Soul from the Icewind Dale faction under your control takes less damage by a certain amount from any one opponent Soul. This bonus will target two opponent Souls instead if combat is done either in a forest or mountain terrain.

3. Cormyr
Faction symbol: A white shield emblazoned with a purple dragon

Available Souls:
Elminster Aumar, Dove Falconhand [Epic Rare]
Florin Falconhand, Artus Cimber [Rare]
Aiorn Wyvernspur,  Lorelei Gravesower, Aubrin Crownsilver [Uncommon]
Scoril Cimber, Constancia Crownsilver, Brave Unknown [Common]

Total number of faction Souls: 10

Introduction: Also known as the Forest Country and Land of the Purple Dragon, this once great nation is now beset by troubles both within and beyond its borders. Even after the siege of Suzail, the current ruler Queen Raedra Obarskyr still has her hands full dealing with treacherous nobles and external threats. With the Purple Dragons and War Wizards always ready, however, the might of Comryr has little to fear.
As a kingdom famed for steel and magic during times of conflict, the noble Cormyrians are more than capable of holding their fort as an army and staging lightning-fast counter-attacks.

Faction bonus: When not moving, every Soul under your control takes less damage by a certain amount for every Soul from the Cormyr faction you have in play. If the number of Souls in the Cormyr faction is higher this way, all your Souls deal a fixed amount of bonus damage.

4. Luskan
Faction symbol: A green banner depicting a sailing ship.

Available Souls:
Arklem Greeth, Valindra Shadowmantle [Epic Rare]
Lewynn Hawkseal-Deudermont, Kariss Locras [Rare]
Traven Blackdagger, Morik the Rogue [Uncommon]
Vaelish Gant, Malus Blackdagger [Common]

Total number of faction Souls: 8

Introduction: A city now in chaos, Luskan was nevertheless a great city known as the City of Sails. A constant rival to Neverwinter in ways more than one, the Luskanites were renowned fighters and corsairs. Always a place where scoundrels, slavers, and prostitutes plied their trade, Luskan would eventually face ruin in the form of constant anarchy.
As a city where only the mighty has the right to live, every Luskan is a fearsome foe where a superior offense is always the best defense.

Faction bonus: Every Soul of the Luskan faction under your control gains a sizeable bonus in damage dealt by a fixed amount. If the number of non-Luskan Souls you control is higher this way, this bonus is halved instead.


5. Liege
Faction symbol: A golden crown set on a purple banner

Available Souls:
Gandalug Battlehammer, Ilsevele Miritar [Epic Rare]
Nasher Alagondar, Alusair Obarskyr [Rare]
Dagult Neverember, Wanang Sun [Uncommon]

Total number of faction Souls: 6

Introduction: No kingdom can prosper without a leader, no nation can ever survive without a ruler. From the long gone Illefarn to the splendorous Waterdeep, from various powers in Kara-tur to the people of Maztica, no part of the Realms is ever above this rule.
As rulers over their people, it is only right that the mark of a great lord lies in great charisma and exceptional leadership.

Faction bonus: All your Souls (apart from your chosen Liege) begin every match with 25% action points. At the same time, all your Souls (apart from your chosen Liege) will re-enter play with 10% action points upon revival. If your Liege is defeated, all your surviving Souls will have their action points reduced to zero. You can only have one Soul from the Liege faction in any match.

What you read is what you get

Every Soul will have a few key components in the card description: Repute, Power, Tenacity, Speed, Perception, Range, Type.

1. Repute

Repute indicates the revival cost of your Soul. The higher the Repute, the longer it takes for that Soul to revive. However, Repute provides specific bonus according to the Soul type. The higher the Repute, the better the bonus.

2. Power

Power indicates the amount of damage which can be dealt in combat. At the same time, it also affects the Soul's Overdrive in terms of both duration and effectiveness.

3. Tenacity

Tenacity indicates three things. Firstly, it affects the Soul's resistance to any enemy Soul's Overdrive in terms of both duration and effectiveness. Secondly, it affects the duration and effectiveness of any friendly Overdrive effect, be it from that particular Soul itself or other Souls. Thirdly, it affects both the amount of damage taken during combat and the maximum amount of damage which can be taken before that Soul is defeated.

4. Speed

Speed indicates the number of actions the Soul can take per turn. At the same time, it also decides how many squares the Soul can travel per action.

5. Perception

Perception affects the speed of the Soul's action point gain. It also affects that Soul's critical chance as well.

6. Range

Range indicates the nature of the Soul's attack reach. Once any enemy Soul is within the attack reach, the screen will indicate the option to attack. There are three types of attack reach: Close (melee attack), Far (ranged attack), Personal (enemy Souls can be targeted without the constraint of attack reach)

7. Type

There are three types of Souls available: Vanguard, Defender, Tactician. Below is a summary of the respective properties of every Soul type.

Vanguard

Before my foes, my fury is ever ready. Never will I ever stay put waiting for them. For the rush of adrenaline is my best comrade in arms.

Introduction: The Vanguard is all about dealing high damage, a lesser extent of defense negated by the decimation of his foes. The Vanguard has the highest Power among those of the same Repute.

Type Effect: Whenever a Vanguard type Soul attacks an enemy, that Soul will deal additional damage per hit according to its amount of Repute.

Defender

I shall never waver, I shall never retreat. For this is my battle with those I cherish standing behind me.

Introduction: The Defender has the best defensive game, for an excellent offense is nothing should the loss outstrip the gain. The Defender has the highest Tenacity among those of the same Repute.

Type Effect: Whenever a Defender type Soul attacks an enemy Soul, that Soul takes less damage according to its amount of Repute.

Tactician

Bravery is only secondary, valor counts for nothing. For war is all about victory with losers having no place in the pages of history.

Introduction: The Tactician excels neither in attack nor defense, for power is nothing without control. The Tactician has the highest Perception among those of the same Repute.

Type Effect: Whenever a Tactician type Soul attacks an enemy Soul, a random Soul under your control gains an additional number of actions according to that Tactician's Repute. The same Soul cannot be targetted more than once this way.

Unlike the standard SLG fare, there's no such thing as one card type countering another. Rather, the decisive difference during combat lies in a number of factors.

Next up: How to fight a battle plus all the turn based bs you need to know. Hopefully, I can also add some more prominent names.

Trolling love

Tonight (because it's alrdy 11+ at night), I decided to be my very own Guy Fawkes. Two days ago, I chose to be a jerk. Two days later, I decided to concoct my very own Gunpowder Plot.

Also, I'll be tagging the usual suspects since they need to know what manner of a connoisseur yours truly am.

~Pretty sure my super mignonne legal housebreaker and her given BFF are fans~


~Yep, brace yourself, my super mignonne legal housebreaker~



Lyrics



Lyrics



L'heure entre chien et loup



Yep, that's the Original Sanders alright

Okay, back to the Gi...

Lyrics


Lyrics


Lyrics

Okay, I know the songs are all very damn sad...

It's not really that sad, I promise...

P.S: I blame the late George Michael for inspiring me to do this post. Period. But not like this.

Lyrics

Add P.S: Okay, call it a lie if you want to. I blame Deadpool. NSFW CONTENT BELOW!!!! YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!!!!!!!!!

Final P.S: My prediction for Boro's first season in the top flight after N years in the 2nd tier wilderness? We're gonna get relegated, Newcastle and Sunderland are gonna laugh at us. The only catch? Deadpool will be joining Cable at the Riverside next season.

If this Weasel above resembles a certain German Merseysider, it's not my problem.
As for Liverpool's current problem, I can't be sure.

[冬の鎮魂曲] Zwei

In my now defunct Garou Central blog, I started an idea for a Marvel game. What this means is...

1. I needed the authorization of Marvel Studios in order to make my ideas real.
2. Much better for me if a certain Lee decides to endorse me. I mean, my ideas.

If I accidentally wind up anyone surnamed Lee, I apologize. After all, Lee is a commonly known surname shared by Chinese and angmohs alike. A bit like me saying there's definitely more than one lady named Lee Wei Ling.

I'm just doing this for fun, please don't sue me...

Houston, we have a problem...

...namely my self-perfectionist streak in doing things. You see, I always switch myself off when it comes to things I'm not interested in. Things which I am interested in, I'll never step on the brake. Sadly, this is also the reason why I decided to put my Marvel ideas on the back burner for now. The problem is never down to gameplay design. Rather, I have a problem with creating a decent plot. In other words, I'm not gonna do this.

Thanks (?) to Dee Kosh (?)...

...I stumbled upon an article concerning famous people. Because I feel that 'tis much better to let one's talent do the talking instead of the mouth, I decided to lead by example. Sounds like Captain America, huh?

Game rated M by ESRB for coarse language, mature themes, blood, and violence. No gore intended btw...

Explanation on general gameplay

Basic attack:

This attack can be chained up till 3 times by holding down the square button. At the same time, you can cancel this chain on the first or second hit. The third hit cannot be canceled. Fastest in both hit execution and recovery lag. Low hit priority (which means in the event of trading hits, basic attack will most likely lose out)

Heavy attack:

This attack cannot be chained. However, it can be executed together with your basic attack chain via a hit cancel (refer to above). Fast to come out like a basic attack with higher damage, but poor recovery lag. Has a higher hit priority than basic attack (which means in the event of trading hits, a heavy attack will always win).

Trigger effect:

Trigger effect can either be a direct damage hit, buff effect, or control effect. Unlike basic attacks and heavy attacks, the trigger effect differs from one character to another. Trigger effect has the highest priority.

Toggling between Metallurgy and Thaumaturgy:

During any combat, your character will be automatically in Metallurgy mode. Once the Chaos gauge is completely filled, your character can gain access to Thaumaturgy mode.

Metallurgy:

To say dwarves are incapable of magic is to invite their ire. Be they the seafaring brigands prowling the Endless Sea or the blacksmiths seen in the Greater North, the Homm' Eot possess the ability to work metal in ways unexplainable.

Metallurgy is the reinforcement of solid objects via sheer willpower. It is split into two types. Namely, physical reinforcement (where the object's durability is increased) and elemental reinforcement (where magic is fused into the object).

Thaumaturgy:

The elves are masters of magic, the very stuff of legends sung by wandering bards and local minstrels. Rightfully feared, the Homm' Nua are always more than capable of bending elements to their whims.

Thaumaturgy is the manipulation of natural elements in one way or another through imagination and the determination to make it happen. Unlike elemental reinforcement, Thaumaturgy is all about creating phenomena without any need of a medium.

Further details ahead

Firstly, I find it interesting that while not every Singaporean is a genius, every Singaporean enjoys acting like one. Case in point? Whatever happening below atm.

Plot twist: Like Archer, I rolled a 20 for Will save.

Basic attack:

While you can chain 3 hits in a row, it must also be stated that there is more than 1 manner of attack. Depending on the weapon used, the variation in attack can range anywhere from 2 to 4 (perhaps even more than 4). This is where the interesting part comes.

Whenever a basic attack combo is executed, no two identical hits can be chained on a consecutive basis.

For example, a longsword can execute 4 different hits. Namely, forehand slash, backhand slash, downward hack, and upward slash. Whenever you chain a combo, you cannot execute forehand slash twice in a row. The same logic applies to the other 3 types of basic hits.

Which hit will be executed in the form of basic attack/combo is totally random in nature. What this means is that you'll need to think on your feet. The reason why being that different hit will have different animation. As a result, the hit cancel will also work differently accordingly. In fact, you can only cancel the hit within the first half of the attack animation.

Heavy attack:

There can only be one type of heavy attack for any given weapon in the same manner which there can be only one. Heavy attacks can either be used to throw an opponent off-guard when trading hits (due to a higher priority than any basic attack) or to deal high damage (be it via a standalone hit or the last hit of any combo). However, it must also be noted that extent of hit priority differs from weapon to weapon.

Trigger effect:

Despite having the highest priority, the trigger effect is not the gameplay's equivalent of this guy. The reason why being two things:

1. Cooldown period.

2. Trigger effect results in hit points loss. At the same time, you cannot use trigger effect once your hit points reach 30% or less.

Chaos gauge:

Without Order, Chaos has no path. Without Chaos, Order has no life. Order is the vessel, Chaos is what resides within. Such is the relationship between body and soul, mind and emotions.

The Chaos gauge represents the mortal soul, emotions felt by all. Just as the power of Metallurgy is sustained by the physical body, the power of Thaumaturgy is sustained by emotions. Unlike the standard gauge system you see in action games, the Chaos gauge will not be reset once combat is finished. Rather, it retains whatever amount left till the next fight shows up.

During combat, the Chaos gauge will fill up gradually. Whenever you attack or suffer damage, the Chaos gauge will hit a brief spike in filling up. Whenever you perform a trigger effect, the Chaos gauge will be filled up by 3% of its maximum capacity. As a result (read: speed of gauge filling up), Thaumaturgy should not be seen as some kind of last resort tactic or super high damage desperation move (definitely not like this).

Once the Chaos gauge is full, you'll enter Chaotic mode where two options are available.

1. Letting it drain naturally. You deal more damage in this way.

2. Execute a Thaumaturgy power. Chaotic mode will end once you choose this option.

Next: Details on Focus effect, Self-heal, teleporting to Yggdrasil, and (hopefully) the stats which matter. Now if only I can rally my grey matter so that I can attempt a customisation system for Metallurgy and Thaumaturgy.

P.S: My dad is streaming his PRC vids while my sis is streaming her Korean vids. Which means I'm now facing two bandwidth gluttons for the price of one party bandwidth usage. For some funny reason, I really feel like a Japanese...

Yep, I've rolled another 20 for Will save. Do it like Archer, do it like Shirou.

ネバーウィンターの勇者伝説~Concepts of something already existent [Mk XI]

It's official. The Korean nuking has gotten from bad to worse. Because the sister of Le Connaisseur d'Singapour is hell-bent on doing free (?) endorsements for the 문화체육관광부, my internet is effectively in erratic mode. As erratic as Kim Pyong-yang if I say so myself.

Latest update: It's official. My sis has knackered my internet with her Korean nukes again. No thanks to her divine intervention in the name of Cyric, my last Dragonflight run was brutally knackered. Apparently, Kelemvor is still being hated. Hence, his Chosen (i.e. Arylos) being the constant target.

Add update: Like how my sister is entitled to the right to use her Korean nukes without truly understanding the consequences (read: Streaming videos can really knacker your online gaming experience), I'm also entitled the right to nuke her FB timeline with my talent together with collateral casualties. After all, I'm the Steve Jobs of the Kuok family (i.e. I can get away cleanly with this).

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1976550-plotting-aaron-ramsey-ryan-shawcross-careers-since-that-leg-breaking-tackle

Then again, all is not lost...

The thing is this: Unlike me, my sis has a stable job at DSTA. Unlike my sis, I'm a proven Le Connaisseur d'Singapour.

Unlike me, my sis has a good paying job. Unlike my sis, I'm a proven talent in creativity.

And yes, unlike my sis, I'm somewhat of a Guo Jia, Zhang Liang, and Harry Potter Lovecraft.

Which means one thing: My dream job is a far greater deal than a degree holder's job at DSTA.

Dream job option 1: To be the Guo Jia/Zhang Liang to Aitor's Cao Cao/Liu Bang

Dream job option 2: To be the author of A Requiem from Winter Past.

Dream job option 3: To work alongside Sakaguchi-san.

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2016/08/concepts-of-something-already-existent.html

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2016/08/concepts-of-something-already-existent_18.html

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2016/09/concepts-of-something-already-existent.html

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2016/09/concepts-of-something-already-existent_15.html

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2016/10/potential-vs-sheer-genius-concepts-of.html

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2016/10/concepts-of-something-already-existent.html

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2016/10/concepts-of-something-already-existent_25.html

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2016/11/concepts-of-something-already-existent.html

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2017/01/concepts-of-something-already-existent.html

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2017/01/concepts-of-something-already-existent_25.html

For now, however, I'm not gonna endorse The Legend of the Blue Sea.

The reason why being that I need music therapy...

Before I start...

I decided to rethink my decision to halt the relevance between Neverwinter Online and the Neverwinter Six at the Sea of the Moving Ice. The reason being that whatever promise made by the devs gameplay-wise is too tantalizing. So tantalizing, I decided to push the boundary of my creativity so as to speak. Sakaguchi-san, are you reading this now?

A/N: Also, I'm wondering if there will be any divine intervention coming from Mystra for this next mod. After all, she's officially back. Just don't ask Kelemvor for his response.

I really need to choose a period of time to pen down the lyrics for this song above...

The ranger class: Paragons, progression, and prestige class

The good thing about Chinese New Year is this: I can afford to stay up till 4 am or so doing the things I like/want/can. However, this also means I may have to do the same for tomorrow despite having work come the day after. Don't ask me why the Kuok family is cursed with the jerkass DNA.

Progression list

Level 1:

Woodland Stride, Favored Enemy, Wild Empathy (class feats); +2 to Reflex and Fortitude saves; +1 to base attack bonus.

Level 2:

Select your Combat Style (either Archery Style or Two Weapon Fighting Style); +4 to Reflex and Fortitude saves, +1 to Will save; +2 to base attack bonus.

Level 4:

Endurance, Improved Archery Style or Two Weapon Fighting Style, Improved Favored Enemy (class feats); +6 to Reflex and Fortitude saves, +3 to Will saves; +3 to base attack bonus.

Level 8:

Evasion, Improved Wild Empathy (class feats); +8 to Reflex and Fortitude saves, +4 to Will save; +4 to base attack bonus; gain access to ranger spells at spell level 1 (maximum stack of spells usable: 4).

Level 10:

Paragon class unlock.

Options available for paragon class: Beast Stalker and Battlefield Archer (Archery Style); Stormwarden and Pathfinder (Two Weapon Fighting Style).

Level 12:

Archery Style or Two Weapon Style Mastery, Wild Empathy Mastery (class feats); +10 to Reflex and Fortitude saves, +5 to Will save; +5 to base attack bonus; upgrade ranger spells to spell level 2 (maximum stack of spells usable: 4).

Level 16:

Favored Enemy Mastery (class feat); +12 to Reflex and Fortitude saves, +6 to Will save; +6 to base attack bonus; upgrade ranger spells to spell level 3 (maximum stack of spells usable: 5).

Level 20:

Camouflage, Hide in Plain Sight (class feats); +8 to base attack bonus; upgrade ranger spells to spell level 4 with 1 more inventory slot usable to store spells (maximum stack of spells usable per slot: 5); prestige class unlock.

Options available for prestige class: Arcane Archer (Archery Style); Consecrated Harrier (Two Weapon Fighting Style).

Note on feats and spells

There are three types of feats. Namely, class feats, paragon class feats, and heroic class feats. Class feats is the bread and butter of any build while paragon class feats are feats specific to your selected paragon class. As for heroic class feats, they are basically your end-game feats available at level 40 (read: maximum character level cap 60).

Unlike at-will and encounter powers, feats can only gain rank via character level progression. There are three stages to any given feat: Normal, Improved, Mastery. Once your character reaches level 20, however, you will gain 1 feat point per every 4 class level gained.

Note: Paragon and heroic feats only have 1 rank.

Add note: Not all class feats are exclusive to the given character class. Some of them are also available to other classes. In other words, I'm too lazy to complicate things.

List of ranger spells

Unlike any spellcasting class, the ranger can only have a fixed set of spells to choose from. However, these spells will grow more powerful via spell level progression.

Alarm: Erects a blue scrying ward surrounding you and nearby allies. If there are enemies within 50 ft radius, the ward will turn red.
Type-Scrying (i.e. detecting enemies)
Base duration-20 seconds
Effect bonus per spell level gained-+2% scrying range

Longstrider: Increase movement speed of your party. Obstacles cannot affect movement speed gained this way unless magically created.
Type-Buff

Base duration-4 seconds
Effect bonus per spell level gained-+1 second in duration

Resist Magic: You gain +10% in resistance to any one form of magic.

Effect-Buff
Base duration-8 seconds
Effect bonus per spell level gained-+2% resistance

Cure Wounds: You heal target ally or yourself for 5% of target's maximum hit points.
Effect-Heal
Effect bonus per spell level gained-+1% of maximum hit points healed

Cure Poison: Remove poison damage from target ally or yourself.
Effect-Heal
Effect bonus per spell level gained-Immunity to poison for 2 seconds at spell level 2; immunity duration increases by 0.5 second per level beyond spell level 2.

Summon Nature's Ally: Summon an animal nearby to fight at your side.
Effect-Summon
Base duration-Effect will only expire when either the animal ally summoned this way dies or the spell is dispelled.
Effect bonus per spell level gained-Summoned animal ally takes 1% less damage

Entangle: Enemies within a 30 ft radius will have their movement slowed by half.
Effect-Control
Base duration-10 seconds
Effect bonus per spell level gained-+1 second in duration

Magic Fang: Increase damage dealt by any animal ally by 20%.
Effect-Buff
Base duration-5 seconds
Effect bonus per spell level gained-Affected animal ally gains +0.5% critical hit chance.

Wind Wall: Prevent damage caused by any non-magical ranged attack. Does not apply to ranged damage caused by large objects.
Effect-Defense
Base duration-3 seconds
Effect bonus per spell level gained-+0.5 second in duration

Nondetection: Target (including self) is immune to scrying effect.
Effect-Buff
Base duration-10 seconds
Effect bonus per spell level up-+0.5% action point gain throughout the duration.

Barkskin: Increases your character's AC by 2.
Effect-Buff
Base duration-5 seconds
Effect bonus per spell level up-+1 second in duration

Bear's Endurance: Increases your character's Constitution by 4.
Effect-Buff
Base duration-4 seconds
Effect bonus per spell level up-+1 second in duration

Cat's Grace: Increases your character's Dexterity by 4.
Effect-Buff
Base duration-4 seconds
Effect bonus per spell level up-+1 second in duration

Owl's Wisdom: Increases your character's Wisdom by 4.
Effect-Buff
Base duration-4 seconds
Effect bonus per spell level up-+1 second in duration

Next up: Basically, there should be no excuses next time round concerning the feats, paragon classes, and prestige classes.

[冬の鎮魂曲] Eins

Recently, I asked myself some questions concerning my sister. You see, she's not the kind of person to run after Korean shows. When she first fell in love with Running Man, I realized her jumping on the bandwagon was arguably more than a wee overdue. After all, the show has been running (pardon the pun) for a few years already. As if Running Man wasn't enough for her, she decided to watch another Korean show.

Come to think of it, The Legend of the Blue Sea wasn't the reason why I felt something was amiss. Rather, it's due to what I've said about her Running Man.

Which now comes to...

Above video is basically sung by a fan rather than the original deal. The fact that Shikata Akiko is a woman basically says it all. Don't bother trying to find the original. It got taken down. However, the rest of Shikata-san's songs remained intact on YouTube. So why only Thrylos? Possibly it's due to...

1. Thrylos is too great a song to ignore. Which means too many people were guilty of visiting websites offering video ripping service. Which now comes to...

2. The presence of an accidental connoisseur. Before I started sharing the original song on my now defunct That Random Blade blog, everything was peaceful. After I did the unthinkable, people started doing their own unthinkable.

3. It's not just Thrylos getting that YouTube copyright claim statement. Period.

So what it means is this:

1. Someone was guilty of inducing my sister into the Running fandom. I suspect it's my super mignonne legal housebreaker.

2. It's also possible that the 문화체육관광부 desired to get my accidental endorsement (basically free of charge). Unfortunately for them, there's no way for them to contact me in the name of striking a deal. In other words, go get the sister of Le Connoisseur d'Singapour.

To those at the MCST, please don't say I never give your country face...

A/N: Of course, chances are that I'm actually born abnormal. After all...

...we're both crazy. I mean me and Lovecraft, not me and my super mignonne legal housebreaker.

Lyrics

Let's see if I will score another accidental casualty in the name of copyright claim.

Also, I find some shocking parallels between me and Victorique de Blois. Perhaps the Gray Wolf lineage isn't that fictional after all...

Also, I'll be doing my customary tagging game for the written chapters of the original work. This is in case the entire Kuok clan is worried sick over my future concerning girlfriend and marriage.

Stuff I will do here...

I'll be doing the basic controls via the DualShock format. The reason why I choose Sony is very simple: I'm more familiar with the DualShock interface due me buying a PS2 during my NSF days.

[note from yours truly: Whatever you do, don't try modding your console. On one hand, technology has advanced by leaps and bounds. Secondly, doing stupid things in the past should not be seen as an excuse to break the law.]

At the same time, I'll try thinking on the go concerning the other aspects of gameplay. Before I start things off, however, allow me to up this meme below.

Basic controls

Left analog stick-Character movement (when outside combat)

Right analog stick-Camera zoom

D-pad-Character movement (during combat); browsing character menu.

Square button-Basic attack

Triangle button-Heavy attack (a more powerful version of basic attack)

Cross button-Trigger effect

Circle button-Toggle between Metallurgy and Thaumaturgy

L1-Metallurgy/Thaumaturgy power

R1-Same as above

L2-Self-heal

R2-Focus effect

L1+R1-Instant teleport to Yggdrasil

L2+R2-Normal teleport to Yggdrasil

L1+R1+L2+R2-Elegy power

Options-Open character menu

Start screen

Requiem from Winter Past

Answerer: Aeravor's story path. This is your default character path.

The Two Spears: Guy Cody's story path. Will unlock after fulfilling certain requirements during the Answerer story path.

Replica: Alestrial Eliaden's story path. Will automatically unlock after completing Act I~The Wolf, the Lion, and the Maiden Fair.

From the Age of Renown and Beyond

Songs from the Crucible: Stories of ancient heroes regaled by a random minstrel armed with a spear (then again, it maybe someone we know. Who knows?). In this mode, you'll be able to relive the legends defined by those of valour and wits.

Words from a Sage: Exploration of lore via the insignificant (?) presence of an old man living amongst the ruins of Napishtim where the Holy Quintet Church used to be there. In this mode, you'll be able to engage in a mini-game that looks like this. (note; Of course, this also means I'm not interested in receiving a letter from my fellow Singaporeans).

Yggdrasil to Avalon

Of Songs and Tales: Basically, this is where you configure various aspects of the game like button/control and difficulty level. Also, you can choose how the gameplay is done via three options. Namely, Quartermaster mode, Hoard mode, and Glory mode.

Of Memories and Memoirs: Allows you to watch once again the cutscenes defining the plot and characters. You can also replay certain stages via this mode. However, this is strictly for entertainment purposes. No rewards whatsoever, only replaying.

Boys to Men, Girls to Women

To Conceive: Create your own character. You should know what it means in gaming terms.

To Journey: Send your created character to a journey like never before! Okay, that's a lie. Your created character will only be participating in the events surrounding Requiem from Winter Past. Period.

Next up: I need to write up a treatise of strategy concerning my beloved Boro. After all, Gastón the Beast is now running the risk of becoming Gastón the... well, Gaston. Don't understand what I'm saying? Okay, never mind that...

ESRB level for this game?
Rated T unless you want the gameplay to be more realistic.
Rated M for violence, mature themes, and coarse language.
Yeah, I know I'm being a hypocrite...