tbf, If you want to introduce a mechanics system, I'd still be fine with that too, but you should have some pretty clear rules about how everything works, or just steal from an existing system (like D&D, Fate, Numenera, etc). The wisdom on this site (and plenty of other sites) has generally been run either a fully free-form game OR use/create some game mechanics. Mixing the two haphazardly is a recipe for headaches.
Some ideas from other games I've been in: - If PvP happens, the winner(s) should be pre-planned - Use stats for tie-breakers to solve dispute in combat or competitions, otherwise leave it to the imagination of players - Provide a brief description of what each stat normally does in the context of the game/story (like, increasing X stat give Y benefit) - Stat-less damage categories, like "weak damage", "moderate damage", "severe damage"
If you see a good idea from here or elsewhere that would help, just steal it. No shame~
@Travesty It's a bit of a mixed signal for me. Ren getting a cool skill isn't a problem, but dropping in some stats calculations is a little jarring honestly. Sam's ice bolt was the outlier so far, but I have some reservations about all of us casually inventing on our own stat-based mechanics.
The stats are supposed to be pretty arbitrary, right? I mean... the numbers exist, and we've been using them as a guidepost, but the story so far has been completely free form. I'm concerned that having attack skills both with and without damage mechanics will lead to some tricky and confusing situations later. It also makes me think I should be paying more attention to the mechanics (which aren't that clearly defined).
Fair warning from someone who has been down this road many times in the past, you may want to put some more thought into this.
The last thing I want is people squabbling over mechanics in OoC because the numbers became more important than the story.
Oh, its so much worse now. >.>; Forget about moon jumping, I'm not sure she won't accidentally destroy the encampment by sneezing or causing earthquakes if she sits down a little too hard.
23k Strength probably makes her a walking disaster
An onslaught of chiming voices rang in her head, more nonsense about levels and skills. Ignoring them was a struggle. The methodical and steady precession of strikes kept the distracting thoughts at bay. Every ounce of her anxiety had been buried beneath a savage rhythm.
Each stroke was heavy and bit deep into Kobold Lord, peeling back flesh and carving into bone. Frozen gore shattered under her strength and bloodied flecks of ice clung to her skin and tattered clothes. Magic power strengthened her swing as she backhanded and kicked away any kobold still suicidal enough to approach her. In less than a minute, the monstrous leader had been defeated.
When Zhao finally paused to take stock of the battlefield around her, she realized the casualties were grave. Her grip on her sword loosened as she felt the tension leave her body. Her skin felt warm, wet. She looked down and noticed dark stains of bloody ichor had melted into her ceremonial dress. Disgust pulled her lips into a scowl, and she let out a tired sigh.
She saw many of the knights were dead or injured, many wearing a hollow expression she was uncomfortably familiar with. Her chest felt heavy seeing them.
Looking around, she didn't see the young boy from before (@Sedjwick)."He's gone?" She dashed towards one of the healers nearby. "Excuse me, doctor? Have you seen the young boy who was traveling with us? Is he injured?"
Having been concentrating on her spell, the priestess was taken aback at first, and offered Zhao a bewildered look. After a brief, but awkward silence she eventually stammered out a reply. "Uh... No, I haven't seen him at all. He's not among the dead, I know that." She added.
Worry creased her brow as Zhao stared at the nearby treeline. "I hope he's safe..." She said. The disappointment in her voice was obvious.
The priestess nodded and force a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "We'll do our best to find him." Her hands glowed softly as she returned to healing the fallen knight.
A stream if brilliant color stole Zhao's attention. She looked in amazement as faint, shimmering blue light radiated from the priestess' hands and flowed through the knight like a drops of dye being carried along by a river's current. Tendrils of black miasma curled away from him as a light within the core of his body began to shine brighter.
"What is that?"
"Hunh? what are you talking about? Actually, nevermind. I'm trying to concentrate, so please step away." The priestess said irritably.
Although she knew she hadn't seen anything like this before, questions piled up endlessly and tied her tongue. She stared dumbly at the spectacle, a pale glow in her eyes as she briefly wondered why the healer didn't take notice.
She looked around, noticing the same blue flame burning inside each person. Some dimmer or brighter than others. She shut her eyes hard, confused and flustered, but when she opened them again the ethereal blue energies were nowhere to be seen.
She shook her head, and composed herself, remembering that none of them were safe quite yet. She marched toward the old knight. "Now that the battle is over, Sir Knight,do you still intend to arrest us as spies? If you allow everyone to regroup and rest first, I doubt you'll hear a word of complaint." She nodded towards the wounded knights littering the ground nearby.
You have reached level 10! Sword Mastery level 4 acquired! Charisma level 3 acquired! Mystic Eyes level 7 acquired! New ability unlocked. New skill 'Hordebreaker' acquired! New skill 'Steadfast' acquired!
