Normally when updating part of theory, I like to use screenshots of the section to give a preview. If I did that here, I would have to post the entirety of character creation as screenshots in a blog post that would likely exceed 160 pages. I have chipped away at this update every day for 3 weeks. So, what specifically have I been working on?
Introducing the new Theory Combat system
To introduce the new, we must first understand the old, and the logic and decision making behind both.
The basics of the old system went something like this: do a lot of math to determine whether or not you can take an action before you can even decide if it's a good idea or not.
Specifically the differences between the old system and the new can be broken down into a few questions
Can I take that action right now?
Old system: subtract AP, Subtract Mana, do I have enough? good, Add attack/Defense modifiers and resolve action
New System: Do i have an action left? good, Add attack/Defense modifiers and resolve action
Should I take that action right now?
Old system: Try to guess each opponent's build and how to counter it while tracking how much AP each opponent has spent in an attempt to guess their maximum and catch them over-extending while managing your own AP and keeping yourself from over-extending or getting tricked into over-extending.
New System: You have an offensive and defensive action, and a number of speed actions equal to your speed mod. so does everyone else.
Do I have the resources to take that action right now?
Old system: Subtract AP in multiples of 5 from 100+ and remember that number constantly. Cant remember? take 10 minutes rebuilding your entire turn and try not to get it confused with previous turns.
New System: You have an offensive and defensive action, and a number of speed actions equal to your speed mod. so does everyone else.
How many resources will I have left afterward?
Old system: Subtract AP from a total that may vary from round to round and instead of dealing with multiples of 1, deal with multiples of 5 for some reason...
New System: You have an offensive and defensive action, and a number of speed actions equal to your speed mod. so does everyone else.
In case you can't already tell, Action points are gone. There are no actions that require Action points, restore action points, or damage action points. The replacement is simply: Actions. Everyone gets an offensive action, a defensive action, and a number of speed actions equal to their speed modifier.
Well thats neat, but what does that mean for combat and abilities?
Offensive actions and defensive actions still behave the same way, and are still used to interrupt eachother (but not themselves). nothing has really changed here except that you have one less resource to manage.
So what about this speed action thing?
A speed action can be used in place of an offensive or defensive action.
So what's the downside to a speed action?
Many abilities and weapons are stronger when used with your offensive or defensive action, instead of with a speed action.
But what about Chronomage that class was built around abusing AP??
Chronomages now abuse speed actions.
What about movement? since you only move 5ft on a move, doesnt this mean you only get to move *maybe* 15ft a round?
Your movement speed is now inherited from your race. when declaring a move, you get to move that amount of distance.
What about Meta-magic skills? does EACH one now take a speed action?
No, meta-magic skills are now only limited by your spell matrix and available mana. This means that all your spells, regardless of the complexity, require the same amount of time to cast.
IMBA IMBA IMBA!!!!
When you looked at the math from before, most mages had enough AP left over (that they were saving to defend themselves with) that these small, incremental increases really had no effect on decision-making in combat.
Overall, this update has simplified the game and it's abilities, without losing any of the tactical decision making, or skill investment. For the most part, everything even works the same way but has been simplified and streamlined. check it out.
