Origin Tip Missions & Origin Changing.

[Alchemystic]

So! It's probably come up a few times before about doing more with origins in-game, including specific mission content or different player experiences depending on origin. Right now, there isn't a lot of use for origin in game besides a handful of low level missions and deciding what contacts are open to you, as well as deciding where to by DOs and SOs.

I figured we could introduce something similar to the Alignment System, where players can pick up certain tip missions that are based on their origin. Like the alignment system, you can decide how to advance your character's story, deciding what direction they go in. Origin tip missions will prompt you to choose whether you wish to pursue the mission to affirm your current origin, or if you would like to split into having a dual origin. 

Much like Alignment missions, completing a set number of them will progress you towards your desired origin, and unlock specific rewards. Now, since there are 5 origins and not just 2, that means there will be a lot more branching between them, so instead of having two middle-ground branches like Rogue and Vigilante, your dual origin will be the same regardless of what your primary origin is (natural + tech will be the same as tech + natural).

 

Here is a list of proposed 'dual origins' that players will be able to advance into, along with the special self-affecting powers that each would unlock:

 

PREREQUISITES	NEW ORIGIN	ORIGIN POWER
Natural	-	Peak Fitness (+Recovery, +Damage)
Tech	-	Upgrade (+Defense, +Recharge)
Science	-	Molecular Bonding (+Regeneration, +ToHit)
Mutation	-	Strangeness (+Resistance, +Speed)
Magic	-	Arcane Conduit (+Accuracy, +Special)
Natural/Tech	Gadgets	Special Payload (+Damage, +Recharge)
Natural/Science	Research	Experimental Serum (+Recovery, +Regeneration)
Natural/Mutation	Abnormality	Savant (+Recovery, +Speed)
Natural/Magic	Enchantment	Rune of Power (+Damage, +Special)
Tech/Science	Genius	Brainstorm (+Recharge, +ToHit)
Tech/Mutation	Nanotech	Nanite Surge (+Defense, +Resistance)
Tech/Magic	Artifice	Animate Forces (+Defense, +Accuracy)
Science/Mutation	Genetics	Adaptive Genes (+ToHit, +Speed)
Science/Magic	Alchemy	Magic Potion (+Regeneration, +Special)
Mutation/Magic	Curse	Devolution  (+Resistance, +Accuracy)

 

Just like alignments, when you progress into a dual-origin, you will also then be able to move over to a completely new origin (eg. Natural > Gadgets > Tech). Once you have moved from one origin to another, or have selected a new origin, you will still retain all of your slotted DOs/SOs, but you will not be able to equip new ones that do not fit your origin (or origins). You will retain any active contacts, but any future contacts you are refereed to will instead be those that suit your new origin.

 

In addition to this, new dual origin enhancements could be produced in order to encompass all the different possibilities instead of a select few, which will likely require more art assets to accomplish, but would likely be supplemental to this concept, and not a core addition.

Edited August 11, 2020 by Tyrannical

[Sakura Tenshi]

>Adding more functionality to origins without locking people into things and even actively expand on their origins.

 

>Expanding on the Tip mission system with more tip missions

 

>Tyrannical post

[MTeague]

I don't like the idea of certain bonuses requiring certain specific origins. 

You can make anything thematically make sense with certain origins.

 

Let the player CHOOSE a bonus for whatever origin they will?  And I'm much closer to being on board.

 

[Greycat]

Origins are baked too deeply into character creation that they cannot be changed. They're one of four things (the others being AT, primary and secondary) that can't be changed.

 

Also, while I wouldn't mind more tip missions, and some origin-related arcs and such, I honestly don't think I'd want "bonuses" for origins. Finding a way to mix them? Sure. Bonuses? I'd rather have them fit the character thematically, not be a "I am going to need +acc" or whatever.

[Alchemystic]

1 hour ago, Greycat said:

Origins are baked too deeply into character creation that they cannot be changed. They're one of four things (the others being AT, primary and secondary) that can't be changed.

 

Also, while I wouldn't mind more tip missions, and some origin-related arcs and such, I honestly don't think I'd want "bonuses" for origins. Finding a way to mix them? Sure. Bonuses? I'd rather have them fit the character thematically, not be a "I am going to need +acc" or whatever.

Perhaps it could stay as your 'base origin' and this could place a thematic character advancement system over it? maybe instead of origin it could be called 'power source' and would act independently of your origin. However, doing tip missions based on your current origin would simply reaffirm that origin is indeed your current power source.

As for the bonuses? I feel like there would have to be incentive to use the system other than just thematics. There would certainly be badges involved, but I don't think that's enough, and since alignments grant you powers I opted to go down that route.

Maybe instead of self-buffs, they could instead be useful attack powers with long recharge? somewhere between the effectiveness of an accolade power and a temp power.

Edited August 11, 2020 by Tyrannical

[MTeague]

8 minutes ago, Tyrannical said:

As for the bonuses? I feel like there would have to be incentive to use the system other than just thematics. 
Maybe instead of self-buffs, they could instead be useful attack powers with long recharge? somewhere between the effectiveness of an accolade power and a temp power.

I'm fine with an incentive to use the system. 

I don't want "I'm Super Reflexes, so clearly the only good choice is Tech for +Defense and +Recharge, everything else is crap."

 

I like the idea of doing X many tip missions and then having a reward bonus for it on a special 11th mission, not unlike alignment powers.

But if you're directly boosting combat stats, try to avoid certain origins only providing X benefit. 

Esp when the rationale is vague at best.  Why is it Tech that provides +Def/+Rchg?  Why not Mutation/Magic?

 

My opposition vanishes if we can eliminate making some origins the "Best" origins from a min-max perspective.

Edited August 11, 2020 by MTeague
grammar

[Alchemystic]

1 minute ago, MTeague said:

I'm fine with an incentive to use the system. 

I don't want "I'm Super Reflexes, so clearly the only good choice is Tech for +Defense and +Recharge, everything else is crap."

 

I like the idea of doing X many tip missions and then having a reward bonus for it on a special 11th mission, not unlike alignment powers.

But if you're directly boosting combat stats, try to avoid certain origins only providing X benefit. 

Esp when the rationale is vague at best.  Why is it Tech that provides +Def/+Rchg?  Why not Mutation/Magic?

 

My opposition vanishes if we can eliminate making some origins the "Best" origins from a min-max perspective.

 

Fair point, I suppose thematic attack powers not unlike the starting origin powers could be worth looking into! After all, all ATs do damage.

[MTeague]

I'm even fine with +Def/+Rchg being available as an option, as long as it's "You finish your Origin Tips.  You may now choose any one of the following powers", and then players can choose any one of the bonuses listed paired together with any origin.