Post by Psionic-Entity on Apr 1, 2017 2:06:50 GMT -5
When I started working on Engines of Ascension three years ago I made the decision to build it as a no-magic setting, where the most powerful abilities and features come from athletic prowess or technological ingenuity, rather than external power sources or the ability to ask the gods for a favor. This design choice has led to the creation of a host of new mechanics that provide healing, elemental damage, and unique game effects not seen anywhere else. Today I am proud to announce the next step in the evolution of Neverwinter Nights 2 gaming. We're still the same no-magic setting you're used to enjoying, but now we've given characters the ability to learn and cast arcane spells. Drawing from acclaimed source material such as Arcanum of Steamworks and Magic Obscura, the Dishonored franchise, Call of Cthulhu, and many more, our new system allows characters to plumb the depths of forbidden knowledge in search of powerful magical capabilities. The process is simple, one need only acquire the arcanum for a spell and learn its activation word, the speaking of which causes a character to begin casting a spell at their current target. To kick things off we're giving every character access to a simple spell that can be activated by saying the word Abra, and there are many more arcana to be found by searching the game world. Players must beware the lure of the arcane, however, and remember that he who fights with monsters should be careful lest he thereby become a monster. And if thou gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will also gaze into thee.
The Arcana System
With today's update players can now acquire and learn spells found in loot drops. Arcana objects must be retained in a characters' inventory to be used, though they may be called from storage. Each arcanum allows a character to cast a single spell by saying the name of the arcanum exactly as written. Doing so triggers the spell cast action on the player's current target. The free spell, Abra, does not require an arcanum to be used and can be called on at will. Casting a spell imposes a stamina, toxicity, and sanity cost. If a character has insufficient stamina or toxicity the sanity cost is increased, and if the character expends too much sanity in a short period of time they become temporarily insane.
Development Plans
In the current build only players are capable of using arcana, but in the coming weeks the Engines AI system will be updated so that creatures with playable races will be able to use arcana as well. Perceptive players who have learned the arcana associated with activation words can use their knowledge to predict which spells enemies are using before they are cast, allowing for attempts at interrupting the spell or producing a counter. I'll also be monitoring the suggestion forums to look at ideas for new arcana, so if you have any ideas feel free to post them.
Role Playing Tips
The addition of the arcana system should not be viewed as a retcon of any past activity on Engines of Ascension. Rather, our timeline has simply reached a point where it is possible for the well-studied to piece together enough information to make a complete arcanum. Players encountering spells should view them as new and dangouer discoveries, not to be trifled with unless absolutely necessary. Similarly, non-player characters should not be expected to respond well to arcane events, which were previously thought to be impossible. For any additional questions about the role play implications of this update please consult the questions thread.
The Arcana System
With today's update players can now acquire and learn spells found in loot drops. Arcana objects must be retained in a characters' inventory to be used, though they may be called from storage. Each arcanum allows a character to cast a single spell by saying the name of the arcanum exactly as written. Doing so triggers the spell cast action on the player's current target. The free spell, Abra, does not require an arcanum to be used and can be called on at will. Casting a spell imposes a stamina, toxicity, and sanity cost. If a character has insufficient stamina or toxicity the sanity cost is increased, and if the character expends too much sanity in a short period of time they become temporarily insane.
Development Plans
In the current build only players are capable of using arcana, but in the coming weeks the Engines AI system will be updated so that creatures with playable races will be able to use arcana as well. Perceptive players who have learned the arcana associated with activation words can use their knowledge to predict which spells enemies are using before they are cast, allowing for attempts at interrupting the spell or producing a counter. I'll also be monitoring the suggestion forums to look at ideas for new arcana, so if you have any ideas feel free to post them.
Role Playing Tips
The addition of the arcana system should not be viewed as a retcon of any past activity on Engines of Ascension. Rather, our timeline has simply reached a point where it is possible for the well-studied to piece together enough information to make a complete arcanum. Players encountering spells should view them as new and dangouer discoveries, not to be trifled with unless absolutely necessary. Similarly, non-player characters should not be expected to respond well to arcane events, which were previously thought to be impossible. For any additional questions about the role play implications of this update please consult the questions thread.