Tactics

From SteelStorm

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Tactics

Steel Storm's battle system is significantly different from most RPG combat systems, and is a modification that allows for more unique types of battles, while streamlining the flow of battle for use as a battle system for message-board or other high-latency situations.

The central part of the battle mechanics is the Tactics system. Instead of the standard attack/dodge/parry, each player can choose from a variety of different tactics that they can assign to their character for the duration of the battle (or the duration of a certain segment of the battle, for more involved battles). All players start out with a limited host of tactics that can be used, and can obtain additional tactics based on their class, skill set, and may learn bonus tactics as they become more experienced in combat. Also, some tactics can be used depending on the equipment you have. An example might be if you have the Mechanics skill, and a quantity of explosive, you could use the skill to fabricate grenade-type bombs that you could throw in combat.

Various types of trainers can help you to come up with more advanced tactics. Additionally, common-sense tactics can be improvised, although tactics that are first tried inthe heat of battle are often hastily executed and subject to high failure rates.

All characters start out with the following basic tactics:

• Full Attack - Bare Hands
• Full Attack - Basic Weapons
• Full Defense - Take Cover (shield/any available shelter)
• 50/50 Attack/Defense - Use Shield/Weapon
• Hang Back and Attack - (ranged weapons only) - low accuracy
• Flee

All of these beginning tactics start at a 40% proficiency, plus any applicable stat bonuses.

From these tactics, a player can choose a default tactic - this tactic is what the character will use when no input from the player is given for a round of battle.

As mentioned before: -Some basic additional tactics will be added to your arsenal based on the class you select -Each skill that you acquire will allow you to use additional tactics under its set of skills, at the skill's given proficiency (skill proficiency is tactical proficiency when using a tactic that makes predominant use of that skill) -Certain advanced skills may be obtained by studying at different guilds or trainers -Tactical trainers can train combined skills and advanced skills (3 or more simultaneous actions)

In addition, there are 2 different types of tactics that can be used in addition by some characters: -Characters with healing spells, healing items, or technological medical equipment can choose a health tactic in addition to their main battle tactic - Heal Self, Heal Other Party Member, Heal Party (if applicable). In addition, you can also specify a threshold to administer aid (scratched, damaged, heavily damaged, critically injured, mortally wounded). -Characters with effect spells can define the effect spell they wish to use in battle (effect spells can only be cast once per battle and last the duration, unless otherwise specified). Characters with battle magic should take care not to use it as their default tactic, as attacking with magic through multiple battles can leave a character critically low on MP.

Assigning Tactics

Each class will give you some base additional tactics you can add to your list. In addition, once you have skills, you can apply for basic single-action techniques that make use of those skills, as well as any applicable equipment you might have. To add a tactic to your list in this fashion, you will be able to submit a request to one of the permanent Questmasters, who will check the tactic against your skills and equipment, and add it to your tactics list with its accompanying proficiency. The proficiency of these tactics may be slightly more or less than the skill level, depending on the level of your stats that might apply to the tactic.

Advanced tactics (2 or more actions simultaneously) can be learned from a Guild, so long as you are a member in good standing, or pay a hefty fee for the class. These tactics are usually specialized to the Guild's expertise, although you can ask them to train you in a custom tactic as well. Very complicated tactics and simultaneous combinations of existing tactics can be trained by very specialized tactical trainers. However, these trainers may be in remote locations, and may charge very high prices for their services, as they are in high demand. Some of the larger guilds have their own in-house tactical trainers, but they generally cannot train as high or as specializaed a level of tactics.