Technomancers: Technology Wars idea blog

WARNING: Name not final. I'll be using this space to describe and post ideas about my game concept, for the purposes of "I need somewhere to keep my ideas" and also public feedback.

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Hello, Tumblr.

Considering this is a game idea I’m actually getting well into designing, hopefully I can bring it to full fruition someday.  Every so often, I’ll post new concepts or ideas for the game, and get community driven feedback from you guys.  Seriously, any and all advice you can give me on my ideas helps greatly.  But regardless, I should explain the game I’m planning on making.  More under the cut here.

The idea behind the game is that there are several guilds of technology, all based around different genres of fiction.  Mostly a lot of -punks, because they all have really great art styles and settings.  But each guild would have around 3-5 classes each.  For starters, I think I want to start with 6 guilds and 3 classes per guild, though with proper resources or time, I’d definitely add like 12-14 guilds, 5 classes each.

Current guilds are Steam, Scrap, Naval, Cyber, Gothic, and Spell.  They’ll get more fancy names later, like the Brotherhood of Sails, but for the time being that’ll do.  Future planned guilds I’ll get to later are Diesel, Silk, Western, 70′s, Ancient, and then uh...well, last one is kind of up in the air, possibly something like atompunk or raypunk...solarpunk guild with plants would also be neat...egh, sorry, still sort of planning things out, getting my thoughts compiled together.

Anyway, what makes this game special is the fact that you can combine classes together, via a subclass system.  Each class has an unlockable subclass.  Once the subclass is unlocked, the subclass can be applied to any other class in the game.  Want that soldier to be able to support its allies better?  Add a doctor subclass.  (Disclaimer, no guaruntees for a class named “Doctor” or “Soldier”, but I am currently seeing what I can do, this game has been in the planning stage for only a short while now.)

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Mob

Overview:  Even within the confines of a guild, gang wars are still quite a definite threat.  The Mafia looks out for their own, plays by their own rules, keeps their corner of the guild safe for themselves.  Naturally, a Mob is a good generalist, not having any massive specializations that any other class might have.

Weapons:  Tommy gun, Shotgun, Pipe

Special ability:  Sprint   The Mob gains increased movement speed while the button is held.

ATK - 6/10 DEF - 5/10 SPD - 5/10 RNG - 5/10 AMO - 4/10

(ATK = Attack, DEF = Defense, SPD = Speed, RNG = Range, AMO = Ammo capacity)

(Stats are used for a general idea of how the class plays.  All stats and abilities are subject to change.)

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The Steel Syndicate

The cold clang of iron, the blistering cold, soot-covered workers slowly marching to destinations known only to them.  This is workforce that drives the Steel Syndicate.  Located in the far north reaches, where the ash covers the sky like a blanket, a guild aims to perfect their industrial technology using only the most reliable resources they can find.  Perhaps someday the world may know of the greatness of their work, but today...today the hammers must continue to fall.

The Steel Syndicate is a heavily industrial-themed guild located in the snowy reaches of the north, and sort of leans into the general look of technology around the time of the real life Cold War.  Possibly the most grounded (in theme) guild I’ve yet envisioned, honestly.

So that’s the theme, but what about mechanics?  Well, there’ll be at least one, I know that for sure.  Expect several good mid-range fighters in this guild, honestly.  I can’t really say what else to expect though, we’re still in planning stages.

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Hound

Overview:  Man’s Best Friend...but perhaps more mechanical than you might remember last time...and also large.  Hounds are quick and versatile close-range combatants, capable of denying areas with their presence, and using their enhanced speed to be able to mobilize and support wherever needed.  Additionally, they can control the battlefield in a way few other classes can, thanks to their ability to reposition certain projectiles, usable item pickups, and even players.

Weapons:  Machine gun, Mine, Bite

Special ability:  Fetch   The Hound grabs a projectile, pickup, or player with their mouth.  Carrying something in the hound’s mouth slows their movement speed.  Additionally, the hound will automatically drop whatever its holding after a short period, depending on what they’re holding, players dropping very shortly after grabs and pickups lasting much longer.  Pressing the button again will have the hound either drop the held thing if the button is held, or thrown if the button is tapped.

ATK - 6/10 DEF - 7/10 SPD - 7/10 RNG - 2/10 AMO - 3/10

(ATK = Attack, DEF = Defense, SPD = Speed, RNG = Range, AMO = Ammo capacity)

(Stats are used for a general idea of how the class plays.  All stats and abilities are subject to change.)

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Glider

Overview:  The Glider specializes in having a lot of mobility, allowing them to get anywhere they want, but realistically you’re gonna want to stay in the air as long as possible to rain down attacks from above.  Please remain mobile, though, any class with a long enough reach will not hesitate to clip your wings and ruin you.  After all, seeing everyone just makes you that much more visible of a target.

Weapons:  Bomb, Pistol, Staff The alt fire of the staff allows the Glider to launch themselves off a wall to gain height.

Special ability:  Glide   You open your glider, slowing your movement speed but reducing your falling speed, as well as the damage taken from your own explosions.  Pressing the button again closes the glider.

ATK - 5/10 DEF - 4/10 SPD - 5/10 RNG - 7/10 AMO - 4/10

(ATK = Attack, DEF = Defense, SPD = Speed, RNG = Range, AMO = Ammo capacity)

(Stats are used for a general idea of how the class plays.  All stats and abilities are subject to change.)

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Aeromancer

Overview:  The Aeromancer specializes in more direct control of the battlefield thanks to their wind magics.  Also thanks to their wind magic, they can double jump and just overall be obnoxiously mobile, potentially the most mobile class in the entire game.  However, even with their high mobility, it’s hard for them to attack quickly, thanks to the charge-based nature of their spells.

Weapons:  Gale Spin, Pressurate, Wind Cutter Gale Spin and Pressurate can both be charged to increase their effects. Gale Spin creates a small tornado that draws foes that get too close in, but deals relatively low damage.  Charging the move makes the tornado larger and last longer. Pressurate deals no damage, but when released pushes enemies in front of the user away, or can be used against non-energy projectiles to redirect them towards where the Aeromancer faces, slightly boosting the damage it deals in the process as it gains speed.  Both the distance players are launched and the speed/damage of redirected projectiles are increased depending on charge. Wind Cutter has a large melee range. Pressurate can be accessed with Mouse Button 2, regardless of what weapon is being held. 

Special ability:  Tailwind   The Aeromancer temporarily lightens themselves, allowing for a third jump and increasing their movement speed even higher.

ATK - 3/10 DEF - 3/10 SPD - 10/10 RNG - 5/10 AMO - 4/10

(ATK = Attack, DEF = Defense, SPD = Speed, RNG = Range, AMO = Ammo capacity)

(Stats are used for a general idea of how the class plays.  All stats and abilities are subject to change.)

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Design Principles #2

So I said I’d talk about my idea behind Subclasses at some point.  So, I will.

So first of all, when you would first begin playing, all subclasses would be locked.  You would only be able to play the base version of a class initially.  No, don’t worry, I don’t expect you to have to pay for the subclasses, though that may be added later, you would instead gradually unlock subclasses as you go.  I’ll try and keep each subclass balanced against each other as well, so you don’t feel like “Well I’d like to play this class, but I don’t have the good subclass combo for it so I can’t play it”.

Subclassing simply takes the look of another class, as well as an ability or two, and works it to the existing class.  For example, a vampire subclass might allow attacks the user uses to have life steal, but might come at a cost such as reduced health and/or a shorter range.  A pyromancer subclass would allow attacks from the user to burn the enemy, but make it deal less damage.  So on and so forth.  In some cases, adding a subclass may completely override a classes’ normal ability or weapon, replacing it with something completely new.  For example, a Pirate Captain with the Alchemist subclass might have their Rally ability altered to provide a Defense buff to surrounding allies, rather than an Offense buff.

Anyway, join us next time as we discuss...something else.

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Ninja

Overview:  A stealthy class based around subversion and remaining unseen, the Ninja has several tricks up its sleeve to keep itself out of sight and out of mind.  Don’t count them out of a fight, however, but understand they excel at getting behind enemy lines and disrupting the enemy, getting intel, that sort of thing.

Weapons:  Thorn Star, Smoke Bomb, Chain Sickle Thorn Stars are not only a ranged weapon, but can be lodged in the ground where they will remain for some time, causing damage when walked over. Smoke bombs can light enemies on fire briefly, and cause vision-obscuring clouds for a short time. The Chain Sickle can be thrown as well for an attack, or can be used to latch onto a surface and pull oneself to it.  Having the sickle out itself allows the user to briefly be able to climb walls as well.

Special ability:  Silk Puppet   The Ninja sends out a fake duplicate of itself, which will move about randomly.  It will be destroyed by any attack that deals damage.  This ability has a considerable cooldown.

ATK - 4/10 DEF - 3/10 SPD - 9/10 RNG - 3/10 AMO - 6/10

(ATK = Attack, DEF = Defense, SPD = Speed, RNG = Range, AMO = Ammo capacity)

(Stats are used for a general idea of how the class plays.  All stats and abilities are subject to change.)

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The Silken League

Silk is a highly valued commodity in the world, thanks to its natural beauty and rarity.  But, of course, it’s practical too, being both strong and lightweight.  Mastering techniques that allow for silk to be made artificially, the Silken League is not only filled with merchants and tradesman, but also inventors who know how to take silk and other fabrics, mix it with a healthy dose of technology, and create something truly spectacular.

This guild is based off of East Asia, a historical blend of more oriental flavor, but given a mechanical edge of sorts.  After all, if I want these guilds to represent different areas of the world, we gotta do everywhere.

Mechanically speaking, this guild will, uh...well, I haven’t gotten quite that far yet, but I do know of the classes I do have planned, they focus on mobility, so keep that all in mind.

Apologies, these later guilds aren’t super well put together yet.

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Hey, sorry about the lack of post lately.  Kinda got distracted by video games and thought I had more stuff queued than I did.

My previous plan was to have 3 classes per guild fully planned out and then talk about each of them, but honestly having trouble figuring out what the 3rd junkyard class would be.  So instead I’ll just post the rest of my ideas regardless of number.

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Scrapper

Overview:  The Scrapper is a builder-type class that uses parts.  Thanks to their know-how, they’ve discovered how to build an automatic turret gun that can also be manually controlled.  They’re also quite efficient in combat themselves, though not to a major degree, should they need to defend themselves in a pinch.

Weapons:  Pepperbox, Turret Kit, Axe-Wrench The Turret Kit allows the Scrapper to build a Turret using parts.  The Turret has its own health and limited ammo, as well as a limited detection range. The Axe-Wrench can repair any building -- including their own turret -- using parts.

Special ability:  Manual Override   The Scrapper mounts the turret, taking aim personally.  While the Scrapper is in control of the turret, the turret’s firing speed is increased, but loses the ability to automatically shoot targets.

ATK - 5/10 DEF - 4/10 SPD - 5/10 RNG - 4/10 AMO - 7/10

(ATK = Attack, DEF = Defense, SPD = Speed, RNG = Range, AMO = Ammo capacity)

(Stats are used for a general idea of how the class plays.  All stats and abilities are subject to change.)

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Mercenary

Overview:  Proving that simplicity is never a bad thing, the Mercenary is a solid class comfortable in close-ranged combat, but not entirely lacking in long-ranged capabilities.  Mercenaries can fight fast and hard thanks to their improved speed and high damage, making them great at one-on-one duels.

Weapons:  Crossbow, Twin Machineguns, Scrap Saber

Special ability:  Dash   Activating a modified jetpack, the Mercenary makes a quick movement forwards, with brief cooldown.  This ability even works in the air.

ATK - 6/10 DEF - 5/10 SPD - 6/10 RNG - 3/10 AMO - 5/10

(ATK = Attack, DEF = Defense, SPD = Speed, RNG = Range, AMO = Ammo capacity)

(Stats are used for a general idea of how the class plays.  All stats and abilities are subject to change.)

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The Scrapyard Dogs

The Scrapyard Dogs inherently do not have a technology to call their own necessarily.  What they do have, is all the scrapped, unfinished, and unloved inventions from other guilds that have been tossed away over the years.  Refining it into their own tech, Scrapyard Dogs have carved their own niche into the world.

Mechanically, the Scrapyard Dogs will contain...kind of a grab bag of ideas I don’t know how to make work in other guilds.  Some members might use magic, others far flung tech from the future, some may even use random stuff from the past, who knows?

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Cryomancer (Revision 1)

After some thought, I’m gonna slightly revise the Cryomancer.  That ice wall ability I’m gonna replace with something else;  I have a different class in mind that might like that wall better...

Overview:  Cryomancers are masters of ice, using it to defend areas from intruders, and doling out large damage when needed.  Cryomancers are the ideal tank, able to take massive hurt, and also decent at support with their Flash Freeze.  With careful planning, a Cryomancer can definitely control the battlefield to their liking, but at the cost of being quite vulnerable at times as well.  Tread carefully when a Cryomancer is about.

Weapons:  Blizzard, Flash Freeze, Icicle Blizzard shoots a torrent of ice shards forwards, following a short windup. Flash Freeze has a short range and travels slow, deals no damage, but locks enemies in place briefly.

Special ability:  Diamond Defense   Diamond Defense grants an amount of pseudo-hit points to any ally, or to the Cryomancer themselves.   ATK - 7/10 DEF - 9/10 SPD - 2/10 RNG - 4/10 AMO - 3/10

(ATK = Attack, DEF = Defense, SPD = Speed, RNG = Range, AMO = Ammo capacity)

(Stats are used for a general idea of how the class plays.  All stats and abilities are subject to change.)

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Astrapomancer

Overview:  Astrapomancers specialize in electricity, thunder, and other such things that may leave you shocked or dazed.  Thanks to their special staves with visual enhancers, the destructive capabilities are matched by few, and in reach fewer.  However, keep an eye on your mana consumption, for careless bolts may spell the end for you.

Weapons:  Electric Blitz, Thunderburst, Maulgur Both Electric Blitz and Thunderburst allow the user to zoom in and take aim more precisely.  Electric Blitz deals massive damage, regardless of where it hits, and Thunderburst deals reasonable damage in a small radius.

Special ability:  Static Blaze   The Astrapomancer marks one opponent with static electricity, increasing the amount of damage the target takes from the next source of damage.

ATK - 8/10 DEF - 2/10 SPD - 4/10 RNG - 9/10 AMO - 2/10

(ATK = Attack, DEF = Defense, SPD = Speed, RNG = Range, AMO = Ammo capacity)

(Stats are used for a general idea of how the class plays.  All stats are subject to change.)

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Cryomancer

Overview:  Cryomancers are masters of ice, using it to defend areas from intruders, and doling out large damage when needed.  Cryomancers are the ideal tank, able to take massive hurt, and also decent at support with their Flash Freeze.  With careful planning, a Cryomancer can definitely control the battlefield to their liking, but at the cost of being quite vulnerable at times as well.  Tread carefully when a Cryomancer is about.

Weapons:  Blizzard, Flash Freeze, Icicle Blizzard shoots a torrent of ice shards forwards, following a short windup. Flash Freeze has a short range and travels slow, deals no damage, but locks enemies in place briefly.

Special ability:  Glacial Wall   Pounding their staff into the ground, the Cryomancer summons a solid wall in front of them, which lasts a short time.  Once enough time has elapsed, or the wall has taken sufficient damage, the wall will dissipate.  Glacial Wall takes extra damage from any fire or explosive attack.

ATK - 7/10 DEF - 9/10 SPD - 2/10 RNG - 4/10 AMO - 3/10

(ATK = Attack, DEF = Defense, SPD = Speed, RNG = Range, AMO = Ammo capacity)

(Stats are used for a general idea of how the class plays.  All stats are subject to change.)

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Pyromancer

Overview:  Ever feel like you just want the world to burn?  Congrats; you understand the Pyromancer.  The Pyromancer deals in short-range, high damaging fire spells that also set the opponent on fire.  Of course, being a magic class, they also rely on mana for their spells, especially their powerful immolation form, which saps their mana heavily in exchange for massively empowered fire spells.

Weapons:  Flame Geyser, Searing Bolt, Magma Blade Flame Geyser is a short-ranged spray of fire in front of the user that rapidly deals damage. Searing Bolt is a dart of flames that flies a decent distance, but deals relatively low damage. Magma Blade will set you on fire.

Special ability:  Immolation Form   The Pyromancer becomes wreathed in fire, burning those in very close contact.  It also doubles fire damage dealt until deactivated, which occurs either manually with the press of a button, or automatically after the Pyromancer is out of magic.  Activating Immolation Form costs some mana, and also slowly consumes mana while active.

ATK - 7/10 DEF - 6/10 SPD - 5/10 RNG - 2/10 AMO - 5/10

(ATK = Attack, DEF = Defense, SPD = Speed, RNG = Range, AMO = Ammo capacity)

(Stats are used for a general idea of how the class plays.  All stats are subject to change.)