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Classist Fantasies
So!
Recently I've been agonizing over the decision of whether or not to pick up a second class, which class to take, blah blah blah.
Unfortunately, the more I consider it, the more I realised that there aren't really any classes that fit Kelliara ICly. This in turn started me thinking about what WOULD fit my character.
Anyway, long story short, I started fantasising about classes I'd love to see.
Here's one now!
Presenting: The Berserker.
Thematically, the Berserker is a lightly, or unarmoured, heavy hitting killer, all about striking with hard, fast, brutal attacks. Bleeding, broken bones, wrenched and severed limbs, as well as shrugging off and ignoring blows struck against her, and fending for herself in harsh conditions (i.e. alone in the tundra) are all tools in the Berserker's toolbox.
So far as a weapon is concerned I picture the Berserker with either:
A ) Entirely unarmed, as a sort of brawling, limb ripping, anger-fuelled counterpoint to the precise, nearly surgical style of hand-to-hand fighting practiced by a Monk. At the end of the fight, the unarmed Berserker stands bloody knuckled after beating their foe into pulp.
B ) A pair of hatchets, swung in a rage-induced flurry, slashing their foes into ribbons, in a blood-crazed whirlwind of death.
C ) A two handed axe, likewise, swung with as much force and speed as can be mustered, chopping into victims like some sort of battle-insane logger, severing limbs, or entirely cutting a foe in two.
Or, perhaps D) The option for each, with the ability to specialise in one form.
Skills
-----
Berserking: The skill for which this class is named, Berserking houses the majority of defensive/utility/survival skills, as well as the Berserk ability, but more on that in a bit.
Fury: The first of the class’ two offensive abilities, Fury contains a portion of the class’ attacks and afflictions, as well as provides access to the 'Fury' resource. More on that latter, too.
Carnage: Like Fury, this holds more offensive attacks, and afflictions, however, more so than Fury itself, Carnage relies on the 'Fury' resource.
-------
Fury and Berserking
-----------------
I really like the idea of a class where all three skills play off of one another, rather than just being three entirely separate skills that fit thematically, and work well together.
Berserk is the key skill of Berserking, because it allows a Berserker to attack faster, harder, and survive more punishment than they might otherwise and allows the use of some more advanced defenses that are only functional whilst the berserking defense is active. However, its use ties directly into fury. (note the little 'f')
Whilst berserking, a Berserker drains their fury resource gradually, and, upon reaching 0 they lose all the benefits of berserking (and any of the buffs/defenses which require berserking to activate). Additionally, and perhaps more devastatingly, a Berserker who runs out fury while beserking ALSO suffers from exhaustion, which is functionally equivalent to a shapeshifters mutation sickness.
Skills in Fury, for the most part, comprise of some of the more basic attacks, and on use, generate varying amounts of the fury resource, allowing a Berserker to sustain themselves in combat. However, the skills in Fury alone aren't enough to push a kill, forcing a Berserker to rely on Carnage to put the finishing touches on their victim.
Carnage makes up the more advanced, damaging, harmful skills of a Berserker, and 1) for the most part require damage/afflictions caused by Fury to use, and 2) consumes the fury resource. This means that as a fight progresses a Berserker will have to pay careful attention to how much fury they have. Use too much, and they’ll wear themselves out, use too little and you’ll have trouble finishing the fight.
On top of this, the various buffs/defences that work off of berserk will change the speed at which fury is gained/drained.
Lore
------
Lorewise, the foundation for the Berserker class would be (obviously) the harnessing, or unleashing, of rage in combat to destroy foes. Since it’s already established that Shapeshifter’s Madness causes people to fall into an animalistic rage, the basis for this sort of behaviour already exists in game. A non-Shapeshifter who takes up the class might seek to either unleash their own anger in a form of channelled destruction, or perhaps even dip their toe in the water of the Madness. Shapeshifters, on the other hand, might seek an outlet for the Madness in their reverted forms.
Conceivably, this might mean that the first Berserkers of Sapience are shapeshifters, who, rather than fighting, or succumbing to their madness, have put it to work for them, unleashing it to destroy what threatens them.
There is also a distinct ‘survival of the fittest, fend for ones self’ idea behind Berserker lore (at least the lore I imagine). A Berserker, first and foremost, must be a survivor, able to take care of themselves, regardless of whether they’re in the deepest depths of the forest, or the iciest parts of the tundra. After all, anyone too weak would fall quickly in battle, even (or perhaps especially) whilst berserking.
This is not to suggest that they are incapable of working together, but, given that every Berserker IS a survivor, they are more likely to view other Berserkers as competition, constantly seeking to outdo one another, to prove who is the fastest, strongest, most cunning etc. etc. As an example, a Berserker might not share her food with another Berserker who finds themselves lost in the Tundra, but she may help one slay a particularly dangerous or impressive foe.
Berserkers tend towards a slightly nomadic lifestyle, rather than settling too far into one place. While they may be drawn to one city for personal reasons, they are likely to feel, and seem, slightly outside of things. For example, an Enorian Berserker may decide that joining the fight against the undead menace is an excellent way to prove herself (or have a personal grudge), she may well eat, drink, sleep, and have friends or family in Enorian, but she’s unlikely to buy too far into Enorian philosophy.
(Mechanically, this also makes for a neutrally tethered class, since each Berserker is going to have different ideas of how to prove themselves, and differing motivations for wanting to do so)
A Berserker may have friends who are Berserkers, and competition might be little more than a friendly rivalry, but the constant competitiveness between them makes a tight-knit Guild somewhere between unlikely and impossible. There is no agreement on the ‘right way’ to do something, nor common goal or philosophy to bind them together, and the constant attempts to outdo one another would prove a disaster for attempts at operating cohesively. Any and all disagreements (and there would be a lot) would devolve quickly into heated argument, followed by a fight, or other contest, and potentially (depending on those involved) a deep-seated grudge.
(Mechanically this negates the creation of another Guild, potentially harming the health of current Guilds)
Because of the nature of a Berseker, any grudge left to fester for too long has the potential to explode into something fairly major. A Berserker who feels particularly slighted would certainly not be inclined to let an offense slide, and would definitely seek some form of revenge. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the initial offence and the revenge taken, this can lead to long-standing and on-going feuds, not only between two Berserkers, but also potentially between a Berserker and a non-Berserker.
How a Beserker views, and interacts with, non-Berserkers varies depending on the individual, but they are likely to get on poorly with the more disciplined Guilds and Classes, such as the Templars and Carnifex, though there may be some degree of respect for their achievements, and prowess in combat and other areas. Monks, particularly the Sentaari, may seem anathematic, given their particular focus on training through discipline as compared to the unrestrained style of a Berserker.
Additionally, given their choice of combat style, a Berserker is likely to be unrestrained in their day-to-day life. They tend to give little care about their chosen vices, opting to partake in them simply because they enjoy them, and not modify their behaviour for polite company. For example, a Berserker who’s just returned to a city after surviving for months in the tundra, or having just killed something large and dangerous, is unlikely to give the first damn that they’re drinking too much, being too loud, or what have you.
-----
In summary, the Berserker is a tough, unchained, in your face fighter, making use of their rage in order to not only survive, but to prosper. Whether its with an axe or two, or with bare hands, a Berserker is well equipped to try and prove herself the equal or better of her peers.
Now, after blathering on for an age about MY dream class, I want to see what other classes people might have been dreaming about!
Recently I've been agonizing over the decision of whether or not to pick up a second class, which class to take, blah blah blah.
Unfortunately, the more I consider it, the more I realised that there aren't really any classes that fit Kelliara ICly. This in turn started me thinking about what WOULD fit my character.
Anyway, long story short, I started fantasising about classes I'd love to see.
Here's one now!
Presenting: The Berserker.
Thematically, the Berserker is a lightly, or unarmoured, heavy hitting killer, all about striking with hard, fast, brutal attacks. Bleeding, broken bones, wrenched and severed limbs, as well as shrugging off and ignoring blows struck against her, and fending for herself in harsh conditions (i.e. alone in the tundra) are all tools in the Berserker's toolbox.
So far as a weapon is concerned I picture the Berserker with either:
A ) Entirely unarmed, as a sort of brawling, limb ripping, anger-fuelled counterpoint to the precise, nearly surgical style of hand-to-hand fighting practiced by a Monk. At the end of the fight, the unarmed Berserker stands bloody knuckled after beating their foe into pulp.
B ) A pair of hatchets, swung in a rage-induced flurry, slashing their foes into ribbons, in a blood-crazed whirlwind of death.
C ) A two handed axe, likewise, swung with as much force and speed as can be mustered, chopping into victims like some sort of battle-insane logger, severing limbs, or entirely cutting a foe in two.
Or, perhaps D) The option for each, with the ability to specialise in one form.
Skills
-----
Berserking: The skill for which this class is named, Berserking houses the majority of defensive/utility/survival skills, as well as the Berserk ability, but more on that in a bit.
Fury: The first of the class’ two offensive abilities, Fury contains a portion of the class’ attacks and afflictions, as well as provides access to the 'Fury' resource. More on that latter, too.
Carnage: Like Fury, this holds more offensive attacks, and afflictions, however, more so than Fury itself, Carnage relies on the 'Fury' resource.
-------
Fury and Berserking
-----------------
I really like the idea of a class where all three skills play off of one another, rather than just being three entirely separate skills that fit thematically, and work well together.
Berserk is the key skill of Berserking, because it allows a Berserker to attack faster, harder, and survive more punishment than they might otherwise and allows the use of some more advanced defenses that are only functional whilst the berserking defense is active. However, its use ties directly into fury. (note the little 'f')
Whilst berserking, a Berserker drains their fury resource gradually, and, upon reaching 0 they lose all the benefits of berserking (and any of the buffs/defenses which require berserking to activate). Additionally, and perhaps more devastatingly, a Berserker who runs out fury while beserking ALSO suffers from exhaustion, which is functionally equivalent to a shapeshifters mutation sickness.
Skills in Fury, for the most part, comprise of some of the more basic attacks, and on use, generate varying amounts of the fury resource, allowing a Berserker to sustain themselves in combat. However, the skills in Fury alone aren't enough to push a kill, forcing a Berserker to rely on Carnage to put the finishing touches on their victim.
Carnage makes up the more advanced, damaging, harmful skills of a Berserker, and 1) for the most part require damage/afflictions caused by Fury to use, and 2) consumes the fury resource. This means that as a fight progresses a Berserker will have to pay careful attention to how much fury they have. Use too much, and they’ll wear themselves out, use too little and you’ll have trouble finishing the fight.
On top of this, the various buffs/defences that work off of berserk will change the speed at which fury is gained/drained.
Lore
------
Lorewise, the foundation for the Berserker class would be (obviously) the harnessing, or unleashing, of rage in combat to destroy foes. Since it’s already established that Shapeshifter’s Madness causes people to fall into an animalistic rage, the basis for this sort of behaviour already exists in game. A non-Shapeshifter who takes up the class might seek to either unleash their own anger in a form of channelled destruction, or perhaps even dip their toe in the water of the Madness. Shapeshifters, on the other hand, might seek an outlet for the Madness in their reverted forms.
Conceivably, this might mean that the first Berserkers of Sapience are shapeshifters, who, rather than fighting, or succumbing to their madness, have put it to work for them, unleashing it to destroy what threatens them.
There is also a distinct ‘survival of the fittest, fend for ones self’ idea behind Berserker lore (at least the lore I imagine). A Berserker, first and foremost, must be a survivor, able to take care of themselves, regardless of whether they’re in the deepest depths of the forest, or the iciest parts of the tundra. After all, anyone too weak would fall quickly in battle, even (or perhaps especially) whilst berserking.
This is not to suggest that they are incapable of working together, but, given that every Berserker IS a survivor, they are more likely to view other Berserkers as competition, constantly seeking to outdo one another, to prove who is the fastest, strongest, most cunning etc. etc. As an example, a Berserker might not share her food with another Berserker who finds themselves lost in the Tundra, but she may help one slay a particularly dangerous or impressive foe.
Berserkers tend towards a slightly nomadic lifestyle, rather than settling too far into one place. While they may be drawn to one city for personal reasons, they are likely to feel, and seem, slightly outside of things. For example, an Enorian Berserker may decide that joining the fight against the undead menace is an excellent way to prove herself (or have a personal grudge), she may well eat, drink, sleep, and have friends or family in Enorian, but she’s unlikely to buy too far into Enorian philosophy.
(Mechanically, this also makes for a neutrally tethered class, since each Berserker is going to have different ideas of how to prove themselves, and differing motivations for wanting to do so)
A Berserker may have friends who are Berserkers, and competition might be little more than a friendly rivalry, but the constant competitiveness between them makes a tight-knit Guild somewhere between unlikely and impossible. There is no agreement on the ‘right way’ to do something, nor common goal or philosophy to bind them together, and the constant attempts to outdo one another would prove a disaster for attempts at operating cohesively. Any and all disagreements (and there would be a lot) would devolve quickly into heated argument, followed by a fight, or other contest, and potentially (depending on those involved) a deep-seated grudge.
(Mechanically this negates the creation of another Guild, potentially harming the health of current Guilds)
Because of the nature of a Berseker, any grudge left to fester for too long has the potential to explode into something fairly major. A Berserker who feels particularly slighted would certainly not be inclined to let an offense slide, and would definitely seek some form of revenge. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the initial offence and the revenge taken, this can lead to long-standing and on-going feuds, not only between two Berserkers, but also potentially between a Berserker and a non-Berserker.
How a Beserker views, and interacts with, non-Berserkers varies depending on the individual, but they are likely to get on poorly with the more disciplined Guilds and Classes, such as the Templars and Carnifex, though there may be some degree of respect for their achievements, and prowess in combat and other areas. Monks, particularly the Sentaari, may seem anathematic, given their particular focus on training through discipline as compared to the unrestrained style of a Berserker.
Additionally, given their choice of combat style, a Berserker is likely to be unrestrained in their day-to-day life. They tend to give little care about their chosen vices, opting to partake in them simply because they enjoy them, and not modify their behaviour for polite company. For example, a Berserker who’s just returned to a city after surviving for months in the tundra, or having just killed something large and dangerous, is unlikely to give the first damn that they’re drinking too much, being too loud, or what have you.
-----
In summary, the Berserker is a tough, unchained, in your face fighter, making use of their rage in order to not only survive, but to prosper. Whether its with an axe or two, or with bare hands, a Berserker is well equipped to try and prove herself the equal or better of her peers.
Now, after blathering on for an age about MY dream class, I want to see what other classes people might have been dreaming about!
Now with 253% more Madness.
Cute-Kelli by @Sessizlik.
Cute-Kelli by @Sessizlik.
2
Comments
...Typing 'my dream class' also got me thinking a class tied to Omei would be epic too. Something along the lines of basically untethering the link between the dream plane and the PMP in your current room, then plucking at reality in all sorts of crazy ways that'd only make sense in a dream to attack.
Did you have scaring people to death with horrifically horrible things, or more "claw their own face off to stop the visions" in mind?
Cute-Kelli by @Sessizlik.
If I had to design a class from the ground up within the confines of Aetolia though, it'd probably combine elements of Sentinel, Carnifex and Templar. High offensive output paired with low physical resistance (more dodge-heavy thank tanky), a flexibility to use lots of different moves with slightly different effects (Sentinel-style) to weave together an offense that can be changed depending on target. I like Templar's bleed style too, even though it's no longer all that viable, and the fast attacks that gave you room to either slow down for some hard hits or keep going fast and lock someone down. So with my dream class, you'd have lots of wiggle room in lots of different ways - smash limbs if that's your thing, stack up bleeding by hindering attacks/mana-draining moves, straight damage by chaining towards a certain condition to set off a spike, or just a truelock. Is it insanely OP to be able to do damage, affs, limb damage and bleed? I dunno,
ask Templarsprobably. I still want it, though!Its core skills would be comprised of
Dramatics - a blending of theatrics and dance that result in hindering afflictions.
Song - A combination of damaging attacks as well as afflictions and in some cases, their music would carry out and over entire areas.
Instrument - A utility class that when woven with song, would enhance the attacks of the song.
The primary draw back to this class, however, would be that one simply need only to be deaf and blind to avoid each of the attacks. As such, I would make Song and Dramatics run off of eq balance, while instrument would be a physical balance. This would require the bard to utilize their weaponry and also gain proficiency of a bladed weapon so they could act with an envenomed blade to cure either the deafness or blindness while following through with one of the songs or dramatics. I would like to note, however, that given the nature of songs and dramatics, that potentially a bard cold target multiple people at once with their attacks should they all be seeing/hearing.
Because physical balance would be far too slow to get anywhere, i would suggest that some of the afflictions from dramatics/songs delivered be something more intricate than a single herb cure.
As far as lore, the bard would be a boisterous gregarious person, the lifestyle tending towards drawing those who seek to entertain or enjoy being the focal point. And while they could potentially be deadly, it would be the rare case that a bard would actually choose to fight alone; their skills instead tend more towards working in support and tandem with others.
I remember, involve me and I
learn.
-Benjamin Franklin
The class is a mix of Monk, Terramancy and Consanguine, using a combination of elemental (fire) magic and scythe and afflictions.
Basically, I imagine it's skillset would go
Pyromancy - Fire abilities, from slinging fireballs and firelashes, to raising fire walls, fire at its best.
Rituallism - Our mainstay abilities, summon a Scythe and be able to use it proficiently until we acquire our Pyromancy abilities, a good mix of affliction and bleed based abilities in here.
infernos - A combination of Desiccation and Animation, a fire elemental is grown but a single ember, fed by the one who snatched the flame from its home and gave it purpose, it supports Pyromancy while eventually developing the flame from glowing amber in one's hand into flame elemental, able to protect the pyromancer within his or her own inferno and hearth.
The idea is that PVP wise they are able to unlease AOE attacks, but in the same vein, unless they devote the elemental (gained upon transing the infernos skill) to girding them from the effects their own inferno, they are not safe from their attacks, while weakness-wise they are physically safe, but require that they put up their inferno first, and due to the nature of flame, it's a ever higher willpower drain for increased offensive value as they spread the flames, though every step they take through the inferno is as much a danger to them. as their willpower decreases, the threat to them from their inferno increases, until at 0% willpower, their inferno consumes them entirely, causing them to burst into flames and return to ash, as well as causing the flames to not only exterminate all plantlife, but essentially also snuffing out all the flames as well, and doing heavy damage to all within their inferno. They are not physically capable of tanking as well as a Terramancer, but they also have an increased combat ability, and if they choose to instead go a different route, they can combine physical balance-required attacks using their scythe mixed with chanting and ritual motions (think like shaolin monks chanting with every strike as they flow through forms), they can mix it with their fire-based attacks for equilibrium loss, they'd be excellent 1v1 whilst not being as capable in group fights because their group-fighting abilities involve their inferno, and many would be disinclined to fight with them because the nature of flame is to bite and lick at all indiscriminately, as would the afflictions and harm caused by infernos.
I also thought it would be cool if a Demon class existed, kinda like Vampires. Or maybe even a class that exists and makes the person Half-Vampire/Half-Human like in all the popular lore that exists about such things.
Ah well.
I remember, involve me and I
learn.
-Benjamin Franklin
It would utilize body-shifting mutations, channeling demonic energy through their body after making pacts with the Entities, and a buffy skill related to how they focus their insanity into power... because lets face it, after having your body reshaped and reformed while channeling demonic entities through you to the point where each entity you take changes your personality a bit.. you'd be insane too.
Obviously it'd be Shadow side.. but I have the Lifer counterpart!
Change mutations into a more elemental, ascendril-like skill that utilizes channels, but they are a close-combat class in theme (Imagine The Last Airbender(THE SHOW)/Legends of Korra , kinda), alter the pacts with entities to, literally, merging with an angel, and instead of insanity, of course, you'd have a near-divine serenity about you.
Skills
Abomination
-Mutation (Think Transmology in Lusternia)
-Oneness (Think Domination in Imperian)
-Insanity (Essentially Kai in the way it is generated, uses Insanity points to utilize skills with some buffs that are available at all times otherwise)
Seraph
-Evocation (Avatar/Legends of Korra-like Elemental/Melee combat)
-Ascendancy (Spirituality, except it is channeled through you and can use different skills)
-Serenity (Eh.. To be honest, I made up the Seraph on the spot. This is all open to suggestion in terms of 'coolness')
Volcano: Pretty much just explode and leave a crater where you have finally just had enough.
Steamy: U so hot all the ladies want some.
at least access to a special skill/mini skill though. something like refining. it can even consume sect points on use, if some resource mechanic needs to be in place (though it needs to be scaled accordingly. sect points don't grow from trees)
my main trouble now isn't 1v1 fights, but rather fights where I am outnumbered. it would be nice to have some way for us to better deal with that 'next level' of combat difficulty. fighting in 'gank' conditions.
special abilities and buffs that can only be utilised when a certain number of foes have engaged you. crowd control, enhanced curing/healing. it would also tie in to the creation of enhanced leadership /support roles for group combat.
more importantly, it would entice people all the more to up their game in pvp. give them something useful to work towards, that won't actually further buff and entrench their status in 1v1.