Goonhub
09-07-2014, 02:10 PM
Splatpope Wrote:1. An industrial machine is fine, but working with old timey alambics, mortar and pestle and whatnot in a dirty closet can be fun too I suppose. Yet, it is better if we make it so that is relevant to the space station theme (by this, I mean let's not use old majik grimoires, getting an old wooden table full of strange apparatus covered in cobwebs is okay). (see 4) Also, having to use incantations (and thus having to expand your knowledge base) can be fun. Aspecially if some kind of minigame is involved with their discovery.
2. This implies that the smelter will be relocated in or near mining with some kind of access restriction, but I believe that placing the alchemical work area next to the smelter is better. Although I would be cool if it was relocated in some dark little room at the most crooked parts of the maintenance tunnels. The main concern is that workflow between mining, the smelter and the alchemical workplace should not be tedious.
3 and 4. I just remembered about the biodome "reward" and heck, making it work with strange arcane and powerful stuff can be great, but I believe that such darker and magical things should be the most difficult and secret things to achieve. Not sure if it's good to talk about what the biodome alchemical circle does here, but as I just said, doing such things and obtaining the same *wink* reward *wink* should eventually be very difficult and secret.
Though, it would be better off if it didn't work exactly the same way as in the biodome, since this will be in pair with the smelter mechanics, but heck, a compromise can be found.
5. I would not go as far as unleashing hordes of angry mobs, but things like curses, semi-permanent body horror, and yes, total ruinage of your materials, can be fun and not too punishing side effects. Of course, failing to perform the most arcane and obscure acts should end up in more severe horrible stuff happening.
Also, maybe it can be made so that attaining the most interesting stuff with the alchemical system can be very dangerous if a wizard gets their hands on it. In any case, let's have it so that wizards are linked to this. Also maybe link this to the new wraith gamemode ? who knows
1. I like the idea of machines being used, but I also REALLY like the idea of having to do things like grind up ore and then make a transmutation circle with it. In saying this, though, I also want to say that I don't want it to come off as TOO magicky. My take on a slightly more magical process:
Step 1: Insert ore into grinder to create 10-20 powder. Powder is spread on the ground, but works like cables rather than salt.
Step 2: Spread the powder into a shape, shapes are depicted in the guide found on the table.
Step 3: Place ore in center.
Step 4: Say the magic words.
Step 5: Hope you performed steps 1-4 correctly and that the RNG gods smile upon you.
The value of the ore used to make the powder would determine the chance of the alchemy ritual working. However, fucking up the shape would almost definitely cause you to fail, with horrible outcomes. Depending on the shape used, you also have a higher chance of success. There would be about 3-4 shapes, and maybe a granddaddy alchemy circle shape based on the one in the Biodome. Certain things would only be doable with bigger shapes, but they'd also be harder to accomplish with more severe consequences for failure. Circles wouldn't disappear after use, but you'd still need a special tool to collect it from the ground once spread, something like a broom. Besides using this to upgrade other ores with the ritual you could use it to get some special items.
I'd like to see your thoughts and ideas on a more mechanical-sciencey process to do alchemy.
2. I agree moving ores between the smelter, mining, and alchemy zones should be fluid. Personally if this were a thing I think it would be best if it was in the South-Eastern maint tunnels, in a tucked away area, maybe with a secret door like in the chapel. You walk in and you see a rickety wooden table with a guide and some materials, and a grinding machine in the corner. I also feel this would help make it fit in more, because I doubt Nanotrasen would have an officially sanctioned alchemy lab. This way it's like something one of the greyshirts cooked up when no one noticed.
3. and 4. If we're gonna be secretive about it I guess I'll be less loose about the Biodome, but if this were a thing that prize should definitely be involved in it somehow.
5. I feel that screwing up should have major consequences, but ya, releasing a bunch of angry mobs wouldn't be the best. I think permanent Stage 2 space madness or space madness where the hallucinations actually do damage would be nice.