Let it be known now that I joined Echo Bazaar after Knife and Candle season closed. However, based on research I have determined the following things.
1.Knife and Candle used the dangerous stat.
2.Knife and Candle offered different strategies.
3.Knife and Candle was Echo Bazaar PvP.
Many people have asked for a separate persuasive game equivalent, but I had a different idea. So, due to my love of numbered lists, I will note my goals of this post to clarify further reading.
- A Knife and Candle Game where rather than only the dangerous stat is used, a player chooses their attack stat based on their strategy.
2.A game where a different strategy can give a bonus over other types, so that stat capped players don’t all use Overgoats and watchful. Instead, different strategies can give a boost requiring players to think ahead and try new techniques. - This is a rough draft rather than a true suggestion, which is why I have not created a feedback thread. Here we can discuss the merits of such an idea and work out any flaws before it is presented.
- Lastly, I have no understanding of code so if what I suggest merely cannot be done I mean no offense. This is just an idea that we can discuss and try to make work.
Step 1- Knife and Candle using all the Highway Stats.
Is not the pen mightier than the sword? Is not the booby trap mightier than either? Should not a man ( or woman or squid thing) be able to wear their persuasive or shadowy gear to play a story without being worried about being stabbed in the back by blaggards?
In this game a player would pick a strategy that allows them to use their preferred stat to use in Knife and Candle. To give an idea, I propose 8 strategies. Why 8 instead of 4? To allow the player to choose how they wish to fight and give them a greater sense of control about their character.
WATCHFUL
The Strategist
“Their is no denying your brilliance. No need to fight your opponent when you can enjoy tea while they fall prey to your manifold stratagems. No matter which way they turn, they fall into your hands.”
The Investigator
“Let them hide. Let them run. You will find them. No one escapes your detection. And when they are found, you strike.”
PERSUASIVE
The Wit
“Nothing is more dangerous than a word, and your wit is far sharper than any blade. Your opponents will drop dead from shame. Or at least be too embarrassed from public humiliation to notice you stabbing them.”
The Beloved
“Why should you dirty your hands when you have a legion of devoted followers willing to throw themselves in harms way for you? Whether fans of your work or your love, they will do whatever you ask.”
DANGEROUS
The Valiant
“Enough skulling! Enough hiding! Whether with swords or fists, you fight your opponents face to face like a true warrior!”
The Hunter
“You brought down enough beasts with your trusty rifle. This new prey is just like any other. Except less likely to emerge from beneath the marsh mud and eat your face.”
SHADOWY
The Assassin
“Knife or poison you always finish the job. You might have been hired, they might have gotten in your way. Maybe you tire of them playing unhallowed mandolin music in the middle of the night. No matter, when you chose them their death was assured.”
The Shade
“You are one with the darkness. You can sneak anywhere. You can hide. You can wait. And by the time they realize the knife in their back, you gone.”
There, 8 different strategies to give players a unique sense of fighting style.
“But MaskedGentleman you magnificent fool! How will we deal with the fact that watchful has the most power stat bonus making it the de facto choice?”
Excellent question my complimentary friends. Each strategy can give an advantage, so if a player only uses a watchful strategy and has all the best gear they can still lose because someone picked a strategy that fit the situation. This is another advantage of having 8 strategies, players can then pick the one that gives them the edge they need. Lets say its about 10 points.
Strategist - Bonus against dangerous, brains over brawn
Investigator-Bonus against shadowy, because they can find criminals.
Wit- Bonus against dangerous, the pen is mightier than the sword
Beloved- Bonus against watchful, you have an army at your disposal to deal with any trap or pursuer.
Valiant-Bonus against persuasive, your direct nature gives you an edge.
Hunter-Bonus against shadowy, hunting others is second nature.
Assassin-Bonus against persuasive, words will not save you.
Shade - Bonus against watchful, they cannot plan for you.
This way, stats matter but are not the only thing. If its 130 vs 80, the 130 should win. But a 130 vs 130, that strategy can make all the difference.
“But what if two strategies cancel each other out!!” That can happen, but this is still a prototype idea.
STILL WITH ME?
You read all of that? Have a cookie. Didn’t? Go read it. The cookie will be here when you get back. wipes cookie crumbs off mouth Maybe I lied.
Please, ask questions. Propose ideas. Mock my grammar (please don’t do that last one). I know the post is big, but the main idea is still Knife and Candle using all the stats and strategies to add an extra element of planning.
edited by MaskedGentleman on 4/9/2012