Early technical draft (Feb 2026)
Kept for reference. Where it disagrees with the main chapters, the main chapters are current.
Ability System — Full Specification¶
Abilities define the tactical identity of both sprites and players. They introduce elemental interactions, status effects, burst windows, defensive counters, and strategic decision‑making.
1. Ability Categories¶
1.1 Attack Abilities¶
Deal direct damage.
Examples: strikes, elemental blasts, multi‑hit attacks.
1.2 Defense Abilities¶
Reduce incoming damage or block attacks.
Examples: shields, barriers, evasive moves.
1.3 Elemental Abilities¶
Interact with guild elements.
Examples: burn, soak, root, overload.
1.4 Status Abilities¶
Apply buffs or debuffs.
Examples: poison, regen, haste, weaken.
1.5 Ultimate Abilities¶
High‑impact, limited‑use abilities.
Triggered by D20 rolls or cooldown milestones.
2. Ability Structure¶
Each ability has:
- Name
- Type
- Element (optional)
- Activation Cost
- Dice Requirement
- Effect
- Cooldown
- Rank Requirement (for guild abilities)
3. Ability Activation¶
3.1 Standard Activation¶
Roll a D8:
- 1–3 → Fail
- 4–7 → Success
- 8 → Enhanced success
3.2 Cooldowns¶
Cooldowns measured in turns:
- Minor abilities: 1–2 turns
- Major abilities: 3–4 turns
- Ultimates: 5+ turns or special trigger
3.3 Conditional Abilities¶
Some abilities require:
- Low HP
- Elemental advantage
- Status effect present
- Sprite-only or player-only state
4. Elemental Interactions¶
Each element has strengths and weaknesses:
- Fire beats Nature
- Nature beats Energy
- Energy beats Water
- Water beats Fire
Elemental abilities may:
- Increase damage
- Apply special effects
- Reduce cooldowns
- Trigger bonus dice
5. Ultimate Abilities¶
Ultimates are rare, powerful, and battle‑defining.
Triggered by:
- D20 roll
- Charge meter
- Rank 3 guild bonuses
- Special conditions
Ultimates often include:
- Multi‑dice rolls
- Multi‑target effects
- Guaranteed crits
- Status resets
6. Ability Growth¶
Sprites unlock new abilities through:
- Leveling
- Evolution
- Guild rank
- Special quests
Players unlock abilities through:
- Class progression
- Guild rank
- Accessories