Revamping The Custom Item System Ver. 2.2

["Unfettered"]

Alright.

To help with the self-managing of custom items, try to keep up with me here:

Stud
Weight: 0.1 lb
Strength: -1
Dexterity: -1
Constitution: -1
Intelligence: -1
Wisdom: -1
Charisma: -1

Rubber
Weight: 0.50 lb
Strength: -3
Dexterity: -1
Constitution: -3
Intelligence: -1
Wisdom: -2
Charisma: -2

Plastic
Weight: 0.75 lb
Strength: -2
Dexterity: -1
Constitution: -3
Intelligence: -3
Wisdom: -2
Charisma: -1

Unengraved Medallion
Weight: 1.00 lb
Strength: -3
Dexterity: -2
Constitution: -1
Intelligence: -3
Wisdom: -4
Charisma: -5

Cloth
Weight: 0.50 lb
Strength: -1
Dexterity: -4
Constitution: -4
Intelligence: -2
Wisdom: -2
Charisma: -3

Gas
Weight: 1.60 lbs (Think 0.10 For 1 Ounce, Because 16 oz = 1 gallon---Trying to keep it simple, just don't overthink it.)
Strength: -1
Dexterity: -1
Constitution: -1
Intelligence: -5
Wisdom: -2
Charisma: -3

Wire Metal
Weight: 0.50 lb
Strength: -2
Dexterity: -1
Constitution: -3
Intelligence: -3
Wisdom: -4
Charisma: -1

Glass
Weight: 1.00 lb
Strength: -2
Dexterity: -4
Constitution: -1
Intelligence: -4
Wisdom: -2
Charisma: -3

Leather
Weight: 1.00 lb
Strength: -3
Dexterity: -4
Constitution: -5
Intelligence: -3
Wisdom: -2
Charisma: -4

Stone
Weight: 1.00 lb
Strength: -4
Dexterity: -5
Constitution: -6
Intelligence: -3
Wisdom: -3
Charisma: -3

Miscellaneous Electronics
Weight: 0.50 lb
Strength: -2
Dexterity: -3
Constitution: -4
Intelligence: -7
Wisdom: -6
Charisma: -5

Sheet Metal
Weight: 1.00 lb
Strength: -5
Dexterity: -3
Constitution: -7
Intelligence: -4
Wisdom: -3
Charisma: -5

Wood
Weight: 5.00 lbs
Strength: -4
Dexterity: -4
Constitution: -4
Intelligence: -4
Wisdom: -4
Charisma: -4

Alright, for those of you already familiar with m'system... There are statistics that are used as the penalties that grow into benefits. And then there are the (typically) 3 statistics used (that don't cross over, unless the buyer chooses to take on additional penalties) as the requirements of statistics required in order to "level up" with their compatibility of the item.

For reference, I'm going to use my own item, "Ambition," as an example here.

"Ambition"

[Materials: 1x Leather (1 lb), 2x Wood (10 lbs), 6x Sheet Metal (6 lbs), Customization ($1000)]

-All materials for this bokken was made and customized in Germany.
-A 5-shaku (59.65 inches) bokken, custom created and shipped from Germany, using its finest wood.
-Inside the wood is an actual (sharp) blade, composed of six pounds of Germany's finest sheet metal, permanently sealed within the bokken, used to give the otherwise very flexible blade an actual backbone to it. Potential as a grounder versus electricity.
-The hilt is covered very nicely with a custom leather grip, for maximum hold for the user.
-"Ambition" weighs about 17 lbs, making for a rather interesting tool to be used. As for its usefulness, in being so long, heavy, and a bit unwieldy, that has yet to be determined by the user. Beginners will need to use both hands.
-Resistant to weathering, potential as a grounder (strong when used properly against electrical users, or a potential weakness...).
-No money has been used to refine the the artifact, to allow for easier 'adaptability' to its new owner (0% Slash On All Penalties And 0% Increase On All Benefits, Powers Aside), while not taking away from its ability.
-Germanic runes were inscribed on the blade within, to spiritually bring inspiration to the wielder, as well as to all comrades-in-arms around the wielder.

[/b][/quote]

Please note. An image was provided (not necessary, but highly recommended), all the materials used were listed, the amount of customization was specified, all the materials used were described in how they were utilized in this item's creation, the weight was described (now important), some special bits of the item's own hardiness, kept track how much penalties were decreased/benefits were increased, and vague description of where the Qi's power MIGHT come from.

All really vague, ja? Its done on purpose.

Anyways, "Unfettered's" statistics are not currently accurate, but we'll be using the following for the example below:

Strength: 48
Dexterity: 13
Constitution: 43
Intelligence: 59
Wisdom: 56
Charisma: 54

Now then. I want to focus on increasing...
Charisma (Primary Focus)
Strength (Secondary Focus)
Dexterity (3rd/Last Priority)

Charisma Justification: The runes inscribed on the blade help bring forth inspiration to the user.
Strength Justification: The bokken is heavy, and therein until the user can get used to wielding such a heavy thing, they won't be able to heft it up to do as much damage.
Dexterity Justification: ...Obviously, if its heavy, it's going to take a toll on the user's speed, either while hefting it about, or just by carrying it on his person.

Now then, that would mean... requirements. Statistics that won't be affected, but to which you (or in this case, me), the buyer/user, will have to attain in order to ascend to the next levels.

Constitution Justification: Have to get used to hefting around the heavy thing, 'til it doesn't exhaust the user anymore, or at the very least, to a minimal standard.
Intelligence Justification: ...The user can't just swing around the sword stupidly and expect to hit anything effectively.
Wisdom Justification: You need to build up experience with your weapon, so that the user don't accidentally hit yourself.

Now then, these are the 3 materials used in the creation of this item.

Leather x 1
Weight: 1.00 lb
Strength: -3
Dexterity: -4
Constitution: -5
Intelligence: -3
Wisdom: -2
Charisma: -4

Sheet Metal x 6
Weight: 1.00 lb
Strength: -5
Dexterity: -3
Constitution: -7
Intelligence: -4
Wisdom: -3
Charisma: -5

Wood x 2
Weight: 5.00 lbs
Strength: -4
Dexterity: -4
Constitution: -4
Intelligence: -4
Wisdom: -4
Charisma: -4

Penalties/Benefits Statistics:
Charisma (Priority Focus): 2(-4 + [6 x -5] + [2 x -4]) = -84 - 17 = -101
Strength (Secondary Focus): -3 + (6 x -5) + (2 x -4) = -41 - 17 = -58
Dexterity (Last Focus): 0.5(-4 + [6 x -3] + [2 x -4] = -15 - 17 = -32

Strength: 48 - 58 = -10
Dexterity: 13 - 32 = -19
Charisma: 54 - 101 = -47

...Now, obviously, this isn't possible. A person can't have outright 'negative' stats, nor even a 0 in any statistic, lest they wanted to be comatose for a while.

This is where we get technical. The remaining statistics:

Constitution: 43
Intelligence: 59
Wisdom: 56

Negative Points (Needs To Be Equaled Out): 76
Requirement Statistic Levels (Including Other Items): 43 + 59 + 56 = 158 - 76 = 82

The statistics will be taken down, first by the highest statistic, until all the statistics are equaled out.

Constitution: 43
Intelligence: 59 - 16 = 43
Wisdom: 56 - 13 = 43

29/76

47 Points Left To Subtract

Constitution: 43 - 17 = 26
Intelligence (Former First Highest): 43 - 14 = 29
Wisdom (Former Second Highest): 43 - 16 = 27

82 Points Remaining. On Teh Dot. Now, "Unfettered's" statistics will look like this:

Strength: 1
Dexterity: 1
Constitution: 26
Intelligence: 29
Wisdom: 27
Charisma: 1

Brutal, eh?

...Well, we can petition to lower down every item's "negative", and I can go over all the items again, but yeah (seriously, if anyone thinks it should be done another way, feel free to it). But do you see where I got the numbers from, or how I decided to to go about getting shtuff done? If you do, read on.

Requirement Statistics:
Leather x 1
Weight: 1.00 lb
Strength: -3
Dexterity: -4
Constitution: -5
Intelligence: -3
Wisdom: -2
Charisma: -4

Sheet Metal x 6
Weight: 1.00 lb
Strength: -5
Dexterity: -3
Constitution: -7
Intelligence: -4
Wisdom: -3
Charisma: -5

Wood x 2
Weight: 5.00 lbs
Strength: -4
Dexterity: -4
Constitution: -4
Intelligence: -4
Wisdom: -4
Charisma: -4

Former Statistics
Constitution: 43
Intelligence: 59
Wisdom: 56

Requirements:
Constitution (Lowest Req Stat): 5 + (6 x 7) + (2 x 4) = 55
Wisdom (Req Stat): 2 + (6 x 3) + (2 x 4) = 28
Intelligence (Highest Req Stat): 3 + (6 x 4) + (2 x 4) = 35

So then:
Strength: 1
Dexterity: 1
Constitution: 26
Intelligence: 29
Wisdom: 27
Charisma: 1

1st Level Requirements:
Default
Statistic Applications: -58 Strength, -32 Dexterity, -101 Charisma

2nd Level Requirements:
55 Constitution, 35 Intelligence, 28 Wisdom
Statistic Applications: -0.60(-58 Strength, -32 Dexterity, -101 Charisma) = -35 Strength, -19 Dexterity, -61 Charisma

Notice the jump? Now, we get to see if we're no longer in the negatives for all of the affected statistics:
Strength: 48 - 35 = 13
Dexterity: 13 - 19 = -6
Charisma: 54 - 61 = -7

Now see here: Strength is actually in the positive with its remainder. But dexterity and charisma are not. Since Strength is one of the affected statistics, it gets attacked first by its fellow negatives:

13 - 6 = 7 - 7 = 0

...So, we round it up to 1, since it hasn't actually hit the negatives, and to make it less of a hassle. So, "Unfettered's" current statistics are now:

Strength: 1
Dexterity: 1
Constitution: 43
Intelligence: 59
Wisdom: 56
Charisma: 1

...Most likely meaning that "Unfettered" will be jumping through past the second level, and into the third.

So then:

1st Level Requirements:
Default
Statistic Applications: -58 Strength, -32 Dexterity, -101 Charisma

2nd Level Requirements:
55 Constitution, 35 Intelligence, 28 Wisdom
Statistic Applications: -0.60(-58 Strength, -32 Dexterity, -101 Charisma) = -35 Strength, -19 Dexterity, -61 Charisma

3rd Level Requirements:
1.2(55 Constitution, 35 Intelligence, 28 Wisdom) = 66 Constitution, 42 Intelligence, 34 Wisdom)
Statistic Applications: -0.20(-58 Strength, -32 Dexterity, -101 Charisma) = -12 Strength, -6 Dexterity, -20 Charisma

4th Level Requirements:
1.2(66 Constitution, 42 Intelligence, 34 Wisdom) = 79 Constitution, 50 Intelligence, 41 Wisdom)
Statistic Applications: 1.25(58 Strength, 32 Dexterity, 101 Charisma) = +73 Strength, +40 Dexterity, +126 Charisma

5th Level Requirements:
1.2(79 Constitution, 50 Intelligence, 41 Wisdom) = 95 Constitution, 60 Intelligence, 49 Wisdom)
Statistic Applications: 1.75(58 Strength, 32 Dexterity, 101 Charisma) = +102 Strength, +56 Dexterity, +177 Charisma

So, needless to say, this is going to get really ridiculous, in the latter stages the item.

I'm not going to go all out, since I'm going to try and garner the general idea of what most of you think of this (or if you think some revision of the materials negative/positive should be done over or something), but... yeah.

2:06 A.M. Class starting at 10:30 A.M. Have to wake up in 6 hours at 8 'o clock.

Gonna go to sleep now, and see what you guys think. Provided this is 'easy' enough (lol... "easy"), I'll see what you guys say tommorow morn'/afternoon', and work on revisions from there.

---I need word from Leon, however, as his word holds the most weight. If he doesn't like how this "revision" is turning out, I'll go ahead and scrap it. However, if enough of you guys have strong enough opinion one way or another... it will have some weight.

...I'll leave discussion of custom items (since it's already been set in a previous poll), and my new plans for the penalty/benefits decreaser/enhancer.

'Night!

-Mikey

[[LEON] Joust]

First off, will this be retroactive? Or grandfather claused?

Second off, This just talks about stat modifiers, what about those that want items that have no statstical effect but instead have some strange abilities?

["Unfettered"]

Grand-father clause... If you mean by that that old items will not be affected, then you are correct. I am not going to get on my ass and sort through all the old items. No-sir.

Second... An item that has no statistical effect, but just some strange abilities? The original point of this system was to wrap/combine all of your desires into one, while, at the same time, making it expensive as fuck. As in, not making the final goal too easy to get to. The old system was nothing short of just using money to buy statistics, which, over time, actually managed to rile up Leon's rage. In this way, it insures a level of personal suffering, even if these powers/strange abilities is your ultimate goal. Reason being... while, yes, some people are more talented than others in getting accustomed to their gear/items, to become truly "at one with"... your hockey gear, your sword, your rapier... That takes time and/or practice. Both in the real world.

---Also, I already have in my mind alternative ways for people to ascend in levels and whatnot---for the most part, I just want to know if the current idea is understandable and agreeable enough.

And... suggestions/alternatives are always open to being heard.---As a forewarning to anyone who might be so inclined, please refrain from turning this into an argument. I'm just trying to get this done and get one less thing hovering over my head (specifically asked Leon to be exempt from helping out in finishing all the old items I haven't gotten to yet).---Reason I'm explaining everything in detail is in the hopes of answering some questions without having to have them being asked.

[Arthur Ð]

Another concern is what if people get enough items to toss them into the negatives regardless of the modifiers?

[Mr. Kaar]

I like the way this is turning out and I can unerstand it for the most part. It may take a day or two of study for me since my head isnt the most intellagent in the world. And yes its basic match.

I look forward to what you mite say about penalty/benefits decreaser/enhancers. Also in regaurds to Arthurs concern I dont think it should be permitted to allow someone to acrue to the point of having items like that, but, if it is a must, then the person may only be allowed to "Equip" items as long as it doesnt go negative. That way they can have the items, just not wear them all.

["Unfettered"]

They get infected with AIDS.

Generally, the buyer would want to avoid that.

I have two ideas for that:

1) The person cannot use that item until they gain enough points so that they can use it, or not at all.
Justification: There have been cases where some new players get their hands on a ton of cash, with very little playing. While it's good to elevate newbies to be on par with more hardened players, we also want them to experiance as many fights as possible on this site. Therein, physically speaking, if a person is unable to use something, they either get stronger until they can use it, or they don't use it all.
Acknowledged Flaws: In all the item systems I've developed, there's always some flaw that'll come to bite me in the ass, a few months after I set up a system like this. I have an idea of how this can all be abused, but I can't quite remember it right now.

2) Added System: If A Person Waits 3 Months, They Automatically Ascend To The Next Level, Up To The Third. (Also Needs General Approval As A Secondary Add-On Idea)
Justification: I had already thought this out. People who wait on customizing their item will have spent more time with it. However, if a person adds on new materials (such as myself), then one auto-level ascendency is revoked, and the buyer must wait another 3 months to get back that auto-level, before customizing. The idea is then to extend this to even those who have already bought their items and customized it---all of which, will only allow the user to go up to Level 3. From there, they must attain levels 4 and 5 on their own accord.
Flaws: There's a flaw in here somewhere. But the only reason I like it is that it forces the player to wait in real time. ...Well, that, and... the user would pretty much be unable to use their character (the character would pretty much be comatose), and they'd be forced to use an Alt, while they waited for the auto-levels to occur. The less favorable of the two.

Eh. Both or one or neither of these ideas sound appealing? Or do you have an alternative idea of your own? Srsly, I'm all ears.

Added Note: If 3 months seems too short or too long, it can be shortened/lengthened as needed/agreed upon.

Pre-Emptive Note: Statistic Capacities do come into play. Though the auto-level idea technically overrides this up until level 3-level 4. It will force the user to become more active, post more. A good thing for the site, though I'm aware that some players focus more on quality then quantity, which may be a problem. But I'm not in the mood to change-about already established rules, since most of what I have is heavy-set and built-upon on what is already established.

Pre-Emptive Note 2: ...There is the case where, for higher-level players, they may not be able to level as quickly, or at all, if all their statistics are maxed out. This would force them to rely on rewards (Already established that items allow the user to surpass their current max stat capacity) or drugs or Qis or something, in order to level up their items, if their stats are already too high. Bad for the older players, since they won't be able to enjoy the system as much, but in a way, its good for the site overall, as it allows newbies time to catch up to the levels of the monstrous veterans---Provided they can get the cash, posts, and points.

Edit: I didn't see Leon's post, as I was busy typing this one up. Also... while I'm at it:

---And I can't believe I was so STUPID (Please note, everyone else who has bought and customized their items before the setting up of this system will have had a far easier time then myself or anyone else from here on out---)

Penalty Decreasers/Benefit Enhancers:
1st Payment: $500 (-15% From Penalties, +15% To Enhancers, Total)
2nd Payment: $1000 (-30% From Penalties, +30% To Enhancers, Total)
3rd Payment: $1500 (-45% From Penalties, +45% To Enhancers, Total)
4th Payment: $2000 (-60% From Penalties, +60% To Enhancers, Total)
5th Payment: $2500 (-75% From Penalties, +75% To Enhancers, Total)
6th Payment: $3000 (-90% From Penalties, +90% To Enhancers, Total)

...Srsly. All of you who only had to pay $500 a shot for each level? You guys got off easy. If this idea is agreeable to Leon and the general public, of course.

Edit 2: Yeah, for those who buy the decreaser/enhancer bit, to max this out, they'll have to have to spent $10,500.

...Hopefully, it'll encourage people to just create more items, and buy what cheap benefits they can.

[Mathew Amtrum]

Alright I just want to make sure I am getting this right. Now the materials lower all the stats?

["Unfettered"]

...No. Just the ones you choose to be penalized/penalties, which is typically 3.

Edit: Already have the ideas as to whether or not a person chooses less then or more then 3.

...Additionally, person can have it so that all penalties are neither specialized towards anything, there can be more affected statistics for lessened effect, or less affected statistics for increased penalties/benefits.

[[LEON] Joust]

I think just about my final question would be, you mentioned those that had to wait for their items to be approved will get some kind of benefit (eg, my Bloody Lance), would they be done under the old or new system?

["Unfettered"]

The bonus is that you don't have to go through Beginner (1st) or Novice (2nd) levels, since most everyone waiting on their item has waited for about half a year (2 3 months, 2 auto-levels)---provided that idea passes.

However, to make things easier, yes, it will be under this new system, unless you buy materials to add on (which will revoke 1 auto-level).

...This is just sort of my idea of turning the 'benefit' I mentioned from before into making it outright part of this revised item system.

[Adrian Hanlon]

I think I'll just steer clear of custom items.

[[LEON] Joust]

I keep coming up with more questions -_- Too forgetful

And I just forgot the two I had...

Ah yeah, first, will we finally have some sort of concrete form for filling out items instead of a wall of text? (If need be I can make one since I have always been a form advocate)

I'll ask the other one when I remember it...

["Unfettered"]

Feb 5, 2009 22:11:56 GMT -8 Adrian Hanlon said:

I think I'll just steer clear of custom items.

Ock... I'm sorry. I really hope that isn't the case.

Feb 5, 2009 22:13:31 GMT -8 [LEON] Joust said:

I keep coming up with more questions -_- Too forgetful

And I just forgot the two I had...

Ah yeah, first, will we finally have some sort of concrete form for filling out items instead of a wall of text? (If need be I can make one since I have always been a form advocate)

I'll ask the other one when I remember it...

Its fine, ask away... It helps me sort out my own thoughts.

---If you would be willing to do that, I'd be willing to give you a money grant for aiding a moderator---I just need to get that approved.

Before that, though...

...I'm going to set up my own item, possibly start setting up future-planned items, and use those as reference/example.

[Adrian Hanlon]

Someday, Michael, you can just explain it to me over MSN and it'll all make itself abundantly clear.

Until then, I'll just beat everyone's asses without items ;D

[[LEON] Joust]

Ah right the other question:

I take it that item requirements are based on the users stats before recieving the item? As in, Jousts stats are whatever they currently are. When I recieve the Bloody Lance, the stat reqs are going to be from her current base stats and up? Or are they solely based on the material modifiers?

Also, this one is more to do with weapons in general. Are pins/needles permitted as weapons? As in say a taser without the electrical shock behind it?