Alpha 4: Major Skill System Overhaul
Dear Erisians,
While the real world clamors for the next Great War, we’ve been diligently revamping the skill system in preparation for the wars to come in the realm of Eris.
How has the skill system transformed from a basic foundation to something much deeper?
The original design was intentionally straightforward, a minimum viable product that served its purpose as a placeholder during early development. Now, we’ve completely overhauled it. Every weapon skill comes with additional effects, such as weakening an enemy or slowing them down. We’ve also enhanced many skills with new visual and sound effects. Furthermore, we’ve begun developing new spells, introducing crowd control for Mages and powerful blessings (our version of buffs) for Healers.
Our long-term vision is to build a deep, strategic skill system that prioritizes decision-making over quick reflexes. We believe traditional RPG combat mechanics, often neglected as the genre drifts towards action-based combat, are overdue for a revival.
Rogues are meant to outwit their foes and dominate the shadows. How does this update further this Archetype?
With Stealth, Rogues can become invisible for a short time, enabling them to set up ambushes or execute swift escapes. They aren’t built for direct confrontations so they must outwit their opponents, strike vulnerable targets and disappear before retaliation.
Additionally, Rogues now wield three distinct Agility-based weapon types: Daggers, Fists, and Bows. Daggers remain fast and lethal, excelling at quickly disposing vulnerable targets. Fists, replacing Martial Arts, are designed for disruption and introduce a new Crushing damage type. Finally, Bows provide Rogues with a deadly new ranged option.
Healers have always been very popular with groups, and players looking to team up are often tempted to play a Healer. What changes are furthering this role?
Healers now gain access to three new Blessings: Might, Swiftness, and Vigor. These limited-time enhancements significantly boost Strength, Agility, and Endurance respectively, making allies much more effective in combat.
Furthermore, Healers can now be played offensively by utilizing Blunt weapons. While typically less damaging, these weapons can stun opponents, allowing a Healer specializing in them to become a surprisingly effective melee hybrid.
What new spells did Mages gain to control the battlefield?
They can now cast debuffs to weaken foes, immobilize enemies with powerful roots, and completely shut down targets with stunning spells. To offset their typically lower defenses, Mages can also cast Shielding to enhance their own survivability in combat.
Additionally, Mages now have access to expanded categories of magical weapons: Staves and Wands. These new weapons allow Mages to inflict sustained magical damage from a distance.
What new skills empower fighters to dominate the front line?
Fighter weapon categories have seen a significant expansion, giving them a broad arsenal to pressure, weaken, and finish off enemies.
Axes and Swords offer unparalleled versatility, usable with a shield, dual-wielded, or as two-handed weapons. Axes are designed to hit hard and destabilize targets, while Swords excel in one-on-one engagements and sustained attrition.
Crossbows provide Fighters with a robust ranged option, allowing them to become durable damage dealers from afar.
For those favoring two-handed power, Polearms deliver wide-reaching attacks focused on massive damage output, while Spears are now specialized for hunting down targets with high-pressure attacks.
We appreciate you taking the time to read this update! A major engine upgrade is next and should improve the game’s performance and compatibility across different browsers and devices.
— David, Lead Developer
