ArchiveRecovery
03-23-2007, 11:14 PM
Page 2
Winged_Wolf:
Yeah, I know. We put the psi genetics theory documents into the advanced area because too many newbies misunderstood it, and got caught up worrying about what their 'birthswitch' was instead of just getting to work practicing.
There's no harm in mentioning specialties, specifically, though--these are folks born with certain ability sets and tendencies, and some 'special' abilities--either exaggerations of typical abilities, or brand new ones that no one else has. They tend to have predictable personalities (for their type), and even a certain range of body types and builds associated with their type.
Identified so far:
Switchers--can mimic other birth-switches (make themselves look like a different 'type', or even a non-active), and switch 'off'--in this state they have no discernable aura, it's fun and rather funky. They can do some other interesting things too. Secondarily, they're often precognitive and can read another person's 'hardwiring' when it comes to psi (and even mess with it).
Generators: Have exaggerated energy generation and capacity abilities. No, I mean REALLY exaggerated--these folks typically have at least a 60 foot diameter aura when fully active. They have a lot of psychological traits and peculiarities associated with this. They tend to be volatile, territorial, aggressive, and dominating (though they may express this in a variety of different ways--passive/aggressive behavior isn't unheard of). They're naturally good at energy manipulation. Don't ever try to vamp one, they'll pound you into the ground like a tent peg...they instinctively hate it. <lol>
Phase-Switchers: Large fields, and large energy capacity (though not quite near generator levels) are combined with an ability to switch frequencies at lightning speed. These may be the result of a combination of switcher and generator lines. Also appear to be naturally good at constructs and programming.
Psi-Vamps: The real deal, requiring ONLY psi-energy, and having no problems with capacity or manipulation. Two types identified so far, one apparently from the generator line, the other from the switcher line. Generator-line psi-vamps have hypercapacity, and are naturally skilled energy workers. Switcher-line psi-vamps don't have quite that capacity, but appear to have an ability to manipulate energy externally with great speed and quantity. Both 'look' like classic psi-vamps on an auric level. They have no apparent ability to generate psi on their own, and produce even less than nons (folks with no innate psi). Psi-vamps are less prone to the psychological addictions and hangups found in a lot of the PV community...they don't really care much where their energy comes from, as long as they have a source for it that's viable and easy to handle.
Synchronizers: They match phases with the people around them, and tend to be either highly empathic, or highly telepathic--they can use others' abilities while synched in this fashion. They tend to be very hypersensitive and 'fragile', and generate a very low level of energy (higher than a non, but lower than any other innate psi)...but have hypercapacity ability. I theorize they're set up to make best use of vamping, but I've yet to meet one willing to do so.
Haute (say haw-tay): These folks have all psi abilities. Granted, only 1 or 2 of them are at anything like a useful level, but they HAVE them all, active. They really could kick some serious butt, if it weren't for the fact that not one has yet been found who has any drive to develop his/her abilities further and turn them into something useful.
That's pretty much it for a basic overview--other types are extremely rare, and known by only one or two encounters.
Now, the most important thing about Specialties: They're RARE. REALLY rare. Numbers of some of these types are lower significantly than 1 in 10,000 people. The Guild sometimes has trouble making people understand this, because we tend to attract them...we have an abnormally large number of specialties around here. We have a whole 'flock' of generators, a couple of phase-switchers and synchronizers, a psi-vamp, and even a switcher. (No hautes yet). Nevertheless, they're RARE.
They're also a pain in the ass--you know who you are. <G> It's not 'more desireable' to be a specialty. They may be very good at what they do, but they may also have difficulty learning OTHER things. Cap that off with increased incidence of physical and psychological health problems, and their very set personalities, and it's really not necessarily fun to be one. But, there they are.
Most specialties do not use external energy sources the way mages typically do. Their energy systems are specialized, and they react badly to taking other types of energies into their system. This is true for the psi-vamps as well--it might come from anywhere, but it's got to be psi. Very few grit their teeth and get past this discomfort to work with non-psi energy sources internally. There are good reasons why they should not, so it's just as well. They often show signs of system damage from pulling in external types, if they go that route.
__________________
Fx_ChiP:
Having a bit of experience in this regard (hehehe), I would say pretty much everything in the switcher-line is fairly external-energy friendly, so long as the stuff remains external. I suspect the externals are also handled fairly well internally, but haven't tried. There IS a code of conduct or something that I have to adhere to :P
And it's not really all that hard to learn other things. I'm still trying to do RV and telepathy and stuff. I know at least one of those I don't have innately at all, so I am having to learn it from scratch, but I have faith. :P
__________________
Nightshade:
Question: Does a specialty KNOW they are a specialty (or even a born on know they are born on)? Or do they think they are something, but can't quite figure out what?
Reason I'm asking is because i have had a few innate abilities (I've always been good at energy manipulation, even as early as third grade). But, I was able to "ignore" one of them, which was telepathy. I was able to ping, and send/recieve short sentences, but I thought energy manipulation and later PK (which also came pretty naturally) were more interesting, so I just ignored TP...Now, I have to start over for some reason with telepathy, almost as if I "shut it off"...I thought that was characteristic of a partial....I guess it would be beneficial to get a birth-switch scan...But I don't know who/where to ask.
__________________
Winged_Wolf:
No, sometimes they don't even realize they're psychic, or are in denial--just like any other psi. lol. It's harder for a specialty not to realize something is weird, though, because they're born-on and active. But realize they're a specialty? No, that's not always something so easy to figure out. Even when they're aware of their abilities, they aren't always fully aware of their 'specialty' abilities, or ever think to use them on a regular basis. They can be using them, and be totally unaware of what they're doing, too.
Partials can shut down--COMPLETELY, not just one ability. Most don't, though. I doubt a birth-switch scan would give you much insight into anything.
__________________
Tetra:
Welcome to World of Psioncraft.
I just figured, given the layout of the specialties, I'd draw a few comparisions between that list, and the most popular online game of the time: World of Warcraft.
Let's begin.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Winged_Wolf
Switchers--can mimic other birth-switches (make themselves look like a different 'type', or even a non-active), and switch 'off'--in this state they have no discernable aura, it's fun and rather funky. They can do some other interesting things too. Secondarily, they're often precognitive and can read another person's 'hardwiring' when it comes to psi (and even mess with it).
I'd align the "Switcher" to the Rogue class, due to being able to stealth at will.
Quote:
Originally Posted by World Of Warcraft
They are masters of stealth and assassination, passing by enemies unseen and striking from the shadows, then escaping from combat in the blink of an eye.
Next up? We have the Generators.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Winged_Wolf
Generators: Have exaggerated energy generation and capacity abilities. No, I mean REALLY exaggerated--these folks typically have at least a 60 foot diameter aura when fully active. They have a lot of psychological traits and peculiarities associated with this. They tend to be volatile, territorial, aggressive, and dominating (though they may express this in a variety of different ways--passive/aggressive behavior isn't unheard of). They're naturally good at energy manipulation. Don't ever try to vamp one, they'll pound you into the ground like a tent peg...they instinctively hate it. <lol>
Quote:
Originally Posted by World Of Warcraft
Warriors can be a raging berserker or an iron-clad juggernaut, capable of withstanding tremendous attacks while protecting their allies from harm. They have a wide variety of attacks that do everything from cripple their enemies, to dealing massive amounts of damage in a single retaliatory blow, and enhancing their allies' fighting ability with battle shouts. They excel at fighting multiple opponents at once, gaining rage from every blow dealt or received to unleash their attacks
See the similarities? I sure do. Right down to the "shout" they both have.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Winged_Wolf
Phase-Switchers: Large fields, and large energy capacity (though not quite near generator levels) are combined with an ability to switch frequencies at lightning speed. These may be the result of a combination of switcher and generator lines. Also appear to be naturally good at constructs and programming.
Somewhere between a rogue and warrior? I'd say that's a hunter, also, due to the skill with constructs.
Quote:
Originally Posted by World Of Warcraft
Hunters also possess a primal connection to the beasts of Azeroth, capable of taming and training them to keep as loyal guardians
Construct, pet. Makes enough sense to me. I mean, how many people have made psi-pets, afterall.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Winged_Wolf
Psi-Vamps: The real deal, requiring ONLY psi-energy, and having no problems with capacity or manipulation. Two types identified so far, one apparently from the generator line, the other from the switcher line. Generator-line psi-vamps have hypercapacity, and are naturally skilled energy workers. Switcher-line psi-vamps don't have quite that capacity, but appear to have an ability to manipulate energy externally with great speed and quantity. Both 'look' like classic psi-vamps on an auric level. They have no apparent ability to generate psi on their own, and produce even less than nons (folks with no innate psi). Psi-vamps are less prone to the psychological addictions and hangups found in a lot of the PV community...they don't really care much where their energy comes from, as long as they have a source for it that's viable and easy to handle.
Quote:
Originally Posted by World of Warcraft
Is able to drain opponents life, restoring own health
Not just that, but they can drain mana as well, as well as sap heath from their pet to restore theirs. Totally a psi-vamp.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Winged_Wolf
Synchronizers: They match phases with the people around them, and tend to be either highly empathic, or highly telepathic--they can use others' abilities while synched in this fashion. They tend to be very hypersensitive and 'fragile', and generate a very low level of energy (higher than a non, but lower than any other innate psi)...but have hypercapacity ability. I theorize they're set up to make best use of vamping, but I've yet to meet one willing to do so.
Totally a priest. Given the "mind control" skill of the priest, it seems to click. Very fragile. For the "vamping" aspect? You've just never seen one go Shadowform yet.
Quote:
Originally Posted by World Of Warcraft
Poor melee capabilities and low hit points
Quote:
Originally Posted by World Of Warcraft
Can Charm Humanoids and Fear various enemies;
Can cast both holy and shadow spells
Finally, the Haute.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Winged_Wolf
Haute (say haw-tay): These folks have all psi abilities. Granted, only 1 or 2 of them are at anything like a useful level, but they HAVE them all, active. They really could kick some serious butt, if it weren't for the fact that not one has yet been found who has any drive to develop his/her abilities further and turn them into something useful.
There is no doubt that this can be anything but a Shaman. Jack of all trades, master of none.
Quote:
Originally Posted by World of Warcraft
The old phrase "jack of all trades, master of none" is an excellent way to describe the Shaman; they are the only real "hybrid" class in World of Warcraft. While they do not excel at any one aspect of their repertoire, they function passing well when performing most tasks called upon by a party. Need a support healer? Looking for a secondary tank? After another damage-dealer? Have an empty slot that needs someone to support the group in general? The Shaman can provide. They have a number of utility spells as well that help make life easier for any party.
With this all being said, I think I've figured out the best group for Instancing.
Fx, Daimon, Keith, Mav, Myself.
Come on, guys. Let's go take out a dungeon for the loot.
__________________
Evan:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tetra http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/buttons/PGPro/viewpost.gif (http://www.psionguild.org/forums/showthread.php?p=6056#post6056)
With this all being said, I think I've figured out the best group for Instancing.
Fx, Daimon, Keith, Mav, Myself.
Come on, guys. Let's go take out a dungeon for the loot.
...
......
:(
__________________
Tetra:
Well, if you can find another 34 people for MC, I'd be willing.
__________________
Winged_Wolf:
I hate to break it to you Tetra, but Daimon isn't a psi-vamp. lol (I'm not gonna out the only one we have around, either--though you do know who it is).
Now see if you can find me a use for a Banshee.
__________________
Tetra:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Winged_Wolf http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/buttons/PGPro/viewpost.gif (http://www.psionguild.org/forums/showthread.php?p=6062#post6062)
I hate to break it to you Tetra, but Daimon isn't a psi-vamp. lol (I'm not gonna out the only one we have around, either--though you do know who it is).
Now see if you can find me a use for a Banshee.
You're not seeing the forest for the trees.
Banshee? Alarm clock.
__________________
Winged_Wolf:
But they go off all the time.
__________________
Winged_Wolf:
Yeah, I know. We put the psi genetics theory documents into the advanced area because too many newbies misunderstood it, and got caught up worrying about what their 'birthswitch' was instead of just getting to work practicing.
There's no harm in mentioning specialties, specifically, though--these are folks born with certain ability sets and tendencies, and some 'special' abilities--either exaggerations of typical abilities, or brand new ones that no one else has. They tend to have predictable personalities (for their type), and even a certain range of body types and builds associated with their type.
Identified so far:
Switchers--can mimic other birth-switches (make themselves look like a different 'type', or even a non-active), and switch 'off'--in this state they have no discernable aura, it's fun and rather funky. They can do some other interesting things too. Secondarily, they're often precognitive and can read another person's 'hardwiring' when it comes to psi (and even mess with it).
Generators: Have exaggerated energy generation and capacity abilities. No, I mean REALLY exaggerated--these folks typically have at least a 60 foot diameter aura when fully active. They have a lot of psychological traits and peculiarities associated with this. They tend to be volatile, territorial, aggressive, and dominating (though they may express this in a variety of different ways--passive/aggressive behavior isn't unheard of). They're naturally good at energy manipulation. Don't ever try to vamp one, they'll pound you into the ground like a tent peg...they instinctively hate it. <lol>
Phase-Switchers: Large fields, and large energy capacity (though not quite near generator levels) are combined with an ability to switch frequencies at lightning speed. These may be the result of a combination of switcher and generator lines. Also appear to be naturally good at constructs and programming.
Psi-Vamps: The real deal, requiring ONLY psi-energy, and having no problems with capacity or manipulation. Two types identified so far, one apparently from the generator line, the other from the switcher line. Generator-line psi-vamps have hypercapacity, and are naturally skilled energy workers. Switcher-line psi-vamps don't have quite that capacity, but appear to have an ability to manipulate energy externally with great speed and quantity. Both 'look' like classic psi-vamps on an auric level. They have no apparent ability to generate psi on their own, and produce even less than nons (folks with no innate psi). Psi-vamps are less prone to the psychological addictions and hangups found in a lot of the PV community...they don't really care much where their energy comes from, as long as they have a source for it that's viable and easy to handle.
Synchronizers: They match phases with the people around them, and tend to be either highly empathic, or highly telepathic--they can use others' abilities while synched in this fashion. They tend to be very hypersensitive and 'fragile', and generate a very low level of energy (higher than a non, but lower than any other innate psi)...but have hypercapacity ability. I theorize they're set up to make best use of vamping, but I've yet to meet one willing to do so.
Haute (say haw-tay): These folks have all psi abilities. Granted, only 1 or 2 of them are at anything like a useful level, but they HAVE them all, active. They really could kick some serious butt, if it weren't for the fact that not one has yet been found who has any drive to develop his/her abilities further and turn them into something useful.
That's pretty much it for a basic overview--other types are extremely rare, and known by only one or two encounters.
Now, the most important thing about Specialties: They're RARE. REALLY rare. Numbers of some of these types are lower significantly than 1 in 10,000 people. The Guild sometimes has trouble making people understand this, because we tend to attract them...we have an abnormally large number of specialties around here. We have a whole 'flock' of generators, a couple of phase-switchers and synchronizers, a psi-vamp, and even a switcher. (No hautes yet). Nevertheless, they're RARE.
They're also a pain in the ass--you know who you are. <G> It's not 'more desireable' to be a specialty. They may be very good at what they do, but they may also have difficulty learning OTHER things. Cap that off with increased incidence of physical and psychological health problems, and their very set personalities, and it's really not necessarily fun to be one. But, there they are.
Most specialties do not use external energy sources the way mages typically do. Their energy systems are specialized, and they react badly to taking other types of energies into their system. This is true for the psi-vamps as well--it might come from anywhere, but it's got to be psi. Very few grit their teeth and get past this discomfort to work with non-psi energy sources internally. There are good reasons why they should not, so it's just as well. They often show signs of system damage from pulling in external types, if they go that route.
__________________
Fx_ChiP:
Having a bit of experience in this regard (hehehe), I would say pretty much everything in the switcher-line is fairly external-energy friendly, so long as the stuff remains external. I suspect the externals are also handled fairly well internally, but haven't tried. There IS a code of conduct or something that I have to adhere to :P
And it's not really all that hard to learn other things. I'm still trying to do RV and telepathy and stuff. I know at least one of those I don't have innately at all, so I am having to learn it from scratch, but I have faith. :P
__________________
Nightshade:
Question: Does a specialty KNOW they are a specialty (or even a born on know they are born on)? Or do they think they are something, but can't quite figure out what?
Reason I'm asking is because i have had a few innate abilities (I've always been good at energy manipulation, even as early as third grade). But, I was able to "ignore" one of them, which was telepathy. I was able to ping, and send/recieve short sentences, but I thought energy manipulation and later PK (which also came pretty naturally) were more interesting, so I just ignored TP...Now, I have to start over for some reason with telepathy, almost as if I "shut it off"...I thought that was characteristic of a partial....I guess it would be beneficial to get a birth-switch scan...But I don't know who/where to ask.
__________________
Winged_Wolf:
No, sometimes they don't even realize they're psychic, or are in denial--just like any other psi. lol. It's harder for a specialty not to realize something is weird, though, because they're born-on and active. But realize they're a specialty? No, that's not always something so easy to figure out. Even when they're aware of their abilities, they aren't always fully aware of their 'specialty' abilities, or ever think to use them on a regular basis. They can be using them, and be totally unaware of what they're doing, too.
Partials can shut down--COMPLETELY, not just one ability. Most don't, though. I doubt a birth-switch scan would give you much insight into anything.
__________________
Tetra:
Welcome to World of Psioncraft.
I just figured, given the layout of the specialties, I'd draw a few comparisions between that list, and the most popular online game of the time: World of Warcraft.
Let's begin.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Winged_Wolf
Switchers--can mimic other birth-switches (make themselves look like a different 'type', or even a non-active), and switch 'off'--in this state they have no discernable aura, it's fun and rather funky. They can do some other interesting things too. Secondarily, they're often precognitive and can read another person's 'hardwiring' when it comes to psi (and even mess with it).
I'd align the "Switcher" to the Rogue class, due to being able to stealth at will.
Quote:
Originally Posted by World Of Warcraft
They are masters of stealth and assassination, passing by enemies unseen and striking from the shadows, then escaping from combat in the blink of an eye.
Next up? We have the Generators.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Winged_Wolf
Generators: Have exaggerated energy generation and capacity abilities. No, I mean REALLY exaggerated--these folks typically have at least a 60 foot diameter aura when fully active. They have a lot of psychological traits and peculiarities associated with this. They tend to be volatile, territorial, aggressive, and dominating (though they may express this in a variety of different ways--passive/aggressive behavior isn't unheard of). They're naturally good at energy manipulation. Don't ever try to vamp one, they'll pound you into the ground like a tent peg...they instinctively hate it. <lol>
Quote:
Originally Posted by World Of Warcraft
Warriors can be a raging berserker or an iron-clad juggernaut, capable of withstanding tremendous attacks while protecting their allies from harm. They have a wide variety of attacks that do everything from cripple their enemies, to dealing massive amounts of damage in a single retaliatory blow, and enhancing their allies' fighting ability with battle shouts. They excel at fighting multiple opponents at once, gaining rage from every blow dealt or received to unleash their attacks
See the similarities? I sure do. Right down to the "shout" they both have.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Winged_Wolf
Phase-Switchers: Large fields, and large energy capacity (though not quite near generator levels) are combined with an ability to switch frequencies at lightning speed. These may be the result of a combination of switcher and generator lines. Also appear to be naturally good at constructs and programming.
Somewhere between a rogue and warrior? I'd say that's a hunter, also, due to the skill with constructs.
Quote:
Originally Posted by World Of Warcraft
Hunters also possess a primal connection to the beasts of Azeroth, capable of taming and training them to keep as loyal guardians
Construct, pet. Makes enough sense to me. I mean, how many people have made psi-pets, afterall.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Winged_Wolf
Psi-Vamps: The real deal, requiring ONLY psi-energy, and having no problems with capacity or manipulation. Two types identified so far, one apparently from the generator line, the other from the switcher line. Generator-line psi-vamps have hypercapacity, and are naturally skilled energy workers. Switcher-line psi-vamps don't have quite that capacity, but appear to have an ability to manipulate energy externally with great speed and quantity. Both 'look' like classic psi-vamps on an auric level. They have no apparent ability to generate psi on their own, and produce even less than nons (folks with no innate psi). Psi-vamps are less prone to the psychological addictions and hangups found in a lot of the PV community...they don't really care much where their energy comes from, as long as they have a source for it that's viable and easy to handle.
Quote:
Originally Posted by World of Warcraft
Is able to drain opponents life, restoring own health
Not just that, but they can drain mana as well, as well as sap heath from their pet to restore theirs. Totally a psi-vamp.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Winged_Wolf
Synchronizers: They match phases with the people around them, and tend to be either highly empathic, or highly telepathic--they can use others' abilities while synched in this fashion. They tend to be very hypersensitive and 'fragile', and generate a very low level of energy (higher than a non, but lower than any other innate psi)...but have hypercapacity ability. I theorize they're set up to make best use of vamping, but I've yet to meet one willing to do so.
Totally a priest. Given the "mind control" skill of the priest, it seems to click. Very fragile. For the "vamping" aspect? You've just never seen one go Shadowform yet.
Quote:
Originally Posted by World Of Warcraft
Poor melee capabilities and low hit points
Quote:
Originally Posted by World Of Warcraft
Can Charm Humanoids and Fear various enemies;
Can cast both holy and shadow spells
Finally, the Haute.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Winged_Wolf
Haute (say haw-tay): These folks have all psi abilities. Granted, only 1 or 2 of them are at anything like a useful level, but they HAVE them all, active. They really could kick some serious butt, if it weren't for the fact that not one has yet been found who has any drive to develop his/her abilities further and turn them into something useful.
There is no doubt that this can be anything but a Shaman. Jack of all trades, master of none.
Quote:
Originally Posted by World of Warcraft
The old phrase "jack of all trades, master of none" is an excellent way to describe the Shaman; they are the only real "hybrid" class in World of Warcraft. While they do not excel at any one aspect of their repertoire, they function passing well when performing most tasks called upon by a party. Need a support healer? Looking for a secondary tank? After another damage-dealer? Have an empty slot that needs someone to support the group in general? The Shaman can provide. They have a number of utility spells as well that help make life easier for any party.
With this all being said, I think I've figured out the best group for Instancing.
Fx, Daimon, Keith, Mav, Myself.
Come on, guys. Let's go take out a dungeon for the loot.
__________________
Evan:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tetra http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/buttons/PGPro/viewpost.gif (http://www.psionguild.org/forums/showthread.php?p=6056#post6056)
With this all being said, I think I've figured out the best group for Instancing.
Fx, Daimon, Keith, Mav, Myself.
Come on, guys. Let's go take out a dungeon for the loot.
...
......
:(
__________________
Tetra:
Well, if you can find another 34 people for MC, I'd be willing.
__________________
Winged_Wolf:
I hate to break it to you Tetra, but Daimon isn't a psi-vamp. lol (I'm not gonna out the only one we have around, either--though you do know who it is).
Now see if you can find me a use for a Banshee.
__________________
Tetra:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Winged_Wolf http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/buttons/PGPro/viewpost.gif (http://www.psionguild.org/forums/showthread.php?p=6062#post6062)
I hate to break it to you Tetra, but Daimon isn't a psi-vamp. lol (I'm not gonna out the only one we have around, either--though you do know who it is).
Now see if you can find me a use for a Banshee.
You're not seeing the forest for the trees.
Banshee? Alarm clock.
__________________
Winged_Wolf:
But they go off all the time.
__________________