Post by Erithania on Apr 20, 2014 16:27:20 GMT -5
So, an FMB has concluded, and all our longer-term members know exactly what that means. For the new guys, it's hopefully something you'll come to love, as well! It's time for another expansion! Below, you'll find the new additions that'll be implemented in the coming days. Questions, comments, and the like can also be addressed in this thread.
Demons
You may have noticed, but something rather large occurred during the FMB. Yeah, that big puppy wasn't exactly a Shadow. Well, what was it if not a Shadow, you ask? Simple! It was a Demon! “But Persona 3 and 4 didn't have demons!” You argue. To that, I direct you to Persona 1 and 2 IS/EP. Demons existed in the Persona universe from the get-go. They were just dropped midway. So, yes, Demons will be implemented and can and will be encountered! However, there's a few things to note about this.
Firstly, Demons may or may not appear as the or part of the FMB. This has already occurred, so you never know what to expect. Now, secondly, there will be a Mirror Mosaic implemented. This is essentially a pocket dimension- a Demon Realm version of Mosaic. Naturally, you will not be able to access it from the get go. In fact, for a good while, you'll only be able to access very small areas of this realm, and only through portals that have opened in select locations. How do you find out if a location houses a portal? Well, keep reading.
First, you need to clear every Stratum in a location. Yes, every Stratum. You need to unlock and kill the guardians in these locations. After that, if the location seems to be the home to a portal (yes, not every location will house a portal!) a new boss will be announced. This is a Demon Portal Guardian. Similar to a Stratum boss, new things open up after defeating a Demon Portal Guardian. Now, there's a few things to take into consideration here. A Portal Guardian will match the level of the area's highest Stratum and add one, unless S5 is the highest. This means that it'll be powerful. It will be level-restricted. However, unlike a Stratum boss, a Portal Guardian will allow for ten human participants. Note, Shadows are not invited.
Upon defeating the Portal Guardian, access to the Demon Realm alternative of the area in question will be permitted. Again, you'll have to clear the Stratums. A chore, to be sure! But, fortunately, we're not throwing you out there without a reward. What's special about Demon Stratums, you ask? Simple. For starters, each Stratum offers 50% more FP. In other words, Demon Stratum 3 offers 900 FP. That's more than a typical Stratum 4 Explore. However, more than that, there's other little things. For example, in normal Stratums 1-3, you can expect to find a Resist Mod, or T1 Weapon mod. S4-5 offers Null mods or T2 mods. In Demon Stratums 1-3, you can find Null mods or T2 Weapon mods. What will you find in Demon Stratums 4-5? Well, you'll just have to find out, won't you? On top of that, gear will, by default, be Stratum Level +1.
Pretty good reasons to try clearing lower-level Demon Stratums, huh? Plus, if you open enough Portals and clear enough Demon Stratums, who knows what else will occur?
Now, let's throw a few minor details out before going to the next topic. Civilians cannot access Demon Stratums. Nor can they battle Demon Portal Guardians. Why, you ask? Well, where Shadows are based on the negativity of a single person, Demons extend from humanity as a whole. In other words, their power is a bit more expansive. If a Civ has issues with a Stratum 1 Shadow, they're very likely to die against a Stratum 1 Demon. Furthermore, Shadows cannot access the Demon Realm at all. However, Shadows and Demons are essentially birds of a feather. They do not hold innate animosity towards one another. If one hates the other, it's typically a personal case.
That about rounds up our initial infodump for Demons and their current additions! Stay tuned, though. You never know what else we'll be adding for them in the future~
Elite Persona-users
Hey! Did you think Vets were seriously all we had in mind? Veterans are just that. Veterans. They've been through an event with Shadows before, but they're not necessarily guaranteed to have been involved with Demons or to have been in constant use prior to dispatch. Elites are, essentially, the top-tier of active Persona-users. We're talking well-armed and skilled. Naturally, you want some specs on this, right? Well, look just a little further.
Elites start on Level 5 with a set Level 5 Weapon and Armor. However! There's an option for the next bit. They can either have 25,000 FP invested and a second proficiency, with a Weapon at Level 4, or they can drop the second proficiency and straight up have 30,000 FP invested. Naturally, they'll have an Awakened Persona, as opposed to a base Persona, so their resistances would be about what you'd expect.
Now, naturally, there are restrictions on these (yes, yes, disappointing, I know). Firstly, you need to have a Level 5 character beforehand. Doesn't matter how well-stacked (or not) they are. Other than that, you will be required to have them affiliated with Nameless Organization A (or B or C), given that these are the cream of the crop with lots of experience. These guys basically go all over the world, squashing Shadow and Demon activities freely. So, yeah.
That about sums up this new classification of character.
Almighty Modifications
“Holy shit, what?!” Yeah, yeah. Almighty Weapon Mods are a thing. Only! They're not something you're gonna find lying around. Or at all, for that matter. Let me explain. An Almighty mod requires Tier 2 Damage Mods of every attribute. In other words, nine Tier 2 Damage Mods. The person in question needs these, a Weapon, and, of course, FP. The process is simple enough. Have a weapon you want modified, get those nine mods, and then pay 10,000 FP at the shop. A few things to note! You can un-mod existing weapons (for a fee matching implementation cost) if you end up needing an extra mod. However! Un-modding an Almighty-modded weapon (why would you even do this?) will not produce an Almighty mod. Just the nine used. It's a costly process. Naturally, we suggest that you only implement it on a high-level weapon.
Now, here's a few details explaining what an Almighty-modded weapon can and cannot do.
-An Almighty weapon CAN-
Ignore Resistances
Ignore High Counter, Tetrakarn, or Makarakarn
Not be affected by Phys Amp, Amp Accessories, or the like
Be affected by Weapon Master and Power Charge
Critical
-An Almighty weapon CANNOT-
Be affected by Phys Amp or Amp Accessories. Need to stress this.
Be nullified in any way outside of dodging/missing
Be affected by Mind Charge; it's a physical attack, regardless of trait
Now, you might say “B-but, muh powuh!” because Phys Amp and Accessories will not enhance your Almighty weapon. This, however, is the balancer we have planned for it. With an Almighty weapon, your enemy's resistances do not matter. That's pretty powerful, especially since it has zero cost. Naturally, we have to make sure it's not broken. Our means of doing that is by excluding -Amps and Accessories from the list of power-ups.
Shadow “Double Act”
This is something that people asked about, and it was something we considered during their initial release. Double Act is essentially what it sounds like- the ability to act twice. This is an add-on powerup that can be purchased from the shop, only for Shadows, for the price of 20,000 FP. It gives them the ability to act twice per turn. The catch? Shadows must have a total of 50,000 FP invested. This includes their initial investments, naturally, as well as both skill and resistance investments- on anything beyond the initial two-null startup. We'll also likely restrict Double Act Shadows to certain events/boss circumstances, as they would, naturally, be very powerful. They could easily throw the balance off of fights simply because of this.
Shadow Invasions
These are mini-events based on level classifications. They will be randomly launched, with no schedule or warning. You may see five pop up in a week. You may see one pop up in three months. Never count on it, but always expect it. A Shadow Invasion is a localized “Dark Hour” event taking place in one part of the city. These are small-scale in that those within (without experience with this stuff) are transmogged, like during the FMB's. Normal people not within the area will be deterred- a sort of passive “Eh, I don't feel like going there” keeping them from entering. Persona-users and Civilians that can act during FMBs, however, will not have any issues entering or remaining active in these locations.
Now, with the details regarding the “What is?” taken care of, let's cover the “What do?” details. Invasions are essentially wave-based events in which three party members will engage spawned Shadows in several waves until the pests are cleared and the area returns to normal. Occasionally, the final wave may even be boss-level material. Naturally, that'll be directly modded, but yes. Fight, fight, and don't die. One thing to note about these is that a balanced party is suggested (and basically required on higher difficulties), as insufficient power levels, or bullshit in posts, will have us eject you from the invasion. Yes, defeat will be possible in these. Exceedingly possible. Don't take invasions lightly.
Now, let's cover entry details, then “Why” you should go for these if you notice them. Easy is restricted (yes, restricted) to Level 1-2. Moderate is restricted to 3-4. Hard is L5 only. Leveling up during an invasion is fine. However, L3+ cannot enter an Easy Invasion, and similarly, L5's cannot enter a Moderate. While Civilians will be allowed, we do not suggest them entering. Playable Shadows will not be permitted to take part, as they would easily tip the scales in either direction dependent on their build. As for rewards, participants will receive FP based on the difficulty, and the number of waves. They may receive a bonus, if the final wave includes a boss-tier enemy. Furthermore, each wave has a drop chance, with higher-numbered waves possessing a higher chance for drops. So you can get both cash and loot- plenty of reason to tackle these if you see one you're applicable for.
So, to reiterate, wave-based mini-events restricted to three members based on a difficulty and level design. You can lose, especially if your party is not balanced, and you can receive some nice FP or potentially rare goodies. Yeah~
Frequently Asked Questions
Finally, our last addition, and the one that will take the longest time to implement in its entirety. Anyway, a lot of people continue to ask similar questions about a number of things- we notice a lot based on the rolls, for example, when it comes to FMBs. For that reason, we'll be slowly putting together a database of sorts with a lot of information that we believe will help others. It'll include a search function, since some of the explanations will be wordy for the sake of being sure all matters are easily understood. Anyway, this is more of a “Look forward to it!” than “Expect it next week!”, but now you know.
Demons
You may have noticed, but something rather large occurred during the FMB. Yeah, that big puppy wasn't exactly a Shadow. Well, what was it if not a Shadow, you ask? Simple! It was a Demon! “But Persona 3 and 4 didn't have demons!” You argue. To that, I direct you to Persona 1 and 2 IS/EP. Demons existed in the Persona universe from the get-go. They were just dropped midway. So, yes, Demons will be implemented and can and will be encountered! However, there's a few things to note about this.
Firstly, Demons may or may not appear as the or part of the FMB. This has already occurred, so you never know what to expect. Now, secondly, there will be a Mirror Mosaic implemented. This is essentially a pocket dimension- a Demon Realm version of Mosaic. Naturally, you will not be able to access it from the get go. In fact, for a good while, you'll only be able to access very small areas of this realm, and only through portals that have opened in select locations. How do you find out if a location houses a portal? Well, keep reading.
First, you need to clear every Stratum in a location. Yes, every Stratum. You need to unlock and kill the guardians in these locations. After that, if the location seems to be the home to a portal (yes, not every location will house a portal!) a new boss will be announced. This is a Demon Portal Guardian. Similar to a Stratum boss, new things open up after defeating a Demon Portal Guardian. Now, there's a few things to take into consideration here. A Portal Guardian will match the level of the area's highest Stratum and add one, unless S5 is the highest. This means that it'll be powerful. It will be level-restricted. However, unlike a Stratum boss, a Portal Guardian will allow for ten human participants. Note, Shadows are not invited.
Upon defeating the Portal Guardian, access to the Demon Realm alternative of the area in question will be permitted. Again, you'll have to clear the Stratums. A chore, to be sure! But, fortunately, we're not throwing you out there without a reward. What's special about Demon Stratums, you ask? Simple. For starters, each Stratum offers 50% more FP. In other words, Demon Stratum 3 offers 900 FP. That's more than a typical Stratum 4 Explore. However, more than that, there's other little things. For example, in normal Stratums 1-3, you can expect to find a Resist Mod, or T1 Weapon mod. S4-5 offers Null mods or T2 mods. In Demon Stratums 1-3, you can find Null mods or T2 Weapon mods. What will you find in Demon Stratums 4-5? Well, you'll just have to find out, won't you? On top of that, gear will, by default, be Stratum Level +1.
Pretty good reasons to try clearing lower-level Demon Stratums, huh? Plus, if you open enough Portals and clear enough Demon Stratums, who knows what else will occur?
Now, let's throw a few minor details out before going to the next topic. Civilians cannot access Demon Stratums. Nor can they battle Demon Portal Guardians. Why, you ask? Well, where Shadows are based on the negativity of a single person, Demons extend from humanity as a whole. In other words, their power is a bit more expansive. If a Civ has issues with a Stratum 1 Shadow, they're very likely to die against a Stratum 1 Demon. Furthermore, Shadows cannot access the Demon Realm at all. However, Shadows and Demons are essentially birds of a feather. They do not hold innate animosity towards one another. If one hates the other, it's typically a personal case.
That about rounds up our initial infodump for Demons and their current additions! Stay tuned, though. You never know what else we'll be adding for them in the future~
Elite Persona-users
Hey! Did you think Vets were seriously all we had in mind? Veterans are just that. Veterans. They've been through an event with Shadows before, but they're not necessarily guaranteed to have been involved with Demons or to have been in constant use prior to dispatch. Elites are, essentially, the top-tier of active Persona-users. We're talking well-armed and skilled. Naturally, you want some specs on this, right? Well, look just a little further.
Elites start on Level 5 with a set Level 5 Weapon and Armor. However! There's an option for the next bit. They can either have 25,000 FP invested and a second proficiency, with a Weapon at Level 4, or they can drop the second proficiency and straight up have 30,000 FP invested. Naturally, they'll have an Awakened Persona, as opposed to a base Persona, so their resistances would be about what you'd expect.
Now, naturally, there are restrictions on these (yes, yes, disappointing, I know). Firstly, you need to have a Level 5 character beforehand. Doesn't matter how well-stacked (or not) they are. Other than that, you will be required to have them affiliated with Nameless Organization A (or B or C), given that these are the cream of the crop with lots of experience. These guys basically go all over the world, squashing Shadow and Demon activities freely. So, yeah.
That about sums up this new classification of character.
Almighty Modifications
“Holy shit, what?!” Yeah, yeah. Almighty Weapon Mods are a thing. Only! They're not something you're gonna find lying around. Or at all, for that matter. Let me explain. An Almighty mod requires Tier 2 Damage Mods of every attribute. In other words, nine Tier 2 Damage Mods. The person in question needs these, a Weapon, and, of course, FP. The process is simple enough. Have a weapon you want modified, get those nine mods, and then pay 10,000 FP at the shop. A few things to note! You can un-mod existing weapons (for a fee matching implementation cost) if you end up needing an extra mod. However! Un-modding an Almighty-modded weapon (why would you even do this?) will not produce an Almighty mod. Just the nine used. It's a costly process. Naturally, we suggest that you only implement it on a high-level weapon.
Now, here's a few details explaining what an Almighty-modded weapon can and cannot do.
-An Almighty weapon CAN-
Ignore Resistances
Ignore High Counter, Tetrakarn, or Makarakarn
Not be affected by Phys Amp, Amp Accessories, or the like
Be affected by Weapon Master and Power Charge
Critical
-An Almighty weapon CANNOT-
Be affected by Phys Amp or Amp Accessories. Need to stress this.
Be nullified in any way outside of dodging/missing
Be affected by Mind Charge; it's a physical attack, regardless of trait
Now, you might say “B-but, muh powuh!” because Phys Amp and Accessories will not enhance your Almighty weapon. This, however, is the balancer we have planned for it. With an Almighty weapon, your enemy's resistances do not matter. That's pretty powerful, especially since it has zero cost. Naturally, we have to make sure it's not broken. Our means of doing that is by excluding -Amps and Accessories from the list of power-ups.
Shadow “Double Act”
This is something that people asked about, and it was something we considered during their initial release. Double Act is essentially what it sounds like- the ability to act twice. This is an add-on powerup that can be purchased from the shop, only for Shadows, for the price of 20,000 FP. It gives them the ability to act twice per turn. The catch? Shadows must have a total of 50,000 FP invested. This includes their initial investments, naturally, as well as both skill and resistance investments- on anything beyond the initial two-null startup. We'll also likely restrict Double Act Shadows to certain events/boss circumstances, as they would, naturally, be very powerful. They could easily throw the balance off of fights simply because of this.
Shadow Invasions
These are mini-events based on level classifications. They will be randomly launched, with no schedule or warning. You may see five pop up in a week. You may see one pop up in three months. Never count on it, but always expect it. A Shadow Invasion is a localized “Dark Hour” event taking place in one part of the city. These are small-scale in that those within (without experience with this stuff) are transmogged, like during the FMB's. Normal people not within the area will be deterred- a sort of passive “Eh, I don't feel like going there” keeping them from entering. Persona-users and Civilians that can act during FMBs, however, will not have any issues entering or remaining active in these locations.
Now, with the details regarding the “What is?” taken care of, let's cover the “What do?” details. Invasions are essentially wave-based events in which three party members will engage spawned Shadows in several waves until the pests are cleared and the area returns to normal. Occasionally, the final wave may even be boss-level material. Naturally, that'll be directly modded, but yes. Fight, fight, and don't die. One thing to note about these is that a balanced party is suggested (and basically required on higher difficulties), as insufficient power levels, or bullshit in posts, will have us eject you from the invasion. Yes, defeat will be possible in these. Exceedingly possible. Don't take invasions lightly.
Now, let's cover entry details, then “Why” you should go for these if you notice them. Easy is restricted (yes, restricted) to Level 1-2. Moderate is restricted to 3-4. Hard is L5 only. Leveling up during an invasion is fine. However, L3+ cannot enter an Easy Invasion, and similarly, L5's cannot enter a Moderate. While Civilians will be allowed, we do not suggest them entering. Playable Shadows will not be permitted to take part, as they would easily tip the scales in either direction dependent on their build. As for rewards, participants will receive FP based on the difficulty, and the number of waves. They may receive a bonus, if the final wave includes a boss-tier enemy. Furthermore, each wave has a drop chance, with higher-numbered waves possessing a higher chance for drops. So you can get both cash and loot- plenty of reason to tackle these if you see one you're applicable for.
So, to reiterate, wave-based mini-events restricted to three members based on a difficulty and level design. You can lose, especially if your party is not balanced, and you can receive some nice FP or potentially rare goodies. Yeah~
Frequently Asked Questions
Finally, our last addition, and the one that will take the longest time to implement in its entirety. Anyway, a lot of people continue to ask similar questions about a number of things- we notice a lot based on the rolls, for example, when it comes to FMBs. For that reason, we'll be slowly putting together a database of sorts with a lot of information that we believe will help others. It'll include a search function, since some of the explanations will be wordy for the sake of being sure all matters are easily understood. Anyway, this is more of a “Look forward to it!” than “Expect it next week!”, but now you know.