FADE

Having to continuously going back to old encounters to add in new battle code when I create a new set of Skills is getting tiring and taking up a lot of time. What I've been working on lately is completing the Skill system for the four current playable characters. The next FADE demo version will have access to all the Skills learned by levelling up - of course you still need to get to the level to unlock them first... This is a good time to talk a bit about Skills.

There are a few key rules I've set when it comes to Skill design in FADE:
#1: Auto-attack should never be the best answer in most situations. Skills should either be more useful by providing strong utility or be so powerful that by not using them, it'll slow you down a lot.
#2: There should never be a moment in which the player is unable to use any Skills. (there are a few exceptions to be found in FADE (notably during the Flame Troll mini-boss fight) - but they're not related to this rule)
#3: Character Skillsets must be varied enough to allow for different viable playstyles and be open to making meaningful choices.
#4: The party must be able to mostly take care of themselves using their Skills, without the need of many external sources (Potions, resting spots). Consumable items are generally treated as a luxury, rather than a need.



With the completion of all the characters' Skillsets, I'll be releasing information on them one by one, starting with Roth's Skillset. These entries will provide information regarding each of their Skills. What their purpose is and potential styles of gameplay the character can use.
Aura of Magic: Grants targeted ally MP Regen for x full turns and cures Silence. Restores 2 MP to Roth.
0MP
The answer to counter auto-attack spam. It's a Skill that is almost never useless to cast, and in many cases is extremely useful. Even if it won't let you do damage, the amount of MP acceleration you get from using it should make up more than enough for it. Is more effective when there are more enemies on the field.

Spark: Deals moderate Lightning damage to target foe and has a chance to inflict Blind.
12MP
A good amount stronger than a regular Attack, but with the added benefit of inflicting Blind, useful against anything that has a powerful attack. Its cost is middle of the road and can be used relatively often if you invest in MP regeneration on Roth.

Restorative Recharge: Restores some of Roth's HP and cures Poison.
6MP
It's not meant to be strong enough to keep you alive in every situation possible, but it should be just good enough to unburden Eldin a little when the whole party is under heavy fire.

Focused Strike: Deals more damage to target foe when there are more foes on the battlefield, up to a maximum of 5.
15MP
While it's a little more expensive than Spark, the additional damage at high enemy numbers does make it more than worth it. When there are 3 enemies on the field, it's about equal to Spark when it comes to cost VS damage ratio. With 4 and 5 enemies on the field you're better off using this if you have the MP for it. The only potential downside is the lack of inflicting Blind, something that Spark can do.

Photon Shield: Grants Roth Defence+ and Photon Shield for x full turns. Roth's attacks have a chance to inflict Stun while the Photon Shield is active.
10MP
Unlocks: Detonate Shield: Lose Photon Shield and deal damage to all foes.
0MP
The Photon Shield may seem a little weak, but it's Roth's best option when it comes to dealing AoE damage. The Detonate Shield can only be used the turns after using Photon Shield (as long as it's still active), so you'll need to plan a bit ahead.

Echoing Thunder: Deals more damage to target foe when used consecutively. Resets the damage bonus after 5 consecutive uses, or if interrupted.
5MP
This is Roth's strongest offensive option, and can be used to deal a lot of damage over the course of several turns, at the cost of needing 5 whole turns to casting it. The Skill starts off weak, but gets stronger with every hit. The last hit is exceptionally powerful. The full combo takes up 25MP to cast, so you'd best make sure you have the MP saved up to make it to the end. It's a high risk, high reward Skill that requires good planning to use correctly.

Galeforce: Ally under the effect of Galeforce will strike foes twice if they attack. Lasts until the end of the turn.
8MP
Obviously Roth can't cast this on himself (technically he can, but he won't be able to Attack in the same turn to use the effect...), so it's a very strong support Skill that should be used on another ally. Normally you'd want to cast this on an ally with higher Attack than you, under effect of Attack+ or wielding a weapon that can hit multiple times.

Thunder Clouds: Makes all foes on the battlefield more vulnerable to Lightning damage. Can be cast only once per encounter.
12MP
A very simple Skill, but provides a strong boost to Roth's Skills, or any other ability that happens to deal Lightning damage. Especially useful if you plan on using Echoing Thunder later on in the fight.

Mystic Renewal: Fully restores all allies' MP, but drains all of Roth's MP. Can be cast only once per encounter.
12MP
Roth's 2nd Elite Skill, and you'll have to choose between this or Thunder Cloud. Mystic Renewal is the supportive option, and incredibly useful when your party needs to make a comeback in the middle of a fight, or to push for a final burst of damage the next turn.



I wanted Roth to be a very well-rounded character that has a lot of freedom when it comes to potential ways of playing him. He can perfectly fit in as a pure support character, restoring allies' MP and granting double Attacks. He can also be played as a very aggressive character, specifically with Echoing Thunder. Or something in between if you want to have a bit of both.
His biggest weakness is a lack of a solid AoE damage option outside the Detonate Shield Skill that requires a turn to set up, but hopefully his strengths make up for that. Otherwise, you might still find a Brand to give to him to cover up that weakness later in the game.