Rules talk:Elemental Foci

So far I have no issues with this version of Foci, though I do have some questions.

Channel Element: I am guessing that given our current rules set, the 25% and 10% PL reductions are calculated from foci's TotalPL, rather than reducing the damage itself by those numbers. Also, does the damage reduction only take place whenever a Foci is attacked by other focis, or simply from the mentioned elemental forces? Because if it's the latter, we would require some clarification for Chaos and Order Foci, in what does and doesn't count as orderly and chaotic. ...Unless the attacks in question have to be clearly defined as Orderly and Chaotic, such as Will's Order Focus C's spells. -Marcus

I was actually considering them being hard percentages rather than percentage of TotalPL. I realize that's at odds with how we usually do things. But I also don't expect them to come into play that often, and if you do the math, it doesn't really make that much of a difference. It's not like a mortal Fire Focus is going to be able to shrug off a powered fireball, even if it only does 75% of its normal damage. It's not something I'm hugely attached to, however, so I'm fine with it being a percentage of TotalPL as well.

The reduction is based on any damage source that's explicitly of that element. So yes, the attacks would have to be explicitly Orderly or Chaotic to qualify for the reduction. Likewise for the other elements -- just because someone heaves a boulder at an Earth Focus doesn't mean they get damage reduction. -Hroefn

My comments naturally came as an app handler, heh. You know how denialbait techs like this could be. Still, I'm willing to hear others' opinions before we start changing anything. -Marcus

My thoughts here are honestly I think a % of the PL is better. If it's a % of the damage it's always going to be a pretty big factor especially when taking basic mage spells being thrown at you into account. With it being a % of the PL over time (while still helpful) the higher damages will reduce it's effectiveness little bits by little bits leaving your techs and PL to be the key determining factors not your race. (As I feel it should be.) - Curt

Question about the PL requirements, I believe that it should be stated that PhysPL's based off of Ki or Psi templates can't be used either or that will become a way around the racial disadvantage. Right now there is no limitation on the PhysPL as per the way it's written at the moment. - Curt

Actually, I'm not quite so sure that's necessary. The aspect of Ki that makes it chaotic, and unsuitable for Order Foci, is its explosive and even life-giving nature. A PhysPL template usually isn't as such. When handling applications, it'd fall on us app handlers to take each PhysPL on a case-by-case basis just to see if they fall within the fluff of certain Foci. - Marcus

I see no reason to alter this racial template in any way, after consideration and debating between staff. Consider this template approved. Naturally, I'll be asking for permission to apply for that Chaos Focus now, heh. -Marcus