RimWorld

RimWorld

Mechanite Persona Traits
 This topic has been pinned, so it's probably important
ImJustJoshin  [developer] 31 Dec, 2022 @ 1:43pm
Mechanite Infester Features
This discussion post will hold all the features that the trait, Mechanite Infester, alone brings. This is NOT about the other two traits provided by this mod as they are the simple traits meant to bridge the Mechanite Plague with More Persona Traits and nothing more.

Thought process behind this
This trait represents what was flowing through my mind when I first thought about making the mod patch. However, I thought it was too extreme compared to the other traits provided by Rimworld & More Persona Traits. So I decided to make the first two traits simple and in line with Rimworld & More Persona Traits whilst this third one would be unique entirely by me.

Now, having said all this I would like to say that this trait is EXPERIMENTAL and is subject to changes. I WILL be tweaking any and all of these values to complete my vision and to do that I NEED YOUR FEEDBACK! Try it out and tell me what you like or dislike.

Basline
  • Mechanite Infester will not increase nor decrease Plaguelust or Mechanite Capacity respectively if the target pawn hit isn't humanlike. Find more suitable hosts to spread the plague to! Not these... vile creatures...

    This is a balancing choice just like how Mechanite Plague doesn't allow bursters to spawn out of non-humanlike pawns unless you toggle it on in the settings. If you DID turn on those settings INSIDE THE MECHANITE PLAGUE NOT MY MOD then that would allow Mechanite Infester to act as normal against non-humanlike targets.

Positive
  • Guaranteed chance to infect human-like targets with the Mechanite Plague that will spawn 1 additional burster on death. Applies 13~16% severity on each hit. [CONFIGURABLE IN XML]

  • Apply additional damage to targets known as "Mechanite Infestation". Started out as just flavor, decided to make it a real thing. The extra damage is similar to Cut.

  • Complete immunity to the Mechanite Plague. A "gift" for internally producing the Mechanite Plague and unleashing it upon the world... I suppose.

  • Provides capability bonuses to the bonded pawn! Nothing could possibly go wrong with this! I'm sure of it!

  • Positive mood buff when you keep your persona core happy by infecting as many people as possible with the Mechanite Plague. {+20, +12, +4}

Mixed
  • The need, Plaguelust fallPerDay is dynamically changed depending on how high/low Mechanite Capacity is. Added to prevent harsh micromanagement between combat and healing. Do enough combat and handling Plaguelust need is breeze as it's fallPerDay can go as low as ZERO. If you fail to enter combat and infect...then Plaguelust fallPerDay can go as high as 6.5.

    HOWEVER, letting Mechanite Capacity build up too much (pawn haven't been infecting people) then Plaguelust will fall dramatically forcing you to attack humanlike targets or watch as your pawn goes insane and does it for you.

    Mechanite Capacity stages (PFPD is fallPerDay for the need Plaguelust)
    -------------[THIS IS ALL CONFIGURABLE IN MOD OPTIONS BTW]--------------
    BURSTING at severity 0.9+ PFPD set to 6.5
    Overflowing at severity 0.89 - 0.75 PFPD set to 2.5
    Swelling at severity 0.74 - 0.50 PFPD set to 0.65
    Normal at severity 0.49 - 0.25 PFPD set to 0.35.
    Diminished at severity 0.24 - 0.1
    Depleted is anything lower and PFPD for both is set to ZERO.

    Note: Luciferium's FPD is 0.15 and Mechanite Capacity severityPerDay grows at a constant 0.305.

  • Provided capability bonuses enhance even further during Overload [Failure to keep Plaguelust above 0]. This is great for overall survivability and strength of any given pawn. However, with these bonuses enhancing even further once Overload begins, things get exceptionally dangerous BECAUSE...

Negative
  • ...Pawns going into Overload will suffer a Manhunter mental break forcing them to fight humanlike targets and is effectively permanent unless they infect someone during their rampage due to how fast the mental break occurs (7 or so seconds). Added to prevent locking them up in a room or leaving them alone on a map with nothing to infect. You had your chance... Now it's MY TURN.

  • Should a pawn die whilst experiencing the effect of Overload Boost, they will spawn 3 additional bursters from their corpse. This will cause it to rot in the process thus preventing any and all chances for resurrection. Good night sweet plague...

  • The bonded persona core is harvesting their bond-mates body for resources to fabricate the Mechanite Plague within them thus as a result the pawn will devour any food they can find to keep up with production. 1.5x hunger rate and eating speed. Hunger rate will return to normal as Mechanite Capacity grows higher and higher. You think it would be the end of it but...

  • The bonded persona core will harvest every non-essential resource in their bond-mates body including reproductive capabilities and as a result they must sacrifice their future in order to wield this persona core. Pawns become sterile as a result of wielding this core. The fight for internal resources between a parasitical mechanical plague and the bodies reproductive system... Yeah... Not happening. Hope it was worth it...

  • The persona core isn't asking you to spread the plague, it's a demand. The player must balance this with other needs. This power should mainly be used on pawns that go out fighting decently often so it doesn't disrupt their flow too much.

  • For what you have sacrificed in the name of power, other pawns see you as an abomination. Harsh beauty Debuff -1.5. Who knew bonding with a corrupt persona core that has literally infused with your flesh for the sake of power would lead to others seeing you in a horrible light! Not that you care anyway :)

  • Positive mood buff flips to harsh negative debuff if pawn fails to spread the plague regularly. (Worse than Mind-Shattering Pain) {-8, -24, -36}

  • Unequipping this corrupted persona weapon is never a good idea as no other weapon will ever give this pawn the relief it so desperately needs. I will at some point implement further penalties if the bonded weapon is not in possession of the bonded pawn.

    [Head canon: Imagine the Blades of Chaos from God of War but instead of the chains connected to the blades searing into your flesh, imagine mechanites spreading from the persona core "permanently" binding you to it. That's what I imagine when making this.]
Last edited by ImJustJoshin; 10 Aug, 2023 @ 4:21pm