Teasing Us With Power

By Dalmarus

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June 13th, 2008

Long ago, perhaps even as far back as when Vanguard: Saga of Heroes was still run by Sigil, there were questions about the miraculous sounding abilities that were for sale by a merchant in the Coterie Infineum Sanctuary. The only problem being that no character could carry the amount of coin needed to purchase any of them. This aspect hasn't changed, as each power currently costs more than 60 platinum pieces each, while characters can't carry more than 40.

Aside from the fact that I just can't resist poking a little fun in the developer's direction since these have been around teasing us since release, I think it also makes for a pretty fun poll. Please keep in mind that all of my descriptions are purely speculative and I could be completely off. Do not take anything I say in the following descriptions as fact of any sort.

Death Touch

If this ability acts the same as the level 50 Necromancer ability of the same name, then any target below 40% health would be instantly killed if it were not immune to the effect. If the target is immune, it would still take a large amount of direct damage. Now imagine not having to be a level 50 Necromancer but having this ability. Not only could it prove to be pretty useful, admit it - you think it sounds fun as well.

Flight

Would you really bother attempting the flying mount quests? Who wouldn't want to be like Superman, Iron Man, or any other flying superhero you can think of?

Mass Resurrection

While this power would be nice in saving some time after a party wipe (or near wipe), unless it could be used in the heat of battle, I don't see this being overly useful compared to the other choices. Am I wrong?

Mass Teleportation

Gate! Any EQ player of old still misses the calls of druids and wizards alike acting as a taxi service for the rest of us. Before the book on the Plane of Knowledge, it was also a very lucrative source of income for those classes as well.

Self Resurrection

The ultimate in healing power to avoid a total group wipe. 'Nuff said.

Superior Regeneration

This one sounds pretty intriguing. It would all depend on just how long this lasted and how powerful the regeneration really is. Heath and mana, or just health? Lots of questions still surround this one, but it certainly sounds intriguing.

Superior Speed

No more deaths due to the bard in the group out pacing the rest of us while invisible in the middle of a packed dungeon? Sign me up immediately. I really don't mean that as a commentary on all bards, but let's just say I've had a really long streak of bad luck with the bards in any group I've found myself in for the last few months. In any case, the ability to run at a faster rate is always a good thing in my book.

Time Travel

This one (and the next, Timestop) is more interesting to me in more ways than I can concisely explain. I've been fascinated with the concept of time travel and the possible implications (and paradoxes) of it since I was a little kid. There's a number of ways this ability could be used in the game. I'm interested to hear what your thoughts are on the possibilities. Does this mean I can just jump ahead to hit that next level?

Timestop

The idea of a Timestop spell in the game leads me to think of all kinds of time-delayed spell effects you could lay down on a mob. Imagine casting Timestop and being able to cast 3 more spells without the mob reacting. Now imagine your entire party opening that can of whoopass on your target as well. Those annoying healer mobs are done for.

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Now it's your turn to let us know what you think!

VOTE IN OUR POLL! If you could have one (and only one) of the powers listed here, what would it be? Death Touch Flight Mass Resurrection Mass Teleportation Self Resurrection Superior Regeneration Superior Speed Time Travel Timestop VOTE HERE (this poll is always open)