[Xanth]

As promised: A skill design contest! Need I say more? Really? Well, okay.

This challenge is actually going to be in several parts. See, the main idea behind it is to design skills for the new races being introduced by The Acanthan Arc plot, but you can also design new skills for the currently playable races throughout the contest.

As well as the open design contest, I will be posting new "themes" as the plot's races are introduced. You will receive bonus prizes for submitting skills related to these themes, in addition to the prizes for entering any design.

OPEN THEMES:

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• MYSTRIDERS
  These small humanoids share a lifetime bond with a species of Acanthan dragon called Mysts. They live in the misty jungles of Chinyelu and are adapted to life on the wing or in man-made tree-top villages.
  
  
• MALAKI
  To learn more about what makes these furry, bullish humanoids tick, check out the Malaki draft. No special skills have been fleshed out for them yet, so feel free to take whatever's listed there and run with it, or to come up with your own!
  
  
• OHANI
  The Ohani are an amphibious race of inventors and engineers who live in great cities built on and/or under water. Theirs is a caste-based society governed by a queen, so there's a lot of scope for various skills right across the board. You can learn more about them here.
  
  
• OPEN SEASON
  Have a skill you want to give an existing character or species? Now's your chance!

HOW TO ENTER:

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Fill out the form below to the best of your ability and then post it in a reply to this thread. You can take a gander at the skills already up for an idea of what I'm aiming for in terms of the scope of information needed. You don't have to worry about splitting the skill into levels (although you can if you want). The form focuses on your desired minimum and maximum so we can get an idea of what the skill is all about and then fill in the gaps later. However, please do think about the limitations (cultural and otherwise) of the races you want to give the skill to.

The Form:

[b]Skill name:[/b]
[b]Type:[/b] Elemental, offensive, physical, defensive, mental, etc.
[b]Who can use it?[/b]
[b]What does it do at minimum level?[/b]
[b]What does it do at maximum level?[/b]
[b]What are its limitations and costs?[/b] eg. Needs a fire source to be able to create a fireball, or costs 10 karma per use, or only usable once a day, etc.
[b]What are its pre-requisites?[/b] eg. To get Elemental Shield you need Elemental Manipulation, or to get Shadow Cloak you need Shadow Form, etc.

DEADLINE:

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The deadline is not set in stone because it will coincide more or less with the end of the plot. I will post to let you guys know at least two weeks in advance when I have an actual date.


PRIZES:

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+ You'll earn ζ150 for skill designed for the currently playable races, with an additional bonus of ζ100 for themed entries.

+ Any designs that make their way into the skills book will be rewarded with one free upgrade for any skill of your choice! (It must be a skill that's already available to your character, though. A Nymph can't get Flight or Combat, for instance.)

+ Finally, all entries will be put in a poll and the top 3 will win a skill book trophy!


DISCLAIMER:

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As much as I'd like to, I can't and won't guarantee using your entries, whether you win the contest or not. I also may use skill designs that don't win the poll. It all depends on how well the design fits in with the other skills and the game as a whole, so please don't be disappointed if yours doesn't go up!

[Alain]

Just throwing these out so we can guage just where you want to go with the Malaki. I believe that as we come up with skills, it should reveal more about the race it occupies, so if anyone else could make some really awesome suggestions for the races, that'd be fun to see.

Made two weaknesses as well, each one depending on the type of tribe within the race. I think the second weakness is less of a weakness and more of something that should be cultural, though, so unless I rework it, don't consider it an entry. I am still working on a few others, one which is just helping you get your own ideas into levels.

Malaki Skills:

Spoiler

Skill name:Boost
Type: Physical (can be offensive, but better used defensively)
Who can use it? Malaki Warriors
What does it do at minimum level?
Strength increases to by almost half of one's normal amount, and ground speed exceeds the capability of a horse at mid-gallop.
What does it do at maximum level?
As Boost progresses, one might notice that their body heals faster, and that time feels slightly slowed, giving them more time to react to an opponent. Essentially, it can save one from what would otherwise be a deathblow and temporarily turn the tide of combat.
What are its limitations and costs?
Exhausts one's energy VERY quickly. The cost of regenerating faster, to the point of being able to close several minor wounds in a minute, takes its toll on the body of the user. Furthermore, the limit starts at a minute, increasing to five minutes at most. If it is active for over four minutes, one will usually pass out from exhaustion. Requires eight hours of rest before re-use.
What are its pre-requisites? Might 3, Speed 2. A genetic ability specific to the Malaki. Possibly learnable by other races?

Skill name: Danae's Will
Type: Mental
Who can use it? Malaki, Mystriders
What does it do at minimum level?
Pacifies possible aggression in an opponent.
What does it do at maximum level?
Acts as a temporary brainwashing
What are its limitations and costs? Cost: 5 Karma. One MUST have eye contact to implant Danae's Will into a creature. Doesn't affect the blind.
What are its pre-requisites? Requires one be in good standing with Danae. Unavailable to Xanth's child races.

Weakness 1

Skill name: Cannibalism
Type: Tribe Specific
Who can use it? Kanza Malaki (Warrior Tribe)
Summary: In the Badlands, the Kanza Malaki are well known for being mostly cannibals. Those that have tasted flesh once might have liked it, and will find themselves at odds with others for this.
What does it do at minimum level?
A sort of craving-- an extreme need for the taste of flesh-- requires one consume a large amount of one of the humanoid races' meat once per week, lest one lose their mind. Functions very similarly to Bloodlust.
What does it do at maximum level?One's need to eat flesh has lessened to the point of being controlled, and the taste of flesh can easily be ignored for over a month before a Kanza Malaki hungers for it.
What are its limitations and costs?
A Kanza Malaki does not fit well in urban society, but often thrives in rural villages. Acting upon cannibalism at lower levels results in the death of one's target, whereas Bloodlust still might allow the target to live, and has extreme social effects.

Weakness 2? More like an attribute IMO

Skill name: Guardians
Type: Tribe Specific
Who can use it? Beothuk Malaki (Mixed Tribe, has a good portion of trappers vs. warriors)
Summary:The Beothuk have not forgotten their role as protectors to the Acantha portal, and must return to the portal and make contact with their tribe often. While they gain Danae's Blessing
What does it do at minimum level?
Must be in close proximity to a portal to Acantha at all times, making sure that it is protected.
Views Elysians in Acantha as a major threat, aggression increases on the Acanthan side of the portal.
What does it do at maximum level?
No longer needs to live near a portal—but makes monthly trips to Acantha to make sure the region is fine and to receive Danae's Blessing.

[Maaike]

Skill name: Reave Mastery
Type: Mental (bond), Physical (reaver attacks), Offensive (for Daunters), Defensive (for Sentries)
Who can use it? Malaki
What does it do at minimum level? Allows a Reave trainer to command 1 reaver. Alpha bond must be reinforced with daily one-hour training sessions.
What does it do at maximum level? Allows a Reave trainer to command 3 reavers. Alpha bond must be reinforced with monthly one-hour training sessions.
What are its limitations and costs? No additional costs/limitations.
What are its pre-requisites? Must be Malaki.

[Faris]

Here goes~

Skill name: Numb
Type: Mental defensive
Who can use it? Malaki
What does it do at minimum level? Allows an injured Malaki to ignore the pain/strain of its wounds for ten minutes. Reduces effect of pain (via mental or physical infliction) on actions by 10%
What does it do at maximum level? Allows Malaki to ignore even life-threatening injuries and fight at 100% capacity despite pain for ten minutes. Reduces effect of pain (via mental or physical infliction) on actions 50%
What are its limitations and costs? Does not heal injuries, in fact prolonged use of this skill often leads to long-term deterimental effects on the Malaki (not that they live long enough to notice most of the time)
What are its pre-requisites? Combat

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Skill name: Purify
Type: Elemental
Who can use it? Zanaryans/Nymphs
What does it do at minimum level? Can separate Element from 25% impurities
What does it do at maximum level? Can separate Element from 80% impurities
What are its limitations and costs? Small area of effect, requires Source to be present, does not actually eliminate impurities (which need to be removed manually to a container), requires an understanding of the impurities to be removed.
What are its pre-requisites? Elemental Manipulation of a corresponding level.

[Zozeko]

Skill name: Jump
Type: Physical
Who can use it? Malaki
What does it do at minimum level? Can jump 4 feet vertically from standing.
What does it do at maximum level? Can jump 12 feet vertically from standing.
What are its limitations and costs? N/A
What are its pre-requisites? Might 1, possibly.

[Aiden]

Skill name: Rage
Type: Weakness/Offensive
Who can use it? Malaki
What does it do at minimum level? Malaki are cursed with constant anger and frequently turn to violence as an outlet for that rage. For that reason, Malaki frequently spar, train, and meditate to cool their tempers. If the rage goes uncontrolled, they snap into a mindless frenzy and reave until the point of exhaustion, unconsciousness, or death.
What does it do at maximum level? At max levels, Malaki have 80% chance of beating their instinct to reave. However, they may occasionally use that instinct as fuel for battle.
What are its limitations and costs? N/A
What are its pre-requisites? N/A

Skill name: Tough Leather
Type: Physical
Who can use it? Malaki
What does it do at minimum level? After five minutes, the Malaki's hide becomes slightly thicker.
What does it do at maximum level? Malaki's hide almost instantaneously becomes an inch thicker.
What are its limitations and costs? N/A
What are its pre-requisites? N/A

Skill name: Wing Fragility
Type: Physical
Who can use it? Anyeli
What does it do at minimum level? The bones in an anyeli's wings are semi-hollow to assist in flight. However, that leaves the wings more fragile than normal bones in the anyeli. At lower levels, you would not want to be tackled onto your back during a sparring match.
What does it do at maximum level? Wings have become much more durable. Although still lightweight, the bones have become almost as hard as iron. It could almost be used as a shield, although that would still leave the wing tendons and muscles vulnerable.
What are its limitations and costs? N/A
What are its pre-requisites? N/A

Skill name: Mental Susceptibility (or maybe a revised mental shield)
Type: Mental
Who can use it? All Species
What does it do at minimum level? Has 0% resistance. The door to your mind is pretty much wide open.
What does it do at maximum level? By this point, your mind is stubborn and less accepting of outside intrusions/suggestions. 50% resistance for non-telepathic classes. 90% for telepathic classes.
What are its limitations and costs? Can be physically taxing when the mind is under attack.
What are its pre-requisites? If a character is insusceptible to mental control, there should be an IC reason for that.

[Kiel]

Skill name: Summon Reaver
Type: Physical (Verbal)
Who can use it? Malaki
What does it do at minimum level? Can summon one reaver from up to half a mile away.
What does it do at maximum level? Can summon full pack from up to five miles away.
What are its limitations and costs? Can only summon reavers you already share an alpha-bond with (hence RM as pre-req). Summoning is done by roaring in a particular fashion, so you have to be able to make noise. If your reavers are deafened or out of earshot, they won't hear it. (The levels are basically denoting how loud you can roar and how far your reavers can hear.) Weather and atmospherics will influence distance sound travels.
What are its pre-requisites? Reave Mastery

Skill name: Battle Roar (hearing your battle roar terrifies opponents and boosts the morale of your allies)
Type: Physical (Morale)
Who can use it? Malaki
What does it do at minimum level? 30% chance of either granting +1 level upgrade to a single ally's offensive skill or scaring -1 level penalty to a single opponent's defensive skill.
What does it do at maximum level? 70% chance of either: granting +1 level upgrade to up to 5 allies' offensive skills or scaring -1 level penalty off up to 5 enemies' defensive skill; OR granting +1 AND -1 to a single ally/opponent combo.
What are its limitations and costs? N/A
What are its pre-requisites? Possibly War Master if I can figure out how to make that into an actual skill.

Skill name: Sun Burst
Type: Elemental
Who can use it? Apali
What does it do at minimum level? A spray of white-hot plasma bursts from your fingers. Deals minor to moderate burns to up to 5 opponents.
What does it do at maximum level? A bolt of white-hot plasma zips around like lightning. Deals major to life-threatening burns to up to 10 opponents.
What are its limitations and costs? N/A
What are its pre-requisites? Light Shield ('cause otherwise you'd get crozzled extra cripsy too...)

Skill name: Summon Elemental
Type: Elemental
Who can use it? Anyeli, Nymphs & Zanaryans
What does it do at minimum level? Summons up to 5 clusters. Equivalent of a football-sized Source required.
What does it do at maximum level? Summons up to 5 tertiaries. No Source required.
What are its limitations and costs? Can only summon elemental appropriate to your own (eg. Nyad can only summon water elementals). Must use a bit of your Source element to attract the elementals, kind of a reward for answering the Call.
What are its pre-requisites? Elemental Manipulation

Joy - even though I haven't had chance yet to talk through your submission with you, it'd be awesome if you submitted the Shade idea you had as a skill design. We can work out the kinks later.

[Ionia]

This is upon Emm's request so not entirely self-serving.

Skill name: Nightshade
Type: Elemental
Who can use it? Skotadi
What does it do at minimum level? Can sense (but not control) Shades from shadows within a quarter mile radius
What does it do at maximum level? Can sense, summon, and possibly control Shades from within a mile radius. Higher the level, the higher possibility of controlling the Shade.
What are its limitations and costs? Shade needs to be in the vicinity. Must be dusk/nighttime, or any time during the month of Duminas. Note that Shades possess more free-will during Duminas and are therefore more difficult to control.

Once summoned, the Shade becomes more aware of life around it. Imbued with enough shadows, the Shade becomes semi-tangible and absorbs the energy of any living creature upon physical contact.

What are its pre-requisites? Max Elemental Manipulation (actually level 4 is highest possible for anyeli?). Possibly high elemental shield so the Shade doesn't get the wrong person.


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The other three vari classes have mental-related skills, so odd how rutilus would be so different. So here's something to balance it out. Possibly?

Skill name: Weapon Soul
Type: Offensive/Mental
Who can use it? Rutilus
What does it do at minimum level? Can embed a mild emotion into the weapon.
What does it do at maximum level? During combat, each strike of the weapon would spread the emotion to the target. Ie: Fear or in the case of a rutilus Cupid, love.
What are its limitations and costs? Max combat skill for the weapon.
What are its pre-requisites? Lengthy use of the weapon.

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If a Peteulanus is controlling his enemy, and his ally kills the enemy, won't he feel it too? >=)

Skill name: Sympathy
Type: Weakness
Who can use it? Creatures/Others with empathic/telepathic links.
What does it do at minimum level? If one feels sad or is in pain, the other feels it with equal intensity.
What does it do at maximum level? Higher probability of temporarily blocking the connection or preventing the feeling from being shared.
What are its limitations and costs? Limited to same ranges as determined from "Greater Companion Bond" or "Telepathy" or "Summon Bonded Dragon"
What are its pre-requisites? Must be bonded or have some form of telepathic/empathic link.

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Skill name: Chimera
Type: Physical
Who can use it? Therians
What does it do at minimum level? Can morph one major body part (ie: head, arm) while the rest stays human.
What does it do at maximum level? Turn into the combination of up to 3 creatures.
What are its limitations and costs? Limited to existing Forms. Cannot perform while low on energy. Major calorie burner.
What are its pre-requisites? Max Morph, have at least 2 Forms.

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Nymph allure has been mentioned plenty of times but hasn't been fleshed out yet. So here you go...

Skill name: Allure
Type: Defensive
Who can use it? Nymphs
What does it do at minimum level? Charm one person for up to 30 seconds while maintaining physical contact.
What does it do at maximum level? Charm up to 5 people for up to 5 minutes. People must be in 20 feet vicinity.
What are its limitations and costs? Allure is more of an 'aura' thing than a 'mental-hypnosis' thing. Therefore can only affect people nearby.
What are its pre-requisites? N/A

[Argyris]

Ironically using Argyris' account to spread some Zan love....

Skill name: Echolocate
Type: Physical
Who can use it? Zanaryans
What does it do at minimum level? Allows user to gain an understanding of surroundings within a 50m radius
What does it do at maximum level? Allows user to gain an understanding of surroundings within a 300m radius
What are its limitations and costs? -
What are its pre-requisites? -

Skill name: Link
Type: Elemental/Mental
Who can use it? Anyeli, Nymphs, Zanaryans :: Charmer Vampires, Peteulanus/Aurumus Sept Dracovari
What does it do at minimum level? Imbue tiny amount of related element in an inanimate object/Link a 10 second thought/memory/feeling in an inanimate object. Object remains linked for 3 hours
What does it do at maximum level? Imbue medium amount of related element in an inanimate object/Link a 30 second thought/memory/feeling in an inanimate object. Object remains linked for 1 week
What are its limitations and costs? The link does not last indefinitely, and will fade over time regardless of whether the linked object is used or not. Requires source. Size of object must match are be larger than the amount of source Linked.
What are its pre-requisites? Elemental Manipulation 3 + Condition 1 :: Condition 1

Skill name: Condition
Type: Other?
Who can use it? Anyeli, Nymphs, Zanaryans :: Charmer Vampires, Peteulanus/Aurumus Sept Dracovari
What does it do at minimum level? Able to set 1 condition for activation/activity of Linked objects
What does it do at maximum level? Able to set 3 conditions for activation/activity of Linked objects
What are its limitations and costs? Each condition has be to be short, simple and straightforward. Categories used for each condition has to be general.
i.e. Activate when dark; Activate upon touch; Do not burn; Attract gold only; Do not activate for Therians.
What are its pre-requisites? Link 1

[Xanth]

Due to various things, including some feedback, I've decided to change the way this contest works slightly. I will still be posting themes as the new races are introduced by the plot, but they will share the same deadline as the non-themed bit of the contest. In other words, I will be adding themes, rather than replacing them and having a time limit on them, so you can still submit Malaki skills to your heart's content!

I've edited the first page to reflect the changes, and added a bonus for themed entries, so don't be shy! You've posted so many awesome ideas already.

[Jericho]

Skill name: Track(ing)
Type: Physical
Who can use it? Malaki & Therians (max), Any (up to level 2/3)
What does it do at minimum level? Able to recognise tracks and signs of up to 50% of animals in home area.
What does it do at maximum level? Able to recognise tracks and signs of up to 90% of animals in home and surrounding areas. Have a 50% chance of memorising tracks at first sight.
What are its limitations and costs? Can only recognise tracks they've been able to study, so they won't immediately know "this is a deserteye's footprint" if they've never seen one. Later levels will mean they can make an educated guess, though.
What are its pre-requisites? None.

Skill name: Elemental Conversion
Type: Elemental
Who can use it? Nymphs & Zanaryans
What does it do at minimum level? Converts a small Source from one element into another.
What does it do at maximum level? Converts a large Source from one element into another.
What are its limitations and costs? Only applicable to the four main Elements (ie, Anyeli can't do it).
What are its pre-requisites? Elemental Manipulation

Skill name: War Master
Type: Offensive, Defensive, Physical, Mental(?)
Who can use it? Malaki, Rutilus, Anyeli Warriors
What does it do at minimum level? Can command a small battle group (up to 5 warriors). Has beginner skill in strategy.
What does it do at maximum level? Can command a large battle group (up to 50 warriors). Has advanced skill in strategy.
What are its limitations and costs? N/A
What are its pre-requisites? At least 3SP in Combat (can be spread across multiple weapons).

[Xanth]

There is now a new theme for designing skills: Mystriders. Go forth, have fun, and get creative!

[Alain]

Well...my brain isn't working after making two in character posts that I owed on other sites, so at the very least I'll use the last bit of today's creative juices for something...if I can. I'm only half way through my sort of feedback so we can possibly improve some ideas to really stand out even more than they do now/tailor them for EF.

EDIT: Alright, putting feedback at the bottom.


Skill name: Mystdragon Bond
Type: Mental
Who can use it? Mystriders
What does it do at minimum level? Allows the user to gain a minor access to their mount's inner workings to improve sync/synergy.
What does it do at maximum level? The user gains a telepathic and empathetic bond to their mount exclusively. Aids immensely in riding capability, allowing for tight manuevers that would normally be impossible (I.e flying upside down).
What are its limitations and costs? This ability takes a minor toll on a character's energy, along with their mount. Should the two stay deeply connected for long periods of time, the mystdragon cannot fly for as long, nor can the human properly steer their mount.
What are its pre-requisites? Must have a bonded mystdragon

^I mainly want this because I can only imagine how badass it would be for a “cripple” who cannot see/hear to actually use their mount for such things. That'd be...one heck of a partnership.

SKILL CATEGORY? - Myst Manipulation

Well, ever since I read about mystdragons, I knew that Mystriders best chance of really standing out comes from one thing—the myst (like, duh, right? ). Malaki tend to just get lots of physical skills thus far, which only helps them stand out to a degree atm. Though if they break out those Reavers in C4 we'll see how that goes down. Regardless, Mystriders are probably a fan favorite at this point, so we might get tons more ideas rolling here. To start off, Emma wrote this, but even she might've forgotten by now so...

Quote

Mysts are a sub-species of dragon that grow up to 9 feet long. They have fin-shaped wings and a crescent-shaped tail that separates at either side into fluffy filaments 2 to 3 feet long. Mysts range in colour from pastel blues and lilacs to vibrant oranges and reds, but they can also change the colour of their skin according to the mood of their rider or as camouflage.
The hide is covered in tiny pores that make it feel slightly bumpy. These pores expel a mist-like vapour when the dragon feels threatened. Mysts can also choose to spurt out more of this vapour to shroud themselves and their riders within a thick cloud to mask their appearance and actions.
The mist pores are surrounded by nodules that can flash different colours and patterns, which serve to communicate their intentions and emotions to other mysts. The flashes can look spectacular and intimidating from within a shroud, and bonded mysts have learned to use arcs of red "lightning" during battle.

Excuse me? Double take. They can apparently do quite a bit in the myst. I would like anyone to help possibly create a whole type of “myst” based skills. Mind, the riders themselves will still need to be special, but I think it'd be cool to have a character that can either invest in themselves, their bonded partner, or both to the maximum effect. So here we go...

Question #1

Should the amount of myst increase with older/more skilled dragons, how could we describe this change? (I have a few ideas, but obviously more size/more pores is the most likely)

Question #2
The mystrider page mentions that there are different uses for a dragon depending on the size. Should these dragons actually be capable of something real? Imagine if that lightning effect was actually lightning due to a electrical imbalance caused by a special chemical in certain kinds of myst? Mind, it could be really overpowered against other players, but I doubt the massive amount of preparation there (keeping within a certain myst range while in a safe distance) would actually allow for such a thing.

Skill name: Illusional Myst
Type: Optical
Who can use it? Mystriders (via Bond)
How does this work: Can use the myst to create optical illusions, due to the 2D imagery of the eye. The result ranges from a threatening image to actually being able to make the eye misjudge the mystdragon/rider's distance when their bodies are covered with myst (which is so, so friggin useful against combat at close range for these archers!)

With a high level of this and Mystdragon Bond, a rider can mentally communicate images from their head, rather than giving a possibly vague order.

What are its limitations and costs? Requires the dragon accumulate a sufficient amount of myst, the more time to prepare/exude myst, the more powerful the effects can be.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Alright, since I'm such an arrogant fellow, I went and made commentary on lots of skills I've seen. None of it is entirely unbiased, I assure you, but I tried my best. I'm generally going to focus on how something works/practicality and how well it fits into EF.

Be sure to send hatemail?

Emma's mad l33t skills

Spoiler

Skill name: Track(ing)
Type: Physical
Who can use it? Malaki & Therians (max), Any (up to level 2/3)
What does it do at minimum level? Able to recognise tracks and signs of up to 50% of animals in home area.
What does it do at maximum level? Able to recognise tracks and signs of up to 90% of animals in home and surrounding areas. Have a 50% chance of memorising tracks at first sight.
What are its limitations and costs? Can only recognise tracks they've been able to study, so they won't immediately know "this is a deserteye's footprint" if they've never seen one. Later levels will mean they can make an educated guess, though.
What are its pre-requisites? None.

Interesting for general knowledge. However, what would differentiate this from being a skill to a knowledge? Knowledge would just be the tracks they have access to themselves, but the actual skills for recognizing things like footprints/time since leaving/or uncovering “covered” tracks would definitely come as a skill after being used for so long...not sure if I'm making sense at this point, though.

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Skill name: Elemental Conversion
Type: Elemental
Who can use it? Nymphs & Zanaryans
What does it do at minimum level? Converts a small Source from one element into another.
What does it do at maximum level? Converts a large Source from one element into another.
What are its limitations and costs? Only applicable to the four main Elements (ie, Anyeli can't do it).
What are its pre-requisites? Elemental Manipulation

I'm...terribly confused on this one. Anyeli would have the most sense for doing such a thing, given the duality of light and darkness. But the four elements have absolute differences in most cases, which is what makes each one unique.

===

Skill name: War Master
Type: Offensive, Defensive, Physical, Mental(?)
Who can use it? Malaki, Rutilus, Anyeli Warriors
What does it do at minimum level? Can command a small battle group (up to 5 warriors). Has beginner skill in strategy.
What does it do at maximum level? Can command a large battle group (up to 50 warriors). Has advanced skill in strategy.
What are its limitations and costs? N/A
What are its pre-requisites? At least 3SP in Combat (can be spread across multiple weapons).


The skill every general would need. A mix between oration and actual battle knowhow. Would it be used too often, though? Anyeli might for their civil wars, and Malaki might for commanding a tribe/hunting group...well—I suppose I'm looking at this from too much of a war prospective. It could very well be the leadership skills captains of the guard use on a daily basis, no?

===

Skill name: Battle Roar (hearing your battle roar terrifies opponents and boosts the morale of your allies)
Type: Physical (Morale)
Who can use it? Malaki
What does it do at minimum level? 30% chance of either granting +1 level upgrade to a single ally's offensive skill or scaring -1 level penalty to a single opponent's defensive skill.
What does it do at maximum level? 70% chance of either: granting +1 level upgrade to up to 5 allies' offensive skills or scaring -1 level penalty off up to 5 enemies' defensive skill; OR granting +1 AND -1 to a single ally/opponent combo.
What are its limitations and costs? N/A
What are its pre-requisites? Possibly War Master if I can figure out how to make that into an actual skill.

This is pretty intriguing, more on the note of a possible result of this. I know it decreases enemy defensive skill, but what if it ruined concentration for offensive skill? This would actually hamper what is the otherwise “OP” Elemental Manipulation, which would otherwise easily keep Malaki from approaching said elementalists (especially earth and air based elementalists).

===

Skill name: Sun Burst
Type: Elemental
Who can use it? Apali
What does it do at minimum level? A spray of white-hot plasma bursts from your fingers. Deals minor to moderate burns to up to 5 opponents.
What does it do at maximum level? A bolt of white-hot plasma zips around like lightning. Deals major to life-threatening burns to up to 10 opponents.
What are its limitations and costs? N/A
What are its pre-requisites? Light Shield ('cause otherwise you'd get crozzled extra cripsy too...)

o____0. This is logical...but when I imagine the consequences of actually Rping it...sure you wanna go with it? To turn what is visible light into an elemental force (the electrical effect of lightning) might be a bit wow, but what the heck has a chance of living through that?

The manipulation of light could go well beyond an offensive skill for one purpose, and perhaps more interestingly effective when used on the visible light spectrum. The name Sun Burst also implies along this thought process for a burst of light. Sure, big whoop, just a bunch of light—right? Well, bright light (or the lack thereof) and/or heat affects the mind in a lot of ways rather than just blindness, particularly disorientation.

Even so, would this be better suited towards EM?

===

Skill name: Summon Elemental
Type: Elemental
Who can use it? Anyeli, Nymphs & Zanaryans
What does it do at minimum level? Summons up to 5 clusters. Equivalent of a football-sized Source required.
What does it do at maximum level? Summons up to 5 tertiaries. No Source required.
What are its limitations and costs? Can only summon elemental appropriate to your own (eg. Nyad can only summon water elementals). Must use a bit of your Source element to attract the elementals, kind of a reward for answering the Call.
What are its pre-requisites? Elemental Manipulation

So practical...especially for water/fire elementalists. Stuck at night? Summon a magelight!

===

Skill name: Jump
Type: Physical
Who can use it? Malaki
What does it do at minimum level? Can jump 4 feet vertically from standing.
What does it do at maximum level? Can jump 12 feet vertically from standing.
What are its limitations and costs? N/A
What are its pre-requisites? Might 1, possibly.
[/quote]

I PMed ya about this. Still confused as to why we need to separate the existing section of might into this, but I suppose it's one way to make Malaki unique. They become that guy from the Disney movie where some dude gets transported to Mars and can jump HUGE distances.

===

Skill name: Reave Mastery
Type: Mental (bond), Physical (reaver attacks), Offensive (for Daunters), Defensive (for Sentries)
Who can use it? Malaki
What does it do at minimum level? Allows a Reave trainer to command 1 reaver. Alpha bond must be reinforced with daily one-hour training sessions.
What does it do at maximum level? Allows a Reave trainer to command 3 reavers. Alpha bond must be reinforced with monthly one-hour training sessions.
What are its limitations and costs? No additional costs/limitations.
What are its pre-requisites? Must be Malaki.
[/quote]

At first, I was all “should we really have two companion based races? D: bit redundant?”

No. Dang, is this potentially awesome, along with the Reave subsidary skills. Sure, we have bonded dragons for two races thus far. But ya know what? These guys are beast tamers. The Reave are one thing—but imagine what they could do with Elysian beasts if introduced to them. Thats a potential economy/social issue (“don't capture the animals!”) that could be taken up.

Main reason I like this? Dominant bonding. We see it with horses, we see it with pets. But dang, your own personal attack hounds? Thats new to EF. I think...

Joy—whose skills brought such--

Shut up with the corny puns, dangit. >_>

Spoiler

Skill name: Rage
Type: Weakness/Offensive
Who can use it? Malaki
What does it do at minimum level? Malaki are cursed with constant anger and frequently turn to violence as an outlet for that rage. For that reason, Malaki frequently spar, train, and meditate to cool their tempers. If the rage goes uncontrolled, they snap into a mindless frenzy and reave until the point of exhaustion, unconsciousness, or death.
What does it do at maximum level? At max levels, Malaki have 80% chance of beating their instinct to reave. However, they may occasionally use that instinct as fuel for battle.
What are its limitations and costs? N/A
What are its pre-requisites? N/A


Hmm. I constantly think of the Malaki as actually really controlled creatures that unleash their rage in battle. I can't imagine them going crazy to do any good if they're to survive in the Badlands—let alone protect the Acanthan portal. I'm not going to offer critique because I know I'd have negative bias as a result of these thoughts. It certainly makes more sense within the RP than cannibalism, though. >_>

===

Skill name: Tough Leather
Type: Physical
Who can use it? Malaki
What does it do at minimum level? After five minutes, the Malaki's hide becomes slightly thicker.
What does it do at maximum level? Malaki's hide almost instantaneously becomes an inch thicker.
What are its limitations and costs? N/A
What are its pre-requisites? N/A

A sort of natural defensive armor? That sounds really neat, but how do they do this? Naturally, we don't need full explanations, as we certainly don't have huge explanations for how Dracovari read minds—it's just something they do. However, how would a Malaki actually cause this to happen to themselves? Sort of like how we flex?

===

Skill name: Wing Fragility
Type: Physical
Who can use it? Anyeli
What does it do at minimum level? The bones in an anyeli's wings are semi-hollow to assist in flight. However, that leaves the wings more fragile than normal bones in the anyeli. At lower levels, you would not want to be tackled onto your back during a sparring match.
What does it do at maximum level? Wings have become much more durable. Although still lightweight, the bones have become almost as hard as iron. It could almost be used as a shield, although that would still leave the wing tendons and muscles vulnerable.
What are its limitations and costs? N/A
What are its pre-requisites? N/A

Love it, personally. With stronger wings, they'd be able to overcome their current weakness of being hampered by weather, too. Plus a warrior Anyeli would be drastically different than the more sneaky type as a result, as they'd definitely need this to keep their wings.

===

Skill name: Mental Susceptibility (or maybe a revised mental shield)
Type: Mental
Who can use it? All Species
What does it do at minimum level? Has 0% resistance. The door to your mind is pretty much wide open.
What does it do at maximum level? By this point, your mind is stubborn and less accepting of outside intrusions/suggestions. 50% resistance for non-telepathic classes. 90% for telepathic classes.
What are its limitations and costs? Can be physically taxing when the mind is under attack.
What are its pre-requisites? If a character is insusceptible to mental control, there should be an IC reason for that.
[/quote]
While I do see reason for criticism for this being an all species weakness, imo your notion of a revisited mental shield is very good. Normal people should have some degree of natural protection against telepathy, with telepaths getting an extra bonus with mental shield to keep their most secure thoughts safe. Otherwise, high level telepathy just rips through any defenses. That said, I think telepaths should have to develop mental shield seperately, or have extra levels of this available to them for such a high chance. Maybe not 90%, but 70%--which sounds pretty fair. Still possible to get in their heads, but not very easy either.

===

Skill name: Nightshade
Type: Elemental
Who can use it? Skotadi
What does it do at minimum level? Can sense (but not control) Shades from shadows within a quarter mile radius
What does it do at maximum level? Can sense, summon, and possibly control Shades from within a mile radius. Higher the level, the higher possibility of controlling the Shade.
What are its limitations and costs? Shade needs to be in the vicinity. Must be dusk/nighttime, or any time during the month of Duminas. Note that Shades possess more free-will during Duminas and are therefore more difficult to control.

Once summoned, the Shade becomes more aware of life around it. Imbued with enough shadows, the Shade becomes semi-tangible and absorbs the energy of any living creature upon physical contact.

What are its pre-requisites? Max Elemental Manipulation (actually level 4 is highest possible for anyeli?). Possibly high elemental shield so the Shade doesn't get the wrong person.

Can I say how much I love this idea? Can I make a skotadi next? Sure I can, but I wouldn't have the time! Woe is me. ;(

However, if Shades are existing (forgive my lack of knowledge here), does this make them already sentient creatures? Or are they more elemental?


===

The other three vari classes have mental-related skills, so odd how rutilus would be so different. So here's something to balance it out. Possibly?

Skill name: Weapon Soul
Type: Offensive/Mental
Who can use it? Rutilus
What does it do at minimum level? Can embed a mild emotion into the weapon.
What does it do at maximum level? During combat, each strike of the weapon would spread the emotion to the target. Ie: Fear or in the case of a rutilus Cupid, love.
What are its limitations and costs? Max combat skill for the weapon.
What are its pre-requisites? Lengthy use of the weapon.

===

If a Peteulanus is controlling his enemy, and his ally kills the enemy, won't he feel it too? >=)

Skill name: Sympathy
Type: Weakness
Who can use it? Creatures/Others with empathic/telepathic links.
What does it do at minimum level? If one feels sad or is in pain, the other feels it with equal intensity.
What does it do at maximum level? Higher probability of temporarily blocking the connection or preventing the feeling from being shared.
What are its limitations and costs? Limited to same ranges as determined from "Greater Companion Bond" or "Telepathy" or "Summon Bonded Dragon"
What are its pre-requisites? Must be bonded or have some form of telepathic/empathic link.

This one works best with “Mind Control” and the “Bonds.” For Bonds it is very practical, and mind control...well...you're directly linked. Telepathy is like a quick glance/dive. Mind control? That definitely has reason to feel the pain. It'd need high infliction to quell if it comes, too.

===

Skill name: Chimera
Type: Physical
Who can use it? Therians
What does it do at minimum level? Can morph one major body part (ie: head, arm) while the rest stays human.
What does it do at maximum level? Turn into the combination of up to 3 creatures.
What are its limitations and costs? Limited to existing Forms. Cannot perform while low on energy. Major calorie burner.
What are its pre-requisites? Max Morph, have at least 2 Forms.

The beginning of this sounds like morph...but then that maximum shows real potential. In a lot of cases it might not be as useful, if you were to say have 3 avian forms, or have a rat form and a lion-esque form. It'd certainly give us reason to carefully plan each form, though...

My only question is how a Therian would actually learn this. It would be painful as heck if this went wrong, and cause death if someone screwed up their transformation. I'd say that heavy mastery is a good idea, and it'll require high Form to be of any real use anyway. It'll limit it to only “strong” characters in practical use...but hey, with the danger involved...

Pchan—who is probably lurking right as I post this :X

Spoiler

Ironically using Argyris' account to spread some Zan love....

Skill name: Echolocate
Type: Physical
Who can use it? Zanaryans
What does it do at minimum level? Allows user to gain an understanding of surroundings within a 50m radius
What does it do at maximum level? Allows user to gain an understanding of surroundings within a 300m radius
What are its limitations and costs? -
What are its pre-requisites? -

Zan love, as needed as it is...why/how would this work? It sounds almost like a bat's sonar, from the name. Correct assumption?

===

Skill name: Link
Type: Elemental/Mental
Who can use it? Anyeli, Nymphs, Zanaryans :: Charmer Vampires, Peteulanus/Aurumus Sept Dracovari
What does it do at minimum level? Imbue tiny amount of related element in an inanimate object/Link a 10 second thought/memory/feeling in an inanimate object. Object remains linked for 3 hours
What does it do at maximum level? Imbue medium amount of related element in an inanimate object/Link a 30 second thought/memory/feeling in an inanimate object. Object remains linked for 1 week
What are its limitations and costs? The link does not last indefinitely, and will fade over time regardless of whether the linked object is used or not. Requires source. Size of object must match are be larger than the amount of source Linked.
What are its pre-requisites? Elemental Manipulation 3 + Condition 1 :: Condition 1

It sounds good on the memory notion, but otherwise not too practical. Though it'd be friggin hilarious to see a fire elementalist try this.

How would a regular person be able to see such things? Thoughts/memories are to be picked up on by fellow telepaths, I'd suppose. Emotions probably wouldn't require a Sept to receive but...still a bit strange to have. It'd be cool for a sort of amulet someone carries, though. Ah...looking at condition now to see that it explains it a bit. Perhaps mix the two?

===

Skill name: Numb
Type: Mental defensive
Who can use it? Malaki
What does it do at minimum level? Allows an injured Malaki to ignore the pain/strain of its wounds for ten minutes. Reduces effect of pain (via mental or physical infliction) on actions by 10%
What does it do at maximum level? Allows Malaki to ignore even life-threatening injuries and fight at 100% capacity despite pain for ten minutes. Reduces effect of pain (via mental or physical infliction) on actions 50%
What are its limitations and costs? Does not heal injuries, in fact prolonged use of this skill often leads to long-term deterimental effects on the Malaki (not that they live long enough to notice most of the time)
What are its pre-requisites? Combat

Hmmm. This is quite interesting on a biological standpoint. Humans use adrenaline for this, so how do Malaki go about it?

---

Skill name: Purify
Type: Elemental
Who can use it? Zanaryans/Nymphs
What does it do at minimum level? Can separate Element from 25% impurities
What does it do at maximum level? Can separate Element from 80% impurities
What are its limitations and costs? Small area of effect, requires Source to be present, does not actually eliminate impurities (which need to be removed manually to a container), requires an understanding of the impurities to be removed.
What are its pre-requisites? Elemental Manipulation of a corresponding level.


EM subsidary that explains a certain job task. Other than that, how is it used? I personally like this one, but it's only really important with water and earth in EF, seeing as how air isn't polluted in Elysia too often and the fires to create iron are already available.

My own crap

Spoiler

Skill name:Boost
Type: Physical (can be offensive, but better used defensively)
Who can use it? Malaki Warriors
What does it do at minimum level?
Strength increases to by almost half of one's normal amount, and ground speed exceeds the capability of a horse at mid-gallop.
What does it do at maximum level?
As Boost progresses, one might notice that their body heals faster, and that time feels slightly slowed, giving them more time to react to an opponent. Essentially, it can save one from what would otherwise be a deathblow and temporarily turn the tide of combat.
What are its limitations and costs?
Exhausts one's energy VERY quickly. The cost of regenerating faster, to the point of being able to close several minor wounds in a minute, takes its toll on the body of the user. Furthermore, the limit starts at a minute, increasing to five minutes at most. If it is active for over four minutes, one will usually pass out from exhaustion. Requires eight hours of rest before re-use.
What are its pre-requisites? Might 3, Speed 2. A genetic ability specific to the Malaki. Possibly learnable by other races?

Alright...so yeah, physical skill for malaki. While it does have its uses...is this really fair? I mean, had the Malaki the vanguard faced in Chapter 1 had such a skill, most would be SOL. >> It sounds cool, but doesn't make too much sense within EF. Though I can imagine plenty of uses for it, I think the Regeneration part of it is far more useful than the strength. Might and Speed already do this, why add another section upon them?

===

Skill name: Danae's Will
Type: Mental
Who can use it? Malaki, Mystriders
What does it do at minimum level?
Pacifies possible aggression in an opponent.
What does it do at maximum level?
Acts as a temporary brainwashing
What are its limitations and costs? Cost: 5 Karma. One MUST have eye contact to implant Danae's Will into a creature. Doesn't affect the blind.
What are its pre-requisites? Requires one be in good standing with Danae. Unavailable to Xanth's child races.

This one is actually pretty cool in comparison. While it'd be cool to have a Danae-specific skill, perhaps this should be a Malaki specific ability. An actual mental skill for Malaki? I know I'm mental! ;( Sorry, the Yank had to.

===

Weakness 1

Skill name: Cannibalism
Type: Tribe Specific
Who can use it? Kanza Malaki (Warrior Tribe)
Summary: In the Badlands, the Kanza Malaki are well known for being mostly cannibals. Those that have tasted flesh once might have liked it, and will find themselves at odds with others for this.
What does it do at minimum level?
A sort of craving-- an extreme need for the taste of flesh-- requires one consume a large amount of one of the humanoid races' meat once per week, lest one lose their mind. Functions very similarly to Bloodlust.
What does it do at maximum level?One's need to eat flesh has lessened to the point of being controlled, and the taste of flesh can easily be ignored for over a month before a Kanza Malaki hungers for it.
What are its limitations and costs?
A Kanza Malaki does not fit well in urban society, but often thrives in rural villages. Acting upon cannibalism at lower levels results in the death of one's target, whereas Bloodlust still might allow the target to live, and has extreme social effects.

Cool but...uhm...perhaps not this for the weakness. This would require someone actually kill someone, NPC-wise. Auto-”villian” to a whole tribe? Dang...

===

Weakness 2? More like an attribute IMO

Skill name: Guardians
Type: Tribe Specific
Who can use it? Beothuk Malaki (Mixed Tribe, has a good portion of trappers vs. warriors)
Summary:The Beothuk have not forgotten their role as protectors to the Acantha portal, and must return to the portal and make contact with their tribe often. While they gain Danae's Blessing
What does it do at minimum level?
Must be in close proximity to a portal to Acantha at all times, making sure that it is protected.
Views Elysians in Acantha as a major threat, aggression increases on the Acanthan side of the portal.
What does it do at maximum level?
No longer needs to live near a portal—but makes monthly trips to Acantha to make sure the region is fine and to receive Danae's Blessing.

Scratch this as just an attribute, maybe a specific requirement for a Danae's Will type skill, but dang could that be useful. The Malaki are bound to have some internal programming to stay near those portals, after all.

[Maaike]

Thanks for the feedback, David. I'm glad you put it in spoilers, though. This contest is more about generating ideas largely free of constraint and then tidying up the results later so I'd rather answer to any input when it's over than make myself self-conscious.

Skill name: Shroud Vision
Type: Physical, possibly Mental through the myst bond
Who can use it? Mystriders
What does it do at minimum level? Can decipher vague shapes via infrared through the myst shroud while riding. Can locate medium to large targets up to 100 feet away.
What does it do at maximum level? Can pick out tiny targets through the myst shroud via infrared even while not on mystback.
What are its limitations and costs? Must be bonded to a myst dragon.
What are its pre-requisites? N/A

[Zephyr]

Skill name: Overload
Type: Mental/Emotional. (Not sure which to class it as.) Offensive.
Who can use it? Aurumus Dracovari
Description: Send a blast of heightened emotions to a target in order to incapacitate them.
What does it do at minimum level? Briefly stuns and disorients 1 target.
What does it do at maximum level? Knocks one target unconscious and stuns all individuals within a small radius
What are its limitations and costs? At lowest levels, user receives same effect as target and needs a base emotion to activate. At highest levels it drains the user of energy and weakens them for a short time.
What are its pre-requisites? Empathy level 1

Just for good measure, level break down after the jump~!

Spoiler

Level 1

• Requires strong emotion in target.
  
• Stuns target and user for a few moments, exacerbated emotion lingers for several minutes.
  
• Limit 1 target.
  
• User is emotionally drained for over 12 hours.

---

Level 2

• Requires strong emotion in user or target.
  
• Stuns user and target for a few minutes, exacerbated emotion lingers for about an hour.
  
• Limit 1 target.
  
• User is emotionally drained for over 8 hours.

---

Level 3

• Requires light emotion in target or strong emotion in user.
  
• Stuns user for a few minutes, exacerbated emotion lingers for about an hour.
  
• Knocks out target for a few moments, exacerbated emotion lingers for several minutes.
  
• Stuns sentient creatures within about a 1 foot radius until target wakes.
  
• Limit 1 target.
  
• User is emotionally drained for over 6 hours.

---

Level 4

• Requires light emotion in target or user, or strong emotional memory in target.
  
• Stuns user for a few minutes, exacerbated emotion lingers for several minutes.
  
• Knocks out target for a few minutes, exacerbated emotion lingers for about an hour.
  
• Stuns sentient creatures within about a 3 foot radius until target wakes.
  
• Limit 1 target.
  
• User is emotionally drained for over 4 hours.

---

Level 5

• Requires light emotion in target or user, or strong emotional memory in target or user.
  
• Stuns user for a few moments, exacerbated emotion lingers for a few minutes.
  
• Knocks out target for several minutes, exacerbated emotion lingers for a few hours.
  
• Stuns sentient creatures within about a 5 foot radius until target wakes.
  
• Limit 1 target.
  
• User is emotionally drained for over 3 hours.

[Xanth]

The long-overdue theme Ohani is now open. What do you think these aquatics should be able to do?

[Faris]

Skill name: Smokescreen
Type: Physical
Who can use it? Juvenile Ohani
What does it do at minimum level? Releases all pigment from skin, turns a nearby area (~5m radius) murky. Can only be used once every four hours.
What does it do at maximum level? Releases pigment from skin, turns a wide area (~15m radius) cloudy, while the immediate vicinity turns murky. Can be used up tweleve times a day.
What are its limitations and costs? User tends to look washed-out after using the skill, impeding communication between Ohani. Also temporarily more susceptible to sunburns. At low levels lack of control means all the pigment is released at once, while at higher levels the smokescreen can be sustained.
What are its pre-requisites? N/a

And because I belatedly realise that this skill can be used for the Ohani as well

Skill name: Echolocate
Type: Physical
Who can use it? Zanaryans/Ohani
What does it do at minimum level? Allows user to gain an understanding of surroundings within a 50m radius
What does it do at maximum level? Allows user to gain an understanding of surroundings within a 300m radius
What are its limitations and costs? The Ohani can only use it when underwater, while the reverse is true for Zanaryans
What are its pre-requisites? -

[Maaike]

Skill name: Energiser
Type: Physical, Buff/Boost(?)
Who can use it? Peacekeepers
What does it do at minimum level? Boosts energy/stamina so they can heal one extra person per session.
What does it do at maximum level? Boosts so they can heal double the number of people per session.
What are its limitations and costs? N/A
What are its pre-requisites? Heal 1

Skill name: Swimming*
Type: Physical
Who can use it? Ohani
What does it do at minimum level? Ohani can swim twice as well as the average human.
What does it do at maximum level? Ohani can swim ten times as well as the average human.
What are its limitations and costs? N/A
What are its pre-requisites? N/A

* Not really sure what to call this, as "Swimming" is the same as the Anyeli weakness and doesn't really summarise just how well they can swim. I'm also not sure how to describe it or level it as an actual skill. Maybe it should be more about the speed through the water or the distance they can travel in water, how long they can hold their breath underwater, etc?

[Zozeko]

Skill name: Pigment Manipulation
Type: Physical
Who can use it? Ohani
What does it do at minimum level? Can change the colour of up to two separate large patches of skin pigment.
What does it do at maximum level? Can change the colour of multiple single pigments simultaneously to create moving, detailed patterns. Can dim/brighten pigmentation to create effect of lighting.
What are its limitations and costs? Cannot create actual light on skin.
What are its pre-requisites? N/A

Skill name: Chameleon
Type: Physical
Who can use it? Ohani
What does it do at minimum level? Can mimic large patches of colour in surroundings to blend in.
What does it do at maximum level? Can mimic tiny details of surroundings, essentially making themselves invisible.
What are its limitations and costs? At lower levels, they are still visible, especially when moving (kind of like a tiger in a jungle), but at higher levels they can control their pigmentation delicately enough to be almost invisible (kind of like Predator when he's cloaked but moving).
What are its pre-requisites? Pigment Manipulation

Skill name: Cloak (basic idea from my Dad)
Type: Defensive
Who can use it? Ohani
What does it do at minimum level? Camouflages small external areas (ie, a small skyboat).
What does it do at maximum level? Camouflages large external areas (ie, entire sections of a city).
What are its limitations and costs? Time/energy/stamina limitations. To cloak the whole of a city, they would need several Ohani each taking a section.
What are its pre-requisites? Pigment Manipulation, Technopathy

There's potential for this as a technology they've invented and developed (stemming from their own pigment manipulation) rather than as a skill. Powered by crystals with some sort of 'pigment net' stretched over the hull or embedded into the black glass that makes up their cities; coming from their scientist/inventor caste, and thus available to anyone owning/using a skyboat as well as the Ohani cities themselves.

Skill name: Technopathy
Type: Mental
Who can use it? Ohani Scientists
What does it do at minimum level? Can read and analyse computers and machines via psychic/psionic link.
What does it do at maximum level? Can command computers and machines via psychic/psionic link.
What are its limitations and costs? N/A
What are its pre-requisites? None

Skill name: Infra-Red
Type: Physical
Who can use it? Ohani
What does it do at minimum level? Can see extreme variations in temperature, ie. picking out a fire-breathing dragon in a freezer.
What does it do at maximum level? Can see subtle variations in temperature, ie. seeing mud-covered Arnold Schwarzenegger against a hot jungle.
What are its limitations and costs? N/A
What are its pre-requisites? None

[Alain]

My brain has been in a real rut for writing (well, at least for Alain/Rahil...I just can't get myself under those two personas lately), so as a result, I don't have many skill ideas to post up at the moment, but--

I just want to say that technopathy sounds more fun than the light burning sensation in your throat after a nice cocktail....