Fabricor Substantia

[legacy67]

Platinum Certified Unit

Fabricor Substantia - One who trades essence

Edits and additions in green

The mages of ancient Greece were rumored to have practiced magics never before seen by humankind. Legend says that they heavily contributed to the success of the Greek empire, in ways historians will never know.

HP: 40
Power: 15
Range: 6
Blocking: 50%
Armor: 10%
Recovery: 2 (1 if moves to empty space)

Teleportation

The FS moves and attacks by "trading essence" with a certain square. It can move to both an empty or occupied space. If it moves to an empty space, its recovery is 1. If it moves to an occupied space, it trades places with the targeted unit and deals 15 block-able damage as they pass each other on the "space time continuum". Its recovery is 2 in this case. The rules for blocking percentages apply the same as with a scouts ranged attack. The switch and the attack happen at the same time, but are independent of one another as the damage is done as the units pass one another. This means that the damage can be blocked, but the switch still occurs.

The movement of the FS and the attack are one and the same, so he can’t move, then switch. (That would be overpowered now wouldn’t it?)

The FS must be able to see the target so LOS rules apply.

Wards are not target-able by the FS as they have no “essence”.

If the target is a paralyzed or wisped unit, the swap still occurs, but whatever focus was in place is broken.

When fleeing poison by wisp, the FS will not be able to swap with a unit, although it will be allowed to move to an empty space.

Tactics – Will be updated, I just wanted to get this posted first.

1. Get behind a specific unit for an unblock-able attack from the back. Especially useful when a unit is low on HP.
2. Take one of the opponents defensive units out of your way. IE, a Stoney or frosty or knight.
3. Move a dangerously placed offensive unit away from your cleric or other unit.
4. Move one of your offensive units into better position.

Thanks to everyone who gave input, especially LT, JC, and FA for their time and discussion. I may still make a couple of changes, but this is after a fair bit of editing.

[Kyir]

if the target blocks the damage does the FS stop moving?

[Cardplayer89]

EDIT:
Nvm, lol, you can't move a Cleric with it in one turn. However...

Let's assume you have a bunch of units all set up in this formation (we'll use the Dragon Tyrant [T], Lightning Ward [L], 2 Knights [K], and the Fabricor Substantia [F]) X=Empty space:

XTX
KFK
XLX (any variation works as well, no specific order needed)

If you were to move your opponent's Dragon Tyrant into the middle of this formation, you could deal a great deal of damage. Or, if you were to move a unit who cannot teleport (Scouts mainly, DSMs, Witches, Knights, etc.) It would be doomed from the beginning, as you could kill it in relatively few moves, and that unit would be incapable of going anywhere.

5/10, as if not abused, it would be great, but it would be abused quite a bit.

[Sodamoeba]

In order to switch a cleric, the opponent would need to have an LOS opening cardplayer. And, once the cleric was moved, he could just move back behind his lines (he could move back 3 rows deep into his own lines i think) and heal all but 3 of the damage dealt him. This is by no means a cleric killer

[Cardplayer89]

Yeah, I forgot to think that one out :D anyway, I fixed my error while you posted :)

[Sodamoeba]

EDIT:
Nvm, lol, you can't move a Cleric with it in one turn. However...

Let's assume you have a bunch of units all set up in this formation (we'll use the Dragon Tyrant [T], Lightning Ward [L], 2 Knights [K], and the Fabricor Substantia [F]) X=Empty space:

XTX
KFK
XLX (any variation works as well, no specific order needed)

If you were to move your opponent's Dragon Tyrant into the middle of this formation, you could deal a great deal of damage. Or, if you were to move a unit who cannot teleport (Scouts mainly, DSMs, Witches, Knights, etc.) It would be doomed from the beginning, as you could kill it in relatively few moves, and that unit would be incapable of going anywhere.

5/10, as if not abused, it would be great, but it would be abused quite a bit.

Making a square out of 4 units would take a while, and the person using the DT shouldnt be so dumb as to not see it coming a mile away :dry:

[Cardplayer89]

Uhm... I can make a square with 4 units in 20 seconds using my Settings function, lol... and then I can take any unit within the range of that unit on my first move.

[JesusCraig]

At the loss of your FS, as well as valuable turns, it is weaker then most the units you suggested and easier to kill, if they waste their turns attacking the unit they traded places with, you can use that time to kill their FS, then they're units are in a rather susceptible box position while you have an extra turn to beat on them since they wasted the first one trading places.

Also if you set up as your diagram suggests you don't deserve to win, the lightning ward should be on top then the lowest blocking chance you have is 40% not 0. :P

[Cardplayer89]

lol, I just put in 4 units at random :D

[JesusCraig]

Yeah I know, just taking a cheap shot to destroy your crediblity :P

[Cardplayer89]

-Stores credibility in an air tight box.-

lol, anyway, yeah, I guess I'd have to see more grades before I decide again.

[GOLDENSUN05]

this unit sucks

[hotsauc3]

It'd be more like a chanty unit, rather then a deep striker. Turtle it, and if they try a flank attack swap there unit in range of your LW/knights. I like the playability of this unit. It's got an original attack. Imagine how pissed your opponent would be with this dude warded hopping about behind his lines.

[legacy67]

this unit sucks

Don't worry, I definately did not neg you for this.

I dont mind criticism, but at least create an intelligent arguement for it.

On Kyir's question, as the unit currently stands, the switch is unblockable while the damage is blockable. I haven't setin in staone all of the attributes and intricacies of this unit, but this element was discussed quite a bit in PM's and I think I'm probably decided. If you have a legitimate concern with this or any feature, I would love to hear an explanation as CAU is a constant learning process for all of us.'

On Cardplayer's scenario: I really would not mind it if someone did that little box formation thing. First I would frosty or kill their FS since it was probably used fairly haphazardly to get that unit. Then I would probably put some light attacks on the box, maybe some magic or a forward placed DT. The when they killed the unit, I would possibly send in my wispy followed by a nice DSM.

Basically, in the unlikely scenario that someone bases thier offense on the box formation, I''m not too worried about it.

Thanks for all the comments, I'm looking forward to reading more. :bigsmile:

[Forest_Archer]

I hate this unit! :)

Nah, it's pretty good. Thanks for giving credit to the people who helped ya, and I'm gonna give ya some rep. Nicely done! You pulled this somewhat complicated unit through in a very cool way.

Say word.

[legacy67]

Word!

Thanks for the complíments, I wasnt sure how this unit would turn out and I am now very happy to see the final result.

Thanks again for all the help to those who gave it!

I'd love to hear more opinions and discussion on the unit, keep it coming. :)

[22woger22]

Very nice unit. I think I may have seen one concept of this switching move, but this actually does damage, thus making it more original. I like the balance of this unit very much. A VERY long range, pretty good blocking, medium Health, and a slightly high recovery is finely balanced to me. You made sure this unit couldn't be abused with cleric-killing because of its LoS. I love the tactical potential of this unit. It can retreat your injured unit trapped in the enemy's formation, switch essences with an unit to do some damage to the opponent, break focus, etc.

Few questions:

It can't swap essences with a shrub, right?
If the FS swaps essence with a paralyzed/wisped/stoned unit, would the FS gain paralysis/wisp poison/stone armor?
If the FS swaps essence with a focusing unit, that unit won't be in focus anymore, right?

-22-

[legacy67]

It can't swap essences with a shrub, right?
If the FS swaps essence with a paralyzed/wisped/stoned unit, would the FS gain paralysis/wisp poison/stone armor?
If the FS swaps essence with a focusing unit, that unit won't be in focus anymore, right?

-22-

No, it cannot swap essences with a shrub. :wink2:

When the FS swaps with a focusing unit, the focus is broken since the unit is automatically hit as it cannot block the damage.

On the issue of whether or not the FS should be stoned, wisped, or paralyzed when it switches with a such a unit, I am leaning toward no. I think in general the break of focus should not apply to stoned units (it will to the stoney of course du to damage) because stoned units can move around as much as they like until the Stoney's focus is broken.

On the other two, I am leaning towards no purely because it would take away one of the good tactical uses for the unit, saving a wisped or frostied unit. On the other hand, it could make that saving sort of a sacrificial tactical choice. I'm not sure on that one yet. Also, the focus WAS based on that specific unit, a unit isn’t paralyzed when it walks into a square in a focusing chanties range, nor is a unit poisoned when he walks in to attack pattern of a wisp already in focus.

Anyone have any opinions? Should a FS that swaps with a paralyzed or wisped unit be poisoned or wisped? Or should that break focus entirely?

These are really good questions 22w22, thanks for taking the time to ask them.

[22woger22]

These are really good questions 22w22, thanks for taking the time to ask them.
I'm confused. I don't know if that's sarcasm or what not.

-22-

[legacy67]

No, it was definately not sarcasm. I was genuinely saying "thanks" that you took the time to put some decent thought into your questions.

Now back to unit issues, what do you think about the paralyze/poison thing?
Do you think that the FS should become paralyzed or poisoned when trading with and afflicted unit?

Mind, the effective idea is that they change places. I chose the essence name more for esthetic purposes. The other names considered were Fabricor Locus - One who trades location and Fabricor Positus - One who changes position. But there may be room for discussion here

[Cross Punisher]

What does one define as an essence? Sorry, I don't feel like looking this one up. ;)

Good tactical unit, but I have 2 questions:

1. If a unit is barriered, can it be "attacked" by the FS?

2. Units that are paralyzed can't block. If I "attack" a paralyzed unit does it immediately become unparalyzed capable of blocking the FS's attack?

[Cardplayer89]

I think it'd be funny to switch with a shrub :D

Far as focus... if it didn't attack the focusing unit (Frostie, Stoner, etc.) then no, the focus should not be broken. However... for a unit who is under the influence of a Poison Wisp, I think the Focus should be broken, and the unit available to attack the next turn. EX: If red has Wisped blue's Knight, and blue doesn't move it. Red's next move is to FS the Knight. On blue's turn, he should be able to attack with the Knight.

[legacy67]

What does one define as an essence? Sorry, I don't feel like looking this one up. ;)

Good tactical unit, but I have 2 questions:

1. If a unit is barriered, can it be "attacked" by the FS?

2. Units that are paralyzed can't block. If I "attack" a paralyzed unit does it immediately become unparalyzed capable of blocking the FS's attack?

es·sence
1. The intrinsic or indispensable properties that serve to characterize or identify something.
2. The inherent, unchanging nature of a thing or class of things.
3. Something that exists, especially a spiritual or incorporeal entity.

There are others, but really just take your pick.

If a unit is barriered, it cannot be swaped, just like all magical attacks the barrier is an end all be all.

If you attack a paralyzed unit it will be unable to block, not until the swap is complete is the focus broken. The only focus effect fully uneffected by the swap is the Stoneys since units are allowed to move around while under its effcect.

[Chaosti]

I'm surprised no one's asked this. What happens if the FS is wisped? Since its "attack" is its movement, would that mean that the FS is pretty much frozen like a ward or is its action limited to moving to only an empty square?

[Cardplayer89]

What happens if you swap with a Ward?

[legacy67]

If the FS is wisped, it can move to wherever, but there is no "attack". By that meaning, the FS can still switch, but deals no damage.This is my current opinion, but if someone can give me a good, solid reason why that should not be so, I will consider changing it.

Card, I posted in the initial description that wards are not targetable as they have no "essence".

[22woger22]

Just a mention here that I voted YES for this unit. I like this unit very much. Well done legacy.

-22-

[Cardplayer89]

Oops, lol, yeah, I forgot :wacko: I realized that when I was re-reading all my posts this morning, lol

[JesusCraig]

I'll give you a reason why not to allow it to swap, it can break the focus of the wisp that way.

With your current rules on focus swapping and such, its unfair to allow the FP to be the only unit capable of breaking the wisps focus while still being under the effects of poison, that is unfair as it defeats the purpose of the wisp.

The unit should be allowed only to move to an empty square as aforementioned, the swap is clearly an attack step as it affects an opposing unit even if it does no damage, as such should not be usable when poisoned.

[Cardplayer89]

I'm with Craig on that one, the swap is technically part of the attack, however, I think it should be allowed to move, just can't do the swap.

[legacy67]

I agree with JC's analysis. The Fabricor Substantia will not be allowed to swap with another character when fleeing poison, but it will be able to move to an unoccupied square.

[legacy67]

Sorry to double post, but the Fabricor Substantia has been Certified Gold!

Thanks again to those who helped. Now I'm looking forward to judging!

[22woger22]

Sorry to double post, but the Fabricor Substantia has been Certified Gold!

Thanks again to those who helped. Now I'm looking forward to judging!
And I'm looking forward to see you judge :).

-22-

[GOLDENSUN05]

it sucks

[legacy67]

it sucks

Just so everyone knows, this is the kind of post that gets you neg repped and reported to the Mods.

[Mithrandir]

Another shameless bump but I'm not going to apologize for it. It got platinum, it deserves it.

This unit is nothing short of genius. The concept of units that switch around I'm almost positive has been done before and been flamed to death. The concept of using LOS to balance it and add an attack is simply brilliant. One of the few things that could get me sucked into this game again would be the addition of this unit. Man I want a turtle with a stoned fabricor to go with my stoned wisp and unstoned furgy and frosty. *drools*

The amazing thing is that this unit really isn't that complicated. The concept is simple but not so simple it was easy to make or anything. But the balance is just perfect.

I think I would rather see this unit made into a real unit more than any unit on these forums outside my own. I'm pretty sure it is, in my humble opinion, one of the three best units ever made. It is certainly among the five best.

[wolf-boy]

You say it can be targeted by wards, if the unit is in space, it has matter, therefore the matter can be inside the barrier, whether it wants to stay in or not. Just a matter of facts.

[Deck of Jesters]

But it is not based upon matter, it is based upon Essence, which Wards do not have. Just a matter of facts.

[JesusCraig]

Religious debate anyone?

in order for your statement to be true you would have to use the definition that essence is incorporeal, as wards are clearly corporeal. The two premises of your arguments are as follows then:
Assuming we have essence.
Assuming created things do NOT have essence.

Since neither can be proven, this becomes a moot point.

The same holds true for wolf-boy's remark.

[Deck of Jesters]

Fortunately, I am not religious, so there won't be much of a debate to rage :p

However, considering this is a virtual game, "essence" is entirely possible to put into living objects and exclude from the inanimate.

[JesusCraig]

The converse also holds true.

[Deck of Jesters]

Indeed, but this unit does not rely upon the converse ;)

[dragonmasta009]

woops, said what i wanted 2 say on wrong one, sry bout that

[Walrus]

nice try, legacies alt ;)

[legacy67]

Shameless bump to relive the old days. This unit was the best received of all my units (as it went Platinum by the old scale).

Curious as to what the current CAUer's think, as I've been out of the loop for over a year now.

Cheers,

L67

[steve12]

Hm... very unique concept. I can't say I've seen one like this. I like how you presented it, and it seems to be a very strategic unit. The only downfall I can see is that it can be considered slightly underpowered due to the low damage it does, and may have to get into an enemy's base to do so.

On the other hand, you ALSO can drag out a weak enemy unit. If you dragged out a Cleric, people may hate it. I think the range should be reduced to 5 for this reason. But, it's a nice concept, and after looking at the damage it can deal (seeming underpowered), one would also have to look at how the enemy unit is forced to take another position. But, many Cleric killers would be enhanced by this unit, and in Turtle Matches it would ruin some of the strategy. In total freestyle games (I don't mind Cleric Rushers as much as the average TAOer, I can see it as a great unit). Awesome job. :)

[Mithrandir]

CAU has gone to hell so it’s time for some MVU (most valuable unit) bumps. All you CAU noobies, take a look at these threads. These are all marvelously creative and interesting units, something that does not exist anymore. Considering I can’t just hope someone makes a good unit, all that’s left is to bump some old favorites. I’ve always been an aggressive flamer of self-bumps, so I haven’t bumped any of my own. These are all excellent units though.

Granted, none of them perfect and perhaps if they were put into the game these days, they would all have problems. We’ll never know. But they are at least interesting reads in theory, which is all we can do in CAU: theorize. Make your units interesting to think about. Make your readers fantasize about being able to use your unit in a game. And for crying out loud, think outside the box!

The reason this particular unit, Fabricor, is better than almost everything ever made in this forum, is that in addition to being really interesting to think about and remarkably creative, I think more than most interesting units it would fit well into the game. I wish it was added to actual TAO more than almost any other unit.

[Cheez-It]

Great unit. Simple and balanced with an ability.. that seems, I think, like it should naturally be in the game. The tactic it would bring in would be different, but not too different. Advanced, but not too advanced. I haven't studied it enough to decide on if it is underpowered or overpowered, but if it was to become a unit I'm sure it would be tweaked as needed (if needed) to make it perfectly balanced.

[†Tao Veteran†]

Wow, people must be really imaginative top come up with a unit such as this.

[Morning Star]

Legacy was one of the greats...a mentor of sorts for me really.

[legacy67]

Legacy was one of the greats...a mentor of sorts for me really.

Was?

Cheers, Morning, you rock all on your own.

Guess who's back?!!?

[Lonely Tylenol]

Was?

Cheers, Morning, you rock all on your own.

Guess who's back?!!?

Omigoshomigoshomigosh!

Legs, have mah babies! Squee!