New Visual Effects

Hello everyone.

Right now I'm working on adding new and unique visual effects to the game. Visual effects never used on this MOD before.
I need YOUR help to choose which spells/abilities need to have their very own unique visual effect.

The goal is to make it so you can quickly establish, just by looking at the spell-effect, which spell/ability it is.
For instance, I made a new fire explosion on Delayed Blast Fireball, so you know that it's DBF that hits you and not plain Fireball.
I also made the different Spell Mantles have different colors, based on if its lesser, normal or greater Spell Mantle.

I need you guys to help me pick out more spell/abilities that should have unique visuals but currently don't!
Most of you don't know what visuals there are availible, but let me worry about that, just hit me up with the spell/abilities that should have their own "look" and I will handle the rest.

Thanks!

-TheMothMan

Spell Resistance/Protection from spells

Also I need to say, new mini-warding visual for pure clerics is really uglier than the original one

Heh, this is not as much about esthetics as it is about giving accurate feedback.
Besides, I don't think it's ugly

Yes, good, those two spells needs different visuals.
Thanks Rugi!

It can also be spells that have NO duration visual, but where it's very essential to know when the spell ends, like Divine Might/Sheild.
So keep the suggestions coming!


-TheMothMan

removed by poster

I just logged on to inform you guys that Shadow Shield is broken, I put the wrong visual when restoring it (after testing) - and I saw this post.

You are right Hundie, Shadow Shield already has a good, solid, informative and "almost" unique visual - I would obviously never have a need to change that.
It's possible Ghostly/Etheral Visage are "broken" too - if so get back to me here.
These spells were never meant to be changed, I just used them for testing (as you can see in my shorthand list they are not in there).
It will be fixed as soon as Felix gets back to me.

I hope you didnt die waiting for this response.

Anyways, back to the topic, any other suggestions?


-TheMothMan

Wow, Moth. I'm impressed. Hundie certainly didn't deserve such a calm, kind response. I was thinking the 'timeout chair' would have been a better option. The kids I look after sure don't get their way when they act so rude and spoiled. Not sure how one gets along in life talking to people like that.




Anyway... as far as the bard song goes - it would be helpful to know when it wears off of allies, hopefully without losing the song notes above the head.

There should be such an effect in already in the current MOD, I think I added that last night.
So many VFX my head is kinda spinning.
But I actually found a better visual for bardsong duration on Allies - its notes streaming upwards, much like the effect on the bard, but smaller.
So they will be in next update (with the bugfix to Shadow Shield ).

I also found tons of others goodies. Almost made me happy I didn't go out today. Almost...

-TheMothMan

Love that your doing this ... a change like this may not be a necessity but definitely make for a more interesting/fun time thanks!

Thank you!
So far it's just a few DURATION effects, i.e effects that show as long as you have the spell active.
There are a couple more of those for me to add.

There are other visuals to be added aswell, like FNF which means Fire-n-Forget visuals. An example of this is the explosion from Fireball.
Futhermore there are AOE, which means Area of Effect, like Web.
Finally there is IMP, which means Impact, like the flame that burns on the target when hit by Firebrand.

There are two other aswell, MIRV and BEAM, but those aren't that numerous.

So more is coming.
And please continue to help me name spells/abilities that need unique visuals (or maybe just updated visuals).

-TheMothMan

Detect looks like mud now or something. I like the old birds better. Others that could use a change are.

Amplify
Entropic Shield
One with the land
Camo
Mass camo
Sanctuary and magic circle goodness vs evil look the same
Calm emotions you become blue but its hard to tell if you still have it with other buffs on.
Maybe Deathward?

Very nice job with shield of law and protection from law. I can tell now when they wear off easy.

Thank you gypsom, this is just what I wanted.
I will revert Detect then, I actually never got to see it in action last time I tested.

I will look for a more obvious visual for Calm Emotions.

Keep the suggestions coming guys!


-TheMothMan

Love the work and the changes you doing here !!!! My char is damn AWSOME with all his glitter and sparks , but he might be a bit more handsome if I could have some indication on "Holy Sword". (might be a bit to much glitter and sparks on him than )

They do look really good! Another one that could use one is Rogues Cunning.

Thanks.

Both good ideas. I will look into it.
The VFX aren't soley there for appearances. They serve an important function aswell, helping you keep track of what buffs you have on and which ones have expired. Especially when it comes to the short-therm buffs.

I feel the need to point out that if you dislike any changes on VFX, if you think they are too much or whatever, feel free to post that here aswell.

-TheMothMan