Exchange (name pending)

[PK_SleeplessNess]

I have always enjoyed items in games that involve a give-and-take mechanic. A good example of this is the Pokémon games, where gaining a power-up comes with the limitation of being restricted to a specific category of moves. In Deadlock’s case, we have the Glass Cannon for bullet damage enthusiasts. However, for spell or ability users, there doesn’t seem to be a comparable option at the moment.

I propose an item with a mechanic that transfers power from one spell to another. Using Lady Geist as an example, there are players who enjoy her bomb-focused gameplay. To further enhance her bomb ability, they could purchase an item called Exchange. This item would allow players to shift power from her second ability (Life Drain) to her first ability (Essence Bomb).

For instance, Exchange could reduce the effectiveness of her Life Drain ability by 20 spirit power and 12% cooldown reduction while transferring those stats to her Essence Bomb. This would enhance the bomb ability with 20 additional spirit power and a 12% reduction in cooldown.

While the specific numbers and effects could be adjusted, I believe this concept has potential. It allows players to focus their power on one ability, creating a strategic trade-off rather than a straightforward upgrade.

I will leave it up to the developers to decide the soul price and any associated stats if they choose to implement this idea. However, I think it would make sense for this item to occupy the spirit slot, given that it focuses more on abilities rather than primary fire.

Attached is a rough concept for an icon. I’m not very skilled at art, but I thought scales could represent the idea well, so I wanted to share it.

 

[bloodfrost27]

Awesome idea for player expression

 

[nathanieljbrill]

I've been wondering about how to make something like this work and I think your example of shifting spirit power and cooldown is the way to do it. Well done.

 

[gibnewitems]

This would be a balancing nightmare, especially in that example. Hard no.

 

[PK_SleeplessNess]

This would be a balancing nightmare, especially in that example. Hard no.

As mentioned in the post, it could provide those effects, though they wouldn’t be set in stone. The general idea is for the item to shift power around to accommodate certain playstyles.

 

[Tavish]

At the very least, it should siphon power from all your abilities (except the imbued ability), and I personally think the attributes taken (in total) should be higher than the attributes gained. Placing all your power into one single ability is pretty powerful on a lot of heroes, especially ones like Lady Geist and Viscous.