Parenthesis Press

I’m debating whether or not Sphere/Element combinations should have a numerical rating as well, in the tradition of standard RPG attributes, or whether the system should be completely verbally descriptive instead of using mathematical comparisons. It’s not necessary when dealing with angel versus mortal interactions – angels always win – but there is obviously an opportunity for celestial beings to conflict in a meaningful way, and there needs to be a way to resolve that.

Thoughts?

Okay, so I’m just throwing ideas at the wall right now to see what sticks.

Angels are made up of five Spheres, each of which has an associated Element. These Elements are neither the scientific elements nor the classical elements, but a descriptor that elaborates on what that Sphere is composed of (both literally and metaphorically) and grants a special Gift based on the combination. Let me demonstrate.

The five Spheres are Crown, Eyes, Wings, Sword, and Trumpet. Each governs essential aspects of the angel’s existence. The player assigns an Element to each Sphere, as follows (I’m just picking five arbitrary examples):

• Crown of Flame
• Eyes of Wrath
• Wings of Shadow
• Sword of Adamant
• Trumpet of Gold

The rules then tell you what Gift those combinations give you, so you have five starting powers based on your choices. You could assign any of the listed Elements in the rules to any of your Spheres, but you can’t duplicate an Element. That means, say, you could make any one of your Spheres “of Flame” or “of Adamant”, but no doubling up.

Another idea I have is that your Spheres are either hidden (in which case you just appear to be a normal person) or you can “don” your Spheres. Each Sphere would have a Subtle power that is always on, and a Manifest power for when you’ve actually donned your angelic nature. It would cost you power to do so, though, so you’re probably not running around at all times as a blazing beacon of celestial presence. When the Creator was still filling the world with Light, you could afford to do that, but these days you have to be more sparing with your precious Halo and its reserves of Light.

Thoughts?

I’ve decided to jump in on the Roll to Craft game jam over at itch.io. I’ll be posting blog updates here and over on itch as I work on my entry. So far, I have a rough premise in mind: the Creator has disappeared, and you play angels trying to find their own path in a world where the divine Light is slowly fading and the Archons are squabbling among themselves over which of them (if any) should claim Heaven’s throne.