My Time with Crystal & Crystal Magic Suggestions

[CaviarKidd]

Hi!

I'd first like to start off by saying, I dig crystal magic as a concept. And its potential as a supplement/battle tree is great. However, potential appears like a long shot from what is currently available. At least in terms of the basics and intermediate levels. I didn't go into crystal expecting a damage walling, stun slow root based magic. It fit my character, so I figured it was a good path. A lot of crystal skills seem poorly spaced or buggy. It feels like the tree is incomplete. I've spoken with other crystal users (not all) and it seems we've got concerns in the same ballpark. All in all. I hope my concerns are read with more interest than my magic suggestions. Crystal Magic is a fun gamble, but can also come off as a disappointment. It feels like you are rolling dice with magic you're adept at. To those who may look into going down this path of magic, I hope this thread gives you an insight on what you have available in your deck of cards. I recommend if you do go crystal, focus on what works. Maybe invest in wind with crystal so you can run around more. Or go deep into close combat branches like armed or unarmed. It's definitely feels like its taken the backseat to other magics that are more mainstream in terms of updates. It's built for kiting. Some days it feels like I wish I could trade crystal magic in entirely until its patched in some way or form. 

I'll start with the bad before the good!

Lets begin with Crystal Wall.

The skill itself seems awesome. An AOE with a lasting damage effect if a person manages to stay within it's range. In terms of a field damaging skill, crystal seems to have a smaller range than others. Especially its predecessor Spike (Earth).  In addition to this, there seems to be some strange, 4 tile gap in the center of the crystal wall? I'm not sure if that provides a pocket of safety for opponents, I've never attempted to use it with someone that close to me before! But if that is the case? I don't feel like it should be that way. There also seems to be a major delay in when its casted and when a person receives damage.

Suggestion: Widen AOE range by +2 tiles, close the weird space gap around the user. Bleed mayhaps.

Shimmering Javelin

Javelin passes through people (literally) on occasion. I'm not certain if it drags (it doesnt work on npcs, which hurts when farming leathers and such. Everything's not PVP afterall!). It seems to have a wonky, straight-line concept of it being used. Which, makes it less effective. And looking at the damage outlook from when I actually managed to land it on a player (recall NPC issue), it feels like Earth Bomb though nerfed. It's accuracy is an issue. Im not certain on the extra 'if a crystal is activated it gives an effect' part, because it alone is hard enough to land. But in the midst of chasing crystals while attempting to kite? The time window's a bit too small. DOES this actually stun?

Suggestion: When I think of Javelins, I think of piercing damage. And dragging. I feel like the damage should be increased, or the hitbox for it to land on an opponent should. It's icon is more like a trident anyway, why not go for the 3x1. It'll help when attempting to chain it with the timer of having a crystal activated.
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The Good!

Formation's awesome! Super unique. I'm sure I speak for Crystal Users when I say it's ALMOST an equalizer alone when investing RPP into this tree. Provided the right gameplan, us crystal users have a better chance despite lacking a working offense. With the speed and healing boost of emeralds, Damage effect of ruby, and cleansing of sapphire, the randomness and gambling of Formation means you have to play at ease. Which is fun, because you might not roll a bunch of emeralds when you need it. Or sapphires when you're being stun/slow spammed! Downside? Not usable outside of pvp. but understandable.

Shardform's awesome for what it gives. Great power, great vitality and the chance of a 25% DR if you happen to be facing those dreaded stun users trying to prevent you from smuggling up your smexy crystals!   If I were to suggest anything though with shardform, it would be to have a 5% natural damage reduction.

Shardshot. Nothing to be mad about here. 50% chance of a spawning a crystal. More gambling! Roll the dice to get what you need.
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I completely understand Crystal Magic's purpose and stance as a supplement magic branch. It feels like it's missing some additions! That being, effective offense.

Additional Magic Suggestions
made simple to be expanded upon. one, all, none! Just my suggestions. Pretty sure someone like an admin could word them way better than I! Even add in proper effects with times. These are just toss ups that can be added upon! I'm not sure on terminologies and such when it comes to effects in game. So bare with me if I state something wrong. Still new!

(ranging from basic to exalted! Im bad at names!)

Diamond Punch! (Or Hammer)
- A melee linear dash attack, slows the target when hit! 

The magi user coats their fist in crystal, and charges at their opponent! Simple and effective! And also a great help. With this skill, I feel like it'll certainly close that gap that seems to accompany crystal magic in it's lack of offense at the basic form. I feel like this skill should be fast moving, and to the point. 

Skills Focused on Certain Crystals
- I feel like the randomness and gamble one often gets when rolling for crystals would be a bit of a crutch beyond intermediate stage. Why not have skills that spawn, increase the time of, or boost the effect of specific crystals? Without having to chase the little buggers around!

Diamond Armor
- An intermediate aura or timed effect. Makes the user immune to stuns or slows. 
or
This could also be seen as a fourth crystal spawned to gamble with when using formation! Another crystal being available with a new effect.

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All in all. I hope my concerns are read with more interest than my magic suggestions. Crystal Magic is a fun gamble, but can also come off as a disappointment. To those who may look into going down this path of magic, I hope this thread gives you an insight on what you have available in your deck of cards. It's definitely feels like its taken the backseat to other magics that are more mainstream in terms of updates. Some days it feels like I wish I could trade crystal magic in entirely for another advanced earth branch until its patched in some way or form.