The Radiant System
Players are points. Radii are the lines of energy that form between them when their actions align.
Core Structure
A Radiant interaction requires two conditions to be true simultaneously: a player emits a catalyst, and one or more other players are in a valid receiving state. When both conditions meet, a Radius forms and the Radiant state activates.
Catalyst Geometry
- Chord - a Radius forms between two specific points. A fired arrow, a directed beam, a proximity connection between two players.
- Arc - a Radius forms between the emitting point and any valid receiving points within range simultaneously.
Timing Properties
- Sustain - the catalyst lingers, giving receivers a window to enter their receiving state
- Flash - instantaneous, receivers must already be in their receiving state
Failure
Both players receive distinct feedback indicating which side broke the chain.
Chaining
A Radiant state can itself become a catalyst, forming a new Radius to a third player.
Examples
Deflect Absorb
Player A deflects a magic projectile with perfect timing. A Focal Sustain catalyst emits from the deflection point. Player B is charging a melee attack in proximity. A Radius forms between the deflection and Player B's weapon. Player B's strike discharges the absorbed magic as bonus damage.
Dodge Beacon
Player A executes a perfect dodge. A Beam Arc catalyst forms. Player A fires an arrow toward Player B. Player B must be in a braced or channeling state when the arrow lands. The Radius forms on impact, granting Player B an empowered state for their next action.
Execution Echo
Player A lands a finishing blow on an enemy. A Pulse Flash catalyst emits outward. Any player already mid-attack when the kill lands receives a Radius connecting their strike to the execution. Their attack gains bonus damage or a secondary effect.
Barrier Siphon
Player A raises a barrier and holds it. A Focal Sustain catalyst persists for the duration. Player B channels an ability while standing behind the barrier. A Radius forms along the barrier's face, funneling Player B's channeled energy into an amplified forward burst when Player A drops the barrier.
Chain Potential
Deflect Absorb resolves. Player B's empowered strike kills an enemy. That kill triggers Execution Echo. A Radius forms to Player C who was already attacking. Three players, two Radii, one unbroken chain.