Custom CMAN messaging
Custom CMAN messaging, also called custom combat maneuver messaging, provide unique or otherwise different messaging when a character uses a combat maneuver skill.
Custom CMAN messaging debuted at Ebon Gate 2024 as a trove win. Pre-written options have since appeared at pay events. A fully custom CMAN messaging is a delayed service when the player is writing their own. All custom CMAN messaging must go through QC. QC may require changes to be made to player submissions.
Custom CMAN messaging is part of the Player Customization System, which is managed via the CUSTOM verb.
Fully custom CMAN messaging must follow strict baseline rules in order to pass QC.
- You cannot change the fundamental nature of the maneuver with a customization. A tackle is still a tackle, a sweep is still a sweep. Many maneuvers have additional messaging that is not customizable, such as something that might happen upon a maneuver roll failure, or after a success. What you provide for the customizable part of the maneuver must make sense with the rest of the messaging that it will be working with. Additionally, some combat maneuvers use armaments associated with specific body parts, so altering the fundamental nature of the maneuver's messaging to use other parts of the body would be outside the scope of a customization. (Example: CMAN TACKLE incorporates accessories or armor worn on the arms, so custom messaging describing a dropkick would not work, as that uses the attacker's feet.)
- Combat maneuvers are physical actions taken, not magical. This is not spell messaging, this is not a fancy illusion, this is your character performing a physical action aided only by their own combat maneuver training. No props, no stage effects, no fire and brimstone, no sparklepony lens flares.
Each type of combat maneuver has its own set of additional rules when creating fully custom CMAN messaging.
Examples of pre-written custom CMAN messaging can be viewed in the character customizations category.
Types of Custom CMANs
- Custom Coup de Grace
- Custom Groin Kick
- Custom Headbutt
- Custom Spin Attack
- Custom Surge of Strength
- Custom Sweep
- Custom Tackle