Custom Coup de Grace
Custom Coup de Grace is a type of custom CMAN messaging that changes the messaging when using CMAN COUPDEGRACE. Pre-written custom Coup de Grace messaging has been available at pay events. Fully custom Coup de Grace messaging is a delayed service when the player is writing their own. Custom Coup de Grace messaging is part of the Player Customization System and 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.
The customization covers the initial activation messaging, which is the single line before the SMR roll. This does not include the success or the failure, only the initial attempt.
You can customize the first person, second person (target), and third person (room) messaging for the maneuver activation messaging. These will all be conveying generally the same information to different points of view.
This messaging can include pronouns for the initiating actor and the target. It can be longer, more detailed, and/or more fanciful than the examples provided, but it should make sense for physical action in a combat setting. You should limit yourself to a single sentence to convey the manner in which you are attempting to maneuver to completely end your foe.
Examples of custom CMAN COUPDEGRACE include the following from options available at Rumor Woods:
You advance upon a giant rat with grim finality. As a giant rat shows signs of weakness, you seize the opportunity to launch a mortal blow! Seeing your chance, you lunge toward a giant rat with its death your only goal! As a giant rat falters, you surge forward with murderous intent!
Additional examples of pre-written custom Coup de Grace messaging can be viewed in the character customizations category.