Augment Framework
Overview
The Augment Framework is the foundational system that organizes augments into meaningful playstyle categories. This framework helps players create synergistic combinations that complement their vessel's abilities while providing game designers with a structured approach to augment creation and balancing.
Playstyle Categories
Augments are divided into five core playstyle categories, each supporting different gameplay approaches:
Crowd Control (Utility)
Focus: Controlling enemy movements and managing battlefield
Traits: Manipulation, trapping, area denial, slowing progression
Synergies: Defense, Solo
Opposites: Cooperative, DPS
Ideal For: Trapper and puppet-based abilities
Defense
Focus: Survivability and damage mitigation
Traits: High defense, structural integrity, strategic positioning, damage reflection
Synergies: Cooperative, Crowd Control
Opposites: Solo DPS
Ideal For: Tanker roles, turtle playstyles
Cooperative
Focus: Team enhancement and multiplayer synergy
Traits: Allied buffs, connection mechanics, fast reaction, medium durability
Synergies: Defense, DPS
Opposites: Crowd Control
Ideal For: Support roles, team-based dungeon runs
Solo
Focus: Self-sufficiency and individual power
Traits: Individual buffs, damage over time, high risk/high reward, precision
Synergies: DPS, Crowd Control
Opposites: Defense
Ideal For: Solo dungeon runs, assassin playstyles
DPS
Focus: Raw damage output and rapid progression
Traits: High damage, rapid attacks, randomness, fast progression
Synergies: Cooperative, Solo
Opposites: Defense, Crowd Control
Ideal For: Glass cannon builds, wizard playstyles
Augment Synergy System
Skill Boost Trees
Each vessel subrace has dedicated skill augments that enhance their unique ability
Skill augments form branching pathways that create specialized playstyles
Players can build "skill trees" by combining complementary augments
Skill trees can follow one playstyle or combine multiple playstyles
Cross-Playstyle Synergies
Augments from different playstyle categories can complement each other
Hybrid approaches allow for customized character builds
The system encourages experimentation with various combinations
Players can tailor their vessel to match their preferred gameplay style
Augment Power System
Power Tiers
Augment power is tied to rarity level
Higher rarity augments provide stronger effects
Some special mechanics only appear at Epic or Legendary rarity
Rarity cannot be upgraded after crafting
Boost Weight
Newly crafted augments have increased appearance weight
Higher weights make augments more likely to appear in the first 1-2 dungeon runs
Allows players to test new augments immediately after acquisition
Weight system is invisible to players
Strategic Application
Deck Building
Players can see which playstyle their augment deck favors
Visual indicators show playstyle distribution in the augment deck
Encourages intentional deck construction around preferred playstyles
System supports both specialized and hybrid approaches
Vessel Optimization
Different vessel subraces naturally align with specific playstyles
Augment selection can either enhance natural strengths or compensate for weaknesses
Players can create unexpected combinations for unique gameplay approaches
Advanced players can design augment decks for specific challenge types
[Last Updated: March 1, 2025]