Wimpy
From Discworld MUD Wiki
Wimpying describes an automatic or involuntary departure from a combat, via the "backwards" exit by default. Wimpying is usually triggered when a player's health has fallen below a proportion of their maximum hitpoints. This level is referred to as a player's wimpy. Players and NPCs alike can wimpy.
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Setting the wimpy level
A player can set their wimpy level either by using the 'wimpy' command, or through 'options combat'.
The wimpy level can be set anywhere between 0% and 30%, and is displayed in the score command. If wimpy is set to zero, then this is displayed as being 'in brave mode'.
Operation
Whenever a player is hit and their current hitpoints are below the wimpy proportion, they will immediately and automatically attempt to leave the room. This has advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
- Wimpying temporarily puts the player out of harm's way, potentially allowing them to escape and recover if they take further action.
- In periods of heavy lag, an automatic wimpy may allow a player to escape from peril whilst they are unable to manually intervene with any surety.
Disadvantages
- Wimpy can be disorienting, as it causes a sudden and unexpected change of location; thus, it can sometimes be worse than a less timely, but better planned retreat.
- Almost all NPCs will follow players who leave the room within a couple of seconds, thus the reprieve is temporary at best.
- Some NPCs or players may pursue, in which case wimpy will not remove the player from danger.
- Wimpying may be fatal in and of itself if the exits are trapped, enemies are waiting in ambush, or the exit taken is off of a sheer drop.
- Awarded XP is scaled down in proportion to the victor's wimpy level (so a wimpy of 10% results in 90% of the XP being awarded, for example).
Forcing and preventing wimpy
Targets can be forced to wimpy (irrespective of their actual wimpy level) by:
- A witch casting bees on them.
- Performing the Fear, Horror, or Terror rituals on them.
- (If outside) Performing the Agoraphobia ritual on them.
- (If in combat) Allegedly, performing the Demoralise ritual on them.
- Casting Sorsalsean's Seismic Eruption on the room they are in.
- Intoxicating them.
Targets can be prevented from wimpying by:
- A warrior guarding exits against them.
- A witch casting vines on them.
- Casting Myrandil's Vicious Seizure on the room they are in.
A failure to pull something from a black top hat can result in a feeling of paranoia which causes occasional wimpying.
