Talk:Mechanic

Q: Isn't a mechanic a far more general term about any form of gameplay imposed by a computer game to simulate some analog of state, behavior or reaction to behavior? -- Fandyllic

A: I'm using the term "Mechanic" because I find it in Thottbot, which copies information from the game's scripting system. Effects such as those listed here appear when an ability has an "Apply Aura (blah)" effect and disappear when an ability has a "Dispel Mechanic (blah)" or "Apply Aura: Immune Mechanic (blah)" effect. I don't feel like calling these effects "auras," because that sounds too much like the Paladin abilities, and I don't want to cop out by calling them "effects" (why not just call them "things," then?), so I thought it might be good to use a term that seems to be used internally in the program and therefore probably by the developers too. -- Gemminie

Q: What is the difference between a mechanic and a debuff? -- Fandyllic

A: I would say that the "debuff" is the specific ability or spell, such as Sap, while the "mechanic" is the general game effect that the debuff has, such as Stun. Sap is only one of several abilities that can cause a Stun effect. -- Gemminie

Q: Shouldn't drunkeness also be considered a mechanic? -- Fandyllic

A: I'm uncertain. Thottbot lists the various drunkenness effects as "Inebriate; value 5" or "Inebriate; value 50" -- no mention of "Apply Aura" or "Dispel Mechanic." No debuff icon seems to appear when you drink alcohol. I think it might be a totally separate effect, which seems odd. -- Gemminie