Difference between revisions of "Battle Sprite"

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[[File:Battle_Sprite_interface.png|thumb|left|The Battle Sprite interface.]]
 
[[File:Battle_Sprite_interface.png|thumb|left|The Battle Sprite interface.]]
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A '''Battle Sprite''' is a combat companion that all Spiral Knights can acquire. Each Battle Sprite has a selection of skills that can be used by the player when the Sprite is equipped. Skills range from direct attacks to party buffs and monster debuffs.
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A '''Battle Sprite''' is a combat companion for a Spiral Knight. A knight may own more than one sprite, although only one can be equipped at a time. Each sprite has one, two, or three '''skills''' that the knight can employ in combat. Skills range from direct attacks to party buffs and monster debuffs. Sprites also offer '''[[perk]]s''', which give the knight offensive or defensive bonuses.
  
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Prior to the [[Skylark]] crash, Battle Sprites, known originally as E-Class Battle sprites, were initially small, mechanical, AI-driven field companions that aided the Spiral Knights in planetary reconnaissance. Sprites collected from the crash within the [[Clockworks]] appear to be reacting to the Core's energy signal, changing dramatically based on their environment, improving their capabilities even as they remain loyal to their primary directive to support Knights in exploration and discovery.
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Prior to the [[Skylark]] crash, the Spiral Knights used E-Class Battle Sprites for reconnaissance. These were small, mechanical, AI-driven field robots. After the crash, sprites collected within the [[Clockworks]] appear to be reacting to the Core's energy signal, changing dramatically based on their environment. Their capabilities improve, even as they remain loyal to their primary directive to support knights in exploration and discovery.
  
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They are intended to provide players with the ability to specialize their role in a party. The choices you make for your Sprite will act like a class for your knight, augmenting your choice of [[weapon]]s and [[armor]]. For example, you may choose a Sprite that deals direct damage with attack enhancements or instead choose a Sprite that bolsters your parties defenses.
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Battle Sprites were added to the game in {{release|2013-07-30}}. They are intended to provide players with the ability to specialize their role in a party. The choices that you make for your sprite act like a class for your knight, augmenting your [[weapon]]s and [[armor]] in special ways. For example, you may choose an attack-oriented sprite or a sprite that bolsters your party's defense.
  
 
== Obtaining a Battle Sprite ==
 
== Obtaining a Battle Sprite ==
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[[File:Rhendon_Drakon.png|thumb|left|150 px|thumb|Rhendon stroking a Drakon Battle Sprite]]
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[[File:Rhendon_Drakon.png|thumb|right|150 px|thumb|Rhendon stroking a Drakon Battle Sprite]]
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A series of rank missions are available players as soon as they reach [[Haven]]. These missions start by teaching players about Battle Sprites, talking to [[Biotech Morlin]], will teach them about sprite skills, perks, harnesses, and levelling, while [[Biscotti]] will explain how to feed and care for Battle Sprites.  
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A series of rank missions is available to players as soon as they reach [[Haven]]. [[Rhendon]] and [[Laboratory|Biotech Morlin]] will teach them about sprite skills, perks, harnesses, and leveling, while [[Biscotti]] explains how to feed and care for Battle Sprites. These missions also allow knights to try out each of the three starter sprites.
  
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Subsequent missions will allow knights to try out each of the three starter sprites before ultimately choosing one to keep. Players should take their time to know a little about sprites or see them in action before choosing. Once a selection is made, there's no going back!
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A player's first battle sprite is awarded to the player after completion of [[Missions|An Eternal Bond]]. Players should take their time to know a little about sprites or see them in action before choosing. Once a selection is made, there's no going back, although players can obtain more Battle Sprites through the [[Supply Depot]] by purchasing [[Usable#Sprite Gear|Pods]] that contain a Level 1 Battle Sprite of their choosing.
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{{clear}}
  
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A player's first battle sprite is awarded to the player after completion of [[Missions|An Eternal Bond]].
 
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Players can obtain more Battle Sprites through the [[Supply Depot]] by purchasing [[Usable#Sprite Gear|Pods]] that contain a Level 1 Battle Sprite of their choosing.
 
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{{clear}}
 
 
==Using a Battle Sprite ==
 
==Using a Battle Sprite ==
 
[[File:Battle_Sprite_equip.png|thumb|left|Equip, unequip, or rename a Battle Sprite.]]
 
[[File:Battle_Sprite_equip.png|thumb|left|Equip, unequip, or rename a Battle Sprite.]]
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Any sprites you own will show up in an [[arsenal]] section called "Battle Sprites". Clicking on a sprite's icon in the arsenal section will bring up a menu allowing you to equip, unequip, or rename the sprite. This section does not appear if you do not own one.  
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All sprites that you own appear in the Battle Sprites section of your [[arsenal]]. Clicking on a sprite's icon brings up a menu allowing you to equip, unequip, or rename the sprite.
  
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To access the Battle Sprite interface, click on the [[character]] button (hotkey: P), then select the Battle Sprite tab. This interface will show options to [[#Feeding_Sprites|feed]] the sprite, equip a [[#Harnesses|harness]] on them or choose a [[#Perks|perk]].
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Once a sprite is equipped, you can examine and configure it by clicking on the [[character]] button (default hotkey: P) and selecting the Battle Sprite tab. This interface shows options for [[#Leveling|feeding]] the sprite, equipping the sprite with a [[#Harnesses|harness]], and activating a perk.
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Battle Sprites can execute powerful combat skills on your command. Changing or updating the keys selected for them can be done under the '[[controls]]' section of the options screen.  
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Key shortcuts for using Battle Sprite powers are not configured in this interface. Instead, those keys are configured with all other keys, in the [[Controls]] section of the Options screen (hotkey: Escape).
 
{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
  
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== Types of Battle Sprites ==
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==Types==
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There are currently three types of Battle Sprites that are available for all Knights to train and grow on their many adventures, but it is possible that more Battle Sprite types may be added someday.
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[[File:Battle_Sprites_action.png|thumb|right|Battle sprite in action.]]
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[[File:Biscotti_Alchemy_Machine.png|thumb|right|An alchemy machine used to create food for Battle Sprites.]]
 
[[File:Biscotti_Alchemy_Machine.png|thumb|right|An alchemy machine used to create food for Battle Sprites.]]
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=== Drakon ===
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There are currently three types of Battle Sprites that are available for all knights to train and grow on their many adventures:
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{{main|Drakon}}
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* The smoldering [[Drakon]] resembles a dragon and delivers powerful, fiery blasts to foes. Because of its immense firepower focusing on direct assault, it may be considered the most offensive out of the three starter battle sprites.
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* The divine [[Seraphynx]] resembles an angelic cat-like creature and uses its luminous powers to defend the party from attacks. Although a support sprite, it can attack enemies directly, dealing enough damage to weaken or vanquish an enemy.
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* The shadowy [[Maskeraith]] resembles a masked phantom and uses its toxic powers to debilitate enemies. This sprite has a healthy mix of offensive abilities as well as the ability to debuff enemies.
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These three sprite types evolved on [[Cradle]] from the E-class Battle Sprites brought by the Spiral Knights. E-class sprites are used primarily for surveillance and have no combat abilites. Players cannot currently aquire an E-Class sprite, although Morlin owns one.
  
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The smoldering Drakon resembles a dragon and delivers powerful, fiery blasts to foes. Because of its immense firepower focusing on direct assault, it may be considered the most offensive out of the three starter battle sprites.
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==Leveling==
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[[File:Battle_Sprites_feeding.png|thumb|left|The Battle Sprite feeding interface.]]
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A sprite progresses through a sequence of 100 [[heat]] levels. The heat required per level is larger at high levels than at low levels. Like all equippable items, a sprite gains heat when it is equipped for combat in the [[Clockworks]]. However, this method of heating is very slow. A sprite can also be heated by feeding the sprite [[material]]s. To feed your sprite, bring up the character panel, select the Battle Sprite tab, click on the feeding sub-tab, choose any material from your arsenal, and click the Feed Sprite button.
  
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=== Seraphynx ===
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In general, higher-star materials give the sprite more heat than lower-star ones. At any given time, the sprite also has a '''favored food''': [[Power Star]], [[Divine Star]], [[Shadow Star]], or one of their lower-star versions. The sprite's favored food heats the sprite more than other materials of that star level do. Favored foods can be crafted using a [[Sprite Food Alchemy Machine]], found in the Laboratory and the [[Town Square]]. For example, how much food does a high-level (over level 75) sprite require, for one level of heat? Data collected by players estimates the cost to be roughly 65 3-star materials, 35 4-star materials, 20 5-star materials, or 4 5-star favored foods.
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{{main|Seraphynx}}
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The divine Seraphynx resembles an angelic cat-like creature and uses its luminous powers to defend the party from attacks. Although a support sprite, it can attack enemies directly, dealing enough damage to weaken or vanquish an enemy.
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The rate at which a sprite can be fed is limited by its '''appetite'''. Appetite is rated on a five-point scale. When the appetite is zero, the sprite cannot eat. When the sprite does have some appetite, feeding the sprite a material decreases its appetite by one point. Appetite regenerates at a rate of roughly five points per hour of real time, whether or not the knight is online. Playing with the sprite in the Clockworks also increases its appetite.
  
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=== Maskeraith ===
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[[File:Battle_Sprites_skill.png|thumb|right|Choosing an ultimate skill.]]
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{{main|Maskeraith}}
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When the sprite's heat meter is filled, the sprite is ready for promotion to the next heat level. The sprite must be fed a '''required item'''. For most levels, the required item is the sprite's favored food. The sprite gains a skill point or a perk. Special levels require the sprite to be fed an [[Evo Catalyst]] (of the appropriate star level). Here is a list of the special levels:
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* 15: The sprite gains it second skill and changes its appearance.
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The shadowy Maskeraith resembles a masked phantom and uses its toxic powers to debilitate enemies. This sprite has a healthy mix of offensive abilities as well as the ability to debuff enemies.
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* 50: The sprite gains its third skill and changes its appearance.
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* 90: The knight has the opportunity to evolve the sprite's first skill into one of two ultimate forms. This choice alters part of the sprite's appearance, while leaving other parts unchanged. (If a knight is not ready to choose an ultimate skill, then the choice can be delayed without penalty. In fact, the knight may elect not to choose either ultimate option.)
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===E-Class===
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* 95: The sprite's second skill can evolve into one of two ultimate forms.
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The most basic form of the sprites which are used primarily for surveillance and have no combat abilites. Players cannot currently aquire an E-Class sprite. [[Morlin]] owns one.
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* 100: The sprite's third skill can evolve into one of two ultimate forms. At this point, the sprite's appearance is fixed. All skills and skill points have been acquired. However, there are still five perks to be gained. The knight may continue leveling the sprite past level 100. These extra heat levels could be called levels 101-105, although they are all displayed as "100" in the interface.
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* 105: All perks have been acquired, and the sprite is functionally complete. The sprite continues to gain heat until its heat meter is filled. At that time, the user interface does not allow the sprite to be promoted further.
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== Feeding Sprites ==
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[[File:Battle_Sprites_feeding.png|thumb|right|The Battle Sprite feeding interface.]]
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Feeding sprites is one way of increasing its [[heat]], but also reduces its appetite. When its appetite is low, it will be impossible to feed the sprite. Over time, appetite increases slowly on its own. Adventuring into the [[Clockworks]] is another and quicker way of increasing a sprite's appetite, and also gives the sprite heat.
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To feed a sprite, bring up the character panel and select the Battle Sprite tab, then click on your Battle Sprite's icon. Choose any material from the Arsenal to feed the sprite. Some materials will grant more heat than others while still decreasing appetite at the same rate, so be sure to feed your sprite its favorite item!
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=== Favored Items ===
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'''Favored items''' are materials that a battle sprite enjoys eating the most. Feeding a battle sprite with a favored item will grant it much more heat than if the sprite was fed a different item (This is only true for high level sprites. For low level sprites high star mats are generally better food). There's a special [[Sprite_Food_Alchemy_Machine|alchemy machine]] next to Biscotti that allows knights to craft favored sprite food from materials and minerals.
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=== Required Items ===
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In order for a Battle Sprite to advance and level up, a '''required item''' will need to be fed to the Battle Sprite. Most of the time, the item will be a material or the sprite's favored item. However, at certain levels, the required item will be an [[Evo Catalyst]], allowing the sprite to evolve in some cases. Without the required item, the battle sprite will not level up, no matter what or how many materials the player feeds the sprite.
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A battle sprite will require an Evo Catalyst at levels 14, 49, 89, 94, and 99 before advancing a level. A sprite will evolve and change its appearance at levels 15 and 50, and at 90, 95, and 100 depending on your selection of Ultimate skills.
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For each type of sprite, there are eight possible ultimate appearances, based on the two choices for each of the three skills. Skill points and ultimate skill choices can be reset with a special material called a [[Reset Star]]. Reset Stars are sold in the [[Supply Depot]]. When using a Reset Star, a sprite’s level is retained.
 
{{clearall}}
 
{{clearall}}
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== Skills ==
 
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[[File:Battle_Sprites_skill.png|thumb|right|Choosing an ultimate skill.]]
 
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After having bonded permanently with their knight, a sprite will start off with having one skill that a player can use. As a battle sprite levels up, they gain skill points that the player can use to improve the augments of any given skill.
 
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Once a player has allocated all their skill points to the Sprites' skills and their Sprite has reached level 90 after using an Ultimate Evo Catalyst, the player can choose an ultimate version of a skill [http://forums.spiralknights.com/en/node/85365#comment-757572 1], making the base skill even more powerful and evolving the sprite in the process. The ultimate skill is gained ''on top'' of the base skill, so the base skill use is still retained. After an ultimate skill has been chosen, the battle sprite will further evolve its appearance to reflect the choice. This means that not only will high level battle sprites look different from one another, but even play differently. A sprite gains a new skill at levels 15 and 50 after being fed a [[Battle Sprite#Required Items|required item]].
 
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Battle sprite skill points and ultimate skill choice can be reset with a special material called a [[Reset Star]]. Reset Stars are sold in the [[Supply Depot]]. When using a Reset Star, a sprite’s level is retained.
 
  
 
== Harnesses ==
 
== Harnesses ==
 
{{main|Harness}}
 
{{main|Harness}}
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'''Harnesses''' are items that a battle sprite can equip to gain bonuses or to deal a certain type of [[damage]]. Some harnesses can also reduce skill cooldown by a certain percentage.
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'''Harnesses''' are items that a battle sprite can equip to gain bonuses or to deal a certain type of [[damage]]. Some harnesses can also reduce skill cooldown by a certain percentage. Harnesses can be acquired only by purchase from [[Riley]], the harness merchant in the [[The Lab|Lab]].
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Please keep in mind that some harnesses cannot be equipped on certain sprites. For example, Drakons cannot output piercing damage, so it will be unable to equip the Golden Harness.
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Harnesses can be purchased from [[Riley]], the Harness merchant in the [[The Lab|Lab]].
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== Perks ==
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{{main|Perk}}
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'''Perks''' are buffs that a sprite gives to a player. These buffs include [[health]] boosts to [[status]] resistances to reductions in charge time. Like skills, perks are unlocked as a sprite levels up. They can be chosen or changed at any time in the Battle Sprites tab.
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Battle Sprites acquire perks at most levels, and those perks are selected randomly. Battle Sprites can continue to acquire perks after reaching level 100.
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== Historical Notes ==
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When a knight owns multiple sprites, the knight's harnesses are shared among the sprites. However, some harnesses cannot be equipped on certain sprites. For example, Drakons cannot be equipped with the Golden Harness.
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* Battle Sprites were implemented in game on {{release|2013-07-30}}
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== See Also ==
 
== See Also ==

Revision as of 18:19, 15 September 2013

The Battle Sprite interface.

A Battle Sprite is a combat companion for a Spiral Knight. A knight may own more than one sprite, although only one can be equipped at a time. Each sprite has one, two, or three skills that the knight can employ in combat. Skills range from direct attacks to party buffs and monster debuffs. Sprites also offer perks, which give the knight offensive or defensive bonuses.

Prior to the Skylark crash, the Spiral Knights used E-Class Battle Sprites for reconnaissance. These were small, mechanical, AI-driven field robots. After the crash, sprites collected within the Clockworks appear to be reacting to the Core's energy signal, changing dramatically based on their environment. Their capabilities improve, even as they remain loyal to their primary directive to support knights in exploration and discovery.

Battle Sprites were added to the game in release 2013-07-30. They are intended to provide players with the ability to specialize their role in a party. The choices that you make for your sprite act like a class for your knight, augmenting your weapons and armor in special ways. For example, you may choose an attack-oriented sprite or a sprite that bolsters your party's defense.

Obtaining a Battle Sprite

Rhendon stroking a Drakon Battle Sprite

A series of rank missions is available to players as soon as they reach Haven. Rhendon and Biotech Morlin will teach them about sprite skills, perks, harnesses, and leveling, while Biscotti explains how to feed and care for Battle Sprites. These missions also allow knights to try out each of the three starter sprites.

A player's first battle sprite is awarded to the player after completion of An Eternal Bond. Players should take their time to know a little about sprites or see them in action before choosing. Once a selection is made, there's no going back, although players can obtain more Battle Sprites through the Supply Depot by purchasing Pods that contain a Level 1 Battle Sprite of their choosing.

Using a Battle Sprite

Equip, unequip, or rename a Battle Sprite.

All sprites that you own appear in the Battle Sprites section of your arsenal. Clicking on a sprite's icon brings up a menu allowing you to equip, unequip, or rename the sprite.

Once a sprite is equipped, you can examine and configure it by clicking on the character button (default hotkey: P) and selecting the Battle Sprite tab. This interface shows options for feeding the sprite, equipping the sprite with a harness, and activating a perk.

Key shortcuts for using Battle Sprite powers are not configured in this interface. Instead, those keys are configured with all other keys, in the Controls section of the Options screen (hotkey: Escape).

Types

An alchemy machine used to create food for Battle Sprites.

There are currently three types of Battle Sprites that are available for all knights to train and grow on their many adventures:

  • The smoldering Drakon resembles a dragon and delivers powerful, fiery blasts to foes. Because of its immense firepower focusing on direct assault, it may be considered the most offensive out of the three starter battle sprites.
  • The divine Seraphynx resembles an angelic cat-like creature and uses its luminous powers to defend the party from attacks. Although a support sprite, it can attack enemies directly, dealing enough damage to weaken or vanquish an enemy.
  • The shadowy Maskeraith resembles a masked phantom and uses its toxic powers to debilitate enemies. This sprite has a healthy mix of offensive abilities as well as the ability to debuff enemies.

These three sprite types evolved on Cradle from the E-class Battle Sprites brought by the Spiral Knights. E-class sprites are used primarily for surveillance and have no combat abilites. Players cannot currently aquire an E-Class sprite, although Morlin owns one.

Leveling

The Battle Sprite feeding interface.

A sprite progresses through a sequence of 100 heat levels. The heat required per level is larger at high levels than at low levels. Like all equippable items, a sprite gains heat when it is equipped for combat in the Clockworks. However, this method of heating is very slow. A sprite can also be heated by feeding the sprite materials. To feed your sprite, bring up the character panel, select the Battle Sprite tab, click on the feeding sub-tab, choose any material from your arsenal, and click the Feed Sprite button.

In general, higher-star materials give the sprite more heat than lower-star ones. At any given time, the sprite also has a favored food: Power Star, Divine Star, Shadow Star, or one of their lower-star versions. The sprite's favored food heats the sprite more than other materials of that star level do. Favored foods can be crafted using a Sprite Food Alchemy Machine, found in the Laboratory and the Town Square. For example, how much food does a high-level (over level 75) sprite require, for one level of heat? Data collected by players estimates the cost to be roughly 65 3-star materials, 35 4-star materials, 20 5-star materials, or 4 5-star favored foods.

The rate at which a sprite can be fed is limited by its appetite. Appetite is rated on a five-point scale. When the appetite is zero, the sprite cannot eat. When the sprite does have some appetite, feeding the sprite a material decreases its appetite by one point. Appetite regenerates at a rate of roughly five points per hour of real time, whether or not the knight is online. Playing with the sprite in the Clockworks also increases its appetite.

Choosing an ultimate skill.

When the sprite's heat meter is filled, the sprite is ready for promotion to the next heat level. The sprite must be fed a required item. For most levels, the required item is the sprite's favored food. The sprite gains a skill point or a perk. Special levels require the sprite to be fed an Evo Catalyst (of the appropriate star level). Here is a list of the special levels:

  • 15: The sprite gains it second skill and changes its appearance.
  • 50: The sprite gains its third skill and changes its appearance.
  • 90: The knight has the opportunity to evolve the sprite's first skill into one of two ultimate forms. This choice alters part of the sprite's appearance, while leaving other parts unchanged. (If a knight is not ready to choose an ultimate skill, then the choice can be delayed without penalty. In fact, the knight may elect not to choose either ultimate option.)
  • 95: The sprite's second skill can evolve into one of two ultimate forms.
  • 100: The sprite's third skill can evolve into one of two ultimate forms. At this point, the sprite's appearance is fixed. All skills and skill points have been acquired. However, there are still five perks to be gained. The knight may continue leveling the sprite past level 100. These extra heat levels could be called levels 101-105, although they are all displayed as "100" in the interface.
  • 105: All perks have been acquired, and the sprite is functionally complete. The sprite continues to gain heat until its heat meter is filled. At that time, the user interface does not allow the sprite to be promoted further.

For each type of sprite, there are eight possible ultimate appearances, based on the two choices for each of the three skills. Skill points and ultimate skill choices can be reset with a special material called a Reset Star. Reset Stars are sold in the Supply Depot. When using a Reset Star, a sprite’s level is retained.

Harnesses

Main article: Harness

Harnesses are items that a battle sprite can equip to gain bonuses or to deal a certain type of damage. Some harnesses can also reduce skill cooldown by a certain percentage. Harnesses can be acquired only by purchase from Riley, the harness merchant in the Lab.

When a knight owns multiple sprites, the knight's harnesses are shared among the sprites. However, some harnesses cannot be equipped on certain sprites. For example, Drakons cannot be equipped with the Golden Harness.

See Also

Retrieved from "https://wiki.spiralknights.com/index.php?title=Battle_Sprite&oldid=140518"
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