Creatures

While exploring the mines of Velyria, players will encounter a multitude of different creatures. These are the monsters of Velyria, responsible for the destruction of the starship Destiny and the deaths of thousands of colonists.

In battle, there are up to three (3) spots available for monsters to occupy. The monsters filling these spaces will be determined using the Monster Stratigraphy Index (which floors the monsters appear on) and the size of the monsters (small, medium, or large). In a battle, there can be up to three small monsters, two medium monsters, or one large monster. There is also the possibility of meeting a configuration featuring one medium monster and one small monster.

The monsters of Project: Velyria can be grouped into four (4) different types:

* **Sprites**: Sprite monsters are quick and agile. Some may be able to fly. They are weak to scientists and strong against soldiers.
* **Barons**: Baron monsters deal major damage with every attack. Some of them may have very high HP. They are weak to recruits and strong against workers.
* **Brutes**: Brute monsters are those that seek refuge in the ground. They often have very high defence. They are weak to soldiers and strong against scientists.
* **Mystics**: Mystic monsters are bizarre creatures that can control the elements. Some species lead aquatic or semi-aquatic lifestyles. They are weak to workers and strong against recruits.

Monsters in Project: Velyria are randomly assigned an intelligence classification when generated before a battle. Intelligence determines whether the monster will calculate its skills using its AI or randomly select a skill. There are three (3) levels of intelligence:

* **Dim**: The monster has a 50% chance of ignoring its AI and randomly selecting a skill every turn.
* **Average**: The monster has 25% chance of ignoring its AI and randomly selecting a skill every turn.
* **Bright**: The monster always uses its AI to calculate its skills.

Each monster species has its own preferential attack pattern:

* **Damage-Dealer**: The monster prioritizes dealing damage to the player.
* **Tank**: The monster prioritizes buffing itself and debuffing/damaging the player.
* **Healer**: The monster prioritizes healing allies with HP lower than 50%.
* **Support**: The monster prioritizes buffing allies.

The above attack patterns can be over-written by specific monster skills or personalities. Each monster is given a randomly selected personality at the start of combat. This determines how the monsters react to the actions of its allies and the player.

There are five (5) personalities (more may be added in the future):

* **Short-Tempered**: If the monster was attacked during the last turn, the monster will select a skill to target the player.
* **Egotistic**: If the monster selects a skill that could heal or buff an ally, it will instead use that skill on itself.
* **Coward**: If there are other monsters on the field, the monster will use a skill that does not target the player.
* **Protective**: If another monster was attacked during the last turn, the monster will select a skill that targets the recently attacked monster.
* **Careless**: The monster’s personality does not affect skill or target selection.