Better traits for friendly kudzu
Posted: Mon May 03, 2021 6:52 am
So, we all know kudzu. But did you know that kudzu actually has a few helpful mutations? It's true! It can also be neutered to prevent further mutations, effectively rendering a strain beneficial. The problem is, these mutations are kinda useless. Absorbing plasma/CO2, glowing, nothing that really justifies the difficulty of making it or compensates for the fact that it randomly buckles you and covers thing you are using.
But, what if more mutations were added that provided additional benefit? I think this might be worthwhile because it would:
(a) Give incentive to make kudzu that would benefit the station.
and
(b) Slightly nerf harmful kudzu by diluting the possible negative traits it has.
and
(c) Kudzu is just cool in general, and I think we can all agree that the more kudzu the station has, the better.
Here are some idea's that I've had that could be beneficial kudzu mutations:
Sleek Kudzu - will no long randomly buckle you, and you move slightly faster while walking on it.
Brittle Kudzu - vines will be destroyed from even tiny amounts of damage, like a single punch or a crowbar strike. This is particular useful when trying to open a firelock or use a machine that is covered in kudzu. Possible mutually exclusive with hardened?
Timid Kudzu - will not spread to tiles that have something that would normally block you from walking on it, like machines or tables. Useful for keeping it on the floor where it belongs!
Latticed Kudzu - will cover and seal holes in the floor, effectively creating new floor, similar to the effect of foam grenades. Some care will be needed to keep it from just expanding infinitely into space. Maybe only active in areas recognized as rooms?
Rough Kudzu - the surface provides traction, preventing slip effects. Remember clown, botany giveth and botany taketh away.
Aesthetic Kudzu - walking in it provides a slight mood increase. Ah, the wonders of nature!
These are just some traits I picked off the top of my head, but really it could be anything. What beneficial traits would you like to see on your friendly neighborhood BUDzu?
But, what if more mutations were added that provided additional benefit? I think this might be worthwhile because it would:
(a) Give incentive to make kudzu that would benefit the station.
and
(b) Slightly nerf harmful kudzu by diluting the possible negative traits it has.
and
(c) Kudzu is just cool in general, and I think we can all agree that the more kudzu the station has, the better.
Here are some idea's that I've had that could be beneficial kudzu mutations:
Sleek Kudzu - will no long randomly buckle you, and you move slightly faster while walking on it.
Brittle Kudzu - vines will be destroyed from even tiny amounts of damage, like a single punch or a crowbar strike. This is particular useful when trying to open a firelock or use a machine that is covered in kudzu. Possible mutually exclusive with hardened?
Timid Kudzu - will not spread to tiles that have something that would normally block you from walking on it, like machines or tables. Useful for keeping it on the floor where it belongs!
Latticed Kudzu - will cover and seal holes in the floor, effectively creating new floor, similar to the effect of foam grenades. Some care will be needed to keep it from just expanding infinitely into space. Maybe only active in areas recognized as rooms?
Rough Kudzu - the surface provides traction, preventing slip effects. Remember clown, botany giveth and botany taketh away.
Aesthetic Kudzu - walking in it provides a slight mood increase. Ah, the wonders of nature!
These are just some traits I picked off the top of my head, but really it could be anything. What beneficial traits would you like to see on your friendly neighborhood BUDzu?
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