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[[Skill animation]] refers to the graphical animation that a character makes while performing a skill.
 
[[Skill animation]] refers to the graphical animation that a character makes while performing a skill.
   
−
If you watch a foe or ally closely while he is activating a skill you can tell a lot about the skill he is using, without even checking him on the [[Skill Monitor]].
 +
If you watch a foe or ally closely while they are activating a skill, you can tell a lot about the skill they are using without even checking them on the [[Skill Monitor]].
   
 
The animation has up to 4 parts:
  
The animation has up to 4 parts:
 
#the '''movement animation''' of the caster
  
#the '''movement animation''' of the caster
−
#a "'''casting symbol'''" appearing above the caster's head (optional)
 +
#a "'''[[Casting Symbol|Casting Symbol]]'''" appearing above the caster's head (optional)
 
#an "'''aura'''" around the body of the '''caster''' (optional)
  
#an "'''aura'''" around the body of the '''caster''' (optional)
 
#an "'''aura'''" around the body of the '''target'''
  
#an "'''aura'''" around the body of the '''target'''
Line 13: Line 14:
   
 
== Movement Animation ==
  
== Movement Animation ==
−
For each skill there is a movement animation, the basic type of animation depends on the type of skill and the duration of casting:
 +
For each skill there is a movement animation. The basic type of animation depends on:
  +
*The type of skill and the duration of casting
 
*If the skill is activated on another or on the character himself/herself.
  
*If the skill is activated on another or on the character himself/herself.
−
*How long the cast time for the skill is: Very Fast (less than 0.5 seconds cast time), Fast (more than 0.5 seconds, less than 2 seconds), Medium (more than 1 and less than 3) and Long (3 seconds activation or longer).
 +
*How long the cast time for the skill is: Very Fast (0.5 seconds or less cast time), Fast (more than 0.5 seconds, less than 2 seconds), Medium (more than 1 and less than 3) and Long (3 seconds activation or longer).
   
−
Each of the eight professions displays a different way of portraying these four combinations, some classes displaying more variety than others:
+
Each of the ten professions displays a different way of portraying these four combinations with some classes displaying more variety than others.
  +
−
*'''Warrior:'''
  
  +
===Warrior===
−
**Female:
 
  +
*'''Female''':
−
***Attack skills use the standard weapon attack animation.
 
  +
**Attack skills use the standard weapon attack animation.
−
***All other use a single casting animation based on the weapon the warrior is using. The animation speed and length is varied for the casting time.
 
  +
**All other use a single casting animation based on the weapon the warrior is using. The animation speed and length is varied for the casting time.
−
****When wielding a hammer, the warrior leans down and concentrates, then arches upwards holding the hammer vertical in front of the chest.
 
  +
***When wielding a hammer, the warrior leans down and concentrates, then arches upwards holding the hammer vertical in front of the chest.
 
::::{|
  
::::{|
 
|[[Image:warrior-skill-animation-two-hand-down.jpg|thumb|85px|casting]]
  
|[[Image:warrior-skill-animation-two-hand-down.jpg|thumb|85px|casting]]
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||[[image:warrior-skill-animation-one-hand-arch.jpg|thumb|85px|skill completion]]
  
||[[image:warrior-skill-animation-one-hand-arch.jpg|thumb|85px|skill completion]]
 
|}
  
|}
−
:*Male:
 +
*'''Male''':
  +
−
*'''Ranger:'''
  
  +
−
**Female:
  
  +
===Ranger===
−
***Short skills are cast simply by the ranger crossing her arms and throwing them backwards
  
  +
*'''Female''':
  +
**Short skills are cast simply by the ranger crossing her arms and throwing them backwards
 
:::{|
  
:::{|
 
|[[Image:ranger-female-skill-animation-end1.jpg|thumb|85px|shoulders back]]
  
|[[Image:ranger-female-skill-animation-end1.jpg|thumb|85px|shoulders back]]
Line 55: Line 60:
 
|}
  
|}
 
::*Nature Rituals use the long animation, but end with the preparation animation.
  
::*Nature Rituals use the long animation, but end with the preparation animation.
−
:*Male:
 +
*'''Male''':
  +
**Identical to female, except that the touch skill animation involves both hands, and looks as if the ranger is tossing a large object from overhead.
−
*'''Necromancer:'''
  
  +
−
**Female:
  
  +
===Necromancer===
−
**Male:
  
  +
*'''Female''':
−
***Blood magic skills that cast in 0.5 seconds or faster are performed with a lunging motion towards the target with both hands outstretched.
  
  +
*'''Male''':
−
***Death magic skills that cast in 0.5 seconds or less are performed with the Necromancer slightly leaning forward, then clapping his hands together.
  
  +
**Blood magic skills that cast in 0.5 seconds or faster are performed with a lunging motion towards the target with both hands outstretched.
−
***Death magic skills that are cast in more than 0.5 seconds start with the Necromancer bending backwards, then floating into the air, and finally, going upright and crossing his arms. Some skills in the Death magic category create a large green symbol of a bull, while others create black heiroglyphic-like symbols under the caster as he floats into the air.
  
  +
**Death magic skills that cast in 0.5 seconds or less are performed with the Necromancer slightly leaning forward, then clapping his hands together.
−
*** Blood magic skills start with the same animation as Death magic skills, but end with both hands stretched towards the target. Some symbols that appear during the casting of a blood magic spell are giant green skulls with diamond-shaped eyes, while others can create a yellow circle filled with red circles (which pulsate) above the caster.
  
  +
**Death magic skills that are cast in more than 0.5 seconds start with the Necromancer bending backwards, then floating into the air, and finally, going upright and crossing his arms. Some skills in the Death magic category create a large green symbol resembling [[Grenth]]'s head, while others create black heiroglyphic-like symbols under the caster as he floats into the air.
−
***Curses start with the same animation as the rest, but end with the Necromancer pointing his right hand (and weapon in said hand, staffs are held one-handed during the animation) towards his target. The main Curses spell symbol seems to be a circle with many lines along its perimeter.
 
  +
** Blood magic skills start with the same animation as Death magic skills, but end with both hands stretched towards the target. Some symbols that appear during the casting of a blood magic spell are giant green skulls with diamond-shaped eyes, while others can create a yellow circle filled with red circles (which pulsate) above the caster.
−
***Non-Necromancer spells are cast using the animation from the Blood Magic skills.
  
  +
**Curses start with the same animation as the rest, but end with the Necromancer pointing his right hand (and weapon in said hand, staves are held one-handed during the animation) towards his target. The main Curses spell symbol seems to be a circle with many lines along its perimeter.
−
*'''Elementalist:'''
  
  +
**Non-Necromancer spells are cast using the animation from the Blood Magic skills.
−
**Female:
  
  +
−
***All skills that cast in 0.5 seconds or faster are performed by a quick move of the hand so that the left palm is pointing towards the target (or forward if the target is the caster).
  
  +
===Elementalist===
−
***Skills slower than 0.5 seconds that target the caster herself: The elementalist will rise in the air, bow forward then arch her back and land back gracefully.
  
  +
*'''Female''':
−
***Skills that target others and are longer than 0.5 seconds but no slower than 2 seconds: The elementalist rises in the air, thrusts her weapon forward pointing to the target.
  
−
***Skills that are 2 seconds (whether on others or self): The elementalist floats in the air holding her arms straight until a second or so is left in the cast time then she either brings her arms down and performs a thrusting motion as if throwing something at the target (if the target is someone else) or arches her back if the target is herself.
 +
**All skills that cast in 0.5 seconds or faster are performed by a quick move of the hand so that the left palm is pointing towards the target (or forward if the target is the caster).
  +
**Skills slower than 0.5 seconds that target the caster herself: The elementalist will rise in the air, bow forward then arch her back and land back gracefully.
  +
**Skills that target others and are longer than 0.5 seconds but no slower than 2 seconds: The elementalist rises in the air, thrusts her weapon forward pointing to the target.
  +
**Skills that are 2 seconds (whether on others or self): The elementalist floats in the air holding her arms straight until a second or so is left in the cast time then she either brings her arms down and performs a thrusting motion as if throwing something at the target (if the target is someone else) or arches her back if the target is herself.
 
::{|
  
::{|
 
|[[image:Ele_Very_Fast.jpg|thumb|85px|Under 0.5 cast]]
  
|[[image:Ele_Very_Fast.jpg|thumb|85px|Under 0.5 cast]]
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||[[image:Ele_Slow.jpg|thumb|85px|more than 2 seconds]]
 
||[[image:Ele_Slow.jpg|thumb|85px|more than 2 seconds]]
 
|}
  
|}
−
:*Male:
 +
*'''Male''':
  +
−
*'''Monk:'''
  
  +
−
**Female:
  
  +
===Monk===
−
***All skills that cast in 0.5 seconds or faster are performed by a quick jab of the equipped weapon forward.
 
  +
*'''Female''':
  +
**All skills that cast in 0.5 seconds or faster are performed by a quick jab of the equipped weapon forward.
 
:::{|
  
:::{|
 
|[[Image:monk-female-skill-animation-jab.jpg|thumb|85px|short casting jab]]
  
|[[Image:monk-female-skill-animation-jab.jpg|thumb|85px|short casting jab]]
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||[[Image:monk-female-skill-animation-jab.jpg|thumb|85px|jab at target]]
  
||[[Image:monk-female-skill-animation-jab.jpg|thumb|85px|jab at target]]
 
|}
  
|}
−
**Male:
 +
*'''Male''':
−
***Identical with female animations.
 +
**Identical to female animations.
  +
−
*'''Mesmer:'''
  
  +
−
**Female:
  
  +
===Mesmer===
−
***All skills that cast in 0.5 seconds or faster are performed by a swift point of the weapon/wand.
 
  +
*'''Female''':
  +
**All skills that cast in 0.5 seconds or faster are performed by a swift point of the weapon/wand.
 
:::{|
  
:::{|
 
|[[Image:mesmer-skill-animation-female-short.jpg|thumb|85px|short cast stab]]
  
|[[Image:mesmer-skill-animation-female-short.jpg|thumb|85px|short cast stab]]
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||[[Image:mesmer-female-skill-animation-long4.jpg|thumb|85px|Point]]
  
||[[Image:mesmer-female-skill-animation-long4.jpg|thumb|85px|Point]]
 
|}
  
|}
−
**Male:
 +
*'''Male''':
−
***All skills that cast in 0.5 seconds or faster cause the Mesmer to perform a fast pose with the weapon hand extended and the offhand poised upwards, similar to a fencing maneuver.
 +
**All skills that cast in 0.5 seconds or faster cause the Mesmer to perform a fast pose with the weapon hand extended and the offhand poised upwards, similar to a fencing maneuver.
  +
−
*'''Assassin:'''
  
  +
−
**Female:
  
  +
===Assassin===
−
***The Assassin spreads her legs (almost kneeling), bends forward and holds her hand close together, by her right. this animation occurs during the whole casting time.
  
  +
*'''Female''':
  +
**The Assassin spreads her legs (almost kneeling), bends forward and holds her hand close together, by her right. This animation occurs during the whole casting time.
 
::*Skills cast on the user make the Assassin stretch her left hand upward and quickly moves her to the ground, as if throwing something on the ground.
  
::*Skills cast on the user make the Assassin stretch her left hand upward and quickly moves her to the ground, as if throwing something on the ground.
 
::*''Some'' skills cast on the others make the Assassin stand up, move her hands to the left, and then thrust them towards the target.
  
::*''Some'' skills cast on the others make the Assassin stand up, move her hands to the left, and then thrust them towards the target.
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||[[Image:assassin-female-skill-animation-thrust.jpg|thumb|85px|Thrust]]
  
||[[Image:assassin-female-skill-animation-thrust.jpg|thumb|85px|Thrust]]
 
|}
  
|}
−
**Male:
 +
*'''Male''':
−
***All skills that cast in a short amount of time (like most Assassin skills and hexes) result in the Assassin spreading one leg out to the side, bending the other, then reaching upwards and throwing something to the ground- all in quick succession. Skills and spell with longer casting times result in a similar animation, but the Assassin will hold his hand in the air for as long as the spell takes to cast before throwing it downwards.
 +
**All skills that cast in a short amount of time (like most Assassin skills and hexes) result in the Assassin spreading one leg out to the side, bending the other, then reaching upwards and throwing something to the ground- all in quick succession. Skills and spell with longer casting times result in a similar animation, but the Assassin will hold his hand in the air for as long as the spell takes to cast before throwing it downwards.
−
*'''Ritualist:'''
  
−
**Female:
  
−
**Male:
  
−
*'''Dervish:'''
  
−
**Female:
  
−
**Male:
  
−
*'''Paragon:'''
  
−
**Female:
  
−
**Male:
  
−
== Casting Symbols ==
  
−
The '''Casting Symbol''' is a symbol that appears ''above the head'' of the ''caster''. Typically it appears during the whole process of activation.
  
   
−
The Casting Symbol is ''optional'' and the type depends on type of the used skill:
  
   
−
===Spells===
 +
===Ritualist===
  +
*'''Female''':
−
For [[Spell]]s (including [[hex]]es and [[enchantment]]s) the casting symbol usually indicates the linked attribute, for example most Healing Prayers spells have the "ankh" symbol, most Divine Favor spells have the "vortex" symbol, etc.
 
  +
*'''Male''':
   
−
However, there are exceptions from this rule:
  
−
*Some few spells have no Casting Symbol at all.
  
−
*Some few spells have a ''unique'' casting symbol, for example [[Vampiric Gaze]] has a green skull instead of the typical red blood-dripping ring of a Blood Magic spell.
  
−
*Some few spells have the "wrong" casting symbol, for example [[Life Attunement]] has the "ankh" symbol of a Healing Prayers spell altough it is a Protection Prayers spell.
  
   
  +
===Dervish===
−  
  +
*'''Female''':
−
{| {{STDT}}
  
  +
**Skills which cast in less than 0.5 seconds, and target the self, an ally, or nothing, cause the Dervish to look up and point whatever's in her left hand to the sky. If her right hand is empty, it will also half-heartedly point upwards; otherwise it will remain by her side.
−
|-
  
  +
:::{|
−
| '''[[Profession]]'''
 
  +
|[[Image:dervish-female-skill-animation-quick-cast.jpg|thumb|85px|Quick cast]]
−
| colspan = 6 | '''[[Spell]]s''' (by [[Attribute]])
  
−
|-
  
−
| '''[[Monk]]'''<br>[[Image:Monk-icon.png]]
  
−
| '''[[Healing Prayers]]''':<br>[[Image:Healing Symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Protection Prayers]]''':<br>[[Image:Protection Symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Smiting Prayers]]''':<br>[[Image:Smiting Symbol.jpg]]
  
−
|colspan=3| '''[[Divine Favor]], No Attribute''':<br>[[Image:DivineFavor Symbol.jpg]]
  
−
|-
  
−
| '''[[Necromancer]]'''<br>[[Image:Necromancer-icon.png]]
 
−
| '''[[Curses]]''':<br>[[Image:Curses Symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Blood Magic]]''':<br>[[Image:Blood Symbol.jpg]]
 
−
| '''[[Death Magic]]''':<br>[[Image:Death Symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Soul Reaping]], No Attribute''':<br>[[Image:Necromancer General Spell Symbol.jpg|128px]]
  
−
| '''[[Vampiric Gaze]]''':<br>[[Image:NecroSkull Symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Gaze of Contempt]]''':<br>[[Image:Gaze of Contempt Symbol.jpg|128px]]
  
−
|-
  
−
| '''[[Mesmer]]'''<br>[[Image:Mesmer-icon.png]]
 
−
| '''[[Domination Magic]]''':<br>[[Image:Domination Symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Inspiration Magic]]''':<br>[[Image:Inspiration Symbol_2.jpg]]
 
−
| '''[[Illusion Magic]]''':<br>[[Image:Illusion Symbol.jpg]]
  
−
|colspan=3| '''[[Fast Casting]], No Attribute''':<br>[[Image:Fast Casting Symbol.jpg|128px]]
  
−
|-
  
−
| '''[[Elementalist]]'''<br>[[Image:Elementalist-icon.png]]
  
−
| '''[[Air Magic]]''':<br>[[Image:Air Symbol 2.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Water Magic]]''':<br>[[Image:Water Symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Earth Magic]]''':<br>[[Image:Earth Symbol_2.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Fire Magic]]''':<br>[[Image:Fire Symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Energy Storage]]'''<br>'''No Attribute''':<br>[[Image:Elementalist General Spell Symbol.jpg|128px]]
  
−
| '''Aura of Restoration''':<br>[[Image:EnergyStorage Symbol.jpg]]
  
−
|-
  
−
| '''[[Assassin]]'''<br>[[Image:Assassin-icon.png]]
 
−
| '''[[Deadly Arts]]''':<br>[[Image:Deadly Symbol.jpg]]
 
−
| '''[[Shadow Arts]]''':<br>[[Image:Shadow Symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Critical Strikes]]''':<br>[[Image:Critical Strikes Symbol.jpg]]
  
−
|colspan=3| '''No Attribute''':<br>[[Image:Assassin General Spell Symbol.jpg|128px]]
  
−
|-
  
−
| '''[[Ritualist]]'''<br>[[Image:Ritualist-icon.png]]
 
−
| '''[[Communing]]''':<br>[[Image:Communing Symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Channeling Magic]]''':<br>[[Image:Channeling Symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Restoration Magic]]''':<br>[[Image:Restoration Symbol.jpg]]
  
−
|colspan=3| '''[[Spawning Power]], No Attribute''':<br>[[Image:Spawning Symbol.jpg]]
  
−
|-
  
−
| '''[[Dervish]]'''<br>[[Image:Dervish-icon.png]]
 
−
| '''[[Earth Prayers]]''':<br>[[Image:Earth Prayers symbol.jpg|128px]]
  
−
| '''[[Wind Prayers]]''':<br>[[Image:Wind Prayers symbol.jpg|128px]]
  
−
| '''[[Mysticism]]''':<br>[[Image:Mysticism symbol.jpg|128px]]
  
−
|colspan=3| '''No Attribute''':<br>[[Image:Dervish general spell symbol.jpg|128px]]
  
−
|-
  
 
|}
  
|}
  +
::*Most skills which take longer then 0.5 seconds to cast cause the Dervish to kneel, then stand up with her head still down, wrap her arms around herself, and suddenly "release" by opening her arms wide and leaning back. Skills which take a second or less to cast generally skip the kneel, however.
−  
  +
:::{|
−
===Signets===
  
  +
||[[Image:dervish-female-skill-animation-long-cast-kneel.jpg|thumb|85px|Kneeling -- the beginning motion of long casts]]
−
[[Signet]]s have the same "rose" symbol for all professions and attributes:
  
  +
||[[Image:dervish-female-skill-animation-long-cast-hug.jpg|thumb|85px|Self-hug -- the beginning motion of shorter casts and half-way motion of long casts]]
−
:{| {{STDT}}
  
  +
||[[Image:dervish-female-skill-animation-long-cast-release.jpg|thumb|85px|Release]]
−
| '''Signet Casting Symbol''' <br>[[Image:SignetCastingSymbol.jpg]]
  
 
|}
  
|}
  +
::*Skills which target a specific foe (regardless of cast time) will cause the Dervish to kneel as above, then point her weapon towards her target, pull her right arm back as she stands up, then push her right hand towards the foe, in a manner not dissimilar to the [[Banish]] artwork. Again, shorter casts will skip the kneel.
−
The only known exception is [[Signet of Humility]], which uses the same animation as Fast Casting and no attribute Mesmer spells.
  
  +
:::{|
−  
  +
||[[Image:dervish-female-skill-animation-attack-kneel.jpg|thumb|85px|Coming out of kneel -- the beginning motion for short casts and part-way motion for long casts.]]
−
===Glyphs===
  
  +
||[[Image:dervish-female-skill-animation-attack-pull.jpg|thumb|85px|Pulling right arm back]]
−
{| {{STDT}}
  
  +
||[[Image:dervish-female-skill-animation-attack-push.jpg|thumb|85px|Banishing]]
−
| '''[[Glyph of Concentration|Concentration]]''' <br> [[Image:Glyph of Concentration symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Glyph of Elemental Power|Elemental Power]]''' <br> [[Image:Glyph of Elemental Power symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Glyph of Energy|Energy]]''' <br> [[Image:Glyph of Energy symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Glyph of Essence|Essence]]''' <br> [[Image:Glyph of Essence symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Glyph of Lesser Energy|Lesser Energy]]''' <br> [[Image:Glyph of Lesser Energy symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Glyph of Renewal|Renewal]]''' <br> [[Image:Glyph of Renewal symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Glyph of Sacrifice|Sacrifice]]''' <br> [[Image:Glyph of Sacrifice symbol.jpg]]
  
 
|}
  
|}
  +
*'''Male''':
  +
**Has the same animations as female.
   
−
===Nature Rituals===
 +
===Paragon===
  +
*'''Female''':
−
[[Nature Ritual]]s have '''two''' casting symbols:
  
  +
*'''Male''':
   
  +
== Casting Symbol ==
−
1. A symbol that appears at the very end of activation, which is identical for all Nature Rituals:
  
  +
The [[Casting Symbol]] is a symbol that appears above the head of the caster. Typically it appears during the whole process of activation.
   
  +
The Casting Symbol is optional and the type depends on type of the used skill.
−
:{| {{STDT}}
  
−
| '''Nature Ritual Symbol''' <br>[[Image:NatureRitual_Symbol.jpg]]
  
−
|}
  
−  
−  
−
2. A symbol that is ''unique'' above the character with a spinning ring appearing around the middle of the character at the start of casting:
  
−  
−
{| {{STDT}}
  
−
|-
  
−
| '''[[Nature Ritual]]'''
 
−
| colspan = 0 |
  
−
|-
  
−
| '''[[Beast Mastery]]'''
  
−
| '''[[Predatory Season]]''':<br>[[Image:Predatory_symbol.jpg]]
 
−
| '''[[Symbiosis]]''':<br>[[Image:Symbiosis_symbol.jpg]]
 
−
| '''[[Energizing Wind]]''':<br>[[Image:Energizing_symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Fertile Season]]''':<br>[[Image:Fertile_symbol .jpg]]
 
−
| '''[[Edge of Extinction]]''':<br>[[Image:Edge_symbol.jpg]]
 
−
| '''[[Primal Echoes]]''':<br>[[Image:Primal_symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Lacerate]]''':<br>[[Image:Lacerate_symbol.jpg]]
  
−
|-
  
−
| '''[[Marksmanship]]'''
  
−
| '''[[Favorable Winds]]''':<br>[[Image:Favorable_symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| colspan = 6 |
  
−
|-
  
−
| '''[[Wilderness Survival]]'''
  
−
| '''[[Brambles]]''':<br>[[Image:Brambles_symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Conflagration]]''':<br>[[Image:Conflagration_symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Equinox]]''':<br>[[Image:Equinox_symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Famine]]''':<br>[[Image:Famine_symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Frozen Soil]]''':<br>[[Image:Frozen_symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Greater Conflagration]]''':<br>[[Image:Greater_symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Muddy Terrain]]''':<br>[[Image:Muddy_symbol.jpg]]
  
−
|-
  
−
| colspan = 1 |
  
−
| '''[[Nature's Renewal]]''':<br>[[Image:Nature_symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Quickening Zephyr]]''':<br>[[Image:Quickening_symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Tranquility]]''':<br>[[Image:Tranquility_symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Winnowing]]''':<br>[[Image:Winnowing_symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Winter]]''':<br>[[Image:Winter_symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| colspan = 6 |
  
−
|}
  
−  
−
===Chants===
  
−
The character uses his generic casting animation, during which he/she grows a pair of glowing transparent wings appear on the character's back, flap once and then disappear.
  
−
::::{|
  
−
|[[Image:chant wings up animation.jpg|thumb|Wings up]]
  
−
||[[image:chant wings down animation.jpg|thumb|Wings down]]
  
−
|}
  
−  
−
===Forms===
  
−
{| {{STDT}}
  
−
| '''[[Avatar of Balthazar]]''' <br> [[Image:Avatar of Balthazar symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Avatar of Dwayna]]''' <br> [[Image:Avatar of Dwayna symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Avatar of Grenth]]''' <br> [[Image:Avatar of Grenth symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Avatar of Lyssa]]''' <br> [[Image:Avatar of Lyssa symbol.jpg]]
  
−
| '''[[Avatar of Melandru]]''' <br> [[Image:Avatar of Melandru symbol.jpg]]
  
−
|}
  
−  
−
===Other Skills===
  
−
Most "other" skills (especially those that activate instantly) have '''no''' Casting Symbol at all:
  
−
*"Plain" [[Skill (Skill type)|Skills]]
  
−
*[[Attack]] Skills
  
−
*[[Stance]]s
  
−
*[[Shout]]s (While Warrior shouts display chat popup with phrase of that shout.)
  
−
*[[Preparation]]s
  
−
*[[Trap]]s
  
−  
−
Again, there are exceptions from the rule. There are plain Skills and Stances that use the Casting Symbol of their linked attribute or a unique symbol. For example, the Mantras used by Mesmers (which are Stances) show the same glowing symbol above the user's head as the symbol shown in the skill icon.
  
   
 
== Caster/Target Aura ==
  
== Caster/Target Aura ==
Line 312: Line 194:
 
*The caster aura appears either during the whole process of activation (typical for non-spell skills) or at the end, right before or right after the activation is complete (typical for spells).
  
*The caster aura appears either during the whole process of activation (typical for non-spell skills) or at the end, right before or right after the activation is complete (typical for spells).
 
*In case of a self-targeting skill the target aura appears on the caster, blending in with the caster aura.
  
*In case of a self-targeting skill the target aura appears on the caster, blending in with the caster aura.
−
*All Warrior ''shout'' skills can be easily identified by a balloon above their user's head. Ranger shouts do not have this bubble.
 +
*All Warrior and Paragon ''shout'' skills can be easily identified by a balloon above their user's head. Ranger shouts and Paragon Chants do not have this bubble.
   
 
=== Target Aura ===
  
=== Target Aura ===
Line 319: Line 201:
   
 
=== Trivia ===
  
=== Trivia ===
−
Some enemies such as Charr Ranger's (e.g [[Charr Stalker]]) and Undead Rangers (e.g [[Skeleton Ranger]]) seem to not have a proper skill animation for casting some kinds of skills and as such appear to be tripping consecutivly while activating long cast time skills, such as nature rituals. It is rather odd to see.
 +
Some enemies, such as Charr Rangers (e.g [[Charr Stalker]]), Undead Rangers (e.g [[Skeleton Ranger]]) and trolls (e.g [[Whuup Buumbuul]]), seem to lack a proper casting animation for certain skills and appear to trip repeatedly while activating skills with long cast times (such as nature rituals).
  +
  +
The Assassin casting animation resembles them throwing a smoke bomb in a classic ninja-like fashion.
  +
  +
== Notes ==
  +
Occasionally, the weapon the player wields will affect the animation of certain skills (e.g A hammer will make a male Ranger use a skill, like Healing Signet, as if it were a male Warrior).
  +
  +
[[Category:Game mechanics]]

Latest revision as of 21:18, 17 March 2010

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Skill animation refers to the graphical animation that a character makes while performing a skill.

If you watch a foe or ally closely while they are activating a skill, you can tell a lot about the skill they are using without even checking them on the Skill Monitor.

The animation has up to 4 parts:

  1. the movement animation of the caster
  2. a "Casting Symbol" appearing above the caster's head (optional)
  3. an "aura" around the body of the caster (optional)
  4. an "aura" around the body of the target


Movement Animation

For each skill there is a movement animation. The basic type of animation depends on:

  • The type of skill and the duration of casting
  • If the skill is activated on another or on the character himself/herself.
  • How long the cast time for the skill is: Very Fast (0.5 seconds or less cast time), Fast (more than 0.5 seconds, less than 2 seconds), Medium (more than 1 and less than 3) and Long (3 seconds activation or longer).

Each of the ten professions displays a different way of portraying these four combinations with some classes displaying more variety than others.

Warrior

  • Female:
    • Attack skills use the standard weapon attack animation.
    • All other use a single casting animation based on the weapon the warrior is using. The animation speed and length is varied for the casting time.
      • When wielding a hammer, the warrior leans down and concentrates, then arches upwards holding the hammer vertical in front of the chest.
Warrior-skill-animation-two-hand-down

casting
Warrior-skill-animation-two-hand-arch

skill completion

  • When wielding a sword or axe, the warrior waves the weapon above her head, then swings the weapon downward and finally arches upwards holding the weapon extended above the head.
Warrior-skill-animation-one-hand-wave

casting
Warrior-skill-animation-one-hand-arch

skill completion

  • Male:


Ranger

  • Female:
    • Short skills are cast simply by the ranger crossing her arms and throwing them backwards
Ranger-female-skill-animation-end1

shoulders back

  • Preparations cause the ranger to kneel, and work her fingers against the bow
Ranger-female-skill-animation-prep-rit

preparation

  • Longer skills cause the ranger to reach her arms back, and pull her arms forward in a sweeping motion. Long skills end with the short animation.
Ranger-female-skill-animation-long1

reach back
Ranger-female-skill-animation-long2

pull forward
Ranger-female-skill-animation-end1

shoulders back

  • Touch skills use a separate animation where the ranger reaches up with her draw hand, and casts it out to touch the target.
Ranger-female-skill-animation-touch1

reach back
Ranger-female-skill-animation-touch2

pull forward

  • Nature Rituals use the long animation, but end with the preparation animation.
  • Male:
    • Identical to female, except that the touch skill animation involves both hands, and looks as if the ranger is tossing a large object from overhead.

Necromancer

  • Female:
  • Male:
    • Blood magic skills that cast in 0.5 seconds or faster are performed with a lunging motion towards the target with both hands outstretched.
    • Death magic skills that cast in 0.5 seconds or less are performed with the Necromancer slightly leaning forward, then clapping his hands together.
    • Death magic skills that are cast in more than 0.5 seconds start with the Necromancer bending backwards, then floating into the air, and finally, going upright and crossing his arms. Some skills in the Death magic category create a large green symbol resembling Grenth's head, while others create black heiroglyphic-like symbols under the caster as he floats into the air.
    • Blood magic skills start with the same animation as Death magic skills, but end with both hands stretched towards the target. Some symbols that appear during the casting of a blood magic spell are giant green skulls with diamond-shaped eyes, while others can create a yellow circle filled with red circles (which pulsate) above the caster.
    • Curses start with the same animation as the rest, but end with the Necromancer pointing his right hand (and weapon in said hand, staves are held one-handed during the animation) towards his target. The main Curses spell symbol seems to be a circle with many lines along its perimeter.
    • Non-Necromancer spells are cast using the animation from the Blood Magic skills.

Elementalist

  • Female:
    • All skills that cast in 0.5 seconds or faster are performed by a quick move of the hand so that the left palm is pointing towards the target (or forward if the target is the caster).
    • Skills slower than 0.5 seconds that target the caster herself: The elementalist will rise in the air, bow forward then arch her back and land back gracefully.
    • Skills that target others and are longer than 0.5 seconds but no slower than 2 seconds: The elementalist rises in the air, thrusts her weapon forward pointing to the target.
    • Skills that are 2 seconds (whether on others or self): The elementalist floats in the air holding her arms straight until a second or so is left in the cast time then she either brings her arms down and performs a thrusting motion as if throwing something at the target (if the target is someone else) or arches her back if the target is herself.
Ele Very Fast

Under 0.5 cast
Ele fast

more than 0.5 sec on others
Ele Slow Self

more than 0.5 on self
Ele Slow

more than 2 seconds

  • Male:


Monk

  • Female:
    • All skills that cast in 0.5 seconds or faster are performed by a quick jab of the equipped weapon forward.
Monk-female-skill-animation-jab

short casting jab

  • Long casting skills all begin with the same animation. The monk enters a wide stance, places the weapon above her head, and cycles her offhand away from and back towards her torso.
Monk-female-skill-animation-casting

long cast animation

  • Long spells without a target, or where the target is the caster, end with the monk pulling the weapon around her body, and slashing it back and downward.
Monk-female-skill-animation-self1

step backwards
Monk-female-skill-animation-self2

drawn across the body
Monk-female-skill-animation-self3

slashing downward and backward

  • Long spells with a target end with the monk pulling the equipped weapon upward over her head, then stabbing forward as in the short animation.
Monk-female-skill-animation-other1

over and behind
Monk-female-skill-animation-jab

jab at target

  • Male:
    • Identical to female animations.


Mesmer

  • Female:
    • All skills that cast in 0.5 seconds or faster are performed by a swift point of the weapon/wand.
Mesmer-skill-animation-female-short

short cast stab

  • Long casting skills all use the same animation. The mesmer enters a wide stance, reaches forward with her offhand, and drags it away from the target, as if pulling something out of the target. This repeats until near the end of the casting time, when the mesmer pirouettes, ending with her weapon pointing at the target.
Mesmer-female-skill-animation-long1

Reach
Mesmer-female-skill-animation-long2

Pull
Mesmer-female-skill-animation-long3

Spin
Mesmer-female-skill-animation-long4

Point

  • Male:
    • All skills that cast in 0.5 seconds or faster cause the Mesmer to perform a fast pose with the weapon hand extended and the offhand poised upwards, similar to a fencing maneuver.


Assassin

  • Female:
    • The Assassin spreads her legs (almost kneeling), bends forward and holds her hand close together, by her right. This animation occurs during the whole casting time.
  • Skills cast on the user make the Assassin stretch her left hand upward and quickly moves her to the ground, as if throwing something on the ground.
  • Some skills cast on the others make the Assassin stand up, move her hands to the left, and then thrust them towards the target.
  • Fast casting skills use the same animations, albeit noticeably faster movement.
Assassin-female-skill-animation-casting

Casting
Assassin-female-skill-animation-hand-upward

Hand upward
Assassin-female-skill-animation-downward-punch

Downward punch
Assassin-female-skill-animation-hands-left

Hands left
Assassin-female-skill-animation-thrust

Thrust

  • Male:
    • All skills that cast in a short amount of time (like most Assassin skills and hexes) result in the Assassin spreading one leg out to the side, bending the other, then reaching upwards and throwing something to the ground- all in quick succession. Skills and spell with longer casting times result in a similar animation, but the Assassin will hold his hand in the air for as long as the spell takes to cast before throwing it downwards.


Ritualist

  • Female:
  • Male:


Dervish

  • Female:
    • Skills which cast in less than 0.5 seconds, and target the self, an ally, or nothing, cause the Dervish to look up and point whatever's in her left hand to the sky. If her right hand is empty, it will also half-heartedly point upwards; otherwise it will remain by her side.
Dervish-female-skill-animation-quick-cast

Quick cast

  • Most skills which take longer then 0.5 seconds to cast cause the Dervish to kneel, then stand up with her head still down, wrap her arms around herself, and suddenly "release" by opening her arms wide and leaning back. Skills which take a second or less to cast generally skip the kneel, however.
Dervish-female-skill-animation-long-cast-kneel

Kneeling -- the beginning motion of long casts
Dervish-female-skill-animation-long-cast-hug

Self-hug -- the beginning motion of shorter casts and half-way motion of long casts
Dervish-female-skill-animation-long-cast-release

Release

  • Skills which target a specific foe (regardless of cast time) will cause the Dervish to kneel as above, then point her weapon towards her target, pull her right arm back as she stands up, then push her right hand towards the foe, in a manner not dissimilar to the Banish artwork. Again, shorter casts will skip the kneel.
Dervish-female-skill-animation-attack-kneel

Coming out of kneel -- the beginning motion for short casts and part-way motion for long casts.
Dervish-female-skill-animation-attack-pull

Pulling right arm back
Dervish-female-skill-animation-attack-push

Banishing

  • Male:
    • Has the same animations as female.

Paragon

  • Female:
  • Male:

Casting Symbol

The Casting Symbol is a symbol that appears above the head of the caster. Typically it appears during the whole process of activation.

The Casting Symbol is optional and the type depends on type of the used skill.

Caster/Target Aura

The "aura" is some kind of visual effect that appears around the body of the caster (optional) and/or the target.

  • The auras are unique for each skill.
  • They are usually nicely animated: Swirling, rotating, pulsing, sparkling, flashing, ... there are countless variations.
  • In case there is an aura for both the caster and the target, these two auras are usually different.

Caster Aura

  • Many spells do not have a caster aura.
  • Most non-spell skills have a caster aura (instead of or in addition to a Casting Symbol).
  • The caster aura appears either during the whole process of activation (typical for non-spell skills) or at the end, right before or right after the activation is complete (typical for spells).
  • In case of a self-targeting skill the target aura appears on the caster, blending in with the caster aura.
  • All Warrior and Paragon shout skills can be easily identified by a balloon above their user's head. Ranger shouts and Paragon Chants do not have this bubble.

Target Aura

  • Virtually all skills (including non-spell skills) have a target aura of some kind.
  • The target aura appears upon "impact" of the skill, i.e. after successful activation.

Trivia

Some enemies, such as Charr Rangers (e.g Charr Stalker), Undead Rangers (e.g Skeleton Ranger) and trolls (e.g Whuup Buumbuul), seem to lack a proper casting animation for certain skills and appear to trip repeatedly while activating skills with long cast times (such as nature rituals).

The Assassin casting animation resembles them throwing a smoke bomb in a classic ninja-like fashion.

Notes

Occasionally, the weapon the player wields will affect the animation of certain skills (e.g A hammer will make a male Ranger use a skill, like Healing Signet, as if it were a male Warrior).

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