Firstly, I would like to make a point and link this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODcadowNgSU
In this video, a player is using an Everlasting Margonite Tonic to play PvE as a minion of Abaddon. Why? Could be roleplaying. Could be a big fan of Abaddon. Or could just like the look a lot. But there is also a bigger reason: Because it’s fun.
I would like to make a proposal that ArenaNet makes Tonics usable in combat. Obviously this would not involve stationary tonics like Furniture Tonic, or those with weird animations, but I imagine a majority of tonics should work, especially those combatible with "bundle" items, like the Frost Gun.
Here are the mechanics I am proposing:
* Combat Transformation (1 hour): Double-click to transform into a TRANSFORMATION_HERE. Double-click again to end the transformation.
For those without swimming animations, add this clause:
* This transformation ends upon swimming.
Think: Like the Thoughtful-tonic.
It would address the following:
- Those who want to play as Skritt, Quaggan, Hylek, Kodan, etc...
- Town Clothing Tonics in combat
- Horizontal progression of those who collect
The downside of this, is the loss of some costume brawl skills. However, many tonics at the moment, such as Kodan, feature no costume brawl in the first place, and I am sure the community would be in favor of ditching costume brawl on a black quaggan tonic if it meant they could use it in combat.
I understand some animations could be a little finicky, such as a dredge "running" through water as its swim animation. However, I do think that is part of the fun.
And for clarification, I do believe this clause should be added as well:
* Cannot be used in PvP or WvW.
Well, what do you think? Playable Skritt, Town Clothes tonic usable in combat, and playable MOLTEN BERSERKER!
I am assuming there may be some technical limitation on ANET’s end which makes this difficult, but I do hope they someday look into this and consider it. I imagine it would be an immense profit to them if they locked some tonics behind the Black Lion Chest!