This package contains instructions and files for creating a Thunderbolt attribute using FFX. The attribute is designed to simulate the time limited powers of the Thunder Agents character Dynamo. 

Users are advised to backup their FFX.py and FFXcustom.py files before implementing the new code. You are also advised to make backup copies of the new FFX.py and FFXcustom.py files after you've added the Thunderbelt changes because they are not part of the FFX package and will be erased when a new version of FFX is installed. When a new version of FFX is installed or re-installed, simply copy the THUNDERBELT attributes from you backup ffx.py file into the new ffx.py file. Also copy the heavy footed information from your backup FFXcustom.py into the new version. 

WHAT ALL THIS DOES:

Dynamo, a great Wally Wood created character from the Thunder Agents comics, had a belt that gave him super powers but was dangerous, possibly deadly, after 30 minutes of use. The scientists of T.H.U.N.D.E.R. gave the belt an automatic shut off at the 30 minute mark and a 5 minute warning buzzer. The 30 minutes was not necessarily continuous; Dynamo could turn the belt off, stopping the shut off clock at whatever time it was down to. When he restarted the belt, the timer would continue from that point.

The Thunderbelt gave Dynamo increased mass of approximately 1000 lbs and increased strength to high superhuman levels. With the increased strength, he could leap great distances, creating a recoil that could "shatter pavement" and a landing that causes a "terrific shock" (because of his increased mass). His skin was hard like armor plate. When the belt is activated the "Atomic Shift" causes a massive energy release around Dynamo that can stun anyone near him.

But the use of the belt exhausts the wearer and after 30 minutes of use their energy level is spent. If their energy is already dangerously low when the time is up, they collapse at the 30 minute mark.

The Thunderbelt attribute simulates all these effects using FFX code, custom sounds, custom powers, and custom animation in the Dynamo_REN mesh and keyframes. It increases the character’s strength by 4 points (but not past 10), increases their mass x5, gives an invulnerability to damage less than 20 points, and triples their health level.

The included hero.file demonstrates the use of all his attack animations. Melee_Dinosmash is a special leaping attack designed to look good vs large creatures like the Dinosaurs Dynamo fought in T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents #4. Dy Shakeoff simulates Dynamo throwing an army of fighters off his back, as he did in T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents #2. The Judo kick is also from a specific issue as well.

Giving Dynamo a normal strength of 4 will give him a strength of 8 when the belt is active. Since this still isn't enough to lift an in-game object like the bus, I also gave him the Heavy Lifting attribute. The Jumper attribute is necessary to enable the Mighty Leap function in the Thunderbelt attribute. I also gave him a passive defence to simulate the low level protection offered by his metal mesh suit (which is supposed to be bullet-proof, but didn't stop a shot in the side he took in one issue). His speed is set at 5 just because I generally find the normal 3 too slow.

CONTENTS of the THUNDERBELT files folder:

README FIRST file (this one right here!)
Thunderbelt Instructions.txt
Thunderbeltffx.py file (the attribute info for your FFX.py file)
forStrings.txt (text for your strings.txt file)
dialturn.wav
thundebelt_off.wav
thunderbeltbuzzer.wav
SOUND1.jpg
SOUND2.jpg
SOUND3.jpg
DYimpact.jpg

Thanks to Dr. Mike, Epithemee, and C4 for the FFX code that made this happen.

Dynamo, Thunderbelt, and Thunder Agents are trademarked and © 2005 John Carbonaro and used without his permission. The Thunderbelt attribute instructions should in no way be construed as an attempt to compromise or otherwise infringe upon the copyrights held by John Carbonaro. This information and the associated files are not for sale and are made available for free of charge.
