Hi all,
Here is a design that attempts to achieve the following goals from Wilson's identity :
1. Wilson is a simple character, with no downsides
2. Wilson is a scientist, likes experimenting
3. Wilson is intended as the face of don't starve, and he should be flavorful
4. Wilson is intended to be easy to get into for new players without being confusing
5. Wilson has a lot of knowledge and sanity to boot, similar to wicker
6. Wilson is a forgiving character to play
7. Wilson has to be a team player with some ability of revives (as seen in the forge)
New ability : Portable Chemistry Set
This is a new portable station (that Wilson can start with) which can be dropped like Maxwell book that unlocks some formulas that can be made with ingredients at the cost of sanity on use. The potions spoil in 3 days, to prevent stockpiling. Other characters can drink or use them, but cannot make them. The potions have mild support effects.
1. Heartpulse Formula
2x spider glands + 2 nitre + 30 health
This formula is like a telltale heart,with bonus points reviving at 100 health instead of 50, and without booster shot needed. The downside is that it doesn't restore sanity on use, but drains 20 sanity to the person using it on a ghost
Reason: as per his forge design, and the fact that new players die a lot, this would help for revives
2. Luminus Formula
2x light bulb + 2x nitre
Upon consumption, makes Wilson glow, with the duration of 3x a lesser glow berry. It consumes 20 sanity on use.
reason: new players usually avoid caves, and this would help them out
3. Sanity+
4x flowers + 2 nitre
Restores 30 sanity.
reason: simple formula for new players that wish to spend extra nitre resources to not have to deal with nightmare creatures
4. Trinitretolleus (crafts 3)
3x nitre + 3x ashes
Throwable gunpowder (like balloons)
It does 59.5 damage on hit, sets targets on fire after 3 hits in short succession, and no fire otherwise. Works in an aoe. These spoil in 10 days, instead of 3, and do not cost sanity on use.
Reason: for players that have issues kiting, this can help as a ranged attack with a cost of grinding. Numbers can be tweaked.
5. Brightbark Formula
1x logs + 1x nitre
A fuel item that lasts as long as glommer's goop. Creates efficiency at the cost of nitre. No sanity cost on use (because it is not drank, but fuel)
Let me know what you think of this approach and if you have other ideas of interesting formulas that fit Wilson's identities.
Bonus: I would also add a "Use" option to Maxwell's book and the portable chemistry set, which simply drops it at your feet, to make new players understand how it is used