** 02/2013 : Whoa. Totally forgot this still existed. It's about time I got rid of it. Don't think anyone wants to discuss it anyways. **

I apologize if this subject is discussed too much.

Reason:

I think the Winmillion line deserves an extension because it serves the unique niche of being a sword that can fire projectiles. This differentiates it from the other fast-attack swords like the Cutter series and the Flourish series. I believe this on its own is enough to warrant an extension.

Execution:

I personally would like to see it branch into a three-pronged tree after Winmillion. Naturally, a normal-damage 5-star variant would be a solid extension, and it would function like an upgraded Winmillion. Perhaps the projectiles could fly slightly farther, or the attack speed increased, or the attack power slightly increased (I feel like too much of an increase would over-power the weapon), or perhaps more and smaller projectiles per swing that only travel a shorter distance.

Here are my ideas for two other variants at the 5-star level. I'm listing them separate from the aforementioned NRM-damage weapon because I feel their inclusion would be far more disagreeable, and I am far more open to discussing their specifics (though I am up for discussing anything Winmillion-related; it's why I wanted to start a thread on the subject). The nicknames in parentheses are just my personal ideas on what they should be called. I really don't care what they're named, TBH.

*Elemental-Damage Winmillion: (Nickname: "Unstable Wind")

Similar to the Brandish line of weapons, this variant could deal elemental damage. However, like the respective lines this would deal much lower damage per swing at the benefit of being much faster. One of the main complaints I have with the vanilla Winmillion is it's rather weak, useless, and otherwise ineffectual charge attack. Like the Brandishes, I would personally like to see the giant projectile get a high chance to inflict some kind of strong elemental effect like shock, fire, freeze, etc.

To be more specific about the charge attack, I think it would be neat to see it travel some distance (Like it's predecessor) but then explode at the end, like a brandish, and deal a random status effect. I feel like a random status effect (similar to the Sealed Sword) would make it less predictable and detract from the charge attack being abused. It would still travel as fast as the current charge-disk, meaning it would still slower than the series explosions of the Brandishes.

*Shadow-damage Winmillion: (Nickname: "A Black Wind" - "A black wind blows through you, reducing all of your equipment and armor to level 1!") **I have no desire to see a weapon or armor nullifying weapon, I just wanted to make a Cave Story reference!**

A basic shadow-damage variant. Would work a lot like the Nightblade/Acheron branch of the Brandish line, but with less damage/fires projectiles/faster attack speed/etc. Just like my elemental-dmg idea, it would basically just be a Winmillion that deals shadow damage. Unlike the elemental-damage idea, I think the charge attack projectile should not explode. While I really like the Cave Story reference and the fact that this would add to the still relatively small list of shadow damage weapons (small at least IMO) I can't really think of much else to add - perhaps some suggestions for my suggestion?

**If you notice, I did not add a piercing-damage weapon. This is simply because I don't know how it could be added visually while not ripping off the Barbarous Thorn Blade. I definitely think it could be done, I just don't think it's necessary. I'd just give the concept of a fast-attacking piercing sword to the Cutter line. But then again, that's all IMO.

**I could not care for what these weapons look like aesthetically. For all I care they could just be pallet-swaps of the current Winmillion. Just want to see the tree completed with some variety and choice.

Discussion:

As said, I would like to hear criticism of my ideas and how they could be improved. These are rough concepts and thus do not have any specific damage/attack speed tables. It's more or less the concept of a NRM, SHAD, & ELMT - damage trident that I think would be an interesting way to complete the alchemy tree. While it would make sense to have it branch off before Winmillion (like say at Spur or Arc Razor), due to the high number of players who probably already have Winmillion I feel it would be a severe inconvenience to have to create and heat a new line of the tree after carrying around an existing Winmillion for so long. This would also allow players who would become interested in wielding this line to kind of practice and get a hang of the weapon in it's previous forms. Once again, that is all IMO.

My intention is to extend Winmillion without over-powering it. Improving it, but not de-clawing it for Tier 3. Some balance suggestions would be appreciated.

I enjoy this game and whether or not this, or anything similar to this, is ever implemented would not detract from my already-high opinion. Good job, OOO. I just personally think it is a shame that such a fine weapon like Winmillion has such a limited Alchemy tree with no 5-star upgrade.

Now I should stop talking, as I am eager to hear your own suggestions and opinions.