Transitioning away from ability apps

[Galion]

Signature Progress (PP)
Progress Points: 1 point per EXP, 0.5 point per influence gained. Quests/dungeons do not contribute to this however.

Standout Character: Every 2 weeks, Staff will view the commendations from that period. After a quick discussion, each Staff member selects up to 5 characters based on what they know and the commendations (not the # of them, just using it as insight). Then once selected, in a forum thread those standout characters are highlighted with the commendations quoted (assuming no sensitive info) and granted a +50% Signature PP modifier that lasts for 2 weeks.

Should be 25-30 characters or so nominated bi-weekly for the standout reward. Maybe also include which Staff member chose which characters (though claims of bias perhaps, but I like the transparency). Staff can also include an optional comment, or choose to be anonymous.

So this would more or less replace the current app process/work.

Havoc Modifier: (maybe a different name) Players can declare this via the /havoc command, and it lasts for 3 years. It increases the amount of signature EXP they gain from dangerous+ battles, but also sets them with the Wrath modifier so there's more risk involved in their battles; highlights their name similar to outlaw.

Personally, I love this system.

Standout Character is an interesting idea. However, I think rather then a biweekly status, this should just be a general one rewarded for outstanding performance and roleay during Public Events, War Battles, etc. I think the game needs to steer clear from a style that turns everyday roleplay into something that feels like a competition between players. We shouldn't aim to make the RP game more of an addictive investment.

Alternatively, players should just get voted as Standout upon reaching certain milestones, ex, procced upon a certain commendation count for administrative review.  Something that comes without pushing the idea of an 'Employee of the Month' type feel.

Although even the current system may be a popularity contest, to me atleast, it manages to avoid the feel that I have to continuously work to prove myself to people. For as long as I have been roleplaying on E4, I have dodged that mentality and simply RP'd my characters. Specifically referring to I, because I do not know how other people feel. This is a lot of 'I feel' a certain way in the end.

Havoc Modifier is cool. I think people complaining about the idea are fearmongering a bit too hard. Characters like the aforementioned Vyldrax are rare as hell and you have the ability to flee from them. I think enabling increased threat level, higher risk, higher reward is very cool. In the end, no matter who you are, there is always a challenge. Even if you are topdog, there is always that chance of you encountering a bigger fish, or your builds counter.

I think players should react to havoc modifier threats accordingly: through IC! Bounties, Hunting Parties, Etc!! More conflict! Conflict is joy!

Signature Menu good. I see nothing that needs saying here.

Things I would considering adding: 

Danger+ / Event Requirements to combat signatures. You should be an proven in the field of battle to obtain a great many of these abilities, whether its as a survivalist, a victor, or simply someone who suffers. We should not see low danger Super Magis, when the average Super Magi should know danger at heart. We should not see Death Magi who haven't, well, faced death in repetition to the point it remolds their very essence. We should'nt see Glorious Infernos who sit on the indoors dev couch, rather then becoming a pyre be it good or evil in the world.

Mentorship Improvements allows players to learn Signature Abilities early. Maybe by up to 50% to even 75%. Rather then being something that simply hands players an ability, it puts them in a PP deficit that they will have to work their way out of. In turn, mentorship should be much more widely distributed.

Outlaw / Wanderer Status forgoes the ability to gain influence in settlements completely. Instead, they will gain influence at the rate of a Rank 4 Character in a faction (second from the bottom?) and an increased influence gain from combat. This points to the idea that even those outside of large factions are capable of carving a name for themselves. This would, as said, add in a Wanderer status which may not accumulate danger influence so much. This isn't a complete idea in my head but perhaps one for brainstorming.

Once Outlaw Status is active, the only way to remove it is to be accepted into a large faction.


ok thts all- i love this system improvement and wanted to try and add some constructive thoughts ty!!