Transitioning away from ability apps

[Ohverride]

The more I think about it, the less I mind it. Usually characters I play and really latch onto last for QUITE a while. I do have some requests though, please do add more signatures for neglected trees at some point. It's a shame to see some trees having wonderful APEX spells, and others having little in the way to express that. It could be something simple, like bigger versions of other moves or whatnot.

But hey, I understand it's a lot of work to code new stuff in.

[Chance]

also yeah we can probably do the original idea (or similar) in the meantime since obviously this overhaul is more involved/drastic, but for now I think we'll just do standard apps. Having a lot of fun going through the motions w this though and I think we're onto a better future

[Callen200]

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.

Signature Skill Tree: Make this an in-game skill tree, and provide more purchase options. Signature EXP should be a currency to spend rather than a linear goal; small things that can customize your character (spell recolors, classes, etc) to minor passives and buffs, and then the 'big' buys (Signatures).

Each Skill/buy is assigned a value. So Glorious Inferno might cost 80k PP, but Elemental Fury might cost 30k. Probably a way to upgrade/refund Master tier Signatures (because upgrading/exchanging to Exalted is valid progression). 

The menu itself should be similar to the spell menu but much larger with multiple categories (Auras, Buffs, Passives, Utility, Classes, etc).

It would also probably make sense for the public master spells (purchased via the 2 tokens) to be incorporated into this, so there's not multiple similar systems.

With the Standout character, dose this not run into an issue of.. players just commending their friends to push them up that list

or players who keep commending leaders that are already up there- it turns into a favorize system, alot of people forget to commend people, 

Can we app for a boost in PP? explaining the dev we did and such for such signature, can Events reward PP?

Personally i had no issue Apping, i see where you are going with this

But with the havok command and such

everyone just tosses it on the strongest fighters that already have signatures or such,

Or will staff view a character on the lists and see if they have signatures already and bump them down and priotrize players that have no sigs and such

So the weaker players get stronger and have a chance to reach such points of signatures?

[Velkor]

also yeah we can probably do the original idea (or similar) in the meantime since obviously this overhaul is more involved/drastic

That sounds like a good idea. But since I'm not sure its clear with this system the one planned would there be a limit to the signatures. With both of the spells used could someone could just keep buying master level signatures?

The more restrictions you add the more people will end up min maxing. But if you add none you will have people likely buying whatever they can as soon as they can and abusing it.

[aidanj5277]

Maybe bias is the wrong word - I agree with what you’re saying here. Maybe the best way to word is is tunnel visioned? I could see characters that are already popular/people like getting all the attention and other characters (even if putting in their own great effort in their own stories) might just compound into popular becoming more popular, while others get more ostracized from the narrative. Not sure if that makes sense, but I felt like the original idea of just a flat XP requirement was better in a sense that no matter how many people you seduce into giving you a commend / getting made a standout character everyone was on the same page in if you had “X amount of XP” or “x amount of influence” or a combination of both, everyone was on the same page. 

Think in the sense that I’m sure there’s a ton of quality content creators out there who put great effort into their work, but the vast majority just don’t get noticed or have the luck to become popular enough to get credits for their efforts. Maybe my brain isn’t working rn but that’s my thoughts on it

[BabyFatJesus]

The system is still based on xp.
There are just ways to boost the gain of said xp that revolve around the use of a mechanic that the majority don't use.

Idk how I feel about it but it does feel like it would eventually devolve into high school popularity contests. Maybe if the bi weekly boosts didn't last for the entire 2 weeks or weren't as significant of a boost.

But that is honestly not even my largest concern which is the ability to use influence alongside xp. It still encourages people to sit inside settlements for all of their scenes.
But MOST egregious is that influence is a resource that can be directly shared between characters with the Give Support command in game.

[Chance]

Idk how I feel about it but it does feel like it would eventually devolve into high school popularity contests.

That's the role of the Staff filter, to objectively find characters who are doing cool shit. Only reason they will be popular is because they're driving roleplay and pulling off surprises w their plot. If not, we can suss that out easily.

Also having seen the commend system in a play for a while now, 90% of the time it's a commend to an unfamiliar OOCly and a fresh encounter ICly. Or like a thumbs up for long-term plotting. Just positive vibes. There are very few questionable commends that happen.


I would really like to see less negativity/pessimism in  regards to one another, honestly. The truth is this community is decent at placing the story above OOC, and that needs to be acknowledged more. The vast majority of you are doing a good job and those that are not aren't the worst.
No need to be fearful.

[Chance]

But MOST egregious is that influence is a resource that can be directly shared between characters with the Give Support command in game.

that's not how it'll work, it's influence you've gained directly- you get more of it the higher your rank, which is part of the deal/purpose. Encourages characters to be ambitious and be rewarded for climbing the rnaks / organizing events for their faction / etc etc for that improved mod, as well as leaders to promote and organize their guild proper if they want to prosper

[BabyFatJesus]

You are asking for feedback on a new system. The first thing people will see and be the most vocal on are the things that could go wrong. That's the point of feedback.

However you are right. I myself have used commend once before because I happened to be looking through my skill list at the time and used it on a demon I've been chasing for a while. I have never used it on anyone I know OOCly.

And the majority of people ARE very good at placing story over OOC. All of the people I associate with for sure, since I typically surround myself with people I like and can relate to.

But then you have people who don't do that.
The bad apples that every tree WILL have because that's just how it is.

If you want to make a system like this. I am giving you my earnest advice for you from experience that the more proofing you do to make it as less gamey as possible, the better your outcome will be once you implement it.

[Callen200]

But MOST egregious is that influence is a resource that can be directly shared between characters with the Give Support command in game.

that's not how it'll work, it's influence you've gained directly- you get more of it the higher your rank, which is part of the deal/purpose. Encourages characters to be ambitious and be rewarded for climbing the rnaks / organizing events for their faction / etc etc for that improved mod, as well as leaders to promote and organize their guild proper if they want to prosper

I do however like the idea of buying classes and such

But fast question- if someone buys witch with PP would they also obtain a Black book? 

Or am i able to app and give you a story of my character being a high priest from ext ext. and admins would either approve or deny it and give me the PP amount for Faith, Witchcraft or Necromancy