Running after the carrot.

[valla]

Alright. I have been thinking about something for a while now and thought I'd share it with the rest of you.

The last PW I really spent a lot of time on was a NWN 1 PW called Battledale. And I have been wondering what made me stay on that server for more than three years.

Well. I have concluded that it was the carrot. You know the one you hold in front of a horse to make it run...

Let me explain.

Assembling a group to head off and kill frost giants is fun... for a while. Until you realize that the only reason you really are up there is to grind for xp. The only carrot you have is your xp and it gets a bit repetitive.

We must not forget that we also have the RP carrot. Anyone can make up a RP reason for heading up there. However it is still almost entirely grinding for the most parts of the server. With a few welcome exceptions.(like the orc cave with the chief mission. And the mushroom mission. )

A real carrot is yet to be found!
(With the exception of the real cool DM events of course.)

Now that we are talking about implementing a crafting system. Let me give you an example of how it can be used to make some real carrots for players. A real reason for visiting the dark places of faerun.

The example is taken form the Battledale NWN 1 PW.

In order to get my sword enchanted with some elemental damage i had to get myself the heart of a demon. That particular type of demon was only found as a boss in one of the lower lvls of a dungeon. Now in order to reach that lvl you needed a rouge to find the entrance to the well hidden dungeon. On the first level you also needed a rouge to find the key to open the door to the second level. On the second level you needed someone with a high Lore skill to be able to operate the portal that let you enter the last level where the demon was. And of course you need a fighter to be able to tank the creatures on the way and a cleric to heal the party. In the end it was random what kind of demon appeared. And if you wanted a particular kind of heart you might have to make the trip several times.

Now that is what I would call a reason to venture somewhere. To get the things you need for that final enchantment. And it would force people to group up like the game was meant to be played.

Les say you have to bring some expensive gem to a small dungeon in order activate a portal that takes you to a horrific place that eventually leads to a boss that drops some precious resource you only can get there. And is used for the best enchantments. A bit of a gamble. The cost of the gem versus the risk of the dungeon. Would be great fun!

This would be a great way to use the planned crafting system to make goals for players. Real carrots...

I think this server is real great and I hope you don't look at this post as a complaint on the server but rather a constructive sharing of thoughts from a long time online NWN player.

Thanks.

Any thoughts? Shoot.

[thegnomeherder]

My main problem with crafting systems is I played on a NWN1 server called BlackStone Keep where you could augment your weapons with things called Forge Stones. This lead to people making Crafting Mules with no RP backgrounds whatsoever.

Also my MAIN MAIN problem is instead of enhancing you with cool and unique abilities it became UTTERLY NECESSARY to have crafted weapons to be able to be a functional PVPer or a PVEer.

I like the idea of unique crafted things- but I hate the despise the idea of people having crafting mules and me needing to go through the trouble and getting the Demons heart for the 14th time to enhance my weapon just to be up to par with everyone else.

I don't want to see crafted weapons become required to have a good time.

[maximvs]

the concept of running after the carrot applies in real life as well, as it is filled with beta carotene, and beta carotene will keep your eyes healty, to play neverwinter nights more!

[thegnomeherder]

I usually reward myself with a large carrot to eat IRL when I gain a level.

And what happened to your old Obama quote? I found that hilarious!

[adzling]

great points valla!

b.t.w. "rouge" is applied to the face, "rogue" is a sneaky personage ;-)

[kayoto]

Feb 9, 2009 16:14:20 GMT -5 adzling said:

great points valla!

b.t.w. "rouge" is applied to the face, "rogue" is a sneaky personage ;-)

It should be noted that there are many scenarios where "rogue" is applied to the face. There is usually some stabbing involved.

[luna]

I think it will slowly but surely be heading that way Valla. Your whole point is something we have talked about with staff.

[Zealote]

Great example of a cool adventure Valla. Be confident, that sort of thing will be IG in a near future.

[adzling]

IG in the UD?
har!

[Zealote]

Adzling, be confident, the UD will be IG in a near future as well. ;D

[loudent2]

Valla,

All that could be condensed down to "Loot acquisition". Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of the multi-leg quest for materials, but it's still just loot acquisition (which can be a great motivator).

[DEV Jlf2n]

All in due time. We have all sorts of plans, but unfortunately you guys don't pay enough! So we are all regulated to having day jobs. But I agree you have to have carrots...... and a little bit of ranch dressing. ;D