non combat Instances

[Hethwill]

Suggestion:

Implementation of Open World instances ( dynamic spawn ) that do not, necessarily, contain combat.

They should simply spawn "randomly" everywhere, even in the middle of nowhere in some cases. Like 1 spawn for every 3 counties area.

Limited to 7th and 6th rates - basic cutter excluded.

They should be closed once started. No interference. 

They should not be repeatable, once used they disappear.

Time limit of instance - very small. From 15 minutes to 30 minutes maximum.

Mechanics:

Player has to navigate, use wind properly, net get caught in leeshore where appliable, and reach the objective, access "location/ship hold" and overall make use of all mechanics other than "aim/shoot".

Examples:

- navigate shoal reefs to reach a ship wreck - use NA:L bathometric instance design (!)

- provide aid to stranded ship in the middle of the ocean - by supplying necessary repairs.

- explore a "unknown settlement" on the coast / upriver.

- trader in distress - defend AI trader from AI privateer ( this is combat )

The rewards could also be different from "individual" items for the player but Region based.

 

Something like

- 10% increase in LH for all ports in the County until next maintenance, if we help the stranded ship

- or -

 25% increase of NPC goods in all ports in the County, if we contact the "unknown settlement"

- or-

On very rare occasions, a "epic" loot item, such as a Silver Chest. Say 1 instance out of 100 per maintenance cycle. So only 1 player out of everyone might bump into it.

- could provide item similar to the old Letters with indication to navigate to a "certain port" to receive a "thank you" reward, similar to a "sealed Bottle" but being claimed in a port, not in the middle of the sea, and sharing the same mechanic - weight, cargo space, all in one or nothing.

 

Pros:

- stuff for newcomers and veterans alike, using the 7th and 6th rates

- does not involve big ships, just the smaller vessels are eligible to enter

 

Cons:

- instance level making ( dev time )

- no special gear rewards

- may award enemy regions with bonuses

[Fenris]

24 minutes ago, Hethwill said:

Suggestion:

Implementation of Open World instances ( dynamic spawn ) that do not, necessarily, contain combat.

They should simply spawn "randomly" everywhere, even in the middle of nowhere in some cases. Like 1 spawn for every 3 counties area.

Limited to 7th and 6th rates - basic cutter excluded.

They should be closed once started. No interference. 

They should not be repeatable, once used they disappear.

Time limit of instance - very small. From 15 minutes to 30 minutes maximum.

Mechanics:

Player has to navigate, use wind properly, net get caught in leeshore where appliable, and reach the objective, access "location/ship hold" and overall make use of all mechanics other than "aim/shoot".

Examples:

- navigate shoal reefs to reach a ship wreck - use NA:L bathometric instance design (!)

- provide aid to stranded ship in the middle of the ocean - by supplying necessary repairs.

- explore a "unknown settlement" on the coast / upriver.

- trader in distress - defend AI trader from AI privateer ( this is combat )

The rewards could also be different from "individual" items for the player but Region based.

 

Something like

- 10% increase in LH for all ports in the County until next maintenance, if we help the stranded ship

- or -

 25% increase of NPC goods in all ports in the County, if we contact the "unknown settlement"

- or-

On very rare occasions, a "epic" loot item, such as a Silver Chest. Say 1 instance out of 100 per maintenance cycle. So only 1 player out of everyone might bump into it.

- could provide item similar to the old Letters with indication to navigate to a "certain port" to receive a "thank you" reward, similar to a "sealed Bottle" but being claimed in a port, not in the middle of the sea, and sharing the same mechanic - weight, cargo space, all in one or nothing.

 

Pros:

- stuff for newcomers and veterans alike, using the 7th and 6th rates

- does not involve big ships, just the smaller vessels are eligible to enter

 

Cons:

- instance level making ( dev time )

- no special gear rewards

- may award enemy regions with bonuses

More, more!!!!

 

[z4ys]

I ever dreamed of to have some special events just for shallow ships. Still no epic event for shallow ships

[Macjimm]

Great idea.  In other games players can create an instance anywhere, and there are also a variety of combat and non-combat instances that are randomly generated .

This would provide an enormous amount of content to NA with endless opportunities for variety.

But ...

... NA seems to be focused on fighting.  I doubt that there is an appetite to create additional content.

[Hethwill]

Relevant past discussion on the subject

 

[EdWatchmaker]

Yes, by all means we need things like this. We need to fight the sea as well as human players. We need to have to shorten sail in storms, not wallow in wave troughs ( And get capsized.) while wearing/jibing ship in heavy weather etc. We need to pay attention and have to stand out to sea so as to not be run aground on a lee shore. Entering  a harbor should be dangerous and running aground should have consequences. There should be the possibility of your ship being lost at sea ( It does happen. ) We need hurricanes that wreck ships and towns and shift channels etc. Please more fighting nature and the sea.

I'd carry on more but have to go to bed. Fair sailing and the best to you all.   

[Cetric de Cornusiac]

On 5/10/2018 at 2:30 PM, Macjimm said:

... NA seems to be focused on fighting.  I doubt that there is an appetite to create additional content.

Don't underestimate the community. The focus on fight is a good sales argument, but adding other content of any kind, even generic, is even a greater sales argument. As possessed fighters from time to time will crave for something else, for a change. We have to bring people away from brute violence and encourage alternative play styles without having to sacrifice what is standard in genre and expectation.

Edited May 12, 2018 by Cetric de Cornusiac

[Anne Wildcat]

Good ideas, I’ve also advocated for non combat missions like blockade runs in unarmed traders.