9 replies to this topic

[lostheaven77]

Every family has a secret , I was thinking about my grandfather this morning and how to get people interested in finding a place in their family. So lets harsh this idea out , players need something to "bond over", a carrot to pull the cart.

The family secret is whispered about through generations , the player's quest and loyal to family involves finding out the secret. The family secret might be, the latent ability to shapeshift into Werewolf , or a line of magic that is open to those family members who prove themselves.

The player embarks on the quest line and story of their family , since they are using a system to generate a personal quest , the player's quest intertwines with other family members. What happens if the family member shuns the player , well that member gets a mark against them and them learning the secret. The player can continue on.

The secret would range from , a special alloy recipe , to a specialized fighting style or even magic. Much like all family secrets , there are many options to allow the player to learn.

So we got the basic carrot but we need.

As the family members unlock secrets , and find out about their history , they also get the chance to learn thier own mark on the family history and story. As the quests unfold and history opens up , new quests and challenges open up for the members.

For example , the family might have been run off their land by band of ewoks , reclaiming the land , and family honor would not only be a quest , but a page in history. You further unlock why the ewoks were taking your stuff , and killing your family.

[Grimmway]

I like this idea.

As the family quests are unlocked/completed, your 'value' in the family increases as well.

Grimmway

[lostheaven77]

It would sure beat the current grind quests if you had quests that when unlocked had meaning and impact on the world.

[rysonue]

Also, supposing that you could be the one that obtained the family secret.
There would be various items hidden around the world and you as a family member can stumble upon them. And that gift of the item becomes the family secret. It could be a secret alloy or a shape shifting potion. Whatever. Then they members of that family are blinded to other items for a certain time. so that one family doesn't get all the items. After the item is found there could be quests that other family members could go after to utilize the power.

[lostheaven77]

You d probly be limited to one family "trait" for balance sake and story sake. The "trait" or secret would lead you down other paths , and back stories. It would be like reading a novel , each new character would be different novel.

The depth of this would be the main element instead of "Go kill 30 wolves for 30 pelts" it would be more of story with choices , branches and impact that would leave its mark. Like for example :

Grimmway is a wizard who is born into a family , his mom gives his a ring that belonged to his grandfather, and she ask him to wear it always. The ring leads to Grimmway being attacked by a stranger on a Chocobo , which opens up the story of who is the stranger, why does he want the ring , and stuff like that.

The arc takes Grimmway through chasing the stranger , learning about his grandfather , and personal choices (for example a side quest to save a family from raiders, but lets the stranger slip through his fingers).

It would be more interesting than putting in "30 wolves 30 pelts"

[Syndic]

I would certainly love to see something like this.

Not sure how many families will be around but something a little more personal that you can become involved in that actually makes a difference is what we really need. I've noticed having played LoTRO, Conan and Hellgate they all have a overall storyline that you are following, much like a single player game, also helps guide you through progression and where to go next. The problem with them is, nothing changes. They tell a story thats about it. Would love it if that story/quest actually had an impact on the world around you, even if that change is just centered around you (something you can do now that you couldn't before but either could anyone else).

Just not sure how much time it would take to go and create all this content etc, but doesn't sound like an easy number to swallow.

Plus I want to be a Werewolf

[lostheaven77]

most games (mmorpgs) ship with 120 hours + repeatable end game. Since they are in the content phase, instead of doing random quests , they could ship with 12 ~ 16 bloodlines , 80s each. you wouldnt have to 12 different stories , you d do the branches , with the out comes heading to similiar fate for each blood like. Like lets say the end game is raiding and pvp, you d build a common threat (common raid content like 3 bosses and boss areas.) , you d then just design branches and 12 main arcs.

You might have "save the villagers" as branch to all 12 , or you could do enough branches to give 6 month worth of content til an update comes out. You d probly have to reply on the pvp , and sociall element to drive you through the content gaps.

[Grimmway]

most games (mmorpgs) ship with 120 hours + repeatable end game. Since they are in the content phase, instead of doing random quests , they could ship with 12 ~ 16 bloodlines , 80s each. you wouldnt have to 12 different stories , you d do the branches , with the out comes heading to similiar fate for each blood like. Like lets say the end game is raiding and pvp, you d build a common threat (common raid content like 3 bosses and boss areas.) , you d then just design branches and 12 main arcs.

You might have "save the villagers" as branch to all 12 , or you could do enough branches to give 6 month worth of content til an update comes out. You d probly have to reply on the pvp , and sociall element to drive you through the content gaps.

lostheaven77, who do you develop for? Are you a game developer or other software developer? I like your ideas - efficient, etc.

Grimmway

[lostheaven77]

I m just a simple forum warrior, looking for a home.

[Gemril]

I m just a simple forum warrior, looking for a home.

It looks like you found one!

Great idea!

Some of the unlocked secrets could be of the darker kind.

It turns out YOUR family had run an honorable one off THEIR lands and as part of your quest and character development choose to work to make it right and return the land to the rightful owner, or work to silence those who know the truth and may threaten your family's place in society by revealing this family skeleton.