I've noted on various servers that AHs can be kinda bare, or sorta overpriced, where newbies are concerned.
Now is a perfect time to implement some reform in the Newbie Area Auction Houses, as FLS and SOE have been working to improve our userbase:
- There has been an increase in advertising. It's subtle but there.
- There have been various incentive programs for .mil peoples and trials.
- There's a sale on Steam for PotBS.
- There's an expansion coming.
- Servers have been merged.
My plan is to have starter area AHs stocked with at least a minimum selection of practical goods and ships. This gives the new users the impression that the servers are, in fact, alive, despite the fact that all other econ is very internalized at this point.
Some have stated that we need players, not listings in AHs, but new players just starting out might be shy of /nation channel. The AH also allows them to get goods even if the shipwrights have logged for the night or are busy with PVP or grinding.
I'm proposing a player run, three-tier system like I had on Rackham.
Required: (these should always be present)
Heavy Round Shot @ 60db (lots)
Bermuda Sloop @3,500
Mediator Cutter @9,500
Cruizer Heavy @13,500
Small Armor 1-2
Small Speed Sails 1-2
Recommended: (These should also be present if possible)
Chain shot / Grapeshot @ 60db
Inferior Hull Patches / Structure Braces / Mast Braces
Jamaica Sloop @2,800
Dolphyn Heavy Ketch @~9,500?
van Hoorn @11,000
Cruizer @~11,500?
Lexington @12,500 (M)
Locust Corvette @11,500 (M)
Small Armor 2-4
Small Speed Sails 2-4
Small Accuracy Rig 2-4
Medium Armor/Speed Sails/Accuracy Riggies 2-3 @ 400-600
Extra / Bonus: (if there's still labor left over)
Damage/Reload/Accuracy Powders at a reasonable price
Bar/Langridge/Star/Canister ammo @ 60db
Other small/medium ships at various levels (other cruizers, CTS/BTS, small cargo ships, etc)
Small Speed Guns/Waddings 2-4
Medium Speed Guns/Waddings 2-3
Other misc small/edium items
Recommended price for all small riggings :
1 -> 150
2 -> 200
3 -> 300
4 -> 400
Recommended price for medium riggings:
2 -> 400
3 -> 600
Rationales~
The rationale is that players in the "small" ship size often don't have societies or won't want one until they're a bit more experienced and have a feel for things, and also might not be comfortable or even know how to ask in nation for assistance. Providing these basic supplies
at affordable pricing allows them to keep playing and not ragequit. Higher markups can be employed at higher levels where money is more plentiful.
The things under the 'required' category should always be available. I've selected the scout-ships as they are cheap and easy and fun to sail. Level 1 outfittings, while not the best, work on any small ship at any level, including the initial fallback. Level 1-4 would be more ideal as that's 0,5,10,15. By level 20, the person should be looking for Medium-class vessels so class 5 and 6 outfitties are less needed. Even if they want to continue with a MC-type small ship, class 4 outfittings will
The markup is between 50% and 100% of raw cost depending on the item. That allows profitability for a freetrader even under pie-rat occupation, and protects against jerks draining the items just to be jerks (somewhat), as well as paying for relisting costs over time, and providing a small profit.
There is debate about where to list items, but I feel that the best place is the actual starter port itself, Jenny Bay, Charlesfort, or Vera Cruz (or Marsh Harbor for rats, but this is more about Nats than Rats). This prevents it from ever being blocked by the red in any way.
Updates: Added some consumable recommendations, adjusted ship list slightly. Let some "medium" ships slip into teh list by accident. Updated to current game situation.