'Hardcore' Server Thread

[Windy_3 Sheets]

The subject I'd like to talk about has been brought up before, both live and in Beta, but I couldn't find any relevant thread. Anyway, I'm interested in people's thoughts on a total (no-safe seas) PvR server with a single character slot. The idea comes from something I remember way back when playing the only other MMO I've actually spent time in, Ultima Online. In that game, a server was created where level progression was harder, anywhere PvP was possible, and other rules were added to make the game more challenger/immersing/fun for the 'hardcore' types. The idea was a sort of no-holds-bar approach, where anything and everything can happen, and the community would basically police itself. It actually worked out quite well; you had groups of psychotic bandits out there to just murder you on sight, independent player factions waging war against each other, and individual merchants making deals with everyone to get the best profits and best protection.

Now that we are shutting down some servers to increase population, maybe this could be an opportunity to keep one around for the future, where some different rules could added, such as:

1) Only allow a single character slot, forcing people to pick a class they are really going to play and eliminating production alts. In this case I'm speaking from experience, as I'm a high-level NO with my own little FT Alt to make the things I need ASAP. This would be a boon for Freetrader types, as they would see demand would go up drastically. It would help prevent the closed-loop production we see in many societies with lots of Alts.
2) Anytime, anywhere PvR combat. There be dangerous waters out there, afterall. Sure you could take advantage and jump on those lower level ships and weak merchants, but on a server with no Alts your reputation matters. If you be a pirate, a pirate you be and all nations will be on the lookout - easy pickings you may find, but justice's broadside is always lurking over the horizon. Dastardly nationals will be swiftly reckoned with by the other two nations. And griefers will not have any sympathy, as anyone associated with them will also be blackballed.
3) More difficult skill progression. This might be too hardcore, but maybe a harder PvE experience gain might entice more PvP based level gain.
4) Reduced NPC 'cargo' drops and changes to the Euro Traders. This would make player production more critical to the economy, and more valuable to the combat classes. Again, using Ultima Online as an example, you simply did not let anything happen to your main suppliers because you could not go shopping at any old NPC, and the world was harsh and cruel... you needed supplies and you got it from someone else.
5) Stiffer taxes for cross-nation production. Now when you lose a port, it really *really* hurts, rather then just means your one step closer to a map-restart. It would also make smuggling much more lucrative then it is/can be currently. If one nation loses its source of iron, the other nations could make a fortune on their misfortune.

I'd assume the population on this sever would be much much smaller then the normal servers, as was the case with Ultima, but again it had its benefits. You really got to know the community, both your friends and your enemies, and even those 'neutral' to you had a reputation that you considered everytime you had dealings with them. Red Circles might be rarer, but PvP would always be just around the corner. Port Battles would be more personal, as you'd see the same people you fought against for contention/reduction before the battle. Finally, the map will be slow to change, but when it does the impact would be huge and would effect every nation in some way.

I don't think it would be too difficult to implement, in the case of Ultima Online, from conception to the server going live took very little time. Obviously, if done, this would be something not happening for a while off... but it's fun to think about anyway... or not:P

[Jean Gris]

I certainly find this appealing. I have the most fun in mmo's when it comes to building up a character from scratch, saving every penny, finding efficient strategies, etc. Most games lose me at the end game, so I'm continually starting new alts. Strangely enough, I'm also not a powerleveler .. I enjoy taking my time and experiencing as much content as possible.

Most games, including PotBS, set leveling speed too high in my opinion.

[Windy_3 Sheets]

Originally Posted by Jean Gris Most games, including PotBS, set leveling speed too high in my opinion.

I certainly feel this way, but I can see how most people wouldn't like it. For many the end-game if getting to the highest lvl and whatnot. I actually enjoy being *only* in high 30s and taking my time. I'm still useful in most battles, and my ship is fast and lean.

I think what I was really hoping for out of PoTBS was to truly affect the world I'm in. As a NO, I enjoy my role a lot but sometimes I wish there was more. I'd love to escort a fully laden convoy across the sea, to turn towards a distant sail on the horizon and run out the guns as the convoy makes a break for it. I'd like to chase pirates across the sea, hunt down privateers who have been preying on our convoys, and take part in massive fleet battles that just seem to spring out of nowhere.

That's my perspective from a NO. I'm sure pirates would love stalking some fat merchants, and the same for privateers. Anyway, more food for thought.

[Xavin]

It sounds interesting, but I think there needs to be a much bigger population to draw from before something like this would be viable. The population would have to be people who are already very familiar with the game, as an actual new player wouldn't stand a snowball's chance in hell.

[Jean Gris]

True. I think a basic full PvP server would be more doable and at least somewhat close to a hardcore experience.

[OneEyed]

Originally Posted by Xavin It sounds interesting, but I think there needs to be a much bigger population to draw from before something like this would be viable. The population would have to be people who are already very familiar with the game, as an actual new player wouldn't stand a snowball's chance in hell.

x2

I agree on all counts. And while I'd love to play on a server like that personally, I just don't have the time available to dedicate to it. Sigh... I'm just not hardcore, I have like, a wife and kids and stuff. But it would be fun.

[Archetype]

Made a post about it on the general boards. There seemed to be quite a lot of interest.

http://www.burningsea.com/forums/sho...flagged+server

[Windy_3 Sheets]

Whoops... didn't search there.

While I'd really like to see a server that forced individuality, I'd gladly settle for a full-on PvP server.

[Sausagebones]

Originally Posted by Windy_3 Sheets The subject I'd like to talk about has been brought up before, both live and in Beta, but I couldn't find any relevant thread. Anyway, I'm interested in people's thoughts on a total (no-safe seas) PvR server with a single character slot. The idea comes from something I remember way back when playing the only other MMO I've actually spent time in, Ultima Online. In that game, a server was created where level progression was harder, anywhere PvP was possible, and other rules were added to make the game more challenger/immersing/fun for the 'hardcore' types. The idea was a sort of no-holds-bar approach, where anything and everything can happen, and the community would basically police itself. It actually worked out quite well; you had groups of psychotic bandits out there to just murder you on sight, independent player factions waging war against each other, and individual merchants making deals with everyone to get the best profits and best protection. Now that we are shutting down some servers to increase population, maybe this could be an opportunity to keep one around for the future, where some different rules could added, such as: 1) Only allow a single character slot, forcing people to pick a class they are really going to play and eliminating production alts. In this case I'm speaking from experience, as I'm a high-level NO with my own little FT Alt to make the things I need ASAP. This would be a boon for Freetrader types, as they would see demand would go up drastically. It would help prevent the closed-loop production we see in many societies with lots of Alts. 2) Anytime, anywhere PvR combat. There be dangerous waters out there, afterall. Sure you could take advantage and jump on those lower level ships and weak merchants, but on a server with no Alts your reputation matters. If you be a pirate, a pirate you be and all nations will be on the lookout - easy pickings you may find, but justice's broadside is always lurking over the horizon. Dastardly nationals will be swiftly reckoned with by the other two nations. And griefers will not have any sympathy, as anyone associated with them will also be blackballed. 3) More difficult skill progression. This might be too hardcore, but maybe a harder PvE experience gain might entice more PvP based level gain. 4) Reduced NPC 'cargo' drops and changes to the Euro Traders. This would make player production more critical to the economy, and more valuable to the combat classes. Again, using Ultima Online as an example, you simply did not let anything happen to your main suppliers because you could not go shopping at any old NPC, and the world was harsh and cruel... you needed supplies and you got it from someone else. 5) Stiffer taxes for cross-nation production. Now when you lose a port, it really *really* hurts, rather then just means your one step closer to a map-restart. It would also make smuggling much more lucrative then it is/can be currently. If one nation loses its source of iron, the other nations could make a fortune on their misfortune. I'd assume the population on this sever would be much much smaller then the normal servers, as was the case with Ultima, but again it had its benefits. You really got to know the community, both your friends and your enemies, and even those 'neutral' to you had a reputation that you considered everytime you had dealings with them. Red Circles might be rarer, but PvP would always be just around the corner. Port Battles would be more personal, as you'd see the same people you fought against for contention/reduction before the battle. Finally, the map will be slow to change, but when it does the impact would be huge and would effect every nation in some way. I don't think it would be too difficult to implement, in the case of Ultima Online, from conception to the server going live took very little time. Obviously, if done, this would be something not happening for a while off... but it's fun to think about anyway... or not:P

I have always been a fan of hardcore servers. I think the main reason is so that I can get my fun without the whining. When you chose the hardcore server, they should make you check a little box at the creation process that specifically states...

"No whining, whatsoever. Click here to continue".

[Windy_3 Sheets]

Originally Posted by Sausagebones I have always been a fan of hardcore servers. I think the main reason is so that I can get my fun without the whining. When you chose the hardcore server, they should make you check a little box at the creation process that specifically states... "No whining, whatsoever. Click here to continue".

Certainly it would have to be made clear that you are about to join a server that most players would consider a total waste of time, that you are asking for punishment, misery... and a really really good time:P

Seriously though, I hope this is something that may be considered in the future after 1.3-1.5 patches come online. I bet by then many more will be sick of grinding for port battles. Until then, I'll be keeping my PvP-flag up full time.