06-25-2017, 11:21 PM
For a very long time, the starting location has been on Planet Erie in Pennsylvania. This was a change away from Planet Manhattan in New York, due to a wide variety of reasons (such as large amounts of new players, current server rules regarding engagements, status as one of the House capitals, etc.) and the system has seen some evolution since then, but not an incredible amount in some time due to a large stigma from a number of staff about adversely affecting the starting system. Yet there are various problems with that - for one, stagnation for Pennsylvania has been a result. Liberty has also remained at the forefront of new player experience, and consequentially exposure to other regions is gradual.
It is my opinion that having the starting location within or between the Houses is important (hard part being in deciding which House(s)), as is the level of detail in topographic design for the system, plus an easy way for new players to make money. Pennsylvania succeeds with the last two, being an expansive system with much to explore, and the helium mining field out behind Erie. However, the first part cannot be easily remedied for that system, nor (again) would meaningful storyline changes be seen beneficial.
Disclaimer: I am entirely open to being dissuaded from this as a poor idea.
Cortez sits between two Houses, another Nation-state, and is accessible to a third House. Bretonia, Liberty, Crayter, and Gallia (respectively) all are active in the region. Heading up to the Taus through Baffin positions it not too far from warring Kusari, peculiar Zoners, regular Zoners, and the Outcasts. Of course there remain some which are less accessible, such as Rheinland, the Corsairs, GMG, plus factions deeper in the Omicrons and Omegas, however in placing the starting location on Planet Curacao, more immediate exposure to multiple sovereign factions might still help those more distant, albeit in a rather roundabout way.
As a system, Cortez will have to undergo some changes, keeping in mind the new players, while still being structured in a way to support storyline advancements and progression. A mineable Helium cloud (or similar) would be placed in 2 E/F, new planets could be generated, and a plethora of discoverable wrecks added - among other changes. Indeed, these are large alterations to a Vanilla system (which some are reticent about), but it's for the experience and opportunities presented to new players.
Note: I have considered other systems or methods of starting players, and Cortez has the best present perch. Having a randomization process that includes Curacao in Cortez, Ames in Kepler, and Atka in Hudson would be preferred in some ways, yet we are currently not able to implement such. Similarly, a selection process in character creation would be an interesting change that is beyond our means at the moment. Creating a beginner-only system with outgoing JHs only is feasible, though draw and give cash commands, plus being outside of the main roleplay environment, would be detrimental. Also, other systems like Sigma-17 and Tau-29 deserve an honorable mention here; I am bringing up all of this so that you are all aware that we have considered more options than just Cortez. That in mind, please keep this thread on topic to the merits of Cortez and Pennsylvania. Compare, contrast, and give us your opinion on whether you think either, both, or neither are good starting locations.
Thank you for your time and contributions. We will consider all constructive feedback provided.
It is my opinion that having the starting location within or between the Houses is important (hard part being in deciding which House(s)), as is the level of detail in topographic design for the system, plus an easy way for new players to make money. Pennsylvania succeeds with the last two, being an expansive system with much to explore, and the helium mining field out behind Erie. However, the first part cannot be easily remedied for that system, nor (again) would meaningful storyline changes be seen beneficial.
Disclaimer: I am entirely open to being dissuaded from this as a poor idea.
Cortez sits between two Houses, another Nation-state, and is accessible to a third House. Bretonia, Liberty, Crayter, and Gallia (respectively) all are active in the region. Heading up to the Taus through Baffin positions it not too far from warring Kusari, peculiar Zoners, regular Zoners, and the Outcasts. Of course there remain some which are less accessible, such as Rheinland, the Corsairs, GMG, plus factions deeper in the Omicrons and Omegas, however in placing the starting location on Planet Curacao, more immediate exposure to multiple sovereign factions might still help those more distant, albeit in a rather roundabout way.
As a system, Cortez will have to undergo some changes, keeping in mind the new players, while still being structured in a way to support storyline advancements and progression. A mineable Helium cloud (or similar) would be placed in 2 E/F, new planets could be generated, and a plethora of discoverable wrecks added - among other changes. Indeed, these are large alterations to a Vanilla system (which some are reticent about), but it's for the experience and opportunities presented to new players.
Note: I have considered other systems or methods of starting players, and Cortez has the best present perch. Having a randomization process that includes Curacao in Cortez, Ames in Kepler, and Atka in Hudson would be preferred in some ways, yet we are currently not able to implement such. Similarly, a selection process in character creation would be an interesting change that is beyond our means at the moment. Creating a beginner-only system with outgoing JHs only is feasible, though draw and give cash commands, plus being outside of the main roleplay environment, would be detrimental. Also, other systems like Sigma-17 and Tau-29 deserve an honorable mention here; I am bringing up all of this so that you are all aware that we have considered more options than just Cortez. That in mind, please keep this thread on topic to the merits of Cortez and Pennsylvania. Compare, contrast, and give us your opinion on whether you think either, both, or neither are good starting locations.
Thank you for your time and contributions. We will consider all constructive feedback provided.