LucyP wrote:Fooser wrote:Proposals to try to alleviate perceived issues:
-Lower the amount of faction needed for each rank by a mild amount
-Have a percentage chance (33%?) that a person can get a gem color not of their town each tax day
I don't see rank as being an issue.
I was thinking the magical gem NPCs could just trade gem for gem. Perhaps even limit the number of trades allowed per month or something. But some form of incentive is needed to help our newer POs as right now, it is just too dang much work and, quite frankly, not worth the effort. If a few are going to hold all the power and control of some gems, which are needed, with no way for everyone to access, then there is no way to play. End of game.
As it currently stands, you actually don't need gems in any way to play the game. Like, at all. Gems are 'bonus'. I am not currently aware of Qoa's status when it comes to fighting skills, or defensive skills, but unless she is slated for high end combat skills and attributes, the endeavor still won't make her the top of the class. Gems are more of an important deal when your character has reached a point that they cannot progress in other ways.
If you want to make your characters goal to have a full set of rank 2 gems, that is fine. Realize that this is not something that will be done in a matter of weeks. And I know you are making the claim that 'my character has been around for IG months' but in reality that isn't much time at all. In comparison, the skill system is about the same as most mmo's although they require sheer time IG rather than the typical grinding one may expect. The fighting equipment in game, if we are honest, most people can get to the point that they have access to most end-tier goods, within their first few days of playing. They become friendly with the right person, and the job is done. Should it be that way? No. But is it? Yes.
Gems are the way in which power differences occur. When you start out, you don't get many gems. If you don't actively work to improve your rank in the town, you do not get as many gems. If you don't have much money to go into the taxes, you don't get many gems.
Gems are not only a bonus to your equipment, but to an extent, it can also be shown how involved and dedicated that character has been and the connections made. I have played for a year in the new game: I have come across ONE, count it, ONE magical ruby. However, other gems are more plentiful for my character. Your character simply does not have the resources, or time, or the rank, to have gathered these bonus points yet. As you move through the game, more opportunities arise.
People generally trade with characters they trust and think 'if I give this person a gem, will this come back to haunt me later?' If that answer is yes, for any reason, then they will be rejected in the trade offer.