Goblin Squad Member
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I'm not sure if this has been mentioned before but I think it would be neat to have special 'rare' escalations generate in only very rare situations.
For example, lets say you have a kobold excalation randomly generate beside or close a black dragon monster hex (assuming one was to exist of course). It would neat if these kobolds were to escalate into variant versions like black-scaled kobold for example with a unique variant kobold ability.
Sure, this would have to be a feature developed much later in the program but it should be 'low hanging fruit' for the most part and add more variety and interest.
This feature would encourage players an incentive to manipulate nearby hexes to trigger this rare escalation encouraging conflict in the areas surrounding the escalation as well.
Rare escalations that only trigger when generated beside other specific escalations would be cool too!
Any thoughts?
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Goblin Squad Member
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This would be cool indeed, but I think it will be harder then you think to create rare and unsuspected outcomes.
When I see what Guildwars 2 has done with their Dynamic Events, that were supposed to influence eachother, I feel that they still ended up with rather predictable "chains of Events". Sure, there are some branches, but everything still stays predictable. And this is a mechanic that was developed for a multi-million dollar game and is one their key features.
Thing is, when people figure out how to "generate" the rare outcome, they will end up just being another predictable chain.
Not saying it can not be done: I think GW2 has done a tremendous job of paving the way for more dynamic PvE events and this is certainly not the end.
Maybe some totally random factor should be put in: in a pure PvE game that would most likely be considered as annoying, since it can not be "grinded" then, but I think escalations do not lend themselves well for grinding anyway. There are a lot of PvP distractions too, off course. And then once the rare (and somewhat random) event occurs(black scaled Kobolds spawn), this would be refreshing. It certainly is a way to make the PvE a bit more interesting.
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Goblin Squad Member
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Something like that would have to be quite a way down the line.
But, having said that it does sound like it could be doable and awesome. It is a regular and repeating feature of Tolkienesque fantasy universes that Orcs, Goblins, Kobolds, Bugbears, Gnolls, Hobgoblins, etc. are under the thumb of something smarter, stronger, or both. And that both are under the influence, if not direct leadership, of something darker.
I know that there is LOTS of work implied here, but surely the escalation system already has slotted conversation blocks where the <name-of-king> and such can be manifest from a table. So much could be done by just slotting in <name-of-nearby-single-creature-threat>
Who says it has to have in-game mechanical significance, Just set up the actors with their lines and let us run with it. ( :