Changes to new player drop points (saved post)
Topic: World and Roleplay Improvement
Message #: 4429
Author: GS4-BERNT
Date: 5/22/2008 4:04:07 PM
Subject: Changes to New Player Drop Points
We have implemented some important changes in how starting towns for new players are determined. These changes were designed to address concerns that the current system (1) overloads Ta'Vaalor with new characters and (2) undermines role-play generally by putting new characters in places where it is implausible for them to start, based on their race. We're also hoping to give a boost to smaller communities, like River's Rest, by making them available to some new characters. The changes are:
1. Free trial characters will no longer be treated differently from other new (non-Premium) characters.
2. All new non-Premium characters will start in one of the three established "drop" towns: Wehnimer's Landing, Icemule Trace, and Ta'Vaalor. Although there is a degree of randomness in the placement, the starting-point likelihood is heavily influenced by the character's race. For example, no dark elf will start in Ta'Vaalor, while pure elves are very likely to start there.
3. New Premium and Platinum characters may choose to start not only in the three established drop towns, but also in Solhaven, River's Rest, Cysaegir, or Ta'Illistim. They are given a warning that these other four towns may not be as newbie-friendly as the Big 3.
Cheers,
GM Bernt