Chef Archive
Thread: Wanted: Combat revamp applicants
Well, I probably shouldn't put this off any longer.
For the upcoming combat balance (scheduled for after Jump to Lightspeed), the devs are going to be creating a "Sandbox" test server. This will be separate from TestCenter and TestCenter2 (although possibly replacing TC2) for the sole purpose of testing the changed combat systems. There will be very limited player access to this sandbox, basically making this a "closed beta".
Apparently, correspondants are automatically on the list. Also, Thunderheart has asked each of the correspondants to shanghai....draft.....recruit 5 people to also be included.
Here's an excellent post about expected Sandbox duties was laid out by n'Jessi (the Tailor correspondant).
Heck, I'm not even sure if I qualify for this, but I'm going to be doing my best.
What we'll need:
The combat revamp will almost definitely be including a change to the HAM system. This may require changes to our stat buffs. Also, the effects of skill mods may be getting adjusted, which would be affected by our skill buffs.
While Chef is not a "combat" profession, the items we craft do have a direct impact on combat for our customers. So applicants should be very familiar with the chef menu, what level stat buffs are possible (both with additives and without), and know how to push the envelope on foods. In addition, experience with combat is a strong secondary requirement, since I doubt that food testing alone would need that big of a time investment.
Note: this is a testing responsibility. This isn't going to be something to do just for a "sneak peek" at upcoming changes; that's what Testcenter is for. You'll likely be dealing with very narrow functionality to work with, especially at the beginning. Most of the game world is probably going to be inaccessible (during Beta, Tatooine was the only planet most of the time). You'll have to be able to clearly describe problems, or debate on the validity/stupidity of changes. For the HAM system, being good with numbers will be a definite bonus, as we'll have to see how things like BE-enhanced Ahrisa affect rifleman special costs. It's likely going to be a lot of work.
But if we can get a good group of people, maybe combat will get fun.
How to apply:
Send a PM to me including your station name (if different from your forum handle) and why you think you make a good tester. For my reference, include how long you've been doing chef, along with any combat classes you have (and for how long). Mastering Marksman and immediately dropping it for the hologrind doesn't count. If you've done a lot of combat profs, tell me which one you did the longest and/or liked the most. If you've done QA work, beta testing, or just spent time on Testcenter, include that information, too.
I'll figure out a selection process once I get a feel for how many applications I'm going to be sorting through. Just as advance disclosure against any accusations of favoritism, I do have a preliminary list of people that I think would make good testers. I'll probably end up posting that, but right now I'm wavering between thinking that looks like pressuring those people and being too discouraging for other people.
When I have more information about the requirements and duties of players in the sandbox, I'll definitely put them up. Details will likely be covered during the correspondant summit in a couple of weeks.
**Edit for formatting fix**
Message Edited by sciguyCO on 08-17-2004 08:26 PM
read the post in the tailor forums...and it wasn't too clear on this point either...
Dsabre wrote:
any chance you could get the devs to throw out a ballpark number in terms of time required? there may be a lot of people interested, but if the devs want someone who is available to test 5 hours a day every day...that does significantly cut down the field.
read the post in the tailor forums...and it wasn't too clear on this point either...
/echo
I'd offer my time, if I had any idea how much was required. N'j said "Expect it to take up the majority of your allotted gaming time, require time every night, and to take priority over logging in to your regular server." and I'm ok with that... but we need more details. Especially important is knowing whether we need to be available at specific hours and what those hours are (after all, if your normal playtime is 1-4 am, it's gonna be hard to test PvP when there's noone around to duel).
Battery wrote:
I wish our correspondent wore hawtpants
I have to lurk around to stop you from flirting don't I! :raisefist:
NJ62 wrote:
Join Team Hawtpants!
*sneaks out of forum*
/glare n'Jessi
You are not allowed to corrupt my chefs!!! We must rise up ( ::snicker:: ) and dig out ( ::chuckle:: ) this insidious hawtpant cult that is driving a wedgie ( ::laugh:: ) between those who cover their butt and those cheeky ( ::giggle:: ) ones who flaunt their hawtpantness!
Besides, to be safe I think I'm going to stick to a wookiee character on the sandbox just to remove the temptation. 
Message Edited by sciguyCO on 08-19-2004 10:20 AM