Development Cycle Archive

I do agree though that the FSCS should be opened up instead of your character just becoming a jedi because then the Jedi would be ultra powerful.

Unlocking FSCS

Some thoughts on unifying the journey to unlock the FSCS.

Opening the FSCS would require the player to investigate hints and tips scattered across the galaxy in order to find one of the remaining Jedi in hiding willing to start aplayer down the Jedi path. The player will be given hints to find beings, records, and locations that will eventually lead them to a Jedi trainer.

Players will complete missions for NPCs in order to obtain clues leading to the next stage of the quest. Conversations with NPCs after completing missions will be the primary source of the next clue.

Clues may then be researched at libraries, universities, governmental records, NPCs, and special locations. Each NPC or item that has a conversation path will require the player to undergo a series of missions in order to release the final clue. The final clue will be the name of an NPC or item or location that will begin the next leg of the journey. The missions should have multiple resolution paths possible, there should be a way to solve each quest based on the primary player styles and classes (achiever, killer, socializer, explore, warrior, healer, rogue, crafter) some of the mission ending should be somewhat nebulous with moral implications for whatever path the player choses. A player that seeks the eaiest path to resolution each time should find themselves rapidy moving down the dark path. Players that try to resolve issues through diplomacy and compromise should be the ones that finish as true Jedi.

It might even be possible with the modular nature of the quest to have the name given on the completion of the current quest be completely random. This won’t stop spoiler spots but would make the progression to Jedi personal for each player. There could also be weight attached to the random assignments so that combat players tend to receive missions that reflect their current professions. Perhaps point totals for the completion of each set of missions with a final predetermined amount needed to finally unlock the FS slot.

Needed elements

Jedi Fifth Column; during the time of troubles some Jedi seeing what was occurring hid assets and people throughout the galaxy hoping that someday there would be a call for a return of the Jedi. NPCs, private computer records and some equipment assets scattered throughout the game that only activate their Fifth Column status if the player is flagged for the resource they are looking for. A character looking for a specific doctor in hiding will only open the Fifth Column conversation branches if they are currently tasked to look for that individual. The NPCs could be a wide variety of people, from retired bounty hunters that helped wipe the Jedi out to support personal or people whose lives were simply touched by something the Jedi did 20+ years ago.

Research Computers; a series of computers placed throughout the galaxy in universities, libraries, government buildings, special locations, and some factional bases. Each computer would have access to backstory and a lot of fluff filler. Extra conversation branches or research topics will become available when the user is flagged for a specific quest. A computer may have a conversation branch about a hidden doctor, but will not offer that info normally, only a player looking for that doctor will have the conversation branch about the doctor offered. The flavor of the information offered would vary greatly based on the type of research computer used.

Newspapers; periodic emails sent to player who chose to subscribe to these services. These periodic email message contain mostly backstory filler with hints and tips on finding adventure, an short paragraph article could have fluff about the Jawa fortress then instructions or hints on how to start those adventures. Mixed in with these stories could be hints that further seed the FSCS unlocking, like wanted posters with hints of FS NPCs that are still in hiding. Charging for this service also creates yet another economy sink.

On making main character the Jedi:

I think it's a good idea, as long as it's optional. You get your FS slot, go talk to a Jedi trainer and get the jedi skill tree and the points...OR, you create a Jedi char like now and your option of making the main character a Jedi is closed..until you delete your Jedi char. Or, your main character surrender his/hers jedi skill tree, turning their back on the force, and gets the option back of creating a specific Jedi char. As usual we're all devided in this question and I don't see how this would ruin the continum in anyway, just look at Kyle Katarn.

Let me add a final note on my points above, more of an personal experience matter.

I started SWG at the outset and run a large Imperial guild called STORM on Flurry. The challenges for the holo grind were SO DAUNTING. Run the guild, engage in PvP, keep up relations with the Imperials, AND, by the way, quest for Jedi, which was the only personal thing I really have done since I started.

I watched Star Wars on the big screen in the 70s. Yup, actually saw it in the movies. And Jedi was always such a wonderful concept to idolize and admire. Every time I got frustrated with the whole prof mastery thing, I kept remembering how I felt as a little boy and said, well, keep going. I bet many of the Developers remember that too.

Of course, my progress suffered as a result of all of the things I was doing/had to do. And I refused to create another alt on my server just to get Jedi.

So here I am, 18 professions or so later,looking back. Will it be worth it if enough time permits to unlock under the old system? Perhaps. God I have missed so much in game doing this. I regret that. Becoming Jedi wont make up for all the raids I missed, perfecting a template, and really getting into the combat profs. In short, I have lived vicariously through the GCW played by my guild members.

I do not regret any of the decisions I have made, particularly on leading the guild through its trials and tribulations and contributing to the Imperial War Machineon Flurry. But I hope the players who have worked so hard at all of their gaming get more credit in the new Jedi quest system than just mastering holocrons. Measure our contributions Devs by our EXPERIENCE, not by our holocrons. And please let usenjoy the privilegeof having the benefit of two characters on a server without creating an alt.

I recognize I have said this before, but I wanted to share the rationale behind the requests.

THank you for your consideration.