Hi all,
I've been inactive for a long time (and I'm really not sure if I'll be back for long - currently doing Masters at University). That being said, as an explorer/quester, here are suggestions on how to get (more) players questing and getting new players to potentially explore areas.
Problems1) Players who do not take notes forget what is needed to complete the quest and may have to run through mobprogs etc again.
2) Players may focus on a zone for exping, rather than exploring, and getting to know and feel the tiny details.
Tasks:1) Quest Journal (Molly's idea here:
http://4dimensions.org/forum/index.php/topic,682.msg5049.html#msg5049)
2) Maps for zones + teasers
Doing the work:Quest Journal: One "Questcard" per zone should do the trick. Players who have completed (all) quests in the particular zone can help script this I think. My idea would expand the "journal" though. The 'longer' the text in the journal the better - particularly if it tries to give atmosphere to the zone. The "information" you get will always be there once you unlock it - so you'll be able to see the story from start to finish.
Example (Golf Course - but dependent on flags):
Eg, hold journal, say 68. Following will appear.
Goofy Golfers
The golf course is a great place for people fresh out of the newbie arena. There are many small quests throughout the course. People are always losing things when they go out on the golf course. You could probably make a small fortune in returning lost objects. And who knows what you'll find out there that is just too good to return. After all, possession is 9/10 of the law.
You have 2 unfinished quests and 1 finished quest in this zone.
(Dependent on how many quests there are in zones)Quest 1
(If you have talked to Dave)Feeling like a game of golf, I wandered over to the cart barn to see if I can rent a buggy for my game. Adventurers need some time to rest after all! Unfortunately, there are no carts available to be rented. Dave the maintenance worker tells me that he is busy repairing the carts, but if I can find his maintenance wrench, he might be able to loan me a cart. I guess I better keep hunting.
(Once you find the wrench)That idiot android caddy! He/she was supposed to pick up balls, not hurl them at others! I had to immediately fling myself down to the grass when I saw that spherical object zooming towards my head. To make matters worse, I landed heavily on a maintenance wrench. I wonder if it belongs to Dave?
(Once you return the wrench)Alas, Dave is still repairing the carts and is unable to rent one to me. Perhaps I shall walk on the golf course instead and admire the scenery - I hear that the lilies are blooming!
(this also gives a hint to the good items in the area!)You may repeat this quest again.
Quest 2
(Once you talk to Betty)After drinking too much at the 19th hole, I stumbled into the ladies restroom and entered an occupied stall. (Thank heavens I wasn't kicked out!) I met a lady called Betty who lost her grandmother's earring, and being in an intoxicated state, I volunteered to help her. I hope I don't regret this in the morning!
(Once you find her earring)These android caddies are getting on my nerves! One of them swung a golf club at my head, and nearly succeeded in braining my cranium. I dodged and after a brief scuffle, managed to putt one over him and sock him in the eye. After which, the caddy picked up the golf balls and fled, before leaving behind one earring. I swear, that caddy sure has a lot of balls!
(Once you return the earring)I'm quite touched by Betty's present of a thumb ring, as it looks more valuable than her earring. I wonder if I can ask her out on a date the next time I see her?
You may repeat this quest again.
There is one more quest you have not unlocked.
Maps for zone:
See attached. Was thinking: Easy zone - full maps, hard zone - brief sketch of map. Hidden areas need not be on the map (eg, Kenneth's Museum isn't on this map).
Teasers could be a one liner: eg.
It has been said that one who stops and takes time to admire nature will beimbued with charisma. (Branch / Lily +5 CHA in zone)
I would be happy to create a new character, run through some zones (re-doing them!) and giving a brief map, and if I've done all the Quests in the zone, perhaps writing the scripts as well.