[crossfire] Ideas to make DM quests easier to manage and setup, was Re: 2.0 release

[Andrew Fuchs]

On 7/22/06, Nicolas Weeger (Laposte) <nicolas.weeger at laposte.net> wrote:
> > I am also doubtful that changing game mechanisms is the top issue for a
> > stronger community - rather, that's making the game attractive and fun, by
> > proposing events in and around them. Many MMORPGs feature special events
> > around their games (contests, one-time special quests, etc). I think that
> > should be investigated for Crossfire.

IMO, we need more of these.  Adding some way for mappers to use the
date to control events on their maps could have a somewhat similar
effect, but would be less interesting to players.

> We did that on Metalforge a few times, a few DMs.
>
> Drawbacks:
> * it takes time to plan
> * it takes time to actually eg put items, create stuff, and so on

I don't have the time to do this, but would some semi-standardized
quest types, and premade maps (containing objects requiring minimum
modification, and/or a script to check player's status) to aid with
those quests help?

> * it takes time to run, because people will connect to the game and want to
> play

Possibly make the event last for a day or two, but that would make
things harder to plan.

> * it takes many people to handle everything

Would some premade scripts to manage dm quests help?

> * also note time zone issue, too

Another reason to make events that last a few days.

> But i'd be ready (and eager!) to help do some events from time to time.

-- 
Andrew Fuchs