I was recently commenting in @MeinKraftin 's thread on Ship in a bottle, and during that time I kind of imagined how I'd like to see this system implemented.
First, introduction:
Some of the older dogs here probably remember when we were discussing for the ability to purchase storage crates be implemented, so that players who can spare the gold can simply log onto the server, puchase a few crates and fly off. Basically skip the initial loadup phase.
For those of you who haven't read that discussion - the main flaw of such system would be the fact that it would be unfair towards newer players who prefer to spend their shinies on other stuff. It would put them at disadvantage, sort of.
Next, I present to you: Ship in a bottle
- Players whose ships are anchored on any seapost, and within dock range (same range to change ship cosmetics), can now bottle their ships.
- Bottled ship - a snapshot of any given ship, which includes the cosmetics and provisions of the ship at the point it was bottled. Movable objects (treasures, crates, etc.) may not be stored, and instead despawn and float up, after the bottling process.
- Bottled ships can be selected just before setting sail.
- Upon loading into the game, the pre-selected bottled ship is already awaitig its crew on the dock.
- Each player may possess only one bottled ship. Not one per type - just one. (Communicate with your crew and choose wisely.)
(Editted additions, thanks to @CotU42 's feedback:)
6. Each ship may only be bottled by one player, after which it despawns.
7. If a bottled ship sinks, or is not re-bottled after each session, that ship is lost.
Finally, a few concluding words:
- This system would provide players, both new and old, with the ability to skip the initial loadup process, which many people find needlessly long (my crew included).
- This system would allow aggressive players who mostly look for worthy fights to migrate servers, instead of having to fully clear them, often killing mutliple fresh spawns/new players, in order to merge into another (my crew included).
- The system does not put newer players into any kind of disadvantage.
- The system answers another very common request around here: the ability to save your ship's cosmetic setup throughout sessions.
So, what do you guys think? Please comment.