So I had an idea for an area south east of the forsaken shores. It would initially start out as a Tall Tale, with your character sailing into a large cavern area dubbed 'the Hall of Glass,' which is essentially just an entryway into the new area. Once there you would have to locate a unique artifact(perhaps shaped like a scarab or a worm/centipede creature, which would allow your ship to sail through the sands. 'Merchant' factions could include: The Bone Collectors(similar to order of souls), The Lore Seekers(mummified shadow looking individuals who collect magical scrolls), The Smugglers(similar to the Merchant Alliance, but shady and cutthroat), The Treasure Keepers(basically an offshoot of the Gold Horders), The Dune Riders: lead by Drake(cousin of Duke perhaps?) a desert version of the Bilge Rats. Primary enemies could include 'The Scorched'- Evil mummified pirates with red embers for eyes and boasting flame abilities. Creatures: Sand sharks(basically like sharks but with white backs and black bellies with glowing yellow eyes; Sand 'Worms'-giant worm/centipede like monsters with a head at either end(the desert's own kraken/megalodon substitute. Gameplay: Bail sand out of hulls instead of water, all ships have a water 'barrel' to use for putting out fires on deck; being offship in the sand causes characters to slowly sink if not moving and attracts Sand Sharks, it is also harder to move in the sand causing characters to 'trudge' through. Also had an idea for a variation on the Ferry of the Damned for the desert area called 'The Crossroads' with a Sphinx in place of a Ferryman. Just my thoughts there, feel free to use them as you will. Oh a different name for the Sand 'Worms' could be Crawlers.
Forgotten Sands(Desert Area)
More ideas for this topic: Instead of sunken ship spawns there could be 'unearthed ruins.' Essentially mini-dungeons with randomized loot sealed inside(obviously these would be much akin to forts), filled with traps 'dessicated ancients'- mummified corpses(enemies) wearing either egyptian or aztec themed attire, and 'lurkers'- spider/scorpion hybrids(spiders with scorpion claws and a scorpion tail in place of the abdomen, but with spinnaretts instead of a stinger) capable of climbing on walls and ceilings with a venomous bite and the ability to fire (temporarily) immobilizing webbing from their tail.
Even more ideas for this thread: alternative name for this area could be- 'The Desert Sea.' This location could have its' own individualized map, not unlike the Old Sailor's Isle of the Maiden Voyage, allowing it to expand with new areas just like the regular Sea of Thieves map. 'The Desert Sea' could also be bordered by impassable rock cliffs, which would be blown/mined open as new areas emerge.
'The Desert Sea' could also include its' own Tall Tale, complete with its' own unique and powerful boss: The Scorched Lord- A tremendously powerful and old skeleton lord whose bones have become a crystalline glass; wearing armor of blackened metal studded with forsaken crystal, with eyes burning red and wreathed entirely in blue/white flames; this would be both a difficult and fearsome opponent for any pirate legend.
Thank you Capt Soul Beard. This next part will contain some storyline spoilers.
•To start the Tall Tale for this area, one has to find a random(as of yet) character skulking about in the cave behind the Inn at Morrow's Peak. This character is looking for help/acting as a guide to what they refer to as: The Forgotten/Lost Sea(The Desert Sea). This character will kit your ship out in various 'dark relics' in order to make the voyage; this is the first NPC Character to take up temporary residence/placement aboard a player's ship. They would stand next to the helm, and cower in the captain's cabin during moments of danger(pvp, erupting volcanoes, megs, ect.).
•The Quest:
Upon accepting the tale and going through the introductory cutscene, the quest npc will direct you to various islands throughout the Sea of Thieves, in order to locate dark/ancient relics, so that the passage to this lost area may be found and opened; as it is blocked by both physical and mystical means.•The Journey:
After going through the necessary gathering steps and locating the 'Ancient Seafarer's Journals,' you will be directed to 'The Halls/Passage of Glass/Reflections' located in the south eastern edge of The Devil's Roar, where (s)he will perform a ritual aboard your ship to open the way. A ton of rumbling and a huge arched obsidian tunnel rising from the depths later you may head into the passage. As you travel through it the glass on the walls will gradually grow brighter until it appears to be liquid fire rolling about you. Your ship will suddenly burst into a white-hot chasm before you, sending you, your crewmates, and your guide plunging into the frothing, boiling depths.•The Arrival:
You(and your crew) will awaken upon blackened sands with a pool of bubbling, boiling water encased in obsidian glass behind you. Scorched Captains and crew will surround you on all sides, amongst them a 'Captain Glass' who remarks, "Another seadog thrown up from the drink, Sire." Addressing none other than 'The Scorched Lord' Himself!
He laughs cruelly in his deep, gravel voice, "They'll find no cool waters for them here!."
"What of this one my Lord?" Questions another, gesturing to 'The Guide.'
"A yes, the fool that lead them here," The Scorched Lord says, turning towards his victim and reaching out his flaming hand before balling it into a fist, causing the guide to release a bloodcurdling scream as (s)he is immolated in roaring flame. As the fires subside all that remains is a charred skeleton, malevolently animated by twisting embers, "Who do you serve?!" Bellows The Scorched Lord.
"You my Lord," answers the cursed remains of the guide in a voice of choked smoke as (s)he kneels before him.
Turning to you and your crew the terrifying visage of The Scorched Lord seems to sear into your eyes as he states coldly in his booming voice, "I know not why you came, but the blue waters of the seas you sail are a far cry from MY dominion. All that awaits you here are blistering sands and death. These lands and their secrets are mine, and there's no ferry to save your souls from me."
As he moves to immolate you like the guide, a flash of ghostly light dims the burning scene, The ghostly figure of the Pirate Lord shimmers into being before you, raising his skulled cane and ethereal sword just in time to block the huge crystaline blade of The Scorched Lord. Sir Arthur Pendragon, Eli Slate and the spectral forms of his crew follow suit, swashbuckling with Captain Glass and her scorched crewmates.
"At long last," mocks the Scorched Lord, "The infamous Pirate Lord, finally we meet."
"Can't say I'm familiar with you," the Pirate Lord retorts. Deflecting a few blows and having difficulty maintaining his footing he shouts behind him, "Eli, get them out of here!"
"But Ramsey?!" Eli responds questioningly.
"Now!" The Pirate Lord commands as his sword is knocked from his hand and he barely manages to parry a brutal blow with his cane.
"Let's get you out of here," Pendragon says whilst worriedly helping you to your feet, Eli and his crew holding the scorched at bay as they join you.
A shadowy portal forms near you, stepping from it an equally shadowy individual cloaked in rags and wrapped in bandages(Ludvig of the Lore Seekers), says in little more than a croaked rasp, "Come, time is short." He motions to you all, his hunched figure is a stark contrast to his cold, glowing eyes.
At this point the Pirate Lord loses his footing entirely from a savage blow, still weakly grasping his cane in his hand, the Scorched Lord lifts him by his jacket collar while holding his colossal crystalline blade absentmindedly.
"Ramsey!" Eli calls out, readying his sword to attempt a rescue.
"Go!" The Pirate Lord cries back.
As you all bail into the portal and the scene fades to black, The Scorched Lord's voice crackles mockingly, "Run little rats, Run, We'll be waiting."-Stay tuned for more!
Now THIS is the kind of idea that could be profound on the games longevity. Everything about this I love. However, I feel 'The Scorched Lord' would be more of a title for the lord. A name I found online would be Abalos, a sand dune on Mars. Obviously there are loads of better names that need to be thought of. I can help out with that.
P.S, do you mind if I put this on reddit in order to spread the word? I will absolutely give you full credibility.@anjre-draconis said in Forgotten Sands(Desert Area):
TargasBR, I explained that, much like the 'Maiden Voyage' that has its' own map area separate from the rest of the Sea of Thieves, this area too could have its' own separate map/server area. Also, use your imagination! 😜
The servers are already huge and empty, we rarely see another ship. A separate area with a desert will only further separate players.
@BaronBrr reddit, whatever you like, feel free.
@TargasBR the dead server issue you have raised is because of the game's own six ships to a server limit, which is subsequently due to server hardrive and RAM limitations, the server occupancy would remain exactly how it is now, the only thing that would change that is a complete server overhaul to address those issues.
@anjre-draconis said in Forgotten Sands(Desert Area):
@BaronBrr reddit, whatever you like, feel free.
@TargasBR the dead server issue you have raised is because of the game's own six ships to a server limit, which is subsequently due to server hardrive and RAM limitations, the server occupancy would remain exactly how it is now, the only thing that would change that is a complete server overhaul to address those issues.
I know about the server limits. But i'm talking about the community.
@anjre-draconis i love the idea of a new island but it needs some kind of sea element. Any ideas on how to fit this in?
@anjre-draconis said in Forgotten Sands(Desert Area):
Targas I don't see what you're saying here, 'hardly seeing another ship,' is from server limits, not the community, if anything the community would grow due to both new and renewed interest from new content.
One of the biggest problems on SoT is the server hopping. Imagine people entering and exiting servers to see a desert area (that already don't fit the sea theme).
@baronbrr said in Forgotten Sands(Desert Area):
@targasbr its a giant sea of quicksand.
The meg of the desert area: Youtube link here
Onwards and Upwards
-This next section will contain some lore(backstory/spoilers).•The Scorched Lord:
-Originally a proto-greco/roman, named Tyrannos Inferis. Heavily invested in alchemy and mysticism, his obsession would inevitably lead him beyond the Devil's Shroud, and into the lands of the Ancients.
He coveted their knowledge and power and would seek to gain mastery of all its' forms(what part he may have played in the end of their civilization is as of yet unknown). Sufficed to say he may have been one of the first skeleton lords, and through his power he not only turned his dominion into a desert, but sealed it away from the rest of The Sea of Thieves. As the Gold Horder hoards treasure, The Scorched Lord hoards knowledge and secrets; and his minions scour all of the Seas, be those areas we're familiar with, or ones we're not.•The Guide:
Chiron the Curator by name and title, a curious individual well versed in a myriad of rites and rituals, whose inquisitive nature and desire for exploration proves to be their undoing. After being cursed by The Scorched Lord takes on the persona of: The Ritualist and is sent on a number of tasks by Admiral Glass and Commandant Mirage.•Commandant Mirage:
The right hand of The Scorched Lord, she often specializes in all things covert and secretive. She directs her 'Fire and Shadow' Legions in scouring the seas for accursed knowledge and artefacts, as well as acting overseer to the opening and maintaining of portals to other regions.•Admiral Glass:
The left gauntleted fist of the Scorched Lord. She oversees all overt operations, serving as a fiery hammer to the fleets of Scorched captains under her command. She is the crusher, the breaker, she excels at and enjoys her occupation.New Trading Companies, Outposts, Character Names
The Oasis(first new outpost):
Ivan, the Inn/tavernkeep
Future additions: Ichabod, Irving, Ian.Wilhelm, the Weaponsmith
Future additions: William, Warren, Walter.Odessa, The Outfitter
Future additions: Ogra, Oren, Oak.Grimm, Gearmaster
Future additions: Gail, Gene, George.-Trading Companies-
Sinbad, of the Smugglers Contingent
Future additions: Sven, Scylla, Sorcha.Borg, of the Bone Collectors
Future additions: Bjorn, Byron, Beedle.Kora, of the Treasure Keepers
Future additions: Kirsten, Kate, Kaylee.Ludvig, of the Lore Seekers
Future additions: Lucien, Lamia, Lyra, Laertes, Luca, Lily.Warrik, of the Scavengers(Desert Hunter's Call)
Future additions: Varrik@baronbrr said in Forgotten Sands(Desert Area):
@targasbr or it’s islands are deserts.
The islands are already deserts today, we have little life in the game and the most we see is sand and skeletons LOL
@targasbr most if not all of the islands in game have trees. if they don't they are called sandbars. also, what you said is a metaphor
@baronbrr said in Forgotten Sands(Desert Area):
@targasbr most if not all of the islands in game have trees. if they don't they are called sandbars. also, what you said is a metaphor
oasis also have trees
The difference is that the 'islands' in the desert sea are primarily dirt with rocky foundations, typically these locals would have abundant plant and animal life; a 'safe' haven from the creatures of the Desert Sea. And the 'desert' itself would operate like reverse quicksand; The more you move, the less you sink, but if you stand still, you sink and drown.
As a side note we may need to create a seperate post for discussion, so that I might retain a free artistic space in order to expunge and hatch new ideas.
