Alternate Rulesets: Build a Hard-Core Server

[Therian]

I’ve been musing over some of the major divisions between the ‘hardcore’ and the ‘core’ player (well, I’ve been reading people arguing about the silvery cord/compass marker again), and thought it would be amusing to construct the Alternate Ruleset Server for the very hardcore players. We have a fair idea of many of the major rules which will most likely be in the game, and in many ways a Hard-Core Server would be a very attractive Alternate to play on.

If you care to add suggestions, I’ll edit them into the Ruleset:

- Permadeath (or severe death penalty/character save every five levels)
- No silvery cords or compass markers

- No maps
- Exp Loss (not to be confused with Exp Debt)
- Item Decay
- Mobs aren't leashed
- Make faction really matter
- Take out compasses completely
- One character only
- Corpse decay

Any more?

(Added Labyrrinth's suggestions)
(Added Orlun's suggestion)
(Added Peralay's suggestion)
(Added Xenvu's suggestion)

[Labyrrinth]

No maps
Exp Loss (not to be confused with Exp Debt)
Item Decay
Mobs aren't leashed

[Therian]

Exp Loss (not to be confused with Exp Debt)

I wondered how you would have xp loss when you have permadeath, but of course it depends on how permadeath is implemented. I was assuming the die once and you're gone permadeath, but we'll leave that for the ultra-hardcore ruleset and say that this version of permadeath is the three strikes and you're out permadeath.

I doubt I'd have a main on a permadeath server, but I'd certainly be tempted to have an alt there. Purely because of the absolute _awe_ you'd feel seeing a character over level ten.

[Labyrrinth]

LOL I *read* permadeath but it didn't register (I am still waiting on my coffee...)

Here's another idea

Make faction really matter
Take out compasses completely

[Orlun]

The main problem I see with a permadeath server is the hardest and highest end content is usually wasted as players either die attempting it or don't dare in the first place.

How about a modified permadeath server where there is a hardcoded "character save" every 5 levels. This would make a game that has dozens of (5 level milestones). Players reaching the next milestone would have a level or two where they would play much riskier as they can only fall back to the last five level step.

It might be a good way to pace progression and allow for full content utilization as a player would have to think about when he or she is ready to attempt the climb to the next five level cap. Too early and they won't have the gear and skills to make it. Too late and others pass them up.

[Elrar (of Silky Venom)]

everything with the exception of perma death is cool with me.

I dont think you need permadeath to be hardcore. Perhaps just a more severe death penalty.


hope this doesnt make me sound weaksauce :(

[Orlun]

I think Alternate Ruleset Servers is a great topic for a dev interview Q/A session. Maybe even with background information on how ARS have been implimented in previous games. I know many hovering at the OVF are curious about what ARS Sigil will be working on for Vanguard.

[Peralay]

Single Character only.

No alt character assisting fiancially or equipment wise. Can be gotten around via multiple accounts, yes, but not everyone will get that urge to cheat.

[Rawru]

oof, I hope faction will matter even on normal ruleset servers :confused:

I like perma death, but... hrm, possibly if it was without loosing things in the bank. That way you dont want to throw things out the window when you die at the top level quite as much. Moreso like the character inherited items from the deceased character ("relative")?

[Labyrrinth]

oof, I hope faction will matter even on normal ruleset servers :confused:

The problem in the past is that faction mattered, but not much. It was too easy to go back and forth with it under most circumstances. Remember dwarves/giants in SoV?

When I talk about faction on a "hardcore" server, I'd like to see it implemented to the extreme and if you botched it, too bad. I'd also like to see that happen with your hometown. You kill too many 'alliance' faction members in other areas, and you won't be going home again...

[Elrar (of Silky Venom)]

I think the diplomacy system is really going to warrant a much stricter policy, but I agree, faction needs to be influential.

I come from a V:TM table top backround, anyone who has played that knows, its all about how you behave in front of those that matter.

You could be a gen 5 brujah infernal, but if the prince, or elders disliked you, you might as well go die because you have no power in the city outside of brute force and whatever non kindred factions you could get your hands on.

Tis why I'm so stoked about Diplomacy. The social aspect of games has yet to be tapped. I hope to play the faction dance, being a pirate on one side, and a well respected noble on the other. Count of Monte Cristo 4tw :D

[Xenvu]

I like the ideas posted in this forum for PVE rulesets but what about PVP rulesets? Here is my dream PVP ruleset server:

Anyone level 10+ is no longer immune to pvp and can be killed by anyone, any level, anywhere except maybe for one safe zone like PoK in everquest.

If the person killed was within 5 levels up or down of the agressor, the agressor gets to choose 1 item to loot off of the player and all coin.

If the person was over 5 levels who got the kill, he gets only coin loot and no item.

Corpse decay
Mobs are not leashed
No compass or corpse trail
Faction matters
Exp loss and loss of levels

I have some other ideas but these are the most reasonable. For PVE I wouldn't mind seeing a perma death server. Could be interesting.