[fcwedd]

We've implemented an advanced flag-based quest system that is very flexible. More details will follow, but here's a simple example of how it works:

Quests will involve all sorts of ideas and stories; there may be multiple ways to solve or complete them. Some of the stories might be only of local import, or some might have some epic scope. It really all depends on the context, who you are, and what you're doing. Certainly the quests will not be random, nor limited to taking an item from point A to point B. Our quest design involves a sophisticated flag system where characters can be marked by an number of events (including, but far from being limited by, picking up or being handed an item). NPCs will then react to that character depending on what flags he has on or off.

One example of a quest we just put in the game involved retrieving a stained cloak from a half-giant that attacks you if you are on a certain quest. Once you retrieve the cloak, it allows you entry into a goblin mini-dungeon -- apparently the goblin's smell the scent on the cloak and choose not to attack you. This then allows you audience with the goblin chief -- you have a quick dialog with him, have another flag set, and continue onto the next segment of the greater quest. And, as long as you aren't dumb enough to remove the cloak, the goblins allow you to exit the dungeon and proceed. .
Source: Official FAQ

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Although this sounds appealing, why have mindless repeatable missives? I mean, how many dang bear claws do they need at Renton Keep & Three Rivers? 90% of the Vanguard population grinds on them. I don't want to do the same quest every 10 min. However, I feel I have to in order to keep up. Those who get left behind have to deal with the blown up economy.

[Tem]

Originally Posted by fcwedd

We've implemented an advanced flag-based quest system that is very flexible. More details will follow, but here's a simple example of how it works:

Quests will involve all sorts of ideas and stories; there may be multiple ways to solve or complete them. Some of the stories might be only of local import, or some might have some epic scope. It really all depends on the context, who you are, and what you're doing. Certainly the quests will not be random, nor limited to taking an item from point A to point B. Our quest design involves a sophisticated flag system where characters can be marked by an number of events (including, but far from being limited by, picking up or being handed an item). NPCs will then react to that character depending on what flags he has on or off.

One example of a quest we just put in the game involved retrieving a stained cloak from a half-giant that attacks you if you are on a certain quest. Once you retrieve the cloak, it allows you entry into a goblin mini-dungeon -- apparently the goblin's smell the scent on the cloak and choose not to attack you. This then allows you audience with the goblin chief -- you have a quick dialog with him, have another flag set, and continue onto the next segment of the greater quest. And, as long as you aren't dumb enough to remove the cloak, the goblins allow you to exit the dungeon and proceed. .
Source: Official FAQ

----

Although this sounds appealing, why have mindless repeatable missives? I mean, how many dang bear claws do they need at Renton Keep & Three Rivers? 90% of the Vanguard population grinds on them. I don't want to do the same quest every 10 min. However, I feel I have to in order to keep up. Those who get left behind have to deal with the blown up economy.

I find missives helpful for getting some coin and maybe a decent item. If you don't enjoy them, don't do them. I have no sympathy for anyone that feels they need to do something they dislike to keep up with the joneses in order to have fun in a game. Do whatever you find fun, you'll get to level 50 eventually.

[fcwedd]

Originally Posted by Tem

I find missives helpful for getting some coin and maybe a decent item. If you don't enjoy them, don't do them. I have no sympathy for anyone that feels they need to do something they dislike to keep up with the joneses in order to have fun in a game. Do whatever you find fun, you'll get to level 50 eventually.

Ok. Have fun collecting bear paws.

[Vallas]

IMO the missives are there for the folks that enjoy grinding in the same area. It takes the approach of killing the same things over and over quickly for XP but adds some rewards to it as well.

If you dont like em just stick with the quests or just grind away...in any event there is plenty to do!

[Tem]

Originally Posted by fcwedd

Ok. Have fun collecting bear paws.

Thanks, I will. Not all the time of course, but it's a relaxing way to spend an evening while watching a ball game or talking with friends on AIM or something.

I have the feeling you take this stuff way too seriously.

[Garjala]

Originally Posted by fcwedd

Although this sounds appealing, why have mindless repeatable missives? I mean, how many dang bear claws do they need at Renton Keep & Three Rivers? 90% of the Vanguard population grinds on them. I don't want to do the same quest every 10 min. However, I feel I have to in order to keep up. Those who get left behind have to deal with the blown up economy.

Which is why I prefer grabbing a guild group and heading to some dungeon to complete quests. Good exp, good items and very fun in group you can trust (teamspeak rocks).

[Kimi]

Originally Posted by fcwedd

...However, I feel I have to in order to keep up. Those who get left behind have to deal with the blown up economy.

Why do you have to keep up, and with who?

[Vallas]

Originally Posted by Tem

Thanks, I will. Not all the time of course, but it's a relaxing way to spend an evening while watching a ball game or talking with friends on AIM or something.

I have the feeling you take this stuff way too seriously.

Thats actually what I use them for too. Or more frequently when I only have 30 minutes or so to play and just want to do something quick that I can leave at any point. Its convenient being able to get some XP, cash and potentially a decent item so close to town.

[Calilove]

This tapers off as you get higher lvl, but stacking missives with quests in an area is a great use.

A perfect example is neamsong bunker. You have quests that require killing lions, kroks and ratmen, and missives for all of these.

As you go down the ratmen chain ,you can keep taking the missives for greater/lesser ratmen and tick them off several times in the course of the quest (esp if you find yourself waiting for a group or guildies).

At one point each kill was ticking 3 quests off. Stupidly I turned in 5 instead of waiting for 10 and got a lame consumable.