Territory Battle Change (no more turn-based?)

[Mooncalf]

We've been thinking of making Path's territorial battle system more like the regular battle system as it is on Blood. So no turns, people just attack when ready (if the opponent has moved between being hit or X time has passed).

Reasons for the possible change: people don't seem fans of waiting for turns; this system would be far less buggy; it's simpler because it's essentially based around the skirmish system with nothing else to learn; it allows for live fighting IF both parties want to go that way with it (as on grid I guess); it makes it so that there doesn't have to be a scheduled start time that people turn up for [ETA: on reflection there probably would be, but people wouldn't HAVE to turn up for it, as they can move when they like]; and it brings the game closer to being streamlined to having just one fighting system for everything. Overall it's just simpler and cleaner.

Would everyone with an opinion on the subject post a reply saying yay or nay, and feel free to give extra comments?

As far as NPC factions go, we've got a few options we're considering. But mainly we're interested in hearing people's opinions on that basic change for now.

[Azraeth]

Also bear in mind this update when saying yay or nay, or giving comments. <3

[Every]

I think it's an interesting concept and would honestly have to see it in action before I properly say yay or nay, but I think anything that allows room for less buggy systems.

I wasn't really a fan of the turn based systems simply because it would slow down and occasionally it would tell me I've used up my turns when in reality, I didn't move. So I hope this is better, for sure.

[Caligrace]

I have to agree with what Donni said initially. I can’t say if I’m for it or against it, especially because I don’t play Blood to know how it workable. I have my concerns/questions, but I’m all for anything that makes the game run smoother!

[Mooncalf]

For those not familiar with the Blood system: the only difference is turns are removed, so anyone is free to move when they want. Otherwise, it works exactly like the system we use to resolve RP battles in that you have to wait for people to move before you hit them again (or for X amount of time). It's essentially just the same as that. There wouldn't be any major foreseeable bugs or problems with it, and it should be very simple for everyone, as it's not really much different from just skirmishing people on the regular world map.

[Lancaster]

Does that mean that if one team has won a territory and someone wants to challenge them, they can do so immediately without the other team accepting?

Does this mean that if people are sleeping/at work/AFK their characters could be pulled into battle and killed by the time they wake up/check the computer?

For sure, it would make things more interesting. It means the territory ownership would constantly be in flux rather than only two or three teams owning the whole grid. Like Pokemon gyms! And could also open up many avenues for RP, too, and the conflict one might see arise in this kind of game. Faction wars, and the like, so long as they're kept clean.

Could the reward be changed, then? So rather than a monthly dump of money (or is it weekly?) do it by the day, in smaller increments?

[Every]

Payout is monthly, and that is a good question, Chloe, about being pulled in while people are sleeping. I'd be a bit concerned about that, too, especially if it isn't in the nature to flee. Could there be something added where both teams (sans NPC) have to accept?

[Mooncalf]

Does that mean that if one team has won a territory and someone wants to challenge them, they can do so immediately without the other team accepting?

Hmmm good point. Yeah there would probably still be a scheduled start time, but it wouldn't be vital for people to turn up immediately when it starts. So the invading team would have to wait for it to start before attacking, and the defending team might even get to attack first. But offline AI could still play a part for those unable to make the start time, maybe.

Actually, yeah we'd have to do it that way, or defenders wouldn't even be able to be nominated anyway.

Does this mean that if people are sleeping/at work/AFK their characters could be pulled into battle and killed by the time they wake up/check the computer?

Only if they can be killed by the 8 fighters who the leader picks, and only if your own leader nominates you as one of the chosen warriors, without realising you can't make it to the fight anyway. And even then, only if your offline AI settings don't help you defend yourself etc. You'll know the start time, you'll know you've been chosen, and you'll have a chance to be un-nominated if you can't make it.

[Azraeth]

The offline AI settings, I imagine, will play a pretty big role in this, as even offline combatants can do a decent chunk of damage to an opponent if, for example, everyone in a group is set to defend everyone else on their team. Though with the 12 hour timer between attacks, scheduled start times, and voluntary participation, I (personally) think there's ample opportunity for everyone on either side of a territory battle to respond/participate.

[Ruby]

I like the sound of this, I really hated waiting during territory battles.