Apprentice System

[Ryan103]

Apprenticeship

I think an Apprentice system would work well in the land of Planeshift.  An actual Apprenticeship system where new players are actually "apprentices" to more experienced, real players, not NPCs, who are "master craftsman."

I've noticed on the forums a lot new players upset about the learning curve and no spoilers allowed.  I'm new and I did find it troubling learning this game, but I also am a little bit more than a casual gamer so I enjoy learning things on my own.  I also enjoy the roleplaying and finding someone who is more than willing to help... That's where I came up with this idea.. Apprenticeship.

This is a basic rundown of my vision:

Master Craftsman

When a player has mastered a skill such as mining, crafting or the Dark Way or Brown Way etc.. they would eligible to become a "Master Craftsman."  Basically, they would take a newbie under their wing and teach them the "Dark Way" or the art of crafting.  You would be able to groom a player into a mold of yourself sending them out of quests killing rats and bringing them to you 20 rat eyes and you give them a small reward for their efforts.  Also, you can show them around town showing them the different sites etc..

Basically, the Master Craftsman is more of the hardcore gamer who wants to spread their ego to the next generation of planeshift.

Also, who's to say a Master Craftsman can't have more than one apprentice?  You could have 2 and 3 and maybe even 4 if you're that skilled.

Apprentice

As a new member to the land of planeshift you can choose to become an apprentice to an individual who has mastered a craft, fighting style ect...

Also, you don't have to be a newbie to be an apprentice, you could have a decent character, but want to learn the Dark Way of magic.  So you would become an apprentice underneath a Mage who has mastered the Dark Way.

Roleplaying

This would do wonders for the art of Roleplaying in PS.  Think about it... A Master Craftsman who has mastered the Dark Way telling his apprentice..

Master Craftsman scolds his apprentice,"Apprentice, you retched dwarf, go fetch me 10 rat tails for my potion I am brewing."

Apprentice responds quite scared,"Yes my lord, as you wish."

Master Craftsman,"If you ever want to be as powerful as I am you better smarten up or I will turn you into a toad and feed you to the dog!"

Apprentice,"Yes my lord, as you wish."

So basically, the apprentice is trying to get his approval of his master, while the master craftsman can be hard at times, but wants his apprentice to be strong and mighty.  Remember, his apprentice is a reflection of himself.

Also, a master craftsman doesn't have to be harsh.  They are whatever personality the master craftsman is.

In doing this the master can teach the apprentice how the game is played along with teaching them the roleplay aspect.

Posting in forums

I would say the best way to get an apprentice would be posting it in the forums...

Apprentice wanted:
I am a miner by trade and am looking for someone I can share my mining experiences with.  It's kind of lonely down in those mines all day.  I would like to mold a new young mind have someone help carry my gold (-=

Master Craftsman wanted:
I've been a thief for most of my days but would like to redeem myself and become a warrior.  I am tired of scrounging the streets for my next meal.  I would like to become well known and a noble citizen.

The thief is actually a player who has played the game for a while but wants to change his profession.

Also, when posting these ads in the forums you can post when you are usually online and how often you are online for.

Quests

If was even possible to have quests this would be cool too.  If there was like a Master Craftsman quest book that you could give to your students.  And even the Master Craftsman would have to go on a quest, or several quest to become a Master Craftsman.  Now a player who has played the game for a while and who has mastered a skill and gone on many quests can now be giving out quests!  Now that is a new concept.

Clothing

I also would say that an apprentice should have a cape or something that would signify they are an apprentice.  Even something similar to the master Craftman.  This way here when they are walking down the street everyone would know that they train under "Gandor the Great"  He is one of his apprentices.

Conclusion

These are just some thoughts I had and was wondering what others thought?  I've never seen this done.  I've only seen in other games in order to become a mage or whatever you had to go and do quests then you were a mage.  But in this senirio you would actually train under a real character, a hard core gamer, and train with a real live person.  I think this aspect would expand who would play this game, but also keep the role playing alive and also stay within the rules of no spoilers.

 

[Manar]

While some support might help, much of this is perfectly doable in-game as is.  You can post a 'master/apprentice wanted' notice at the Hydlaa or Ojaveda Message Board.

Players giving quests would be an interesting option, and has already been suggested.

[Velh Krome]

I occasionally gave small tasks like "get me rat hides or eyes" to newbies, pretty much the way you described, with my char being a hunter though. Mostly it arouse randomly, especially when the newbie was obviously willing and eager to roleplay. Unfortunately at the moment chars cant really train each other, and so its "only" to reward with items, money or sharing knowledge. Not to forget the mutual fun of course!

I would bet other at least a bit experienced players are doing the same from time to time.
So I can only recommend: Just roleplay that! Roleplay your char to be seeking for a master to teach him! Actually that sounds like a nice idea.

[Zan]

I like the idea a lot but like it's been said. This can be done already by us players ... heck I've done it myself. My blacksmith character took an apprentice on by leaving a message on the Hydlaa Message Board. That apprentice happened to be a new player who was interested in learning about smithing. We both had a lot of fun with the roleplaying and the apprentice/master relationship. I taught him everything he needed to know about blacksmithing, helped him train and made him into a fine smith. Right now he surpassed his master both in skill and knowledge and is even writing a book on smithing. He occasionally teaches others to smith as well.

[Eriroley]

An Apprentice type system has been proposed many times. we're thinking about it. keep the ideas coming.  We're listening, and We appreciate the input, this is very definitely a new twist on what we were looking at

[Ilirion]

While some support might help, much of this is perfectly doable in-game as is.  You can post a 'master/apprentice wanted' notice at the Hydlaa or Ojaveda Message Board.

Players giving quests would be an interesting option, and has already been suggested.

There are message boards!? 

[Baron Samedi]

  Sounds like a great idea!

   I wonder if it is possible for a higher level craftsman to eventually be able to offer training? Seems like another great avenue for income as well as roleplaying...great rewards for a craftsman.

   I think it could fuction just like a "trade"...the apprentice would trade whatever tria is agreed upon, and the Master would exchange Progression Points...whatever would normally be required to advance. Some message would be required to tell the Master how many PP's would be necessary. in effect, the apprentice would be "buying" PP's from the Master. This would be rewarding to both parties, as the apprentice could advance without using his PP's, and the Master would receive monetary rewards, at the cost of his own PP's.

   The trainers might even be able to command a higher price than the NPC's, knowing that many players would pay it in order to save their own PP's. OR, if they have an agreement, such training could be cheaper if it is a true apprentice, or a guildmember.

   All in all, a great opportunity for both interaction and adding another niche to the economy.

  Good idea.

[Mordraugion]

There are message boards!? 

Hydlaa Message Board
Ojaveda Message Board

[Erisnas]

Since learning by books will eventually be implemented why not do this for players to train each other:  At certain levels in each skill (every 5; 10; or 20) players can 'write' a book on their knowledge.  They can sell or trade this book to other players for them to train with.  Now how much they can train will depend. If a level 20 sword fighter writes a book a level 1 sword fighter won't learn very much.  However, if the same level 1 character uses a book written by a level 150 character then they might easily be able to train till level 20 with the book.
   While this system shouldn't be used for all skills it will no doubt be useful until other methods are developed to be used alongside it.