Player Trainers

[estaga]

Imagine if I could be trained in a skill by another player I meet in game rather than having to find the appropriate npc all the time. This would allow a guild to train their members or even setup a university staffed with players who can train in the various jobs/skills. The would give out skill levels in exactly the same way as the npc and the receiving player would still have to go out and perform the training exercises (mining, making swords, fixing armor, whatever).

I couldn't find this topic in the wishlist, so if I missed it please attach the correct link.

Estaga

[Bonifarzia]

I couldn't find this topic in the wishlist, so if I missed it please attach the correct link.

A few older ones:
http://www.hydlaaplaza.com/smf/index.php?topic=31185
http://www.hydlaaplaza.com/smf/index.php?topic=20928
http://www.hydlaaplaza.com/smf/index.php?topic=6531
http://www.hydlaaplaza.com/smf/index.php?topic=25067

I think I wanted to suggest something like that once as a PP sink. I don't remember if I actually wrote something about that.

EDIT: Ah, it was this one:
http://www.hydlaaplaza.com/smf/index.php?topic=37132.msg422549#msg422549

[estaga]

Thanks Bonifarzia! I really stink at the search engine thing... gah!

Estaga

[Aramara Meibi]

yes i think believe this can be easily done, we'll just put some bleachers out in the sun, and have it on highway 61.

no but seriously, i've put some thought into this. i think we should keep the training system how it is (receive training->practice skill->gain a level->repeat), but we can remove the npc trainers and give the players the ability to train each other.

notes:

-there will have to remain at least one npc who is the master of the skill and is able to provide training at any level.
-players can only train players who are of a skill level lower than them.
-when a player gains a level, they are rewarded a certain number of training points. these points can then be used to train other players. higher skill levels attained could reward more points, but I don't think the number of points should ever exceed, let's say, 5, just to limit system abuse.

[estaga]

Just to be clear, I'm not suggesting changing the way it works now with the designated npcs, pp, experience, etc. I'm suggesting we allow a player to give out the training as if they were an NPC, everything else stays the same, including all checks for skill levels, acquired pp, etc. If we remove the npcs from the mix or reduce them down to a single master, it becomes much more difficult (possibly) for new players to find that one npc to get their training until they find either the right player who can train them or the a "university" type guild to help them out. Also, the quests that go along with several of the skills lead you to the next npc and help the new user learn more about the game environment.

I think that as new players start to rp in the game, it becomes a more effective tool to allow the players to train. However if the trainer isn't online, the trainee can still go find the correct npc and continue to make progress.

Estaga

[Caraick]

Bonifarzia's already pointed out that this has been suggested before, which it has.  Despite the numerous advantages that this would present, there's just far too many problems that it presents.  Not the least of which is the fact that players will come and go, and also that people have the tendency to abuse power that's given to them. 

I think it's good that this notion is being brought back up for discussion, but I still maintain that it presents more problems than it solves. It would be far and away much more convenient to simply implement a no-trainers combat system, or a dual system in which trainers are available, but not necessary,

[Sarva]

Note that we already get a lot of complaints from people who feel like they are forced to interact with other players just to make progress in the game already. Yeah this is a RP game and part of it should be interacting with other players but the fact is we have a lot of people who don't like the feeling that they have to depend on other players to play the game. Having only one master trainer for skills and mainly getting training through other players probably isn't going to be viewed as a good thing by these independent type players.

[Nightflyer0ne]

I think Estaga's idea, of keeping the current training system, but adding the ability to pass your skills on to another player would be a good one. That way, the independent players can still use the NPCs, the ones who want to rp something like an apprenticeship relationship can do that, and people who want to train when the needed NPC is sleeping/on walkabout can have some possible options besides waiting.

Just my two cents.

[Aramara Meibi]

Note that we already get a lot of complaints from people who feel like they are forced to interact with other players just to make progress in the game already. Yeah this is a RP game and part of it should be interacting with other players but the fact is we have a lot of people who don't like the feeling that they have to depend on other players to play the game. Having only one master trainer for skills and mainly getting training through other players probably isn't going to be viewed as a good thing by these independent type players.

can one of these independent players please explain to me why they choose to play a multiplayer online game if they do not want to interact with other players? there's plenty of single player games out there.

i for one can't stand interacting with code driven NPCs. i would love, love to be able to train and be trained by other players. i might actually train!

[Zalya]

I like aramara's point, but I don't see it being plausible any time in the near future, for the sole reason that it would be tedious to find players to train you at such a low player count.

[tman]

I would be for this ONLY if the number of NPC trainers does not decrease as a result.  I would love the opportunity to roleplay an apprenticeship, but I don't want to have to rely on other players all the time (because my playing schedule is very erratic and I'm sure a lot of others' are as well).

So, yes, I would love this, if it doesn't replace the current system.

[Pakarro]

I also agree fully with player trainers and co-existing npc-s. Only, player trainers shouöld be limited to masters in ther trade, way, etc. It would give the very high ranked people a reason to go on and be useful to everybody

[Moja Aere]

...

I think I agree too.