Hi, a few newbie observations

[symolan]

I completely see the issue you have as I have experienced the same, incl. the "beggar-feeling". Through the merchants-guild in our server the problem is a bit reduced. Of course not all styles/qualities are available to newbies at the merchants, but I guess that is not the most prominent issue on their minds.

Of course your idea of brownie-points would be nice, but we do not expect such a mechanism soon. So, for the time being, it would need to be a player based solution.

You will never be able to craft all the things you need (except you don't do too many different things) yourself even after some years of playing. (some very few homins are close to though). I like this because it provides an absolute need to comunicate and barter with other people about gear. Further you do have quite a lot of dig/craft-addicts on Atys that will defend their position. Meaning gear on Atys is generally crafted (some few exceptions) and it will remain this way (as otherwise you might have quite an exodus I'd assume).

I am every now and then selling a 250-jewel set with the purpose that newer players see with whom they could get in touch with and I would certainly not feel haunted if someone gave me a call on that. What I want to say by that: Crafters are longing for people wearing their gear. (actually they should almost pay you for wearing it*g*) So, no worry contacting one.

Further I'd recommend to set up a merchant guild on this server too. It might help to retain some newbies and that should be worth the significant amount of work to the more influential guilds.

embrel - menetekel
leanon

[fiach]

I'd like to post a couple of thoughts on this as I have been thinking a little about it since I read it, making me think is usually a cause for great concern

I would imagine that alot of your problems Saleema, stem from one of the main core aspects of this game.

The games core mechanic, is about guilds fighting each other for Outposts.

Alot of the guilds recruit very actively, to maintain or gain a significant amount of participation in Outpost wars.

This means they "hoover" up alot of the new players with some guilds even recruiting on Silan.

This causes a dearth of new players in the starter areas, because they are all in Flaming Forest or Void, being powerlevelled.

This also causes a shortage of equipment as all crafts tend to go into the guild store for members.

Alot of these people are being powerlevelled using Experience Catalyzers, which double the XP they get, making them level faster, it makes them go through equipment faster, but even if a guild has a surplus of used gear, it (AFAIK) cannot be sold to other players via the merchants.

Maybe check out the guilds thread here and have a look at a few guilds and there is some advice there on selecting a guild too, maybe you dont want to join a guild, I dont know, but the game is quite guild driven.

Hope you find a suitable solution

...... BLAME PVP

[hemera]

Helping new players grow into masters and have the best gear gives old fart's like me reason to play.
If i just wanted to help myself and only craft/dig/hunt for my own gear i would have stoped playing a long time ago.

Most player's will always end up helping other newbies in someway, be it fame runs, gear, mats, dappers ........

As for dappers/gold.... they dont mean anything when you get to endgame stuff.

[fiach]

...... BLAME PVP

Meh shoulda said Blame Nitrouss

Hi mate (you old fart)

Edited to add (you old fart)

[iceaxe68]

Hi Nitrouss

I was lucky enough to meet Nitrouss earlier, who took me on tour and explained alot of aspects of the game to me, about which I was pretty ignorant.

Yes Valda, I can see what you mean now about the guild driven nature of the game, I saw my first Outpost today and got to try some cats out too, not sure if I like them or not, early days yet

Thanks for the posts

Cats iz eeeeevil.

Seriously, use them in moderation. Blowing through the levels ASAP is not, in my opinion, the optimal way to enjoy the game.

Find things you enjoy doing, do them with some of the fine people you meet, and the levels will come soon enough.

[sideways]

[[
Welcome, Saleema!

I hope you continue to enjoy our world.

While the game can be very centered on guild, it can be approached differently, too. My guild is, sadly, not terribly busy during the time I am online. It's rare for me to see more than one other person online at the admittedly late hours when I play.

However, I've been lucky to meet some great people from other guilds and have never lacked for company.

I've been reasonably self sufficient. I've earned all my dappers and have purchased packers and an apartment without assistance. I craft my own Medium and Heavy armors, and I've purchased many things. (You can find good things, you just have to check the vendors regularly.)

I have taken hand-me-down gear from other players, and guildies and friends have crafted a few things for me, but I've never felt like a beggar. I work hard to help others and if they choose to give me a gift once in a while, I am glad to accept it in the spirit given.

I have not used and never will use cats. Ever. I stay focused on having fun, and if I don't have the best possible gear and level up more slowly than someone else, so be it. I am happy.
]]

[fiach]

Glad to see you're still hanging in there Saleema