Concerns about the story development of Ryzom

[raynes]

I noticed on mmorpg.com they had a news piece about Chapter 2 starting in Ryzom. This got me to thinking, what the heck happened to chapter one? Yes I know it was the first patch, but in story terms what happened in chapter one? I even went back to read the write up about Chapter One called Changing Times. As far as I know nothing really has happened in game that would indicate changing times.

This brings me to Chapter Two: Open Conflict. I believe that this is a reference to PvP. But in terms of the story how does open conflict come into play? Is chapter two going to end up like Chapter one, not really being a chapter at all?

Having come from Earth and Beyond maybe I am just used to having the story advance in a very real and noticeable way. There a patch would come there would be noticeable changes in the way things were. Whether it be missing NPC’s, changes in game areas, the enemy invading new areas (for example the aliens took over the capital of one of the main races in one patch), or actions of the NPC’s, you knew something was happening. It just doesn’t seem like that is happening in this game.

Lets look at the two major events we have had so far. The first was where they had the Kami and Karavan forces investigating an increase in goo. At the end the players beat the group responsible for producing the goo. People got a title and a pat on the back. Now if I were to join the game today would there be any evidence (aside from the titles people earned) of that event?

The more recent event had players going to the Nexus to learn about something involving Kitin. To be honest I don’t even have a clue what really went on there and I was in the event. Since the event there hasn’t been any change to the game world or actions of the NPCs, it’s like nothing ever happened.

If this game and its story ever want to take off things need to start changing and stay changed. If we are at war with the Kitin, then they need to take over new areas of the game. I don’t mean just putting them in a new area and have them walk around and spawn randomly. I mean they need to be put in a new areas (commonly used areas) and do things like form blockades, march in patterns, maybe dig or build something. As it is right now, Ryzom is no different than most of the other MMO’s out there in terms of story. What I mean by that is the story is detached from the game. The website offers great information and updates, but if you go in game there doesn’t seem to be much representation.

I just hope the way things have been in the story and event department aren’t the way it’s going to be for the run of the game. The story needs to happen. Players need to have it affect their gameplay, it is what will make or break this game.

[vguerin]

I must admit I often ignore anything you post... but I have to say "Spot On" ! Where's the beef ?

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[madnak]

I agree. The only relevant thing that happened in all of Chapter 1 was Mournblade appearing at the funeral ceremony and making vague threats.

[vinnyq]

Well there was that summit where Mournblade showed up and assinated the speaker.

Not a lot of people made that summit though.

If I recalled correctly, there was a yooge speak about needing to come together and such, and to form battleplans, which is pretty much in line with the story.

I agree with Raynes to the fact that it can't just be separted events (which is mostly a show if you think about it) but the story has to be incorporated into the game and affects gameplay.

I want to hear NPCs speak dammit! They need to make it so we can hear NPC having conversations with each other and how they feel about "world event" at specific moment in time. Maybe even mention the name of the players who helped them the most.

[madnak]

The summit happened in chapter 1? I thought it was earlier, but I guess you are right. But that was just bickering and a kidnapping that didn't go anywhere. The whole "come together because soon you will all be in danger" doesn't qualify as story if you ask me.

[raynes]

Well there was that summit where Mournblade showed up and assinated the speaker.

Not a lot of people made that summit though.

Ok so a npc showed up and killed (or attempted to kill) the speaker. If you were to log into the game tonight would there be anything in the game that was affected by that? Would there be more guards in the area that the attempt took place? Would any of the NPC's acknowledge that event?

That is what I really am getting at. The events so far have no real effect on the game world. The behaviors didn't change, the landscapes didn't change, nothing changed. That game world and everything in it is the same after the event as it was before (changes that have occured have nothing to do with anything story related).

Now there is talk of the Kitin attacking all the capitals at the same time. Are we going to have the same thing as before, one day there is an event where out of thin air Kitin are in the cities. The devs patch, put in temp spawn points, people fight, the devs call the end of the event, shut off the spawn points and everything goes back to the way it was before?

Or is there going to be something where they attack, we fight them off. After the battle is done some buildings are ruined, npcs killed. People go exploring the countryside to discover that the Kitin are forming a blockade at one of the roots entrances. Players then manage to sneak in from the opposite entrance to discover the Kitin are actually harvesting the resources and making new armor for themselves. Soon after that the new types of kitin appear in the countryside?

[zukor]

I noticed on mmorpg.com they had a news piece about Chapter 2 starting in Ryzom. This got me to thinking, what the heck happened to chapter one? Yes I know it was the first patch, but in story terms what happened in chapter one? I even went back to read the write up about Chapter One called Changing Times. As far as I know nothing really has happened in game that would indicate changing times.

This brings me to Chapter Two: Open Conflict. I believe that this is a reference to PvP. But in terms of the story how does open conflict come into play? Is chapter two going to end up like Chapter one, not really being a chapter at all?

Having come from Earth and Beyond maybe I am just used to having the story advance in a very real and noticeable way. There a patch would come there would be noticeable changes in the way things were. Whether it be missing NPC’s, changes in game areas, the enemy invading new areas (for example the aliens took over the capital of one of the main races in one patch), or actions of the NPC’s, you knew something was happening. It just doesn’t seem like that is happening in this game.

Lets look at the two major events we have had so far. The first was where they had the Kami and Karavan forces investigating an increase in goo. At the end the players beat the group responsible for producing the goo. People got a title and a pat on the back. Now if I were to join the game today would there be any evidence (aside from the titles people earned) of that event?

The more recent event had players going to the Nexus to learn about something involving Kitin. To be honest I don’t even have a clue what really went on there and I was in the event. Since the event there hasn’t been any change to the game world or actions of the NPCs, it’s like nothing ever happened.

If this game and its story ever want to take off things need to start changing and stay changed. If we are at war with the Kitin, then they need to take over new areas of the game. I don’t mean just putting them in a new area and have them walk around and spawn randomly. I mean they need to be put in a new areas (commonly used areas) and do things like form blockades, march in patterns, maybe dig or build something. As it is right now, Ryzom is no different than most of the other MMO’s out there in terms of story. What I mean by that is the story is detached from the game. The website offers great information and updates, but if you go in game there doesn’t seem to be much representation.

I just hope the way things have been in the story and event department aren’t the way it’s going to be for the run of the game. The story needs to happen. Players need to have it affect their gameplay, it is what will make or break this game.

raynes,

On this issue I agree with you 100%.

Doctor Z.

[zukor]

Now there is talk of the Kitin attacking all the capitals at the same time. Are we going to have the same thing as before, one day there is an event where out of thin air Kitin are in the cities. The devs patch, put in temp spawn points, people fight, the devs call the end of the event, shut off the spawn points and everything goes back to the way it was before?

Or is there going to be something where they attack, we fight them off. After the battle is done some buildings are ruined, npcs killed. People go exploring the countryside to discover that the Kitin are forming a blockade at one of the roots entrances. Players then manage to sneak in from the opposite entrance to discover the Kitin are actually harvesting the resources and making new armor for themselves. Soon after that the new types of kitin appear in the countryside?

Again agree 100%. In a different thread, I've mentioned Kitin patrols, raids, scouting, a defined frontier over which war is raging with ability to go "behind the lines", possibly missions where you are assigned to go behind Kittin lines, also ambushes where raiding parties sneak up on you in areas that are considered safe, such as imperial dunes. I hope some of this stuff makes it into game. Otherwise I agree that the story bears little relation to gameplay as it now stands.

Doctor Z.

[marct]

Now there is talk of the Kitin attacking all the capitals at the same time. Are we going to have the same thing as before, one day there is an event where out of thin air Kitin are in the cities. The devs patch, put in temp spawn points, people fight, the devs call the end of the event, shut off the spawn points and everything goes back to the way it was before?

Or is there going to be something where they attack, we fight them off. After the battle is done some buildings are ruined, npcs killed. People go exploring the countryside to discover that the Kitin are forming a blockade at one of the roots entrances. Players then manage to sneak in from the opposite entrance to discover the Kitin are actually harvesting the resources and making new armor for themselves. Soon after that the new types of kitin appear in the countryside?

I would agree completely. I don't have to talk to NPC's at all. What is the deal with an "Event Manager" giving us an update that tehre is going to be an event? Shouldn't our more experienced members see more Kitin related animals (sorry, not quite an old timer here) showing up in certain areas with them mulitplying if they are not kept in check? (A living environment) And then shouldn't they migrate and control areas to meet their goals? I would expect NPC's in the area if you talked to them relate to you what they have seen, maybe even cryptically. Right now we are relying on an Event Manager instead of the ingame community that is supposed to exist. Maybe neither side wins, or the Kitin retreat and regroup, maybe FG becomes innundated with 230+ lvl mobs, over time, not after patch. If we do not control it. Why doesn't an NPC shout soemthing if they are concerned.

It seems to me the Event Managers should be more in-game spreading lore and information. They could "Embody an NPC" and make that NPC travel around and shout or provide info. Let the community do what it should, and if not pay the consequences. We will mobilize. If all of the vendors pack up from DAV because the mobs are getting closer and more dangerous and all of the sudden you can't sell your higher level items until they are back, people will mobilize.

BTW, Moving and migrating mobs would be nice. Don't you think the poor doggies outside of YRK would get the hint and stay back up in the hills until there numbers are sufficient and then head back to prey on the homins by the road? And why can't I totally irradicate them until they migrate back in from by TB? Let's see the living world! Not moved spawns by GM's or Devs.

[raynes]

It seems to me the Event Managers should be more in-game spreading lore and information. They could "Embody an NPC" and make that NPC travel around and shout or provide info. Let the community do what it should, and if not pay the consequences. We will mobilize. If all of the vendors pack up from DAV because the mobs are getting closer and more dangerous and all of the sudden you can't sell your higher level items until they are back, people will mobilize.

That is a great point. Why don't we see more GM's, event managers and overall people behind the game going around as a character in game spreading lore? Take Mynias for example. Why don't we see him in the courntyside going from town to town (unannounced) to speak of what is going on?