Hello ArenaNet,
http://everquest.allakhazam.com/db/quest.html?quest=757
May I introduce you to this quest from EverQuest 1? This was a very long, challenging quest line that involved one specific individual getting an ultimate weapon. PLAYERS: While these epic quests from EQ1 had thier own set of issues, please dont freak out yet! If you do release more legendaries, please consider using something like this! Time consuming (as Anet wants), challenging, and fun.. If done right.
Some portions of this particular EQ1 Cleric quest were soloable —- Some were very time consuming —- Camps! The game revolved around spawn timers and place holders. Want a specific item off a monster for this quest? Kill the place holder monster, hope it spawns… and hope it drops the item needed! Other “camping” involved timers much like your dragon timers. However, it was in an uninstanced world and you often had to fight with other people to obtain a single players PIECE of thier epic weapon. Very frustrating for your player base, causes bad blood, ect… As you want your players to be working together, please dont adopt this. Instance the stuff!
In my opinion EverQuest 1 had a very strong community. I feel this was due to bonds formed overcoming the difficult content and working on long-term quests/objectives together. EQ1’s Cleric Epic required raiding a few area’s for certain pieces. Due to a guild working together to get individuals such a powerful weapon.. Bonds were formed, people helped others do parts of thier epic quests in return, ect… It was more of an “investment” in the guild as a whole to get stronger to overcome the next obstacle —- Together. People still jumped ship though.. Nothing can be done for that though.
This can allow the characters personal story to advance after killing Zhaitan Lets go back to the Grove and ask the Pale Tree about other weapons of power that can be used to help Tyria in the upcoming battles against the other dragons! Gets sent to X NPC to start thier quest It also gives people a reason to finish thier personal story! This allows you to focus more on the “Class” rather than the race which was primarily the focus of the original personal story from L1 – 30 before choosing an order.
Best part —- If people dont like this option, they can always opt for the other method of obtaining them. Pure luck! Casuals and loners can still win too!
As far as effects added to the weapons —- That’s up for your balance team. If you’re trying to phase out magic find, add that onto the weapon with other normal combat stats. No harm in WvW or PvE. Has a benefit for the player, still!
OK — Back to how this applies to GW2!
Class specific legendaries would be a fantastic way to:
A) Add new legendaries that dont involved Mystic Forge/Luck.
Can add content for the Raids you are working on.
C) Promote a healthier, tighter knit community between players and their guild.
D) Allow the characters personal story to tell of the class as they get thier weapon.