Before I go into the idea part of this post I would first like to say that I do NOT hope to change the current loot/drop system. I think that is far too complex for me to go into and would be best looked at from Anet when it comes to that. I would also like to say that this idea is in it’s very basic form and is more of a “off the top of my head” thing. I would of course think if implemented that Anet would do so in such a way that would be balanced for all classes involved and game balance and not being such a big impact on the current economy.
Now that I have got the “not’s” out of the way I will say what I hope to achieve with this idea. Basically add a bonus drop system to the current drop system which would be seen as a bonus. Why would I like such a thing? Well, I think it would be a fun/cool new way to obtain current in game items as well as possibly give players an incentive to get out there and kill regular monsters again. Another bonus would be an incentive to play other classes and possibly get players into “alting” more. Also it would help with those complaints people have had before about reality/immersion (brief example – why can’t I skin animals?). Lastly it will make killing regular creatures feel MORE REWARDING being that it pretty much assures you a drop 100% of the time or per kill depending on the situations of course. Now to the idea in itself.
Basically each and every class will get a “bonus drop” per kill depending on what class they are and what creature they are killing. I had at first thought this would be a new “skill” that we could use after or during each fight or kill. In the end I dumbed it downed. However if Anet feels this idea is too “powerful” or rewarding they could have it as a skill that we have to perform per battle (for ele/thief) or after battle (for everyone else besides engi) which may even have it’s own cooldown and skill slot on the UI. That or the drop itself has an internal cool down and requires no action on our part. Anywho onto which classes get what:
Thief – Can actually “steal” and gain reward TO KEEP and profit from. Their targets would be any mob (I will use the term mob to mean monster :P) that drops loot bags. They would get one random item from loot bag per kill. Anet could adjust the contents of loot bags for this if they feel they have to.
Rangers – They can FINALLY skin any creature that drops hides/skins. One per kill. There could also be a chance of gaining instead “meat” from those that drop meat or it could be an extra bonus on top of the skin/hide. Again up to Anet.
Ele’s – Use the power of the elements to absorb Gems/Dust from elementals, wood from Oakhearts and other wooden creatures. Perhaps ores from dredge as well.
Engi – The power of repairing goes to them. Basically they can turn all those “vendor trash” “trophy” drop damaged “fine mats” such as broken claws, fangs, teeth etc into the actual “good” versions of them. I would not suggest 1 for 1 and would leave the actual ratio up to Anet. I would think maybe 5 to 1 or perhaps 10 to one would be fair. Not totally sure, but then again that means they are not getting an assured drop every turn but instead gain the bonus from pretty much every creature so this would need major thinking/number crunching here.
Before I move on to the last four remaining classes keep in mind I kind of got stuck for ideas here and just went with what was left over.
Warrior/Guardian: These heavy armour using people can salvage (get as drop) ores from dredge and leather from any creature that drops leather (usually humanoids that drop loot bags – example centaurs/ettins).
Necro/Mesmer: Similar to Warrior/Guardian but instead these light wearing classes can salvage cloths from creatures that drop them (again usually humanoids that drop loot bags – example bandits).
And there we have it. Remember I do not wish to change the current system or have this be too much of a problem with regards to the economy. However I feel something like this could do wonders for the game in it’s current situation (see above – paragraph 2).
Please if you like this idea don’t just think “cool” and then move on. Please post something, it does not have to be a whole book (like me :P) or a lot, even if just “cool idea bro” or “I like this”. We need a lot of support (replies) to get something like this to happen and to all those who read all of this, ty good work!
(edited by Paulytnz.7619)