Post by Darth Xaos on Mar 29, 2016 1:21:00 GMT
So, about five months ago, Exolus sent an interesting idea to the LD for consideration, he detailed it as follows.
We in the LD batted it around the table for a while but were concerned it looked rather like an idea Lucifer tried in House Maiesta (back when we had Houses, I realize at this point that was before a lot of people's time on the site) that didn't turn out too hot since the players basically just waited on Luc to get stuff started. Then, later on, Ares had this notion.
Unfortunately the issue got buried under a mountain of other stuff but came to light again when I recently moved a ton of older LD threads into the LD archives. Noticing this thread was still outstanding, I posted the following.
The LD voted this up and hence this thread. Consider this your general brainstrom thread for how you'd like to see this work/what stuff you'd realistically be willing to do with it.
I tentatively call it, The Proving Grounds.
A converted building, either a secondary or tertiary one in the vicinity of the Consul's Palace. Either that, or since Rhae isn't using it, the moon. In there, we'd have things like, say... An obstacle course? A specialized sparring ring/combat arena that uses holosims, much like the opening of Republic Commando has. An unofficial training area where Apprentice-level characters can interact and grow. We rarely see Sith actively practicing their skills, and we usually just jump up from Rank 1, to 2, to 3, etc. I think this would be good to put in the flavor, the meat that goes between the ones and twos and threes. It also allows characters to get to know one-another. This would be moderated of course, and the weapons they're given access to would be limited. So, borrowing my layout for my Yavin IV base in SWTOR, I'll break it down.
Obstacle Course - This is more for their Force Speed, Force Leap and any motion-based skills/perks they'd like to hone. Think of it like a Wipeout, but with stun nets, stun blasters, and stun everything else as hazards.
Combat Arena - Similar to the one I wrote up on Codia, this'd be a variable terrain area, with holoprojectors, sentries and battle droids of varying levels of programming (HK-51s for upper tier?). A giant paintball course with some derelict buildings, and a climate control system to simulate weather hazards. Teaches them urban warfare, guerrilla warfare, infiltration, how to lead a unit, how to command non-Sith. Teamwork above all.
Starfighter Simulators/Flight School - As described, they can log hours in a simulator, and learn at a flight school since most, if not all Sith are usually piloting a starfighter. As an add-on, it can have a reproduction of a Star Destroyer bridge to give them naval experience, as Archmagister rolls on.
Sparring Ring - Obviously to test against one another. A watered-down duel with training sabers.
Shooting Range - Integrated into the Combat Arena? Plenty of Sith use blasters and other non-lightsaber weapons. Never hurts to learn.
Survival Preserve - Teaches them survival skills in case they're lost or separated. How to keep hidden, how to gather intelligence away from urban sprawls. Essential skills, like swimming, injury treatment. Tracking.
Now, this brings me to another point. If a Sith has more than one Apprentice, they could take them all here and tutor them, rather than use one particular apprentice's training room and bring equipment there. Training rooms work perfectly for one-to-one, but I feel they'd get cluttered with more. As another point, I'm not entirely certain if by roleplaying in here, one could earn points to spend on Skills, Perks, etc. Suggestions are welcome on that.
A converted building, either a secondary or tertiary one in the vicinity of the Consul's Palace. Either that, or since Rhae isn't using it, the moon. In there, we'd have things like, say... An obstacle course? A specialized sparring ring/combat arena that uses holosims, much like the opening of Republic Commando has. An unofficial training area where Apprentice-level characters can interact and grow. We rarely see Sith actively practicing their skills, and we usually just jump up from Rank 1, to 2, to 3, etc. I think this would be good to put in the flavor, the meat that goes between the ones and twos and threes. It also allows characters to get to know one-another. This would be moderated of course, and the weapons they're given access to would be limited. So, borrowing my layout for my Yavin IV base in SWTOR, I'll break it down.
Obstacle Course - This is more for their Force Speed, Force Leap and any motion-based skills/perks they'd like to hone. Think of it like a Wipeout, but with stun nets, stun blasters, and stun everything else as hazards.
Combat Arena - Similar to the one I wrote up on Codia, this'd be a variable terrain area, with holoprojectors, sentries and battle droids of varying levels of programming (HK-51s for upper tier?). A giant paintball course with some derelict buildings, and a climate control system to simulate weather hazards. Teaches them urban warfare, guerrilla warfare, infiltration, how to lead a unit, how to command non-Sith. Teamwork above all.
Starfighter Simulators/Flight School - As described, they can log hours in a simulator, and learn at a flight school since most, if not all Sith are usually piloting a starfighter. As an add-on, it can have a reproduction of a Star Destroyer bridge to give them naval experience, as Archmagister rolls on.
Sparring Ring - Obviously to test against one another. A watered-down duel with training sabers.
Shooting Range - Integrated into the Combat Arena? Plenty of Sith use blasters and other non-lightsaber weapons. Never hurts to learn.
Survival Preserve - Teaches them survival skills in case they're lost or separated. How to keep hidden, how to gather intelligence away from urban sprawls. Essential skills, like swimming, injury treatment. Tracking.
Now, this brings me to another point. If a Sith has more than one Apprentice, they could take them all here and tutor them, rather than use one particular apprentice's training room and bring equipment there. Training rooms work perfectly for one-to-one, but I feel they'd get cluttered with more. As another point, I'm not entirely certain if by roleplaying in here, one could earn points to spend on Skills, Perks, etc. Suggestions are welcome on that.
We in the LD batted it around the table for a while but were concerned it looked rather like an idea Lucifer tried in House Maiesta (back when we had Houses, I realize at this point that was before a lot of people's time on the site) that didn't turn out too hot since the players basically just waited on Luc to get stuff started. Then, later on, Ares had this notion.
One way to achieve this might be, I think, to make it a way to receive ability points without requiring a GM. For instance, two people could run through an assault course together and just freeform it, having their characters act as they want and face what challenges they want, and then when they're done they can just ask a GM to check over everything and give them a reward point if all's in order. That way they can both roleplay freely and get a definitive reward for it.
Unfortunately the issue got buried under a mountain of other stuff but came to light again when I recently moved a ton of older LD threads into the LD archives. Noticing this thread was still outstanding, I posted the following.
So this has sat a while, time for a little thread necromancy. What do y'all say to publishing a paraphrasing of the second paragraph of Ares' last post and having the players actually brainstorm the specifics of this out for themselves. If they let it fall flat that's just proof it wasn't worth implementing in the first place.
The LD voted this up and hence this thread. Consider this your general brainstrom thread for how you'd like to see this work/what stuff you'd realistically be willing to do with it.