Pre-level cap grouping and populationsFollow

(Moving these thoughts off the Clicknar invaders thread)

Players could definitely use some 'support' going through levels 1-70 so they don't feel so alone. Sending high levels back down (shrouded or whatever) isn't really a solution either, because they have their own agendas and goals where they are now.

SOE can't legislate guilds and force a support infrastructure on players either. Players are like water, they flow where the resistance is less and gain is maximized. You can't force em to be helpful, group with lowbies etc.

What SOE can do is take away the barriers to grouping at all levels by evaluating additional server mergers and concentrating populations. The Mayong server is a clear example of what happens when you concentrate enough people at the same level - they help each other out and create a better play experience.

One could even imagine a server just for people level 1-50, which then allowed (but didn't require) them a transfer to Mayong (or anywhere) afterward.

Everquest is a game that, while fun solo, is best with friends and groups. With populations so top heavy and low level people spread thin, there is no viable means of playing EQ the way we all remember it. Was "Camp check" so bad? I'd rather wait a half hour for a spot in Guk to open up than zone in and find myself alone.

I love my server (Innoruuk aka Nameless) and the support I have there from my alts and the higher level economy but ultimately I would be better served by being with people my own level. I miss it. I want an anti-Mayong server for 50 and below and I want a free transfer to Mayong for 50+. Let's face it, there will never be enough people below level 70 to recreate the real Everquest experience unless they concentrate them on special servers.

And here's one more idea:

Warcraft actually has the identical problem here. Top heavy populations that leave the entire world a void except for soloers unable to find a group until they hit level cap. Look at what WoW just did: they are enabling cross server grouping for dungeons. What a truly fantastic idea. All WoW dungeons are instanced, but all EQ dungeons are 'zoned' yet still server specific. Perhaps low level zones such as Befallen, Mistmoore, Guk, SolA, Najena, etc (maybe even LDoN missions) can all be moved *virtually* to a common dungeon server. Zoning into Guk ports your character to the dungeon server where you can interact with people from all servers. Even better, let me talk to a 'Dungeon Magus' and she can port me to "New Guk" so I can see who's there and get a group. That way you can leave "Old Guk" sitting on The Nameless for the level 85 that wants to go in and farm tribute items.

Strategic server mergers, level-targeted 'special servers' like Mayong, free server transfers (with a cooldown to prevent abuse), and cross-server dungeons could all go a long way in invigorating the vast amount of content that is languishing unused.


"Hail Dungeon Magus"

"Hello Samatman! Are you looking for [adventure] in old Norrath?"

"I am looking for adventure."

"Would you be interested in travel to [Guk], [Nagafen's Lair], ..."

"I'm thinking about Guk."

"There are currently 14 people in Guk. Would you like to go [to Guk]?"

"Take me to Guk!"

Interesting thoughts, how about:

Franklin Teek sends you to an all-server version of the hotzones for levels 1-60 (you can still go to your own server's version if you prefer solitude). To go to the Special version you have to be within the group range it is meant for.

If you die in this special version you respawn in that zone (maybe include a handy rezzing npc...).

Special version should have additional incentive as well such as a random spawn mini-boss that has a fun loot table (as in a bunch of goofy/rare useful things from that level bracket that otherwise = enormous time sinks to camp. Even simple things like J-boots, goblin gazughi ring, the research only spells, etc. for the level 25 hotzone).

I'd use it. (laughs).