IMPORTANT: Content?

[Raditzu]

Chubbs has been in a slump lately. We're not denying it, I'm sure none of you guys are denying it, but we don't want it to continue. With the recent clarification that turn-over won't be occurring, as a whole, in the foreseeable future, we're left with an interesting opportunity.

Sitting on one of our forums is a shit-load (to use the technical term) of ready-to-go content. There are some smaller parts that would be easy to throw in (shop items, for example) and minor mechanics that we were going to introduce (reworking the way HQs functioned, for example), but there are also massive changes (shifting to an XP system and custom characters) and major mechanics (racial distinctions and unique racial abilities) that we have as well.

So what I want to know from you guys is what kind of changes you would like to see (if any at all) and what you think might (or might not) work to be integrated into the current Chubbs. We want to spice things up a bit, but we want to do it with things that you'll all enjoy.

Please discuss.

[Amadeus]

Since staff isn`t making an overhaul of the entire system, it`s best that only the changes that can tweek the current system be implemented. I don`t think any mayor changes can be added since it would require for a lot of things to be automised. And currently, staff doesn`t have that option.

[Dehan]

I'm going to say it and get it over with, I think the whole news and promise of customs gave chubbs a small knockout and the changing of the server or site or whatever. Anyway I think what you and the staff have already planned on adding will bring activity back up a bit, I also think getting rid of all those who are inactive will bring some newcomers and whatnot. That's just me.

On to things I'd like to see: Everything you listed in your post Rad would do just fine . That's just me though.

[Raditzu]

Turles: Implimenting everything I mentioned would mean doing the Turnover. As Jackie mentioned, there are definitely things that we can't get working correctly. There were some other things as well, such as a new stat system and new ki formulas. There was also a "rank" system for skills and several new zeni-related mechanics.

Jackie: What do you consider a "tweak" and what do you consider major? Changing the stat system could easily be either, since we just edit a few posts. There's a lot of this stuff that would have to see some minor changes before being implemented, but most of it could be inserted pretty easily into the existing system. The staff can tweak the mechanics of it, but I want to know what the members would like to see.

[Bojack]

The whole racial abilities/techniques/stat thing was what I was really looking forward to. If you say that stuff wouldn't be too hard to implement then you should totally go for it.

[Raditzu]

There's a catch with racial abilities and powerups. The racial system was balanced around the fact that people would be able to choose the race of their character. Since that's not the case, we'll have people locked into a specific set of abilities designed to be asymmetrically balanced.

For example, you may not want to play your saiyan as someone prone to berserker rage, but you get abilities that deal with it regardless. It would also lock some people out of abilities they might have a chance of getting otherswise (key word being MIGHT, I don't know of any instances off the top of my head, but its likely).

Its certainly do-able, but the members will have to be seriously braced for the changes.

[Dehan]

I think it'd be wise to list the changes and effects they would cause...so if the staff end up implementing them nobody can say 'I had no idea my character can't do this because it has this ability or what not.

To be truthful I'm braced and ready.

[Bojack]

I don't understand... I thought us doing everything old fashioned meant we had the freedom to do whatever we wanted. No more having to expand upon a stat system with new code, everything is based around stat pages and training threads, etc.

Or do you mean the coding was an essential part in the stuff you had planned on implementing?

[Waffuru]

The entire turnover could be run without code but it would take some patience from members and elbow grease from staff.

[Raz]

Well... if customs will truly be the way of the future for Chubbs I think it would be an idea to begin what I had previously suggested in those with canons gradually give up their characters and ultimately retire them in exchange for a custom. Wash, rinse, repeat till all are brought into this new version of Chubbs that will hopefully see more activity then in its last few months.

[Raditzu]

I don't understand... I thought us doing everything old fashioned meant we had the freedom to do whatever we wanted. No more having to expand upon a stat system with new code, everything is based around stat pages and training threads, etc.

I meant do-able on a completely theoretical level. We'll look at the specifics of implementation once we have a better handle on what the members want.

We don't have to implement any of this stuff. We're asking if the members think new content would help boost activity and what kind of new content that would be.

Turles: We would definitely give people a heads up about what would be coming.

[Dehan]

Well... if customs will truly be the way of the future for Chubbs I think it would be an idea to begin what I had previously suggested in those with canons gradually give up their characters and ultimately retire them in exchange for a custom. Wash, rinse, repeat till all are brought into this new version of Chubbs that will hopefully see more activity then in its last few months.

Yea that's what I was thinking but really couldn't word it right. I'm pretty sure last year everyone was confident that the custom thing would be a reality but alas it wasn't so. Anyway yea I was one of the ones who was in the process of getting Turles on earth to father my custom then I went blank hearing the news the custom change wasn't coming.

But yea I'm glad you guys would give us a word up on that and I think Goten's idea is good.

[Toshiro]

Hmmmmm, right.. Well...

I think the whole pretense of bringing in customs could be helpful, but allow it that some of the members have the choice weather or not to change, because let's face it, alot of us have become attached to our char's, and may not want to give up what we've done/got running with them.

The new stat system, with experiance and stuff, would need abit more of an explanation to it in order for the majority of us to actually grasp what ya'll are meaning by it.

The zeni options aswell would need abit of explenation.

But some of the minor things, like shop items, and re-workings on the HQ's would be rather swell. The HQ's majorly seem like they need abit of a modification to them as their becoming pretty basic.

Over all, I think you might need to give some more explenation to alot of the things you wanna introduce, other wise, we're just gonna be sat here going "oh yeah, that sounds pretty cool, implent it!" when it does, there's a chance some of us will just go "wtf, this isn't what I wanted!?!?"

[Celipa]

I like canons, personally. But I saw a lot of the content, and I don't really know what I'm even allowed to disclose. I don't know what you guys want to keep a surprise, if anything, or if I'm free to shout out basically anything I remember. Within reason, of course. Because there's a particularly nice layout for displaying stats that I wanted to ask about.

[Dehan]

Yea Gohan makes a good point, just let those who want to switch to customs do it. I think it was said that would be the case when there was big talk of a turnover/custom thing being put into effect.

As for the turnover or custom thing is it happening anytime soon because hearing it again has got me giddy.

*slides Kirano a dollar* Tell us what you know lol

[Raditzu]

Over all, I think you might need to give some more explenation to alot of the things you wanna introduce, other wise, we're just gonna be sat here going "oh yeah, that sounds pretty cool, implent it!" when it does, there's a chance some of us will just go "wtf, this isn't what I wanted!?!?"

Without a doubt I agree. I'm being initially vague to try and gauge overall reactions and sentiments before delving into details.

We're not trying to keep anything secret, but this is a great place for members to spit-ball and bounce things back and forth. We might use some things that are brought up, we might, but you never know if you don't try.

To touch on a couple of things that people wanted clarification for:

1) Stats. There were actually two new stat systems we planned on implementing. Six basic stats (Strength, Agility, Constitution, Insight, Technique, and Willpower) and three new "substats." The substats were Weapon Skill (a combination of Insight and Agility), Ki Manipulation (Willpower and Constitution) and Fighting Ability (Strength and Technique). These three stats would be the basis for your ki value and also effect the way you can use certain techniques or items.

Putting new stats into the current Chubbs system would be a mostly cosmetic change, since we'd compensate everyone so they retained (as close to) the same overall powerlevel. Though sometimes a cosmetic change is all you need.

2) Earning Zeni. The new system for earning zeni would be a play on the current "magic paycheck" system we have now. Everyone would still earn a weekly amount of zeni, but the basis of that would be a private business owned by the player. Employees could be hired and the business, overall, could be upgraded to give the player better weekly incomes. Player would not be forced into actually RPing their business -- for all we care, they could RP that their money falls out of the sky -- but it introduced a nice little device for those that wanted to play around with it.

3) HeadQuarters. Since there would be no TP in the new Chubbs, we needed to find a new use for HQs. We decided on offering, basically, OOC benefits for the purchase and upgrade of an HQ. Most of the current upgrades would remain for HQs, but there were some twists thrown in there such as (a) you can't even form an alliance unless the leader owns an HQ (you could still pool zeni with other people to buy it, though) (b) a new "meeting room" upgrade would be the requirement for an alliance to receive an alliance board © other new upgrades designed to synergize with newer content, such a ship docking-bay and an upgrade to have the HQ sit in space, orbiting a planet. Comparatively, the HQ changes were rather minor, but it was a fresh look at a stale mechanic.

Anything else you guys were looking for clarification on, feel free to ask. But, again, this is a thread for the members to just kind of fantasize about the changes, if any, they'd like to see.

[Uno]

Well... if customs will truly be the way of the future for Chubbs I think it would be an idea to begin what I had previously suggested in those with canons gradually give up their characters and ultimately retire them in exchange for a custom. Wash, rinse, repeat till all are brought into this new version of Chubbs that will hopefully see more activity then in its last few months.

I'm up for this.

[Amadeus]

Jackie: What do you consider a "tweak" and what do you consider major? Changing the stat system could easily be either, since we just edit a few posts. There's a lot of this stuff that would have to see some minor changes before being implemented, but most of it could be inserted pretty easily into the existing system. The staff can tweak the mechanics of it, but I want to know what the members would like to see.

A minor tweak is when you only change the existing system or give it a small addition. A mayor tweak is when you rework entirely how the system works. For example, the removal of TPs is a preety mayor change.

1) Stats. There were actually two new stat systems we planned on implementing. Six basic stats (Strength, Agility, Constitution, Insight, Technique, and Willpower) and three new "substats." The substats were Weapon Skill (a combination of Insight and Agility), Ki Manipulation (Willpower and Constitution) and Fighting Ability (Strength and Technique). These three stats would be the basis for your ki value and also effect the way you can use certain techniques or items.

Putting new stats into the current Chubbs system would be a mostly cosmetic change, since we'd compensate everyone so they retained (as close to) the same overall powerlevel. Though sometimes a cosmetic change is all you need.

Unneccesarry, to be honest. Besides the fact that it`s basiclly the same system, it will only further strain Staff. Especially since Staff is so dependant on manual work nowadays.

2) Earning Zeni. The new system for earning zeni would be a play on the current "magic paycheck" system we have now. Everyone would still earn a weekly amount of zeni, but the basis of that would be a private business owned by the player. Employees could be hired and the business, overall, could be upgraded to give the player better weekly incomes. Player would not be forced into actually RPing their business -- for all we care, they could RP that their money falls out of the sky -- but it introduced a nice little device for those that wanted to play around with it.

That`s not a bad idea at all. But some sort of a market system would have to be set up.

3) HeadQuarters. Since there would be no TP in the new Chubbs, we needed to find a new use for HQs. We decided on offering, basically, OOC benefits for the purchase and upgrade of an HQ. Most of the current upgrades would remain for HQs, but there were some twists thrown in there such as (a) you can't even form an alliance unless the leader owns an HQ (you could still pool zeni with other people to buy it, though) (b) a new "meeting room" upgrade would be the requirement for an alliance to receive an alliance board © other new upgrades designed to synergize with newer content, such a ship docking-bay and an upgrade to have the HQ sit in space, orbiting a planet. Comparatively, the HQ changes were rather minor, but it was a fresh look at a stale mechanic.

None of those tweaks are bad, even if you decide to keep the traditional TP system.

Anything else you guys were looking for clarification on, feel free to ask. But, again, this is a thread for the members to just kind of fantasize about the changes, if any, they'd like to see.

I`ll comment them as they appear.

[Toshiro]

1) Stats. There were actually two new stat systems we planned on implementing. Six basic stats (Strength, Agility, Constitution, Insight, Technique, and Willpower) and three new "substats." The substats were Weapon Skill (a combination of Insight and Agility), Ki Manipulation (Willpower and Constitution) and Fighting Ability (Strength and Technique). These three stats would be the basis for your ki value and also effect the way you can use certain techniques or items.

Putting new stats into the current Chubbs system would be a mostly cosmetic change, since we'd compensate everyone so they retained (as close to) the same overall powerlevel. Though sometimes a cosmetic change is all you need.

To be honest, that system actually sounds pretty neat. The only draw back is like Jackie said, it'd be alot more tedious work on staff's behalf for the factor that you guys arer unning on a dynamic scale here. When you guys do get around to processing stuff in to a database and stuff again, then yeah, I wouldn't mind seeing this thing thrown together, and actually launched. The cosmetic shake down of the stat system has always looked rather straight forward, but the bringing in of the combination stat system (like above) would actully appeal to me personally. It allows you to change and shape your char more for what you want them to be like.

2) Earning Zeni. The new system for earning zeni would be a play on the current "magic paycheck" system we have now. Everyone would still earn a weekly amount of zeni, but the basis of that would be a private business owned by the player. Employees could be hired and the business, overall, could be upgraded to give the player better weekly incomes. Player would not be forced into actually RPing their business -- for all we care, they could RP that their money falls out of the sky -- but it introduced a nice little device for those that wanted to play around with it.

Zeni has always had to be the one intresting point, I like the new idea thou, bringing in a "job" type setup. The buisness could be shaped by the player at their own will, and would bring more diversity in to the players world. Could also be tied in, in some aspects, to the HQ stuff below.

3) HeadQuarters. Since there would be no TP in the new Chubbs, we needed to find a new use for HQs. We decided on offering, basically, OOC benefits for the purchase and upgrade of an HQ. Most of the current upgrades would remain for HQs, but there were some twists thrown in there such as (a) you can't even form an alliance unless the leader owns an HQ (you could still pool zeni with other people to buy it, though) (b) a new "meeting room" upgrade would be the requirement for an alliance to receive an alliance board © other new upgrades designed to synergize with newer content, such a ship docking-bay and an upgrade to have the HQ sit in space, orbiting a planet. Comparatively, the HQ changes were rather minor, but it was a fresh look at a stale mechanic.

This all sounds quite good on a general scale. Majority of alliances always team up to get an HQ before they even form togther anyway, so implenting it as part of a requirement doesn't sound all that bad. The new meeting room idea does sound abit OTT imo, the current method for alliances to get a board has been running fine, although, yes, some of them do have to wait, it'd be the same has having to scrounge up the zeni for the add on. The ship docking bay and orbital HQ actually sounds pretty damn snazzy, it intergrates all the new content with the ships smoothly in to the HQ methodology, which brings it all in to a nice sync.


As for any more stuff? I dunno, the only thing I could perhaps wanna see some of, is the customazition possibilites, like bringing in custom chars for new people and then letting the older people slip in to new char's if they so wish. The only other thing I could also think of that would be nice, is the pretense of the reset, it sounds annoying and bitcharse painful to mention, but the current stat's of alot of people make some new comers just stare at the screen, wish they could be that powerful, and when they learn how long it took people to get there, turn around and go "screw this *Walks off*", that's how I stand really.

[Waffuru]

The new stat system isn't really much more work. I'm not sure why you think it is.