Since VO is becoming more RPG'ish, I think that having the ability to chose from a list of occupations (E.g. Medic, Fighter Pilot, Mercenary or Nothing) would allow for more roleplaying.

A block of text could appear in the info page of the character (Something like "Qualified Medic of the Serco Dominion"). Once the mission tools are up and running, it could be a good idea to add content for those who are of a certain occupation.

For those people who already have an in-game account, a check box type thing could be added to the options menu where you could choose what one you want. After a selection it goes away. Could even be a nice way ordering decals (E.g. Serco+Mercenary = a decal. Itani+Mercenary = a different decal).

Just my 2 cr worth anyways :)

What about having storyline missions in game that induct the player into one profession or another? You have to find the right mission to get started in the right profession.

Takes a little more work and adds a little more immersiveness than a check box.

Also, this is just my personal opinion but rather than seeing more division between occupations, I would like to see more division between factions.

Namely, each faction having storyline missions that fulfill a variety of "occupations", but to get the really rewarding missions you have to spend a lot of time working your way into one (or two) particular factions.

Yeah, having a certain mission in-game to get things started would be awesome, but I was aiming more for a short term solution to occupations than waiting till the mission software is up and running. If this mission software is comming soon, then by all means an in-game mission string would be the way to go.

I'd love to be able to be inducted into the life of a Mercenary by actually doing a set of missions. It would make the VO universe that little bit more immersive and give a sense (however small) that you are actually making your mark.

Hmmmm, I don't like it that much, not for now at least. It is a long term thing at best. Right now, I would hate to have to pick one or even three types of things that my charecter can do (as it relates to missions) or what my char can buy, ect, I need all my options.

[Big stamp of "not right nowness"]

Stukov

As I said in my post, you didn't have to choose one, nor did it bar you from technology or anything for the moment...but after the mission editor is done then there will probably be some certain things for certain occupations. I was also thinking about being able to change professions, so as not to be locked into one for the whole time, but sooner or later, there should be certain perks for certain jobs, just like there is in real life. That would add a great roleplay aspect (E.g. If someone is a medic and they get a better healing cannon, then it would make a qualified medic better to have in a battle).

That would add a great roleplay aspect (E.g. If someone is a medic and they get a better healing cannon, then it would make a qualified medic better to have in a battle).

This really is a neat idea Star Skimmer, I guess I'm just playing devil's advocate but....

Don't license levels already fulfill this role?

It is a idea worth exploring, however, like I said, I personally wouldn't like my charecter restricted or labeled by an occupation. Maybe it is just me, but I like having all my options open unless one is clearly better or "more correct"

I still don't think that we need it now, the game isn't too complete, there are many more things that need to be added. Good idea though

[edit]
while I looed over my post, I realzed that this could potentally be very interesting
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Phaserlight: Sure License lvls could allow access to different items, problems start to occur when everyone can get everything (E.g. It's not very realistic to have Itani flying Serco Proms or the like.). Also, having access to everything also ruins the roleplay aspect of the game. My idea was that if people wanted an occupation, they could be rewarded for doing the mission strings to get items or varients based on the occupation, but not so much as to force people to pick one. More like if you like doing something and are good at it, then you should be able to have a reward relating to it.

VincentV: Yeah, I agree at the moment about it not being the right thing in the short term, but once the mission software comes out, it would be a great project to work on and see in-game.

I think Saga of Ryzom has an elegant solution for professions. The game is skill based so that character developement is not restricted. Characters gain a number of titles based on their skill levels: "Fighter apprentice", "Master weapon craftsman" etc. The active title is shown to other players next to the characters name and can be changed to another gained title at any time. Thus choosing to appear of a certain "profession" or role to others.
A bit like badges in VO but one at a time is shown as part of the name. Some could even relate to current standing or mission history: "Margoth the Traitor" or "Margoth the Frigate Killer". ;)

Limiting character options by profession doesn't sound good. Options are currently limited by faction standing. Restrictions based on storyline: good. Restrictions based on arbitrary selections like profession: bad.

[one big however] HOWEVER... dum dum DUM!
the player actually needs skills, not skill points....
Good idea, wrong game.

As was pointed out, these occupations could be started by a string of missions and by no means are you "Locked" into one occupation. You could abort the string of missions but by doing so you could lose faction standing with the ones giving the mission or something like that. Also, limiting character options isn't a problem because I have said heaps of times, people have the ability to not even follow a profession, but if they would like to focus on one then the option is there and also the incentive.

I think you're on the right track, Star Skimmer, this is exactly the type of gameplay I'd like to see eventually.

I once described a "mission web" type of structure: http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/3/10091#116616 in which the player could pursue one faction in a string of missions, but the mission chain would occasionally "branch off" leading to other factions.

The only difference really is that I thought the player would pursue one particular faction or sub-faction as opposed to an "occupation." I definitely concur with your point about the problem of everyone being able to get everything, however.

I just want to point out that we realy don't need to add this now, the Devs have a lot of things that they are working on, and this is a big project that isn't necesary.

Well, they *are* working on missions afaik, and it's something they may want to consider when designing the missions. It's only a suggestion, after all.

not to mention that RPG is all about playing a role... and professions fortify this roll. Or am i way off base.

Or have you ever seen a fighter that is just as great in casting spells as a mage...

I dont want to really get into our vision for all this, but I wanted to make the point that it is never too early to make suggestions. Even if implementing them is a long way off and the thread falls into obscurity, we can always search through the forums when the time comes. We like suggestions:)

I agree with Star Skimmer and Phaserlight: actions and choices made by the character should affect his future options and opportunities; preferably in the form of reputation and mission history, not stats and skills.

Well, can't say that I have had the pleasure of knowing any spell casters or mages. But I do know plenty of people who excel in a set of skills that just don't fit a common stereotype (a pre-designed profession). Numerical skills do not define a role to play.