Forums » Suggestions
Possibly one 'fix' would be to change the descriptions at character generation to be more subjective - give each side a chance to sell itself. It doesn't have to be entirely accurate, and they can be mutually contradictory. Possibly allow each side to give their opinion on the others.
er... read up. that's precisely the intent of this tread. with examples of blurring the lines a bit.
i'd also want to see serco being the first one (aka, default) in the list to see how (/if) that affects the population ratio. if, after a while, the devs can attest this does in fact have an impact (along with the proposed changes above), then we could have random order in the character creation page so that the population remains (hopefully) more distributed.
er... read up. that's precisely the intent of this tread. with examples of blurring the lines a bit.
i'd also want to see serco being the first one (aka, default) in the list to see how (/if) that affects the population ratio. if, after a while, the devs can attest this does in fact have an impact (along with the proposed changes above), then we could have random order in the character creation page so that the population remains (hopefully) more distributed.
Itani
The Itani are an enlightened people, having the longest history of space travel among the three races. Their civilization, living in isolation for a thousand years, has made great developments after being driven off Terra II. However, a darkness lingers in their past. The Serco, once fellow colonists on Terra II, suffered countless atrocities commanded by the purist Itani leaders known as the Akanese. The climatic battle of this war drove the Itani people near to extinction, and they fled the planet in search for a new life. Though the culture as a whole has moved beyond their bloody past, the Serco press the war to root out the fanatic Akanese, who hide among the general Itani populace. The Itani now attempt to prevent Serco incursions into their territory, while at the same time are torn on how to handle their Akanese cousins.
Serco
The Serco Dominion is a proud nation, valuing personal strength and honor in combat above all else. They were once a peaceful people, scientists and thinkers whose advanced research methods proved crucial for the Exiles' survival. However, philosophical and cultural differences with the other Terra II colonists separated the Itani from the Serco, eventually leading to all-out war. The Itani were driven off the planet, and the Serco military leaders instilled a military-style doctrine amongst its populace to protect against future attacks. They persisted for over a thousand years without Itani contact, but were recently driven into a preventative war due to the terrorist attacks of the radical Akanese Itani faction. The Serco now press their military advantage against the Itani in an attempt to deal with the Akanese problem directly.
UIT
The Unition of independent Territories is a loosely knit union of corporations, merchants and explorers, living in space stations almost exclusively since their split from the Serco several hundred years ago. They are widely revered as innovators, as life without a homeworld has called for truly unique advances in space station and ship construction technology. However, this societal structure has also made UIT space a haven for pirates, unscrupulous merchants, and the results of autonomous technological experiments gone awry. Like the Itani, the UIT have occasionally been at odds with the Serco. However, their economy is powerful, while many UIT corporations have highly advantageous trade agreements with the Serco government, so past affronts are often overlooked. The various members of the UIT now profit greatly from the Itani-Serco war, while also acting as neutral intermediaries between the two warring nations.
The Itani are an enlightened people, having the longest history of space travel among the three races. Their civilization, living in isolation for a thousand years, has made great developments after being driven off Terra II. However, a darkness lingers in their past. The Serco, once fellow colonists on Terra II, suffered countless atrocities commanded by the purist Itani leaders known as the Akanese. The climatic battle of this war drove the Itani people near to extinction, and they fled the planet in search for a new life. Though the culture as a whole has moved beyond their bloody past, the Serco press the war to root out the fanatic Akanese, who hide among the general Itani populace. The Itani now attempt to prevent Serco incursions into their territory, while at the same time are torn on how to handle their Akanese cousins.
Serco
The Serco Dominion is a proud nation, valuing personal strength and honor in combat above all else. They were once a peaceful people, scientists and thinkers whose advanced research methods proved crucial for the Exiles' survival. However, philosophical and cultural differences with the other Terra II colonists separated the Itani from the Serco, eventually leading to all-out war. The Itani were driven off the planet, and the Serco military leaders instilled a military-style doctrine amongst its populace to protect against future attacks. They persisted for over a thousand years without Itani contact, but were recently driven into a preventative war due to the terrorist attacks of the radical Akanese Itani faction. The Serco now press their military advantage against the Itani in an attempt to deal with the Akanese problem directly.
UIT
The Unition of independent Territories is a loosely knit union of corporations, merchants and explorers, living in space stations almost exclusively since their split from the Serco several hundred years ago. They are widely revered as innovators, as life without a homeworld has called for truly unique advances in space station and ship construction technology. However, this societal structure has also made UIT space a haven for pirates, unscrupulous merchants, and the results of autonomous technological experiments gone awry. Like the Itani, the UIT have occasionally been at odds with the Serco. However, their economy is powerful, while many UIT corporations have highly advantageous trade agreements with the Serco government, so past affronts are often overlooked. The various members of the UIT now profit greatly from the Itani-Serco war, while also acting as neutral intermediaries between the two warring nations.
Sorry, I hadn't seen any suggestions for a subjective description of each race - more a suggestion for a more balanced objective description.
Your post previous to mine seems to suggest not doing this - to quote (heavily edited) "change... Serco are committed to reviving old hatreds... because it makes it sound like the Itani are the good guys".
I'm saying that the Itani write up should make the Itani sound like the good guys. The Serco write up should make the Serco sound like the good guys. The UIT write up should make the other two sound like squabbling children. From their own point of views, they are the good guys and the others are the ones forcing the war.
Your post previous to mine seems to suggest not doing this - to quote (heavily edited) "change... Serco are committed to reviving old hatreds... because it makes it sound like the Itani are the good guys".
I'm saying that the Itani write up should make the Itani sound like the good guys. The Serco write up should make the Serco sound like the good guys. The UIT write up should make the other two sound like squabbling children. From their own point of views, they are the good guys and the others are the ones forcing the war.
Good descriptions Leber
except 'elightened' is not the same as 'selectively ignorant of reality and the consequences of their actions'. I think that part should be changed in the Itani description.
Very good Leber.
As long as we can say "thickskulled poopieheads" about the serco.
Heh.
Come on, Cunjo, let us know how you really feel.
EDIT: Damnit Bojan stop posting before me!
Heh.
Come on, Cunjo, let us know how you really feel.
EDIT: Damnit Bojan stop posting before me!
My take on the text:
italics is original text. the following paragraph is proposed revision.
Itani:
The Itani are an advanced people, having the longest history of space travel among the three races. Their civilisation, living in isolation for a thousand years, has made great development in science, the arts, and spiritual, mental, and martial powers. However, a darkness lingers in their past. The Serco, once fellow colonists on Terra II, suffered countless atrocities commanded by the purist Itani leaders. The climatic battle of this war drove the Itani people near to extinction, and they fled the planet in search for a new life. Though the culture as a whole has moved beyond their bloody past, the Serco seem committed to reviving old hatreds, and the Itani have had no choice but to fight back.
The Itani are an advanced people, having the longest history of space travel among the three races. Their civilisation, living in isolation for a thousand years, has made Itani flourish in different ways than their newly re-discovered neighbours. However, a darkness lingers in their past. The Serco, once fellow colonists on what is now called Serco Prime, suffered countless atrocities commanded by the purist Itani leaders. The climatic battle of this war drove the Itani people near to extinction, and they fled the planet in search for a new life. Though the culture as a whole has moved beyond their bloody past, the Serco ferociously defend themselves against the Itani purist while the bulk of the Itani are unresolved on the whole issue and remain caught up in the conflict.
Serco:
The Serco Dominion is a proud nation, valuing personal strength and honor in combat above all else. They were once a peaceful people, scientists and thinkers whose advanced research methods proved crucial for the original expansion of Earth's inhabitants into hostile planets. However, philosophical and cultural differences with the other Terra II colonists quickly began to alienate the Serco people, eventually leading to all-out war. The Itani, were subsequently driven off the planet and the Serco military leaders installed a provisional government to protect it's people against any futur attacks. This government, and the culture of war it fostered, have persisted for over a thousand years, leaving the Serco with the largets military in known space.
The Serco Dominion is a proud nation, valuing personal strength and honor in combat above all else. They were once a peaceful people, scientists and thinkers whose advanced research methods proved crucial for the Exiles' survival. However, philosophical and cultural differences with the other colonists eventually lead to all-out war after Itani extremists planted bombs and excursions into Serco territories. Their enemies, the Itani, were driven off the planet, and the Serco military leaders installed a provisional government to protect it's people against any futur attacks. This government, and the culture of war it fostered, have persisted for over a thousand years to this day.
UIT:
The Unition of independent Territories is a loosely knit union of corporations, merchants and explorers clinging to life in deep space. They are widely revered as innovators, as life without a homeworld [sic] has called for truly unique advances in space station and ship construction technology. However, this societal structure has also made UIT space a haven for pirates, unscrupulous merchants, and the results of autonomous technological experiments gone awry. Like the Itani, the UIT has occasionally fallen under the ill graces of the Serco. However, many UIT merchants have highly advantageous trade agreements with the Serco government, so past affronts are often overlooked.
The Unition of independent Territories is a loosely knit union of corporations, merchants and explorers clinging to life in deep space. They are widely revered as innovators, as life without a home-world has called for truly unique lifestyles and culture. However, this societal structure has also made UIT space a haven for pirates, unscrupulous merchants, and the results of autonomous technological experiments gone awry. Like the Itani, the UIT has occasionally been caught at the center of the Serco-Itani war as they try to keep neutral and supply both sides. Generally regarded as cowards by the two warring nations, the UIT are quite content in their more peaceful lives of merchants and miners.
italics is original text. the following paragraph is proposed revision.
Itani:
The Itani are an advanced people, having the longest history of space travel among the three races. Their civilisation, living in isolation for a thousand years, has made great development in science, the arts, and spiritual, mental, and martial powers. However, a darkness lingers in their past. The Serco, once fellow colonists on Terra II, suffered countless atrocities commanded by the purist Itani leaders. The climatic battle of this war drove the Itani people near to extinction, and they fled the planet in search for a new life. Though the culture as a whole has moved beyond their bloody past, the Serco seem committed to reviving old hatreds, and the Itani have had no choice but to fight back.
The Itani are an advanced people, having the longest history of space travel among the three races. Their civilisation, living in isolation for a thousand years, has made Itani flourish in different ways than their newly re-discovered neighbours. However, a darkness lingers in their past. The Serco, once fellow colonists on what is now called Serco Prime, suffered countless atrocities commanded by the purist Itani leaders. The climatic battle of this war drove the Itani people near to extinction, and they fled the planet in search for a new life. Though the culture as a whole has moved beyond their bloody past, the Serco ferociously defend themselves against the Itani purist while the bulk of the Itani are unresolved on the whole issue and remain caught up in the conflict.
Serco:
The Serco Dominion is a proud nation, valuing personal strength and honor in combat above all else. They were once a peaceful people, scientists and thinkers whose advanced research methods proved crucial for the original expansion of Earth's inhabitants into hostile planets. However, philosophical and cultural differences with the other Terra II colonists quickly began to alienate the Serco people, eventually leading to all-out war. The Itani, were subsequently driven off the planet and the Serco military leaders installed a provisional government to protect it's people against any futur attacks. This government, and the culture of war it fostered, have persisted for over a thousand years, leaving the Serco with the largets military in known space.
The Serco Dominion is a proud nation, valuing personal strength and honor in combat above all else. They were once a peaceful people, scientists and thinkers whose advanced research methods proved crucial for the Exiles' survival. However, philosophical and cultural differences with the other colonists eventually lead to all-out war after Itani extremists planted bombs and excursions into Serco territories. Their enemies, the Itani, were driven off the planet, and the Serco military leaders installed a provisional government to protect it's people against any futur attacks. This government, and the culture of war it fostered, have persisted for over a thousand years to this day.
UIT:
The Unition of independent Territories is a loosely knit union of corporations, merchants and explorers clinging to life in deep space. They are widely revered as innovators, as life without a homeworld [sic] has called for truly unique advances in space station and ship construction technology. However, this societal structure has also made UIT space a haven for pirates, unscrupulous merchants, and the results of autonomous technological experiments gone awry. Like the Itani, the UIT has occasionally fallen under the ill graces of the Serco. However, many UIT merchants have highly advantageous trade agreements with the Serco government, so past affronts are often overlooked.
The Unition of independent Territories is a loosely knit union of corporations, merchants and explorers clinging to life in deep space. They are widely revered as innovators, as life without a home-world has called for truly unique lifestyles and culture. However, this societal structure has also made UIT space a haven for pirates, unscrupulous merchants, and the results of autonomous technological experiments gone awry. Like the Itani, the UIT has occasionally been caught at the center of the Serco-Itani war as they try to keep neutral and supply both sides. Generally regarded as cowards by the two warring nations, the UIT are quite content in their more peaceful lives of merchants and miners.
I'll let you know when I'm sober again.
Not bad, upper case. Allow me to suggest some further changes to your texts:
The Itani are an advanced people, having the longest history of space travel among the three races. Their civilisation, living in isolation for a thousand years, has made Itani flourish in different ways than their newly re-discovered neighbours. However, a darkness lingers in their past. The Serco, once fellow colonists on what is now called Serco Prime, suffered countless atrocities commanded by the purist Itani leaders. The climatic battle of this war drove the Itani people near to extinction, and they fled the planet in search for a new life. Though Itani culture as a whole has moved beyond their bloody past, the Serco ferociously defend themselves against the Itani purist while the bulk of the Itani are unresolved on the whole issue and remain caught up in the conflict.
The Itani are an advanced people, having the longest history of space travel among the three nations. Living in isolation for a thousand years, their civilization has developed very differently than those of their re-discovered neighbours'. However, a darkness lingers in their past: the Serco, once fellow colonists on what is now called Serco Prime, suffered countless atrocities commanded by Itani leaders wielding a hateful, purist agenda. The conflict culminated in a terrible war that nearly drove the Itani people to extinction, and they fled the planet in search for a new life. Though Itani culture as a whole has moved beyond their bloody past, some of them still cling to the purist ideas of long ago and act on them, forcing the Serco to ferociously defend themselves and throwing the bulk of the Itani nation into unwanted conflict.
The Serco Dominion is a proud nation, valuing personal strength and honor in combat above all else. They were once a peaceful people, scientists and thinkers whose advanced research methods proved crucial for the Exiles' survival. However, philosophical and cultural differences with the other colonists eventually lead to all-out war after Itani extremists planted bombs and excursions into Serco territories. Their enemies, the Itani, were driven off the planet, and the Serco military leaders installed a provisional government to protect it's people against any futur attacks. This government, and the culture of war it fostered, have persisted for over a thousand years to this day.
The Serco Dominion is a proud nation, valuing personal strength and honor in combat above all else. They were once a peaceful people, scientists and thinkers whose advanced research methods proved crucial for the Exiles' survival. However, philosophical and cultural differences with the other colonists eventually led to all-out war after Itani extremists planted bombs and led attacks into Serco territory. After defeating and driving the Itani off the planet, the Serco military leaders installed a provisional government to protect their people against any future attacks. This government, and the culture of war it fostered, have persisted for over a thousand years to this day, and so the Serco are more than ready to face the Itani extremists' renewed attacks.
The Unition of independent Territories is a loosely knit union of corporations, merchants and explorers clinging to life in deep space. They are widely revered as innovators, as life without a home-world has called for truly unique lifestyles and culture. However, this societal structure has also made UIT space a haven for pirates, unscrupulous merchants, and the results of autonomous technological experiments gone awry. Like the Itani, the UIT has occasionally been caught at the center of the Serco-Itani war as they try to keep neutral and supply both sides. Generally regarded as cowards by the two warring nations, the UIT are quite content in their more peaceful lives of merchants and miners.
The Union of Independent Territories is a loosely knit nation of corporations, merchants and explorers clinging to life in deep space. They are widely revered as innovators, as life without a homeworld has called for truly unique lifestyles and culture. However, this societal structure has also made the Union a haven for pirates, mercenaries, unscrupulous merchants, and the results of autonomous technological experiments gone awry. At the moment, the Union is caught in the middle of the Serco-Itani war, choosing to remain neutral in order to profit by selling goods and technology to both sides; this attitude has angered both warring nations and thus Union pilots are considered to be little more than craven traders and miners.
The Itani are an advanced people, having the longest history of space travel among the three races. Their civilisation, living in isolation for a thousand years, has made Itani flourish in different ways than their newly re-discovered neighbours. However, a darkness lingers in their past. The Serco, once fellow colonists on what is now called Serco Prime, suffered countless atrocities commanded by the purist Itani leaders. The climatic battle of this war drove the Itani people near to extinction, and they fled the planet in search for a new life. Though Itani culture as a whole has moved beyond their bloody past, the Serco ferociously defend themselves against the Itani purist while the bulk of the Itani are unresolved on the whole issue and remain caught up in the conflict.
The Itani are an advanced people, having the longest history of space travel among the three nations. Living in isolation for a thousand years, their civilization has developed very differently than those of their re-discovered neighbours'. However, a darkness lingers in their past: the Serco, once fellow colonists on what is now called Serco Prime, suffered countless atrocities commanded by Itani leaders wielding a hateful, purist agenda. The conflict culminated in a terrible war that nearly drove the Itani people to extinction, and they fled the planet in search for a new life. Though Itani culture as a whole has moved beyond their bloody past, some of them still cling to the purist ideas of long ago and act on them, forcing the Serco to ferociously defend themselves and throwing the bulk of the Itani nation into unwanted conflict.
The Serco Dominion is a proud nation, valuing personal strength and honor in combat above all else. They were once a peaceful people, scientists and thinkers whose advanced research methods proved crucial for the Exiles' survival. However, philosophical and cultural differences with the other colonists eventually lead to all-out war after Itani extremists planted bombs and excursions into Serco territories. Their enemies, the Itani, were driven off the planet, and the Serco military leaders installed a provisional government to protect it's people against any futur attacks. This government, and the culture of war it fostered, have persisted for over a thousand years to this day.
The Serco Dominion is a proud nation, valuing personal strength and honor in combat above all else. They were once a peaceful people, scientists and thinkers whose advanced research methods proved crucial for the Exiles' survival. However, philosophical and cultural differences with the other colonists eventually led to all-out war after Itani extremists planted bombs and led attacks into Serco territory. After defeating and driving the Itani off the planet, the Serco military leaders installed a provisional government to protect their people against any future attacks. This government, and the culture of war it fostered, have persisted for over a thousand years to this day, and so the Serco are more than ready to face the Itani extremists' renewed attacks.
The Unition of independent Territories is a loosely knit union of corporations, merchants and explorers clinging to life in deep space. They are widely revered as innovators, as life without a home-world has called for truly unique lifestyles and culture. However, this societal structure has also made UIT space a haven for pirates, unscrupulous merchants, and the results of autonomous technological experiments gone awry. Like the Itani, the UIT has occasionally been caught at the center of the Serco-Itani war as they try to keep neutral and supply both sides. Generally regarded as cowards by the two warring nations, the UIT are quite content in their more peaceful lives of merchants and miners.
The Union of Independent Territories is a loosely knit nation of corporations, merchants and explorers clinging to life in deep space. They are widely revered as innovators, as life without a homeworld has called for truly unique lifestyles and culture. However, this societal structure has also made the Union a haven for pirates, mercenaries, unscrupulous merchants, and the results of autonomous technological experiments gone awry. At the moment, the Union is caught in the middle of the Serco-Itani war, choosing to remain neutral in order to profit by selling goods and technology to both sides; this attitude has angered both warring nations and thus Union pilots are considered to be little more than craven traders and miners.
I agree that the selection text should be changed (I'll admit, it made me choose Itani has my first nation). I've also thought of some other changes that could be implemented into the game to further seperate the Serco as warriors, Itani as explorers, and UIT as traders/miners.
Firstly, I think that each nation should have specific equipment that only they can get. The Serco should get better weaponry, the Itani should get better energy cells, and the UIT should get, I dunno, maybe some better mining equipment?
A bigger change that could happen would be to have more nation-specific variants of the existing ships. Serco ships could have more armour(for heavy ships)/maneuverability(for lighter ones), Itani ones could have more speed, and the UIT could have more cargo space.
Just my two cents ;)
EDIT: I know this doesn't have much to do with making more people play as Serco, but I don't want to cause some kind of major shift in power by giving only good stuff to Serco.
Firstly, I think that each nation should have specific equipment that only they can get. The Serco should get better weaponry, the Itani should get better energy cells, and the UIT should get, I dunno, maybe some better mining equipment?
A bigger change that could happen would be to have more nation-specific variants of the existing ships. Serco ships could have more armour(for heavy ships)/maneuverability(for lighter ones), Itani ones could have more speed, and the UIT could have more cargo space.
Just my two cents ;)
EDIT: I know this doesn't have much to do with making more people play as Serco, but I don't want to cause some kind of major shift in power by giving only good stuff to Serco.
Itani already have more speed. It's called the valk, and the runner's best friend it is, unless your opponent happens to have one too. Luckily for the cowardly Itani, the Serco proms, while heavily armored, can't catch the valks when they run away. (;
please, cut the nationalism cunjo. we're trying to find a solution. if you can't help, just watch.
Well along those lines.. I'd be in favor of no Serco station selling the Centurion and no Itani station selling a Vulture. Using an enemy design seems "scandalous" after all.
In order to make it work though, the mk I vulture would need the license levels reduced in Red space, similar to Corvus/Xang Xi, so that the brand new pilot could still have an alternative to the EC.
In order to make it work though, the mk I vulture would need the license levels reduced in Red space, similar to Corvus/Xang Xi, so that the brand new pilot could still have an alternative to the EC.
Indeed. My old suggestion: make nation specific ships available only to said nation.
Kill universal availability of nation specific models like vultures and centurions.
Kill universal availability of nation specific models like vultures and centurions.
In the pass I have introduced a couple of outside* (*a new word i just discovered :o, doesn't it sound cool?!?!) friends to VO and every time, their first choice of a nation is Itani. O_o All they did was read the descriptions and look at the banners and deside "Itani" and they knew nothing else, of advantages... NOTHING, but every time they choose Itani O_o. It's weird but I don't think it has to do with advantages but, instead, could be something like the Alliance and the Horde. All I know of that is that there's like a 3 to 1 player difference between the Alliance (Itani) and Horde (Serco). You can do your own researche on that because i'm just much too lazy...
A change DOES need to be made, methinks.
You'll always find exceptions, but in general people like to be pretty and righteous as opposed to ugly and brutal. That's just part of our psyche. I'd personally prefer if it were switched out a bit.
For instance:
Pretty and brutal - Itani (could be facilitated by an Akanese coup at the highest level of power.
Ugly but Righteous - Serco (with the peace-loving Itani out of the way, they're free to kill the Akanese with a clean conscience.
of course, the UIT is what they've always been: rich and smart, but militarily a non-contender.
For instance:
Pretty and brutal - Itani (could be facilitated by an Akanese coup at the highest level of power.
Ugly but Righteous - Serco (with the peace-loving Itani out of the way, they're free to kill the Akanese with a clean conscience.
of course, the UIT is what they've always been: rich and smart, but militarily a non-contender.
I think more needs to be done to bring the highlights of the Serco warrior culture to the foreground in the descriptions. Right now it sounds like the Itani have all the culture development. Itani are also portrayed as more militarily 'elite' than Serco, which shouldn't be the case.
The Itani go to war because the Serco want to exact retribution on the akanese, and the Itani don't want to let them or be overrun.
The Serco go to war because it's what they're born and raised to do. They fight for the honor of their nation and culture.
The Serco are stronger, more fearsome and warlike than the Itani, but the descriptions instead portray them as simply more primitive, uncultured and hateful, while the Itani are technilogally-advanced saints.
So in my opinion, that's what needs to change... the Itani need to not be made out to be the 'victim' (they started the war, after all) and the Serco need to be given credit for their culture and military superiority.
The Itani go to war because the Serco want to exact retribution on the akanese, and the Itani don't want to let them or be overrun.
The Serco go to war because it's what they're born and raised to do. They fight for the honor of their nation and culture.
The Serco are stronger, more fearsome and warlike than the Itani, but the descriptions instead portray them as simply more primitive, uncultured and hateful, while the Itani are technilogally-advanced saints.
So in my opinion, that's what needs to change... the Itani need to not be made out to be the 'victim' (they started the war, after all) and the Serco need to be given credit for their culture and military superiority.