Ideas to promote a more sociable FL

Right now the playerbase is pretty low, and whilst we taking some efforts in terms of the promotion project to raise our profile, I think there is one thing that we are really lacking in terms of a 'new player friendly experience'.

Our characters don't really hang out much. Other than the odd trip to get something we can't do solo, we don't spend that much time in the same areas, people are either constantly seeking pk, seeking consumables or equipment.

I think one thing that would help the mud a lot is to promote more sociability, if that is a word.

Some quick ideas now, please throw your own below and i'll be coming back to this thread as and when i flesh the idea out a bit more.

1.) Regular RPed "events" - something that makes people want to be online at the same time, in the same place.

2.) Some coded benefit to being in certain places - Maybe increased CPs for cabaled characters in certain areas that fit their RP, to encourage them to hang out in the same areas.

3.) Whilst i dislike the idea of 'safe' areas, I think something needs to be done to make town a more attractive place to hang out, nobody hangs out in town because of thiefs, ninjas - what can we do to make this work better?

More to be added, time allowing.

I remember trying to get a library put in the forests once but the idea never went too far.

The idea is only dead if you let it die Tass!

What were your ideas for the library? Why in the forests? What sort of RP background etc..

My first thought for a regular 'event' would be making more use of the arena. I know at this time the open arena is and has been dead for a looong time, but would it be possible to have this in use under IMM supervision?

Have gladiator fights on a friday night (or whatever night best fits.) Have an IMM jump into the mob that runs the arena and arrange fights between volunteer players, maybe have the IMM check which uber rares are currently sitting on their mob and have a battle royal for who wants to be given it..that sort of thing.

Where did Celerity's gossip suggestion go?

Actually, I know where it went, it's probably lost due to the HD failure... please repost it Cel.

The idea is only dead if you let it die Tass!

What were your ideas for the library? Why in the forests? What sort of RP background etc..

My first thought for a regular 'event' would be making more use of the arena. I know at this time the open arena is and has been dead for a looong time, but would it be possible to have this in use under IMM supervision?

Have gladiator fights on a friday night (or whatever night best fits.) Have an IMM jump into the mob that runs the arena and arrange fights between volunteer players, maybe have the IMM check which uber rares are currently sitting on their mob and have a battle royal for who wants to be given it..that sort of thing.

An old Watcher of mine, Lamah was working with a Herald to get the idea of putting a library in some of the forests (Was thinking Hoan Dor at the time). I've always thought and still think the library to be a valuable asset to fl but few can take advantage of it because of its location and the fear of rogues or other violence. Nothing like getting knocked over the head when you're trying to read a tome. Putting it in a more tranquil, non hide-able location would help people realize that there even is a library. Not to mention others can probably even contribute to it :eek:

On another note I remember my old friend who got me into fl used to talk about stories of the old gladiator arena days alot. I always looked forward to hearing about them. However eventually because of the rules alot of the same combos would win over and over and it eventually died out. I wonder if it was mainly used for fun and/or to help imms judge the balance of certain combos.

The best idea would be to change Rheydin (or Val Miran) to the outset of the Elven Kingdom. Where the central hang out area is a Forest.

This would fix the problem with thieves/ninjas. Since no one is afraid of Rangers.

We should have someone build an Hanging Gardens over the city (somewhat Large and with Generic names to offset tracking by where). Then place a fountain and a healer in its center. Perhaps even a Statue of some sort.

A large mob to prevent Fireball would also be great but not necessary.

This cuts back a bit on the Fear culture that blocks Veterans and Elites from hanging around in cities.

Make sure the hanging gardens have some doors...

Don't we have a garden in both Rheydin and Val? I think the Arena seating area should be packed with buff arena patrons/guards. I remember trying to watch the show and getting thunked constantly. That being said, I haven't seen but 1 thief on this last week. 0 ninjas and 0 nonvisable characters on. Thief didn't hide for the duration of his visit

EDIT: THough, I'm nine hours ahead of central time right now so... it's not exactly prime playing time.