I'm sure many share my sentiment that, when it comes to Zodiac familiars, Capricorns got the short end of the stick. Not only do they have to wait until all familiars cycle through, they also have to get them and (supposedly) bond with them to a certain level to get their own sign, even though they might even like the rest.
As such, I would like to propose some changes to the way the Zodiac familiars, particularly Capricorn, roll out. Here's the plan:
1) Until NotN, the familiars roll out as scheduled.
2) During NotN, the Capricorn familiar (supposedly called "Mimicking Capricorn") is introduced (more on that later).
3) After all the familiars are introduced and the 2020 cycle concludes, Fiona introduces a familiar unlocked only by bonding with all the other: Rising Ophiuchus. (get it, cause Flight Rising?) It could depict a dragon fighting a snake, or a Beastclan doing the same, but hey, I'm no artist, so it's not up to me. For those who don't know, Ophiuchus is a new, 13th zodiac sign recently added to the other traditional ones, irl.
The advantages of this proposition:
+ The familiar is available freely, and is more open to players hoarding/collecting/getting it in large proportions.
+ The site still gets a unique mechanic introducing a rare familiar, but it will not cross the line and make anyone feel less welcome to grab their own star sign.
+ This said familiar still follows the theme of the 2020 rotation, but the majority is not attached to Ophiuchus enough to feel shunned or left out of the fun.
The disadvantages of this proposition:
- If it is taken into account, there will be increased pressure on the artists: coming up with a concept, sketches and art in a rush while the other familiars are already cycling AND there's an art rehaul underway is stressful, no doubt. Besides, the art for NotN is heavy to process in itself (thank you StannyWolfie!), and adding another piece of art could prove to be quite a challenge. The team would have to go back on their plans for the 2020 cycle, and it would be major.
- As many, many users have pointed out, a lot of people associate themselves with Ophiuchus more than other "traditional" zodiac signs. To introduce it as a feat would mean bringing the situation to them.
- The final and, to me, the most fixable disadvantage: the mechanics of getting the Capricorn familiar would be very different, as are the NotN mechanics.
As such, I have a few options as to how to get the Capricorn for NotN:
• A drop in the Strange Chests, like all the other NotN goodies. There are two options to that that come with their own quirks:
• As a Baldwin recipe/Swipp trade with NotN trinkets/drops. This will be an easy solution that requires minimum coding, but will also encourage engagement in NotN, just like the holiday familiars require participation in their respective holidays. This solution eases efforts on the coding team's part. It also makes it more accessible to players! (thank you luccamajere!)
Let me know what you think. I'm a Gemini, myself, but I am related to Capricorns, so I know they're very lovable fellas and surely deserve their pixel dragon buddies.
As such, I would like to propose some changes to the way the Zodiac familiars, particularly Capricorn, roll out. Here's the plan:
1) Until NotN, the familiars roll out as scheduled.
2) During NotN, the Capricorn familiar (supposedly called "Mimicking Capricorn") is introduced (more on that later).
3) After all the familiars are introduced and the 2020 cycle concludes, Fiona introduces a familiar unlocked only by bonding with all the other: Rising Ophiuchus. (get it, cause Flight Rising?) It could depict a dragon fighting a snake, or a Beastclan doing the same, but hey, I'm no artist, so it's not up to me. For those who don't know, Ophiuchus is a new, 13th zodiac sign recently added to the other traditional ones, irl.
The advantages of this proposition:
+ The familiar is available freely, and is more open to players hoarding/collecting/getting it in large proportions.
+ The site still gets a unique mechanic introducing a rare familiar, but it will not cross the line and make anyone feel less welcome to grab their own star sign.
+ This said familiar still follows the theme of the 2020 rotation, but the majority is not attached to Ophiuchus enough to feel shunned or left out of the fun.
The disadvantages of this proposition:
- If it is taken into account, there will be increased pressure on the artists: coming up with a concept, sketches and art in a rush while the other familiars are already cycling AND there's an art rehaul underway is stressful, no doubt. Besides, the art for NotN is heavy to process in itself (thank you StannyWolfie!), and adding another piece of art could prove to be quite a challenge. The team would have to go back on their plans for the 2020 cycle, and it would be major.
- As many, many users have pointed out, a lot of people associate themselves with Ophiuchus more than other "traditional" zodiac signs. To introduce it as a feat would mean bringing the situation to them.
- The final and, to me, the most fixable disadvantage: the mechanics of getting the Capricorn familiar would be very different, as are the NotN mechanics.
As such, I have a few options as to how to get the Capricorn for NotN:
• A drop in the Strange Chests, like all the other NotN goodies. There are two options to that that come with their own quirks:
a) They are dropped with the same rarity as all other drops. However, this would still prove difficult for every Capricorn to get their horned lovely.
b) They have increased drop rates. Everyone gets the chance for their fam, but we risk the bear situation again.
• Drops like Strange Chests (gathering/Coli/etc.) but separately. This makes it more bearable and is, in my opinion, ideal. The familiars will be more available to everyone, and dedicated collectors can grind for them freely. A possible solution would be to make them drop similarly to micro-holiday familiars (thank you Shinyumbreon!)b) They have increased drop rates. Everyone gets the chance for their fam, but we risk the bear situation again.
• As a Baldwin recipe/Swipp trade with NotN trinkets/drops. This will be an easy solution that requires minimum coding, but will also encourage engagement in NotN, just like the holiday familiars require participation in their respective holidays. This solution eases efforts on the coding team's part. It also makes it more accessible to players! (thank you luccamajere!)
Let me know what you think. I'm a Gemini, myself, but I am related to Capricorns, so I know they're very lovable fellas and surely deserve their pixel dragon buddies.