We've just published a blog about a new project:
Distraction and Diversions: Court Cases
It's in the early stages but I'll answer what questions I can about it. Hope you enjoy!
Thanks,
Mod Nancy
Distraction and Diversions: Court Cases
It's in the early stages but I'll answer what questions I can about it. Hope you enjoy!
Thanks,
Mod Nancy
16-17-343-59852417
Court is in session
When I wrote King's Ransom over two years ago, we introduced a judicial system to RuneScape, by way of the Seers' Village Court House. It seemed a shame that you only get to use it during the quest and the rest of the time it just sits there.
I've been toying for quite a while with the idea of involving the Court House in either another quest or possibly making a minigame out of trialling cases. No quests I worked on really needed a trial, though, and a full-on minigame seemed as though it would be difficult to code and very boring.
This month, my workload finally cleared up enough that I had a chance to start concepting a new Distraction & Diversion to take place in the Court House. I wanted to use a lot of the same mechanics we had in King's Ransom, but add some new ones and give it some spice.
Getting the format of the D&D wasn't hard, since I had King's Ransom to work off of, but I hit a roadblock when it came to what cases should be about. Who in RuneScape should go on trial?
I happened to mention this idea to Mod Osborne and Mod Srowley (the RuneScape editors), seeing as they create the Postbag, and they had tons of ideas! I also went through the website's area guides to see what interesting characters from all over RuneScape might have an issue they'd want resolved in court. You'll see a lot of familiar faves in court including a few that used to be familiar, but were recently retired...
I've coded a prototype case involving a certain 'Mugger (level: 6)'. Mod Mark played through it and loved the gameplay, so I've been given the go-ahead to code the rest of the project.
Currently, you'll be given a case and get to choose whether you want to prosecute or defend the accused. Then you read a few documents on the background of the case and do a bit of sleuthing. When you feel ready, you start the trial and present all your findings to the jury, just like you did in King's Ransom, but with a few new surprises...
In a follow-up blog, I'll hand you over to the RuneScape editors who are going to be writing a few of the court cases.
If you'd like to discuss
Various replies from 16-17-343-59852417
Spoiler: Click to Toggle the Spoiler.
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@ Ace Lev - Some of the more difficult cases will require some leg work to interview witnesses. I'm trying to keep this to a minimum, though.
@ Xaror - Great questions! We are planning on having a bit of an informal tier system with the caes. So there will be some pretty easy ones, some intermediate ones, and some difficult ones. Difficult in the sense that they are more complex or require more leg work to get the facts.
As for researching the case, that will depend on difficulty. Easy ones most of the facts will be presented to you, difficult ones may involve some actual sleuthing at the scene of the crime. Less sure on that one at the minute, as I'm still toying with how it will work.
It's unlikely the event will release cases on a weekly basis. Right now we're thinking maybe something more like Treasure Trails where you get a 'Court Summons' in a drop. That way you won't plow through them too fast!
@ Xaror - Great questions! We are planning on having a bit of an informal tier system with the caes. So there will be some pretty easy ones, some intermediate ones, and some difficult ones. Difficult in the sense that they are more complex or require more leg work to get the facts.
As for researching the case, that will depend on difficulty. Easy ones most of the facts will be presented to you, difficult ones may involve some actual sleuthing at the scene of the crime. Less sure on that one at the minute, as I'm still toying with how it will work.
It's unlikely the event will release cases on a weekly basis. Right now we're thinking maybe something more like Treasure Trails where you get a 'Court Summons' in a drop. That way you won't plow through them too fast!
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@Nightgunner - For right now, you won't be able to repeat a case once you've completed it. It's still early stages, so that may change, but that's how it currently stands.
@HeavenlyEvil - I don't want it to be as rare as a Champion Scroll either. That's why I said like Treasure Trails, which are much more common. This bit is still in the air, so don't worry too much about how you'll get a case. Lots of things can change between now and release. But thanks for the feedback!
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There is dancing! But no babies.
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@Matman 1966 - The problem with time based things is that it quite often comes down to how good your internet connection is, and that's not really fair. That's why there aren't very many time based things in RuneScape, and I'd rather not do it in this instance.
For everyone asking about the rewards, we haven't really decided on anything concrete yet. We'll probably discuss it in the next blog, but we will hopefully have some visual rewards so you can show off your accomplishments in the court room.
For everyone asking about the rewards, we haven't really decided on anything concrete yet. We'll probably discuss it in the next blog, but we will hopefully have some visual rewards so you can show off your accomplishments in the court room.
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Yes, as of right now the event will require King's Ransom to play. As always these things may change, but it makes sense to have done it.
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Maybe it's because I see D&D as mini-games.