test content
Logo
What is the Arc Client?
Install Arc
House system idea.
System
Member, NoReporting Posts: 178,019 Arc User
From what I've seen on the forums there are several KDF players out there who would like to see a house system implemented. While I've seen a number of people say it I've not seen any ideas on how it should work or what incentive a player would have to participate.
My idea is that the KDF should have a number of houses that a player can join. Probably no more than 10. Each house would have an area of specialization (ie. Beam weapons, torpedoes, speed, shield strength, hull strength, etc.) A player would join a house and gain ranks within that house by completing missions and pvp. As a player increases their rank, they can receive a buff (big enough to make a noticeable difference but small enough to not be game breaking) to the stat corresponding to their houses area of expertise.
An alternative to the buff would be to gain access to a house vendor that sells items that increase the stat that the house specializes in.
Its still a rough idea as it came to me last night but I'd be interested in hearing feedback and others ideas on how a house system can work.
My idea is that the KDF should have a number of houses that a player can join. Probably no more than 10. Each house would have an area of specialization (ie. Beam weapons, torpedoes, speed, shield strength, hull strength, etc.) A player would join a house and gain ranks within that house by completing missions and pvp. As a player increases their rank, they can receive a buff (big enough to make a noticeable difference but small enough to not be game breaking) to the stat corresponding to their houses area of expertise.
An alternative to the buff would be to gain access to a house vendor that sells items that increase the stat that the house specializes in.
Its still a rough idea as it came to me last night but I'd be interested in hearing feedback and others ideas on how a house system can work.
Post edited by Unknown User on
0
Comments
You might be able to set something like this up via UGC. See The UGC Starbase thread for ideas (in fact, your ideas could work within that framework).
The House of Antaak was a Klingon Great House. The members of this house were traditionally in the warrior caste. One notable exception to this was the Klingon doctor Antaak, who was disowned by his father for wanting to practice medicine. (ENT: "Divergence")
House of D'Ghor
The House of D'Ghor is a Great House in the Klingon Empire. Its enemy for several generations was the House of Kozak. The Great House suffered a major humiliation in 2371, when the dishonorable actions of the House's head, D'Ghor, led to his discommendation. (DS9: "The House of Quark")
House of Duras
The House of Duras was one of the Great Houses in the Klingon Empire which by 2366 had become highly influential in Klingon politics, so much so that its leader Duras (son of Ja'rod) was considered in 2367 for the position of Chancellor of the Klingon High Council.
House of Grilka ("House of Quark")
The House of Grilka was the new name given to the House of Kozak in 2371, after Kozak was killed in an accident on Deep Space 9. Gowron and the Klingon High Council granted Grilka special dispensation to lead the House, as Kozak had died in an accident. Until Gowron granted special dispensation, it was briefly known as the House of Quark. (DS9: "The House of Quark")
The House of Grilka was involved in the Federation-Klingon War and the Klingon-Cardassian War. These conflicts were costly to the House, as they lost starships, lands and warriors. (DS9: "Looking for par'Mach in All the Wrong Places")
House of Konjah
The House of Konjah is a Klingon Great House. On a mission to expose a Founder at the highest levels of the Klingon Empire in 2373, Miles O'Brien's alias, Pahash, was a member of the House of Konjah. (DS9: "Apocalypse Rising")
House of Kor
The House of Kor was a family of high social and political rank and one of the Great Houses in the Klingon Empire.
The House of Kor, led by Kor, son of Rynar, was descended of the Klingon Imperial family. Kor was the last son of the House of Kor, and his death in 2375 marked the end of the House. (DS9: "Once More Unto the Breach")
Let us never forget, Kor the Dahar Marster.
House of Kozak
The House of Kozak was a house of medium influence in the Klingon Empire, led by Kozak. The House of Kozak had been sworn enemies of the House of D'Ghor for seven generations. Rather than challenging Kozak's forces to battle, D'Ghor chose the dishonorable course of systematically undermining the House of Kozak's financial assets and territorial holdings, in a bid to seize Kozak's house.
Now the House of Grilka
House of Martok
The House of Martok is one of the Klingon Empire's most powerful and respected Great Houses, led by Martok and his wife Sirella. Martok himself had not been high-born, as he came from the Ketha Lowlands on Qo'noS, although his house gained significant influence and power thanks to his brilliant military career. In 2373, Martok formally invited Worf to join the House of Martok, after Worf played a critical role in the success of his first mission commanding the IKS Rotarran. (DS9: "Soldiers of the Empire")
House of Mo'Kai
The House of Mo'Kai was a Great House in the Klingon Empire.
In a holoprogram created by the Hirogen in 2374, the Klingon character of Kathryn Janeway was from the House of Mo'Kai and claimed the House would never yield while fighting the Alpha Hirogen. (VOY: "The Killing Game")
It is unknown if the House of Mo'Kai existed in reality.
House of Mogh
The House of Mogh was a family of high social and political rank and one of the Great Houses in the Klingon Empire until 2366 when false documents were produced which showed that Mogh had betrayed the Empire to the Romulans in the Khitomer Massacre of 2346. (TNG: "Sins of the Father")
House of Noggra
The House of Noggra was one of the Klingon Great Houses in the 2370s. It was one of the smaller houses in the Klingon Empire.
Noggra, the patriarch of the House, agreed to take Kurn into his house as a son after his memory engrams were altered to make him believe he was a different person named Rodek. (DS9: "Sons of Mogh")
Taken from http://memory-alpha.org/wiki/Great_House
The House system would essentially be an alternative rank system with titles and rewards like the Diplo-Corps.
The Diplo-Crops ranks are Attache, Consul, Envoy, Ambassador so:
The first KDF rank could be "House of X" so in my case for my Klink it would read House of Zhang. This rank unlocks star clusters with "conquest missions". Instead of diplomatic missions like the DC we get missions that task us to expand the Empire. These can range from putting down Gorn resistance cells to fighting Romulans for control of areas. These missions will not be drastically new content, but the flavor and motivations will be new. We will accumulate "Empire Points" or some other point system to advance in this system.
The second rank would be "Leader of House of X" (I was looking for the Klingon word for this and couldn't find it, if you know it please chime in). This rank would grant the power to transwarp to Gandala (sp?) station in the NZ.
The third rank would be "Leader of the Great House of X" - This would grant access to the Klingon version of "First contact missions" I'd actually like to see these as similar to the Fed first contact missions, but failure results in combat and conquest. The Fed equivalent rank of Evnoy also grants a transwarp skill, but we don't have that many places to travel to, so we should get something similar, but obviously different.
The final rank would be "High Council Member" and this would grant a new uniform, a BO from an extended selection of BO and another power similar to the transwarps.
I'd like to see this system expanded upon like I'd like to see the Diplo-Corps expanded on as well. I think both systems could easily be tied into a game wide PvP system that involved territory control/influence. But I think the above system would be a great start.
The other ideas I, and others, posted can be found here: Ideas for Klingon Gameplay
Ranks in the Hierarchy of the House there would be two divisions Noble Born (NPCs, Quest Givers) Warriors of the House. The Reason for the two divisions is that its simply not practicable to have several players who are the Head of the House, and that you would have to be a blood relative to became the head of the house or defeat him in battle.
Each Rank would have a different series of missions, and some would have episodes. For Example, the Head of the House would not have a Patron undertake a Blood Oath for House, or have a Dahar Master look for his pet Targ.
Warriors would have to prove they are capable officers in the KDF undertaking patrol missions, and border skirmishes.
Patrons are warriors sworn to support, protect, and champion the house. At this level the player would receive missions that not only benefit the empire but the standing of the house. Each Deed they undertake brings honour to them and the house. Missions would range from attacking ships, and supply lines deep in enemy territory and raiding enemy installations.
Weapon Master is a title bestowed upon those warriors who have proven their courage and put fear in the hearts of their enemies. They are awarded a weapon of choice from the House (D'k tahg or Batleth) and a Sash. The missions here would be closer to the Empire and here we can introduce Klingon Politics TRIBBLE a ranking member of the House, its falls on your shoulders to deal with threats to the house, both internal and external. You care called on to Deal with House Conflicts, internal struggles, and negotiations with Klingons, alien races, and undertaking matters of importance. Participate in BatLeth tournaments, and MoQ'bara (Klingon Marital Arts) Championships.
Lore Masters are Warriors sworn to uphold Klingon Law and Traditions. They can recite word for word how Kahless united the empire some 1,500 years ago after fighting and killing the tyrant Molor with the first Sword of Honor. They are the tellers of tales, the singer of the songs, the Warriors who do not allow legends to fade. Do you know the story of Kor, the last son of the House of Kor.? It was his experience and the bravery of six volunteers, that the IKS Ning'tao was able to hold of ten Jem'Hadar warships. How did it do it? Well my friend, let me tell you what they say in the Halls of Honor. The Missions here can range from bringing in Klingons that have forsaken duty, honor, who committed crimes. Seeking lost Klingon Artifacts, destroying any evidence of the Klingon augments (must be a reason why they dont talk about it).
Jadiche (SP?) are warriors who have proven themselves to the Nobility of the House and are called to stand in as their second in times of challenges. They seek out assassins, protect those in their care and uncover the truth regarding accusations made by the High Council.
Dahar Masters are warrior who had reached a legendary status among their peers and subordinates. These missions should be elite level difficulty and challenge the player in both ground and space combat.
Each of those missions would earn badges just like we do in PVP/PVE that can used purchase the itens we have currently in game but other rewards should also be added. Special Uniform Pieces, additional Melee Weapons, Sashes, Badges, etc.. This would be available to all the races of the KDF, the cannon does support this
I think the "heads" of houses should be NPCs rather than player characters. Although, I do like the concept of Noble born versus warrior born. I don't see any real difference between the two in terms of game-mechanics for fairness, but certainly there would be RP opportunities.
In terms of UGC missions, it should be easy enough to award "house" points by taking a page from the UGC starbase thread - which is you "import" the same basic mission and have the points as an attribute from the quest giver. This might be in addition to schematics or other awards. In addition to the "general" missions (that were the same in each house), house's could also develop house-specific missions.
Houses might also have alliances as well an enemies. It could be you could do missions for any of your allies. Possibly gaining points in both houses, and perhaps even being offered to be adopted into a house (perhaps that's how you get entry to a house?)
We might also be able to take some of the territory control ideas from several of the threads for house competitions.
Oh, you know...we're forgetting about the Gorn and Orions. Sure they're useless scum fit only to be slaves, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't find all this entertaining too and no matter how much we dislike it, they are a part of the KDF. What can we do to get them involved?
SO I would implement it that every player can have his own house, if he wants, or he can choose to join or be member of one of the 12 Houses. Also, players can create their own houses for other players to join in form of what is now called Fleet but should be called House.
And ultimately, each of the 12 major houses on the Klingon Council pledge their loyality to the House of Martok or the House of Duras. This isn't necessarily an official thing,but it is how things work for all practical purposes, and players have to decide which house they are "working for", too.
The idea is to narrow the houses down for storyline missions, but allow players to create their own house to be relevant.
The next step would be to hinge actual mechanics to that. The 12 Houses might represent "Crafting" leafs in a klingon Crafting tree, or have some relevance for the Klingon "Diplomacy" System.
And maybe if there is ever Open PvP, the different Houses might actually be responsible for certain territories and expand, and eventually even replace the NPC houses as members in the High Council.
Although, I'd at least like to see the houses of Martok and Duras as bitter rivals and council members (so perhaps only 10 player Houses).
House "size" might also include their allies, so it would add a real-life strategical element to the game.
Back to Gorns, Orions, and any other members of the KDF... I seem to recall an Episode where Quark became a member of Klingon house (which Serpieri told us was the House of Grilka) - so, it seems reasonable that Orions and Gorn could be members of houses. I suppose different house could have different rules about tainted races (or even Klingons freed from the Borg).
I believe the House of Grilka becomes the house of Quark, so in fact a none Klingon because the leader of a Klingon house.
Furthermore, to address one of Serpieri's points. Not all houses are led by noble born. Martok was born in the lowlands of Ketha Province to a common family. While the Klingons have a caste system, warriors can attain social mobility.
The high council according to Memory alpha is comprised of "some two dozen" families, these families change from time to time and with the addition of Gorns, Nausicaans and other non-Klingon species to the Empire the High Council may well have expanded to be larger.
For these reasons I believe that any house system to be based on the foundation that the individual player has their own house. That being said I of course would love to see the system make use of the war brewing below the surface between House of Duras and House of Martok, but I don't believe that having us pick a side in the conflict is the same thing as creating a truly engaging and worthwhile house system.
Martok had to fight his way up from the ranks, he was even denied an application to the KDF or as it to be an officer becuase of his heritage from Kor which lead to his hatred of the Man.
Maybe when you reach a certain rank in a house you serve. You can take resources and the honor you gain to start your own house, but what does your house offer to the ones already established providing missions, content, gears, upgrades etc. It would be great that instead of a fleet, you created a house, and you had an instance with a guild hall. Each member that brings in honor from missions then can be used by the Leader of the House and higher ranking officers to add NPC vendors, items, and trophies. This should be doable, since its similar to a super hero base or a lair from their previous games
In the list you marked this as diplomacy, but I see it being bigger than that. Not sure what you'd call it. End-Game? Framework Content? Politics? Other? :eek:
I like this, perhaps after you've attained so many house points (or Warrior points) you get recognized? So no one comes in as a noble, you have to earn it. What I like about that is gives a Klingon a social goal to work towards.
I agree any player should be able to start their own house, but also believe that players can join to one house and possibly change houses.
I would also like to see some sort of political explanation for how the minor houses work with the major houses (members of the council) which might explain how alliances are formed and broken. Anyone have canon references or willing to go out on a limb and make stuff up?
i would love to see such a system too, perhaps its how Open PvP works in a UGC mission?
I agree, there's more to it than picking a side and we need a lot more of the fat lady visible before we can get to the singing part. We could attack the UGC Thread idea and claim all of those ideas by right of conquest (actually, that's what that thread is about, a framework - this thread is about something concrete that could be built from the framework).
There are two reasons I am very much against having us join existing houses. First, I believe an system based on that would be extremely limiting in the long run. While I agree the ability to create Fleet/Houses would be a great addition, this would again simply limit all House based game play to those who join a fleet (not something that will promote growth of our faction). Furthermore, I do not see STO being the type of game where the timeline really moves. It is static and if that is the case even attaching the house system to the Great House means that this too will be static.
My second issue, is that I believe that canon characters need to be used sparingly. The missions for the House of Martok were fun, but too much of Worf and lady Sirellla and it will begin to feel contrived like SWG did when they made all the quests related to main characters from the movies. I don't want to see STO the NGE.
Finally, there is another reason I prefer to see any house system based on the players individual house. I prefer a game where it leaves me in control of the whys and hows of my character. I can't control the story when I'm sent to the Defari (or other mission), but I can control the story of my motivations for accepting the mission. Anything tied to a canon great house will only limit my options further.
Given how complicated Klingon politics must be, I would think it very probably you could belong to a house and yet serve in a different fleet. I also see the KDF as being an organization mostly removed from house politics. Houses may supply warriors, ships, and resources to the KDF, but the KDF is the military unit and they issue orders in the field. Now, what you do for your house inbetween missions, well that's totally different.
Edit:
If you succeed in acquiring dilithium mining rights of a backwater planet or attack and loot a Romulan colony, this will improve your standing in general. If you sell those right to another house or dedicate your success in combat to the honor of another house (maybe to a warrior not fallen in combat whose place in Sto'vo'kor has to be saved), you improve your standing with that house specifically, too.
I'm sort of under the exact opposite impression. That you're "nobody" and need a "patron" house to which you swear your services too in order to get the training and equipment you need. Then, if you prove yourself honorable, you can work your way up in your house and acquire a name for yourself.
Not to say you couldn't be "born" to a noble house too. But, in the Klingon culture I think you'd still have to prove yourself.
In feudal Japan there were different Lords that controlled samurai which was sort-of/vaguely like a house. When the lord was killed with no heir the "house" was dissolved, and those lordless samurai even had a special name Ronin.
It's good for the house as they have more cannon fodder, good for the warrior as they have a chance for glory.
But for all that I agree with the rest!
Klingons born to a noble house are entitled to the status of the house, but Klingons see them as untested until they have proven themselves in battle.
The reason I disagree is because we are not nobodies, in fact we are almost all Generals and by the time we finally get a House system we will all likely be Dahar Masters (the 61+ ranks). This is actually why I like the idea of building the house system on the Diplomacy Corps model. It would let us pick our title, so if we didn't want to be a Leader of a Great House we could choose something else. Much like the rank system now, we can choose our rank title and sash and play the character we want, but at the same time are not barred from the use of the game based perks that come with said rank.
The real question is should the OP's idea be an "end-game" only activity for Klingons (e.g., for Generals)?
Given how few Klingons there are, I think we want to make this an exciting opportunity to help draw more people into playing Klingons and make it fun throughout thier careers by providing a non-PvP advancement path (which I believe prevents a lot of people from trying Klingons).
Given recent posts about the Klingon direction from DStalh, if we want there to be exciting things for those in the KDF to do, it looks like UGC will be our only option to get "significant" content until the "needle moves".
The good news is, doing this as UGC allows us to design/build missions for the end-game as well as the advancement phase - so we could have both.
Anyway, we still need more ideas as to what houses are good for. Otherwise they'll just be a bit of Klingon Fluff.
No I do not think a House system should start at end game. Again, I think it should resemble the diplomacy corps and being with the player, but be leveled in such away that when we reach General we are also powerful in the house system. So even in a system that gives us our own house, we start a very lowly house that has to prove itself and rise in ranks.
- Your personal standing gives you access to items of a certain Mark, in similar ways to Crafting.
- Your Standing in a House gives you access to items that are more rare then others.
- Your Standing in a House also gives you access to new Bridge Officers and/or Bridge Officer Training.
- Each of the 12 big (NPC) Houses have their own unique rare and very rare perks and BO related things.
- Enabling Transwarp Locations. Currently not that exciting (3 Sectors only!), but it might get more important once this improves.
- Call for Reeinforcements. Maybe a PvE only-ability (holy PvP balance!), you can call in 3 frigates to your aid at any time. Long cooldown, they last until destroyed or you leave the map.
#1 since there are other ways to do this there's not much incentive (don't get me wrong, as an alternate technique it's still good). But if we're going to build it via UGC it might be a lot of work for little gain without some sort of twist.
On #2 (access to rare items), that should be a function of either play time or completely something very very difficult - handing these out like candy would be bad in that players would lose things to strive for. Not that you're saying that, but its something to watch out for.
on #3 (Bridge Officer Training), any fleet worth their salt already trains BOFFs for their fleet members. However, for those that don't belong to fleets its nearly impossible to get the skills you want - having houses that train those skills (perhaps based on skills of the members) would be a great draw.
On #4 - what sort of perks are you thinking? I'd be worried about game balance.
#5 is a brilliant suggestion, all Klingons would join a house just for this if no other reason.
#6 might make an interesting perk - but I'd like to see counter-perks for all perks too.
Think of something along as the new Transphaic Cluster Torpedo or the "Old" Efficient Impulse Engines. It can be something already "established" to exist in the game, but also some new creations. Nothing that's OP, just stuff that you otherwise couldn't acquire on the Exchange, loot or from mission rewards.