Shattered Kingdoms

Somewhere, I'm not sure exactly where, Dulrik commented on how SK was moving away from "NPC warfare." Anyways, that and the various complaints I've heard about this dreaded thing (which honestly made me think someone was griping about Mafia Wars at first) got me thinking: What would Tribunals be like without NPCs?

What changes would you all make?

I don't have a massive list of ideas in this case and I really am curious about your thoughts. I'll probably chime in later.

A quick clarifying question:
Do you mean if tribunals had -no- orderable guards, or only if tribunals had no guards they could keep in their group?

I don't think NPCs should follow you around and help you fight, Being ordered to grant buffs I'm ok with. Just need to move away from NPC wars, this seems like the Star Wars version of Clone Wars.

Okay, the problem with taking away this function of guards is that there wouldn't be much incentive to play a tribunal member as opposed to a cabal member. Tribunals would have to be compensated somehow to keep them competetive with cabals.

Whichever you feel would be more interesting?

Okay I don't think there's any reason to take away their buffing guards. They don't really contribute to NPC wars and are a main perk of being in a trib.

This is why I ask: Since people dislike "NPC wars" and there is apparently a push away from this, what would people like to see instead to make tribunals competitive and unique?

I think I'm the only person who likes NPC wars. I think it opens up a lot more strategic options, especially when you're in a tribunal like the Guardians that have paladins, swashbucklers, mercenaries, sorcerors, priests, scouts, bard, and barbarians.

Those options kept things a lot more interesting for me. I'd personally be disappointed to lose the ability to group with them.

Based on the opening statement of moving away from "NPC warfare", people may find this strange, but I'm of the opposite opinion. I'm fine with tribunals keeping the ability to order around some muscle.

I'd prefer to get rid of all of the casting of buffs and other spells on behalf of trib members (but keeping the ability for guards to cast their spells using their own AI in combat).

Yes, that probably would take away a lot of the current incentive to play tribunals, which is why I don't plan to do anything like the above any time in the near future. Other changes would have to be made first.

I'm certainly curious what kinds of things people would like to see in place of free buffs for tribunals.

Hmm, cheaper vendors only for members for things like scrolls and vials that will never reach 5 platinum for a glass flask?