Imo we want:
- Less random
- Player influence (tied to the above.)
- Individuality
- cRPG and strat connection
- Minimize grind
- Incentives to use strat
- Player interaction
- I missed something?!
So, with those things in mind one suggestion could be:
a) Each round you win with x5 gives you a smithing point. This smithing point can be assigned to any owned item.
1st level cost 1 point, 2nd level cost 2 points, 3 level cost 4 etc. etc. (what ever exponential formula you wanna use).
This solution does not engange in more strat use, but is pretty well combined with the rest of the crpg gameplay.
b) Assigning smithing points for every item a person creates only extend grind behaviour in strat. No real interaction.
c) Right now exp in strat is bad. Maybe you gain smithing skill for fighting more strat battles? Again we should avoid randomly assigned points.
Awarding it to top K/D would be counter intuitive compared to general arguments for support builds etc. on public server.
d) Smithing mini-game: Around the map, randomly redistributed are smith masters. When you defeat a smith master ( a bot on a duel server) in a duel you gain the master title. After you gain a title you keep it but can be challenged by other players. If you lose a duel to another player you lose that mastery title. You can only have on mastery title..
This method would award skill and not entice to grind. Would invite to exploring etc. etc.
Weapons might have three titles available like: 5 aprentice titles, 3 master and 1 Grandmaster (25% bonus, 50% bonus and 75% bonus).
In order to win against the npc you'd have to defeat him in his equipment.
In order to defeat players to gain the title, defender chooses eq, but MUST use mastery item.
If you own a mastery title and happen to have the same item heirloomed (of any level) you are able to produce heirloomed weapons in strat.
I like my d) best!!!
