Easy- and Hard-Mode

Easy- and Hard-Mode Jan 8, 2016 0:46:33 GMT -5

Post by Markus Eckhardt on Jan 8, 2016 0:46:33 GMT -5

easy- and hard-mode

With the changes coming in 552's new District plot, we wanted to find a way to offer a new challenge to older members, while still providing opportunity and incentive to newer members, without creating a system that would make things lop-sided in any way. In that endeavor, we've developed an Easy/Hard mode system to make things more immersive and entertaining for the players. Below, I will go over the overarching rules between both modes, and then an in-depth description of what to expect in either one.

The Rules^{- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -}

1) Players must choose either mode to participate in the main story of the board.
2) Players may switch between Easy- and Hard-Mode at any time, just not mid-thread.
3) If an open thread is made, that thread is considered to be in whatever mode the creator is in, regardless of the participants, and anyone who joins are in that same mode for the duration of the thread.
- Ex: Say Jim is in Hard-Mode, and he makes an open thread. Bob, who is on Easy-Mode, decides he wants to join in. He's free to do so as he wishes, but by doing so, he is now in Hard-Mode for the entire thread. The reverse is also true.
4) Closed threads between multiple parties of differing modes can set it to whichever mode is mutually agreed upon.
5) Being in Easy-Mode and Hard-Mode determines which events a player can join. If an event is for Hard-Mode only, Easy-Mode players cannot join. The reverse is also true. Events that have no difficulty tag are for any number of people.

Easy-Mode^{- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -}

552 as many have come to know it already, Easy-Mode changes nothing from the base game. Values and drop-rates remain the same, and so does difficulty.

1) Players in Easy-Mode have access to all speed events (unless the opposite is stated), and one half of the minor and major events.
2) You can participate in open threads without the worry of Apostle invasion.
3) The majority of the enemies faced will be other players, including player Apostles.
4) Any QCs an Easy-Mode player goes up against will be at either the same stat tier, or one above at the absolute maximum, set aside Luca and Alexei.
5) Players in Easy-Mode do not have to worry about player death without consent.
6) Standard and High-Tier items can be earned through minor events. Titan-Tier items can be earned through major events.
7) Even if you fail in an event, in Easy-Mode you still obtain a reward for your participation, and this reward can still be as good as Titan-Tier.

Hard-Mode^{- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -}
552 like you've never seen it before, Hard-Mode brings out a whole new difficulty to the board. Things are more hectic, significantly more fast-paced, and there are rewards - as well as consequences - for every action. It is important to think before acting, as failing to do so can be quite costly.

1) Players in Hard-Mode have access to all speed events (unless the opposite is stated), and one half of the minor and major events.
2) Open threads in Hard-Mode are in threat of Apostle invasion at any time without warning.
3) You will not only fight players, but several QCs hell-bent on eliminating your character for one reason or another.
4) Any QCs in Hard-Mode will be at least one full stat-tier above their opponent, to a maximum of three at all times.
5) Signing up for Hard-Mode is automatic consent for your character to die at any time, should his or her actions warrant it. This consent is through GM or QC-inflicted death only. Player-inflicted death still requires consent.
6) Standard, High-Tier, and Titan-Tier items can be earned through minor events. God-Tier items can be earned through major events. Titan-Tier and God-Tier items can be looted off of enemy QCs.
7) Failure is not an option. Typically, it leads to death. Should your character die, you receive access to the reincarnation system, however, you get no reward for death itself.