Retainer upgrades, Ward functionality, and the emerging World Market

[Fieros]

The following proposals are meant to address storage concerns, buying/ selling issues, market stands and search tool useability, and the disconnect/ neglect of Limsa Lomina/ Gridania market wards. I would like to thank Rentahamster and Origamikitsune specifically for their ideas that inspired me regarding these matters.

Easy to Understand- click me! (diagram summarizing main points)

Retainers
Several upgrades are now purchasable for each retainer in your service. The level of retainers increases with each additional option package as shown:

LVL - Cost (gil) ; Benefit
1 - Free ; standard
2 - (250,000) ; additional storage (25 slots)
3 - (100,000) ; ability to set a comment for shoppers, (5) additional bazaar slots, (8) slots for customizing appearance with equipable gear seperate from bazaar slots if desired, Transaction history displayed for personal retainers and running sale price given when searching for items in each city or on the World Market
4 - (150,000) ; World Market License
5 - (500,000) ; retainer storage shared among characters on same account and same server

I'd say add retainer level = quest, which gives you access to the ability to purchase. Quests = content, which this game needs. I'd even be happy if they were as involved and pricey as the 11 gobby bag quests, since the game also needs gil sinks.

Market Wards
Changes to the search tool include:

*Optional HQ filter returning 5 cheapest of each quality
*Gear listed on retainers in wards requesting repairs now searchable by Disciple of Hand class
*Ability to select a single retainer to mark and automatically transport to appropriate ward after confirmation. (AoE toggle button switches between single and multiple selection)

Changes to Stands in market wards:

*Renting a stand now allows your retainer to buy and sell on the World Market
*Rentals last for (48) hours
*Renting a stand requires that your retainer is Level 4+ (has World Market License)

World Market (previously referred to as the Auction House)

*When listing items for sale on the World Market there will be a (10%) additional tax penatly if the market stand is rented in a city containing the corresponding guild (shards/crystals= Alchemist guild= extra tax selling on World Market from Ul'dah, horn/tooth/hide= Leatherworker guild= extra tax selling on World Market from Gridania)
*When selling items on the World Market not represented by a city guild, no additional tax is required

*Browsing the World Market is now available by interacting with NPC stationed behind a desk in the central area of any market ward
*Players may claim purchased items (immediately) at (no cost)

*Players may search through a comprehensive item list on the World Market and select an item(s) they wish for their level 4+ retainer to actively seek purchase at specified gil reward. Searching of such requests would be permitted through use of the same desk-bound NPC. These requests each occupy one slot of the retainer's available bazaar.

*No requirement exists for players wishing to use this NPC for browsing/purchasing or filling a requested order from another player's level 4+ retainer.

Finally, I appreciate your time spent considering these alterations to the existing Retainer/ Market Ward systems, and the integration of a new World Market to add depth and unity to an already wonderful economy in Eorzea.

[Kilta_Firelotus]

a bit hefty on the gil fees but all around good iidea

[Xeno]

a bit hefty on the gil fees but all around good iidea

a bit light on the gil fees imo, but the idea is really damn good.

[whoopeeragon]

We have too much gil running in anyhow....inflation rates in Eorzea are pretty high.

The idea and basis is really good though.

Question: How do you actually level up your retainer? My one's been stuck on level 1 for quite some time...

[Kilta_Firelotus]

thats because ppl do levequests too much. What if a person don't do levequests all that often. gotta think about how it effects everyone.

[Fieros]

Thanks for the feedback!

I would prefer to keep it simple and just buy upgrades through the NPC that handles retainers inside the originating Adventurer's Guild. Performance- or quest-based advancement for the retainers would be nice, but invivtes corruption and extra time in developement yielding same result.

Anything in (seemed fair) keeping players of all budgets in mind.

[Kilta_Firelotus]

when i play ffxi im not gonna do levequests all that Often. I like killing things aimlessly not trolling I have add and I'm easily amused. I spent hours in ffxi just running around.

again not trolling iys just how I am

[origamikitsune]

I'd say add retainer level = quest, which gives you access to the ability to purchase. Quests = content, which this game needs. I'd even be happy if they were as involved and pricey as the 11 gobby bag quests, since the game also needs gil sinks. Kill a few birds with one stone.

[Vicious]

I like the idea OP

thats because ppl do levequests too much. What if a person don't do levequests all that often. gotta think about how it effects everyone.

God forbid you have to earn something.

work = reward

[Rentahamster]

I would like to thank Rentahamster and Origamikitsune specifically for their ideas that inspired me regarding these matters.

Thanks and you're welcome ^^

Some nice ideas in your post. I haven't had time to look at all of them yet, but I'd suggest that maybe a slight simplification might do some good and to make sure there aren't any unintended negative consequences of some of your suggestions.

I think the implementation of buy orders would be good for the economy.

I'd also like to point your attention to this article: http://www.gamasutra.com/view/featur...os_.php?page=5

Dude has some pretty good ideas as well.