Shops in hamlets.

[Teuciont]

Here's another thought in regards to typing in Grand Companies. Perhaps it was already mentioned and I just missed it, so if so, consider this a post to reinforce the idea.

I like the idea of tying in Grand Companies to Hamlet defense. What I have in mind is a type of FFXI conquest system where a certain GC would gain 'presence' in a hamlet if more players from that GC fought in the successful defense of said hamlet than players from other GC's. After the successful defense, a GC rep would be on hand to award you with a small sum of seals. Naturally, a failed defense would yield no GC rep in the hamlet.

I'm sure there could be other benefits to having a GC rep in a hamlet. Maybe some kind of buff for the players from that GC in the next defense, I dunno.

While I agree that there should be a GC presence in Hamlets, I'm not sure it should be competitive. It wouldn't make much sense to have the Uldah company occupying a Hamlet on the island that La Noscea's on. Having RATINGS though, like in XI for conquest would make a lot of sense. Depending on who's top country you'd be able to buy special items from the GC person in town. The whole "not being able to switch GC's" will help with this too, considering people can't just switch to whoever's the most popular at the time. This promotes rivalry between nations and some nationalism that really boosts the sense of community within the game.

If they're going to make Ifrit/Moogle drop better loot if the entire party is from one GC, SE needs to have members of GCs interact with eachother more often and meet eachother. I think Hamlet defense would be a perfect opportunity to meet some of your fellow GC mates and to get those groups together.

The rivalry would also give a good sense of competition for when they implement cross GC PvP.