I'm always apprehensive about posting a thread like this, but here goes...
Preface
Over the last couple of years, we've witnessed a massive turn around with regards to the development of Discovery Freelancer, with a multitude of 'new' mechanics and various adjustments.
Now, whatever you may feel about those changes, positive or negative, they have proven that this mod is in fact capable of change thanks to the amazing efforts of the people that freely staff the Dev Team in their spare time.
We've seen a lot of mechanical additions that could be argued to have both aided and become detrimental towards Roleplay, but only really one specifically for Roleplay!
If the title didn't give it away, this thread is about 'mechanics' FOR Roleplay.
The Idea
With the // OOC chat integration in mind, I'd like to suggest the addition of something like /emote, /e or /em (however works) that would function not unlike many MMOs that I'm certain a decent chunk of this playerbase has had the pleasure of using.
What this command does in other games (typically) is remove the colon following the shipname, display the text without a separator and make the emote text stand out in someway with symbols and/or a different text colour. Example below:
Current Method: RPA|PRS-Aberdyfi: *The vessel gradually comes to a halt, the engines sputtering briefly as it's drive plume dies down to all but a glimmer.* Proposed Idea:*RPA|PRS-Aberdyfi gradually comes to a halt, the engines sputtering briefly as it's drive plume dies down to all but a glimmer.*
I was going to find a proper example of how it appears elsewhere, however I don't really play said MMOs anymore myself, nor could I find any good chat snips and I wrote this at work while I had nothing to do. If anyone can find a good example, please share.
The Goal
Visual aid! More tools for RP!
Bring up the fact that we're constantly beating the drum over 'Discovery is a Roleplay Server!', yet we've seen very little over this Mod's lifetime to enhance the way in which we actually carry out Roleplay. Maybe the text is fine the way it is for some people, maybe you've never given it much thought, an idea is an idea and I had to share it.
When contending with a monster, you'd be wise to give the devil his due.
