Hey pbase,
This was something I saw employed in another MUD a while back, and I thought it may have some use for us. I believe it may also have been discussed in the past.
I hear a lot of bellyaching about RP on the forums. Personally, I've seen nothing but stellar RP since I've been back - sometimes you just need to be the one to initiate it. I've spent literally hours with people in RP, time they could have spent killing other people, gathering stuff, leveling, etc.
But there's always room for improvement, yeah?
Command: rp (name)
These RP points are given out to people who you feel are really making an effort to uphold the story and create a well-rounded character. Players are allotted maybe 5 RP points that they can give other players per week. They are only permitted to give one RP point to a person, so they can't spunk it all at once. It spreads the wealth. The points can be visible to the player (perhaps it shows up in their score) and immortals.
There are two options for use of these points.
The first (preferable in my opinion): Immortals will have a clearer idea of who it is that's out there RPing their asses off. Those with a higher point score can be considered first for cabal advancements, current/future RP plot positions, specialty items, etc. A recent mandate mentioned that elders and leaders are to held to higher standards of RP. This may allow for administrators to see just how much they've been out there doing what they should be doing.
The second option: Make certain options purchasable through RP points. Special perks, specialty items, titles, personalized RP plots by request and things of that nature.
I have seen a level of RP I can be proud of since I came back. It looks like people are really making an effort. Yeah, they should be out there RPing without any incentive other than to have a good time - but let's be honest, that doesn't work for everyone, especially if RP isn't your strong suit.
Anything can be achieved through RP as the game is played now, too. I'll reiterate that I don't think the MUD needs something like this, but it may help spread RP wider, make it more common. It might also help imms focus on those players that put forth exception effort.
Whadda yall think?