Posted at 2014-02-08 00:37:36 — Link
Sorry if this has been suggested before! I was thinking the other day about pet value - how every day more high GP pets with better genetics are being bred and how that affects pet worth. It may take some time, but eventually very powerful pets will become quite cheap due to supply and demand (See Horse Isle). Now, the current Kami event is a brilliant idea, because the Kamis represent a non-renewable resource that will only increase in value over time. I would like to see more pets with inherent value. Pets such as these also offer new goals for older, wealthier players.
So what about non-inheritable, randomized mutation? Like, every pet born/caught has 1 in 1 million chance to be a mutant (similar to the Chicken Smoothie zebras, for example...or Shiny Pokemon). I don't suggest that the effects be particularly powerful or require a lot of effort to create. Perhaps a slightly increased maximum value for all stats, or the ability to reach level 51. It could be as simple as yellow text for the pet name instead of the default grey. The effect could even be negative! It could be almost anything, really, provided it:
a) Doesn't offer unique abilities or significant combat advantage
b) Isn't inheritable
c) Is distinctive enough to warrant demand
d) Doesn't drastically alter existing pet format
Another effect of such pets would be redistribution of wealth. Since all players would have an equal chance of acquiring a mutant, the younger/poorer of the lucky owners could sell to wealthier collectors, putting cash back into the economy.
Again, sorry if this is a repeat of earlier suggestions. Thanks for reading!
---One effect I would love, but do not think would work, is modified artwork. For instance: a unicorn with the mutation characteristic might be a pegasus instead (this could satisfy users interested in pegasi without introducing a visually redundant breed). Or (less artwork required) a mutated unicorn might have two horns. Even simpler - a stat modification could be reflected by a subtle visual effect, like a glow. Unfortunately I think modified artwork would be redundant due to the custom skin system.
*~*Combat Unicorns*~*Deviant Rocs*~*Silver&Gold Cockatrices*~*