So the Spiral Knights have been marooned on a planet they are still learning and are trying to make a possible "temporary" home for themselves on Cradle as they explore the planet's depths.
Since the game is moving farther towards a more social aspect, I thought it would be interesting if the Knights had something of a Home or Resident District. The Knights would be able to go to their homes where they can store items for later use. If you're like me, you probably have one character who has A LOT of recipes and weapons and it's something of a pain to sift through when doing trades and organizing gear. I should also mention that this could be a possible new income for OOO/SEGA since the homes could be customized to your liking (if you've ever playing Animal Crossing, you'll understand what I mean). Wall decorations, carpets, a place for your pet when you don't want them equipped to you (that's if you ever got one). You know all that useless material you laying about your inventory? Well now it has a use! Driftwood and scrap metal can be used to create things like new doors and tables!
I think this would be another good Crown sink for the game, as there really aren't enough of them. This benefits all players too, not just new players. Users who play Spiral Knights strictly with Mist Energy can now use some of their hard earned Crowns to liven up their own home. The only real issue I see with my suggestion is where this all will be stored. No doubt on a server. Also visiting the homes of friends would be nice, but I'm not sure how to implement something like that. So here's what I propose:
Knights will have a choice to get a home, if they so wish.
Start up - 300 EC or 30,000 Crowns for a small home. 600 EC or 70,000 Crowns for the next size up and finally 1000 EC or 120,000 Crowns for the largest size home.
Home will be one room, approximately 6x6 tiles to 9x9 tiles (not sure how to measure things in game).
Comes default with bed/sleeping equivalent, closet, and table.
Home will allow player to store unwanted inventory, such as materials, weapons, armor, usables, etc.
Home will allow the player to view special stats about their gameplay, data on preferred weapons, armor types, which monsters he/she killed the most. Favorite gates, and so on.
Home will be customizable! Players can craft furniture and more for their homes, giving their homes a really unique feeling. From wall colors to floor types. You want your home to look like a space ship? Go for it. How about a natural looking setting? That could happen too. Aside from crafting goods for your home, you can also find recipes to special items for your home. These recipes can be purchased with EC or Crowns. So you like Love Puppies huh? Well maybe OOO can create a statue of a Love Puppy to put into your home! The things you could place into your home is nearly endless.
A place for your pet when they aren't with you.
I'll probably update this thread soon, but this is what I can think of for now. Comment and question please!
Ya know.... I thought we needed mats to open the core. -_-
Usually I hate the idea of homes, but you make it sound interesting.