Lunoxplorer’s Field Expeditions: A Straight-Faced Comedy Event Concept
This is a concept for a time-limited event built around a simple idea: danger is real, sacrifice is noble, and somehow everything always goes wrong anyway.
The event is designed to reward roster depth without hard-gating newer accounts, while reframing recovery timers and underused healing systems as part of the experience rather than friction.
Narrative Premise
Lunoxplorer has identified several highly mysterious and potentially dangerous ruins, possibly located in areas such as Crowsong Hollow in the new Huaxu region.
To ensure her safety, she hires Phoxhunters as Bodyguards to take point while she conducts her research. These volunteers are fully aware of the risks and take pride in protecting one of their own.
A short introductory cutscene establishes the tone:
- The expeditions are treated seriously and professionally
- Previous volunteers are shown returning injured, but alive and proud
- No one directly acknowledges the scale of the injuries
- Lunoxplorer expresses sincere gratitude for their bravery
Everything is handled earnestly. The comedy comes from what is left unsaid.
Core Gameplay Loop
The event consists of X investigation sites. For each site, the player assigns:
- 1 character (designated the Bodyguard)
- 1 melee weapon
- 1 ranged weapon
- 1 geniemon
The mission cutscene involves the Bodyguard haplessly tripping a trap with hilarious wince-inducing results.
Upon completion:
- The escort is declared a success
- The Bodyguard returns injured and enters recovery
- All equipped gear enters refurbishment
- The character and equipment are temporarily unavailable
- The player immediately receives mission rewards
There is no skill check and no way to avoid this outcome. The Bodyguard always survives. The Bodyguard always recovers.
Recovery timers are shown immediately using neutral language such as “Under Observation” or “Equipment Refurbishment”, with clear countdowns visible at all times.
Roster Depth Affects Speed, Not Access
This event is designed so that:
- Players with large rosters can rotate characters and finish quickly
- Players with smaller rosters can still complete all investigations over time
An intentional and healthy loophole exists:
- Players may assign multiple Bodyguards before logging off
- Recovery timers continue while offline
- Progress is never locked behind constant play
No player is blocked. Only the calendar matters.
Escalating Recovery Through Fatigue
To discourage repeatedly assigning the same character or gear:
- Repeated use increases recovery time
- This is framed as accumulated fatigue, not punishment
- Recovery times may vary slightly within a communicated range
The system encourages roster variety naturally, without forbidding any choice. Characters remain proud volunteers, never victims.
Optional Use of Healing Items
Healing potions and related crafting materials can be used to shorten recovery time.
- This is entirely optional
- Healing items act as time accelerators, not requirements
- Players who prefer waiting or logging off never need to engage
This reintroduces an underused system in a low-pressure context.
Rewards and Transparent Deductions
Each mission advertises very large gross rewards.
Upon completion, the reward screen shows:
- Gross mission rewards
- Itemized deductions for hospital care and equipment repair
- Final net rewards granted to the player
Examples of deductions may include:
- Emergency extraction
- Medical stabilization
- Weapon reconstruction
- Administrative fees
All math is visible and consistent. Final rewards after deductions feel generous without destabilizing the economy.
Why This Event Works
- Failure is expected, communicated, and never blamed on the player
- Roster depth is rewarded without excluding newer accounts
- Recovery timers become part of the joke, not friction
- Underused systems gain relevance without becoming mandatory
- Characters retain dignity and return fully restored
A single line beneath the mission list reinforces expectations:
“All expeditions to date have resulted in successful escorts and full recovery.”
Closing Thoughts
This is not a punishment event. It is a straight-faced comedy where professionalism and disaster coexist.
Every escort is a success. Every volunteer recovers. Everyone remains proud of the job they did.
If implemented carefully, this is the kind of limited event players remember and reference:
“That was the one where everyone got wrecked on purpose.”
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