Some good ideas here. Part of this will depend on FE, and how it turns out. Based on what I know about FE, here are my ideas:
1) Expanded Event System: This has always been one of the big problems with Elemental. A quality event system could drive random events, quests, and make the world seem much more interesting and alive. Events could be triggered by a technology, a building, a character, or any number of milestones. Along with that, open up the event system to modders so that the community can add new events, quests, etc. If properly implemented, a good event system could drive all kinds of new, interesting gameplay. Here are a few rough examples:
- You research Guilds. This triggers an event where a group of Merchants want to start a Merchant's Guild. You are presented with a list of choices to support them, ban them, extort them, etc.
- You build a Palace. This allows new events to occur at your palace, such as a petitioner asking for help, which if accepted will create a new quest.
- Every turn starting with turn X, there is a Y random chance of a group of raiders attacking your caravans.
2) Government: Allow for the establishment of a Council with various positions, city governors, noble titles, etc. Allow us to assign positions and titles to our champions.
- Council: Think Song of Ice and Fire, Crusader Kings, or Shogun Total War 2. A champion will perform based on their stats and abilities and will impact various things accordingly.
- Governor / Mayor / Whatever: A champion assigned to rule a city will impact that city based on their abilities.
3) Expanded Diplomacy: Allow for more interesting interactions based on a larger number of factors. Create a solid diplomacy AI that will use this system well.
4) Expanded Champions: FE is already making Champions more interesting. Add new traits, skills, etc. that would interact with the above systems. Have non-combat skills for them to learn. Give each Champion a personality and agenda that aren't necessarily obvious. For example, Champion A has an aggressive personality and an agenda for power. With a low loyalty, this Champion is likely to openly revolt. Champion B has a high intelligence and the Subtle trait, making her a great candidate for Spymaster on the council.
