PTS: Relics removed from cartel packs.

[Jetsu]

That's treating it more like a game mechanic (which it is). However, I can see why an RP committed person would be more bothered by it since alignment in this game ignores lawful/chaotic.

[Count Sacula]

How so? In the game it is far easier if you are a knight/sage to choose all light side choices and if you are inquisitor/warrior for dark side. To me the harder choices are the ones that actually go against the cookie cutter. To have a piece of equipment that FORCES you to stay on a specific path is not something to be considered roleplaying.

Why do you think they removed the alignment requirements from the color crystals? If you are going to reward/punish those who make choices according to their characters then do it for all or do it for none.

[Jetsu]

Exactly Count. As a point system it makes sense (maximize your points to maximize your gain) but when maximizing points means your character has to react a certain way it ruins character personality building.

[Liberty]

No, you don't have to go a certain way. You have the option to not or to get a certain relic or even to have a relic. Or as I said previously use Diplomacy crew skill and delete when desired light/dark level is achieved. And of course we have the shards we collect that make a relic with no light/dark restrictions.

With my first toon I never got a relic till she turned high 40's. I did not know where to get them or what they were. In fact I learned about them from ORNET. There are several options and you make the decision and I would not classify that as mechanical. I feel that decisions we make in the game should have consequences and you are free to go down any path.

[Count Sacula]

You put yourself at a disadvantage unless you either A: go all dark/light side or B: have diplomacy as a crew skill whether you want it or not. Is that clear enough?

So again tell me how this is fair?

[war1023]

Because you are Count therefore are wrong.

[Jetsu]

Because you are Count therefore are wrong.

Sometimes an argument comes along so well reasoned there's just nothing more to be said.

Seriously though, in an MMO it's pretty much a requirement that people don't feel disadvantaged while participating in a valid style of play (I.E. are playing as intended). Unless you think BioWare doesn't think anything other than extreme moralities exists in the Star Wars universe he has a valid point.

You can get away with cosmetic stuff more, but relics are actual stat gear. I'm almost certain the only reason they haven't worked out the concept of "neutral levels" is because they're really focused on end game right now (which is where the whining happens most). Once you're 50 there's no real reason to worry about alignment except a speeder.

[Shaddarah]

I leveled my smuggler all the way to 50 staying neutral. I had no shortage of relics and at level 50 nothing is alignment bound. Well nothing that is any good at least. I'm still neutral with her btw.

[Count Sacula]

I leveled my smuggler all the way to 50 staying neutral. I had no shortage of relics and at level 50 nothing is alignment bound. Well nothing that is any good at least. I'm still neutral with her btw.

Please point me to the relic before level 50 that requires no light side or dark side.

[clamus68]

Matrix Cube.

It is a relic slot item with no alignment.

[Shaddarah]

Please point me to the relic before level 50 that requires no light side or dark side.

Here is a link to quite a few: Relic - Items - Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) Database

Here are a couple of specifics: Relic of Mysterious Promises - Items - Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) Database
Relic of Shrouded Might - Items - Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) Database
Relic of the Grey Void - Items - Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) Database

[Liberty]

You put yourself at a disadvantage unless you either A: go all dark/light side or B: have diplomacy as a crew skill whether you want it or not. Is that clear enough?

So again tell me how this is fair?

It is totally fair. All players have the option to choose which path to take, middle, dark, light. Nerfing the game so a choice doesn't have consequences is mechanical.

[intrepid70]

My opinion on this subject is that there is always a benefit to being on one side or another and being neutral with either side is generally less beneficial. I see no reason why this game should be any different. If you wanna be full light sided then you should reap the benefits of such. Same for the Dark Side. If you wanna be neutral you naturally get fewer perks. Perhaps this could be evened out by a third faction or group that rewards neutrality. But really, do you think there was any benefit to being Switzerland during WWII other than not having the living crap bombed out of them?

All this "It has to be fair to everyone" nonsense needs to go away.

[SoulBender]

Nice intrepid. I actually agree with yeah

[Shaddarah]

I always have a back story for each character (my 20+ yrs of D&D) and when I went neutral with my smuggler it was because she plays on HER side. She does what it takes to get her paid and out of any situation. I never was cruel or intentionally killed anyone that didn't need it, but if I had to steal something or swindle my way out of something, then so be it.