Dolyak - A Core Tyria Mount Idea/Concept

[Nightsied.1975]

The introduction of mounts has changed how players play GW2. Players can quickly get from one objective to another simply by mounting up and running across the map. Prior to mounts, players would create speed builds to help them explore the large regions of core Tyria. These abilities would also grant nearby players with speed buffs allowing better group play. Now that mounts have essentially become a nessecity to get around in GW2 a new player may have a difficult time playing through core Tyria and WvW content as they no longer have access to the speed buffs of other players leaving them further behind. This could leave the player feeling isolated and possibly stop playing the game.

A possible solution is introducing a "starter" mount that can be obtained in core Tyria. The mount can be obtained by level 40 but the mount is restricted to the player speed cap (400) and does not have the special abilities like the mounts obtainable in the Path of Fire expansion until after the player unlocks the mastery traits at level 80. below is an example of a starter mount concept:

Creature: Dolyak - it exists in the Gw2 lore and these creatures appear the most capable of carrying the larger playable races. Other possible creature skins: Marmox, Gazelle, Shadhavar.

 

Dolyak Rider from GW1

Location: Lornar's Pass - Herder Lyot - This NPC is a karma merchant and she owns a Dolyak Ranch. Players will already need to complete her renowned heart to gain access to her items.

Acquisition:

The acquisition process should be easy as the mount should be available to newer players around levels 40 to 50. After helping Herder Lyot the player can interact with her again for additional dialogue that unlocks the Dolyak collection. The collection requirements will be rather simple requiring the player to craft reins and a saddle. Completing the collection will reward the Dolyak license.

Crafting the riding reins will require either a weaponsmith, artificer, or huntsmen discipline of 300 - 350, and crafting the riding saddle will require the armorsmith, tailor, or leatherworking discipline of 300 - 350. Both items and recipes are account-bound.

Lyot will have the recipes available to purchase for karma in her inventory along with the ability to purchase a Dolyak (which will be locked until the collection is completed).

Abilities, speed, and masteries:

The initial speed of the dolyak will be 400 which is in line with a player's speed cap. this restriction is so the dolyak does not initially compete with newer mounts and makes up for the loss of various speed builds in zerg events now that veteran players simply mount up. At 80, players can increase the speed after unlocking the mastery traits to upgrade the dolyak to 500 (maxed at 450 to match the Warclaw's speed in WvW).

The dolyak will only have one skill that is accessible only after the player unlocks it in the mastery trait line: Charge. This will be a targeted engagement skill that allows players to charge and knocks down foes caught in its path. If the player has not unlocked the mastery traits this ability will not appear on the skill bar.

Dolyak masteries the following include:

3 pts - Speed boost to 500.
4 pts - Plated dolyak armor: Increase base health of dolyak from 4000 hp (at level 80) to 8000hp (at level 80), just below the Springer.
6 pts - Unlock Charge (engage) ability.

Personally, I love the inclusion of mounts. Back in the game release, I recall feeling the game having a slow pace because I had to travel slowly travel across the various regions unlocking the waypoints and hoping I did not die in the process or discover that I ran into a dead-end and had to double back. Since mounts have been introduced It has made the game quicker for me and I feel I can keep up with other players. I feel a mount for core Tryia players, especially new players, would help them not feel isolated either considering all veterans have mounts or veterans are busy playing the newer areas of the game leaving many parts of core Tyria vacant.

[xaureau.1647]

I like the idea of having a core mount, and HoT mounts, Although I think the core mount should be crap, I mean deliberately bad, just for show... or made for gathering or some other non-combat, non-speed purpose...

[eyelogix.1654]

On 7/29/2022 at 5:21 PM, xaureau.1647 said:

I like the idea of having a core mount, and HoT mounts, Although I think the core mount should be crap, I mean deliberately bad, just for show... or made for gathering or some other non-combat, non-speed purpose...

it could have a minor speed increase