Im not sure if its been discussed anywhere, but i had the idea for a system that could be implimented where players could have a reagent based zone specific spell that could be applied to the groups ammo, weapons, or armor.
Along the lines of a druid getting an icey damage sheild type spell that would grow ice thorns on the druid's (or groupmate's) ammo, weapons, or armor. Maybe a damage sheild if casted on armor, or proc based bonus damage on ammo and weapons. The spells could be different for each zone, so that only one type of spell could be used in that area, and the reagents are only found in that zone. And the spell for that zone would be tied to other combat strategies based on the types of mobs in that environment. For example your group maybe grinding on fire mobs in a camp in that zone and get a slight advantage by having the Ice skill to attune their gear and be more effective against the fire faction mobs.
Further example. You've progressed through your newbie zone and are entering your first hub zone. The hub zone is a firey landscape with fire based mobs. There could be some zone backstory for the enemy faction ravaging the surroudning area and their leader being a fire mage (zone boss) who is located in a fire temple (zones main dungeon). Along with the firemage boss, there is an opposing ice mage faction. The players would be introduced into a quest series which would reward the player with an ice buff that could only be used in that zone. Along with the ice buff, there could be regents found only in that zone to increase the efficacy of the buff. The buff could be used on ammo, weapons, or armor. Other classes would get something in line with their class. Druid could get a snow spell, archers a frost proc for their arrows, warrior an ice proc for their sword, paladin an ice sheild, etc, etc.
The ability could be a zone sensitive skill icon in the players skill tree that wouldnt be functional until they complete the quest. And the icon would change automatically on the hotbar based on which zone they were in, as to not clutter up the hotbar with an icon for each zone.
What do ya think?
