I've only been hunting in the Aether a couple times. Once with a crew of three, Captain, Empath, one Combateer. Once with a full crew of six, three combateers, captain, empath, and a person handling the collector. Both times, I gained VERY little experence from many many kills. I don't think I even got 2% on either of the trips, and I'm at level 67.

Now, I understand that for the most part, the monsters in Aetherspace are just there as obstacles to make it a bit more interesting for the person piloting. But they could be much more. Hunting in the Aether is a mandatory team sport of at least three people, two if you like to take risks. To me, its MUCH more fun and exciting than hunting by myself. I might be alone in this... But I hope I'm not.

I did a little thinking about the various ways Aether Hunting could be more enjoyable, profitable, challenging, or usefull, and I'm just curious if any other Aethercrafters out there would enjoy a change to the way hunting the Aether is.

Post any additions to the second question you can think of.

Nessa gained like 2 levels last time we did.

Really? Thats odd... We killed like 20, and I didn't get a thing. Anyways, if thats true, there are some ways it could be more fun... It would be interesting if some critters afflicted, and a way to get gold from em would be nice.

What level is Nessa? I've been out a bunch and I've never noticed a cumulative percent gain in any given trip.

She was level 50 before we started, I believe.

Well, level 50 is relatively low I suppose, but two levels is still a lot of experience. What were you killing, dragons and tendrils?

Erm, I don't know about two levels, but experience gain has definitely been increased significantly in the past few days.

In the trip Narsrim is talking about, we linked for around 80 (maybe?) creatures, I'd guess, and I made about 2% at level 80.

I still got nothing after all the ventures I've taken...mrh. 2 levels at level 50 is zilch.

Either way though, the amount of time it takes to kill that many creatures to gain a nice chunk of experience is significantly longer than hunting in any fairly useful bashing area, and carries the risk of everyone on the ship dying simultaneously. Plus it requires a -significant- investment of gold (my ship costs 2.7 million and I know that's still fairly cheap for what it could be, not even factoring in artifacts for it) by someone even to be possible, so you'd think there'd be a bit more incentive to go around hunting in the aether.

but look at the flip side:

If it gets too high, you could just take a crew + 1 novice who has aethercraft who can link the orb, cube, energy module, etc... and zoom them up to level 30-40 with them technically doing nothing.

Getting up to level 50 is mostly just base homework anyways, theres relatively little involved but kill kill kill... But if you don't think novices should get free rides, then just don't give them one... Aetherships are usually captained by characters who have been in the realm for some time, which means they can regulate who comes along hunting. If you want your novices to have to work to get up in level, just make sure they get to level 50 before taking them hunting. Personally, I don't see the harm... But they should be taught how to man a turret or the Empath if they're along for the ride... A level 5 character can be just as effective a hunting empath as a level 80... Its one of the more interesting things about it.

I doubt the admin's -want- aetherspace to be the new astral, in the sense of bashing.

Though, it does seem that we can expect new bubbles in the future to apear in aetherspace, and Estarra mentioned something about finding rare items way way out there to trade eventually as well.



I'm not sure about that, or at least at that low of a level. I have discovered that there is a restriction on group xp for those under Circle 21(still with grace), as I have tryed leveling up some of my proteges that way and it failed.

I think the most significant part is getting a full crew, and keeping them.

We're not talking about it becomming a new astral. We're talking about it being -FUN- to acctually hunt here. Sure, its interesting to have to cooperate with people, but most people don't do anything unless theres something in it for them. I'm just saying, making it more worthwhile would make it so theres more interest and keep Aetherspace filled and busy. It seems like all that work to make aetherspace should at least be put to the most use and enjoyment it could be.

Maybe there will be more reasons to go out after the specializations are revealed.

I know there were already hints that the creatures were possibly meant to be doing more than just hull damage.

At the 50th circle, I can not hunt on any of the aether bubbles I have found, without facing a disgustingly pitiful death...have you all tried the bubbles?
How is the bubble exp return when based on Time spent there?

Thats because they still have innocence on I think, I thought you couldnt share exp while graced and/or Innocence, get a novice to reject both then try it again, my mentor when I was in the paladins took me around the krokani and aslarans and I got some exp.

I don't think they're talking about this. The topic is about ship combat.

yes, which I said.

It's not an option for Seekers to reject it, we like them to keep that protection so they don't get slaughtered by someone when they are roaming the roads looking for pilgrims and what-not.

Ahh fair enough my mistake.