Following our post on Pax Dei’s subscription system, we’re bringing some clarifications on two topics: plot management and Premium Membership - that will answer some of the questions asked regarding the model planned for Pax Dei at release. As a reminder, we haven't announced a release date yet.
Plot management
What happens when my plot expires?
When a given plot runs out of time, it will first enter a frozen state, providing a window to take precautions or secure resources. During this phase, permissions of the frozen plot can’t be edited, no new building piece can be added, while people with access can still destroy pieces and interact with crafters and containers. During this grace period, you can reactivate it, continuing where you left off without losing progress.
Assuming this doesn’t happen, once the grace period is over, the plot is considered expired and will be released. The content of an expired plot is securely stored in your redeeming queue, while the in-game space is now freed and can be claimed by another player, for example, a clan member, ensuring we keep the world of Pax Dei vibrant and full of life. Note that, upon release, adjacent plots will lose any expanded space, and all objects in the joint area will become publicly accessible and begin to decay.
Will there be some kind of very obvious notification if a clan plot (that you are using as well) will become inactive, or is it only the original owner who will be notified?
Only the plot owner will receive a notification that their plot is running out of time and will enter the frozen state. However, once a plot enters the frozen state, this should be clearly visible to all players in-game.
Is there a way to claim a friend’s plots if they become inactive? Or transfer between players?
If your friend becomes inactive and their plot expires, you can place a plot instead, provided you have plots left to be placed.
We are currently working on a feature that would allow plot ownership transfer, however, we cannot guarantee that it will be available at release.
Will clan permissions for plots be reworked?
We’ve had long-standing plans to add more granular permissions, especially regarding trusted individuals and friends who’re not necessarily in your clan. We expect to get working on this in the near future, but our priority is to add a new clan rank.
Premium Membership
Will there be an option to pay for a friend’s plot, if they are still active?
Gifting of plots (or membership) won’t be available initially. It’s certainly something we will consider adding later if there is appetite for it in the community. In the meantime, we’re working on a feature to allow plot ownership transfer between characters.
Will I need a Premium Membership to build at all?
You won’t need Premium Membership to build. If you don’t have your own plot, you will still be able to build on the plot of a friend or a clan member, provided they’ve shared permissions with you.
As for crafting, Petra Dei shrines will offer public access to basic crafting workstations - ideal for newcomers or players without land.
When does the “free month of Premium Membership” at 1.0 actually start? Can I choose when I activate it?
As we exit Early Access, Founders will automatically receive game access, and will keep their exclusive recipes and the number of character slots they have now. Founders will also get a free month of Premium Membership with a number of plots corresponding to their Founder’s Pack.
The free month of Premium Membership will be granted the first time you log into the game.
Will I require a Premium Membership to access the market system?
No, you won’t require Premium Membership to use markets and gold to purchase advanced gear and materials. If you decide to skip Premium Membership, Pax Dei will play exactly the same, except you won’t have a personal plot at your disposal.
Are you concerned that making the subscription optional will open the door to bots and gold farmers?
Gold farming and bots have been present in MMOs irrespective of their business models. We will continue to take appropriate action against accounts breaking our Terms of Use and Code of Conduct, regardless of their subscription status.
What about Founders that have the Journeyman and Master Upgrades, but not Artisan?
As we exit Early Access, Founders will automatically receive game access, and will keep their exclusive recipes and the number of character slots they have now. Founders will also get a free month of Premium Membership with a number of plots corresponding to their Founder’s Pack.
In the specific case of players owning the Journeyman and Master upgrade DLCs but NOT the Artisan upgrade DLC, that means: game access, 4 character slots, the Founder’s Outfit and Wyvern Building Set recipes, along with 3 plots for one month each.