A "futility" prize

[Dr. eeL]

The game rewards successful fierce hunters with cool prizes from the Adventurer's guild. But what about those who are not quite as fierce and successful? For example, while out fishing, records show that I have taken 329 pieces of seaweed off of my line (and another 288 pieces of green algae). Each one represents a fish that got away. With my tongue in my cheek, I vote that the Community center gives out a futility prize. As an example, for 500 pieces of seaweed, one could qualify for a string of green Christmas garland for their farmhouse. There are no records showing for cans of Cola, broken eyeglasses, broken CDs, sticks, and trash, but I have fished in plenty of those too. Maybe they could qualify for white elephant prizes as well. Any better ideas for those who do not find themselves at the top of the totem pole?

 

[Ereo]

Harvey could send you an energy tonic if you faint in combat x times, as a thank you for paying him so much money.

I don't know about farming, foraging and mining because there is no real negative outcome of you don't move up the skill.
Maybe if you harvest less than x objects in a season, Lewis sends some cheap seeds for the next season? He might send you parsnips in after Fall, and wheat after spring and summer?

If you haven't reached level 120 of the mines in year 2, Marlon sends you a special weapon?

 

[shurpresa]

I really like all the ideas that you two posted so far! They are much fun and casual

 

[secretlondon]

Number of times you only dig up mud (clay)?
Number of rocks you hit without getting anything other than stone?
Number of geodes opened that only contain common items?

 

[Popsy]

A great way to accumulate trash from fishing is the lake on level 100 in the mines. Fire eels are so rare and hard to catch, even with everything maxed out.

 

[imnvs]

LAVA eels are so rare and hard to catch, even with everything maxed out.

First, I fixed their name for you...

...but second, I have to ask, have you ever gone in with some good food for buffing your Fishing skill and a Cork Bobber? It's not just about maxing the skill. A dose of Seafoam Pudding and a Cork Bobber make a HUGE difference, my dude.

 

[Popsy]

Right, lava eels. Duh.

I’m a big fan lobster bisque, which is almost as effective and much easier to get ingredients for. But before I really appreciated the power of a good buff, I caught a LOT of trash. It was a learning experience. :-)

 

[__Fishy__]

I think quirky little things like this would be awesome! I know its frustrating to just get junk when fishing and this would be a great way to keep players motivated! I think another thing could be if you die enough times, you could get a special armor piece from the Adventurers Guild that has slightly better stats!