Dynamic Cantina Rotation & Time-Based Reward System for Entertainers

In Star Wars Galaxies Restoration, entertainers are the beating heart of the social experience. They bring music, laughter, and atmosphere to every corner of the galaxy. Whether it’s a casual dancer in the Theed cantina or a master musician drawing a crowd in Coronet, entertainers are what transform Restoration from just another MMO into a living, breathing world that feels connected and alive.

However, as the game community has grown, one thing has become increasingly noticeable: entertainers tend to cluster in just a few familiar hubs — most notably Mos Eisley. This location is a classic, and it absolutely deserves it's popularity, but this concentration unintentionally limits exploration, social variety, and player engagement across the galaxy’s many beautifully designed cantinas.

This is why I’m proposing the introduction of a Dynamic Cantina Rotation and Time-Based Reward System — an idea designed to encourage entertainers (and the players who enjoy their company) to branch out, explore, and rediscover the many cities and communities that SWGR has to offer.

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Core Concept​

Each day (or perhaps each week for the entire week or 2 weeks ect.), the server would designate a “Featured Cantina” — a location where entertainers are encouraged to gather and perform. These featured cantinas would rotate regularly among both major NPC city cantinas (like Theed, Coronet, Mos Eisley, Bestine, and Vreni Island) and player-owned city cantinas, which could be selected either randomly, by nomination, or through a curated rotation that gives recognition to different community hubs.

The key idea isn’t just to reward players for showing up — but rather, to reward them for actively performing and being present in these cantinas. Instead of a flat daily bonus, entertainers would earn a time-based credit reward that scales with how long they spend performing in the designated cantina. For example:

• Every hour of active performance (while buffing, dancing, or playing music) in the featured location could grant a modest credit bonus, scaled to prevent exploitation but still worthwhile.
• Alternatively, there could be a milestone system, where staying for one or two hours consecutively grants a one-time daily reward.

This approach keeps the system fair, encourages participation without turning it into a grind, and ensures rewards go to active entertainers contributing to the social scene — not idle characters left AFK.

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Benefits to the Game and Community​

1.​

By rotating the featured cantina daily or weekly, entertainers (and the players who visit them) will be naturally encouraged to travel and experience other planets. Many new players rarely leave Tatooine, but this system would give everyone a fun reason to explore the galaxy again — visiting scenic and lesser-known locations that deserve attention.

2.​

Including player-owned cantinas in the rotation gives recognition to the many mayors, decorators, and community organizers who’ve worked hard to create beautiful social hubs. Being featured for a day or week could bring a rush of visitors, helping smaller towns thrive and promoting a sense of galactic community beyond the core NPC cities.

3.​

When entertainers gather in one place, the energy of the community follows. This system would encourage nights where people gather, chat, roleplay, and simply enjoy the social aspects of the game. With each rotation, players could experience new atmospheres — from the refined halls of Theed to the wild bustle of Mos Eisley or the cozy charm of a hidden Endor village.

4.​

Entertainers often dedicate hours to enhancing the experiences of other players — from buffing adventurers returning from the field to providing mood, music, and social interaction. A time-based credit reward acknowledges their commitment while keeping it balanced and purposeful. It’s not meant to be a huge income source, but a small gesture of appreciation from the galaxy for their ongoing contribution.

5.​

More frequent travel between planets means increased shuttle and bazaar activity. Adventurers visiting entertainers will spend credits on buffs, food, and drinks. Crafters can capitalize by stocking up cantinas in rotation cities with decorative items, instruments, and attire. It’s a subtle but effective way to breathe more life into the in-game economy.

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Player-City Rotation Suggestions​

For the player-city component, there could be a few different ways to manage rotation fairly:

• Weekly Nominations: Mayors or citizens could nominate their cantina once per cycle. Staff or the community could vote on featured locations.
• Randomized Selection: A random system that ensures no city repeats within a set time frame.
• Staff Curated: Developers or event coordinators could highlight cities known for active communities or recent events.

This not only celebrates player creativity but also spreads awareness of thriving player-run towns that might otherwise go unnoticed.

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Balancing & Anti-Exploitation Measures​

To ensure fairness, the system could:

• Only count active entertainers (performing actions like /dance, /play, /flourish, or giving buffs).
• Cap rewards to a maximum of a few hours per day.
• Include an AFK check or movement requirement every so often to ensure participation.

That way, it rewards genuine involvement without encouraging idle farming.

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Closing Thoughts​

Star Wars Galaxies has always been more than just combat and crafting — it’s about community, creativity, and the unexpected stories that happen in the middle of a crowded cantina. The Dynamic Cantina Rotation and Time-Based Reward System would not only celebrate that spirit but expand it.

By giving entertainers meaningful incentives to travel, perform, and bring life to different parts of the galaxy — both NPC and player-run — this proposal helps reestablish the social balance and community connection that make SWGR truly special. It encourages exploration, supports player towns, promotes economy and engagement, and honors the entertainers who keep the galaxy’s heart beating every single day.

In short, it’s not just a system — it’s a way to make the galaxy feel more alive, one cantina at a time.