Teamless Teams

Well, here's a wild, half-assed idea.

Once again, my supergroup-mates seem a little light on the being around to team with. My problem is, I'm spoiled. I'd rather not team at all than team with people I don't know or people who aren't as good as our group. (Yes, they really are that good.) It got me to thinking about solutions. I stumbled into one that, while I don't think it would satisfy my personal needs, might still make an interesting concept. I'll call it "Press-Teams."

I've noticed that there are roving, interactive bands of Longbow agents wandering around many zones now. What if a hero could press one of these groups into service and take them on missions or through zones with him? Instant team! Sure, they're not as good as a real team, but they could provide necessary support for the hero in times of need. It also fills some potholes of annoyance in the game. Dread the thought of crossing a hazardous zone alone? Press a Longbow squad into escorting you to your destination, drawing fire from those pesky villains who're 5 levels bigger than you are. Had half your team bail out on you halfway through your task force? Call in the "small guns" to help you finish. Almost all the necessary mechanics are already programmed into the game... The Longbows are programmed to engage enemies on sight; There are already missions in which rescued hostages take up guns and help the hero; etc.

This is all rough, of course. There would have to be rules and limits to prevent abuse. (Avoiding the now famous "Go hunt. Kill Skuls." scenario for example.) Team experience would have to be cancelled or severely curtailed. There would have to be a time and/or frequency limit on commandering Longbow squads.

Innovation or can of worms? You decide. But I think it's an interesting idea.