This is actually an issue that's been plauging me for a while. But anyway-We could introduce set numbers of exotic reward options alongside each rotation, for example only 15 aasimar would be available, and players could enter a lottery to receive one (should they have enough points to 'buy' it) it would be a sure fire way to control rarity.
Another option would be that players can only have x number of rare races in their vault. The option to buy another would be in red (blocked) while they already have such a character.
1) I personaly am not fond of this idea for reasons that other people have already stated. Also, if this number refreshed over time (which I really hope it would) I'd worry we'd still get race number 'creep'. It'd slow down the process, but not hault it. Doing over all time (as with Vamps now) is even more problematic. It's hard enough turning away awsome app concepts for one pc race, I don't want to see it happening more.
2) The second idea is far better, but I wonder if it fixes the issue that's being stated? The issue stated goes something along the lines of. 'I want to see less wierd races around and more people just playing mundane options - or at least less flashy options.' Or at least as I understand it the concern is that. And it's valid. But if we restrict the situation to 1 5% per vault, then people can still play that 5%. What I mean is - if IronGron2022, is playing his Aasimar or his Tiefling or his Fey'Ri or his Avariael - he's still playing his super 5% concept isn't he? So that person is still playing that 'wierdness'. It does work to make sure that 5% are less likely to stick around forever I'll grant. But if I were, in that case, rolling a 5% equivilent character, it'd just be to replace, or try to replace, it with another. So the net 'wierdness' potentially remains the same.
I'm not saying I don't like this idea... in fact I think I do... I'm just unsure how effective it is?
OTHER OPTIONS
(DISCLAIMER!!! These are just random ideas! Some of them may well be bloody awful! I am NOT saying that I think we should do any of these! I'm putting them down here to get some thoughts/opinions. Don't worry, these are not plans I have in mind particularly!)
Idea 1) Making award races less attractive in a mechanical sense. OR none award races more mechanically attractive. I've not got a great mind for this, so I'm not in an ideal place to comment on how we'd do this, but the main issue we have is balencing out this, with what a race SHOULD have by lore terms. e.g. - sea elves really should be able to breathe underwater. Not being able to is just strange...
Idea 2) Locking certain more races behind RPB/Application- This might mean better roleplay, but it comes with it's own troubles. For one it's more work for the Team, for another it can lead to bitterness, resentment from players, and accusations of bias/favoritism on the part of DMs ect... and also it is predisposed against people who are either too shy and nervous to write an app and/or who are great rpers, but we havn't noticed/are in a poor time zone.
Idea 3) Limiting the amount of time an award character can be in active play: - An interesting concept, but I think some people would absolutly HATE it. People don't like being told their character has only a finite life span.
Idea 4) Limiting the amount of time a character can be in a vault: I like this less than option 3, because people take breaks, have issues, don't have time to play for periods, ect. But it's... an option I suppose.
Idea 5) Enforced MoD's for some Award characters (prob PvP only) - Ok, ok guys. Please. Put the pitchforks away. It's just an idea. Yes, yes I see you over there. Put down that flaming torch. Thank you. Whilst this makes some sense, it also could encourage griefing ect. The only thing I will say that intreages me about this idea, is that it does sort of help enforce a subltty to certain concepts. For example, it means that if your Rackshasa has an enforced MoD for PvP, it's REALLY in their interest to try and stay hidden, and not flaunt their heritage.