Computer-controlled Empires

[welchbloke]

*SNIP*
That's a very interesting idea. I guess if civilians can build a civilian space port and construct freighters, it would be possible for them to build smaller, hidden versions and construct small FAC size ships for piracy operations. The downside is that they would be fairly easy to spot leaving the planet with the use of a single tracking station and even a small PDC could then pick them off. However, if we take your second idea then it does become a real possibility. I am already considering additional missions for civilian freighters so adding a clandestine mission to create or resupply a pirate base would not be too difficult. Instead of adding infrastructure to an existing colony, they would identify a suitable out of the way moon and create or add to a new facility type (Pirate Base) that could build its own FACs in the same way a civilian space centre builds freighters. Those FACs would behave like NPR ships, except they would attempt to capture ships or their cargo, I would need to add rules for surrendering unarmed ships but I was considering that anyway. Hmm, definite possibilities! I had better not try and do it for v4.0 though   If you are keeping notes, can I suggest that you incoporate an oreder to turn off transponders when completing the Pirate Base actions?  Also, maybe a random number of other freighters that turn off their transponders when not on pirate missions; otherwise I'm going to follow any freighter that turns off its transponder.  Anti-piracy patrols would be driven to distraction.

[sloanjh]

*SNIP*
That's a very interesting idea. I guess if civilians can build a civilian space port and construct freighters, it would be possible for them to build smaller, hidden versions and construct small FAC size ships for piracy operations. The downside is that they would be fairly easy to spot leaving the planet with the use of a single tracking station and even a small PDC could then pick them off. However, if we take your second idea then it does become a real possibility. I am already considering additional missions for civilian freighters so adding a clandestine mission to create or resupply a pirate base would not be too difficult. Instead of adding infrastructure to an existing colony, they would identify a suitable out of the way moon and create or add to a new facility type (Pirate Base) that could build its own FACs in the same way a civilian space centre builds freighters. Those FACs would behave like NPR ships, except they would attempt to capture ships or their cargo, I would need to add rules for surrendering unarmed ships but I was considering that anyway. Hmm, definite possibilities! I had better not try and do it for v4.0 though   If you are keeping notes, can I suggest that you incoporate an oreder to turn off transponders when completing the Pirate Base actions?  Also, maybe a random number of other freighters that turn off their transponders when not on pirate missions; otherwise I'm going to follow any freighter that turns off its transponder.  Anti-piracy patrols would be driven to distraction. :-)

John

[welchbloke]

*SNIP*
That's a very interesting idea. I guess if civilians can build a civilian space port and construct freighters, it would be possible for them to build smaller, hidden versions and construct small FAC size ships for piracy operations. The downside is that they would be fairly easy to spot leaving the planet with the use of a single tracking station and even a small PDC could then pick them off. However, if we take your second idea then it does become a real possibility. I am already considering additional missions for civilian freighters so adding a clandestine mission to create or resupply a pirate base would not be too difficult. Instead of adding infrastructure to an existing colony, they would identify a suitable out of the way moon and create or add to a new facility type (Pirate Base) that could build its own FACs in the same way a civilian space centre builds freighters. Those FACs would behave like NPR ships, except they would attempt to capture ships or their cargo, I would need to add rules for surrendering unarmed ships but I was considering that anyway. Hmm, definite possibilities! I had better not try and do it for v4.0 though   If you are keeping notes, can I suggest that you incoporate an oreder to turn off transponders when completing the Pirate Base actions?  Also, maybe a random number of other freighters that turn off their transponders when not on pirate missions; otherwise I'm going to follow any freighter that turns off its transponder.  Anti-piracy patrols would be driven to distraction. :-)

John

The idea of hordes of small craft flitting around in system has its appeal; it would certainly make the game feel more 'real'.  I agree that the performance implications could be pretty big another consideration is how to display these extra craft without overwhelming the player.  THe current system view would get swamped pretty quickly.  Still, hopefully Steve will file this away under 'possible future upgrades' and concentrate on V4.0  

[sloanjh]

another consideration is how to display these extra craft without overwhelming the player.  THe current system view would get swamped pretty quickly.

Oh, that's easy - the player would simply push a "filter out small craft" button on the display and they'd all disappear.  Works like a charm - right up until the point where one of those small craft makes a missile run on your battlecruiser that's sitting in a parking orbit!

John

[Erik L]

another consideration is how to display these extra craft without overwhelming the player.  THe current system view would get swamped pretty quickly.

Oh, that's easy - the player would simply push a "filter out small craft" button on the display and they'd all disappear.  Works like a charm - right up until the point where one of those small craft makes a missile run on your battlecruiser that's sitting in a parking orbit!

John

I believe Steve mentioned he was making active targetting an event. (or something to that effect).

[welchbloke]

another consideration is how to display these extra craft without overwhelming the player.  THe current system view would get swamped pretty quickly.

Oh, that's easy - the player would simply push a "filter out small craft" button on the display and they'd all disappear.  Works like a charm - right up until the point where one of those small craft makes a missile run on your battlecruiser that's sitting in a parking orbit!

John

I believe Steve mentioned he was making active targetting an event. (or something to that effect).

That sounds manageable.