Build a Station inside Nebula - Potential CG - Frontier asking for info...

[NeilF]

Personally, regarding such a community goal, I'd keep the first encarnation simple. Not building a station(s), but building scientific research platform(s).

Spoiler

Pick two or three locations (eg: Barnards Loop) and at each, at the location where the potential station is to be built, have something akin to "Seeking Goods". CMDRs would then transfer an appropriate cargo to those locations (just as per "Seeking Goods"). If targets are met in the time specified, a scientific platform would then be built there a short time later (next software update). The CG could be to build as many of the three as possible, or the one where the most cargo is delivered (ie: in competition).

These platforms would then basically be standard platforms except for in a scenic location and obviously serve/help explorers.

https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=186002


This scenario could be repeated a few times to create scientic platforms at a couple of key (remote) locations.



In future CGs it might be possible to have an emergency at one of them which requires supplies to be delivered to them. If it fails, it would becomse a "dead" platform. ie: The lights are out, and there's no one at home!

As another suggestion, if in the end a number of these scientific research platforms are built in remote/exotic locations, it would be nice if their Bulletin Boards offered simple missions for explorers to do there.

Possibly even simple courier missions to take/collect (important) data, or even take data between them. Would be a nice excuse for an exploration trip, as well as getting a CR reward at the end of it too!

Possibly even important cargo consignment missions to/from them too?

 

[pprovart]

With Horizons coming up heres my suggestion.

FD build an outpost on a 'Planet' in the Nebula.
- Starts as a mining outpost..becuase building a space station needs resources.
- Need to establish supply lines to run out to the 'planet' to enable the space station to be built..

CG1 : TO Build other 'outpost types' :- resupply/fittign etc...bringing in metals etc.
CG2 : Building the workign infrastructure to be able to build the SPace Station. People ( slave labour )
CG3 : Space station Build phase 1 : Bringing in lots of materials to the various outposts.
CG4 : Defending the SP build from pirates
CG5 : Space station Build phase 2 : Acceleration phase - Volume of 5-6 critical technology, materials etc.

The Commodity market has enough variety of produce that the building of a space station needs. People, technology, medicines, materials etc..

It could be an amazing series of CG's , with establishing traderuns out to the SP... establishing the Planet outpost, then buildign the SP.

Rather than jsut 'build a spacestation' this coudl be quite a story...

 

[Lowievisser]

Yes, but within the realms of game mechanics. What will you do once you get there? That will sure be a long trade route.

kill sad traders while tey arrive?

 

[Mouse]

As another suggestion, if in the end a number of these scientific research platforms are built in remote/exotic locations, it would be nice if their Bulletin Boards offered simple missions for explorers to do there.

Possibly even simple courier missions to take/collect (important) data, or even take data between them. Would be a nice excuse for an exploration trip, as well as getting a CR reward at the end of it too!

Possibly even important cargo consignment missions to/from them too?

I like this idea

 

[NeilF]

With Horizons coming up heres my suggestion.

FD build an outpost on a 'Planet' in the Nebula.
- Starts as a mining outpost..becuase building a space station needs resources.
- Need to establish supply lines to run out to the 'planet' to enable the space station to be built..

CG1 : TO Build other 'outpost types' :- resupply/fittign etc...bringing in metals etc.
CG2 : Building the workign infrastructure to be able to build the SPace Station. People ( slave labour )
CG3 : Space station Build phase 1 : Bringing in lots of materials to the various outposts.
CG4 : Defending the SP build from pirates
CG5 : Space station Build phase 2 : Acceleration phase - Volume of 5-6 critical technology, materials etc.

The Commodity market has enough variety of produce that the building of a space station needs. People, technology, medicines, materials etc..

It could be an amazing series of CG's , with establishing traderuns out to the SP... establishing the Planet outpost, then buildign the SP.

Rather than jsut 'build a spacestation' this coudl be quite a story...

That's a nice alternative take on the idea! The only problems are surely, it's a bigger "ask" (more dev. work) than just an almost standard platform(s) in unusual location(s), and most significantly, would mean any non-Horizons players couldn't take part?

 

[Star-Hunter]

Even the Centari agricultural colony of Ragesh III on Babylon 5 had some defenses. Not a lot but some. If your a long range outpost/science station.. to have no defenses what so ever is inviting attack.

The station will have defenses (like every other station in ED) and it will base a System defense force/ police force. It just should not provide ammunition for independent/ unknown pilots.

It does not make sense to arm , individuals that can pose a threat. Esp. so far out.

 

[Star-Hunter]

With Horizons coming up heres my suggestion.

FD build an outpost on a 'Planet' in the Nebula.
- Starts as a mining outpost..becuase building a space station needs resources.
- Need to establish supply lines to run out to the 'planet' to enable the space station to be built..

CG1 : TO Build other 'outpost types' :- resupply/fittign etc...bringing in metals etc.
CG2 : Building the workign infrastructure to be able to build the SPace Station. People ( slave labour )
CG3 : Space station Build phase 1 : Bringing in lots of materials to the various outposts.
CG4 : Defending the SP build from pirates
CG5 : Space station Build phase 2 : Acceleration phase - Volume of 5-6 critical technology, materials etc.

The Commodity market has enough variety of produce that the building of a space station needs. People, technology, medicines, materials etc..

It could be an amazing series of CG's , with establishing traderuns out to the SP... establishing the Planet outpost, then buildign the SP.

Rather than jsut 'build a spacestation' this coudl be quite a story...

I like the idea of planetary outposts. But I still think that the firs step should be an Ocellus station. Because that is specificaly its pourpose.
as stated here:
http://elite-dangerous.wikia.com/wiki/Ocellus

so why start a construction so far out in the void without any infrastructure, when you can just build an Ocellus at a hub world and then jump it over to the destination. thereby making an excellent base of operations.

 

[NeilF]

The station will have defenses (like every other station in ED) and it will base a System defense force/ police force. It just should not provide ammunition for independent/ unknown pilots.

Hutton taught us:-
- There's exploits such as ramming near platforms/stations where CMDRs can ram others to death, over and over, with the platform/station not caring a bit. This would clearly need attention IMHO before such a community goal as this.
- Security forces do not care/react to continued aggressive activity (eg: murder) in an area (near a station). You'd expect with murder after murder taking place, for security forces to begin to increase in number (at the platform/station and/or nearby in SC) ideally in the instance of "aggressive" CMDRs. But this is not the case. This again, would need attention IMHO before such a community goal as this. That and/or crime and punishment is given the kick that it needs.

so why start a construction so far out in the void without any infrastructure, when you can just build an Ocellus at a hub world and then jump it over to the destination. thereby making an excellent base of operations.

Because:-
- it's more of a (different) challenge?
- and it's a good way (an excuse) to get some exploration done too on the side?

 

[Star-Hunter]

Hutton taught us:-
- There's exploits such as ramming near platforms/stations where CMDRs can ram others to death, over and over, with the platform/station not caring a bit. This would clearly need attention IMHO before such a community goal as this.
- Security forces do not care/react to continued aggressive activity (eg: murder) in an area (near a station). You'd expect with murder after murder taking place, for security forces to begin to increase in number (at the platform/station and/or nearby in SC) ideally in the instance of "aggressive" CMDRs. But this is not the case. This again, would need attention IMHO before such a community goal as this. That and/or crime and punishment is given the kick that it needs.

You are right, there are exploits. The exploits need fixing, but you cant plan stories/ lore on the basis of "what might happen because of exploits".

Edit: So how exactly would a Rearming service on the station prevent such exploits anyway?
It would create more problems than not.

 

[Nutter]

I have to add, wherever the station ends up it MUST have a large Pad! - The ultimate explorer ship is the Anaconda and I've nearly finished My Conda Explorer, just earning enough for the big scoop and spending money!

 

[Star-Hunter]

Because:-
- it's more of a (different) challenge?
- and it's a good way (an excuse) to get some exploration done too on the side?

Just because the station core jumped to the destination, it does not mean that you are done.
see my full plan:
https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?p=2867383#post2867383

I believe it is sufficiently interesting and i dont remember such CGs happened before (except for stages 1,2and 3)

Edit: I just realized something.
If there is no station/ outpost in the destination system (outpost is under construction) where/how do you deliver supplies?

 

[Agrar Therenus]

I'm going to put down officially my reason for it being there as an isolationist faction-- as I really think it would add mystique and intrigue to visiting it, also a unique mood to the zone. It would also present interesting events, especially if most of their reasoning for setting up a new colony is some unusual religion.

 

[yyy]

Pleiades is the best option as many of the other nebulae have obstructed views because of space dust. Pleiades has some very hot young stars that light up the locality.

 

[NeilF]

I have to add, wherever the station ends up it MUST have a large Pad! - The ultimate explorer ship is the Anaconda and I've nearly finished My Conda Explorer, just earning enough for the big scoop and spending money!

I understand that need (for a large pad)... However...

First, am I right in saying no platform offers a large pad? I don't believe so? Because it would seem strange for a full blown station to be planted 1000+ly away from colonised space on what would surely be a scientific objective?

Ultimately, I guess a station would be fine, but it would IMHO seem rather out of place with the scientific/exploration nature of the location/goal?

Maybe if - as someone suggested - it grows to a localised little colony, then a station would be more fitting... But initially?

 

[excalibus]

heck I would even lash out and buy a T7 and do mindless transport runs to a nebula station CG... and as somone who prefers killing pirates I am sure you can appreciate the effort that would be put in to run cargo that far

- - - Updated - - -

I understand that need (for a large pad)... However...

First, am I right in saying no platform offers a large pad? I don't believe so? Because it would seem strange for a full blown station to be planted 1000+ly away from colonised space on what would surely be a scientific objective?

Ultimately, I guess a station would be fine, but it would IMHO seem rather out of place with the scientific/exploration nature of the location/goal?

Maybe if - as someone suggested - it grows to a localised little colony, then a station would be more fitting... But initially?

Well how far from earth was the Babylon Stations ??? I would be all for a station that has a shipyard even... perhaps its own special signature ship later on too

 

[RMORTI]

My image of a scientific outpost/station is probably more like this:



Perhaps a bit of modification would be required adding an Elite style docking pad rather than sticking the nose of TB 3 into the hole. But honestly, this to me is what a scientific station would amount to. No resupply, no shipyard, no commodities. Missions to it, absolutely. UC turn in - YES!.

 

[Lobstris]

Dude no, not an outpost.. Why limit things? Stations are jump capable. A mining hub or tourist hub that is an outpost severely limits gameplay.

In the initial stages of development - yes it limits gameplay, but it also provides a follow up for a number of CGs (e.g. (1) gather resources to make a new, jump-capable station, (2) protect the station as it jumps to its destination, (3) provide resources when the station arrives at its destination. However, having said that, outposts give a more 'Frontier-feel' to being out in the middle of nowhere.
.
As for the need for a large pad at outposts - wasn't there a plan to have large ships dock outside of outposts/stations at one point, attached to the structure by a gantry/umbilical? It would need more programming work (e.g. line up the cargo hatch with the gantry using the existing scoop interface?) but would be a nice addition (to go along with the also proposed transfer of cargo between ships by direct docking - rather than 'dump'n'scoop').

 

[Star-Hunter]

I understand that need (for a large pad)... However...

First, am I right in saying no platform offers a large pad? I don't believe so? Because it would seem strange for a full blown station to be planted 1000+ly away from colonised space on what would surely be a scientific objective?

Ultimately, I guess a station would be fine, but it would IMHO seem rather out of place with the scientific/exploration nature of the location/goal?

Maybe if - as someone suggested - it grows to a localised little colony, then a station would be more fitting... But initially?

Again, Building an Ocellus station in inhabited space and then transfering it to the destination is logistically much simpler then building something out in the middle of nowhere. even gameplay vise, how would you deliver supplies to an outpost that is not even under construction yet??

 

[Legacy_LuckyLuke]

Great idea. I'd be game for this - but as previously mentioned it should take a long time to achieve with multiple stages and parts to it so that the end result actually feels like an achievement.

 

[NeilF]

Again, Building an Ocellus station in inhabited space and then transfering it to the destination is logistically much simpler then building something out in the middle of nowhere.

- Maybe your stations can't jump that far?
- Maybe a huge Ocellus station is more than is required at what would (initially) be a scientific reseach location? ie: Only a (small) platform is required?
- Maybe the challenge (Community Goal) of taking cargo 1000+ly to a nebula (for example) is more interesting than just doing it locally?

even gameplay wise, how would you deliver supplies to an outpost that is not even under construction yet??

As I mentioned earlier, and in my own thread, the simplest mechanic (simplest = a good starting point as I doubt FD want to invest a lot of dev.time?) would just be to deliver cargo to ships at the location akin to "Seeking Goods".