Formidine Rift... what is it?

[Dommarraa]

Hunting the Snark

Yes it will be at least 1 month before you can expect to see a reasonable number of the DWE to return, but DWE are not the only people interested, skilled or mad enough to take part. IMHO its time to start planning, or at least discussing planning the hunt. Hell, we dont even know what we are looking for.

I see 2 methods:
1) Intrepid Exploring
Method - Everyone heads out to the suspected areas, meanders around either in straight lines or general areas and scans the bejeebus out of everthing that crosses their path. Shout when you find something !
Advantages - This simple method could get more people interested. Not everyone wants rules to follow, methodologies to apply, data to record
Disadvantages - Duplication of effort if we are lucky ! Worse is that if we dont find anything before people get distracted and abandon the hunt (HIGHLY likely), we have proved NOTHING, disproved NOTHING. Future hunters would be left in exactly the same position as we are today.

2) Coordinated Scour
Method - Each Cmdr (or group) takes on a Sector (eg PHOI AESCS) or Sub-Sector (eg PHOI AESCS SP-G) to search. Fully scans that area (and I mean FULLY, every body in every system) then records that sector as being scanned.
Advantages - When a Cmdr/Group has marked a sector as complete, nobody EVER has to search that area again. By splitting the search into groups, the data entry and monitoring is kept to a minimum, and can be handled as the group sees fit.
Disadvantages - More organisation will be required. Less people will be prepared to sign up to the rigorous (not complicated, but rigorous) search criteria.

Not hard to spot which one I favor. Formidine Spreadsheet in my sig is starting to take on a structure that might be able to record the data as well as provide a central place for facts and source information (not theory, thats for Forums)
First phase that could happen before any mass exodus would be to fly the RR line beyond the rift and gather the Sectors and sub sectors that would REQUIRE searching. Any others off the RR line could be added by anyone who feels it is a better place to search. Nobody would be telling you WHERE to search, that's entirely up to you, the sheet would simply give you a list of candidates. But to be involved you would have to commit to searching any Sector/Sub Sector that you volunteered for thoroughly.

 

[Raktavijan]

I wholeheartedly concur with you, Dommarraa. We need an organized effort out there, searching and gathering data.

Would most definitely join that effort.

 

[Macros Black]

For sub and sector information I think the sheet could work for planning assigning, and completing. For recording system information, EDSM would work better?

 

[Erimus Kamzel]

I think what we need to do is plan a real and massive expedition into the rift with as many Commanders as we can bring aboard.

The Distant Worlds expedition will be returning home soon... if we could borrow their support, existing infrastructure, leadership and lessons learned we could mount an expedition, proceeding from the Heart and Soul nebula in a "cone" along the R/R line across the Rift and beyond to not only explore the region but to MAP it using an online collaborative tool like Elite Galaxy Online (www.elitegalaxyonline.com).

Erimus reached Beagle Point in his record-setting "Distant Suns" expedition. "Distant Worlds" replicated his achievement breaking new records and enlisting hundreds.

Lets call it the "Lonely Worlds" expedition. Why "lonely"? Well... for one because we'll be visiting numerous systems that have no close neighbor. We also won't be traveling in a group... we'll be fanning out across the sea of stars not traveling in as a unit. No "waypoints" only "milestones" as we verify and meticulously explore the regions star-by-star and planet-by-planet in the galaxy's most comprehensive attempt to fully map and catalog a single region of space.

A large scale expedition to the Rift was something on the cards as far as I'm aware but was put on the back burner due to Distant Worlds, and as Agony Aunt pointed out I doubt Salomé and a lot of the Distant Worlds fleet will be back from the far side until the early summer so it probably won't be any time soon for those guys.

The only hint I got was that Salomé was actively pursuing mysteries to do with various regions throughout the galaxy, and is not just fixated to those within Rift, so as far as I know Salomé is following a lead unearthed beyond the far rim Abyss and that's one of the reasons why she took an interest in the Distant Worlds Expedition, but I don't know if this is something directly connected with the Formidine Rift mystery since its on the opposite side of the galaxy.

The Rift covers an enormous expanse of stars and even just sticking within a few dozen light years of the R & R line will still be a mammoth undertaking due to how many star systems are along it, so I think a group effort is definitely the way to go with this Maybe an advanced scouting party could be sent out in the near future, followed by a large scale expedition organized for later in the year if needs be.

 

[Dommarraa]

For sub and sector information I think the sheet could work for planning assigning, and completing. For recording system information, EDSM would work better?

Love EDSM, but I it does take a lot of effort. I am quite sure the takeup would be pretty low.
By leaving each sector to each group, it allows them to deal with it as they see fit; using EDSM, their own Sheets, Trello, or just pen and paper.

(Even just a search on the Sub Sector prefix until you get a system appear that does not have Data would do for single hunters, something I would try to do myself)

 

[Macros Black]

Would be cool though to see the Formidine Rift (where ever that might be) light up in, say, EDDiscovery via EDSM...
Leaving the details about the details to assigned groups would work too.

 

[SystemSound]

Speaking of alignments. Did any one try drawing a straight line from sag A* through the RR line in the same map height? Or they just dont add up at all?

 

[Macros Black]

Speaking of alignments. Did any one try drawing a straight line from sag A* through the RR line in the same map height? Or they just dont add up at all?

Ended up way north of the Rift; https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showt...1&p=3681724&highlight=pandemonium#post3681724

Will definitely pay Ackcanphi a visit though.

 

[Dommarraa]

Personally, I think the height is irrelevant on the RR Line. Like in the Wrath of Kahn, I suspect they were still thinking in 2 dimensions. Thankfully, out beyond the rift, the plane is so narrow, you can pretty much ignore height anyway.

- - - - - Additional Content Posted / Auto Merge - - - - -

Would be cool though to see the Formidine Rift (where ever that might be) light up in, say, EDDiscovery via EDSM...
Leaving the details about the details to assigned groups would work too.

I will certainly be plotting the RR Line pretty often, so there will be something visible.
I have my main account on DWE, and my bubble account (sans Horizons) is sitting there doing diddley. Do I head off with 2nd account on the RR Line, or do I wait for main account to return ?
Easter may have a decent sale on Horizons, so I could upgrade it and fill up on Jumponium.
2 accounts both out exploring, seems pretty stupid.

 

[Jaiotu]

Love EDSM, but I it does take a lot of effort. I am quite sure the takeup would be pretty low.
By leaving each sector to each group, it allows them to deal with it as they see fit; using EDSM, their own Sheets, Trello, or just pen and paper.

(Even just a search on the Sub Sector prefix until you get a system appear that does not have Data would do for single hunters, something I would try to do myself)

Elite Galaxy Online might be the way to go for recording discoveries. Here is a quick video demonstrating how it works:
[video=youtube_share;WDUUb6rm2f8]https://youtu.be/WDUUb6rm2f8[/video]

 

[Jaiotu]

2) Coordinated Scour
Method - Each Cmdr (or group) takes on a Sector (eg PHOI AESCS) or Sub-Sector (eg PHOI AESCS SP-G) to search. Fully scans that area (and I mean FULLY, every body in every system) then records that sector as being scanned.
Advantages - When a Cmdr/Group has marked a sector as complete, nobody EVER has to search that area again. By splitting the search into groups, the data entry and monitoring is kept to a minimum, and can be handled as the group sees fit.
Disadvantages - More organisation will be required. Less people will be prepared to sign up to the rigorous (not complicated, but rigorous) search criteria.

I think that, instead of focusing on sector names (like PHOI AESCS) that might result in missing a non-procedural name if the explorer isn't paying close attention to his map and simply searching for the next "PHOI AESCS" system we should focus on "grids". Each explorer could focus on a 100x100 square light-year area within the rift. CMDRs with ships that don't have the jump range could focus on systems closer to the core of the rift where the star population density is a little higher, note systems that fall outside their jump range and have a few folks dedicated to hitting those hard to reach systems in their Anacondas or with jumponium.

 

[Jorki Rasalas]

I wonder if a Galnet app would help. Something one could browse while in game or outside of it, with all the current and past news articles. Add an encyclopedia with info on people and places to read up on as well.

I think that would be the bees knees (Thargoid's knees?). Our only source of in-game lore is the Galnet & it just isn't easily accessible. Sure you can pore through back-postings, but it is so slow; it would be really nice if the posts were held in an online database that could be searched when you want to check out a clue.

 

[Han_Zen]

Speaking of alignments. Did any one try drawing a straight line from sag A* through the RR line in the same map height? Or they just dont add up at all?

You need a second point on the Sag A line to make it a line. Sol is an option, but it is so close to Reorte.
I think there is about 60 deg dif. between those two lines.

 

[Jorki Rasalas]

Hunting the Snark

Yes it will be at least 1 month before you can expect to see a reasonable number of the DWE to return, but DWE are not the only people interested, skilled or mad enough to take part. IMHO its time to start planning, or at least discussing planning the hunt. Hell, we dont even know what we are looking for.

I see 2 methods:
1) Intrepid Exploring
Method - Everyone heads out to the suspected areas, meanders around either in straight lines or general areas and scans the bejeebus out of everthing that crosses their path. Shout when you find something !
Advantages - This simple method could get more people interested. Not everyone wants rules to follow, methodologies to apply, data to record
Disadvantages - Duplication of effort if we are lucky ! Worse is that if we dont find anything before people get distracted and abandon the hunt (HIGHLY likely), we have proved NOTHING, disproved NOTHING. Future hunters would be left in exactly the same position as we are today.

2) Coordinated Scour
Method - Each Cmdr (or group) takes on a Sector (eg PHOI AESCS) or Sub-Sector (eg PHOI AESCS SP-G) to search. Fully scans that area (and I mean FULLY, every body in every system) then records that sector as being scanned.
Advantages - When a Cmdr/Group has marked a sector as complete, nobody EVER has to search that area again. By splitting the search into groups, the data entry and monitoring is kept to a minimum, and can be handled as the group sees fit.
Disadvantages - More organisation will be required. Less people will be prepared to sign up to the rigorous (not complicated, but rigorous) search criteria.

Not hard to spot which one I favor. Formidine Spreadsheet in my sig is starting to take on a structure that might be able to record the data as well as provide a central place for facts and source information (not theory, thats for Forums)
First phase that could happen before any mass exodus would be to fly the RR line beyond the rift and gather the Sectors and sub sectors that would REQUIRE searching. Any others off the RR line could be added by anyone who feels it is a better place to search. Nobody would be telling you WHERE to search, that's entirely up to you, the sheet would simply give you a list of candidates. But to be involved you would have to commit to searching any Sector/Sub Sector that you volunteered for thoroughly.

Mmm, just feeling a bit cautious- all we have to go on are the words from the old lady in Reclamation, & Drew's confirmation that "something" is out there & doesn't need Horizons to find (so can't be hidden at the base of a cliff on a planet with sandy canyons - look at how long it took to find the first barnacle, & subsequent ones! I have enough trouble finding those even when I have the coordinates printed out in front of me). We don't know what we're looking for or where, so I suggest we should actually be searching everything in a cone from the Rift end of the R-R line (can't remember which "R" is which at the moment) since we don't really know for sure even where the Rift starts & ends. And what's the included angle of the search cone? Also who's to say the mystery will be scannable? It might be in a SSS/WSS/USS, it could be floating in an asteroid belt, it could be canyons engraved on a moon that spell out "Thargoid hospitality area: free lavian brandy"). I'm not trying to put a dampener on anything, just want to be sure everyone appreciates the magnitude of the problem; I think we need another clue or two!

- - - - - Additional Content Posted / Auto Merge - - - - -

Personally, I think the height is irrelevant on the RR Line. Like in the Wrath of Kahn, I suspect they were still thinking in 2 dimensions. Thankfully, out beyond the rift, the plane is so narrow, you can pretty much ignore height anyway.

- - - - - Additional Content Posted / Auto Merge - - - - -


I will certainly be plotting the RR Line pretty often, so there will be something visible.
I have my main account on DWE, and my bubble account (sans Horizons) is sitting there doing diddley. Do I head off with 2nd account on the RR Line, or do I wait for main account to return ?
Easter may have a decent sale on Horizons, so I could upgrade it and fill up on Jumponium.
2 accounts both out exploring, seems pretty stupid.

Drew has confirmed the mystery was in-game before Horizons, so you only need that if you want/need to top up on Jumponium mats during your Rift search.

 

[Dommarraa]

End of Bovomit theory ?
While I would LOVE for Bovomit to be involved, a quick check of some facts show it to be 18 degrees off the RR Line.
If the RR Line is of ANY value at all, Bovomit cant be it.



(End of RR Line is the blue circle)

 

[crushdepth]

I think that would be the bees knees (Thargoid's knees?). Our only source of in-game lore is the Galnet & it just isn't easily accessible. Sure you can pore through back-postings, but it is so slow; it would be really nice if the posts were held in an online database that could be searched when you want to check out a clue.

This drives me crazy. Why is there no search function? What is this, 1984?

 

[Dommarraa]

Mmm, just feeling a bit cautious- all we have to go on are the words from the old lady in Reclamation, & Drew's confirmation that "something" is out there & doesn't need Horizons to find (so can't be hidden at the base of a cliff on a planet with sandy canyons - look at how long it took to find the first barnacle, & subsequent ones! I have enough trouble finding those even when I have the coordinates printed out in front of me). We don't know what we're looking for or where, so I suggest we should actually be searching everything in a cone from the Rift end of the R-R line (can't remember which "R" is which at the moment) since we don't really know for sure even where the Rift starts & ends. And what's the included angle of the search cone? Also who's to say the mystery will be scannable? It might be in a SSS/WSS/USS, it could be floating in an asteroid belt, it could be canyons engraved on a moon that spell out "Thargoid hospitality area: free lavian brandy"). I'm not trying to put a dampener on anything, just want to be sure everyone appreciates the magnitude of the problem; I think we need another clue or two!

- - - - - Additional Content Posted / Auto Merge - - - - -



Drew has confirmed the mystery was in-game before Horizons, so you only need that if you want/need to top up on Jumponium mats during your Rift search.

Not disagreeing with the vast majority of that. No, we dont know what we are looking for. Given that it was available at launch, I think the reasonable guesses for what it might be are:
1) Named System - Unlikely. Someone could find it on the Gal Map
2) Named Planet - Most likely IMHO, but it isnt anything obvious like "Raaxla"
3) Station - Possible
4) PPOI like Voyager - Possible, but horrific if true. At launch it would have findable by someone with a keen eye, but with the 1kls range of PPOI, it will be almost impossible unless it is close to the star, and people check the nav panel (which they have no other reason to any more)
5) USS - Unlikely IMHO from a coding point of view. May well not be spotted.
6) Alien Attack Spawn - Nope - Someone would found the models and spoiled it by now
7) Other such as Planetary Surface Skin, Unusual Stellar Configuration - Another nightmare, nobody will spot it.

Fingers crossed it is 2 or 3 to be reasonably findable.

 

[Macros Black]

This drives me crazy. Why is there no search function? What is this, 1984?

Luckily not. Search from Google:

kahina site:https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet

 

[Jorki Rasalas]

Luckily not. Search from Google:

kahina site:https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet

Yes, I know that can be done {LZ told me; it's all his fault! ) (in-joke) ], but it's not in-game where it should be! It's all about immersion (& available number of monitors!)

- - - - - Additional Content Posted / Auto Merge - - - - -

Not disagreeing with the vast majority of that. No, we dont know what we are looking for. Given that it was available at launch, I think the reasonable guesses for what it might be are:
1) Named System - Unlikely. Someone could find it on the Gal Map
2) Named Planet - Most likely IMHO, but it isnt anything obvious like "Raaxla"
3) Station - Possible
4) PPOI like Voyager - Possible, but horrific if true. At launch it would have findable by someone with a keen eye, but with the 1kls range of PPOI, it will be almost impossible unless it is close to the star, and people check the nav panel (which they have no other reason to any more)
5) USS - Unlikely IMHO from a coding point of view. May well not be spotted.
6) Alien Attack Spawn - Nope - Someone would found the models and spoiled it by now
7) Other such as Planetary Surface Skin, Unusual Stellar Configuration - Another nightmare, nobody will spot it.

Fingers crossed it is 2 or 3 to be reasonably findable.

Nicely summarised D!
But I think FD may be quite sneaky, & also may underestimate the difficulty of finding things in-game; I want to read through Reclamation at least once (just got to start of chapter 2) to allay a sneaking suspicion that there may be another clue or two not yet spotted

 

[Jorki Rasalas]

End of Bovomit theory ?
While I would LOVE for Bovomit to be involved, a quick check of some facts show it to be 18 degrees off the RR Line.
If the RR Line is of ANY value at all, Bovomit cant be it.

(End of RR Line is the blue circle)

I suspect BOVOMIT sector is where the Thargoids be- seem to remember lore that said they came "from beyond the Formadine Rift", but I think Drew's Rift mystery is separate (but related)- I definitely need to read the book.