After a couple of interesting discussions I came up with this idea to help new players fresh out of the starter area:
In short, low ranks on attack by other players (i.e. shots landed, interdicted) spawn security instantly when they drop to realspace 1:
This idea kicks in as new players leave the area they start in (as they increase rank from Harmless to mostly harmless). The help is this:
Mostly Harmless: large ATR wing (4 ships initially) close proximity to player with normal ATR spawns after
Novice: medium ATR wing (2 ships) medium proximity spawn with normal ATR spawns after
Competent: large security wing (5 ships, non ATR) normal spawn distance
Expert > no additional help
This idea is meant as a breathing space for new players in Open to learn how to escape by giving them some backup. Its not perfect in the slightest (in that nothing can prevent destruction by a wing of ships) but its the most potent NPC help you can give in a tailored way for isolated incidents. Hopefully I've closed a lot of abusable loopholes below.
Notes:
1: although its slightly unrealistic, instant spawns happen already in game with second and subsequent waves of ATR the very second a shot lands on a victim. This includes interdiction- current ATR behaviour spawns instant ATR ships as you drop. In addition, ATR spawn with guns deployed and the aggressor already targetted (i.e. they can fire as soon as they appear).
2: increase in exploration or trade ranks counts the same as combat ranks (so going above dealer or surveyor ends your security help). Why:
You could keep it as an aid for non combat pilots who have very low ranks and are afraid of 'ganks'. However IMO people should spend this time learning escape tactics as a basic core skill while they have this security help. This idea is not perfect, but its the only realistic (and not stupidly overbearing) way to aid new people but not used by the lazy as a crutch. Your view may vary.
3: this help is nullified if you pledge to a power.
4: for consistency the ATR and sec wings are independent of any faction (like ATR now). The Pilots Federation supply this help as a secondary stage after 'graduating'.
5: help will not come if you are wanted.
6: This is intended to help new players faced with attackers in open- however it might be that NPC attackers (i.e. random pirates) spawn normal security (say two Viper Mk 3s) to help while the ranks are low to give help. Mission NPCs would not trigger this help (since the player actively chose to take them on).
In short, low ranks on attack by other players (i.e. shots landed, interdicted) spawn security instantly when they drop to realspace 1:
This idea kicks in as new players leave the area they start in (as they increase rank from Harmless to mostly harmless). The help is this:
Mostly Harmless: large ATR wing (4 ships initially) close proximity to player with normal ATR spawns after
Novice: medium ATR wing (2 ships) medium proximity spawn with normal ATR spawns after
Competent: large security wing (5 ships, non ATR) normal spawn distance
Expert > no additional help
This idea is meant as a breathing space for new players in Open to learn how to escape by giving them some backup. Its not perfect in the slightest (in that nothing can prevent destruction by a wing of ships) but its the most potent NPC help you can give in a tailored way for isolated incidents. Hopefully I've closed a lot of abusable loopholes below.
Notes:
1: although its slightly unrealistic, instant spawns happen already in game with second and subsequent waves of ATR the very second a shot lands on a victim. This includes interdiction- current ATR behaviour spawns instant ATR ships as you drop. In addition, ATR spawn with guns deployed and the aggressor already targetted (i.e. they can fire as soon as they appear).
2: increase in exploration or trade ranks counts the same as combat ranks (so going above dealer or surveyor ends your security help). Why:
You could keep it as an aid for non combat pilots who have very low ranks and are afraid of 'ganks'. However IMO people should spend this time learning escape tactics as a basic core skill while they have this security help. This idea is not perfect, but its the only realistic (and not stupidly overbearing) way to aid new people but not used by the lazy as a crutch. Your view may vary.
3: this help is nullified if you pledge to a power.
4: for consistency the ATR and sec wings are independent of any faction (like ATR now). The Pilots Federation supply this help as a secondary stage after 'graduating'.
5: help will not come if you are wanted.
6: This is intended to help new players faced with attackers in open- however it might be that NPC attackers (i.e. random pirates) spawn normal security (say two Viper Mk 3s) to help while the ranks are low to give help. Mission NPCs would not trigger this help (since the player actively chose to take them on).
