So everyone is aware by now, or should be, of the current way of doing in game player factions. We go through the motions, submit a request through Frontier, then they go through a somewhat complicated process to add it in game. While we as players appreciate this, we also feel that elite dangerous is severely lacking in the in game group representation that is present in so many other multiplayer games of every kind. I know I am not alone in wanting my player faction to show up in the information when someone selects my ship, at very least. I have given much thought to, and feel the need to share some ideas on how this can realistically happen.
First off, joining and management. Eventually, it would be nice to see a more robust system, however initially it would be wise to keep it simple. I believe this would work best through the contacts tab. The options available would be somewhat like those of PowerPlay, with everything PowerPlay related under contacts. Joining any in game minor faction (making adoption of npc factions easier) may be something that only becomes an option once the player is allied with said minor faction, either via a mission on the boards, an invitation message, or simply an option that becomes available under contacts. Ideally, for player factions, this would submit a request to be approved by leaders, and npc factions being automated in some fashion such as a mission requirement. This would have to be done in a system where said minor faction is present.
Leaders, that would likely be commanders who's names are submitted directly to Frontier at first, would have full management capabilities that will be elaborated on further. This could possibly be automated in some way in the future, via a nice permission management system that could be later added after the initial system is up and running.
Once joined, I imagine there would be a few perks. This would give players incentive to join minor factions, and pay more attention to the background simulation. Additionally, it would give more incentive towards non combat activities and their necessity in supporting combat pilots through available wares in Outfitting,shipyards, etc...
Outfitting at all stations owned by your minor faction should offer a base discount on Outfitting and shipyards, scaled between 5-20% based upon a few possible factors such as resources supplied, missions run, systems and facilities controlled, etc. Optionally (and possibly more ideally) a flat 15% discount instead. This would actually give real incentive to taking control of stations and expanding. Additionally, discounted repair and rearm would be a nice perk, for stations without Outfitting. Normal prices apply to all non members (everyone else).
For those doing PowerPlay, it would be relatively simple. Simply put an option under functions in the system panel to select which to display in the lower left panel on scan. Both factions would show up when the Cmdr is highlighted in contacts. If no PowerPlay (or minor factions) the option defaults to whichever is relevant and becomes unselectable, or none if completely unlined. Naturally, members of superpower aligned factions would be prohibited from joining rival PowerPlay powers, as it would not make sense otherwise and may break reality.
Additionally, a few other benefits like the npc's actually recognizing you as a member. Even as far as to allow one to access data points at planetary settlements owned by your minor faction, making an incentive to controlling them rather then the nuisance to avoid that they are now thanks to missions constantly trying to throw you in lockdown if you own them.
Eventually, I would like to see the ability to have a more robust system with the ability to set reputation for other minor factions via a search or list, ability to invest in certain stations or systems, and even create faction specific CG's for members and those who want to participate. However, in the interest of getting this thing off the ground, let's keep it simple at first with the suggestions above. Any ideas to facilitate this would be welcome, we all know this is very long overdue.
Thanks for your time
Cmdr happyoutkast
Co-leader Jolly Co-Operators
First off, joining and management. Eventually, it would be nice to see a more robust system, however initially it would be wise to keep it simple. I believe this would work best through the contacts tab. The options available would be somewhat like those of PowerPlay, with everything PowerPlay related under contacts. Joining any in game minor faction (making adoption of npc factions easier) may be something that only becomes an option once the player is allied with said minor faction, either via a mission on the boards, an invitation message, or simply an option that becomes available under contacts. Ideally, for player factions, this would submit a request to be approved by leaders, and npc factions being automated in some fashion such as a mission requirement. This would have to be done in a system where said minor faction is present.
Leaders, that would likely be commanders who's names are submitted directly to Frontier at first, would have full management capabilities that will be elaborated on further. This could possibly be automated in some way in the future, via a nice permission management system that could be later added after the initial system is up and running.
Once joined, I imagine there would be a few perks. This would give players incentive to join minor factions, and pay more attention to the background simulation. Additionally, it would give more incentive towards non combat activities and their necessity in supporting combat pilots through available wares in Outfitting,shipyards, etc...
Outfitting at all stations owned by your minor faction should offer a base discount on Outfitting and shipyards, scaled between 5-20% based upon a few possible factors such as resources supplied, missions run, systems and facilities controlled, etc. Optionally (and possibly more ideally) a flat 15% discount instead. This would actually give real incentive to taking control of stations and expanding. Additionally, discounted repair and rearm would be a nice perk, for stations without Outfitting. Normal prices apply to all non members (everyone else).
For those doing PowerPlay, it would be relatively simple. Simply put an option under functions in the system panel to select which to display in the lower left panel on scan. Both factions would show up when the Cmdr is highlighted in contacts. If no PowerPlay (or minor factions) the option defaults to whichever is relevant and becomes unselectable, or none if completely unlined. Naturally, members of superpower aligned factions would be prohibited from joining rival PowerPlay powers, as it would not make sense otherwise and may break reality.
Additionally, a few other benefits like the npc's actually recognizing you as a member. Even as far as to allow one to access data points at planetary settlements owned by your minor faction, making an incentive to controlling them rather then the nuisance to avoid that they are now thanks to missions constantly trying to throw you in lockdown if you own them.
Eventually, I would like to see the ability to have a more robust system with the ability to set reputation for other minor factions via a search or list, ability to invest in certain stations or systems, and even create faction specific CG's for members and those who want to participate. However, in the interest of getting this thing off the ground, let's keep it simple at first with the suggestions above. Any ideas to facilitate this would be welcome, we all know this is very long overdue.
Thanks for your time
Cmdr happyoutkast
Co-leader Jolly Co-Operators
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