Distress Beacon Idea

CMDR Cosmic Spacehead

CMDR Cosmic Spacehead
This is just a quick idea I thought up.

Distress Beacons
This is an option you set, under the already present [Beacon] option in the functions panel.
Changing this setting to 'Distress Beacon' will, only when in normal space, create a very easy to drop in to, Distress Signal Beacon in supercruise, with a relatively large drop radius (0.3ls-10ls based on distance from nearest object? Debatable!).
You can activate your distress beacon in supercruise, and it will automatically come on when you drop. It will also disable itself upon re-entering supercruise, to prevent accidental usage.

What it will also do is transmit the target data from the victims ship to anyone responding to the call. Basically, as soon as another CMDR drops in, all targets are pre-scanned for them.

•The owner distress beacon will have a repeating message pop up informing them that their distress beacon is active.
•The distress beacon will be called "Distress Beacon: CMDR Name" from supercruise.
•CMDRs will be audibly and visually informed of another CMDRs distress beacon popping up, and it will appear on the navigation panel.
•Distress beacons will not work too close to stations or too close to the surface.


So what does this allow?
Well mainly, a way for victims to call for help. Although some battles won't last long enough to make much difference.
They can also be used to set traps!
Admittedly, traders will not likely be attending these things so it won't help piracy much, but PvPers may enjoy luring in other PvPers.
It's not just a PvP tool either, PvE victims can call for help from other players(results may vary!).

Thoughts?

CMDR Cosmic Spacehead
 

Wariamu

Wariamu
It would also be nice for players who have nearly blown up ships or empty fuel tanks in the middle of nowhere. You can cross your fingers and pray someone sees and helps instead of just pressing the self-destruct button.
 

Tryst

Tryst
How about expanding this for explorers by giving us a long distance distress beacon as an explorers tool? It only works for fuel and not for repairs though.

Only NPC's respond to it since it's unlikely any players will be nearby, providing fuel for the explorer in distress but at a cost, the fuel is going to be horrendously expensive, like a million credits a ton, (they've come a long way to get it to you after all). This makes the beacon something they will only use in a real emergency and not several times as a means to make a shortcut through areas with no scoopable stars. Sorry pal: No money, no fuel.
 
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Wariamu

Wariamu
I also think more interactions with NPCs is something this game could benefit and this is one of the many reasons. This galaxy is too big even for Elite Dangerous not so modest player base.
 
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