FD, if you can add modules to the tech brokers (like the recent CG), why not move Powerplay modules now too?

Counterpoint - the modules should only be usable on faction specific ships (ie Prismatics only viable on Imperial ships), one type per ship (no iCourier with Prismatics & Imperial Hammers), and only available to rebuy for Cmdrs still pledged. This would also make module shopping way less attractive/viable, but continue to reward PP Cmdrs. Also, every rank gained with one Power should subract a rank from any enemy Power...
They'd have to massively rebalance some of the modules then. Some modules are essential for competitive PvP (e.g. the reason AD is swamped with randos), others are near-useless.
 
Divorce the modules from PP. Let the players that really want to snipe each others system do so.
Aside from a few systems where I want Aisling to retain control for RP reasons, I module shop, and that's it. I am glad fortification is easy most of the time.

If the modules are separated we could actually discuss the "O" word in regards to PP with at least the possibility of civility.
 
What's the O-word?

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Hi there. I'm a fresh PP module (s)hopper. However, while nothing would be easier than dump those materials in the next system (which is obv what many players do, seeing how the nearby systems get 5000% fortified), I do try to at least be helpful and fortify a system that I think can use it.
That said, I find it unnecessary that it's even possible to fort a system beyond, say, 110%. FD could easily put a cap on that.

I do hope to find a faction that can be my permanent home later on, and luckily I don't see the need to collect every single module, but for the next 3-4 months or so... I'll be hopping.
 
Shopping all the powerplay modules takes a full year. I wholeheartedly agree to making them available elsewhere. I always thought they should be sold at the engineers that can mod them, but tech brokers work too.
 
The recent CG for the missile rack demonstrates you (FD) can add modules to tech brokers 'on the fly' so to speak. So why not remove the albatross from Powerplay which is its modules and do the same (move them all to tech brokers)?

You could keep access for powers as it is, but duplicate the blueprint in human tech brokers so nothing is 'lost'.

It removes module shopping, one of the banes of Powerplay.

Most modules are one size- so for these you only have to add ten new templates for the human tech broker.

Aislings Prismatics come in all sizes, which might complicate things so here you might either go all in (and have 8 sizes) or maybe have a selection.

The other bonus is you'll get an instant uptick in people wanting tech brokers- some Powerplay gear is excellent :D

If doing it all at once is a bit daunting, you could do one a week.

The shield should not be a problem, as the guardian modules unlocks all sizes... So just do the same for the shield.

But weapons on tech brokers, you have to unlock the size and fixed/gimballed/turret options and not such options are available, so that matches fine with the powerplay weapons..
 
The shield should not be a problem, as the guardian modules unlocks all sizes... So just do the same for the shield.

But weapons on tech brokers, you have to unlock the size and fixed/gimballed/turret options and not such options are available, so that matches fine with the powerplay weapons..

Excellent.

Now I wonder- what would the unlock requirements be?

Some weapons are, let we say, a bit spoon. I'd hope items like the Retributor be easy and cheap to unlock, while something like Prismatics at the top end, since they are the most universal.
 
Dangling rank reward modules as the proverbial carrot looks good on paper but doesn't serve as an enticement to get people engaged in PP. I never understood why FDev didn't implement it similar to the BGS and made the modules available for everyone but only in systems that meet certain criteria (proper super power alignment being the obvious one so e.g. Prismatics would only be available in AD's domain etc.). Likewise achieving certain BGS states (anarchies, wars, better market conditions) is what gets some people interested, other still won't bother but everyone benefits all the same.
3306 was a year my CMDR would rather wipe from her CV, having worked for Fednecks, Pirates, Kale and Quiche (yeah, I'm stubborn like that and no, I haven't found a use for the Retributor either ;)). All of this with ships and an FC clearly designated as ALD aligned. Cognitive dissonance, turned up to 11.

This isn't anything new or particularly shocking to anyone of course, but it's worth reiterating: One year of module shopping that:
- didn't get me involved in PP beyond the minimum
- didn't help anyone's immersion
- added several dozen ships and modules to my (and FDevs) storage

So, given that there is (sadly) no intention of picking up a proper rework of PP, making the modules available beyond rank rewards is at least a pragmatic way of improving the game.
 
Even Federal ATR puts prismatic shielding on Core Dynamics Vultures.

Which is a pretty dumb thing in its own right - why would the Imperials sponsor those who maintain law and order in the Federation? If anything, we should be seeing pirates in Federal space with prismatic shields that have been "gifted" them by anonymous benefactors. I'm all for PP modules being seen more out in the wild, but they should at least be restricted to whoever should logically have access to them.
 
I now think that the PP modules should be accessible from the Human tech broker the same way that the new double engineered modules are: one unit at the time. That way people joining the powers would still have the perk of access to as many weapons they want, but if you just wanted a one or two Cytoscramblers, for example, you could pay materials for the tech broker to do the wheeling and dealing to acquire a couple for you without you having to pretend to be a pirate for 4 weeks.
 
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