I was thinking about additional functions for ships and it occurred to me there isn't anything that significantly distinguishes manufacturers beyond their statistics and aesthetics. Given Elite is very much about 'fly the ship you want to' it doesn't make sense to incorporate 'role bonuses' a la EVE Online or something similar. So, I figured I'd toss out an alternative route: manufacturer-specific functions.
What is a Manufacturer-Specific Function?
Simply put, this is a universal key-binding (just one) that activates a 'special' function. That special function is dependent upon the manufacturer of the ship being piloted. The goal of the feature is to:
Core Dynamics: Deployed External Plating & Tactical Hardiness (DEPTH)
Faulcon-Delacy: Optimized Distributor Boost
Gutamaya: Adaptive Shield Matrix
Lakon Spaceways: Priority System Reboot & Repair
Saud Kruger: FSD Pre-Charge Sequence
Zorgon Peterson: Thruster Capacitor Dump
The Functions: How They Work (Lore Text Included)
Deployed External Plating & Tactical Hardiness (DEPTH)
Core Dynamics prides itself on its superior armored vessels. Much like old-earth adages of 'cold-rolled steel', the Federation relies on sheer staying power to effectively carry out its missions. In partnership with Naval shipwrights, Core Dynamics has produced an integrated system of thick armor plates that can greatly improve the protection of external weakpoints at a minor sacrifice of maneuverability. Named 'DEPTH', the system is designed to be employed when commanders require additional added protection in the heat of a major engagement.
Activating DEPTH does the following:
Faulcon Delacy ships are among the most common seen across human civilization, and it's not a surprise given their versatility. The largest producer of 'multi-role' ships, Faulcon Delacy vessels can be found in virtually all industries of space, from transporters to combat escorts. In seeking to provide additional functionality to their line of ships, shipwrights were faced the enormous challenge of providing fleet-wide improvements that didn't 'pigeon-hole' the multi-role designs. Focusing on core systems, Faulcon Delacy developed and deployed a powerful algorithm capable of monitoring power-flow throughout the ship and optimizing it on the fly at the commander's discretion.
Activating Optimized Distributor Boost does the following:
Gutamaya is most renowned for its luxurious interiors and state-of-the-art accomodations. Regularly compared to the dedicated liners of Saud Kruger, Gutamaya vessels are staples of Imperial high society. But as any unfortunate pirate might tell you, these beauties aren't for looks only. Gutamaya ships are also known for their breakneck top speeds and superior shielding systems. 'To protect the paint' some engineers may say. As the Thargoid conflict heated up, Gutamaya began developing optimized software for their shield systems. When the Empress was directly challenged by a lost family member, a not-too-subtle hint from Denton Petreus came down demanding immediate upgrades to the imperial fleet in preparation for impending conflict. The result was the Adaptive Shield Matrix.
Activating the Adaptive Shield Matrix does the following:
Lakon Spaceways has arguably produced the most dependable ships in the galaxy. Famously simple in design both aesthetically and mechanically, Lakon ships are favored by commanders with an eye towards function over form. Rather than compete directly with Faulcon Delacy in the multi-role market, Lakon builds a wide variety of ships that are each more specialized to a given role but generally flexible. After developing the acclaimed line of 'Alliance' hulls for the Thargoid Conflict, Lakon analyzed the data coming in from Interceptor Shutdown fields. In attempting to discover alternative means to shorten or outright prevent this phenomena, shipwrights developed various shortcuts for the standardized System Reboot & Repair function present on most starships. Seeing an opportunity for a unique advantage, they immediately patented it.
Activating Priority System Reboot & Repair does the following:
Saud Kruger has a long history of developing beautiful and luxurious vessels to match the character of the stars that fly them. Featuring a line of dedicated cruise ships and a high-end short-haul vessel, Saud Kruger has established itself as the preeminent manufacturer of personnel transport ships. Heavily influenced by the needs of the transport and tourism industries, the manufacturer pours resources into supporting discerning commanders seeking to push the limits of service and satisfaction. The massive increase in traffic to Colonia has seen a heightened interest in deep-space travel, resulting in the shipwright investing in research related to Frame Shift Drive optimizations. While unable to create raw gains in time efficiency, Saud Kruger was able to develop a new FSD charge sequence that many transport and tourist commanders will find appealing.
Activating FSD Pre-Charge Sequence does the following:
Zorgon Peterson has a pedrigree that runs so far back most don't actually remember how old the company is. Until very recently, the manufacturer was regarded as a 'hanger-on' more than a staple of the space lanes. Despite being a bit long in tooth, it can't be denied that when Zorgon Peterson creates a ship design it tends to last. Haulers and Adders have provided a stepping stone to the stars for many a rookie commander, but it is perhaps the roaring success of the Fer-de-Lance that frequently reminds other manufacturers the company isn't going anywhere anytime soon. The recent roll-out of the Mamba line shows Zorgon Peterson may have discovered its newest unique design advantage: raw speed. With no intention of leaving behind the venerated Hauler and Adder hulls, the manufacturer wasted no time in applying its new design ethos to these staples of commerce, too.
Activating Thruster Capacitor Dump does the following:
I hope the community finds these functions to be enticing and entertaining, but also practical and balanced. I didn't want to suggest functions that were simply 'for looks' but I also did not want to accidentally create an 'OP' function. Each function is meant to play into the ethos - not role - of the manufacturer. If the function provides significant bonuses, such as Saud Kruger's jump range, it also has significant drawbacks or considerations. These functions are not meant to be 'button mashed' - they are strategic options suited to the typical use of the manufacturer's lines, ideally enhancing an existing strength (Core Dynamics Armor or Gutamaya Shields, as an example).
None of these functions are intended to make a manufacturer 'more obsolete' than another and it should be noted all percentages are simply suggestions, not researched data points, to provide a sense of 'scale' for the intended effect. Some functions are much more skill intensive (Thruster Capacitor Dump will require strong piloting skills if not simply running away) while others have unique applications (Priority System Reboot & Repair) for emergency situations.
Finally, none of these functions have 'cooldowns' - I didn't want them to feel like 'abilities' or 'skills' as in your typical fantasy RPG. These are mechanical functions that have limitations. Some, like DEPTH, are simply active/inactive while others, like Adaptive Shield Matrix, require time to calibrate before each use. All can be used over and over again pending their necessary requirements are met.
Give me your thoughts!
Fun Notes...
DEPTH could lead to unique racing for Core Dynamic ships in canyon racing, a la Star Wars: you'd have to use your sensors to see the canyon walls with plates activated.
Ramming maneuvers are harder with no visual, but the heightened cockpit and module integrity allows more aggressive use of the strategy.
Thruster Capacitor Dump makes ships difficult to take-down in an interdiction, but leaves them very vulnerable if they don't escape.
Used in combat, high skill is rewarded with high time-on-target while moving too fast for the enemy.
Used with FA Off, Priority Reboot & Repair allows Lakon ships to quickly restore a broken shield while maintaining momentum.
A neutron star's magnetic field is very dangerous and sometimes requires quick module management if the FSD breaks down...or a priority reset, if you have it.
If not properly planned, FSD Pre-Charge could see a ship stranded at a non-fuel star because of its high fuel cost.
FSD Pre-Charge results in high heat, which could see a ship departing overheated - and arriving at a dangerous star cluster...already overheated.
Adaptive Shield Matrix backfires if the assailant is using balanced damage types thanks to the temporary capacitor debuff.
Adaptive Shield Matrix doesn't react to corrosive damage.
Suggestion: Adapative Shield Matrix could 'fail to activate' if a minimum damage counter was set, giving enemies the opportunity to cease fire intentionally.
Optimized Distributor Boost requires strong Pip management: lower priority systems charge slower, too.
Depending on loadout, engineering for high charge or high capacity could see some interesting strategies for maximizing distributor effects.
What is a Manufacturer-Specific Function?
Simply put, this is a universal key-binding (just one) that activates a 'special' function. That special function is dependent upon the manufacturer of the ship being piloted. The goal of the feature is to:
- Add to the 'unique-ness' of a manufacturer
- Add weight to the choice of manufacturer, not just specific ship
- Create non-module capabilities that are advantageous, but not necessary or significantly 'efficient' so as to be highly favorable over other functions (balance)
- Functions need to be practical across various ship types for certain manufacturers (EX: Lakon Spaceways) because of how varied the ships themselves are
- Ideally have sound and visual cues that generate immersion for the player and, potentially, other players in proximity
Core Dynamics: Deployed External Plating & Tactical Hardiness (DEPTH)
Faulcon-Delacy: Optimized Distributor Boost
Gutamaya: Adaptive Shield Matrix
Lakon Spaceways: Priority System Reboot & Repair
Saud Kruger: FSD Pre-Charge Sequence
Zorgon Peterson: Thruster Capacitor Dump
The Functions: How They Work (Lore Text Included)
Deployed External Plating & Tactical Hardiness (DEPTH)
Core Dynamics prides itself on its superior armored vessels. Much like old-earth adages of 'cold-rolled steel', the Federation relies on sheer staying power to effectively carry out its missions. In partnership with Naval shipwrights, Core Dynamics has produced an integrated system of thick armor plates that can greatly improve the protection of external weakpoints at a minor sacrifice of maneuverability. Named 'DEPTH', the system is designed to be employed when commanders require additional added protection in the heat of a major engagement.
Activating DEPTH does the following:
- Armor Plating slides over and covers the cockpit, significantly increasing its integrity but obscuring visuals - requiring the commander to rely on instruments to fly
- Integrity of modules increases by 50%
- Due to plating over thrusters, Maneuverability reduced by 15% on maneuvering thrusters (Vertical, Lateral, Pitch, Yaw) and 25% on main thrusters (Forward & Backwards)
Faulcon Delacy ships are among the most common seen across human civilization, and it's not a surprise given their versatility. The largest producer of 'multi-role' ships, Faulcon Delacy vessels can be found in virtually all industries of space, from transporters to combat escorts. In seeking to provide additional functionality to their line of ships, shipwrights were faced the enormous challenge of providing fleet-wide improvements that didn't 'pigeon-hole' the multi-role designs. Focusing on core systems, Faulcon Delacy developed and deployed a powerful algorithm capable of monitoring power-flow throughout the ship and optimizing it on the fly at the commander's discretion.
Activating Optimized Distributor Boost does the following:
- Instantly restores distributor energy levels to the highest prioritized system (ENG, SYS, or WEP) by fully draining the lowest prioritized system
- Restoration percentage gained is equal to percentage drained from lowest priority system
- If two systems have same lowest priority, up to 50% of each are drained
- Optimized Distributor Boost is visually displayed as a temporary 'pulsing' of lighting and thrusters as energy is rapidly redirected
Gutamaya is most renowned for its luxurious interiors and state-of-the-art accomodations. Regularly compared to the dedicated liners of Saud Kruger, Gutamaya vessels are staples of Imperial high society. But as any unfortunate pirate might tell you, these beauties aren't for looks only. Gutamaya ships are also known for their breakneck top speeds and superior shielding systems. 'To protect the paint' some engineers may say. As the Thargoid conflict heated up, Gutamaya began developing optimized software for their shield systems. When the Empress was directly challenged by a lost family member, a not-too-subtle hint from Denton Petreus came down demanding immediate upgrades to the imperial fleet in preparation for impending conflict. The result was the Adaptive Shield Matrix.
Activating the Adaptive Shield Matrix does the following:
- Shield system distributor capacitor charge reduced by 25%
- Shield system capacity reduced by 25% for five seconds
- During five seconds shield analyzes incoming fire and identifies the highest inflicted damage type
- After five seconds shield will begin to 'react' by increasing resistance to highest damage type by 10% and reducing other two damage resistances by 5%
- Adaptive Shield Matrix is active for 15 seconds, or fails to activate if no damage was detected
- Adaptive Shield Matrix is visually displayed as matrices of sensors activate across the hull of the ship and read incoming damage before pulsing a designated color for the chosen resistance
Lakon Spaceways has arguably produced the most dependable ships in the galaxy. Famously simple in design both aesthetically and mechanically, Lakon ships are favored by commanders with an eye towards function over form. Rather than compete directly with Faulcon Delacy in the multi-role market, Lakon builds a wide variety of ships that are each more specialized to a given role but generally flexible. After developing the acclaimed line of 'Alliance' hulls for the Thargoid Conflict, Lakon analyzed the data coming in from Interceptor Shutdown fields. In attempting to discover alternative means to shorten or outright prevent this phenomena, shipwrights developed various shortcuts for the standardized System Reboot & Repair function present on most starships. Seeing an opportunity for a unique advantage, they immediately patented it.
Activating Priority System Reboot & Repair does the following:
- Ship enters into Reboot, shutting down all major systems as normal
- Priority Reboot requires only five seconds to execute before ship powers back up in the following two seconds (seven seconds total)
- Priority Repair drains module health from all modules, but only repairs thrusters, shields, and FSD
- Priority Repair grants 10% module health to thrusters, shields, and FSD
- Priority System Reboot & Repair is visually identical to normal Reboot & Repair but occurs much quicker, indicating its use internally and externally
Saud Kruger has a long history of developing beautiful and luxurious vessels to match the character of the stars that fly them. Featuring a line of dedicated cruise ships and a high-end short-haul vessel, Saud Kruger has established itself as the preeminent manufacturer of personnel transport ships. Heavily influenced by the needs of the transport and tourism industries, the manufacturer pours resources into supporting discerning commanders seeking to push the limits of service and satisfaction. The massive increase in traffic to Colonia has seen a heightened interest in deep-space travel, resulting in the shipwright investing in research related to Frame Shift Drive optimizations. While unable to create raw gains in time efficiency, Saud Kruger was able to develop a new FSD charge sequence that many transport and tourist commanders will find appealing.
Activating FSD Pre-Charge Sequence does the following:
- Can only be activated in normal space, does not stack with synthesized jump boosts ('jumponium')
- FSD charge time is increased by 100%
- FSD heat build-up rate is increased by 50%, total heat generation is increased by 25%
- Once fully charged, FSD jump range is increased by 50% (Please note: There must be enough fuel to cover the increased jump range)
- FSD Pre-Charge is visually represented by heat vents (not Saud Kruger unique 'veins') turning a white color quickly and creating minor lens flare
- FSD Pre-Charge is visually represented by Saud Kruger orange heat veins 'filling' to white color from stern to bow (akin to a thermometer rising)
Zorgon Peterson has a pedrigree that runs so far back most don't actually remember how old the company is. Until very recently, the manufacturer was regarded as a 'hanger-on' more than a staple of the space lanes. Despite being a bit long in tooth, it can't be denied that when Zorgon Peterson creates a ship design it tends to last. Haulers and Adders have provided a stepping stone to the stars for many a rookie commander, but it is perhaps the roaring success of the Fer-de-Lance that frequently reminds other manufacturers the company isn't going anywhere anytime soon. The recent roll-out of the Mamba line shows Zorgon Peterson may have discovered its newest unique design advantage: raw speed. With no intention of leaving behind the venerated Hauler and Adder hulls, the manufacturer wasted no time in applying its new design ethos to these staples of commerce, too.
Activating Thruster Capacitor Dump does the following:
- The capacitor is fully drained across all three systems (ENG, SYS, and WEP)
- The percentages drained convert into the duration of the boost at a rate of 20% per second (up to 300% drained for 15 seconds)
- While boost is active and for ten seconds after boost ends, capacitor systems do not charge
- Boost cannot be manually deactivated
- Maneuvering thrusters increased by 50% (Vertical, Lateral, Pitch, Yaw)
- Main Thruster increased by 100% (Forward & Backwards)
- Thrust Capacitor Dump is visually represented by maneuvering thrusters visually firing (even when not in use) and displaying minor lens flare
- Thruster Capacitor Dump is visually represented by main thrusters increasing in length significantly
I hope the community finds these functions to be enticing and entertaining, but also practical and balanced. I didn't want to suggest functions that were simply 'for looks' but I also did not want to accidentally create an 'OP' function. Each function is meant to play into the ethos - not role - of the manufacturer. If the function provides significant bonuses, such as Saud Kruger's jump range, it also has significant drawbacks or considerations. These functions are not meant to be 'button mashed' - they are strategic options suited to the typical use of the manufacturer's lines, ideally enhancing an existing strength (Core Dynamics Armor or Gutamaya Shields, as an example).
None of these functions are intended to make a manufacturer 'more obsolete' than another and it should be noted all percentages are simply suggestions, not researched data points, to provide a sense of 'scale' for the intended effect. Some functions are much more skill intensive (Thruster Capacitor Dump will require strong piloting skills if not simply running away) while others have unique applications (Priority System Reboot & Repair) for emergency situations.
Finally, none of these functions have 'cooldowns' - I didn't want them to feel like 'abilities' or 'skills' as in your typical fantasy RPG. These are mechanical functions that have limitations. Some, like DEPTH, are simply active/inactive while others, like Adaptive Shield Matrix, require time to calibrate before each use. All can be used over and over again pending their necessary requirements are met.
Give me your thoughts!
Fun Notes...
DEPTH could lead to unique racing for Core Dynamic ships in canyon racing, a la Star Wars: you'd have to use your sensors to see the canyon walls with plates activated.
Ramming maneuvers are harder with no visual, but the heightened cockpit and module integrity allows more aggressive use of the strategy.
Thruster Capacitor Dump makes ships difficult to take-down in an interdiction, but leaves them very vulnerable if they don't escape.
Used in combat, high skill is rewarded with high time-on-target while moving too fast for the enemy.
Used with FA Off, Priority Reboot & Repair allows Lakon ships to quickly restore a broken shield while maintaining momentum.
A neutron star's magnetic field is very dangerous and sometimes requires quick module management if the FSD breaks down...or a priority reset, if you have it.
If not properly planned, FSD Pre-Charge could see a ship stranded at a non-fuel star because of its high fuel cost.
FSD Pre-Charge results in high heat, which could see a ship departing overheated - and arriving at a dangerous star cluster...already overheated.
Adaptive Shield Matrix backfires if the assailant is using balanced damage types thanks to the temporary capacitor debuff.
Adaptive Shield Matrix doesn't react to corrosive damage.
Suggestion: Adapative Shield Matrix could 'fail to activate' if a minimum damage counter was set, giving enemies the opportunity to cease fire intentionally.
Optimized Distributor Boost requires strong Pip management: lower priority systems charge slower, too.
Depending on loadout, engineering for high charge or high capacity could see some interesting strategies for maximizing distributor effects.
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