I can see Blaine becoming Emperor, he would cause the least amount of hassle and I don't think there's really enough storyline to pass it one of the power heads direct. A simple vote from the Senate where there is no player interaction just seems kinda weak though it could always be argued that the power who has the most support should from players should get it...and that would be ALD currently or last I heard.
Just how I feel it stands at the minute.
Anyway, Empire stuff:
The problem with making one of the current powers obsolete through succession is where do all the formerly aligned players go?
Do they keep their ratings or does it work like defecting, can they choose another only with no penalty or do they all get sold off into slavery because now redundant and can't afford the rent and become like some kinda "Sparticus" like power causing havoc in the Empire?
-or-
Does the Emperor become a Power in itself? This would allow other current Empirical powers to potentially become Emperor, maybe even allow for a slight tweak to ALD's perks to bring them more in line with the other powers. Federation "President" Hudson acts like any other PP figure so why not the same for the Empire as well. As long as the rewards are balance, players will be more prone to chose on what rewards them best for how they play the game.
Things lurking in the background and other possibilities:
Blaine? As mentioned above, no effective changes would need to made and if no picture of him is ever shown we'll know he's gonna meet an untimely end, just like those Star Trek security guys...that would be the soft, or temporary option though...hopefully.
The Senate vote could always be stalled if they were to simply eradicated in one of those high drama moments the Empire usually does best.
This could lead to the formation of a new Senate, maybe formed by Minor Factions who sign up to such things.
Any such system would need to closely regulated and only tied to whichever Powers are currently available and for Empire Factions only who have served "x" amount of time (long term loyalists). Same could be done for the Federation although it would need a 3rd Power to make it more viable I think.
Might add an extra dimension to the game and give merit to actually joining up with one.
Emperor's Dawn? This I find kinda interesting. I remember FD talking about how making a Minor Faction a Power and Emperor's Dawn have had CG's revolve around themselves and that "could" be them testing the mechanics for such a thing although we haven't really been helping them get anywhere. E.D., as their initials does make me wonder though. We currently know very little about such things but it's interesting.
As for the Cherry Patreus, if he actually manages to marry any of the chicks, even Torval, I'll quit the game....actually, Torval I'd probably be alright with...he probably needs a woman with experience.
Pirates:
I don't think the Pirates will ever go away, They're as much of a constant in the Elite galaxy as anything else and pretty much everyone's bread and butter on a day to day basis. However, I always did like that lovable rogue character from the 1960's Pirate movies, Robin Hood kinda thing where they stick it to the man who is corrupt for whatever reason.
A lot of Pirates in this game seem to lack a sense of humour but it's always nice to see some trying to do it right, even if not so easy. Some seem to be more into smuggling as well rather than actual Piracy although both illegal.
Maybe they need a second power which could effectively create a second front against the Empire or even the Federation, maybe with a hot chick and one be more focused on bonuses killing Security forces, destabilzing systems and such and the other more smuggling bonuses, illicit / stolen trade where the value is put more on stealing the cargo than pew pewing the ship to death as in bigger bounty penalties for destroying a ship. Could create 2 effective ways to play as a Pirate if the rewards were right.
Even if they do fail as a Power, they might just replace the leader, only with different perks.
Who knows what goes on in the minds of FD.
Just random thoughts.
