News Player events and news items

[Michael Brookes]

I think the point of this is to generate news about ongoing events, to encourage player participation. Of course FD will write about their own storylines, but a piece of creative writing about Ho Hsi or Mikunn's conflicts is the aim. I think I'll touch on the religious zealots in Lave when I get to a keyboard.

Indeed, it's also to allow in fiction news for activities of players banding together. The Buckyball race and events in Lugh are good examples. Even better if it's an event planned for the future - like acall to arms.

Michael

 

[happytuesday]

- Date and time for the news item/event
January 21 3301

- Title – this should be brief and include the location
A Tail of Alien Life on Kini A
(or wherever makes sense; I don't even know if Kini A is a thing, just choose an appropriate planet)

- Description – This should be no more than 150 words
Commanders, traders, and travelers alike have been flocking to Kini A for the past two weeks to see the body of a so-called "humanoid alien life form" discovered by a Kinian man in his corn field.
The discovery of the dead alien body was called the first real proof of intelligent nonhuman life in our galaxy by fervent believers, and a complete hoax by skeptics.
Yesterday, a member of the scientific community from LHS 3447 brought with him researchers and tools to analyze the body.
They concluded the body was the decomposing remains of the farmer's dog.

- Commander Name
CMDR HappyTuesday

 

[Hell Razor5543]

I like this idea. Is there going to be a thread opened that we need to post in, or a specific PM address that we would need to use?

 

[Tibeerius]

Date: 17/03/2015
Time: 9am GMT

Galactic panic as unpeeled Lavian warp banana discarded by an unknown CMDR has fallen into Sagittarius A*

Unforseen consequences are occuring in the Galactic Center after what was described by some as an "unpeeled and uneaten" Lavian warp banana has passed beyond the event horizon of the supermassive black hole in the center of our galaxy. Early reports from explorers in the region tell of strange space time phenomena occuring as a result of this unfortunate mis-hap.

More to follow...

CMDR Tibeerius signing off

 

[Johnny Spaceboots]

Indeed, it's also to allow in fiction news for activities of players banding together. The Buckyball race and events in Lugh are good examples. Even better if it's an event planned for the future - like acall to arms.

Michael

This is a good step in the right direction. Still, while the galnet posts are always interesting to read, I do wish they were reflected in gameplay and the world around us a lot more. We currently have wars, but they all just feel the same, and factions and a.is lack autonomy. The galnet is fun, but it feels more like roleplaying without the actual gameplay to back it up due to the limited A.I and instancing. I'm going to go ahead and plug a thread where we've been talking about issues like that, https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=98406&highlight=
for further details on what I mean.

What I want to ask is, are there any plans to improve the background simulation and dynamic aspects of the game more, so that galnet posts are as interesting in reality as they are to read?

 

[Trixi]

I like the idea. Will we ever have some procedurally generated local news in addition to GalNet?

 

[Armour]

I like the idea. Will we ever have some procedurally generated local news in addition to GalNet?

Indeed. It would add a lot of character to the systems and make them feel different in ways other than cold science.

 

[Grumbleweed]

- Date and time for the news item/event
19 Jan, 2300
- Title – this should be brief and include the location
Federation takeover of Alioth
- Description – This should be no more than 150 words
Alioth, the permit protected capital of Alliance space appears to be under a covert takeover by the Federation.
"Intelligence reports suggest that the Federation are using underhand tactics to undermine the Alliance loyal factions' power in the vicinity of our honourable capital, " remarked Cliffton Grindale, spokesperson from Alioth Independents, the controlling faction of the Alliance capital system, "we're calling all Alliance commanders distributed across the galaxy to prove their allegance, especially traders, to help bolster the surrounding Alliance economies if we are to counter this disturbing turn of events." she continued.

The Federation was asked to respond but no one was available for comment.

- Commander Name
Byker

 

[Caylo]

Date and time for the news item
Jan 23, 3301

Title
Eranin Plagued by Piracy

Description
Intense fighting during the Federation's ill-fated attempt to recapture the wayward colony of Azeban left local security forces badly mauled and struggling to maintain order in the small communist system known mostly for its pearl whiskey and grain exports. Though combat bond assistance from independent pilots allowed its rangers to force a Federal battlecruiser into retreat and cut off supplies to the Earth-backed rebels on the ground, a band of pirates called the Brotherhood has started to raid Eranin's shipping lanes.

Operating out of LP 98-132, a veritable hive of scum and villainy with no law but that of the laser, these pirates present an obvious threat to the economic stability of the system, but also a business opportunity for bounty hunters as well as mercenaries. The question remains: Is decisive resistance enough to evict the Brotherhood from Eranin, or will this threat have to be eradicated at the root?

Commander Name
Caylo Tavira

 

[Sean71596]

Date: 17/03/2015
Time: 9am GMT

Galactic panic as unpeeled Lavian warp banana discarded by an unknown CMDR has fallen into Sagittarius A*

Unforseen consequences are occuring in the Galactic Center after what was described by some as an "unpeeled and uneaten" Lavian warp banana has passed beyond the event horizon of the supermassive black hole in the center of our galaxy. Early reports from explorers in the region tell of strange space time phenomena occuring as a result of this unfortunate mis-hap.

More to follow...

CMDR Tibeerius signing off

I would almost pay to see this on galnet

 

[Fractux]

January 19, 3301
---
Don't waste the Brandy! Capitol's "Parties of the Decade" Cancelled.
---
With preparations for the Royal Wedding on hold for the foreseeable future, merchants and suppliers are scrambling to find transports to ferry goods brought in for the planned festivities.

Craig Doogan, owner of DGA Entertainment, is in quite a bind stating, “We were looking forward to quite a few nights of parties. While a few are still going ahead, most have been… rescheduled. I’m not the only one sitting on stock that I need to move elsewhere. Let’s not even mention the perishables!”

With the flurry of goods leaving Capitol, local security forces are pulling longer shifts. One officer anonymously told us, “We’ve been cracking down hard on the criminal elements in the system.. errm.. just smugglers and pirates. Their hideouts near Kagawa Station are being actively scanned for, and we’ve recovered quite a few goods. Be sure to tell pilots to keep an eye out. It’s dangerous out there.”
---
Commander Simber reporting.

 

[zzzornbringer]

super cool. finally something that will give some direction for players. this is perfect for anyone who does not know what to do in-game.

 

[Hell Razor5543]

Here is one for you (and it is based upon when Richard Noble announced he was not going to drive Thrust SSC).

'Lakon Spacecraft Developments are testing a new system, and require experienced pilots'.

That is all the advertisement would say (other than the date and other needed items). It would be up to the commanders to find out where Lakon is based, and then where their development arm is, go there and apply. If you read R. Nobles' book 'Thrust' you will see that he did not say that they wanted pilots, or what the needs were, or where to go. The team felt that people who were really serious would be prepared to dig hard for that information. The team did not hide said information, they just made sure the candidates had to go looking for it.

 

[Onionhead News]

I will gladly continue my satirical contributions of oversized, irresponsible articles in the Onionhead News thread in the roleplaying section.

 

[CMDR Jobedy]

Date: January 19^th, 3301
Title: Istanu Pirates Be Crazy
Description:

An investigation into the local pirate activity near the Alliance core systems has shown a focused gathering of untameable pirates in the Istanu system.

Miners to the area have been rudely, and abruptly, forced to leave. Often at the receiving side of high end beam lasers.

One local miner who wished to remain anonymous (due to health reasons) had the following to say on the situation.

“It’s out of control! These pirates simply can’t let an honest miner do a day’s job without gettin’ shot at. If the alliance aren’t interested in helping then we need more independent pilots to help clean up this mess.”

Individual contractors are being informed that many bounties are up for claim. For a point of contact, CMDR Jobedy of the Alliance Outskirt Fleet has taken lead and is forming a local militia to assist the innocent miners.


-------------------------------------------------
This is an ongoing event (that I'm actively trying to get others involved in via other social media) for players to team up with different roles (mining/bounty hunting, possible player pirates), defending each other and working together, miners are expected to reward commanders that do a good job with a small % of their haul. If taken up, this event will be expanded further with future news reports and events in this area.

CMDR Jobedy

 

[Hell Razor5543]

I also like the idea of the "And Finally" stories, as they appeared at the end of the ITN major news broadcasts. Although they would not add any playable content, they would add a touch of humour.

 

[Armour]

21 Jan 3301

Annual Braben Jumper Festival in Lave

The strange tradition of the Braben Jumper Festival springs from the old pilot's tale of the "Braben Jump".

This hyperspace loop manoeuvre allegedly results in a psychological experience for the pilot not unlike the consumption of a large amount of Onionhead. However, as a result of such spacetime jiggery-pokery, this is supposed to be coupled with a sneak peek at the future.

The Lavian Minister for Culture, who approved the event, tells us that the legendary Commander James T Braben was the first to discover this effect through a mixture of pilot error, overconsumption of their own fine brandy, and a faulty FSD. Official records do show that he appears to have made his fortune immediately after the incident is claimed to have occurred. This funded his famous life-long obsession with the workings of hyperspace travel, which did result in some important advances in the field.

More apocryhal, the minister explains, is the claim that Commander Braben met his end as a result of attempting to repeat his signature manoeuvre. The tale goes that he clad himself (and his ship) in a very expensive brand of wool, collected from a breed of sheep (conceived by means of both artificial inseminator and particle accelerator) that ages backwards. CMDR Braben, it is claimed, then proceeded to jump straight up his own continuum, never to be seen again. Official documents, however, show the cause of death as FSD failure. He was a notoriously thrifty man, and probably failed to maintain his equipment sufficiently as a result.

The Braben Jumpers insist that the true facts of the matter are not officially recorded. To this day, woolen-clad acolytes and various get-rich-quick types deck themselves and their ships out in garish colours (artificial fibre mainly, they're not rich yet), gather outside Lave Station with a ready supply of brandy, and attempt the Braben Jump. They have a 100% failure rate thus far - occasionally an intrepid pilot will manage to land inside a star, but the event usually passes with not much more than a few hangovers to show for it.

Occasionally, a pilot will swear to have seen the spectre of one of Braben's Jumpers sailing past in hyperspace, heading who knows where (or when). This is usually considered either an indication of very good luck - or very good brandy!

CMDR Armour

 

[m00se11]

01/20/3301 12:00

Federation laying claims to the Eagle Mk. II

Federal security agents discovered that the latest revision of the Eagle, named the Eagle Mk.II, inherited thruster and power management technologies from the Federal Dropship project. A project entirely funded by the Federation, for the Federation. Core Dynamics, the Federal Dropship and Eagle manufacturer, is being threatened by the Federation to stop sales of Eagles in non-Federation systems, claiming that their funding for the project was not intended for the benefit of the Empire, Alliance, and other Independent Systems; but strictly their own.

It is currently unknown how Core Dynamics, the Empire and Alliance will respond.

=========================

01/22/3301 11:00


The Empire refuses to stop Eagle sales.


The Empire, already in abysmal terms with the Federation, naturally did not adhere to the Federations requests. And claimed they will continue to manufacture the eagle whether Core Dynamics allows its sales or not. A plethora of Eagle Mk. II production facilities already exist throughout Empire space. The likelihood that eagle sales halt in Empire space appear feeble at this point regardless of Core Dynamics, or the Federations decision.

This appears to have worked in Core Dynamics favor, as halting all eagle sales in Empire systems would have significantly cut their Galactic market share. This is just one new dispute amongst the many between the Empire and Federation. As usual, it will likely go unresolved.

The Alliance, and most Independent systems have yet to respond to the Federations demands...

=========================

2/15/3301 16:00

Alliance and independent systems adhere to the Federations demands.


Unexpectedly, the Alliance gave away their rights to the sales of the Eagle Mk. II; upon hearing that decision, most independent systems will likely follow the same path. Hence, as of 05/15/3301, all Eagle Mk II. sales will cease in said systems. While it is unknown exactly how Alliance and Independent systems will adapt to the change, it is very likely Eagle MK. II's will simply be shipped from Federal space and sold for a slightly higher price.

=========================

3/17/3301 15:00

Alliance Systems to obtain new eagle variant.

Core Dynamics, eager to maintain positive relations with all factions, announced today that they have been working directly with the Alliance to manufacture their very own Eagle variant. Nicknamed the "Allioth Eagle", this Eagle Mk. II variant will feature brand new thruster and weaponry technologies, unrelated to the Federal Dropship project. Said to be priced slightly below 1 million credits, this ship will feature dual medium hard-points, and a single small hardpoint, significantly higher boost speed, along with a much needed Class 3 power plant. Designed to compete with the Viper and Cobra, it is an excellent combat ship for those who value maneuverability over fire-power.

The Alliance announced that the first to gain possession of the Eagle will be security forces, followed by high ranking Alliance pilots.

 

[FS3DPete]

...SNIP!... Nicknamed the "Allioth Eagle", this Eagle Mk. II variant will feature brand new thruster and weaponry technologies, unrelated to the Federal Dropship project. Said to be priced slightly below 1 million credits, this ship will feature dual medium hard-points, and a single small hardpoint, significantly higher boost speed, along with a much needed Class 3 power plant. Designed to compete with the Viper and Cobra, it is an excellent combat ship for those who value maneuverability over fire-power.

The Alliance announced that the first to gain possession of the Eagle will be security forces, followed by high ranking Alliance pilots.

I would love to see this in-game at some point, a ship variant that caters to those who want slightly more firepower and enough juice to run it properly.

Anyway, here's my entry, which I don't expect to see used simply because I don't think it's that newsworthy.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

23-Jan-3301 09:01 GMT

Alliance to respond to requests for mercenary navy progression.

In a surprise announcement, top levels of leadership in the Alliance have called a hearing to determine the feasibility of having their own naval rankings in a similar vein to those provided by the Federation and the Empire. GalNet news representatives have heard that this is in response to requests from various pilots who wish to commit to a cause within a military force but who do not believe that the Federation or the Empire are aligned with their own values. Several pilots have confirmed this is what they are hoping for, including Federation of Pilots registered Commander Leland Jason 'Lee' Fox, who has gone on record as stating "I once had a desire to progress as a Federal Military operative. However, after the fiasco with Onionhead, the death of the VP and subsequent suspicious loss of evidence of his murder, and with the continued posturing between the Federation and the Empire, I feel that I can only give my allegiance to the Alliance from this point forward."

More on this as it develops.

 

[Myka]

Date and time for the news item
Jan 23, 3301

Title
Eranin Plagued by Piracy

Description
Intense fighting during the Federation's ill-fated attempt to recapture the wayward colony of Azeban left local security forces badly mauled and struggling to maintain order in the small communist system known mostly for its pearl whiskey and grain exports. Though combat bond assistance from independent pilots allowed its rangers to force a Federal battlecruiser into retreat and cut off supplies to the Earth-backed rebels on the ground, a band of pirates called the Brotherhood has started to raid Eranin's shipping lanes.

Operating out of LP 98-132, a veritable hive of scum and villainy with no law but that of the laser, these pirates present an obvious threat to the economic stability of the system, but also a business opportunity for bounty hunters as well as mercenaries. The question remains: Is decisive resistance enough to evict the Brotherhood from Eranin, or will this threat have to be eradicated at the root?

Commander Name
Caylo Tavira

Good to see a fellow backer of Eranin still around!

And now for more on the Eranin system...

Date and time for the news item
10:00 Jan 24, 3301

Title
Eranin Strikes Back

Description
The Eranin Civil War in late 3300 was widely regarded as a failed attempt by the Federation to expand its influence by providing military backing to the attempted coup by the Eranin Federal Bridge, fervent supporters of the Federation. With the conclusion of the Civil War, the Eranin People's Party has cemented its political position in the system. The people united against the Federation.

Revelations that Corporate State Asellus Primus had secretly supplied the Eranin Federal Bridge came as a shock to the people of Eranin. Though presently dealing with a pirate infestation from LP 98-132, the Eranin People's Party has begun efforts to expand into Asellus Primus to ensure and secure Eranin security.

A party spokesperson based in Azeban City has put out a general request for independent pilots that value freedom from the Federation's tyranny to join them in the 'Strike Back' campaign.

Commander Name
CMDR Myka Lanserra

**

I'm not attached to the actual time, so feel free to tweak it if necessary for posting