So what's up with bases and Roleplay?

[Karst]

The rules I have in mind should exist to prevent, for instance, Zoners juggernauts shooting Zoner bases with no actual repercussions for it. Even a basic rule like..

"When attacking a player owned base, ensure you have diplomatic reason to do so."

If I remember correctly, there are engagement rules of some sort regarding bases in the making.

Although really, there's already a rule in place that should prevent oorp diplomacy regarding POBs:

6.9 You must follow the restrictions/allowances of your ID, as well as the diplomacy of the NPC faction it represents. If your ID does not represent an NPC faction (generic IDs), then your reputation and conduct must match the actions of your character. You must not dock at bases that your NPC faction is hostile to, or attack allies of your NPC faction.

So if you're supplying a Hessian base with your RepEx transport or attacking a base with an oorp alliance, you should be open to a 6.9 violation sanction.

Problem is, generally a base's ownership is not entirely obvious.

Now, about bases in general: Yes, I do think they add to server roleplay.
From my experience running a base for a while, it produced plenty of nice rp opportunities, even if it was just asking a certain faction to supply a certain product.

Or another example: I met an Outcast transport hauling what was obviously base supplies on my KSP funboat.
This gave me the opportunity to roleplay with him, and receive a massive bribe. Ahahaha!

It's the same as with players: If players don't roleplay, chances are their bases will serve no roleplay purpose, either.
Hell, it might even make players roleplay since a lolwut may build a base, and then be contacted by the local authorities and forced to roleplay.

Overall, they certainly need some work in the balancing department, but they are a great addition with massive potential.

Edit:

What about the bases that have not fitted an affiliation?

They would be free game, or at least free game for anyone that would normally be able to kill stuff wherever they are.
That would be the price for not showing who owns the place.

---