I have a little problem with Guard systems. Specifically, I have a little problem with the fact that they exist, and seem to exist for no purpose other than to have a place to stick high-grade equipment and to let factions build a bunch of stuff which only they ever get to see/use, some of which doesn't make any sense at all from a wider RP perspective. They generally serve no purpose within the RP of Discovery, though there are a few exceptions (Omicron-74 for example, though why the Zoners would build a Freeport right next to another Freeport makes little sense to me).
Generally speaking, the Guard systems are 'owned' by a player faction, who are generally the only people who get to use the system. Even indies of the same faction often aren't particularly welcome, though they're allowed in to buy equipment because the rules say it must be so. And that rule caused endless amounts of whining. As for other characters, entering a Guard system often means very quick death, because the NPCs in most Guard systems are pumped to absurd power levels and come in absurd numbers, for the sole purpose of keeping people other than the owners from using the system. If you're not hostile to the silly Guard NPCs, or can survive them somehow, you're still labeled as OORP for using the Guard system, like you should just ignore that it's there and never, ever go near it.
I propose that Guard systems actually get integrated into the Discovery universe, as opposed to existing as their own separate little islands of 'reality'.
(Note: I'm leaving for most of the day in a while, so I won't be replying to anything for some time. Everyone enjoy the thread until I return.)
' Wrote:I have a little problem with Guard systems. Specifically, I have a little problem with the fact that they exist, and seem to exist for no purpose other than to have a place to stick high-grade equipment and to let factions build a bunch of stuff which only they ever get to see/use, some of which doesn't make any sense at all from a wider RP perspective. They generally serve no purpose within the RP of Discovery, though there are a few exceptions (Omicron-74 for example, though why the Zoners would build a Freeport right next to another Freeport makes little sense to me).
Generally speaking, the Guard systems are 'owned' by a player faction, who are generally the only people who get to use the system. Even indies of the same faction often aren't particularly welcome, though they're allowed in to buy equipment because the rules say it must be so. And that rule caused endless amounts of whining. As for other characters, entering a Guard system often means very quick death, because the NPCs in most Guard systems are pumped to absurd power levels and come in absurd numbers, for the sole purpose of keeping people other than the owners from using the system. If you're not hostile to the silly Guard NPCs, or can survive them somehow, you're still labeled as OORP for using the Guard system, like you should just ignore that it's there and never, ever go near it.
I propose that Guard systems actually get integrated into the Discovery universe, as opposed to existing as their own separate little islands of 'reality'.
(Note: I'm leaving for most of the day in a while, so I won't be replying to anything for some time. Everyone enjoy the thread until I return.)
(Edit: A fine way to spend my 2000th post, eh?)
without guard systems, people would be easily able to acquire our best equipment. It would be an arms dealers and lolwutters holiday if they were removed.
I think I've made sufficient effort in integrating Iota and 99 into global universe while looking unique due to their purpose. I don't have a problem with trial nomad characters hanging around them, not like they can do any harm around there. Too quick to paint everyone with the same color, eh? For the other guard system get a guard reputation on neutral level, it ain't hard to, so what's the fuss is all about? Don't see a point in there myself.
' Wrote:without guard systems, people would be easily able to acquire our best equipment. It would be an arms dealers and lolwutters holiday if they were removed.
People already acquire the best equipment easily enough if they have FLstat or similar programs. You don't need Guard systems to find that stuff. Arms Dealers can live on codenames and lazy people who don't want to go elsewhere to find something.
' Wrote:I think I've made sufficient effort in integrating Iota and 99 into global universe while looking unique due to their purpose. I don't have a problem with trial nomad characters hanging around them, not like they can do any harm around there.
Those are Guard systems? I though they were just... Nomad systems. Anyway, I can't really comment on those, since the only time I was in Iota I got pwnt. But then, that's kinda supposed to happen to humans in the deepest of Nomad systems.
' Wrote:I propose that Guard systems actually get integrated into the Discovery universe, as opposed to existing as their own separate little islands of 'reality'.
I agree. That's why I'm hoping Saar will be implementable as planned with its idea of greater connections. Last I heard, the plans for Tottori are of a similar nature.
On the plus side, at least they are connected to the trade system now! That's a significant increase in connections since 4.84.
' Wrote:People already acquire the best equipment easily enough if they have FLstat or similar programs. You don't need Guard systems to find that stuff. Arms Dealers can live on codenames and lazy people who don't want to go elsewhere to find something.
which is easier?
1. "Ooooh look level 10 guns and battleships at Toledo" or
2. "Hmm....level 10 guns in a heavily defended place I have a bad rep with and cannot dock in, I have to do some serious powerrepping first"
I'm all for it. Then again, I don't own a guard system....
Guard systems should, in my oppinion, start to be integreted by adding outposts of a different faction. A sensical one. In the LN guard, stick a LPI base, then an ageria base.
Start to put up lanes.
Pull in DSE. At this point, add Xeno terrists.
Expand a couple of the bases, add rogues.
Presto! Not a guard sysem, though it would still have scary powerful stuff.
The bases in some guard systems might...not go well with the rest of discovery at all, as they're too...not sensical.
I'd also think it brilliant if someone ran up a new model for The Ring/Oder Shipyard, because that's supposed to be a wonder of Rhienlandish engineering, and its looking rather..plain, in comparison to all the new beauties of stations which abound.
1. "Ooooh look level 10 guns and battleships at Toledo" or
2. "Hmm....level 10 guns in a heavily defended place I have a bad rep with and cannot dock in, I have to do some serious powerrepping first"
It doesn't matter. At most it delays things... A little bit. You can survive and dock in a Guard system after 1 bribe or 3 missions, and you can buy a battleship as soon as you can dock. And just about any gun you can find in a Guard system you can find elsewhere as well... And I see no reason to limit guns/equipment in Guard systems. It has no real purpose.
Edit: Now I really must be off. I'll check back this afternoon or tonight.
And just whom is going to repay the faction who bought these systems? I hope you have deep pockets, they cost a billion each. You cant get your cake and eat it too.
Formerly known as LPI Police Chief Hull O'Brien.
Creator of Sgt. V. Price, 207th Precinct out of Chula Vista Station
As a member of a couple factions who've yet to buy their Guard system, I can say that we do not want a lulsystem, we want things integrated into the rp of the mod, and are considering spending our money to do so.
Anyway, Guard systems cost 500 million. The price was lowered. You're not buying a guard system when you forward your 500 million faction proposal. Point in fact, you're not even buying a faction. You're buying a chance to apply.
![[Image: allenstews.1.png]](http://media.moddb.com/images/members/1/322/321330/allenstews.1.png)
![[Image: 4986_s.gif]](http://signavatar.com/4986_s.gif)
