"Explorer" class ships?

[Marcus Lindberg]

While I was talking at OSI Chat, I had an idea hit me. I don't know if anyone's ever considered it before, but I personally think it would add a whole new dimension of RP (sort of) if we had a whole new "Class" of ships (like bombers, gunboats etc) called Explorers.

Basically, I think ships like the Spatial would fit nicely in. The one thing that would make this "class" of ship stand out from the rest is that they would be able to equip a unique scanner, preferably one that is able to scan up to 25K-50K (Or have one that can scan 25K, and another ridiculously expensive one which scans up to 50K).

I personally think this would add some more RP, and that we would perhaps be able to see more people flying the Spatial, and probably other Explorer class ships as well. People could probably use this to map out systems that they've never been to for future reference.

The one problem with this though is that your other chars (who made need the mapped out system MORE than your explorer char will) won't probably be able to see it. But I still feel its a useful idea, since it will allow people a chance to note the coordinates of certain jump holes or planets or asteroid fields and basically stuff like that.

I'd also like to thin house military's would like to use technology like this as a kind of 'early warning system'. Basically, you'd be able to spot attack forces coming in earlier, so that your own house military can mobilize for the attack itself. The only problem I see with this is that it may completely ruin the concept of a sneak attack :/.

Also, spy factions like LSF/MND etc could also use this to conduct incursions on enemy territory to gain data and what not. It really adds interesting RP in my opinion.

Comments?

[elgeeko]

So more or less, a class in general of explorer ships that gets more specific by manufacturer;
IE;

Civilian Explorers = survey/exploration ships
Corporate Explorers = much the same with an emphasis on prospecting natural resources
House Military Explorers = AWACs
LSF/Other secretive organization explorers = spying/surveillance platforms

It seems Kusari already has a civilian-ish explorer, I saw a submission idea for a Rheinland explorer a while back, there is already an Order recon ship... so we actually have potential candidates for the class already in-game.

I like the idea, the only concern is balancing the ship so that it can't be exploited in a nasty fashion to bend-break rules somehow someway.

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[MarvinCZ]

The existing exploring ships are already spread over several extremely distinct ship classes. Creating one ship class for them would go against the system in which our classes are set up. It would also bring a chaos to the "allowed ship classes".

I am not against giving them some special scanner, that still could be accomplished. I would just keep calling the Spatial a SHF, the Kusari Explorer a Gunboat etc.

[elgeeko]

Good points, I think part of the suggestion might also involve having someone create 'explorer' style ships (as fighters capships or even freighters depending on the faction its made for) for other factions.

I know someone is submitting a Stealth spy ship for the LSF and I am making an Order recon stealth LF....

So yes, maybe just an addendum to the infocard and a special scanner hardpoint.

"This vessel is rated for heavy duty extra-sensitive surveillance/exploration equipment"

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[Bear]

I love the idea, it would give me something to do rather than mining all day long.

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[Elsdragon]

GO ask for a spyglass scanner on the stock exchange.

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No longer a slave to the man!

[Rowly]

i already proposed something like this a while back as an AWACS type thing i like the idea alot!!!

[mace8403]

To implement this, maybe make an explorer faction just like you have freelancer or mercenary. Just make it so that faction can only fly certain ships instead of ship classes and make one ship only available to the faction.

[MarvinCZ]

To implement this, maybe make an explorer faction just like you have freelancer or mercenary. Just make it so that faction can only fly certain ships instead of ship classes and make one ship only available to the faction.

There already are factions who have exploration as one of their goals. Bowex is one of them.

[schlurbi]

Sounds a bit like a Spy Vessel. Or that Order Cruiser.

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"Who is it doing this synthetic type of alpha beta psychedelic funkin'?"