Quote:~You propose that we limit the Jinkusu to SRP - I ask why? Sure, as one of the most difficult of "openly available" ships to acquire in the game in terms of both financial requirement and ID, every lolwut strives to fly one as a trophy or perhaps to compensate in some strange freudian way. However, the Zoner RP inhibits PVP Whoring - which is why you seldom see the Jinkusu being abused. You strike a valid point with the issue of how anyone can field one of the largest ships in the game - but your question applies to every capital class ship - and the answer is, there comes a point where realism and player RP enjoyment clash. On this server however, it seems we've come to favor the latter over the former. As a Jinkusu Rp-er myself, I must admit that I am biased at this point. After all, I've always attempted my utmost when RPing in my Jinkusu, and I've never abused my ship. Why should I have to give it up for a conceptual problem that hasn't manifested to the point of necessitating an intervention?

Quote:The current fragmented nature of the Zoners fits quite nicely with the current power structure of the Zoners. The Zoners have split off into groups of common interest (as the original Zoners had from Sirius) - and have each formed powerful organizations in their respective fields (some becoming large trading groups, others becoming mining groups, and others still becoming a small but growing organized Religion). Like the city states of ancient Greece (though not nearly as militant) - they are usually separate, posing no threat to the status quo on their own. However, when encroached by a common threat, they become a formidable power to destroy the aggressors, before breaking off from mutual disinterest once the threat is gone - This sort of fragmentation embodies the very core of the neutrality that the Zoners represent.

Quote:Where the Jinkusu was a symbol of the Zoner capacity to defend themselves, peace through overwhelming firepower, the Aquilon is the main defense against Battleship class aggressors. Currently, it is the only practical battleship class vessel in the use of the Zoners, only the Aquilon can navigate through the dense asteroid clusters of the Zoner Zones of Influence. Removing the Aquilon would cripple the defensive potential of the Zoners against Battleships.

The Fearless applies to cruisers as what the Aquilon does to battleships. It too is a necessary deterrent and counter force to aggressors in cruiser class vessels.

Quote:The Corvo is supposed to be a rugged research vessel, one which should be able to offer a measure of safety in the dangers of open space - a role that a gunboat can more than accomplish. This will however allow Corvos to serve within house space, which is contrary to the spirit of the vessel. Some measure should be made to restrict the Corvo to outside House space.

Quote:There are simply too many for the current Zoner player base to support without overexerting. Also, there is absolutely NO NEED for any Freeport to be located in proximity to another as they are supposed to be safe oases in the hostile desert of open space.

Quote:In addition, there is no reason for the Zoners to be considered "allied" to the Order as well - seeing how the Zoners are both technologically and economically isolated from the Order - or are at least as close to the Order as any other faction other than the default hostile ones. Some have misconstrued the Zoner ID "allied to Order" clause as an indication of favoritism Order issues over those of the BHG - it serves only to jeopardize Zoner neutrality.

Quote:Now, with the near monopoly on neutrality in the border worlds, and the seductive allure of adventure and second chances - the Zoners have swollen into an economic and popular power. Their Freeports facilitate massive commerce among warring factions, and generate equally massive capital. The "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses" philosophy has encouraged a massive influx of settlers, workers, scientists, philosophers, and hopefuls from the far reaches of war-torn Sirius. Great minds from all walks of life have flocked to the Zoner lifestyle, bringing about a Renaissance of discovery and invention. Where the Zoners were once weak, they are now strong. Where they once had few, they now have many; where they were once poor, they are now rich; where they were once harmless, they are now formidable. All this, and yet - it has preserved its essence; to exist peaceably, uninvolved. All that has changed is how they once defended themselves by staying small, they now defend themselves with the fruits of their labor.

Almost all of the Zoner players in Sirius seem to understand this - they fly with the sense of security bought by the power of Zoner formidability. No, the Zoners were never meant to be a militant power. I say militant, because one can posses a strong military and still not be militant. The Zoners are non-aggressive, and their prosperity has been the result of their neutrality. Their large, well armed ships are a product of their new philosophy - We come in peace, but god help you if you don't - as it says in nearly all the heavily armed Zoner ship infocards.

Quote: Marcus said:
The Bretonians, and expansionist empire, are losing a war with Kusari. Now they are about to be attacked by Gallia. Bloody hell, lets the Bretonian fleet take over and annex the planet. Even the ZDF, something which I participated in the creation of, wouldn't be able to stop the Bretonians militarily and would have to retreat or surrender.

Quote:Would the organized governance of the other freeports care? Likely, but they'd have to risk lessening their own defenses to aid them, and they'd have to spend public revenue to do so, as well as possibly pissing off outcasts, or outcast friends, in the area.

So, then, there are varying levels to what the Zoners are. A Zoner is expected to help other zoners. A base government has at its heart the interest of itself, or, if it is very enlightened, its people.

' Wrote:what are zoners meant to be like?
how are zoners supposed to be considered by others?

these are still not anwered - ppl got carried away in separating freeports - but quite honestly. - even if it was done - ppl would still complain about zoners claiming a neutrality ( the cornerstone of complaints ).

' Wrote:@jammi:

so - can we assume that players are happier with the two examples of two splinter groups of zoners?

one group that is powerful, but tends to become hostile to its neighbours - and one that is "true" - and will be ignored and left in peace.

will that make the community happier?

that is a serious question actually.