I'm actually just fine with the status quo. New York fills some essential needs to keep the game running smoothly. People need some place to talk OOC, especially when they've just gotten started on the server and are trying to get their bearings. In other words, OOC zone needs to be the same as the starting zone. Of course, people also need a zone to do all of their character-juggling and setup without interference and without having to work it into RP. That means a place where OOC is OK and PvP is off so jerks can't interfere.
In other words, we need a no-PVP zone, an OOC-OK zone, and a starting zone, and they all need to be in the same place. Manhattan is perfect. Besides, Manhattan is the standard starting place for Freelancer, and the default-hostile NPCs are tame. It's the PERFECT place for new players to start. From New York, you have easy missions that you can complete in a Starflier, you have mining in Colorado, you have trading available from Manhattan in any direction. Simply put, there is no better place for players/characters to start their career.
I agree that the OOC is annoying. Just ignore it, and keep your own chatter in character. But the way things are done are done for a reason. A good one even.:)
I'll be honest - I skipped over almost all of this thread to give my opinion.
New York should be PVP enabled and an RP System. I don't think new players should start off here in a system that is completely OOC, it just gives the wrong impression IMO.
As for an OOC system, I think Connecticut would be perfect for that, as it is a system for sparring and tournaments ect. It would just be made RP when events are held.
Why do players have to start on Manhattan? Can't we use something similar to OpenSP so that players can decide where they start, depending on their faction of choice? Also, starting with a reputation, I.D and beginner ship depending on this choice might be good too and would encourage RP.
This would make NY a true Liberty system, instead of being full of in-construction characters. Battles could be fought above Manhattan, and people could actually play as Rogues.
for the new people on the server, just put a jump hole in front of manathan and name it something like training. In this system people would be able to set up their char and do some low lvl mission to familiarise themself with the game, trade, etc. The system could hold a station selling a commodity explaining What is RP actualy and how to respect it.
b'cuz the situation in the liberty system is ridiculus, some pirate that dont want to die during a fight just jump from california, colorado or texas to NY so nobody would be able to kill them. Also same prob with smuggler selling illegal stuff on manathan(how can we arrest them?).
And yes it could give a good example for new player if NY is Full-RP and Full-PvP
@Blunt: it's impossible to change the starting point in MP or to choose your faction before spawning
That's not entirely true... Using FLAK (and console commands) the admin staff can set up templates for starting locations ect...
For example you create new character...
Kusari Navy - Hiro
log into the game, send to console "kusaristart" (or whatever the legitimate command would be)
It's very possible, Nightstalkers Universe has a system like that where factions have a "starter template" so new faction characters are automatically faction repped and moved to the home base where a leader can give them their funds etc.... Something like this would be very useful for "general purpose".
the goal of protecting new players and keeping them safe in new york until they get a grasp of things should not really be tied to ooc and no pvp. They have enough protection by the 29 and under rule, and they will gain the benefit of being immersed right off the bat.
I didn't want to point out the banking issue as straight as it has been, because its the last on my list of reasons to change the rules about new york. It is a major breach of RP, but currently its not because NY is no RP.
For the ooc no pvp area, it would make sense for it to be an empty zone with only one way in and one way out, that way you can avoid it entirely if you want to.
Still in no way suggesting re invent the wheel, as in remake a new starting zone. Only a unconnected out of the way, OOC no PVP chill room. 1 base for point of reference and that way people that don't like the idea of exposed banks can keep their security, and people that have a lot of ooc questions can ask them.
It would open up more opportunity for these new factions that keep popping up to be one of the liberty ones.
*Wilson shows off his ham sandwich* - Armory.003
*mark placed on Unit-sk855's forehead* - Head hitting the desk as of reading the above
I would also vote for NY to be PVP enabled. On a couple of occasions I have chased a pirate who instantly fled to NY and just waited for me to move on or log off. Where is the RP in that...you under attack so you set course for a location that is outside of RP??? As for a starting area, create an empty zone and link it to a jumphole behind manhatten on the otherside of the rochester base. That way of people want to just go somewhere and chill..no problem, I think that using a no-pvp/no rp area to store clan banks should be considered a serious breach of RP. Use the zone for what its intended for..not what unintentional advantage you can get from it. If a clan has a new member, let them escort him to the clans area for outfitting not just pop in and BOOM instant capital ship.
1. I'm support clamping down on excessive OOC and leetness in NY. But let's be reasonable. It's the first place new players go when they join the server, let's not become a bunch of cats-bum school mistresses. Give the newbies (and not so newbies) some leeway.
2. I do not support re-enabling PvP in NY. I for one like to think there's a safe haven, where I know my brand new chars can get a foothold without worrying about whether some putz is gonna use me for target practice, rule violation or no. Especially when you get these wankers sitting right above Manhattan in a BS, vaping every Navy patrol in sight just for kicks. It's too easy for some Starflyer to get caught by the splash. God I see it nearly every day, and never in any other system. Can you imagine how bad it'll get when you have like HF & SA & LSF duking it out over Manhattan all the time?