Even though I have developed some of my points in 2-3 other threads, I hope that this topic may increase the number of people who share my views regarding this subject.
Statement: The NPCs are a disturbing force in the server. Why?
1. First of all and foremost, when they are hostile to you.
Let's say that you are RPing with another player. If you are in a low level NPC area, you will be forced to make circles around yourself like a psycho in order for your shield to not drop. If you are in a high level NPC area, you are actually required to eventually dodge while you are talking.
Personally I don't feel very comfortable when I have to talk and dodge at the same time. And a logical question that somebody would make is;
[font=Times New Roman]Why do I have to dodge the NPCs, in order to have a proper discussion with another player?
Why should an oorp force of the server (NPCs) disturb my RP?
2. Secondly and less importantly, the lawful NPCs demand your cargo and the unlawful NPCs pirate you.
Why is that happening?
Why should the NPCs get involved in the RP side of the server?
Based on the last point, I would like to move to the next question.
[font=Times New Roman]Question: Where are the NPCs needed then?
The NPCs are needed in order to show that the universe is populated. They add variety and color to the universe. According to this thread, the NPCs will have even more variations bringing more color to the universe in the next version.
But if you read that thread, you will also notice that the NPCs will have the turrets of real ships. Imagine how difficult will be to do basic things in the server, such as RPing. We should not let that happen.
[color=#FFFFFF]The purpose of this thread is to go against the notion that the NPCs should be powerful. Strong NPCs are only needed in Guard systems and in a few other selected systems. Nowhere else. Gallia included.
I would like to hear your constructive thoughts on this matter.
NPCs are a nuisance to player/player interactions. People who play in Gallia know what I'm talking about. While sometimes they allow for a few positive interactions and events, most of the time they're just a pain.
I'd add that the NPCs demanding certain cargoes helps new players get a grasp on what goods are illegal, where and to whom.
Also, without NPCs....repping is largely redundant.
I agree with most of your points though. Another thingt hat annoys me is the fact that NPCs drop lots of botts/batts. Nothing is more frustrating than "that guy" in a VHF farming botts and batts, dragging a fight on for about an hour.
I disagree. In fact, I'd move that NPCs should become -stronger-, especially in the vicinity of their own bases, around patrol paths, and in the various guard systems. Reason being to force players to respect the base perimiters and patrol paths for what they are: Guarded zones. This applies to both lawful and unlawful factions, of course. A 5K spawnzone for Liberty Bombers around Baltimore is just as logical as a 5K spawnzone for Barghests around Buffalo.
1: If you're assaulting an enemy base area, you're not going to be shooting off the declaration of independance. Both you and your opponent know what you're there for. The only crafts that will be irritated by NPCs are bombers and smallers. Turning in a circle with those makes you practically immune to the NPC attacks. If you're that irritated by them, blow them up.
2: NPCs pirating can be annoying, yes. Especially BHG demanding pirate pilots from lawful players, even lawkeepers. However, LPI NPCs demanding your Cardamine or Artifacts, or a pack of Hessians demanding your load of Engine Components is quite logical. Especially smuggling (both unlawful smuggling and lawful smuggling through unlawful territory) is affected, and I believe, balanced, this way. X number of times you'll get tagged and have to run because your destination is suddenly glowing a nice shade of crimson. This warrants adjustment to the cargo types that specific factions will demand, not abolishment of it entirely.
Also: NPCs are needed as fragfood for missions (which some people enjoy to be a good challenge), and as a source of cargo for unlawful factions that intend to be doing cargo piracy.
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I think I would voice the unpopular opinion that NPCs are good and nice and are in no way a disturbing force on the server. Some of them may receive a buff, some may get their damage output reduced, but we need that middle line and nothing would be more boring than a bunch of pushovers populating Sirius.
I can hardly recall a situation when the in-game interaction was interrupted by them. Well, it happens sometimes that you have a role play with someone in Rheinland and he hugs his battleship NPC, but that's not representative.
I think I also agree with almost everything Aeternus said above.
Quote:I disagree. In fact, I'd move that NPCs should become -stronger-, especially in the vicinity of their own bases, around patrol paths, and in the various guard systems. Reason being to force players to respect the base perimiters and patrol paths for what they are: Guarded zones. This applies to both lawful and unlawful factions, of course. A 5K spawnzone for Liberty Bombers around Baltimore is just as logical as a 5K spawnzone for Barghests around Buffalo.
I kinda agree with Aeternus too.
The Battleships parked in the blind-spots of hostile bases, waiting for people to undock, will only become more frequent if NPCs are removed.
' Wrote:and as a source of cargo for unlawful factions that intend to be doing cargo piracy.
That should be done on players, not NPC's
My thoughts are mixed on this matter. I agree we should have stronger NPC's near bases but that will raise a big problem in Omega 7, for example. Put some strong NPC in a 5k sphere around the bases and piracy becomes impossible.
On the other hand, NPC ruin most of my interactions and they should not be found in other places then bases, inside tradelanes and in the space between a lane/base and a gate where they should fly in a straight line anyway. I said inside lanes because 10 NPC's (5 hessians and 5 RM/RFP) shooting me while I cam a lane ruins the game and makes me log off especially when the player counts are low.
One part I think we all agree is that NPC should not be carrying CD's
NPC's are too strong in some areas, and too weak in others. Gallic NPC's are a case of too powerful, they make doing anything there a huge bother. As a GRP, going anywhere other than through the lanes (and sometimes even the lanes and bases too,) causes you to be swarmed by 3-5 NPC's who are almost as powerful as you to swarm you everytime you're not cruising.
That being said, their lack of CD's also makes them a blessing, I suppose. Other houses with NPC's don't have that gift.
IMO, NPC's shouldn't be close to Gallic powerful, but they should still pack a punch. All Fighter NPC's should share the same base level of around 12, those are NPC's which can hurt, but aren't going to nearly insta you while trying to type unless they're in a big enough swarm.
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