Kolatha
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Posted - 2010.08.21 13:17:00 -
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I have watched these nerf local arguments for some time and have noticed a recurring theme from those who want local changed to delayed.
Local is a free intel tool.
So, knowing that features and idea is that way, and knowing I will get a thorough lambasting for my idea I will still put this forward as a rough outline that can be fleshed out.
What if you had to work for local as an intel tool?
First change local intel so it only gave character name and current corp/alliance (not employment history, make it like using a locator agent to gather that info). This still lets you have standings and war-targets shown but leaves you guessing whether that is some 3 day old scouting alt or a 4 year old veteran you have on your scanner.
Change local in 0.0, NPC faction space and low-sec to delayed (it's fun in WH space even though I am always on the receiving end). Hi-sec local remains immediate for all.
Now comes the part where you work for local as intel.
In NPC held space (pirate factions and low-sec) you buy immediate access to local via LP stores of the sovereign faction (but only in systems where that faction has a station, essentially the fluff becomes that local is a function of the stations rather than the gates) and require a minimum standing for purchase. If you don't have sufficient standings and don't fork over the LP for access then your local remains in delayed mode.
Gives some sense of safety to mission runners that may encourage more people into the no-mans-land that is currently low-sec and further into the pirate faction space (it would certainly tempt me). Sure these mission runners will have better intel than the pirates but there will be more of us for you to hunt. Adds a bit more flavour to the game for the RPers as well (perhaps even add LP store item that allows you to become a member of the pirate NPC factions, kinda like faction warfare corps, but a little better thought out).
In 0.0 space immediate local is available as sovereignty upgrade that works for alliance members only.
Throw on top of this the feature where your appearance in local is always delayed, you don't show in local to other system dwellers regardless of whether they have immediate or delayed access (in hi-sec as well), if you enter the system via a non-gate entry, eg, wormholes.
Something along those lines may satisfy both sides of the argument.
But overall, I do agree some changes to local are in order just not to the extremes of a blanket removal. At the very least you should not appear in local if you don't enter the system via a gate.
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