Hatch Nasty
Caldari Mean and Nasty
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Posted - 2011.08.21 17:50:00 -
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Personally, I like the idea of a Space Winnebago. I think it would be a good first step in solving the nomad/smallholding problem, with minimal refactoring of existing systems. I mean, basically it would just be a new ship with some altered mechanics. I think we already have a pretty decent template to work with in the Rorqual.
Create a ship with a good sized hanger, a decent sized ship maintenance bay, and module slots that allow you to add custom options (clone vat, small scale refinery, small scale factory, expanded docking bay, expanded hanger, etc.). Then add some kind of special deep space beacon probe that allows the ship to warp to a deep safe spot. At the safe spot the ship can be "deployed" - anchoring it into place, making it dockable for the owner, and allowing use of the included modules (much like one would "deploy" an RV at a campsite, folding out the wings for additional room and function).
While deployed, the ship would would have a normal (albeit, smaller) docking bay and hanger, and a personalized captain's quarters. When folded up and mobile, it would be piloted like any other ship, and it could be docked at a regular station.
Add-on modules could be bought for a deployed Space Winnebago in the same manner we currently do with PI (think, outbuildings and canopies on your parked camper). Maybe sentry guns, sensor arrays, factory units, or shops. Of course, when you pack up the Winnebago, these add-ons get destroyed or left behind if you can't fit them in the cargo.
Deploying at a deep safe spot, and giving the ship a small sig radius, good structure and shield, and maybe some kind of reinforced mechanic (enough to let you pack up and get out if you're sieged), Space Winnebago pilots would have a reasonable degree of safety while deployed in low and null, without being unfindable/untouchable for sov holders determined to clear their territory of squatters.
Small nomad/squatter corps could deploy their Space Winnebagos at a common location, creating camper parks in space. Each member's Winnebago might be specialized, so that the corp can cover a wider range of functionality. Shared corporate facilities like hangers and walkable meeting spaces would be add-on modules in the camper park, with access controlled by corporate roles.
If the devs added permanent terrain (belts, clouds, etc.) in deep space, these might make good locations to deploy a Space Winnebago or camper park. They would provide unique scenery, but might be especially useful if they offered some other benefit like reducing the ability to be scanned down or w-space effects that would make conditions unfavorable for an attacker. I can imagine multiple small corps grouping around such terrain features, working cooperatively to survive on the fringe, and forming loose alliances based on mutual interest and neighborhood defense.
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