Endovior
Osmosis Inc
Li3 Federation
134
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Posted - 2013.12.14 19:18:00 -
[1] - Quote
Interesting idea, but I wouldn't support mining being purely scatter-based. Carrots rather than sticks, after all... here's how I'd implement it.
Mining yield should be more-or-less unchanged (a slight nerf might be acceptable, but don't go overboard)... but in addition to standard yields, have asteroids break off ore chunks randomly while mining lasers are operating. Chunks have a longish duration (a minute or two, instead of the seconds that a scatter container lasts), but tend to break off at a higher velocity, which makes them difficult for larger ships to chase down (maybe make chunks targetable, such that you can grab them with a tractor beam). That said, chunks are unowned; anyone can grab them without attracting CONCORD's attention, if they're quick enough; they should be valuable enough, in comparison w that peopl
Ordinary mining lasers should generate fewer chunks, but at a slower velocity, so smaller ships that mine with lasers (like the Venture, which conveniently has a utility hislot) should be able to gather most the chunks they produce, if they're on the ball. In contrast, strip miners generate lots more chunks, but at high velocities, making quite a mess. When an asteroid is depleted, it explodes in a shower of chunks, filling space with tasty ore.
Additionally, add another ORE Industrial ship... along the same lines as the Noctis, but with an ore hold instead of the salvage bonus; this ship will specialize in hunting down chunks. Finally, consider adding a utility hislot to the other mining ships, to reward non-AFK miners.
This combination will make it more profitable and more interesting for new players to solo mine in a Venture, since they can enrich themselves by hunting down their own chunks. More experienced players that use strip miners can still grab some chunks if they're on the ball, but tractor beam or no, barges and exhumers will still generate a lot more chunks than they can gather. As such, mining groups (and multiboxers) will find it beneficial to bring some dedicated chunk-hunters along... but on the other hand, chunk ninjas will casually invite themselves to belts frequented by AFK/bot types, and enrich themselves in the process. |