Originally by: FireFoxx80

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*makes his original post longer*

Many people have pointed out that giving Torps AoE, even if limited to T2 torps, would be overpowered. And I am inclined to agree with them.

Turret users already have three main areas: Hybrid, Projectile, and Energy.

Missile users have: Guided and Unguided.
Although admittedly the path between the two is somewhat murky, IMHO CCP should seriously look at properly splitting out these two categories so that decent Rocket > HAM > Torp and Light > Heavy > Cruise paths exist.

So for missile users, introduce this 3rd class of AoE bombs. I think we've already established that the benefits (AoE damage) are balanced by the drawbacks (CONCORDOKEN if the wrong target is splashed).

Put them into the Small, Medium, Large tree that turrets have. Introduce a specific Bomb Launcher module (where stealth bombers have some bonus), and let missile users train them up. None of this "missile users have it too good" whine, as anyone with a turret slot feasibly has the chance to train from scratch.

Launcher wise, I figure a comparatively small capacity for each launcher. Something that can only take 3-6 bombs. Give them a hideous RoF, probably up there with siege launchers for the small bomb launcher. Launchers available in the three sizes and colours, T1/T2/Named/Officer/etc...

Bomb wise, I'd like to see things get interesting. Very long range, very slow. Whilst a Stealth Bomber can launch them from 150km away, the target is going to have ample warning to get out of the way (warp) or to take out the incoming bomb. This makes for excellent tactics of bombers having to get as close as possible before uncloaking and releasing bombs, I figure that Stealth Bombers will still maintain their oversized launcher possibly with a RoF bonus.
The mechanics of bombs are similar to missiles in terms of damage vs speed and size, but with the added AoE. The AoE radius being similar to those of small/med/large smartbombs, I am guessing that damage based upon distance from point of origin of explosion might get back into the math-lag that helped rule them out in the first place.

Anyway, I will back this up with some dummy items later on (after work), but I think it's something to consider.

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