Elite NPC ships or ship groups

[BigBJW]

I have been playing for about 6 months, and one thing I think would be a very nice addition - tougher/elite NPC ships or ship groups.

I understand why most are the way they are - however it would be very nice if there were roving NPC ships/ship groups that were lvl 65, and were actually a challenge.

The key improvements I could think of would be:
1) They will always use the best ammunition and powder (bronze, stone or chain etc).
2) They should actually repair! Program them so they may rotate a target facing that's 50% shot up and then USE A REPAIR SKILL.
3) They should always try to out maneuver you.
4) Possibly even board you in some circumstances...(not sure how you would determine what the circumstances would be - but the possibility of being boarded would be quite challenging).

These types of NPC's should probably be easily identified as elite/tough opponent, so players can decide ahead of time weather they want to take one on.

The point is - giving players who don't PvP (that is a lot of players) a much more rewarding challenge, .... AND giving new players a chance to fight an intelligent opponent so they may better prepared to PvP.

Maybe I'm just dreaming - but it seems that some NPCs could be made more dangerous and intelligent...

[Zero Venetus]

Have you tried sinking a 12 by yourself?

[BigBJW]

Actually - with 2....it works nicely. But it still isn't the same as opponents who repair & maneuver - like a human will

[Cobra01994]

Originally Posted by BigBJW Actually - with 2....it works nicely. But it still isn't the same as opponents who repair & maneuver - like a human will

yeh, a 12 is easy... because they don't repair.. it's like you can just a piece of wood until it finally breaks...

[dsaur2]

Originally Posted by Zero Venetus Have you tried sinking a 12 by yourself?

Yes and the zone server crashed and I sunk....

[PaulG]

If you want a greater challenge from ships perhaps you could consider attacking players instead?

[BigBJW]

Originally Posted by PaulG If you want a greater challenge from ships perhaps you could consider attacking players instead?

That is sound advice (and I have engaged in many PvP's) - but is there a reason why you think it would be a bad for FLS to make tougher NPC's available for other players?

[TheRaven]

I say: Yes!

12 packs are not, in fact, that hard. It's the numbers that make them dangerous. Besides, if you think about realistically: No single ship could take on 12 or even 8 warships by herself, no matter her class or tonnage.

I love this idea, a real challenge!

And, sorry to the fleeters: Why not have certain ships be "hunters"? Have them attempt to cull out the "lamb" (lower level) of the flock and crush them? This could provide more interest IF you still desired to fleet, as the bigger ships would have to act as "bulls", protecting the vulnerable. No more mind-numbing good-wind-line-up-fire-both-sides-done fleeting.

I think a general point I've been seeing around nation chat and the forums is: MAKE NPCs (specifically "fleets" of 8 or 12) HARDER TO FIGHT.

[Cobra01994]

Originally Posted by TheRaven I say: Yes! 12 packs are not, in fact, that hard. It's the numbers that make them dangerous. Besides, if you think about realistically: No single ship could take on 12 or even 8 warships by herself, no matter her class or tonnage. I love this idea, a real challenge! And, sorry to the fleeters: Why not have certain ships be "hunters"? Have them attempt to cull out the "lamb" (lower level) of the flock and crush them? This could provide more interest IF you still desired to fleet, as the bigger ships would have to act as "bulls", protecting the vulnerable. No more mind-numbing good-wind-line-up-fire-both-sides-done fleeting. I think a general point I've been seeing around nation chat and the forums is: MAKE NPCs (specifically "fleets" of 8 or 12) HARDER TO FIGHT.

Agreed.
/addmoarlettersE-rage.