Goonhub
07-25-2014, 12:09 PM
Mining pods still see lots of use, and they're very helpful. Some rounds have a constant racket from them tearing through summoned asteroids. They might see even more use if the miner/diner shuttle were moved to a new public location, perhaps old arrivals. A gantry for it could be added onto the end of a docking arm. Then, where the shuttle is currently, you could move the mining pod bay to there. It wouldn't have to be a big one. A single pod is enough.
Really, I don't see a problem with how much pods are used at all... But, if I were to make a wish list for new modules and systems... Here's some modules that should be top-tier manufacturing objects, or stuff that you just have to go out and find or buy.
-Mechanized cargo hold
Includes cargo grasping arm and internal sorting mechanism to allow objects other than crates to be efficiently stored. Also capable of loading things without having the pilot exit the pod, which the current cargo hold doesn't seem to be able to do. It can be a real pain, getting out of the pod to load something manually, only to have the pod fly away due to momentum.
-Combat sensor system
Doesn't include the specialized sensors that the Conclave Sensor System has, but if you Look at another pod/drone, you will get a list, just like when you look at a person, of what equipment it has. It will also give you a note about the strength rating of that equipment.
-Escape teleport system
Secondary system. Upon activating the system, or when the pod explodes, you are teleported back to the location you entered it from.
-Interdiction field generator
Secondary system. Requires a significant number of telecrystals to build. When active, for the entire visible screen around the pod, no wormholes may be created. A counter to those traitors who like to use pods to zip around the station in a way that's very hard to track.
-Nano-repair system
Secondary system. Slowly regenerates pod damage. Simple enough.
-Self-destruct system
Exactly what it says. Able to set detonation time.
-EMP pod weapon
Fries enemy pod circuitry, without damaging pod. Stun only lasts for a short while, and of course you won't have a second weapon system to finish them off with unless you're partnered with another pod. Percent chance to be resisted depending on enemy hull strength/integrity. More effective against mini-pods, less against giant drones.
-Kinetic cannon
Causes enemy pod to rapidly accelerate in opposite direction. Inflicts zero damage against pod, but damages pilot and anyone else inside due to physical stress. Should be weak, so it takes at least ten hits to crit someone.
-Pod flamethrower
Produces a simple, but pretty long, spout of flame. Will melt windows and pass through grates, but not solid walls or floors, and not very damaging against enemy pods. Possibly a syndicate weapon, like the artillery launcher.
-Compact pod frame kit
Made from rarer materials than a standard pod frame. Able to use two secondary systems.
-Y Pod Armor
Extremely strong armor similar to that seen on the Y drone. Only available in a certain telescience expedition zone.
Really, I don't see a problem with how much pods are used at all... But, if I were to make a wish list for new modules and systems... Here's some modules that should be top-tier manufacturing objects, or stuff that you just have to go out and find or buy.
-Mechanized cargo hold
Includes cargo grasping arm and internal sorting mechanism to allow objects other than crates to be efficiently stored. Also capable of loading things without having the pilot exit the pod, which the current cargo hold doesn't seem to be able to do. It can be a real pain, getting out of the pod to load something manually, only to have the pod fly away due to momentum.
-Combat sensor system
Doesn't include the specialized sensors that the Conclave Sensor System has, but if you Look at another pod/drone, you will get a list, just like when you look at a person, of what equipment it has. It will also give you a note about the strength rating of that equipment.
-Escape teleport system
Secondary system. Upon activating the system, or when the pod explodes, you are teleported back to the location you entered it from.
-Interdiction field generator
Secondary system. Requires a significant number of telecrystals to build. When active, for the entire visible screen around the pod, no wormholes may be created. A counter to those traitors who like to use pods to zip around the station in a way that's very hard to track.
-Nano-repair system
Secondary system. Slowly regenerates pod damage. Simple enough.
-Self-destruct system
Exactly what it says. Able to set detonation time.
-EMP pod weapon
Fries enemy pod circuitry, without damaging pod. Stun only lasts for a short while, and of course you won't have a second weapon system to finish them off with unless you're partnered with another pod. Percent chance to be resisted depending on enemy hull strength/integrity. More effective against mini-pods, less against giant drones.
-Kinetic cannon
Causes enemy pod to rapidly accelerate in opposite direction. Inflicts zero damage against pod, but damages pilot and anyone else inside due to physical stress. Should be weak, so it takes at least ten hits to crit someone.
-Pod flamethrower
Produces a simple, but pretty long, spout of flame. Will melt windows and pass through grates, but not solid walls or floors, and not very damaging against enemy pods. Possibly a syndicate weapon, like the artillery launcher.
-Compact pod frame kit
Made from rarer materials than a standard pod frame. Able to use two secondary systems.
-Y Pod Armor
Extremely strong armor similar to that seen on the Y drone. Only available in a certain telescience expedition zone.