Potential enhancement to Political Officer

[Alex Fury]

For the Exemplar Contractor (even rapid rank potentially), and just overall contract-fulfillment whether for an award, or just trying to improve your rep:

Would be REALLY nice if the Political Officer, when you are looking at taking on new contracts would keep you updated on things like: your rep is so bad there or XXX rumor has shut down the location you need to go to turn this in.

I can't tell you how many times over the course of playing that I've failed contracts because I simply cannot go to the planet-location to turn it in. Many (most?) times the place is closed before I even take the contract, and it can be hard to keep in your mind what all places will be closed to you.

As another optional enhancement, this time to Smuggler/Spy Officer. Perhaps he can let you access those locations that are closed to you.

[HateSolstice]

I don't know enough about the Exemplar to comment that.

But, for the Political officer, I think that's a good idea. A quick little reminder toast would be sufficient I think. However, contracts do tell you what faction you would potentially be working against, and what location. Thus, one could argue that it's not really needed either, and that you should be tracking your rep standings anyway. Either way, you make a good point and I support it.

I don't think I've seen a Smuggler officer before, so I don't even know what he does. The Spy, however, boosts surveillance success, gives you free "premium" rumors instead of costing $100 per use, and informs you when there are no more rumors worth hearing. I find that to be highly invaluable as-is.

Seriously though, I didn't even know there was a Smuggler officer. What do they do?

[Alex Fury]

HateSolstice - I believe the 'spy' WAS originally the 'smuggler' officer. But had a name-shift.

While yes, I agree, you need to keep track of your own rep, and I do. I don't usually recall what level bad rep blocks you from what actions. (no exchange, no palace, no stardock). Also, if you cannot complete these actions due to the rep (or a rumor locking the place down) then either a reduced rep-loss, or it shouldn't count against failed/refused for awards like Exemplar Contractor.

[HateSolstice]

Alex Fury - Ah. It has been so long since I first started playing, I've nearly forgotten what the game was like then.

Also, I meant no disrespect when I mentioned self-tracking your rep standings. I was attempting to play devil's advocate, so I apologize if I came across as offensive.

I personally happen to really enjoy and respect the level of balance that Cory and Andrew have put into the game. If you have read any of my other posts on the subject, then you'd most definitely see that I do my best to suggest and keep balances within the game. Actually, I think most people here do. Oh, and just so you know, this isn't meant as a commentary on you or anyone, I just end up rambling way more than needed when I write things down.

Anyway, back to the topic at hand. I support the idea of the Political officer doing a more efficient job in reminding you of the quadrant's political affairs and where you stand within them. Otherwise, she isn't really doing her job, now is she? So, I recommend either a toast message saying reminding the captain that accepting the contract would be ineffective due to his poor reputation with the faction in control of the target planet, or amending the contract text to include this information, both prior to accepting the contract, and on the contract log of the ship. Hopefully this aligns with your original idea.

Besides, if my Consul class idea gets enough positive feedback, the Political officer is gonna need some overhauling anyway to keep up! =P