any time an npc transport or escort is attacked, it should automatically emit a distress signal on channel 911 identifying it's location, and who it is being attacked by.

This would apply to npc transports/escorts being attacked by hive bots or player characters. It could be similar to the communications normally received about ctc transports on ctc channels. Military related activity might use a different channel, although ctc transports and military convoys being attacked by hive bots might also use channel 911.

Initial message can go out over system chat, advising more details will follow on channel 911

I do not wish to overload normal channels, or significantly dilute player chatter. Occasional npc traffic on standard channels might be ok, but I prefer player dominated channels remain player dominated.

+1....also only to shows on system chat and 911....

As long as it announces any time a behemoth or convoy is launched from a station too.

sorry but that's ridiculous for two reasons:

1) Nobody cares if NPC bots are attacked, nor will they ever come to assist out of the kindness of their hearts.

and 2) Only people hoping to take advantage of the situation will show up.

What purpose would such an announcement serve other than to make it easier to find escorts to shoot?

@Inevitable: I do not see how an npc announcing it's departure is in it's own best interest. I think for your request, you need to invent an npc that would have a self interest in making such an announcement.

@greenwall: I agree with you on both points. I do really expect anyone to go and assist an npc "out of the kindness of their hearts". I think your second point is more on point. neither of which really change the fact that while an npc facing destruction has little reason to call for help, they have even less reason not to.

/vote mute "Roda Slane"

Channel 911 is the EMS public guild channel.

And as mentioned, nobody cares about npc's getting shot.

-1.

Actually, Viper used to, sort of. Their goal was to hunt down pirates. NPCs getting shot gives you an idea of where pirates are currently active. Also, some people take their roleplaying seriously and want to protect even the NPCs. More power to them, I say.

Channel 911, as all channels, belongs to the devs. It is only unofficially the EMS channel. That particular number has significance within North America: it is our emergency number, like 112 in Europe. If the devs chose to make it a special channel, it would have nothing to do with any bias toward or against EMS.

Channel numbers don't really matter, but I'd say if this were to be added, why not go with channels 2?? - 2??. This would be on top of the notification channels 201 and 202 for ctc. It would just make sense to put them there.

It's not about coming to the rescue of the NPC (indeed, who cares about them). This is about knowing where the PC's are, either to attack them, to join in the looting, or to avoid the area. RP wise it also makes sense, why would a convoy under attack not ask for help?

If you think that convoys would want to stay hidden, maybe an initial 'help I'm under attack' message on the nation channel, and only a distress call on the general channel after suffering significant damage.

Actually, shouldn't convoys broadcast the sighting of any 'hated' enemy on the proper nation channel so people can respond?

+1

I've long thought there should be distress calls, potentially from either PCs or NPCs. The people who assist could gain something from it.. perhaps a rescue-specific badge tree along with some standing with the respective faction, or whatever.

As to the mechanics of how it should be announced to the playerbase, I welcome continued feedback.