Some of the discussion about how DUST mercs could afford Warbarges gave me an idea on how to make this system more engaging.

First, I propose a progression of Warbarges, where as you progress you trade your old Warbarge in (or sell it) in order to buy a better Warbarge.

Second, on the Warbarge screen, show an image of what your Warbarge looks like. This will require Rattati to get one of the EVE Concept Artists to make some small .jpg still images, but they would give you a big bang for the buck.


Three paths to getting Warbarges:

- With the ISK path Warbarges appearing to be bodged together from old ships out of the scrapyard except for the last one which is a True Warbarge.

- LP Warbarges being modified ships as well, but looking newer and well maintained.

- AUR Warbarges are true Warbarges that you might get if you are a spoiled rich kid from Old Money who can ask your family to finance you.


Essentially the only difference between the ISK, LP, and AUR Warbarges would be the jpg image of the ship on the Warbarge Screen, and the name. But it would give an immersive feel.

Also, a Warbarge could be upgraded to the next class of Warbarge through any of the processes. So you could stat down the ISK path for your first Warbarge, then by a level 2 Raider Warbarge for AUR, and then decide to grind LP for the level 3 Warbarge.


Warbarge Progression ISK:

0)No Warbarge: Start the game with no Warbarge, and have to work toward getting one. Say there is an investor who is looking to sponsor a DUST merc, but they are not going to invest in a lowly recruit. Have Loyalty Rank 2 be the requirement to get a Warbarge. After this stage you have to pay to upgrade to each new ship, but there may also be some other requirements as you need have an impressive enough record to attract a crew.

1)Modified EVE Starter Frigate: Old, well used looking EVE Starter ship for the mercGÇÖs race. Single Platform, with no room for additional upgrades.

2)Modified Ore Barge: An Ore Barge with some small turrets attached to its belly. Expandable to 2 platforms.

3)Modified Freighter: A Freighter with some small turrets tacked on. Expandable to 3 platforms.

4)Modified Orca: A very weathered Orca, with some small turrets. Expandable to 4 Platforms.

5)Warbarge: An actually purpose built Warbarge.


Warbarge Progression LP:

0)No Warbarge: Start the game with no Warbarge, and have to work toward getting one. To get one of the Factions to sponsor you, you must get level 2 standing in a Faction to request a Warbarge.

1)Modified EVE Starter Frigate: (Requires Loyalty Rank 2) EVE Starter ship for the FactionGÇÖs race. Single Platform, with no room for additional upgrades.

2)Modified Cruiser: (Requires Loyalty Rank 4) A Cruiser of the Faction you purchased it from, which as seen better days, and has been modified for Orbital Support with the medium turrets switched out for Small turrets. Expandable to 2 platforms.

3)Modified Freighter: (Requires Loyalty Rank 6) A Freighter, of the Faction you purchased it from, with some small turrets tacked on. Expandable to 3 platforms.

4)Modified Carrier: (Requires Loyalty Rank 8) A very weathered Carrier, possibly missing some parts, of the Faction you purchased it from, with some small turrets. Expandable to 4 Platforms.

5)Warbarge: (Requires Loyalty Rank 10) An actually purpose built Warbarge, with the look of a ship designed by the Faction you purchased it from.


Warbarge Progression AUR:

0)
1)
2)Raider Warbarge: A Cruiser sized Warbarge, Expandable to 2 platforms.
3)
4)
5)Warbarge: An actually purpose built Warbarge, with the look of a ship designed by the Faction you purchased it from.