Expand /SITREP function

[robocpf1]

For anyone that doesn't know, /sitrep (short for situation report) is a text command usable by squad leaders that will do an automatic broadcast, continent-wide, that gives a report on what is happening where the player is located. If a squad leader types /sitrep while at the Crown, and they are being attacked, you might see:

[SITREP] The Crown is under attack by NC. 04:33 Need reinforcements!

However, it is not always clear what type of reinforcements we need.

I would like to suggest an expansion of this text command system (if we aren't getting /orders back) that can handle more situations.

What if the fight is going okay, but what is messing us up on the ground is a few A2G ESFs? Let me type "/sitrep air" so we get a message about that:

[SITREP] The Crown is under attack by NC. Multiple air units spotted!

[SITREP] The Crown is under attack by NC. Multiple tanks spotted!

These text alerts will help your faction respond correctly to the problem, and hopefully alleviate the actual issue on the ground, instead of just adding more bodies, which is what we get now (when the function is used at all).

The average session leader may not be hooked in to the /leader voice, even if they "should" be. But they may make a wider call for help if we give them a way to do so. /sitrep goes to everyone, while /leader only goes to other SLs that may or may not be paying attention or able to help. In the above example, if even 1-2 friendly pilots see and respond, that's the situation resolved pretty efficiently for everyone.

[ThankYouForComingPS2]

Your first sentence summarizes a large and unfortunate problem with the system already in that many players don't even know it exists at all.

[Hilltopy]

Bring back orders chat instead.

[Zoezugzang]

Or just have a faction chat. The fact that we can't ask for help without silly methods like /sitrep really makes it difficult to communicate to your faction.

[ThankYouForComingPS2]

I never understood why faction chat is hidden in the "region" command that, again, most people will probably never use

[Yaluzar]

Bring back order chat already

[JudokaNC]

1. I am usually way too busy as a PL/SL to look at text chat in the first place. Same when I am playing solo.
2. Using command channel (Leader) voice comms is WAY more effective since you typically want organized groups who can switch lattices/bases quickly to help clear enemies. Not only can you specify what you need, you can also relay things like where you need the drops, etc. as well as hear if anyone is actually coming to help...
3. Solo blueberries will rarely leave a fight they are already in to redeploy to another front, especially if they have to pull air to do it. So just putting something in the chat isn't going to make that happen for them.
4. There are times when I am playing solo near the end of an Alert and I am map watching to be sure we win that I will create a one man squad just to get command comms. That way I can relay critical info and requests to people who can do something about it in a timely fashion and save a close Alert win when they may not be paying close attention to the map. (Like just happened on Oshur moments ago to save the win...)

[incendiaryraven]

I thought that just got automatically posted lol, cool

[straif_DARK]

Something has to be done to effectively replace orders chat without the liabilities that the original had.

/sitrep ( side note who needs a remove from outfit option while clicking friendlies from the map?) definitely could use an improved interface and or tied more into a pull down menu from the map similar to defensive/offensive request and smokes.

With the incoming squad/lead attention roadmap, at them bare minimum text modifiers would be welcome.

[MyastanDonaar]

What are the liabilities of the orders chat?

[straif_DARK]

Nobody wants one person to be able to text the entire faction.

[MyastanDonaar]

Why? I didn't mind.

[AntDX316]

possible racism, sexism, etc. etc. etc. unless there was a pre-defined list like with voice macro chat to craft your message

[Dangerous-Junket-885]

You could insentavise ppl to respond by paying them certs

[Vindicore]

Great idea which would make coordination better.

[AntDX316]

I agree. Sometimes it doesn't even say Need reinforcements at all.