Tool Proposal - Flare Gun

[thefonztm@gmail.com 86]

So, I was thinking about how there is no long range in game communication. I've heard that radios may be coming, but I expect those will be uber rare if/when they get added. Direct chat is the only in game option, but a lot of people will shoot you well before you can get that close just to be safe. It could be that both survivors would be friendly, but neither wants to expose them self to being shot to find out. So, how then can survivors communicate their intentions without closing into direct chat range? My idea was a flare gun. After giving it more thought, I think it would be a good addition to day z for a couple reasons beyond just communication. So, here is my idea.

FYI: I'm just because I'm saying survivor to describe players doesn't mean I don't mean bandits. Everyone is a survivor. It's all about how you choose to survive.

Note: Some of these idea can be accomplished with normal flares, but using the flare gun would be generally more useful and effective, especially at longer ranges.

Tool - Flare Gun.

Description: Fires a flare up into the air, or perhaps whatever direction the survivor is looking. Activated from tool belt, or knowing Rocket, takes place of the pistol. Uses road flares for ammunition, or possibly flare gun rounds that can be converted to/from road flares.

Rarity: On par with watch/compass.

Loudness: Makarov-ish. But also with noise from the flare itself along flight path. Definitely a unique, easily identifiable sound would be nice. Something like "pop and sizzle."

Flares: Parachute flares or not? Parachutes would be nice, particularly at night. But would it be too good? Also, implementation might be difficult unless ArmA already has something similar.

Uses:

A different kind of light source at night (top down light).

Distract zed. Fire a flare down a road. Flare attracts any zed near its flight path to the final resting place of the flare.

A form of long range communication. Survivors can fire flares into the air to announce their presence to other survivors.

From a communication standpoint, its gives the user a level of protection since it can be used well outside Direct Chat range. Perhaps best of all, it is completely vague about its meaning.

If someone fires a flare, it could be a gesture of good will, they might be friendly. Or maybe they are just trying to lure you out in the open for a clear shot. Do you respond with a flare of your own? Do you hide/run? Do they even know you are here (they could be firing just to check for any responses)?

Say you fired the first flare and you get a response. All those situations I just mentioned apply to you too. Plus you took a risk, maybe there is no response, but someone is there waiting for your loot.

In summary, the flare gun would provide a new light source at night, a new way to distract zed, and a way for survivors to communicate beyond Direct Chat range.

[Wired 1]

Interestingly enough, there are flare grenades for the underslung grenade launcher... I'm not sure how they work though, I never carried them. However they would be a good model for how the flare would act.

[Surg3on 4]

That would be pretty cool.

[DeadManDan 23]

Sounds fun. I'd use to spook people. There is a grenade launcher attached to one of the assault rifles already that fires flares and smoke grenades though.

http://dayzwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=M203_Flare

[clever 12]

A flare gun would be very cool, and even though it's uncommon you could eventually find one. This would really help with communications between groups (And random survivors), different colored flares could be established as meaning different things by the community.

[Wired 1]

It would be cool to see how far one was visible in the air like that.

[thefonztm@gmail.com 86]

I've seen smoke and frag rounds for the launcher, haven't seen a flare one yet. I figure making a simple flare round would be relatively easy. A parachute round would be harder from scratch. particularly if you don't want the parachute behavior to kick in on low angle shots. I see three ways to do it.

Selectable Mode: Regular/Parachute, would work like how weapons switch between semi/burst/full. Definitely easiest.

Firing Angle: Shots fire above a, say, 60 degree angle will fall as parachute flares. Below that angle, no parachute behavior. Probably hardest to implement.

Two flare gun ammo types: Regular ammo, no parachute, convertible between road flares and flare gun ammo. Parachute ammo, much less common, but much more useful at night! Sort of a tier below NVGs. Possibly best for game play.

[warrenbeitz 0]

I've been drooling about this for a while. Would make night combat freaking awesome. And they would be pretty popular near the coast, all boast have them.

[thisisbleep 32]

You should post this on the suggestions board, I would support it.

http://dayzmod.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=7

[DeadManDan 23]

Don't forget to include chem flares. Would love it if it used road flares and chemlights as ammo.

[thefonztm@gmail.com 86]

thisisbleep, thanks man. I didn't even think about that its reposted now.

Suggestions Forum - http://dayzmod.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=27453

Anyone seeing this thread in general discussion please got to the Suggestion Forum thread to show your support for/against and to post you opinions!

[usszim 35]

I think this would be best with parachutes to differentiate it from the thrown flare. Plus, parachute flares are the cooliest.

Also, it ought to do some damage to someone if you shoot them up close, I can imagine they hurt.

[blaf 63]

Everyone who played the game "Blood" knows how flares should behave :)