Multiple Objects As One Entity + Pteravore Events

[TheLoneWolf]

So hey guys! I just updated my unfocussed mod TransXtended with Hornet autons and Pteravore launcher. Please read its thread for better description.


Questions:

1. How can I control multiple Hornets as same groups?
What I mean is that when you generally control autons, you either command them independently or as a whole.
But can we make a entity, like Hornet squad, that contains 5 Hornets, and command them using the same way we command independently?
Like the independent list displays:
1. Mule.
2. Mule.
3. Mule.
And I can make it display.
1. Hornet
2. Hornet
3. Hornet
But can I make it display
1. Hornet Squad.
2. Hornet Squad.
3. Hornet Squad.
Where each Hornet Squad contains 5 Hornets, so that we can command them in groups?


2. I'm working with Pteravores.
How can I make them recharge the fuel they return?
How can I make them recharge one ammo if one pteravore returns successfully?
How can I make them linger more?
How can I increase the damage they cause?

[PM]

Standard game, no. It is either one or all.

If you want to mod that feature in, I am not sure if it can be done satisfactorily.

If you own the ship, and it has communications, that ship will always show on your list. The only way I can see to list only one ship of a group is to own the group leader, and the group leader (but not you) own the remaining wingmen. If that leader gets lost, some event promotes one of the wingmen to the new leader and ownership updates to you. I do not know if this is feasible. Also, the list will display the name of the object on comms. It will only display "Hornet Squad" if the ship is literally named "Hornet Squad". That can look silly when you target your squad leader and see it named "Hornet Squad".

Summary: It is probably doable, but it is not easy, and there will likely be unwanted side-effects.

[NMS]

As it happens, I'm working on a mod that allows the player to send commands to groups of ships. It works by creating a virtual station in each system for each group with a <Communications> message for each command you can send them. When you select it, it sends that command to each ship in the group that can accept it. It's complicated because autons, wingmen, and various types of other escorts all have different sets of commands they can accept and different behaviors in response to them, which I'm trying to replicate.

Initially, I'm just planning two groups: combatants and non-combatants. But it could be used for other groups, such as autons or friendly zoanthropes. It might even be possible to create customizable groups, although ships would probably have to be added and removed through a dockscreen.

[TheLoneWolf]

@PM
That sounds great. The main thing is to launch a whole squad from a single container!

@NMS
You guys boost my curiosity to get into events! I wish I could be on the same boat as you guys xD