Pathfinders Section

Intelligence Division

When Pathfinders and Recon were consolidated, I tried to find a proper title for the section, for the players/pilots involved would still be working in LOD and SOD. I found Scout brought visions of pioneers and the native guides from North American history (the Wild West) and was too narrow a description. The term Recon, it definitely has a full military bearing to it,but with an aura of imminent danger and conflict, it felt too restrictive for gameplay, so I was brought back to Pathfinder.

It is in itself a military name, but it is used in both contexts, and the definition?

path·find·er  (păth′fīn′dər, päth′-)
n.
1. One that discovers a new course or way, especially through or into unexplored regions.
2. One of a group of paratroopers who land ahead of a main force in order to mark the drop zone.

That definition covers both, and the term AJ used to describe the position when I was chosen to head up the section. That’s how we see our pilots being utilized, in dual and dangerous roles, big risk for big rewards for the pilots and for Oddysee.

The Pathfinder positions will still be finalized when the full release occurs, but the section will be busy and at first, the casualties may be high. What is our main purpose? Knowledge.

We will need to locate resources, tech from salvage, real estate and navigational and extraterrestrial from our exploration teams, while military movements and target acquisition will be needed from our military squadrons. Pathfinder ships are not combat ships, so engagement would require solid risk assessment, and the intelligence is more valuable than another kill painted on your hull.

That data will get passed on to LOD, SOD (as described above) and Intel for security and supply contracts with other organizations.

That how I interpret Pathfinders as being used, an option for all the roles and any ideas or proposed missions are rattling around in you mind, I would love to hear them.

cainsrebel

Senior Chief Pathfinder