Awesome Potential of playable CDF

imperialphalanx

I'm sure this idea has cropped up many a time on these hallowed forums, but I'm adding my voice (for better or worse). And with with the new series of Discovery coming, I feel like Cryptic could use this as an excuse to make the Cardassian Civil Defence Force (CDF) finally playable. Even if it isn't fully fleshed out like the Republic, a small starting story and a couple of innovative ships would be great. An episode for all other factions that acts as the Cardassian story arc (Like the Dominion vs Hurq arc) could be made alongside the faction's release.


I know for a fact that there are a great many Cardassian fans out there. The Cardassians have been present and described as a well known power ever since TNG. They've been in TNG, Voyager, and most famously, DS9. Fans sometimes argue that we, as viewers of Star Trek, got an even better insight into Cardassian life and culture than we've gotten from the Romulans! A very unique design of uniforms and ships, and a very intimate knowledge of the Cardassian mindset and culture would make them a great addition to STO!


The tutorial for the CDF and the accompanying episode has potential to be one of the most interesting stories in the game! Especially if events continue along the lines of the newest episodes (don't worry, I'm not spoiling ANYTHING about them). An arc about the Khitomer Alliance helping the Cardassians deal with the True Way or another threat, and helping rebuild Cardassia, culminating with the Cardassian Union joining the Khitomer Alliance would fit perfectly into STO's shifting political tides. (Plus their section in the Hall of Alliance could be the spot across from the Dominion once their spot gets build too) The arc could even be more about a large threat to the Khitomer Alliance, which Cardassia helps in solving!

Fans would LOVE to see how the proud Cardassians are dealing with recovering from being on the frontline of every conflict since the Dominion War. Part of why the Romulan arc is so good is that we get to see the change, and by the end, we feel like we've helped make the Romulan people better, and a playable Cardassian faction is just begging for the same emotional response from players. A couple of new ships, along the lines of Cardassia's three newest vessels would make players overjoyed! (possibly a modernized Hideki, Galor, Keldon, and Hutet?)

I'm aware that this will most likely never happen. But what I am saying is, that if you (the developers at Cryptic) ever get the time and the chance, a Cardassian faction could not only make a ton of fans happy, but could be a a very interesting and engaging move forward for the story of STO and the Khitomer Alliance. STO's huge melange of story arcs can make it all seem very disjointed at times, but using the Cardassians to push forward with the Khitomer Alliance and its conflicts could be HUGE for this game.

salazarraze

I love this idea and it's similar to an idea that I've had for a while. Sadly both idea will probably never happen.

I always wanted each race gets it's own 5 mission starting story similar to TOS-FED's. For Cardassians, they'd get a 5 mission starter in which they battle the true way or whatever, then choose FED or KDF and jump into the main storyline.

They could do this for other races too. Ferengi could have their own 5 mission starter story in which you go head to head with Madran over some business/privateer dispute. Then jump into the main story along with other FEDs.

Vulcans could have their own starting story in which they battle some emotionally based cult trying to overthrow the Vulcan government or something along those lines. I mean, they could literally do it for all races but they likely won't though. Too much dev time/money/resources for little to zero profit return.

imperialphalanx

The important thing is, imo, the Cardassians are a major faction. They have more screen time than the Dominion! So while I personally don't think its a great idea for smaller factions like the Ferengi to get their own playable factions, I feel like the Cardassians almost deserve one!

leemwatson

Couldn't do this without time-travel. The war ended 3 decades beforehand, and they've since recovered. You only need to play a Romulan to get an idea of how they recovered. Sorry, but it's a pointless rehashed exercise. Seeing as Cardi's are playable already, it's very little to 'exploit'.