Piracy..how does it work in EM?

[Wildcard]

Hi there. So, played the demo some time ago, thinking of finally buying EM and diving in, on MP. Now, I'm a solo player, and I'm thinking of pirating. How viable is that in EM? I'm coming from EVE, to give you an idea of my background..

[-splosives-]

Not really a smart think to ask on the official forum that the developer of this game checks daily. I wouldn't know how to pirate it, and if I did, I wouldn't tell you.
Just buy the game if you like it, this guy needs your support.

UNLESS you mean pirating in game, which is totally cool. Just go to players and ask for their money I guess.

(I think I misinterpreted you the first time)

[Edited on 11-1-2012 by -splosives-]

[Vice]

I think he's probably just be referring to pirating in the game as a role play option. In which case, here are some suggestions:

- Buy a cargo scanner. This way you can scan ships before attacking to make sure they have cargo you are interested in pirating.
- Buy a stealth generator. This way, you can sneak up on ships, hostile or otherwise, to complete your scans, then decloak and attack when ready.
- Make sure you have a ship that is well-equipped enough for the task. Be prepared to take on reinforcements as the ship you are attacking calls for help.

[Viper]

I'm guessing you are referring to playing the RP role of a pirate?

In that case, pretty much the same as in other games. It depends on how 'deep' you are looking to play the RP. Stopping other ships in mid-space and asking them for tax in return for save passage is probably the most common way to practice it, and this would work in Evochron Mercenary too. There will be one pretty big additional challenge in regards to this that EM poses compared to other space sims: the universe is huge and seamless. There are jumpgates connecting one region of space with another which you could patrol, but there are quite a few systems in the EvoVerse, which makes the probability that some pilot would use the jumpgate you are patrolling, pretty small.

A better option would be to check out the in-game player list to see where the other pilots are, and then hunting them down. If you ask me, this is the more enjoyable way to do it anyway. However, this also has a downside: with one click of a button, any pilot could use his jumpdrive and jump away from in any random direction for a distance of up to 10 sectors, depending on his type of jumpdrive. This would make it a huge challenge to 'catch' anyone.
There are some weapons which deplete energy though. These might be a good choice for you, since without energy a ship won't jump. In order to use these weapons to your benefit, you would have to get within weapons range of your target, release a salvo so their energy gets drained, then state your demands. You would have to repeatedly fire them though, to prevent your target's energy from recharging.

It's just one option that springs to mind, though. There might be other, better ones.

When it comes to trading 'the black market' with illegal items, which could also be a way to play the pirate RP, I don't think there's a real good way to do that in EM. There are no items which are illegal as such as far as I know, so this one would be even more tricky.

The restrictions listed above are the reasons I have been expressing my wish for one or two regions in space that are dominated by outlaws such as pirates. These regions might also house stations in secluded areas such as nebulae, which would make excellent places to sell 'black market' goods that can be sold for huge prices against a similar huge risk. I imagine NPC's scanning you and demanding to drop the illegal cargo you're carrying, just like in Freelancer.
Things like these would boost the opportunities for active role play immensely.

However, like I described, at this time the opportunities for active role play are somewhat limited. So, how exactly were you planning to play the pirate role? Maybe we can think of a way that would suit you with the means the game offers us at this point in time.


~ Viper.


Edit:
Vice beat me to it. He mentioned the stealth generator, which I didn't think of. This could be a really great way to sneak up on other pilots and increase your chances in success. I think I'll try it myself as well, never really used one before.

[Edited on 11-1-2012 by Viper]

[Wildcard]

@splosives, yes, I meant in-game piracy.

Also, thanks for the responses so far..in EVE, there's a module called a "warp scrambler". It prevents the player being scrambled from getting away..then piracy and/or destruction can ensue. so it's not RP, it's literally either ransoming someone so they can avoid destruction, or just taking them out and scooping loot drops. I was wondering if such a device exists in EM(I guess not), and, if so, why not? This universe could use a few bad guys

Edit: Of course, the victims of this can fight back. I mean, its a flight sim. I want a dogfight. strike, counterstrikes, explosions. that's what I want.

[Edited on 11-1-2012 by Wildcard]

[Wildcard]

I'm guessing you are referring to playing the RP role of a pirate?

In that case, pretty much the same as in other games. It depends on how 'deep' you are looking to play the RP. Stopping other ships in mid-space and asking them for tax in return for save passage is probably the most common way to practice it, and this would work in Evochron Mercenary too. There will be one pretty big additional challenge in regards to this that EM poses compared to other space sims: the universe is huge and seamless. There are jumpgates connecting one region of space with another which you could patrol, but there are quite a few systems in the EvoVerse, which makes the probability that some pilot would use the jumpgate you are patrolling, pretty small.

A better option would be to check out the in-game player list to see where the other pilots are, and then hunting them down. If you ask me, this is the more enjoyable way to do it anyway. However, this also has a downside: with one click of a button, any pilot could use his jumpdrive and jump away from in any random direction for a distance of up to 10 sectors, depending on his type of jumpdrive. This would make it a huge challenge to 'catch' anyone.
There are some weapons which deplete energy though. These might be a good choice for you, since without energy a ship won't jump. In order to use these weapons to your benefit, you would have to get within weapons range of your target, release a salvo so their energy gets drained, then state your demands. You would have to repeatedly fire them though, to prevent your target's energy from recharging.

It's just one option that springs to mind, though. There might be other, better ones.

When it comes to trading 'the black market' with illegal items, which could also be a way to play the pirate RP, I don't think there's a real good way to do that in EM. There are no items which are illegal as such as far as I know, so this one would be even more tricky.

The restrictions listed above are the reasons I have been expressing my wish for one or two regions in space that are dominated by outlaws such as pirates. These regions might also house stations in secluded areas such as nebulae, which would make excellent places to sell 'black market' goods that can be sold for huge prices against a similar huge risk. I imagine NPC's scanning you and demanding to drop the illegal cargo you're carrying, just like in Freelancer.
Things like these would boost the opportunities for active role play immensely.

However, like I described, at this time the opportunities for active role play are somewhat limited. So, how exactly were you planning to play the pirate role? Maybe we can think of a way that would suit you with the means the game offers us at this point in time.


~ Viper.


Edit:
Vice beat me to it. He mentioned the stealth generator, which I didn't think of. This could be a really great way to sneak up on other pilots and increase your chances in success. I think I'll try it myself as well, never really used one before.

[Edited on 11-1-2012 by Viper]

well, keep in mind I'm a long way from knowing EM's mechanics(I've reading the guides etc), but yes, sneaking up on people while they mine, or run missions, etc, and hijacking them for cash, fuel, cargo, etc. would be amazing. the problem is there isn't apparently, a way to stop them from escaping. also, as you say, this universe is huge, so there would need to be a way to track people, not just hope to find 'em. I think this should be given some serious thought, because it would be a LOT of fun, for the hunters and the hunted..

[Vice]

There is an engine disruption missile that cripples a ship's ability to escape via the jump drive. It won't really change things with AI ships per se, some of them will still try to bribe you into leaving them alone if they view as a significant enough threat. But such missiles can be used in the way you describe against human players.

[Marvin]

There have been successful pirates in MP ... probably the most noteable being Romulan. But he was an excellent fighter and, even more importantly, a master in the use of a cloaking device. Other pirates have tried the "profession" at the get-go and run into problems (Veterans) ... and, so, decided to limit their pirating to other new, less-skilled pilots. Which usually ends as described above ... eventually the pirate finds himself on the run, being chased by a horde of Vets who love nothing better than blowing up pirates.

[Wildcard]

There is an engine disruption missile that cripples a ship's ability to escape via the jump drive. It won't really change things with AI ships per se, some of them will still try to bribe you into leaving them alone if they view as a significant enough threat. But such missiles can be used in the way you describe against human players.

That is fantastic. soon as I get my feet wet in-game, and can fly effectively, I'm gonna try this. also, I really think a "black market" is an excellent idea too. I know EM and EVE are two entirely different deals..but, it seems to me that anything that increases player interaction(positive or negative) is a good idea. This universe needs pirates..to spur more dynamic gameplay.

[Wildcard]

There have been successful pirates in MP ... probably the most noteable being Romulan. But he was an excellent fighter and, even more importantly, a master in the use of a cloaking device. Other pirates have tried the "profession" at the get-go and run into problems (Veterans) ... and, so, decided to limit their pirating to other new, less-skilled pilots. Which usually ends as described above ... eventually the pirate finds himself on the run, being chased by a horde of Vets who love nothing better than blowing up pirates.

lol. well, yes, for every action there is an equal/opposite reaction. Lets see how it goes..

[Viper]

Also, as you say, this universe is huge, so there would need to be a way to track people, not just hope to find 'em. I think this should be given some serious thought, because it would be a LOT of fun, for the hunters and the hunted..

That one is easy. If you press the tilde key (~), you will see a list of players along with their coordinates on the top right of your screen. When you have figured out how the coordinate system in EM works, you will be able to track them down and even land right on their heads.

Also, that missile Vice mentioned was another thing I didn't think of. So so far we have:
- the anti-jumpdrive missile (I think it's that EMP one?...)
- stealth generators
- a really good way to always see where other pilots are (the coordinates system)

I think if you utilize all of those, you would be able to do a pretty decent job. However keep in mind that it will require persistence, as the pirate role has never been easy and, like Marvin mentioned, other pilots which often much better skills than the pirate, often enjoy hunting those poor pirates down.

But hey, that's the life of a pirate!


~ Viper.

[-splosives-]

If you get used to the coordinate system, it gets a lot easier to track people down. I have to do this sometimes when people try to take away my clan's territory behind my back.

Here's a little trick that I use to kill unsuspecting civilians:
Usually people hang out in the station docking bay, so an efficient way to kill people is to jump in at the docking bay (right click on the station icon on your nav map), race past them and shoot them down before they can react. This can only be done by deactivating auto docking in stations by pressing alt-F3.

[Wildcard]

Also, as you say, this universe is huge, so there would need to be a way to track people, not just hope to find 'em. I think this should be given some serious thought, because it would be a LOT of fun, for the hunters and the hunted..

That one is easy. If you press the tilde key (~), you will see a list of players along with their coordinates on the top right of your screen. When you have figured out how the coordinate system in EM works, you will be able to track them down and even land right on their heads.

Also, that missile Vice mentioned was another thing I didn't think of. So so far we have:
- the anti-jumpdrive missile (I think it's that EMP one?...)
- stealth generators
- a really good way to always see where other pilots are (the coordinates system)

I think if you utilize all of those, you would be able to do a pretty decent job. However keep in mind that it will require persistence, as the pirate role has never been easy and, like Marvin mentioned, other pilots which often much better skills than the pirate, often enjoy hunting those poor pirates down.

But hey, that's the life of a pirate!


~ Viper.

sounds good. Is there a way to know what someone is flying before you jump on 'em? also, is there a way to scan a ship to see what its fitted with?

[-splosives-]

Also, as you say, this universe is huge, so there would need to be a way to track people, not just hope to find 'em. I think this should be given some serious thought, because it would be a LOT of fun, for the hunters and the hunted..

That one is easy. If you press the tilde key (~), you will see a list of players along with their coordinates on the top right of your screen. When you have figured out how the coordinate system in EM works, you will be able to track them down and even land right on their heads.

Also, that missile Vice mentioned was another thing I didn't think of. So so far we have:
- the anti-jumpdrive missile (I think it's that EMP one?...)
- stealth generators
- a really good way to always see where other pilots are (the coordinates system)

I think if you utilize all of those, you would be able to do a pretty decent job. However keep in mind that it will require persistence, as the pirate role has never been easy and, like Marvin mentioned, other pilots which often much better skills than the pirate, often enjoy hunting those poor pirates down.

But hey, that's the life of a pirate!


~ Viper.

sounds good. Is there a way to know what someone is flying before you jump on 'em? also, is there a way to scan a ship to see what its fitted with?

Look at his military rank.
If it's high, chances are high that you'll face a high class military frame, which isn't ideal. If they have low rank, they will have either a ferret scout ship or a civilian frame, which is a lot less dangerous.

[Wildcard]

Also, as you say, this universe is huge, so there would need to be a way to track people, not just hope to find 'em. I think this should be given some serious thought, because it would be a LOT of fun, for the hunters and the hunted..

That one is easy. If you press the tilde key (~), you will see a list of players along with their coordinates on the top right of your screen. When you have figured out how the coordinate system in EM works, you will be able to track them down and even land right on their heads.

Also, that missile Vice mentioned was another thing I didn't think of. So so far we have:
- the anti-jumpdrive missile (I think it's that EMP one?...)
- stealth generators
- a really good way to always see where other pilots are (the coordinates system)

I think if you utilize all of those, you would be able to do a pretty decent job. However keep in mind that it will require persistence, as the pirate role has never been easy and, like Marvin mentioned, other pilots which often much better skills than the pirate, often enjoy hunting those poor pirates down.

But hey, that's the life of a pirate!


~ Viper.

sounds good. Is there a way to know what someone is flying before you jump on 'em? also, is there a way to scan a ship to see what its fitted with?

Look at his military rank.
If it's high, chances are high that you'll face a high class military frame, which isn't ideal. If they have low rank, they will have either a ferret scout ship or a civilian frame, which is a lot less dangerous.

will do. what a prospecting pirate would want is a ship with lots of valuable cargo, not a military ship bristling with weapons. You know, I'm betting plenty of you DON'T want pirates in game. understandable. but it makes for a better game. early on with EVE, players figured out how to tank "concord"(the in-game police, basically), and it forced CCP to make some changes.

I think some of that is needed here.

[Wildcard]

I think he's probably just be referring to pirating in the game as a role play option. In which case, here are some suggestions:

- Buy a cargo scanner. This way you can scan ships before attacking to make sure they have cargo you are interested in pirating.
- Buy a stealth generator. This way, you can sneak up on ships, hostile or otherwise, to complete your scans, then decloak and attack when ready.
- Make sure you have a ship that is well-equipped enough for the task. Be prepared to take on reinforcements as the ship you are attacking calls for help.

Vice: does the cargo scanner also show ship fittings? or just cargo?

[-splosives-]

I think many players DO want pirates in game (including me). The problem is that lots of them quit out of frustration because they get outclassed by the veterans. What we need is a pirate clan with really skilled players in it.

[Vice]

Vice: does the cargo scanner also show ship fittings? or just cargo?

Cargo only.

[Wildcard]

Vice: does the cargo scanner also show ship fittings? or just cargo?

Cargo only.

KK. I could theoretically figure out the rest of a ship fit based on frame used and knowledge of common weps used. thanks.

[Marvin]

splosives' clue of looking at the player's rank is a good one. Press the tilde key (~) to view player stats (rank, rep, ping and location) in the upper-right corner of your monitor. A high rank indicates the pilot has access to the better ships ... and is probably flying one.

[Wildcard]

Alright..I bought the game, downloading now This is gonna be fun *rubs hands and cackles evilly..and my new pilot's name is Black Ops

[Edited on 11-2-2012 by Wildcard]

[sundalo]

Another pirate finally, even better an EVE veteran, welcome to the game Wildcard!:D:)

[Wildcard]

Another pirate finally, even better an EVE veteran, welcome to the game Wildcard!:D:)

Thanks sundalo

[Edited on 11-2-2012 by Wildcard]

[-splosives-]

You still with [BA] sundalo? maybe you could form up as a pirate crew. You could teach him how to chase people, like you always like to do

[sundalo]

You still with [BA] sundalo? maybe you could form up as a pirate crew. You could teach him how to chase people, like you always like to do

Nah I'm good, [BA] is where I wanna be, just waiting for the expansion. I know Bossk and Dengar will come around. Its already difficult as it to form new clans.