faction authorities

[Xoria]

When the server rules don't apply, and the solid RP "rules" don't apply (like Corsairs cannot ally with Outcasts), then the rule to fall back on is the oldest one there is: might makes right.

If I was smuggling and a BHG scanned me and demanded that I surrender the contraband, I wouldn't view it as a demand from the legal authorities, and I wouldn't view it as piracy. I would view it as a selfish demand from an opportunist, who would have to force me to comply. (But I wouldn't take it personally.)

If a house clan will pay BHG for proof of destroyed contraband, then the BHG ought to destroy all of the contraband, if they can get the smuggler to drop it.

If the nearest house clan will NOT pay for destroyed contraband, then the BHG should tractor in what they can, destroy the rest, and turn in the contraband to a planet for a reward from the planetary authorities. In such a case, the BHG ought to be announcing in system chat what is going on so no one thinks the BHG is the one smuggling.

I do have a bit of a problem with a BHG destoying a ship over contraband, though. That kind of risk of loss of life ought to be reserved for the legal authorities, not just any old neanderthal with heavy weapons and a Bounty Hunting license (no offense Jinx). Damage their ship down to 1% hull, then follow them to their destination CD'ing them all along the way while calling for the house authorities, but a BHG killing over contraband is murder in my book. You can still make a smuggler's activity pretty difficult without killing them.
It looks to me like the LSF, SF, SA etc ought to step up and proclaim their policy on rewarding lawful characters for busting smugglers.
Basically, I look at BHG engaging in contraband interdiction as just barely one step removed from extortion/blackmail. "Pay ME or I'll turn you in."

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