So today for the first time since 4.84, I escorted a trader on his journey to filthy riches. Finding the run to be quite quick and I got a lovely fee for the escort (double than expected) I decided that I really will try to be more of an escort pilot since I've never really tried it out.
So folks here are some tips/assumptions I've made on escorting and being a trader in general that can be useful. Share your own too! You've likely done more escorts than me!
Have a light fighter - Your job is to harass pirates and be agile, taking down the pirates is a bonus but that is time consuming and that means less money for you and your employer.
<strike>Equip a Hornet Disruptor - I prefer the sheer speed and reliability of the Hornet, however its main drawback is explosion range. If you are being targeted by a big target, try to get behind and fire away. Hit those engines.</strike>
Get a Train CD - These disruptors are the best at stopping things over the Hornet, not to mention have the larger hit radius. Stop those ships.
Recon, Recon and Recon - Your main advantage as an escort is your small profile, therefore jump ahead in the lanes but by ONLY one lane. Making sure the way is clear is good but don't leave your escort behind where he can be jumped. Making you look a right fool and with less money.
If you see a suspicious target, check - Not everyone that is white or red want to pirate you, but it doesn't hurt to shout stop to your trader. Try RP'ing with the character to get an idea of who they are and what they want. But make it quick, time is money and safety.
Be a pest - You are going to harass, and keep harassing pirates, they will attack in numbers and you just need to wind them up to get them off the trader. Keep cruise disrupting and keep strafing, every CD explosion on them may stop their own CD, giving the trader a better window to escape.
Know where you can dock - Sometimes you'll have no choice but to dock with your trader, know where you are allowed to dock
Talk to your trader - Traders are heartless beings, convert them into people of society by talking to them. They're like Sims, sociable when coaxed into it.
Look for traders - Traders rarely call for escorts, offer your services. On most 'power routes' there are almost always traders. Know where the hubs are and sit around, once you see one leave, follow close and offer your services.
When in New York... - New York is a hub of many kinds of activity, skullduggery and hilarious acts of RP. Avoid the trade lanes at all costs. It may take a few minutes longer to get to the sell point, or through New York. When in doubt, sneak. Can be applied to all systems really.
Those are some things I can think of from top of my head. Anyone got more solid things to add? I'm new to this art. :crazy:
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