Surviving Pirate Encounters

Introduction

So by now you have noticed the amount of pirates on the server. Also you have noticed, that even the best turrets you can mount on your trader will not stop that nova torpedo heading your way. This tutorial will show you how to evade pirates or, if you do get caught, how to minimize the damage done to your piggy bank. Remember, that trading might be tedious and a grind, however, the Roleplay encounters you may experience are rewards in themselves.

Escorts

Now, many might say, that these people aren't much use as currently the time needed to down a pirate bomber is not enough to save the trader. But, in truth, shooting off pirates is not what the escorts are meant to do. If you see low ranked players trying to earn their money, you might want to hire them as your escorts. So how would a rhino or a starflyer help you? Easy. You can pay them a million for the trip, so they would take the lane before you do and scout for pirates. This way you may loose a whole million, but you will not need to pay a million to the next 17 pirates you will encounter on your trip.

Remember, as the low ranked civilian is a part of your roleplay and an escort, tell them to get a Freelancer or Mercenary ID.

Lane Jumping

This one is simple. You take a lane and notice a small lag as you pass a certain point. That is your PC loading the pirate ships, camping the lane. Press escape and run back. If you are lucky, as soon as you came on scanner, the pirates shot their lane and will not be able to take it to catch you. If not then...oh well, better luck next time.

The Pirating Encounter

There are a few major rules you must follow, if you want the pirates to let you live and not pirate you more than needed.

• As soon as you are knocked out of the lane, stay in that place. Make no attempt to move closer to the ring, you might think that you will pay and take that ring, but in the pirates eyes, you are trying to position your ship to take the ring as soon as it comes online. Even better, try roleplaying something along the lines of "This is the captain of the ... Our engines are shut down, please do not open fire!"

• Greet the pirate and attempt to interact with them . If the pirate is good, they will rather roleplay back, not demand the money right away. This also will keep the pirates off the thought, that you are trying to contact the navy for backup.

• Do not contact for backup. If the navy will come, the pirates will simply kill you and fly away.

• Always remember not to try to barter with that pirate. It can end up with you loosing some plating or/and your fee upped by a few million.

• Try offering the pirate an offer they cannot refuse. Like escorting your gold ore carrying miner to it's destination and fend off other pirates. Some might do so, just offer them the right sum.

• Always remember to tip your hat, when the pirate lets you go.

Conclusion

Trading is just another form of roleplay. It might need a little less management than, say, roleplaying a battleship, however it doesn't mean you cannot turn it into your main character. Trade for the fun of it, not for the money, make convoys, hire escorts, roleplay in local or group chat and have a good time. Flying a non-combat ship is a nice change from your fighters sometimes and it is a great way to meet new friends without shooting them first.