Old Spacers' Advice Thread

[Commander McLane]

Usually the target is just a dark dot in the center of the crosshair. It's all the same what it looks like and what kind of textures it has. But when it rotates in an info box, then all those fancy ship oxps will benefit.

You could also just fly closer to your target.

Shoosh, McLane. You're giving away trade secrets.

Perhaps I should have that included in the Contrabandista's Handbook …

[spara]

Perhaps I should have that included in the Contrabandista's Handbook …

A seasoned veteran giving guidance:
"You see lad, if you want to have a better look at the opponent, you really should fly closer."

[Rese249er]

A seasoned veteran giving guidance:
"You see lad, if you want to have a better look at the opponent, you really should fly closer."

Added to contra'sArt.txt...

[Cody]

A seasoned veteran giving guidance:
"You see lad, if you want to have a better look at the opponent, you really should fly closer."

Added to contra'sArt.txt...

Maybe you'd better expand it into a general almanac of good game advice, 249.
Start trawling through the Tales from the spacelanes thread, perhaps - there's oodles of real game-play in there.

[Rese249er]

Maybe you'd better expand it into a general almanac of good game advice, 249.
Start trawling through the Tales from the spacelanes thread, perhaps - there's oodles of real game-play in there.

Sounds like a good idea. Effective PDQ, renaming to pilot'sArt.txt.

[Cody]

Effective PDQ, renaming to pilot'sArt.txt.

I'll start you off with a question: which is the most precious commodity out there?

[Rese249er]

Um, I would rather quote others as to that subject, as it is a matter of opinion with many possible caveats. I do believe I will post a list of commodities and state which economy buys/sells for the highest.

[Cody]

Bit of a trick question, I suppose - sorry about that. My answer has always been quirium fuel - it's free or dirt-cheap, but absolutely priceless in combat!
I suspect any tank captain or fighter pilot in RL would say the same - fuel!

[Diziet Sma]

Bit of a trick question, I suppose - sorry about that. My answer has always been quirium fuel - it's free or dirt-cheap, but absolutely priceless in combat!
I suspect any tank captain or fighter pilot in RL would say the same - fuel!

Absolutely! That's why I often carry a a 3LY fuel-tank in a missile-bay. Not often I need it, but it's there in case of emergencies.

[Cody]

If you don't carry drop-tanks (or a reserve tank), only make short jumps wherever possible. This can have several benefits.

[Diziet Sma]

On a RandomHits assignment, if I have to make a long jump into a system, I'll loiter in the Station Aegis scanning wormholes until I can hitch a free ride. I once waited an hour (real time) and 20+ wormholes, for a trader heading to the system I wanted. Better that than getting jumped on arrival by six or more henchmen, and me with near-dry tanks.

(Interesting side-note: after a while of watching and waiting, you can generally predict which system a ship will jump to, by the direction they head in after exiting the Station. When you see a ship head in a direction that's new to you, pay attention.. it might be the ride you've been waiting for.)

[superbatprime]

Bit of a trick question, I suppose - sorry about that. My answer has always been quirium fuel - it's free or dirt-cheap, but absolutely priceless in combat!
I suspect any tank captain or fighter pilot in RL would say the same - fuel!

Absolutely! That's why I often carry a a 3LY fuel-tank in a missile-bay. Not often I need it, but it's there in case of emergencies.

Wise words from the oldsters there.
I never would have said "oh fuel for sure" but now you mention it, yes it's always priority one before, during and after a run/mission or fight.

I always have at least one pylon mounted spare tank (more if I'm carrying passengers on the clock)... that's probably my number 1 most essential oxp actually.
I rarely find myself needing to deploy it either but yes, now I think about it, just knowing that extra is there makes me feel more confident in dodgy systems, far more than a full compliment of missiles ever could.

[Cody]

If you're short of pylons, the reserve tank is useful... but it can be damaged (which is good for game-play).
Hitching a free ride (something I do a lot) can a very good idea for a new Jameson. Yes, you don't know where the wormhole is going, but...

[superbatprime]

I actually prefer the pylon mounted tanks because I have to make the choice between missiles or fuel.
If they could be damaged or lost, that would be even better.

Escort missions oxp is good for the odd free ride too, I always check to see if anyone is going my way (or even a nearbyish system) before departure, the fee more than covers any injecting done along the way and it's nice to have company (and backup, although some Mothers can be a little too enthusiastic about getting into fights) on the trip.

[Diziet Sma]

<chuckles> yeah.. some of them come over all bloodthirsty, knowing they have backup, eh?