Preamble
This idea started after a few of us got together to make a Gallic pirates faction based on the generic Pirate ID, a difficult task at the best of times given its limited docking rights but made double by our wish to stay within the limitations of being Gallic (only using their tech, staying near Oil etc) and hoping to pirate everyone in the Tau area.
For now we've been launching from Charost Depot and avoiding fights with the Council to back up that dependency but its not something that makes sense considering we attack Bretonian and Kusari convoys, eventually RP consequences will strike leaving us with only Barrier Gate as a docking point. Naturally that would throw the faction completely off track and drag us into the heart of Sirius which makes absolutely no sense in respect to what we're trying to do.
The Proposal
Basically I'd like to create a Pirate IFF base somewhere within the Tau region, ideally in the north east corner of Tau 31 (H2 or 3) to serve as home to the Pirate ID that is hostile to everyone else, a true pirate haven. There are several possible ways of making this proposed base but I think outwardly it should look like a half destroyed battlecruiser or battleship (Kusari or Gallic) to give it a dangerously rundown feel, maybe even a custom model if someone is feeling creative.
The base itself can be done one of two ways:
1. A Modfied PoB
The quick and dirty way, no messing around with economy stuff or requiring a faction IFF and isn't shown on maps but can be brought down by plugin failures and doesn't sell or buy anything without opening it up to Freelancers.
Pros:
Easier to set up and remove should things not work out.
Unlisted on the Navmap, as a pirate haven would be.
No hassle with IFF's or economy.
Cons:
Unable to sell or buy anything (ID's, ammo, bots and bats etc).
Can be effected by PoB plugin issues.
Useless for cargo pirates.
2. A Proper Base
The more complicated way that requires a lot more work and the addition of another base when the devs are trying to cut down on extras, could possibly use the vacant Gallic Junker slot for IFF and allow a pirate restart.
Pros:
Can buy/sell everything needed, including commodities.
Allows for a Pirate restart.
Not effected by plugins.
Cons: Would need a faction IFF.
Needs a lot of dev work to create.
Shown on the navmap. ~ Thanks to a quick update from Laz last night, it would appear there is little in the way of negatives for an actual base.
Summary
While this idea is somewhat self-serving I think it has a decent amount of potential for all who want to use the Pirate ID without the oddity of sharing bases with Freelancers and could possibly lead to other bases like it. In fact new bases may not even be required, instead bases that have lost their original purpose could be converted, much like squatters taking up residence in an abandoned house.
Of course this all requires refining and feedback so let me know what you think.