' Wrote:Welcome to the Black Talon Operations Manual
Escorting
Black Talon exists to get RepEx shipments to their end destination successfully. But how do we do that?

The first way is by not allowing our protected cargo to come even within sight of a pirate. If we fail to do that we have lost. The Black Talon vessel should travel one trade lane ahead of the cargo vessel or vessels. This ensures that you encounter the pirate vessel before the valuable cargo does. Have some quick reference words set up with your escorte so that they know there is trouble ahead. I find that 'Drop' or 'Flee' work nicely.

When you come to the end of the trade lane, wait until your escorte is in sight, and then take the next lane. I always tell my escorts that I assume the lane is safe unless otherwise stated. When you come to a JumpGate, use the same procedure, wait until the trader is in sight, then jump. Normally though, tell the trader to wait until you give an all-clear.

It is important that you and your escorte plan your route ahead of time, that way neither of you are surprised. It is also important to keep in mind escape and alternate routes for your escorte, and know which way they will run if confronted, so that you can draw the pirate in another direction. Don't be foolish though, once your escorte is out of there or safely docked, scram. Nothing says you even have to engage the pirate, just give the shipping captain notice that he's there, and keep tabs on the pirate until the shipment is safely away.

• 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.
  

' Wrote:I find trading in convoys (with an escort or other traders) to be slower than trading alone, so it is actually better to pay the pirate if it saves you time which leaves more time to make more money... Unless the pirate charges more than the escort would charge.
Do you? Do you get a lot of business? I -never -see escorts on anyone, only big trading factions (like Convoy, or USI...) seem to feel to hire them.

' Wrote:But good guide Fletch, I might revise RepEx's using some of your material.

The rule I beat into Black Talon pilots is "If the pirate sees the trader, the escort has failed at their job."

' Wrote:Depends, Mwerte. You can also go the [Convoy] way of escorting: Cluster up so much firepower and armored transports together that the odd bomber is simply brushed aside. But yes, in general, scouting is the best way to avoid running into an ambush.

Which brings me to one point missing in the guide:
- Know alternate routes. Your job is to get your trader from point A to point B. How you do that does not really matter. Know where the usual ambushes are and know how to go around them. If you as a scout spot an ambush, direct your transport around them.

Some common examples: Between Bretonia and Liberty there's often an ambush on the lane between Riverside and the New York gate. If you have a transport that needs to get around that, head either through Ontario - Colorado - New York, or Pennsylvania - New York.

' Wrote:Nice work!

A Train Disruptor is not necessary in my opinion because (game mechanics) anythign that would need the TCD can't attack your trader or miner. As an escort I go with the pvp-ish mosqito and I've never been in a situation that demanded more CD-power.

Put in the alternative routes. This is important if you run into a massive blockade.

Fees: I demand 2-5 millions for ore runs (Dublin-NY). A 2700 units Hegemon is closer to 2 millions, a train (5000 units) closer to 5.

The point is: Your play must enrich the play of the trader so much that he rather chooses to have some nice and tense rp with you than to pay the odd pirate 2 millions and move on. It's your job to be a good roleplay provider. If you do it right, people will come to you and ask for escort.