As Jinx points out the encounter should be based Role play for both the characters and the situation.
When Ive been stopped! I quickly work out the net value of any goods [cost of replacement], the cost of replacing nanites, batteries, and counter measures, then add 10k for each JG Ive past through.
I also consider the type of cargo; If Im carrying passengers, VIPs, or even prisoners that Id pay whatever is demanded or try barter safe passage by releasing some prisoners, or passing VIPs / passengers into slavery.
I never calculate the possibility of been killed into any activity, and why should I feel the need? What with the huge advancement and development gene sequencing and DNA splicing since arriving here in Sirius, means that death has simple become another illness quickly cured. All standard injury / life insurance policy cover the cost for DNA re-sequencing, as long as youve handed in a DNA sample at medical centre at the last station you visited, there shouldnt be a real problem.
But it gets rather silly when youre stopped moving toxic waste and pirate demands a mere 5m.
Ive paid out 8m once when moving VIPs, but the piracy situation was RP well and pay out was inline with the encounter.
Id really wish pirates would look upon piracy as an RP event, and not as a fast track to their very own BS.
There shouldnt anything like taxing; Pirating should be based on the goods presently been carried, if trader wants pay a bounty to keep their goods then fine. However this want solve the problem of ever increasing numbers of OORP pirates presently infesting the server, I mean why should they spend hours searching out trade routes, when other OORP pirates are willing just throw them a few million so they can go off and buy themselves Corsair Titan, and then arm the craft with Outcast weaponry.
