Powerplay Trying to Decide My Pledge

So I've been playing for just under a month now and I'm interested in getting into powerplay.

As a "trader" (smuggler), I'm not entirely sure on where I should go. It would seem that the smart choice would be to pledge to Mahon as he appears to be a strong power in the top three and has a playstyle and set of rewards that agree with me.

Of course, that would be the smart choice and does not take into consideration that I'm an Imperial.

At first I thought that Aisling Duval would be a solid choice due to her playstyle and rewards, but I don't really agree with her on a whole.

Zemina Torval seems like the absolute best fit for me in terms of everything I'm looking for, but I'm concerned about pledging to a power low in the rankings. Should I be?

Arissa Lavigny-Duval appears to be the strongest Imperial power, and while I've enjoyed the occasional combat zone, bounty hunting and combat in and of itself isn't really my thing. Still, her overall strength is tempting despite this.

There's also Denton Patreus, but as I mentioned combat isn't really me thing and he also appears to be combat oriented. And also very attractive, so he has that going for him too.

Advice would be very much appreciated.
 
Pledging to a low-ranked power isn't a problem, just limits your "friendly" bubble depending on how many control systems they have.

If you like trade and are an Imperial, I recommend Torval. You can always defect.

in general though, it's advisable not to pledge for a little while if you're new. The benefits are limited compared to the interdictions by enemy NPCs
 
Last edited:
I wouldn't pledge to any power in your state. Gain more experience, get used to combat (if NPCs are somewhat dangerous for you, you may not pledge to any combat orianted power. You will get wrecked for sure).

For smuggling, go Archon Delaine, trading, Mahon but as said, don't pledge yet.

(But if you do, join the Federation and fight for law and justice! o7)
 
Last edited:
Not for long I hear, see sticky post.

Meh, they'll still be the best, they'll just be slightly less broken. Passive plus rank 2 >>> Hudson rank 2.

People with rank 5 in ALD have been making 1.4 smuggling rate income for MONTHS (15-20 Mil per hour). Now it will just be higher than T-9 slave trading (9-12 Mil). Still insanely better than any other power.
 
Last edited:
Play the game a bit, see what you like doing and then pledge (for the best bonuses). Simple as that. I did, make mucho, mucho money :).
 
The Mahan team is highly disciplined if you like working with a tightly organized and well planned long range strategy. Rewards are modest, but once you get your trading ducks quacking, the
credit rewards eventually pile up at accelerating pace.

-Pv-
 
So I've been playing for just under a month now and I'm interested in getting into powerplay.

As a "trader" (smuggler), I'm not entirely sure on where I should go. It would seem that the smart choice would be to pledge to Mahon as he appears to be a strong power in the top three and has a playstyle and set of rewards that agree with me.

Of course, that would be the smart choice and does not take into consideration that I'm an Imperial.

At first I thought that Aisling Duval would be a solid choice due to her playstyle and rewards, but I don't really agree with her on a whole.

Zemina Torval seems like the absolute best fit for me in terms of everything I'm looking for, but I'm concerned about pledging to a power low in the rankings. Should I be?

Arissa Lavigny-Duval appears to be the strongest Imperial power, and while I've enjoyed the occasional combat zone, bounty hunting and combat in and of itself isn't really my thing. Still, her overall strength is tempting despite this.

There's also Denton Patreus, but as I mentioned combat isn't really me thing and he also appears to be combat oriented. And also very attractive, so he has that going for him too.

Advice would be very much appreciated.

You seem to have already reasoned out your choice yourself.

You have identified yourself as a trader/smuggler and also Imperial. The bonuses for Mahon and Torval in terms of trade are identical. Mahon has a higher trade voucher because of his high standings. However this is counterbalanced by the fact that the trade vouchers are a percentage of trade profits. The absolute trade profit on Imperial Slaves is far greater in absolute credit terms than Mahon's focus on agricultural goods. There is also a steady black market trade in Imperial Slaves to places like Archon Delaine's systems if smuggling is your thing.
 
Pledging to a low-ranked power isn't a problem, just limits your "friendly" bubble depending on how many control systems they have.

If you like trade and are an Imperial, I recommend Torval. You can always defect.

in general though, it's advisable not to pledge for a little while if you're new. The benefits are limited compared to the interdictions by enemy NPCs

Hi, I've just started with PP and thought you had to pledge to start... I take it then that you can still get the benefits without pledging?

Thanks :)
 
Hi, I've just started with PP and thought you had to pledge to start... I take it then that you can still get the benefits without pledging?

Thanks :)

No. To get power specific benefits, you must pledge. You can leave any time. You must then wait awhile before pledging (defecting) to another to avoid being hunted by NPC.
Note that pledging to anyone (no matter the rank of the power) increases the frequency and intensity of interdictions.
-Pv-
 
So I've been playing for just under a month now and I'm interested in getting into powerplay.

As a "trader" (smuggler), I'm not entirely sure on where I should go. It would seem that the smart choice would be to pledge to Mahon as he appears to be a strong power in the top three and has a playstyle and set of rewards that agree with me.

Of course, that would be the smart choice and does not take into consideration that I'm an Imperial.

At first I thought that Aisling Duval would be a solid choice due to her playstyle and rewards, but I don't really agree with her on a whole.

Zemina Torval seems like the absolute best fit for me in terms of everything I'm looking for, but I'm concerned about pledging to a power low in the rankings. Should I be?

Arissa Lavigny-Duval appears to be the strongest Imperial power, and while I've enjoyed the occasional combat zone, bounty hunting and combat in and of itself isn't really my thing. Still, her overall strength is tempting despite this.

There's also Denton Patreus, but as I mentioned combat isn't really me thing and he also appears to be combat oriented. And also very attractive, so he has that going for him too.

Advice would be very much appreciated.

Are you a smuggler or a slave trader?
 
Meh, they'll still be the best, they'll just be slightly less broken. Passive plus rank 2 >>> Hudson rank 2.

People with rank 5 in ALD have been making 1.4 smuggling rate income for MONTHS (15-20 Mil per hour). Now it will just be higher than T-9 slave trading (9-12 Mil). Still insanely better than any other power.

Slave trading is almost dead after the 1.4 nerfs.
 
Slave trading is almost dead after the 1.4 nerfs.

Not so sure. I've made quite a bit trading them since 1.4, albeit not as much as before it. I also trade/smuggle other items. "If it pays well, haul it (or kill it)!" is my motto. If it interdicts me and is Wanted, it dies - after a KWScan of course.
 
Last edited:
The Mahan team is highly disciplined if you like working with a tightly organized and well planned long range strategy. Rewards are modest, but once you get your trading ducks quacking, the
credit rewards eventually pile up at accelerating pace.

-Pv-

I do like that sort of thing and was hoping to find a power with that sort of group and strategy.

Are you a smuggler or a slave trader?

Why not both?

Additionally, thank you for the replies, everyone.

My biggest concern was pledging to a smaller power, however according to the replies it seems I shouldn't worry about that all too much. I appreciate the insight.

(But if you do, join the Federation and fight for law and justice! o7)

Fighting for law and justice is why I'm an Imperial. ;)
 
I do like that sort of thing and was hoping to find a power with that sort of group and strategy.



Why not both?

Additionally, thank you for the replies, everyone.

My biggest concern was pledging to a smaller power, however according to the replies it seems I shouldn't worry about that all too much. I appreciate the insight.



Fighting for law and justice is why I'm an Imperial. ;)

Black market goods like like slaves are outlawed in all Antal regions so there's a 10% bonus on the blackmarket
 
I would recommend to wait a few weeks before pledging, especially if you play "open.

The disadvantages (and the time to get ranks) are IMHO not worth the effort during first phases of game. After getting comfortable with game mechanics, credits, after getting a better ship you would be able to do the best choise by your own
 
Back
Top Bottom