Well Merope isn't that far from the bubble. We all visit it regularly; it's probably quicker to get to than most towns in East Texas. So why wouldn't there be mining?
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UA Mystery thread 4 - The Canonn
- Thread starter Yaffle
- Start date
- Status
Well Merope isn't that far from the bubble. We all visit it regularly; it's probably quicker to get to than most towns in East Texas. So why wouldn't there be mining?
A short trip to test an idea i thought at work, although not got that far.
Beta horizons, anyone about? Oddity from my freefloater. No alignment , or different alignment. Please advise.
Edit : Curious. Since typing that it has now aligned slowly to Merope. Possible bug? delayed the orientation by a few minutes or something else? Have it on Video before it moved. can upload it later.
Upload complete. 2nd oddity found in Beta. Dont look. Probably another bug anyway
[video=youtube_share;Nm83TQvO1As]https://youtu.be/Nm83TQvO1As[/video]
Odd behavior from the UA or very delayed alignment which it did after i did the video.Tracking where it pointed in this system will be more difficult. Got a star located in the direction it was pointing from the system i was in. Pointed towards 11 Trianguli
Although this is curious , it means nothing really. most likely a glitch as i tried to reproduce it collecting a second UA and could not get it to repeat the behavior
Back to my previous plan was to take the UA to the surface and drive around with it. Expected SRV damage but wasnt expected is the UA doesnt degrade it seems,
it was happy to roll around and sing before i rescooped it. Maybe a bug maybe not.
Will add that video later when uploaded.
[video=youtube_share;lplYJrOush4]https://youtu.be/lplYJrOush4[/video]
Beta horizons, anyone about? Oddity from my freefloater. No alignment , or different alignment. Please advise.
Edit : Curious. Since typing that it has now aligned slowly to Merope. Possible bug? delayed the orientation by a few minutes or something else? Have it on Video before it moved. can upload it later.
Upload complete. 2nd oddity found in Beta. Dont look. Probably another bug anyway
[video=youtube_share;Nm83TQvO1As]https://youtu.be/Nm83TQvO1As[/video]
Odd behavior from the UA or very delayed alignment which it did after i did the video.Tracking where it pointed in this system will be more difficult. Got a star located in the direction it was pointing from the system i was in. Pointed towards 11 Trianguli
Although this is curious , it means nothing really. most likely a glitch as i tried to reproduce it collecting a second UA and could not get it to repeat the behavior
Back to my previous plan was to take the UA to the surface and drive around with it. Expected SRV damage but wasnt expected is the UA doesnt degrade it seems,
it was happy to roll around and sing before i rescooped it. Maybe a bug maybe not.
Will add that video later when uploaded.
[video=youtube_share;lplYJrOush4]https://youtu.be/lplYJrOush4[/video]
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Re-reading the Thargoid/Mycoid entries, I've updated my page on the Thargoids a little.
The virus was designed to target the plastics in the Thargoid hyperdrive tech as has been described. There are indications (see article "LEGAL PROCEEDINGS UNDER WAY" in the FFE logs) that the virus was also aimed at the Thargoids. You'll note it refers to the 'destruction of the alien' amongst other things.
In fact, as Thargoid exoskeletons are composed of a 'polymer-like' material, it may have attacked them regardless - though this is indeed speculation.
As it is, it's thus unclear as to how the Thargoids suffered at our hands, whether just isolation imposed by the lack of hyperdrive capability, or an actual attack on their bodily form. What we do know is that INRA were hurriedly closed down after the events...
Cheers,
Drew.
The virus was designed to target the plastics in the Thargoid hyperdrive tech as has been described. There are indications (see article "LEGAL PROCEEDINGS UNDER WAY" in the FFE logs) that the virus was also aimed at the Thargoids. You'll note it refers to the 'destruction of the alien' amongst other things.
In fact, as Thargoid exoskeletons are composed of a 'polymer-like' material, it may have attacked them regardless - though this is indeed speculation.
As it is, it's thus unclear as to how the Thargoids suffered at our hands, whether just isolation imposed by the lack of hyperdrive capability, or an actual attack on their bodily form. What we do know is that INRA were hurriedly closed down after the events...
Cheers,
Drew.
All this revisionist history ... I dont know where I stand anymore - Was there even a War ?
Well at the very least ... I think we hurt their feelings ... or do they have those?
filthy Thargoids
Well at the very least ... I think we hurt their feelings ... or do they have those?
filthy Thargoids
Has anyone else been getting lots of HUD glitches? I've always gotten them in combat, but they seem to be increasing with frequency, and I'm starting to wonder if it's related to the malfunctions. I've been getting them while fighting, scooping, flying, and most recently got some while docking. They stick around too, some lasting four or five seconds, even when nothing seems to be happening.
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Edit: Well, the wiki isn't up to date at all. I did some more searching and found the stuff that happened in October.
Hi folks,
It's been a while, about 6 months.
I read up on the UA situation on the wiki. I commend everyone on their efforts, but I'm honestly disappointed the story seems to have hit a dead end despite being told by CMDR Kerrash there's more to it with supposedly obvious clues.
I wish I could help out but I feel there are plenty of more knowledgeable commanders who have spent considerable time investigating already. I've also been quite distracted and busy for some time.
I feel it's interesting that the mystery behind this story is what draws me back to check in on the game, more so than something like Horizons, which is why I feel disappointed the story doesn't seem to have progressed. Power Play didn't interest me at all, but I hope in the future there will be many, many more mysteries in the Elite universe for the players. I just hope they develop faster than the unknown artefact has up to this point. The mystery is what draws me in the most.
What does everyone think about Horizons? My extremely early first impression based on footage I've watched is that I feel hesitantly excited. It reminds me of how I felt when the game itself launched. As of now I am not considering buying it until sometime next year when the cost is less.
Happy Holidays,
Tim
Hi folks,
It's been a while, about 6 months.
I read up on the UA situation on the wiki. I commend everyone on their efforts, but I'm honestly disappointed the story seems to have hit a dead end despite being told by CMDR Kerrash there's more to it with supposedly obvious clues.
I wish I could help out but I feel there are plenty of more knowledgeable commanders who have spent considerable time investigating already. I've also been quite distracted and busy for some time.
I feel it's interesting that the mystery behind this story is what draws me back to check in on the game, more so than something like Horizons, which is why I feel disappointed the story doesn't seem to have progressed. Power Play didn't interest me at all, but I hope in the future there will be many, many more mysteries in the Elite universe for the players. I just hope they develop faster than the unknown artefact has up to this point. The mystery is what draws me in the most.
What does everyone think about Horizons? My extremely early first impression based on footage I've watched is that I feel hesitantly excited. It reminds me of how I felt when the game itself launched. As of now I am not considering buying it until sometime next year when the cost is less.
Happy Holidays,
Tim
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View attachment 81065
Operation: Dunky Thing Doo-Dah
Date – Sunday 6th December
Venue – Not Solo (Mobius as primary)
Platforms – PC/Mac & Xbox
Time – 1600hrs to 2200hrs GMT (come for six, come for fewer, RL allowing)
Target System – Timocani
Objective – UA Convoy and/or Medical Convoy
Prizes – 2 x EGX Skins (1 raffled, 1 discretionary)
Hosting Note
As ever, Biscuit Barrels are hosted by The Canonn but this is by no means a Canonn-only exercise. The more, the merrier, and everybody’s welcome to pitch in. In fact, I doubt I’m alone in hoping that some of the previous Barrel’s non-Canonneer participants will again join us. Always good to see you.
Modules Overview Kinda Stuff
Other Stuff & More WordsAll Ships
A Cargo Scanner is a must. If you hit on a Strong Signal Source and none of the usual tell-tale comms chatter is giving away the presence of a UA Convoy or a Medical Convoy, will you want to blithely take the chance that the convoys have changed their behaviour? There is, after all, little documented difference between a UA Convoy and a Hafnium Convoy – and telling a Hafnium Convoy from a far more vanilla Navy Convoy comes down to the use of a Cargo Scanner.
Role - Blocker
That line I mentioned elsewhere? About getting shot at? A lot? Yeah. Blockers have few other baseline purpose. Sure, they can fit Frameshift Wake Scanners and, like the rest of the wing they shall need to have Cargo Scanners fitted, but… hey… Get shot a lot. And don’t die. And while you’re busy not dying, spread your fire across the other escort targets to confuse the little bleeders. And still don’t die.
Indifference Protection Systems are required. Nothing you won’t already have in mind or already have. Armour. Hull Reinforcement. Shield Boosters on all the utility modules you have spare. Shield Cell Banks to burn off like crazy. (The fix is in on these soon enough; for now, they’re simply prudent to carry on a Barrel if you’re playing El Blocko.)
Which Armour is best? Buffered it I know. It’s a crapshoot picking in advance, not knowing which convoy you might run into. For what it might be worth, I’ll be fitting Military to cover the bases in a more generalist sense. You might prefer otherwise. Fair play to you.
Role - Extractor
Basically, think Blocker Wot Hits The Freighter’s Hatch So The Scooper Has Something To Scoop, probably just after getting its shields down. Clearly, the most dangerous role in the wing since it paints a target on your canopy from the weapons hot get-go. Getting the shields down could, of course, be handled by another Blocker or, indeed, all of you but it’s not strictly advised.
Often, the Nilreb Nudge technique will suffice for getting the shields down. It works. You bump the freighter in the convoy and while it might get a little frisky it does not lead to big booming incoming bullet type things. Odd, but true. Still, you and your wingmates may prefer to overlook this mechanic on the part of the convoys and play it out as heisting somebody who isn’t suffering from Abject Idiocy Syndrome in the pursuit of their cargo protection duties. Perhaps you’ll want to just go in with the guns blazing once your wing is in position. It’s up to you. Just, as with so much for a Barrel, ensure you have it squared with each other before engaging.
Anyway! While fitting out as a Blocker in all other respects the Extractor will also need a Hatch Breaker Limpet Controller and ample limpets to ensure cracking open a navy-fit Type-9 or Python. By ample, I mean several. You won’t want to be the one voxing something like “I ballsed it up and now I’ve got to try and do it with Multi-Cannons for the next ten minutes, we’re all going to die unless we boogie out with nothing to show for all this fuss” will you?
Better to need and not have than have and… no, wait. Got that backwards. Whatever. You knew what I meant. Still, you’ll be needing to fit a Cargo Bay, too. Another reason why the larger ships are far better for this role.
If you’re not used to using Hatch Breakers, a simple practice session can be had in a Nav Beacon zone. You know all those shady traders you scan with Cargo Scanners or Kill Warrant Scanners and they try to bolt when they then show up as Wanted? Hatch Breaker target practice right there. Note, though, that the Shady Traders don’t tend to be flying in navy-fit wings or in ships that are built to melt your ship while laughing, but it’s still a good practice run for the basics. (Total eggsucking note: get the shields down before firing the limpets.)
Role - Scoopers
Well, you’re going to need an Auto Field Maintenance Unit. In case you end up with a snotbox in your hold. Oddly enough, a Cargo Bay is pretty much all you’ll need after that.
While Collector Drones can do the job of scooping, there’s such a thing as over-automating. Smaller ships also have fewer module slots, so there’s that consideration as well. Besides, there is still some lingering mistrust regarding the drones and their compatibility with certain ships. Asps come to mind, and since it’s expected that Asps are likely to be in reasonable supply, best mentioned. (Perhaps you can confirm that Asps don’t have the same problem they were having with drones but, hey, point stands: take an AFMU and a Cargo Bay and you’re golden… so long as you’re familiar with how your ships scoops and you are totally assured that you won’t waste a heist’s efforts by delaying things every scoop because they pop after each use.)
Avoid coming in with an unfamiliar ship. Practice scooping if need be.
Get your escape run plotted early and you’ll have less to worry over once you close that cargo scoop.
Note on Frameshift Wake Scanners
You might wish to tail either type of the targeted convoys as they bimble about the general neighbourhood of their sighting. See where they’re going, perhaps be able to document some new behaviour. For that, Frameshift Wake Scanners. And fuel, of course. But, honestly, I wouldn’t suggest concentrating on following a Convoy through its various jumps out and away from Timocani if you’re also looking to get its cargo.
In the case of a UA Convoy, frankly, we don’t need the UA. We need any other intel we might be able to glean, so in their case getting any sighting of them in the Bubble is a Big Win for the Barrel’s brand of field sciencing. Getting any new comms traffic? Icing on top. Getting the UA? Not exactly as sexy as it once was, so if you want to follow one, cool beans.
What’s that? What’s that you say? “Nick, you dolt, if we find a UA Convoy, perhaps the UA is different?” Ah, good point. Maybe it’s different. Only one way to find out. And that’s not dithering with following the Convoy and hitting it sooner rather than risking losing it later. Again, as ever, a decision for you and your wingmates to make ahead of time.
*Pun either intended or not? Even I can’t tell. I’m just typing this guff as it comes to mind.Fuel
Best to start with a full tank. Better to have and not need than need and not get this twee saying right on the second attempt. You get the point.
Not flying a big ship? Seega Port can refuel you. But Timocani doesn’t have large pads. Neighbouring systems do. If you aren’t going to be carrying a Fuel Scoop, ensuring a lot of fuel in your ship’s belly still won’t be a problem.
Wosserface Winters!!
I don’t know what’s worse. Being the Federation’s President for all of sixteen minutes or however long it was, or having become it knowing that nobody can really take seriously the 3iC of a previous administration that was dippy enough to put the previous president and vice president on the same ship AND send it out of Federation space AND publicise it so massively. Still. What do I know? I’m just a bloke padding out a post here. But, still, Winters is a factor in this Barrel since Timocani is part of her privateering territorial blob of space.
So. If you’re pledged to a non-Fed Power, take note. You will almost certainly face interdiction by some Winters pledger gink or other. Not so much of a problem for those who are happy to slaughter them, but this is not actively advised since it will get you a week long mention in the Naughty Book and who needs the fuss?
I myself am pledged to a non-Fed Power. I expect to be interdicted. It happens. In fact, it’s par for the course for a Barrel in Timocani since Winters seems rather comfortably entrenched in that part of space. (And fair play to the sour-faced also-ran, basically. Bless ‘er.) But it doesn’t happen that much and it’s a simple enough matter to simply high-wake out of the interdiction and hop back to Timocani. Doesn’t take too long. Seems to confuse them for a fair while, so back to business I’ve gone without much further thought or worry.
Sure, you could try evading the interdiction except you’ll be spending the greater chunk of your time sitting at minimum speed in supercruise. For Winters’ Federal Agents, it’ll look like interdicting fish in a barrel* with those of us applicable to interdiction just lolling about begging for it.
Basically, as with any other hiccups that’ve cropped up during these exercises, we’ll deal with it if we need to. Just thought I’d best mention it here.
Plus side? It’s not a Control System (could be wrong, could have changed, not a bit concerned here) so it’s not like it’s covered in a space-faring wintry rash of Federal Agents.
Why Timocani?
Why not comes to mind. With no other reported/relayed sightings inside the Bubble for some time, there’s no better place to go than ‘Old Faithful’ Timocani if we’re sniffing for a UA Convoy. It’s not just that it’s kind of like a tradition for these Barrels, because the system itself isn’t one we need over-sentimentalise, but where better to follow a trail we’ve let go cold (if it’s still there)?
If after some time we have not had a sniff of a Medical Convoy, the proximity of other systems might be taken into account for a mass redeployment.
Besides which, I can make a rubbish joke about Who The Hell Is This Tim O’Carney fella? What? Oh, that was supposed to be at the top. Ugh. Blew that, didn’t I?
Why Wings?
Not a fan? I don’t know so much. Sure, that ancient Scouse bard Lord Macca O’Beatles wasn’t exactly always firing on all cylinders after about 1872 or whenever it was but some of it isn’t total bol… shevic twaddle. (Nearly!) Oh. Yeah. Those wings. Right. (London Town is a shameful waste of good vinyl, though. Just to say it.)
Well, why not wings? You’d be absolutely right to point out that it has been proven possible to heist Navy Convoys on one’s own with the right ship and the right plan. Indeed, I doff my RemLock to those that have done so. But, Barrelling is a collective thing. Not only because it affords us the opportunity to wing up – when some of us are rusty or a little new to it. But also because the more commanders we can get camping out in Timocani for this the more compounded our wrestling with the RNG shall be.
More commanders, less time required. None of this 100+hrs on one’s own horror. And if more commanders, well, wings.
Totally different topic: "Powelllll"
*Puts on his best Glibly Honest Face, which is sickeningly well-practiced, addresses the public*
View attachment 81066
The Varati Star was a well-known organ (yes, I chose that word especially) of the Varati Independent Union's oppressive hegemony over the system, blighting millions of lives and selfishly preserving a singularly tyrannical form of corrupt patronage. Decades of misery and now they've finally been ousted. Sod 'em. Sod 'em in the face with their economical sabotage, pulling money out of profitable businesses to fund their futile civil war squabbles with others. Bringing forward foreclosures and scarpering with the deeds now they have proven that they are incapable of accepting the will of the people. Better off with so many of them fleeing the system with their cash-stuffed suitcases and their hollow threat to return. Idiots. The people of Varati know the truth. The people of Varati know this for what it is. It doesn't take a genius to see this. Trust me. I can see it and I'm no genius. I leave that to other Canonneers, me. I just make myself useful, like so many of you are doing.
Economic mismanagement? Like muck. What the Star so deftly avoids pointing out is the fact that without the slavery which propped up the VIU's smug regime every Varatine family is at last free to see their sons and daughters grow in a democracy which assures them their freedom from such tat. Yes, tat. I can't swear. There are kids watching. You know what I'm saying.
As for allegations relating to my time in office with the Canonn Council, well.... well... uh... Oh yeah! (Thanks Tams, saved me there.) I can now guarantee any suitably diligent investigators will only discover the truth. The reinvigoration of Varati's economy is in hand and monies previously believed to have been, uh, misaligned are now suitably documented as having been forwarded to the education system and the System Authority which continues to protect our trade routes from Ringer filth. Yeah. Ringer filth. What are they going to do? Sod them, too. Who's for a pint? Oh, the camera's still on? I meant, pint of... Well, beer. You got me. I've got nothing to hide and it's been a long day. Can't a bloke have a beer? It's a democracy! It's not like I'm flying tonight. Right. Pint. Vote Canonn. Ta. Pint? Pint. How do I get off this stage? Who are you? No, I've never met your fiancee. Zita? No, not ringing any bells. Get off! KNIFE!!! Oh. Did you need to shoot him? I had him. No, I had him. Okay, I didn't have him. Jeez. This shirt's ruined.
Be there, or be square (or other n-dimensional n-gon of your choice).
---
And... you give a strong defence, Powell
Could anyone on XBox who is planning on doing the Barrel get in touch with @Tsgt_Paladin on Twitter, who's looking to join in? Organising PC/Mac wings is easy - XB wings a little harder
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Massive +1 here, that's a great book
And, btw, some characters arn't entirely human...my character is a heavily augmented human who was a slave that was purchased through proxy by an AI back during the INRA days, after the AI was designed for the Thargoid war but went rogue and fled inhabited space with a stolen cap ship. Flash forward to now, and I'm the only one left in the group when some scrappers find the wreck, and after a rather bloody mess I ended up freed from the AI and wandering the galaxy.
View attachment 81065
Operation: Dunky Thing Doo-Dah
Date – Sunday 6th December
Venue – Not Solo (Mobius as primary)
Platforms – PC/Mac & Xbox
Time – 1600hrs to 2200hrs GMT (come for six, come for fewer, RL allowing)
Target System – Timocani
Objective – UA Convoy and/or Medical Convoy
Prizes – 2 x EGX Skins (1 raffled, 1 discretionary)
Hosting Note
As ever, Biscuit Barrels are hosted by The Canonn but this is by no means a Canonn-only exercise. The more, the merrier, and everybody’s welcome to pitch in. In fact, I doubt I’m alone in hoping that some of the previous Barrel’s non-Canonneer participants will again join us. Always good to see you.
Modules Overview Kinda Stuff
Other Stuff & More WordsAll Ships
A Cargo Scanner is a must. If you hit on a Strong Signal Source and none of the usual tell-tale comms chatter is giving away the presence of a UA Convoy or a Medical Convoy, will you want to blithely take the chance that the convoys have changed their behaviour? There is, after all, little documented difference between a UA Convoy and a Hafnium Convoy – and telling a Hafnium Convoy from a far more vanilla Navy Convoy comes down to the use of a Cargo Scanner.
Role - Blocker
That line I mentioned elsewhere? About getting shot at? A lot? Yeah. Blockers have few other baseline purpose. Sure, they can fit Frameshift Wake Scanners and, like the rest of the wing they shall need to have Cargo Scanners fitted, but… hey… Get shot a lot. And don’t die. And while you’re busy not dying, spread your fire across the other escort targets to confuse the little bleeders. And still don’t die.
Indifference Protection Systems are required. Nothing you won’t already have in mind or already have. Armour. Hull Reinforcement. Shield Boosters on all the utility modules you have spare. Shield Cell Banks to burn off like crazy. (The fix is in on these soon enough; for now, they’re simply prudent to carry on a Barrel if you’re playing El Blocko.)
Which Armour is best? Buffered it I know. It’s a crapshoot picking in advance, not knowing which convoy you might run into. For what it might be worth, I’ll be fitting Military to cover the bases in a more generalist sense. You might prefer otherwise. Fair play to you.
Role - Extractor
Basically, think Blocker Wot Hits The Freighter’s Hatch So The Scooper Has Something To Scoop, probably just after getting its shields down. Clearly, the most dangerous role in the wing since it paints a target on your canopy from the weapons hot get-go. Getting the shields down could, of course, be handled by another Blocker or, indeed, all of you but it’s not strictly advised.
Often, the Nilreb Nudge technique will suffice for getting the shields down. It works. You bump the freighter in the convoy and while it might get a little frisky it does not lead to big booming incoming bullet type things. Odd, but true. Still, you and your wingmates may prefer to overlook this mechanic on the part of the convoys and play it out as heisting somebody who isn’t suffering from Abject Idiocy Syndrome in the pursuit of their cargo protection duties. Perhaps you’ll want to just go in with the guns blazing once your wing is in position. It’s up to you. Just, as with so much for a Barrel, ensure you have it squared with each other before engaging.
Anyway! While fitting out as a Blocker in all other respects the Extractor will also need a Hatch Breaker Limpet Controller and ample limpets to ensure cracking open a navy-fit Type-9 or Python. By ample, I mean several. You won’t want to be the one voxing something like “I ballsed it up and now I’ve got to try and do it with Multi-Cannons for the next ten minutes, we’re all going to die unless we boogie out with nothing to show for all this fuss” will you?
Better to need and not have than have and… no, wait. Got that backwards. Whatever. You knew what I meant. Still, you’ll be needing to fit a Cargo Bay, too. Another reason why the larger ships are far better for this role.
If you’re not used to using Hatch Breakers, a simple practice session can be had in a Nav Beacon zone. You know all those shady traders you scan with Cargo Scanners or Kill Warrant Scanners and they try to bolt when they then show up as Wanted? Hatch Breaker target practice right there. Note, though, that the Shady Traders don’t tend to be flying in navy-fit wings or in ships that are built to melt your ship while laughing, but it’s still a good practice run for the basics. (Total eggsucking note: get the shields down before firing the limpets.)
Role - Scoopers
Well, you’re going to need an Auto Field Maintenance Unit. In case you end up with a snotbox in your hold. Oddly enough, a Cargo Bay is pretty much all you’ll need after that.
While Collector Drones can do the job of scooping, there’s such a thing as over-automating. Smaller ships also have fewer module slots, so there’s that consideration as well. Besides, there is still some lingering mistrust regarding the drones and their compatibility with certain ships. Asps come to mind, and since it’s expected that Asps are likely to be in reasonable supply, best mentioned. (Perhaps you can confirm that Asps don’t have the same problem they were having with drones but, hey, point stands: take an AFMU and a Cargo Bay and you’re golden… so long as you’re familiar with how your ships scoops and you are totally assured that you won’t waste a heist’s efforts by delaying things every scoop because they pop after each use.)
Avoid coming in with an unfamiliar ship. Practice scooping if need be.
Get your escape run plotted early and you’ll have less to worry over once you close that cargo scoop.
Note on Frameshift Wake Scanners
You might wish to tail either type of the targeted convoys as they bimble about the general neighbourhood of their sighting. See where they’re going, perhaps be able to document some new behaviour. For that, Frameshift Wake Scanners. And fuel, of course. But, honestly, I wouldn’t suggest concentrating on following a Convoy through its various jumps out and away from Timocani if you’re also looking to get its cargo.
In the case of a UA Convoy, frankly, we don’t need the UA. We need any other intel we might be able to glean, so in their case getting any sighting of them in the Bubble is a Big Win for the Barrel’s brand of field sciencing. Getting any new comms traffic? Icing on top. Getting the UA? Not exactly as sexy as it once was, so if you want to follow one, cool beans.
What’s that? What’s that you say? “Nick, you dolt, if we find a UA Convoy, perhaps the UA is different?” Ah, good point. Maybe it’s different. Only one way to find out. And that’s not dithering with following the Convoy and hitting it sooner rather than risking losing it later. Again, as ever, a decision for you and your wingmates to make ahead of time.
*Pun either intended or not? Even I can’t tell. I’m just typing this guff as it comes to mind.Fuel
Best to start with a full tank. Better to have and not need than need and not get this twee saying right on the second attempt. You get the point.
Not flying a big ship? Seega Port can refuel you. But Timocani doesn’t have large pads. Neighbouring systems do. If you aren’t going to be carrying a Fuel Scoop, ensuring a lot of fuel in your ship’s belly still won’t be a problem.
Wosserface Winters!!
I don’t know what’s worse. Being the Federation’s President for all of sixteen minutes or however long it was, or having become it knowing that nobody can really take seriously the 3iC of a previous administration that was dippy enough to put the previous president and vice president on the same ship AND send it out of Federation space AND publicise it so massively. Still. What do I know? I’m just a bloke padding out a post here. But, still, Winters is a factor in this Barrel since Timocani is part of her privateering territorial blob of space.
So. If you’re pledged to a non-Fed Power, take note. You will almost certainly face interdiction by some Winters pledger gink or other. Not so much of a problem for those who are happy to slaughter them, but this is not actively advised since it will get you a week long mention in the Naughty Book and who needs the fuss?
I myself am pledged to a non-Fed Power. I expect to be interdicted. It happens. In fact, it’s par for the course for a Barrel in Timocani since Winters seems rather comfortably entrenched in that part of space. (And fair play to the sour-faced also-ran, basically. Bless ‘er.) But it doesn’t happen that much and it’s a simple enough matter to simply high-wake out of the interdiction and hop back to Timocani. Doesn’t take too long. Seems to confuse them for a fair while, so back to business I’ve gone without much further thought or worry.
Sure, you could try evading the interdiction except you’ll be spending the greater chunk of your time sitting at minimum speed in supercruise. For Winters’ Federal Agents, it’ll look like interdicting fish in a barrel* with those of us applicable to interdiction just lolling about begging for it.
Basically, as with any other hiccups that’ve cropped up during these exercises, we’ll deal with it if we need to. Just thought I’d best mention it here.
Plus side? It’s not a Control System (could be wrong, could have changed, not a bit concerned here) so it’s not like it’s covered in a space-faring wintry rash of Federal Agents.
Why Timocani?
Why not comes to mind. With no other reported/relayed sightings inside the Bubble for some time, there’s no better place to go than ‘Old Faithful’ Timocani if we’re sniffing for a UA Convoy. It’s not just that it’s kind of like a tradition for these Barrels, because the system itself isn’t one we need over-sentimentalise, but where better to follow a trail we’ve let go cold (if it’s still there)?
If after some time we have not had a sniff of a Medical Convoy, the proximity of other systems might be taken into account for a mass redeployment.
Besides which, I can make a rubbish joke about Who The Hell Is This Tim O’Carney fella? What? Oh, that was supposed to be at the top. Ugh. Blew that, didn’t I?
Why Wings?
Not a fan? I don’t know so much. Sure, that ancient Scouse bard Lord Macca O’Beatles wasn’t exactly always firing on all cylinders after about 1872 or whenever it was but some of it isn’t total bol… shevic twaddle. (Nearly!) Oh. Yeah. Those wings. Right. (London Town is a shameful waste of good vinyl, though. Just to say it.)
Well, why not wings? You’d be absolutely right to point out that it has been proven possible to heist Navy Convoys on one’s own with the right ship and the right plan. Indeed, I doff my RemLock to those that have done so. But, Barrelling is a collective thing. Not only because it affords us the opportunity to wing up – when some of us are rusty or a little new to it. But also because the more commanders we can get camping out in Timocani for this the more compounded our wrestling with the RNG shall be.
More commanders, less time required. None of this 100+hrs on one’s own horror. And if more commanders, well, wings.
Totally different topic: "Powelllll"
*Puts on his best Glibly Honest Face, which is sickeningly well-practiced, addresses the public*
View attachment 81066
The Varati Star was a well-known organ (yes, I chose that word especially) of the Varati Independent Union's oppressive hegemony over the system, blighting millions of lives and selfishly preserving a singularly tyrannical form of corrupt patronage. Decades of misery and now they've finally been ousted. Sod 'em. Sod 'em in the face with their economical sabotage, pulling money out of profitable businesses to fund their futile civil war squabbles with others. Bringing forward foreclosures and scarpering with the deeds now they have proven that they are incapable of accepting the will of the people. Better off with so many of them fleeing the system with their cash-stuffed suitcases and their hollow threat to return. Idiots. The people of Varati know the truth. The people of Varati know this for what it is. It doesn't take a genius to see this. Trust me. I can see it and I'm no genius. I leave that to other Canonneers, me. I just make myself useful, like so many of you are doing.
Economic mismanagement? Like muck. What the Star so deftly avoids pointing out is the fact that without the slavery which propped up the VIU's smug regime every Varatine family is at last free to see their sons and daughters grow in a democracy which assures them their freedom from such tat. Yes, tat. I can't swear. There are kids watching. You know what I'm saying.
As for allegations relating to my time in office with the Canonn Council, well.... well... uh... Oh yeah! (Thanks Tams, saved me there.) I can now guarantee any suitably diligent investigators will only discover the truth. The reinvigoration of Varati's economy is in hand and monies previously believed to have been, uh, misaligned are now suitably documented as having been forwarded to the education system and the System Authority which continues to protect our trade routes from Ringer filth. Yeah. Ringer filth. What are they going to do? Sod them, too. Who's for a pint? Oh, the camera's still on? I meant, pint of... Well, beer. You got me. I've got nothing to hide and it's been a long day. Can't a bloke have a beer? It's a democracy! It's not like I'm flying tonight. Right. Pint. Vote Canonn. Ta. Pint? Pint. How do I get off this stage? Who are you? No, I've never met your fiancee. Zita? No, not ringing any bells. Get off! KNIFE!!! Oh. Did you need to shoot him? I had him. No, I had him. Okay, I didn't have him. Jeez. This shirt's ruined.
Heading to Timocani now
I saw this the other night, but ignored it. Buggy missions "like that" are common in Beta I find, but the fact someone accepted it and got that kinda thing might suggest that the content has been removed because spoilers.
Mine spawned on a planet in some random system.
Interesting.
Will look into that lead after work,rep.
I've got toys but I'll take them to the sandpit later
Saw one thought it was a bug did not accept it, now going to have to find it again. Probably wait for the live horizons. Going back to Varati and good old 32 bit had enough of being stuck on planets and stuck inside them for a few days
IMO, FD disabled everything related to the Unknown Artefact on the beta server, hence what appears to be a bug. It's just locked I think. : ) It's exciting though! UA missions! ~<o/
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I will wait until official release before going deeper on them, but it sounds interesting. I'm seeing two of them in the BB, so perhaps there are different kinds...
Worth pointing that "Artefacts" were mentioned, not "Unknown Artefacts", so they could be other kinds of (Alien Artefacts f.e.).
Could be worth also filing some bug report about them?
I'm gonna check if someone already submitted it...
Worth pointing that "Artefacts" were mentioned, not "Unknown Artefacts", so they could be other kinds of (Alien Artefacts f.e.).
Could be worth also filing some bug report about them?
I'm gonna check if someone already submitted it...
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