[CCN] The Christmas Carriers Convoy

[Bran Tse Mallory]

Well, first, this has been there and planned since the beginning; nothing new here.

Second, it's a RP matter. Freelancer is a RP-free role, so it's only logical that RP event is separate from the non-RP event, otherwise there's no point.

Third, for the very reason that Freelancer is a free role, there is no endorsement from my part to set up a Freelancers event. Ref. restrictions-free role.

Four, although to a smaller extent, it's a security matter. Escort is tied to the CMF, while Freelancers can be rogue armed ships and can, although unlikely, represent a greater risk.

Five, nothing prevents you and I encourage any Freelancer to organize a Freelancers mass jump. You have the right to show initiative too

Six, if you're not happy with being a Freelancer, for which rules have been set from the beginning nearly two months ago, be a Carrier or an Escort.

The rules were laid out at the start but the launch event was not, I am number 60 odd on the signup list and had it been clear that the launch was not for the freelancer I may of chosen to fly in a different role as opposed to role playing a freelancer. As it is I have spent nearly two months getting the ship ready and I'm not going to make changes to that now. I will arrange something for the Freelancers but it will be on route as there is nowhere near enough time to do anything now with the launch being so close.

Just a bit disappointed this was not made clear from the start as I would of made the effort to arrange something for us so we are not just seen as 'non RP players' which is a bit off considering many of us do RP our CMDR's.

Anyway, I've now left on the journey and I will post any sightings I have of other players who may be waiting in ambush for the main group.

 

[Qohen Leth]

The rules were laid out at the start but the launch event was not, I am number 60 odd on the signup list and had it been clear that the launch was not for the freelancer I may of chosen to fly in a different role as opposed to role playing a freelancer. As it is I have spent nearly two months getting the ship ready and I'm not going to make changes to that now. I will arrange something for the Freelancers but it will be on route as there is nowhere near enough time to do anything now with the launch being so close.

Just a bit disappointed this was not made clear from the start as I would of made the effort to arrange something for us so we are not just seen as 'non RP players' which is a bit off considering many of us do RP our CMDR's.

Anyway, I've now left on the journey and I will post any sightings I have of other players who may be waiting in ambush for the main group.

Everything was laid out since the start. It was clearly said that the Freelancers were not to take part to RP launch event. I had duplicated the old thread OP on a french forum 3 weeks ago (I haven't updated it since, check the roster), here, and it reads:

"Les Freelancers

Les Freelancers sont les pilotes participant à l'expédition mais pas au role-play Carriers ou Escorte. Il ne peuvent ni ne doivent interférer avec le vol en formation. L'Escorte peut les défendre, mais les Carriers sont la priorité. Tous les vaisseux et les fits sont acceptés dans les Freelancers. Il est conseillé de former votre propres wings de transporteurs et d'escorte."

Translation: The Freelancers are the pilots taking part in the expedition but not in the RP Carriers or Escorts. They can't and shan't interfere with the formation flight. The Escort can defend them, but Carriers are the priority. All ships and fits are welcome in the Freelancers. It is advised to form your own wings of freighters and escorts.

I admit that I ended up locking the system for the Freelancers, after the instancing struggle on the first dry run. Although, this was posted early enough (that dry run was two weeks ago).

Mind you, Freelancers were originally welcome in the event, but Escorts and Carriers would have winged up together for the RP reasons mentionned on the OP; so as a Freelancer, the only thing one would have enjoyed is the countdown to jump. The mass-jump having proven extremely unreliable, it will be divided into several instances. So all in all, you are not missing anything since there will only be instances of about 20 ships tops, no 100-ships mass jump.

Also, to be clear, as you make me sound like I have something against Freelancers. It's precisely because I'm not a RP guy that I wanted a free role for those who don't want to/can do the RP part. My will is that anyone can join the bandwagon at some level. Not to exclude. But you understand that one cannot create a free category just to have it restricted then - even with so little as a date and a time of departure. Just doesn't make sense.

That being said, since we're now in FleetComm and not in Open anymore (due to the same instancing issues), I wil make the departure system available to Freelancers as well, and create a CCC Freelancers voice channel on the CCN Discord server. So you will be able to mass-jump together just like the rest of the convoy, same date, same time (both EU and US if people attend). Although understand because of the nature of the role, no Freelancer will wing with any Carrier/Stratotanker/Escort and there will be absolutely no overseeing from my part or any of the CCC logistics guys. You are literally and as per the role, free to do it anyway you want it. Rules are those of the FleetComm Private Group (no PVP), and as it was already planned, once the RP launch is completed, we can all gather in the same voice channel for chitchat and lulz.

So, in a word, you will know the departure system (provided you're in the CCN Discord), and I invite you to be a Beacon for the Freelancers, winging them in for a Freelancers launch event. For more and if you're willing to do so (if I understood you right), come poke me on Discord. That is, if you're not too far away already.

 

[Bran Tse Mallory]

Thank-you for clarifying the situation for me and I appreciate the effort to make a launch event for us. As I've just been challenged to do something I will be able to delay my journey and gladly accept your invitation to join the main event, even if I am there as a non winged player. I will pop onto your discord tonight in the hopes of getting the starting system details.

Sorry for any misunderstanding

 

[Qohen Leth]

Thank-you for clarifying the situation for me and I appreciate the effort to make a launch event for us. As I've just been challenged to do something I will be able to delay my journey and gladly accept your invitation to join the main event, even if I am there as a non winged player. I will pop onto your discord tonight in the hopes of getting the starting system details.

Sorry for any misunderstanding

No worries, things had to changes after we tried stuff, it's a real nightmare at times. I realize now that the Freelancer role sounded like a 'lesser' role despite not being one at all (if I wasn't the leader I'd have been a Freelancer myself...)

Looking forward to share details. System will be known at 20:00 IGT tonight. As Freelancers, things will be much, much simpler to set up, time's really not a problem here

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

What's a Freelancer role?

 

[D.G.Cerberus]

Thank-you for clarifying the situation for me and I appreciate the effort to make a launch event for us. As I've just been challenged to do something I will be able to delay my journey and gladly accept your invitation to join the main event, even if I am there as a non winged player. I will pop onto your discord tonight in the hopes of getting the starting system details.

Sorry for any misunderstanding

I shall do my best to join you - still out near Sacagawea so will need to get a wriggle on.....

 

[Qohen Leth]

What's a Freelancer role?

Have you read the OP?

Pilots who want to join the bandwagon without being able to/wanting to do the RP part.

 

[M. Volgrand]

What's a Freelancer role?

Players that do not fit in the roles or carrier, escort or Stratotanker. They do not join the role play launch events, but may join the expedition. Escort teams will still provide protection, however they will prioritize carriers and stratotankers over the freelancers.

At this point, you are late to register in the official expedition, so you can follow us as a freelancer .

 

[Qohen Leth]

At this point, you are late to register in the official expedition, so you can follow us as a freelancer .

No, due to the newsletter being late, registrations only close tonight at 2000 IGT.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Have you read the OP?

Pilots who want to join the bandwagon without being able to/wanting to do the RP part.

Yeah ... lots of pretty colours

Players that do not fit in the roles or carrier, escort or Stratotanker. They do not join the role play launch events, but may join the expedition. Escort teams will still provide protection, however they will prioritize carriers and stratotankers over the freelancers.

At this point, you are late to register in the official expedition, so you can follow us as a freelancer .

At this point I'm at the bar in Jaques

 

[Dr Kawaii Chan]

To any Xbox people interested in going out registered or not, add Christmas Carriers Convoy for XB1 club so we can sort everyone out. There are some people to my knowledge that have signed up but have not gotten a hold of anyone.

 

[M. Volgrand]

At this point I'm at the bar in Jaques

Get me a lavian brandy on the rocks, I'm on my way!

 

[BAL Harkonen]

Sadly, I think I'm going to miss the departure event. I'll see you all at Hillary Depot and the other stops along the route.

 

[CMDR_Fru]

After reading this discution I am not sure anymore if I fit the role of the carrier, with all those restriction placed on players with their load out.

Can someone clarify if my setup is allowed, or will I be blown to dust or kicked or reclassified as freelancer after scan.

role: carrier,
ship: Anaconda,
weapons: none
utilities: 2x heat sink, 6x shield booster,
core: mostly D-class
optionals:

- 7B shield,
- 2x 6E cargo (total space 128 tons - some rares but mostly wine),
- 6B F. Scoop
- 5C extra fuel tank,
- 5D AFM,
- Fighter Hangar (1x condor),
- SRV,
- Surface scanner,
- ADS,
- Docking computer,

Jump range laden: 30.4 LY

If that is allowed, I would like to make sure I understand departure procedure correctly (first time doing many of those things).

1. I jump to "miami" system,
2. Request wing invitation on CCN discord voice channel (I do not use mic, so I will make request by typing),
3. I get winged with beacon ship (Bsh for short)
4. I drop at the location of Bsh, leave wing and wait for a scan,
5. after scan I go 20 km toward a main star and await further instructions from Qohen and Souvarine.

6. after luanch we all go through all other designated systems as quickly as possible.

 

[M. Volgrand]

After reading this discution I am not sure anymore if I fit the role of the carrier, with all those restriction placed on players with their load out.

Can someone clarify if my setup is allowed, or will I be blown to dust or kicked or reclassified as freelancer after scan.

role: carrier,
ship: Anaconda,
weapons: none
utilities: 2x heat sink, 6x shield booster,
core: mostly D-class
optionals:

- 7B shield,
- 2x 6E cargo (total space 128 tons - some rares but mostly wine),
- 6B F. Scoop
- 5C extra fuel tank,
- 5D AFM,
- Fighter Hangar (1x condor),
- SRV,
- Surface scanner,
- ADS,
- Docking computer,

Jump range laden: 30.4 LY

If that is allowed, I would like to make sure I understand departure procedure correctly (first time doing many of those things).

1. I jump to "miami" system,
2. Request wing invitation on CCN discord voice channel (I do not use mic, so I will make request by typing),
3. I get winged with beacon ship (Bsh for short)
4. I drop at the location of Bsh, leave wing and wait for a scan,
5. after scan I go 20 km toward a main star and await further instructions from Qohen and Souvarine.

6. after luanch we all go through all other designated systems as quickly as possible.

The last point is not like this exactly. We jump to the next designated system and wait for clearance from colonia command. After we reach the last of the launch event systems, we proceed to the next waypoint to be there for the next encounter event.

 

[Qohen Leth]

If that is allowed

You ship is perfectly fine.

I would like to make sure I understand departure procedure correctly (first time doing many of those things).

1. I jump to "miami" system,
2. Request wing invitation on CCN discord voice channel (I do not use mic, so I will make request by typing),
3. I get winged with beacon ship (Bsh for short)
4. I drop at the location of Bsh, leave wing and wait for a scan,
5. after scan I go 20 km toward a main star and await further instructions from Qohen and Souvarine.

6. after luanch we all go through all other designated systems as quickly as possible.

2. Text only. Voice is for me to move you into an instance, where you will be taken care of.

5. If all goes well, the jump hour will not change (1900), so further instructions beside the Beacon warning everyone that the jump hour is close.

6. As fast as possible together and synchronised, yes.



- - - Updated - - -

After we reach the last of the launch event systems, we proceed to the next waypoint to be there for the next encounter event.

To be clear: the event is over once Command declares we are safe and en route. The first meetup is optionnal and is only scheduled for Sunday.

 

[Ashnak]

After reading this discution I am not sure anymore if I fit the role of the carrier, with all those restriction placed on players with their load out.
....
- Fighter Hangar (1x condor),
....

From what I've read so far (I'm not with the organizers, but occasionally hang out on the Discord where these things are discussed), this would be the only thing remotely contestable. So far, the ruling is that fighter hangars in carriers are fine, as long as you keep them stowed during the launch event. Launch it, and the escorts may become nervous.

Other carriers have asked about a couple (i.e. 2 max) of guns. Decision so far seems to be that these are also fine, provided you keep them stowed while in company - I'll keep mine switched off at least during the launch event (and probably during the cruise, together wih most of the other useless junk), I'm much better at running in any case .

- - - Updated - - -

... and between 2. and 3., you'll also have to accept or send out a friend request to your beacon.

Qohen Leth/Souvarine - if you read this, could you please clarify (and put it in the docs) about who will initiate the friend request? Having a common procedure will somewhat cut down on comms chatter in the beacon channels.

 

[Ultimus]

Uhm I left it until the very last moment and kept postponing my registration :O
Woops I guess

I wish you bon voyage O7

 

[Qohen Leth]

Qohen Leth/Souvarine - if you read this, could you please clarify (and put it in the docs) about who will initiate the friend request? Having a common procedure will somewhat cut down on comms chatter in the beacon channels.

The Beacon will wing the people up. The Beacon manages their instance, so folks simply wait for instructions, ears on the comms or eyes on the chat.

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The Roster stands at 490 registrations right now, come on! 2 hours left for registrations and roster changes.

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Reposting this to make sure a maximum of participants see it.

Launch Procedure​

All Carriers, Escort and Stratotankers taking part to the EU launch event will be expected to have read the Launch Procedure.

Please read and familiarize yourself with the various steps to ensure a safe departure for you and everyone.

​

- You have to be in the voice channel in order to be dispatched, whether you talk or not. You NEED to be able to listen to directives.
- If you have no shield, you can mention it in your beacon request in order to be placed in a more secure instance.
- Reckless flying will not be tolerated.
- You have to use the #ccc-beacon-request text channel to request a wing.
- About twenty or fifteen minutes before the jump time (1900 IGT), the text channel will be locked and no more requests will be processed.
- It is expected of you to be on the look out, focused and reactive. Once you are winged up and waiting for the jump, you can relax.
- Don't forget that you are not the only person there. Think about the others and follow procedures as best you can.

Once the fleet has jumped from Miami to Wilson, instances will be broken. We will then switch to a second, simpler procedure:

1) Stay in SuperCruise, throttle to zero, align the rear of your ship pointing at the star.
2) Find the next system on the #ccc-beacon-request channel.
3) Target next system and charge FSD as soon as possible.
4) Beacons will check up on you, make sure you're ready for the next jump.
5) Patrol will check the next system and give the fleet clearance.
6) A new countdown is set by Souvarine.
7) Ships align and throttle up, jump.

Repeat until we are clear of any risk. Each jump should take a few minutes and will be about 10ly. Details on what to do in case of interdiction are on the document.

 

[Ultimus]

The Beacon will wing the people up. The Beacon manages their instance, so folks simply wait for instructions, ears on the comms or eyes on the chat.

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The Roster stands at 490 registrations right now, come on! 2 hours left for registrations and roster changes.

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Ohh I made it to the roster then

Although I won't be there for the launch (going to an Amon Amarth live \m/ ) I'm super happy for this expedition