Code Interdicting at Diso..

[CMDR Derrida]

The way the game is at the moment, of course people pay their own fines. Unless you play for 25 hours a day, eat bags of crisps off your lap and sh*t in a paper bag, the amount of hassle you get in the Elite universe for having any kind of bounty is going to give you a headache. Furthermore, the way everyone begins as part of the Federation (don't they?) means that any community goal war where either the Feds are involved or the Empire is the enemy, are becoming a one sided joke. I recently spent some time in Empire space to do some missions, and I could hear my ships echo wherever I went (I know, in space no one hears you scream) - It's the most empty part of the Elite universe. I had seen a bunch of guys hanging out at Liaedin role playing Empire but this was kind of like the big mask of the Wizard of Ozz, hiding the void of empty space.
PS..hmmm, this was supposed to be a reply about lack of bounties on pirates somewhere above...ah well, will leave it in anyway

 

[Blaeringr]

To the op: did the pirate in question actually destroy your ship, or did the shots fired just serve to emphasize what he was saying? (edited to add question mark)

As far as saying "the Code is a little on the Dictatorial style..", I'm a bit puzzled by this comment. You do realize they're pirates, right? Were you looking for democratic pirates who'll let you hug it out instead of doing what they ask? If so, yes it definitely sounds like the Mobius group is what you're looking for.

When someone points their weapons at you, and asks you to do something, and you act all surprised that they really mean it, that doesn't exactly reflect well on your grasp of the situation.

 

[Rankaze]

Were you playing in open?

A group of us were baiting CODE at the weekend so traders may not have been harrassed as much. Cost me a few million in blown ships though. I was happy to help the traders in any little way I could.

Regardless, CODE driving traders into solo means their activities against the CG were counterproductive. There was no way they could prevent the CG from succeeding.

Enjoyed interaction with other players anyway be it CODE, traders or otherwise.

Duh.

Do you think I am so stupid as to talk about PC pirates not showing up if I was not in Open? That's pretty insulting.

As indicated, by the time I was able to get involved, very late last night, I only had time to get in a couple of runs before it was done. That said, the only place I saw any other CMDR's in Diso was at the station itself.

I'm presuming I was on either after they went to bed, or else they gave up because it was obviously going to hit Tier 8 regardless.

 

[CMDR Holycow]

No, but thanks. The interaction was good otherwise. The commander had a nice script, just an itchy trigger finger, I see where he was coming from and it was all good, just more clarification would have been nice.

You are certainly correct in your asertation here. If he was in a nice ship and is an experienced player, it becomes easy to gauge if a ship will be able to get away, from a sitting position, after their FSD cools down. A hauler running from a clipper? Nope.. you can never make it out. He just lost his cool.

To his defense though.. As a pirate, sometimes it's hard to tell what is going on in that other cockpit. For example, I pirated this hauler in the same system last night. I pop up my "pirate 1" script, which tells him to immediately kill his engines and wait for a scan. He boosts away and keeps going. So I hit my "pirate 2" script, that tells him he will die if he doesn't comply, he has 5 seconds, and this is his last warning". What does he do? He types "Hold on a Second" to me... and then boosts away more. Sorry, it doesn't work that way. Anything you want to do you can do at 0 k/s. You don't need to do it at 300. He found the insurance screen shortly after.

If you were sitting still, there is no reason to think you were "stalling" for anything. Id brush it off and not worry about it. I don't think most pirates play this way.

 

[Blaeringr]

Regardless, CODE driving traders into solo means their activities against the CG were counterproductive. There was no way they could prevent the CG from succeeding.

This was clearly understood by Code from the beginning. It's part of a longer term strategy that will put some pressure on FD. We have no idea whether it will succeed, but as FD sees player groups working on specific in game goals in a coordinated way and the result is to just drive more people to solo or private, we hope it will either influence their view of how CGs are handled (unable to influence while in solo or group, or at least vastly reduced influence) or to cause them to redesign group and solo play altogether (tracked as different accounts - your fortune in solo stays in solo).

Now, that may not work out at all, but in the mean time it still amounts to picking a side in a story in the game, and participating in that story as realistically as we can. If others want to meta-game it and shift over to a parallel universe where only their friends exist, that's on FD to figure out whether that's good for the game.

- - - Updated - - -

You are certainly correct in your asertation here. If he was in a nice ship and is an experienced player, it becomes easy to gauge if a ship will be able to get away, from a sitting position, after their FSD cools down. A hauler running from a clipper? Nope.. you can never make it out. He just lost his cool.

The OP said the pirate shot at him, he did not say whether the pirate destroyed his ship. The two possibilities make for vastly different conclusions, and it seems one is being blindly chosen - the one least consistent with all the other behavior described by the pilot of the hauler.

Did the pirate shoot and destroy his ship? Did the pirate shoot and then stop, to emphasize his point? 18 pages and the op still hasn't said a word about losing his ship in this encounter.

 

[Snakebite]

My understanding is that CODE tried to blockade the effort and a large number of traders supporting the effort used the 'mode swap exploit' to get around the blockade.

The multiplayer mechanics of this game is well and truly broken in my view when group actions such as those attempted by code recently, can so easily be circumvented.

 

[dayrth]

...The multiplayer mechanics of this game is well and truly broken in my view when group actions such as those attempted by code recently, can so easily be circumvented.

It's not broken, it's working exactly as intended. It's that intention that you don't like. Don't get me wrong, I agree that the way it works has major drawback's. It effectively means that any CG is just a lottery. If your faction needs you to deliver something, switch to solo and you have won. No one can stop you making those deliveries.

However, I can't support any call to force people in to open to do a CG. I only play open but believe the solo option is an important one. You could make open play count more toward the CG than solo, but again, in the case of deliver x to y it just means a few more runs in solo than you would need in open, still with no one to stop you.

Sorry for the waffle, especially as I have to conclude that I don't have a clue how to solve this

 

[Aewarin Jameson]

My understanding is that CODE tried to blockade the effort and a large number of traders supporting the effort used the 'mode swap exploit' to get around the blockade

Understand the sentiment, but please refrain from calling it an exploit when it's intended by the Devs.

Exploits are when people use games in unintended ways.

Massive difference.

 

[ianw]

People have to accept that given the design of the game player groups can’t exert true control over an area or a real blockade.

They can try their own "blockade" which other players can choose to play along with in open or circumvent it using the game mechanics to get past players/wings in open.

Those that CBA with the drama can go to private group or solo – it’s not an exploit unless FD declare it so and so far they have said switching is intended and won't be changing.

The only way a system could be effectively blockaded is if in in game faction declares it – supported by NPCs – players can then support or fight against that faction and it's opposing players in open, or in solo/private where the blockade would still exist.

It looks like that may be where 1.3 takes us – we shall see.

 

[CMDR Zadian Lichtfrost]

My understanding is that CODE tried to blockade the effort and a large number of traders supporting the effort used the 'mode swap exploit' to get around the blockade.

The multiplayer mechanics of this game is well and truly broken in my view when group actions such as those attempted by code recently, can so easily be circumvented.

The problem isn't solo vs. open. The problem is, that Elite Dangerous only has the illusion of one big galaxy. With one big galaxy where every player plays in the same instance - something probably not technically possible - a "small" group like Code wouldn't be able to blockade a community goal. Add the NPCs that would have to fly around to make the background sim work and all CMDRs would be simply washed away and overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of ships flying around a system.

 

[greenlantern]

The Code are horrible and untrustworthy. They are a cancer that must be stopped.
...and I for one am glad that they, and groups like them, exist in the game. They add character to the game. They provide conflict. They can really, really ruin your day. But in the end you came here to this forum and shared the experience you had with this one "bad apple". One thousand interdictions by NPCs aren't noteworthy at all. Once encounter with another player in the game and it is worthy of remembering and telling people about it.
Here's my advice: ENJOY being angry with Code. Make it part of your game. They're now the enemy and when the time comes to give them a black eye... be ready!

Agree 100% Losses makes wins "sweeter". And a the more dynamic the game the better. That said, I'm used to games where such incidents are quite frequent. the "revenge" could be had within "tens" of minutes.

I'm out exploring, have hundreds of scans to turn in....I know when returning I could be killed...that would be a HUGE loss for me (i have more CR's in scans to be turned in than CR's in bank) so I will plan according to that risk.

 

[Jim Steinman]

My understanding is that CODE tried to blockade the effort and a large number of traders supporting the effort used the 'mode swap exploit' to get around the blockade.

The multiplayer mechanics of this game is well and truly broken in my view when group actions such as those attempted by code recently, can so easily be circumvented.

Dude, that is not an exploit.

 

[bigian12]

I wonder are they the same CODE that operates in Eve? If they are then they are bad news for Elite, I don't have the link offhand but if you have ever seen their page about their alliance in Eve you will see that they are run by a complete and utter lunatic. In Eve they go after miners and players who obviously cannot defend themselves( which is completely cowardly) and they claim they want pvp. I read here on the forum that they have a " purchase this pass and we won't kill you" system set up, this is what has led me to suspect they are the same people from Eve. So my advice is to ignore them completely, never buy their protection scam and chances are they will interdict you when you are in a smaller craft so be wary. Safe flying everyone.

 

[CMDR Zadian Lichtfrost]

This was clearly understood by Code from the beginning. It's part of a longer term strategy that will put some pressure on FD. We have no idea whether it will succeed, but as FD sees player groups working on specific in game goals in a coordinated way and the result is to just drive more people to solo or private, we hope it will either influence their view of how CGs are handled (unable to influence while in solo or group, or at least vastly reduced influence) or to cause them to redesign group and solo play altogether (tracked as different accounts - your fortune in solo stays in solo).
…

So basically Code tries to annoy enough players so they go to solo and Code hopes that this will result in FD changing the game?
Do I understand it correctly that Code stopped RP and that their actions are based on the hope that they can influence the developers to do something about something Code doesn't like?
Shouldn't there be ways to express your interests without hurting your interests? You want more players in open and more influence in open, but you main goal is to drive players into solo? Really? This sounds a lot like destroying the game because you think you have the right to force the players and FD to do what you want.

 

[Herik]

This was clearly understood by Code from the beginning. It's part of a longer term strategy that will put some pressure on FD. We have no idea whether it will succeed, but as FD sees player groups working on specific in game goals in a coordinated way and the result is to just drive more people to solo or private, we hope it will either influence their view of how CGs are handled (unable to influence while in solo or group, or at least vastly reduced influence) or to cause them to redesign group and solo play altogether (tracked as different accounts - your fortune in solo stays in solo).

Now, that may not work out at all, but in the mean time it still amounts to picking a side in a story in the game, and participating in that story as realistically as we can. If others want to meta-game it and shift over to a parallel universe where only their friends exist, that's on FD to figure out whether that's good for the game.

- - - Updated - - -


The OP said the pirate shot at him, he did not say whether the pirate destroyed his ship. The two possibilities make for vastly different conclusions, and it seems one is being blindly chosen - the one least consistent with all the other behavior described by the pilot of the hauler.

Did the pirate shoot and destroy his ship? Did the pirate shoot and then stop, to emphasize his point? 18 pages and the op still hasn't said a word about losing his ship in this encounter.

Ah yes Blaeringr, maybe Fd will decide 'Open' is much more trouble than it's worth; especially since everyone effectively decides to play in groups or Solo (p2p problems etc.), thus decides to do away with Open.
My guess is you wouldn't want that...

 

[Herik]

People have to accept that given the design of the game player groups can’t exert true control over an area or a real blockade.

They can try their own "blockade" which other players can choose to play along with in open or circumvent it using the game mechanics to get past players/wings in open.

Those that CBA with the drama can go to private group or solo – it’s not an exploit unless FD declare it so and so far they have said switching is intended and won't be changing.

The only way a system could be effectively blockaded is if in in game faction declares it – supported by NPCs – players can then support or fight against that faction and it's opposing players in open, or in solo/private where the blockade would still exist.

It looks like that may be where 1.3 takes us – we shall see.

THIS^^; (In your first sentence) as noted and stated by Michael B.

Still, I'm not sure where 1.3 will take us on this...

 

[Red Dirt Nurse]

Try to understand that we are dealing with hundreds of players constantly rolling in, we are quite busy and even sometimes frustrated by some players.

Dude, this is laughable. There are literally no words to describe how inane this comment is. C'mon, everyone! Think of those poor CODE pirates, their job is so challenging.

I actually think the pirate v trader interdiction thing is virtually impossible to get right in the current game mechanics. It's totally stacked in favour of the pirate until the trader gets a bulletproof Conda (putting aside combat logging etc.) - then the pirate(s) is (are) powerless...

It just always looks silly to me when pirates talk about cowardice, challenge etc. when for the most part they completely have the upper hand. Yes it makes sense for a "pirate" to seek a weaker target - just don't pretend it's challenging.

The quote above from ianw, sums it up better than I could:

The code often don't do their roleplaying very well. They need to do it in-game. The vast majority of players never visit these forums so to the code that means they are cannon fodder.

Couldn't agree more, and look forward to this. I'm not planning on wasting my time running between the RP forum and Reddit to see what the current state of play is with pirates.

As for the claim of post-interdiction stalling - what if the interdictee wants to parley with the interdictor? Isn't that part of the roleplay? Or am I missing something - oh wait, yeah... Interdicted > Macro/Script > Weapons Hot > PewPew.

Code keep doing your thing, this game would be quite boring without the fear of death or opposition.

I couldn't agree more. As I've posted many times myself, I welcome PvP and pirates - that's why I love playing open. The thrill of the chase; the interaction, the banter - it all breaks the tedium and adds to the immersion.

I only want for pirates to be better pirates, regardless of the outcome. Ask yourself, CODE, are you roleplaying or just grinding loot - surely the former has more merit than the latter?

 

[xondk]

Couldn't agree more, and look forward to this. I'm not planning on wasting my time running between the RP forum and Reddit to see what the current state of play is with pirates.

As for the claim of post-interdiction stalling - what if the interdictee wants to parley with the interdictor? Isn't that part of the roleplay? Or am I missing something - oh wait, yeah... Interdicted > Macro/Script > Weapons Hot > PewPew.

I cannot quote this enough, if they are not moving, they are not charging (which you can detect the surge off), then guess what, they aren't stalling they are probably trying to figure out something, and talk to you, but yeah apparently say anything and you are shot or so it seems.

Also to note, if you have to go onto forum then it is not RP, unless you specifically tell the person ingame where to find the stuff, you cannot tell people that "this forum" or "that forum" or any other thing outside the game is 'real' ingame, you cannot dicate another persons RP, it is like the first thing you learn when you do any real Roleplay in whatever shape or form, want to hit slap another player? roll dice see if you hit. Online roleplay with no dice system? open actions, allowing other player to respond to this and say if you hit or did not.
Don't trust the other player to be 'fair' in your eyes? Don't RP with them, Powerplayers and such exist yes, but if you really are looking for roleplay you won't find it with those anyway.

So yeah....if CODE works off Roleplay, yeah, then I don't get how it works.

 

[mossfoot]

There's a point to be had here - CODE can't assume everyone is on the same page as them, nor will blasting it into them help due to the turnover rate of oblivious people going into CODE space (many of whom may find greener pastures if annoyed enough).

Think Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, when it comes to finding out his house was going to be torn down for a bypass:



"But Mr Dent, the plans have been available in the local planning office for the last nine months."

"Oh yes, well as soon as I heard I went straight round to see them, yesterday afternoon. You hadn't exactly gone out of your way to call attention to them, had you? I mean, like actually telling anybody or anything."

"But the plans were on display ..."

"On display? I eventually had to go down to the cellar to find them."

"That's the display department."

"With a flashlight."

"Ah, well the lights had probably gone."

"So had the stairs."

"But look, you found the notice didn't you?"

"Yes," said Arthur, "yes I did. It was on display in the bottom of a locked filing cabinet stuck in a disused lavatory with a sign on the door saying 'Beware of the Leopard'."

 

[Red Dirt Nurse]

A (possible) solution.

Here goes. Stay with me....

• CODE desires an RP experience
• Many player desire an balanced piracy experience
• CODE wants recognition as a legitimate pirate presence in the galaxy

Why not implement the following mechanic into a Powerplay update in the future:

• The Devs add CODE as a faction for players to choose to be aligned with
• CODE skins/paintjobs for ships - wear it like a badge of honour
• Galnet includes CODE activities
• CODE representative makes press release - i.e. "CODE is currently blockading x station - stay away"
• CODE activities are their own community goal - e.g. tons stolen, ships destroyed, reduction in materials delivered to x station, station did not achieve target production, etc
• CODE ships will be identified as such automatically
• Bounty hunters can see the CODE identity
• Ships with the CODE ident will incur a bounty equal to the cost of damage, loss, theft for each of their victims
• Anarchy systems ignore CODE status - these are a safe haven for pirates
• The CODE ident can't simply be turned on and off at the click of a button or menu - perhaps it is bound to the vessel (?)
• Some Community Goals will have a sub-goal. While traders are trading, bounty hunters are rewarded for pirate kills (like the "Stop the Sobek Boys" CG)

What does this do?

• Players can see in game via Galnet, what CODE is about. What their terms are. Where they'll focus their activities
• Prevents pirates from selling stolen goods so easily
• Pirates take pride in their badge of honour
• Pirates incur bounties commensurate with their crimes
• Pirates are held responsible for their crimes
• Players can identify friend from foe - what stops CODE from pirating CODE?
• Bounty hunters can see pirates easily
• Bounty hunting pirates becomes a worthwhile profession
• Pirates get to experience the thrill of the hunt (from the other side of the game)
• If you're going to be a pirate - then fly your Jolly Roger, turn your face into the wind, and embrace the briny sting of the wind in your face

Sorry for all the dot-points; it just helps me keep track of my thoughts.

Just my thoughts. Share what you think. What can make it better.

Remember: I like pirates. I just don't want to be one. They are, however, an integral part of my gaming experience in ED, and I just want it to get better.