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Tamanura
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Posted - 2006.04.11 13:16:00 -
[1]
Edited by: Tamanura on 11/04/2006 13:16:30
This is an alt character post.
I am considering starting own corporation and wondered what kind of prospects exist for Mercenary Corps, who can be called in to help Industrial Corps deal with wars in Empire. My main concern is whether its profitable enough to make it worthwhile being tied to where your customer base is in terms of responding to their needs during wars?
Anyone out there done/doing it, or have any opinions?
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Eyeshadow
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Posted - 2006.04.11 13:27:00 -
[2]
Yes there are Mercenary corps out there 
No its not the most profitable way to make money.
Yes it can get boring from time to time.
Yes it can be extremely good fun.
And its always nice to be free of politics, yet be able to shoot the largest groups in game
Starting a merc corp can be difficult. Merc corps live by their reputation, and it can be hard to get, and keep, that reputation. Most merc corps these days turn quickly to pirates to seek out more PVP as contracts are easy to get early on in a merc's career.
Tis good fun though 
My Latest Vid (16/02/06) |
Audrea
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Posted - 2006.04.11 13:31:00 -
[3]
 Originally by: Eyeshadow
Starting a merc corp can be difficult. Merc corps live by their reputation, and it can be hard to get, and keep, that reputation. Most merc corps these days turn quickly to pirates to seek out more PVP as contracts are easy to get early on in a merc's career.
The contracts are easy to get when you start the merc corp and have no reputation? how? if nobody knows you or heard of you before.
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All my posts are my own opinions and dont not represent any organization until stated otherwise. |
RichThugster
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Posted - 2006.04.11 13:32:00 -
[4]
Eyeshadow, id disagree, contracts (atleast ones worth the pay) increase with time. once ppl hear about you.
the one key thing is, that you MUST be successful, failure on one contract, against someone who doesnt let you forget, and you might as well finish
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Alberta
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Posted - 2006.04.11 13:37:00 -
[5]
Pretty sure he meant to say contracts aren't easy to get early in your career. Fits much better with the context.
My Thoughts on Game Balance |
Jarek Naumen
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Posted - 2006.04.11 13:45:00 -
[6]
Well starting a merc corp from scratch isn't easy in my opinion. If you don't have a small group of pvpers who you know and trust and form a small corp with them, then i don't think starting it alone is a good idea. Even as a small merc corp with little to no reputation you can find contracts, you just have to look for them. Many smaller industrial corps have problems with pirates/griefers and they can't afford to hire a top tier merc corp.
Also your reputation grows by your actions so you need to set high standards if you want to get a good rep.
It's definitely a lot of fun but can also get boring, feel as a "job" when your targets are unwilling to fight. But i love the fact that we don't stay more then a few days without at least 1 war going .
Oh and if you are poor and wish to get rich from the merc business then forget it
ROA Recruitment
Mercs 4tw :) |
Tamanura
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Posted - 2006.04.11 13:48:00 -
[7]
Edited by: Tamanura on 11/04/2006 13:48:22
As player with more PVE background than PVP, I guess this could be something a little out of my line.
Turning the idea on its head completely, what are the prospects for a Pirate Corp that wages war on under-prepared Industrial Corps, with the hope getting nice bribes to go away or finding nice loot if taking out stuff they try to transport around? This could also be used a vehicles to learn more PVP skills for future aim of returning to the Merc Corp idea.
I should add that the reason I want to start something and stay around empire is that I earn my isk from trading the markets and enjoy this part of the game, hence looking for combat related ideas in an empire context.
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Eyeshadow
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Posted - 2006.04.11 14:00:00 -
[8]
Yes i did mean that contracts arent easy to get in the early days of a merc corp. Apologies
My Latest Vid (16/02/06) |
Eyeshadow
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Posted - 2006.04.11 14:01:00 -
[9]
Originally by: Tamanura
Edited by: Tamanura on 11/04/2006 13:48:22
As player with more PVE background than PVP, I guess this could be something a little out of my line.
Turning the idea on its head completely, what are the prospects for a Pirate Corp that wages war on under-prepared Industrial Corps, with the hope getting nice bribes to go away or finding nice loot if taking out stuff they try to transport around? This could also be used a vehicles to learn more PVP skills for future aim of returning to the Merc Corp idea.
I should add that the reason I want to start something and stay around empire is that I earn my isk from trading the markets and enjoy this part of the game, hence looking for combat related ideas in an empire context.
Attacking industrial corps will get you the name of "loser griefer" and also wont get you much PVP experience. Ganking indies and unprepared people is only fun for so long and rapidly gets boring
My Latest Vid (16/02/06) |
Leilani Solaris
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Posted - 2006.04.11 14:12:00 -
[10]
If you're already willing to give up the idea you probably wouldn't have lasted long anyway 
I haven't got a new sig yet :)
http://triad.eve-killboard.net/
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Tamanura
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Posted - 2006.04.11 14:18:00 -
[11]
It's not giving up, its exploring ideas and acknowledging that I have certain strengths and weaknesses.
Oh, and thanks for the constructive post. 
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Hans Roaming
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Posted - 2006.04.11 14:22:00 -
[12]
I would suggest like anything learn the ropes from someone who knows already, maybe joining an existing well established mercenary corp and getting experience both in the trade and to pvp that way.
For an example Eyeshadow could form his own mercenary corp from scratch if he wanted to but because of his experience and reputation that he has built up whilst in the MC it would be a lot easier to start than someone that is coming in from the blue.
President
Huzzah Federation
Be all you can be, join the Huzzah Armed Forces today! |
Laythun
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Posted - 2006.04.11 16:24:00 -
[13]
Join an existing one to start, find out how it works, strategies etc.
Then build up a group of friends/pvp'ers that u can trust and work well with.
Lastly get out there and get to know people. get into the sales channels and make contacts. You can be the most skilled pilot in eve but if u dont know anyone your nothing mate
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If im flaming or not contributing im sorry, but im trying to get into th [23]
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Dash Ripcock
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Posted - 2006.04.11 16:47:00 -
[14]
You have to be serious about being a mercenary if you want to succeed. It takes dedication, hard work and patience to slowly but surely build up the reputation that gets you business deals. Just keep doing as many contracts as you can, make sure you treat your clients with respect and roll with a tight crew. If you can keep up the momentum you'll soon have trouble fitting all the contracts in.
Save The Deimos |
Ripline
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Posted - 2006.04.11 20:42:00 -
[15]
I'd say develop a reputation first, then think about the merc corp. Or call it branding if you want. MC comes to mind as the main example. Another way would be recruiting high profile people (Battle Angels come to mind).
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Jenny Spitfire
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Posted - 2006.04.11 20:58:00 -
[16]
Hmmm... I think Merc corps get free wars sponsored by clients?
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RecruitMe@NOINT! |
Mr Flibble1
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Posted - 2006.04.11 21:56:00 -
[17]
Anything like other [non-named] wannabe corps that tried to be mercs, simple advice, don't.
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Edoo
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Posted - 2006.04.11 22:20:00 -
[18]
Originally by: Eyeshadow
Edited by: Eyeshadow on 11/04/2006 13:58:17
Yes there are Mercenary corps out there
No its not the most profitable way to make money.
Yes it can get boring from time to time.
Yes it can be extremely good fun.
And its always nice to be free of politics, yet be able to shoot the largest groups in game
Starting a merc corp can be difficult. Merc corps live by their reputation, and it can be hard to get, and keep, that reputation. Most merc corps these days turn quickly to pirates to seek out more PVP as contracts arent easy to get early on in a merc's career.
Tis good fun though
You are allied with BoB, sounds like politics to me.
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Eyeshadow
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Posted - 2006.04.11 22:23:00 -
[19]
Originally by: Edoo
You are allied with BoB, sounds like politics to me.
Says who? You seen us fly with BOB? You seen us shoot the same targets as BOB?
My Latest Vid (16/02/06) |
Edoo
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Posted - 2006.04.11 22:58:00 -
[20]
Originally by: Eyeshadow
Originally by: Edoo
You are allied with BoB, sounds like politics to me.
Says who? You seen us fly with BOB? You seen us shoot the same targets as BOB?
Well im not trying to insult you, just seems you are closer to BoB than you are to other alliances. You have an outpost in their space, and yes from killboard observations it seemed you were shooting imp/sa in BoB space.
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danneh
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Posted - 2006.04.11 23:45:00 -
[21]
If you want to get contracts use the prison trick.
Find the biggest badass on the block and kick his ass.
Contraband Inc |
Korah
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Posted - 2006.04.12 03:24:00 -
[22]
I think we can safely say that MC lost their right to claim they're "alliance unafiliated merc" when they
- implied won't take contracts against BoB because they have friends there
- built and outpost in BoB space
- killed BoB enemies although they have no contracts against them
Hiring MC to kill BoB friends results in a big loss in the employer's side. Revealing alliance plans to these guys results in the plans being told to BoB. 
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Emno
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Posted - 2006.04.12 03:40:00 -
[23]
Originally by: Korah
Hiring MC to kill BoB friends
what friends ;p
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Seleene
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Posted - 2006.04.12 05:30:00 -
[24]
Originally by: Korah
I think we can safely say that MC lost their right to claim they're "alliance unafiliated merc" when they
- implied won't take contracts against BoB because they have friends there
OFC we have friends in Bob. Blacklight and Diana are fun people. It doesn't mean I won't pod thier asses if someone actually came up with a contact against them that was more than a lot of talk and threats.
For a long time, people started to think that we were alts of / sweet on CLS and the alliance they were in. Sure, we liked some of them, but when the right job came along, we shot at them. A more recent example is our current contract against FE. I love the MLM guys and think a lot of FE is pretty cool, but MC is out there shooting them up at this very moment.
In two years of doing this (merc work), I have not had one single serious offer to go to war against BoB. No one has ever had the right amount of money, a proper plan or the balls to put the previous two together. This is a fact, one that continually baffles the hell out of myself and members of BoB tbh.
Quote:
- built and outpost in BoB space
I'm pretty sure that the sovereignty on the system and the constellation does not say Band of Brothers, but I'll check the next time I'm down that way.
Quote:
- killed BoB enemies although they have no contracts against them
Unless you have access to the MC Leadership forums, I'd hazard a guess that you don't have the first clue who our clients are or what they pay us to do. The fact is that a large number of MC members don't even have this information nor do they care.
Quote:
Hiring MC to kill BoB friends results in a big loss in the employer's side. Revealing alliance plans to these guys results in the plans being told to BoB.
We've never had a client bring such a matter to our attention.
To the thread starter - Yes, it's a long and hard road. No, it never gets any easier. The best thing I tell you is that so long as you remember that the only two people you have to please are yourself and your client, then you're already further along than most.
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Who is the MC? Watch! |
Luc Boye
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Posted - 2006.04.12 06:49:00 -
[25]
How thick can people be, we spend hours every day traveling 50 jumps easy to find some decent action, if someone sent MC on us it would actually be cool. Just because we are on friendly terms, doesn't mean that we can't fight each other. It's a video game, ffs, you can be friendly with opfor as well.
So if you aren't actually willing to pay up and hire MC to kill ebil bobbits, then stuff your smacktalk.
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K Shara
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Posted - 2006.04.12 08:08:00 -
[26]
To the original poster...
Its takes alot of work.
You must be 100% honest and prepared to be bored silly.
Dont use dodgy tactics like log off traps or borderline sploits.
When it comes to the fights, have a good fleet commander, and have a group that will work as a team and follow orders. The last thing you want is a gang of individuals who wont focus fire or run off because they are more interested in saving their arse than shooting the target.
Also, for your 1st contracts I suggest charging very little so you can get contacts, contracts, reputation, and experience.
I would also advise getting a dedicated covops pilot. Make sure he is out of corp. And make sure he/she knows his stuff.
<><><><><><><><><>
Contraband
<><><><><><><><><> |
Seleene
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Posted - 2006.04.12 09:14:00 -
[27]
Originally by: K Shara
You must be 100% honest and prepared to be bored silly.
Of everything said here, this sums merc work up pretty well TBH. 
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Who is the MC? Watch! |
Ithildin
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Posted - 2006.04.12 09:45:00 -
[28]
1. Most people should be able to fly covert ops, or have an alt able to fly covert ops.
2. The boring part is mostly looking at people undocking and docking again. People do this for two reasons: a) there's no windows in the station so they can't look at you and see if you're gone and b) they like to **** you off.
3. Contract fees are, to a large part, symbolic. You will make most of your money by looting from the enemy. However, depending on how your economy is built, the contract fee may be the steadiest income the corporation as a whole has (that is, if the loot goes to the members who pick it up).
4. Always make the client pay the warfee. The warfee is not part of your contract fee.
5. Don't smack. Simple enough. It's OK to chat, discuss, etc etc, but don't call people lame, don't call them cowards, nor any other naughty words. Smacking is a good way to loose reputation.
6. Private convoes is best when discussing other people's tactics. Neither you nor the one you are talking to will feel the need of boasting infront of your/their mates.
7. Never, ever, accept hostage fees from those you are contracted to attack.
8. NBSI policy is the easy way. Remember what Yoda said about the easy way. Don't do it. This is how alliances, who protect territory, operate.
9. Rules of Engagement, target lists, etc, will be supplied by the client. If client asks you to kill everything not blue, that is your contract (everyone, except...). The contract is law.
10. You don't have to accept any contract. If target doesn't suit, pay doesn't suit, or RoE doesn't suit, you don't take the contract. But do be open minded and suggest tactical improvements, etc. Work WITH the client.
Drones are Gallente.
Missiles are Caldari.
Get this into your damned head! |
Dash Ripcock
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Posted - 2006.04.12 11:37:00 -
[29]
Another thing you must remember is combat transparency. If you've managed to secure a decent reputation and you take out a contract against a corporation, unless they are PvP orientated chances are they'd rather avoid you than fight you, and in the latter, only if they can guarantee a win. This means you don't reveal your trump card until the last possible moment. This requires good intelligence, pilots who know what they're doing and sound understanding of small-scale tactics.
Ithildin makes some good points. Whilst you are offering your services to the client, remember that you pay for this game too and you also have a corporation to run. Don't blindly accept contracts with vague objectives, complicated payment systems or odd policies. Negotiate a weekly fee that you feel will cover your losses as well as allowing for investment, and make sure the target(s) is/are clearly identified. Keep in constant communication with the client to ensure that he is pleased with the contract as well as a chance to discuss extensions or changes to modus operandi.
Save The Deimos |
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