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merc999
Caldari Turbulent Subversion
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Posted - 2006.09.06 00:06:00 -
[1]
Edited by: merc999 on 06/09/2006 00:11:47 On another thread it has grown off the original subject, and spread to a general discussion of the Merc'ing profession. rather than drag that thread any further of its course i thought I would start the discussion here.
I suppose your personal opinion of mercenary pilots and corps would very much depend on your experience of them, wether as a member of a client corps/alliance, member of a target corps alliance or perhaps as a victim of "Empire pirate" merc's.
I know that to some we are seen as angels who came dashing in during their hour of need, a industrial small corp being permanently bullied and ransomed by the local PvP corps. a couple of weeks of PvP experienced mercs clearing the area can make the world of difference to a small corps morale and isk balance.
To a corp/alliance already being battered by an enemy the addition of extra combat hardened pilots can be the straw that breaks the teams morale and ruins many months /years hard work building up a succesful enterprise.
but I would arue that merc'ing is an honourable profession, a merc doesnt fight you with a hidden agenda,he doesnt pretend to be your friend to fight alongside you. when the battle is over and the contract ended the merc leaves with no grudge , wether you killed him more or he killed you more, he flies back home with all he wants, the isk in his pocket.
Merc's are need in the eve universe, because no matter how big you are , and how hard you hit, someone will always come along and try to take you down,and if they are lucky then you may need to quickly boltser your forces, and if they dont achieve their objectives they will need to be able to reinforce to hold back the retribution you will wish to exact.
merc's are not a nescessary evil, they are a essential part of corporate survival
well thats my view !!
Scum.. well the psuedo merc corps maybe( I wish they would just call themselves empire pirates)
Valuable resource... definatly
But there again.... I may just be a little biased !!!
MERC999 Public Relations Director TBSV
Keeping Empire and Syndicate ship builders in business |
Drakma
Celestial Fleet Ascendant Frontier
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Posted - 2006.09.06 00:11:00 -
[2]
I say they're Valuable Scum.
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Major Stormer
Caldari Demon Womb Xelas Alliance
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Posted - 2006.09.06 00:14:00 -
[3]
Total Scum.
They do rock however. think of the Empire in Star Wars. Noone denies that they are totally and uttly evil, but everyone likes them the best
Merc corps rock. I aspire to be just as scumlike in my future pvp life :) (or, my 200ths clone, whatever --------------------------
0.01 ISK to the first mod that writes in my sig! :D Pay cash value in cookies plskthx - Immy Oh man thats gonna be a lot of cookies. Make them chocolate chip aswell - Xorus I'll give ya a goat for them cookies!-Tirg |
Mistress Suffering
Einherjar Rising Dusk and Dawn
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Posted - 2006.09.06 00:45:00 -
[4]
Actual professional mercenaries are fine and useful and surprisingly rare.
The problem which tends to besmirch the 'merc' name though, is that a great many corps will wardec a target for personal gain, and then declare them to be a contract.
"Oh yes, we were hired to abuse those big bad ISS haulers while they roamed through empire."
Besides which, the simple fact that PvP is fun means you can't drop a rock without bumping into someone who wishes they could be paid to PvP. So it tends to attract absolutely anyone who has a pulse, and further sullying the image.
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Heraklitus Nomidzon
0utbreak
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Posted - 2006.09.06 00:58:00 -
[5]
I think Mistress Suffering alludes to one of the reasons why properly professional & impartial mercenaries are rather rare---being a merc can get quite boring at times.
We had this problem in Battle Angels. Sometimes you can get a really fat contract that provides tons of chances for fighting against fun enemies (usually those are the "Go clear this area" type contracts), but other times it's hard and dull--the targets don't come out much, or the target is small.
And if you're going to preserve the image of being impartial, you can't just go shooting someone else because you're bored. That's bad for business for a number of reasons, the first of which is that the person you just shot could be your next customer. It really takes a lot of discipline and willingness to trudge through sometimes long stretches of time without huge numbers of targets. Battle Angels was on contract almost continuously for its entire existence, and were, I think, among the more successful merc groups that have been around, and we still had this problem.
Mercs who are able and willing to restrain themselves to their contract, conduct their business professionally, and really produce results all at the same time have my highest respect. It's a hard job.
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Zaphod Jones
Celtic Anarchy Black Reign Syndicate
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Posted - 2006.09.06 01:22:00 -
[6]
Valuable resource definately,
The scum of the universe that you are thinking of are the new batch of power mad ISD's that are currently over moderating
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Dracolich
North Star Networks Mercenary Coalition
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Posted - 2006.09.06 02:03:00 -
[7]
Yes, merc's are scum of the ... I mean No... eh what was the question again? _______________________________________
Does killing the weak, make you feel strong? |
Lygos
ISS Navy Task Force Interstellar Starbase Syndicate
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Posted - 2006.09.06 02:07:00 -
[8]
Hmm. I don't see who it is that stands a judges a merc group when they perform a contract on someone who is causing a problem. Not everyone causes a problem with pvp ships.
I think that many of these contracts that are sought for babysitting, or petty vengeance are only sought because the other types are inadequately marketed. I think more mercs should take a page from Lai Dai Security, or whomever, and simply try to defend the interests of a client, howsoever callous or greedy.
Mercs shouldn't be in the business of determining the moral character of their employers. That's just unprofessional, and hurts the bottom line.
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Cheechako
Contraband Inc. Mercenary Coalition
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Posted - 2006.09.06 03:15:00 -
[9]
It's just business
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Talthrus
Sharks With Frickin' Laser Beams Mercenary Coalition
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Posted - 2006.09.06 03:27:00 -
[10]
Originally by: Cheechako It's just business
Exactly. ----------------------
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Altai Saker
Omniscient Order
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Posted - 2006.09.06 05:18:00 -
[11]
What's better than being a contract killer? Not much.
Also I'd like to point at that eve is the only mmo that this profession exists and is prosperous... So awesome.
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Agent Kenshin
Caldari Body Count Inc. Mercenary Coalition
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Posted - 2006.09.06 05:22:00 -
[12]
Originally by: Altai Saker What's better than being a contract killer? Not much.
Also I'd like to point at that eve is the only mmo that this profession exists and is prosperous... So awesome.
Even if some of the game mechanics dont quite support it completely. Contracts system may prove to help. However it goes to show you that you can do just about anything within the rules of the game. ----- Station Invunerablity POS Module
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Seleene
Body Count Inc. Mercenary Coalition
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Posted - 2006.09.06 05:31:00 -
[13]
Originally by: Lygos Mercs shouldn't be in the business of determining the moral character of their employers.
Agreed. This also means that there will be times when you agree to do a job you'd personally rather not take due to various factors.
Originally by: Heraklitus Nomidzon I think Mistress Suffering alludes to one of the reasons why properly professional & impartial mercenaries are rather rare---being a merc can get quite boring at times.
This is the downfall of most 'mercs' - boredom. I've yet to see a corp attempt this line of work and not have to deal with this problem. Those that succeed are still around. Those that don't move on to do other more 'fun' things. *cough* Corsets & Carebears *cough*
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Remember Shaelin |
NATMav
F.R.E.E. Explorer EVE Animal Control
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Posted - 2006.09.06 05:36:00 -
[14]
Yeah I imagine it could get boring when you don't have a job and have to refrain from shooing anyone.
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Agent Kenshin
Caldari Body Count Inc. Mercenary Coalition
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Posted - 2006.09.06 05:40:00 -
[15]
Originally by: NATMav Yeah I imagine it could get boring when you don't have a job and have to refrain from shooing anyone.
The roids still show up to fight. ----- Station Invunerablity POS Module
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Seleene
Body Count Inc. Mercenary Coalition
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Posted - 2006.09.06 05:55:00 -
[16]
Edited by: Seleene on 06/09/2006 05:55:24
Originally by: Agent Kenshin
Originally by: NATMav Yeah I imagine it could get boring when you don't have a job and have to refrain from shooing anyone.
The roids still show up to fight.
^^ MC's version of Dianabolic tbh... -
Remember Shaelin |
Lamb Chop
KIA Corp
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Posted - 2006.09.06 06:46:00 -
[17]
I think it is a profession just like anything else. People don't like carebears either. Or scammers or <Insert random profession here> depending on their experience.
But name Merc has bad mojo attached to it due to the fact many griefers call themselves mercs.
Hopefully with the contract system and contract history this will change a bit.
As for boring jobs, you have to get through the exterior of a fruit to reach the juicy tasty bit in the middle. Just a Job.
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Rina Shanu
Peace Loving Criminals
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Posted - 2006.09.06 07:42:00 -
[18]
First I'd like to say I love mercs as much as I like pirates. Second I consider them needed.
1. make the isk move - moving cash is important to any economy - from client to merc corp 2. blow stuff up - needs to be replaced - isk is needed - stuff is built - economy runs 3. are a constant shadow out there, the uncertainty factor - keep things interesting 4. eve is mostly pvp based, what would we do without mercs?
No, mercs are not the scum of the universe. Pirates are usually as are those masking piracy. Hmm, perhaps pirates are not scum. Yeah, merc are not scam, pirates are not scam, ordinary pvpers are not scum, hmm, that leaves those scammers to be scum. Yep. scammers are scum.
RECRUITMENT
this ok dear? |
Tyrrax Thorrk
Amarr Umbra Congregatio Interstellar Alcohol Conglomerate
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Posted - 2006.09.06 07:53:00 -
[19]
I love mercs, without them why bother trying to become superrich ?
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Kaleeb
Celestial Apocalypse
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Posted - 2006.09.06 07:54:00 -
[20]
Yes your completely right Seleene is scum of the universe closely followed by roid captain trooper
Originally by: Blacklight
Last night was an 'anomoly' for different reasons that have absolutely nothing to do with skill or who were the better pvpers.
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Seleene
Body Count Inc. Mercenary Coalition
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Posted - 2006.09.06 07:59:00 -
[21]
Originally by: Kaleeb Yes your completely right Seleene is scum of the universe closely followed by roid captain trooper
I'll have you know that MC kills quite a few pirates in between contracts as a Community Service. The cries of the griefed call out to us and we must respond!!
Yes, in our world three pirate BS kills make up for popping transports full of homeless orphans while on contrat. -
Remember Shaelin |
Heraklitus Nomidzon
0utbreak
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Posted - 2006.09.06 08:07:00 -
[22]
Originally by: Seleene
Originally by: Kaleeb Yes your completely right Seleene is scum of the universe closely followed by roid captain trooper
I'll have you know that MC kills quite a few pirates in between contracts as a Community Service. The cries of the griefed call out to us and we must respond!!
Yes, in our world three pirate BS kills make up for popping transports full of homeless orphans while on contrat.
Heh, yea, we did the same thing--one concession we made to neutrality in the interests of keeping ourselves amused in the slow periods.
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Shin Ra
BURN EDEN
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Posted - 2006.09.06 08:12:00 -
[23]
Originally by: NATMav Yeah I imagine it could get boring when you don't have a job and have to refrain from shooing anyone.
Yeah, hence we are no longer officially mercs.
Pirates who occasionally get paid to kill someone is where its at
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Kaleeb
Celestial Apocalypse
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Posted - 2006.09.06 08:14:00 -
[24]
NPC's dont count sel!
Originally by: Blacklight
Last night was an 'anomoly' for different reasons that have absolutely nothing to do with skill or who were the better pvpers.
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KIAEddZ
Caldari KIA Corp
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Posted - 2006.09.06 08:34:00 -
[25]
KIA has been here since the inception or the Mercenary Profession in Eve, it has changed an awful lot, with many corps pretending to be mercs as cover for a Piratical need to kill stuff.
Boredom is the biggest factor for a Merc corp to deal with, its something KIA has really suffered from in the past, but the groove is running now for us, and we now have approved NBSI training grounds for our pilots, this has helped alleviate pressure.
The largest single obstacle faced by a Merc corp though is contract quality. Its too easy to take a contract that is financially lucrative, but offers very little in the way of fun for the corp. The balance that you must find as a leader of a corp like KIA is a fine one, and not easy, but we seem to be getting it just about right recently... hope that continues.
Size is also an issue, We are now over 20 members online night in night out, over 30 at peak times... for a merc corp and a PvP focused unit this is a healthy size, but again retaining membership is an ongoing struggle, the core never leave, they take a sense of pride in their name, and every so often a new member joins that core, takes some ownership in its corps name and feels a true part and sponsor of the corp, but it takes a hell of a lot of time, and one bad contract can undo months of hard work.
I think one of the hardest style of corps to run in the game is a Merc one, its a constant battle to keep your members happy, your employers satisfied, and your real life balanced ;)
On a side note, and this is only a personal note...
The BE's of the Eve World harm the Merc name, with their cowardly tactics and smacktastic unprofessional approach (and of course the inability to control their trigger fingers), they give the Merc profession a bad name and generally embarrass the rest of us..... that said, I still feel the few honourable Mercenary Corps are the ones the big guys turn to when they need a job done, and as long as that continues the Merc profession will remain healthy within Eves hallowed walls.
KIA Piccys
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Kuolematon
Space Perverts and Forum Warriors United
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Posted - 2006.09.06 11:31:00 -
[26]
Scum
Unnerf Amarr! "Just because you can utterly ruin another player's game doesn't mean that you must."
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Shin Ra
BURN EDEN
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Posted - 2006.09.06 11:45:00 -
[27]
Originally by: KIAEddZ The BE's of the Eve World harm the Merc name, with their cowardly tactics and smacktastic unprofessional approach (and of course the inability to control their trigger fingers), they give the Merc profession a bad name and generally embarrass the rest of us..... that said, I still feel the few honourable Mercenary Corps are the ones the big guys turn to when they need a job done, and as long as that continues the Merc profession will remain healthy within Eves hallowed walls.
Are you sure it has nothing to do with the fact our contact performance is better than yours every single time? This, desipte you having by your own admission 5 times as many active pilots.....
I understand you can get embarrased when compared to us, but give it some more practice. You'll get better eventually.
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Trooper B99
Caldari Body Count Inc. Mercenary Coalition
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Posted - 2006.09.06 11:55:00 -
[28]
Originally by: Kaleeb Yes your completely right Seleene is scum of the universe closely followed by roid captain trooper
HEY! I resemble that implication! . . .err . .
Personally I often classify mercs in three or four categories depending on how they act. Its a rough and ready kinda thing and there is overlap of/c, but there are many kinda of merc out there depedning on what your need is in a given situation. Be it all out warfare, covert actions, harrassment etc etc etc. There is plenty out there to suit your needs and your budget.
a)Professional Mercs - for whom keeping the client happy is the most important and image is highly important. They always follow contracts through to the best of their ability. However, their member base can suffer from the "image is everything neutrality" kinda thing. Contractual work is their mainstay. ie the MC
b)PvP Mercs - for whom getting the kill and keeping up a line of targets is most important. Thats not to say that they don't want to keep the client happy, but its often not primary in their way of thinking. They tend to pick contracts on # kills available. Contractual work is something they enjoy doing for the extra cash, but will happily PvP against anything. ie BYDI
c)Pirate Mercs - for whom getting kills and loot is most important but again, thats not to say that clients wishes aren't important, just not as important as the booty. They tend not to take contracts very often and are pretty selective about what will give the best return. Will happily kill anything anywhere for loot even if its not a war target. ie Warmongers
d)Wannabe Mercs - for whom the contract is more often than not made up and they just want to gank ISS at Jita 4-4.
Wirykomi Team Racer - COLOSSUS Championships Year 106
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GoGo Yubari
Sharks With Frickin' Laser Beams Mercenary Coalition
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Posted - 2006.09.06 11:57:00 -
[29]
Yeah, boredom is the big killer. Most people who come into the profession are PvP hungry berserkers, so the downtimes and even some of the contracts themselves can be a struggle for such. Externally, a merc unit is evaluated based on their effectiveness (customer satisfaction). Internally, it's all about managing the boredom matter, ie. leadership/motivation.
Personally, on contract you go out and kill people, off contract you stay in the bar and drink away your earnings.
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Seleene
Body Count Inc. Mercenary Coalition
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Posted - 2006.09.06 12:08:00 -
[30]
Originally by: GoGo Yubari Personally, on contract you go out and kill people, off contract you stay in the bar and drink away your earnings.
Another way to look at is it that we keep the dogs (players without mining alts) in the basement and starve them for a few weeks. When it's time for them to come out and play, they are ravenous and mean. -
Remember Shaelin |
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