Modrak Vseth
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Posted - 2007.08.07 00:21:00 -
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@ Mos Superum:
I'm just short of 2M SP, so I'm far from an expert, but I can give you my take on your questions at least. I've lived mostly in low-sec since day 2 of my trial. I've spent a decent amount of time in high sec to do L1 and L2 missions, since there aren't any good L1/L2 agents in the lowsec systems near me, but once I hit L3 missions, I'll be moving back to lowsec permanently again. I still only run 2-3 missions in high sec then usually spend the next 1.5-2 hours in lowsec hunting.
 Originally by: Mos Superum
... Can someone NOT in corp or gang run low sec agent missions? What about ratting? I feel like I need to learn to take care of myself BEFORE I start worrying about finding comrades with which to fly in low sec.
Like I said, I moved to low sec on day 2 of my trial. It's very viable. You don't HAVE to be in a corp to run there, although it may help (being in a corp helps with all aspects of the game really). Ratting is good, you just have to watch yourself. Use your scanner and always keep an eye on local. Check each persons bio, age, sec status and corp info to see who is the most likely to put a hurting on you and avoid them. Approach all others with extreme caution. Remember that just because a corp is named "something Industries" doesn't mean it's not a pirate corp. 
As far as learning to take care of yourself BEFORE going to highsec, you can do that easily enough. First, practice using your scanner in highsec. Read the guides posted in the various forums here. Learn to setup your overview for different scanning types and for other things (hunting, salvaging, mining, etc). The rest is just using your head and paying attention.
Originally by: Mos Superum
Secondly, I thoroughly understand NOT flying my underequipped Vexor (wish I'd never bought it) into low sec without proper experience and/or support. That said, I'm training up skills high enough to benefit from some Tech II items on my Tristan. Is this just BEGGING to lose a lot of $$$? I understand not going in with a poorly equipped BC, BS or cruiser, but what about a decently/well equipped frigate?
Depends on what your doing, but I'd just go with the Tristan for now. I ALWAYS run in lowsec with my Rifter (minmatar frigate). I use some T2 stuff, but only if I'm hunting other players. I don't bother with it against the NPC rats b/c a T1 fitted frigate can take them out pretty easily. The biggest rat spawn I've seen in 0.3 and 0.4 systems was a BC with 2 frigs, and I killed relatively easily with a T1 fitted Rifter. If someone jumps in the belt though, MOVE IT. Don't sit there and wonder if they might attack you as well.
If you're going to be doing PvP, definately fly the cheaper T1 fitted frigates until you get a better handle on what you're doing. They cost a LOT less to replace, and you're GOING to get popped. Just be very cognizant of your surroundings and who else is in the system and what they're flying. Don't expect to take out a 2 year old pilot in a Cruiser if you're only 2 months old in a t1 frigate, but you probably actually have the advantage against another 2 month old pilot in that same cruiser. It's even better if you can get a friend to fly around with you.
Originally by: Mos Superum
Finally, are the stations more sparse in low sec? If I decide to make a temporary home there learning the low sec ratting/mission running/PvP ropes, I want to know that I have consistent docking options.
You'll have consistent docking options (depending on which lowsec system you choose). The only problem I've found is finding a station with med bays. None of the stations in my lowsec area have them, so if I get popped, I wake up 4 systems away...
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