Changes to Smuggler Character

[contributor]

I mentioned this as a guest once on a different post but thought I might start it over here. I've tried the smuggler and have struggled to figure out the best way to play it.

It seems like the essence of a smuggler is to sell illegal or regulated goods outside of government regulation. A way to do this in the game would be to give the Smuggler the special ability to sell restricted goods without a trade permit. Ideally trades like these would pay higher than normal prices (because he's not paying any taxes/fees) than licit trades. The excitement of being a smuggler then would be to slide your jammer quietly into Cadar Capital with a load full artifacts, sell it at a premium and get out without crossing paths with any government types.

There's lots to be worked out. Would illegal trades create reputation gain, or more realistically loss? Would it be possible to also make illegal purchases? at what price? Could a smuggler purchase a trade permit in order to have some factions where he can keep his reputation up?

I don't know if this could be done or what others think of this, but it seems to me like it would create some interesting gameplay, as well as the need for some seriously stealthy ships.

[slayernz]

There would need to be a % chance that your ship would be detected on landing/takeoff and you'd have to either pay bribes for officials to turn a blind eye, or get your goods seized. Some factions (eg Cadar) wouldn't give you the option of the bribe.

You should also have the option of being able to eject your restricted cargo out your airlock in the event you are going to be boarded. That way you don't lose any RP when your hold is inspected, but you might suffer the wrath of Jabba unless you pay your debt off quickly.

All that being said, there has been a long-standing request for a black market aspect to the game ... but I'm waiting (in)patiently for ST2 to be worked on <grin>

[starfixer]

I support the option of being able to drop cargo in deep-space

[contributor]

I think jettisoning cargo into space makes it too easy. The point is not to get caught or, if you are caught to fix it. Besides don't the inspectors have some sort sensors to know that "yep he just jettisoned his satchel out the window. Seriously, don't they know that never works?"

Of course I now begin to see why my original idea could be complicated. Getting caught once with a massive load of contraband when you already have negative Rep with a faction could end your career faster than meeting aliens before you've bought a second ship. Hence the need for the bribe button. Or perhaps my imagined smuggler would just have find ways to stay in that liminal space between a good and bad guy.