OBT Forum

Takiro
Administrator
Avatar
*****
Online Online

Posts: 5060

digitdoger
View Profile Email Personal Message (Online)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #15 on: October 01, 2007, 05:06:33 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
Agreed but back on topic. Any ideas for Privateer units?? We have a kick ass pirate nation and I might as well share it because it won't appear for two years or so in print.

Dark Pentad
Easily the most powerful and dangerous band of pirates in known space. This bandit confederation is ruled by the old adage might makes right. The balance of power is almost always shifting within the Pentad but they remain united in their piracy against outsiders. The ruling lord takes the title Emperor while the other Lords style themselves as Kings. Leaders are always ruthless, think of the Empire in Star Trek (Mirrior, Mirrior), in order to maintain their power.
   Report to moderator   71.245.250.139 (?)


"It is better to be thought a fool, than open your mouth and remove all doubt."
    U. S. Grant

"Don't think about what I say, cause I don't."
   John Luther
Ice Hellion
Contributor
Grand Champion
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 3087

Part time builder of fallen Empires


View Profile WWW Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #16 on: October 01, 2007, 05:08:36 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
Privateer units?
This is not something you would see. Privateers were individuals that might gather for specific targets but that would be sailing alone most of the time.
   Report to moderator   81.56.118.167 (?)


In Turn they tested each Clan namesake in trial against the Ice Hellion's mettle. Each chased the Ice Hellion, hunting it down. All failed to match the predator's speed and grace. Khan Cage smiled and said, "And that is how we shall be."

The Remembrance (Clan Ice Hellion) Passage 5, Verse 3, Lines 1 - 5
Takiro
Administrator
Avatar
*****
Online Online

Posts: 5060

digitdoger
View Profile Email Personal Message (Online)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #17 on: October 01, 2007, 05:18:00 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
True to an extent but there must be some notable practioners.
   Report to moderator   71.245.250.139 (?)


"It is better to be thought a fool, than open your mouth and remove all doubt."
    U. S. Grant

"Don't think about what I say, cause I don't."
   John Luther
Takiro
Administrator
Avatar
*****
Online Online

Posts: 5060

digitdoger
View Profile Email Personal Message (Online)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #18 on: October 02, 2007, 08:49:11 AM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
Wow, great read. Merchant fleet sizes should also be addressed. I believe House Davion starts the war with the largest merchant fleet because of their commercial shipbuilding ventures. Others I'm not sure of although the Lyrans and Terrans are probably 2 and 3 followed by Marik (perhaps Marik even has more than Terra although their pre-war shipbuilding and mentioned shipping doesn't indicate that to me) then Kurita followed that poor old House Liao. Periphery merchant fleets are most likely so small to these powers it is a bad comparsion.

Great job! I'm looking forward to the other states of the InnerSphere.
   Report to moderator   71.245.250.139 (?)


"It is better to be thought a fool, than open your mouth and remove all doubt."
    U. S. Grant

"Don't think about what I say, cause I don't."
   John Luther
Bradshaw
Global Moderator
Advocate
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 387

I'm Not Evil I Just Act This Way

docny1975
View Profile WWW Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #19 on: October 02, 2007, 11:26:46 AM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
very nice indeed
   Report to moderator   172.31.60.57 (?)
Expect it most when you expect it the least.
Jeremy "Bradshaw"

"America is not a lie; it is a disappointment. But what is worse than being disappointed? It is not even to know what you're missing."
Samuel Huntington
Kit
Contributor
Advocate
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 317


View Profile WWW Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #20 on: October 02, 2007, 03:05:55 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
For Ship Building I tend to think that the order would be something like this:

1) Terran Republic
2) Free Worlds League
3 & 4) Lyrans and Fed Suns

The Terran Republic has basically ended up with a good chunk of the Hegemony's facilities right in its lap.  The Free Worlds League has always been #2 when it comes to naval power, both with JumpShips and WarShips.  This would translate quite naturally into a large merchant fleet.

I am not 100% sure on the order after that.  Either the Lyrans or the Fed Suns would come next with the other following closely behind.  The Lyrans because they focus on trade so much, and the Fed Suns because they are one of the more industurialized powers at the fall of the Star League.

Draconis Combine would be next, although I cannot really justify why I think that.

CapCon would be last.
   Report to moderator   4.240.75.160 (?)
Visit my blog Orloff Military Academy
Hessian
Advocate
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 387


View Profile Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #21 on: October 02, 2007, 03:43:11 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
Nice overview regarding privateers. Hope to see more regarding the other Successor States, Kit.

Regarding the size of merchant fleets there are not only dropships and standard jumpships but for the Lyran Commonwealth there was(still is?) the Sylvester-Class Transport(albeit in limited numbers) and the Carrack-Class Transport for the Terran Hegemony.

Hmmm..... Does the Terran Republic possess any Carracks? I can´t remember them mentioned in FM: Terran Republic.....

If yes these might increase transport capacity for the TRAS immensely as well as the likelihood that the cargo reaches its destination. Sure, the Armor is relatively fragile on both of them, but unlike standard jumpships these Transports field naval armaments after all. which should  give Pirates and Privateers pause(or just motivate them Grin). Other Warships will probably obliterate them without much of an effort though.
   Report to moderator   89.50.19.23 (?)
Wrangler
Poster
**
Offline Offline

Posts: 25


View Profile Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #22 on: October 02, 2007, 08:52:34 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
Are we going to randomly come up with generic sole-FC Jumpship/cargo ship?

I know that these novelity House Steiner came up with, but as far other succesion houses.

I think their going be stuck with regular jumpships, unless a semi-jumpship/warship for cargo is going to be used.

As far bandits, i think we should come up with common warships that were cobble together by pirates.
The ships we come up with would typical designs that are encountered.

I think that since warships are bit more common, that their parts would be more findable.  Even thou the designs would horribly outdate.   Like salvaged Winchester Class Cruiser or Pinto Class Corvette.

A privateer would be using similar designs.  I'm not big on designing ships myself.  However, i think if we have to limit the pirates tech...i think they should be limited to age war 2300-2400s tech / limitations, such as the Dart Light Cruisers or Vigilant class corvettes.  Not great fire power, but their still warship!
   Report to moderator   172.136.177.253 (?)
Takiro
Administrator
Avatar
*****
Online Online

Posts: 5060

digitdoger
View Profile Email Personal Message (Online)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #23 on: October 02, 2007, 09:15:29 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
I'm not sure we are talking about a purely naval force for Privateers. Of it would be a necessary part of their ops but dropships and fighters are probably more common than warships which would be rare to unique. Armed merchantmen or jolly rogers might be far more common.
   Report to moderator   71.245.250.139 (?)


"It is better to be thought a fool, than open your mouth and remove all doubt."
    U. S. Grant

"Don't think about what I say, cause I don't."
   John Luther
Kit
Contributor
Advocate
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 317


View Profile WWW Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #24 on: October 02, 2007, 10:15:50 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
If privateers had "warships" as such, I would expect them to be more like WoB's Pocket WarShips than real WarShips.  Reason?  Smaller crew requirements and much cheaper to get and maintain.

REALLY powerful groups might be able to get their hands on something functional, but they would probably need to find it or kill it themselves.
   Report to moderator   4.240.159.160 (?)
Visit my blog Orloff Military Academy
Takiro
Administrator
Avatar
*****
Online Online

Posts: 5060

digitdoger
View Profile Email Personal Message (Online)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #25 on: October 02, 2007, 10:30:29 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
I would have to agree with you Kit. Couldn't sleep. Roll Eyes Cry Anyway, when Irose and myself did the merc book we decided that units with functioning warships are the exception and not the rule. Only the Regulators currently have them because while valuable their cost is prohibitive. Not to mention it has got to be tough to maintain warships. Not only are they under attack but many of their shipyards were wrecked by 2787. Almost as a primary target for every combatant.
   Report to moderator   71.245.250.139 (?)


"It is better to be thought a fool, than open your mouth and remove all doubt."
    U. S. Grant

"Don't think about what I say, cause I don't."
   John Luther
Kit
Contributor
Advocate
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 317


View Profile WWW Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #26 on: October 02, 2007, 10:45:32 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
I'll try to come up with some pocket warships for privateers to use I suppose.  Too bad Kraken-T are not invented yet, because that is my obvious choice.    Cool
   Report to moderator   4.240.159.160 (?)
Visit my blog Orloff Military Academy
Takiro
Administrator
Avatar
*****
Online Online

Posts: 5060

digitdoger
View Profile Email Personal Message (Online)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #27 on: October 02, 2007, 10:49:02 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
Everybody loves the Kraken. Smiley

I look forward to seeing your Terran write up for Privateers, do you have one for Periphery powers in mind?
   Report to moderator   71.245.250.139 (?)


"It is better to be thought a fool, than open your mouth and remove all doubt."
    U. S. Grant

"Don't think about what I say, cause I don't."
   John Luther
Kit
Contributor
Advocate
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 317


View Profile WWW Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #28 on: October 02, 2007, 11:27:09 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
None yet, but I am thinking about it.  Problem is I am not very well versed in the Periphery.  Sad
   Report to moderator   4.240.120.33 (?)
Visit my blog Orloff Military Academy
Kit
Contributor
Advocate
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 317


View Profile WWW Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #29 on: October 02, 2007, 11:45:19 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
Here is the whole thing in a single post for ease of reference (older posts have been deleted):

Quote

Successor State Privateer Goals, Control, and Regulation

Capellan Confederation
   Privateers working under the Capellan Confederation find themselves in a unique position that poses many difficulties but also many opportunities.  They exist in a unique legal limbo that forces them to conform to the same military regulations that most private ventures dislike with none of the protections that come with them.  By the same token, however, privateers in service to House Liao are uniquely positioned to make an impressive profit.
   Both the weakest industrial power in the inner sphere and the smallest of the successor states, House Liao had recognized the potential of privateers to improve its position.  However, as with most matters, the leaders of the Capellan Confederation are loathe to give up control on any program which may affect the well being of the state.  As a result privateers working for the Confederation are under direct military control.
   One might think that this would result in official recognition and the regular access to military supplies that come with it; however this is not the case.  Despite the fact that privateers working for the Capellans are under centralized military command and must frequently report back they are not officially recognized parts of the Capellan military.  Privateers may purchase Capellan military goods and that is it.
   On many occasions this nebulous legal status of the privateers has caused problems for the Confederation.  If captured by other nations while carrying out their duties, these nationally sanctioned pirates are often condemned to death or imprisonment.  Often the privateers will protest that they were just following orders of House Liao, however the Capellan Confederation obviously always denies these allegations and condemns the privateers for telling “outrageous lies” in an attempt to save their skins.  This fact alone is enough to keep most from seeking to become a privateer for House Liao.
   There are definitely advantages, however.  In order to ensure that privateer groups continue to consider working for them the Capellans often offer to outfit any new unit with most of the equipment that they need.  Additionally, of all the Successor States the Capellan Confederation allows its privateers the largest share of what is taken, and provides fair compensation for any goods that it requires be handed over.
   Most attractive, however, is that privateers that make their home in the Capellan Confederation have among the most profitable prospects for their raids.  Although the Free Worlds League has proven a powerful adversary, their merchants are wealthy and a ripe target for a clever privateer who can avoid the famed Free Worlds League Navy.  On the other boarder lies the Federated Suns which, while not nearly as rich, appears to be on the verge of collapse due to the massive Draconis Combine invasion and has proven to be easy pickings.  Perhaps most tempting, however, is the Terran Republic with its advanced technology that would certainly bring in top dollar to anyone able to go and get it.


Draconis Combine
   The Draconis Combine is perhaps the only nation which refuses to use privateers and views the very concept of stooping to piracy to be an affront to their honor.  Although there are some who do raise their voices in favor of changing this policy they are few and far between.  While it is certainly possible that things will change given time, it seems unlikely to happen unless the fortunes of the DCMS take a disastrous turn.
   Although the Draconis Combine may refuse to make use of privateers it is perhaps one of the easier targets for these state sponsored pirates.  At war, to some degree, with every major power that it shares a border with these nations that have been the target of the Draconis Combine’s military might see no need to make the nation off limits.  In addition, with much of its military power tied up in massive actions against the Federated Suns, the Draconis Combine has had a lot of trouble dealing with the privateers and their unorthodox methods of attack.
   It is perhaps because of this that any ship that gets caught while committing acts of piracy has had the entire crew put to death.  In some instances these executions have even been publicized, however for every group that has been caught there are many others that have discovered just how much trouble the Dragon currently has patrolling its border.  While these attacks have yet to significantly impact the military capabilities of the DCMS, it is almost certain that given time they will start to take an unforgiving toll on the slowly stretching supply lines.


Federated Suns
   Initially the Federated Suns was resistant to the idea of hiring privateers to commit acts of piracy against its enemies times have quickly changed.  With the surprising onslaught from the Draconis Combine with the added pressures from House Liao, House Davion has found itself in a desperate situation.  While the nation’s injured pride has kept it from embracing privateers as a permanent policy, perhaps in the hope that their lauded military will be able to turn back the invasion, for now it is a fact of life.
   Despite its desperation, the Federated Suns has placed a fair number of restrictions on privateers that work for it, in part to ensure that the actions of groups working for them do not compromise the Davion image.  All privateers groups are required to be accompanied by a Liaison to oversee any operation done.  In addition any group may currently only take action against the Draconis Combine, which is viewed as the primary threat.  It is hoped that if they can complicate the DCMS’s logistics situation that t he invasion will stall long enough for a counter-attack to be planned.
   While House Davion may have been reluctant to adopt a privateer program, they have been quick to use them as a tool for propaganda.  Successful raids are widely publicized in order to raise moral.  In fact, there are several instances where these acts of piracy have been romanticized and made into movies, often depicting a swashbuckling hero taking on impossible odds with nothing but his wits and loyal followers.
   There are down sides for working as a privateer for the Federated Suns, however.  Perhaps most notable is that there are many who are questioning if the nation will continue to exist as a viable nation for much longer.  Although conventional wisdom holds that the Federated Suns is much too large to be conquered over the course of a single war there is some fear that with the progress that the Draconis Combine has made already that complete collapse is not that far off.
   Another concern is that since House Davion is being pressed so hard it is able to offer the fewest incentives to groups of privateers.  There is virtually no aid given to starting groups, and pay for recovered loot is marginal at best.  Still, there are many successful groups that claim that there are many “hidden” perks that result from the Federated Suns’ propaganda surrounding privateer groups: the fame and admiration that comes with being a hero.


Free Worlds League
   Of all the nations of the Inner Sphere, the Free Worlds League probably has the easiest policy to understand.  Inspired by House Liao’s sanctioning of some pirate groups, the FWL use of privateers exists singularly for the promotion of their trade interests.  This simple fact, combined with their recent military successes, has allowed them to develop a privateer policy that is one of the most attractive offers available.
   New privateer groups have found that often the Free Worlds League is willing to help provide equipment to a point (and is in fact much more willing to provide AeroSpace assets than BattleMechs).  In addition, privateers working for House Marik are afforded amazing autonomy, placed under their own command and permitted to move through most Free Worlds League space unhindered.  Perhaps best of all, since the goal is to disrupt enemy trade fleets so that buyers will be more likely to purchase Free Worlds League goods, privateers are permitted to keep anything they loot provided there is not a supply shortage of a particular product inside the FWLM.
   This exceptionally open policy has caused problem for the League before.  It is not unheard of for a down-on-their-luck privateer group to target Free Worlds vessels in their desperation to turn a profit.  If caught in the act these groups have always been charged as traitors, which has helped to curb the behavior.  Even so, it is a situation that regularly comes up.
   Most privateers working for House Marik prefer to raid the Lyran Commonwealth, viewing it as a rich and relatively easy target.  Thanks in large part to the bumbling by the Social Generals the Lyrans have yet to come up with a coherent strategy to combat these raids, and as such problems are usually only happen during chance encounters.
   Less attractive is the Capellan Confederation which is viewed as a relatively poor nation.  Although the Capellans have recently suffered defeats at the hands of the FWLM their defenses against piracy have proven to be more dangerous than those of the Lyrans, although there have been several groups that have managed to turn the chaos of the Liao-Marik conflict to their advantage.
   Because of the failure of Operation Avalanche most privateers working out of the Free Worlds League have chosen to avoid the Terran Republic.  Considering the new nation’s successful defense to be fair warning that Terra is still a power to be dealt with most have instead focused their attentions on the Capellans and the Lyrans.  Still, the odd raid is launched into Terran space and those who have succeeded have found the risk to be well worth their effort.
   If there is one pitfall to working for the Free Worlds League, it is the labyrinthine political structure.  Miscommunication about new privateering groups is a fact of life that has lead to several accidents.  Even more insidious is that some of the more clever politicians have taken to using the pirates as political pawns, either to glorify themselves or to discredit rivals.  Often times this has led to disaster for those involved.


Lyran Commonwealth
   The Lyrans view privateers as a pivotal way to help compensate for their military’s lack luster performance.  Because of this they have a reputation of treating those that work for their nation well.  In fact there is a lot that the Commonwealth can offer privateer groups willing to put up with some oversight.
   While the Lyrans have yet to extend an offer to help provide equipment for new privateer units this has rarely been a problem.  There is no shortage of wealthy entrepreneurs who feel that the growing privateer trend is an excellent way to quickly make money.  These investors are more than happy to provide venture capitol in exchange for their fair share of the profits.
   In order to avoid problems with their privateers turning rogue, the Lyrans require that each group have a Liaison to oversee their actions.  In addition privateers may only raid other nations that House Steiner has sanctioned, a move that is intended to prevent unnecessary political problems that might harm business.  As a result, currently the only valid targets are the Free Worlds League and the Draconis Combine, both of which have been taking military actions against the Commonwealth to some degree.
   Despite these restrictions House Steiner is an attractive employer for most groups.  One of the most industrialized nations in the Inner Sphere, privateers working for the Lyrans are often excellently equipped for a low price.  In addition they are well paid for any goods that they secure during a raid.  Even better, the Commonwealth has proven to be stable despite its military short comings.  This is attractive to groups who worry about the possibility of a collapse of the Federated Suns or who consider the Terran Republic yet to be proven.
   Although all these facts make the Commonwealth a popular choice for privateers, there are some problems.  As with most things even remotely military, the Social Generals have slowly begun interfering in order to get a piece of the credit and glory.  Some are even pushing to have the privateers placed under their direct command, a movement that is slowly gaining momentum.  If they get their way it is likely that the Social Generals will begin to meddle in the affairs of privateer units with the same results as their involvement with the military.


Terran Republic
   Since the formation of the Terran Republic the use of privateers has been a mater of necessity.  For the former Terran Hegemony, used to being seen as a neutral third party that could step in to solve disputes, it has been a bitter pill to swallow.  Once seen as the height of humanity’s achievements, they hate the fact that their current situation has forced them to stoop to mere piracy in order to help ensure their survival.
   It is because of these feelings that the Terran Republic has set up a review board that licenses new privateer groups that wish to serve the nation.  This review process is intended to ensure that prospective privateers will conduct their operations “by the book”, though what that specifically means has yet to be decided.  Right now the ability to obtain a license seems to be mostly arbitrary, although gradually laws concerning privateers are being written.
   In addition to this licensing there are other restrictions imposed upon privateers working for the Republic.  First all groups are overseen by an official Liaison to ensure that proper conduct, most likely so that the nation can quickly return to its neutral third party status if the opportunity should present itself.
   Another often grumbled about restriction is the need to obtain written permission to carry out operations against any of the Hegemony’s neighbors.  Likely attempts to keep from giving the other Successor States an excuse to invade, most privateer groups view the step as an unnecessary precaution.  To date some groups have managed to gain permission to raid the Capellan Confederation, the Free Worlds League, and perhaps most of all the Draconis Combine.  There is, additionally, mounting pressure to allow raids into the Federated Suns, but to date the Republic has restrained itself from authorizing this.
   While this all paints a bleak picture for privateer operations in the Terran Republic there are quite a few bonuses as well.  For those groups which are able to obtain a license to carry out their operations there is a sizable support network in place that can help newer groups get onto their feet and also aid those who have fallen down on their luck.  Additionally, groups which have proven their loyalty beyond any doubt are given some access to the Republic’s advanced technology.
   Another plus is that the Terran Republic is perhaps the only nation that consistently pays well for raw materials rather than some states (such as the Federated Suns and the Capellan Confederation) that prefer actual goods.  This has proven beneficial since there are numerous examples of poorly defended mining sites when compared to the actual industrial centers or merchant trade routs.


Input is welcome.  Also, since I know next to nothing about the Periphery, if someone else would like to try writing something up for the major nations (or maybe lumping them all into a single group) I would appreciate it.

Takiro
Administrator
Avatar
*****
Online Online

Posts: 5060

digitdoger
View Profile Email Personal Message (Online)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #45 on: October 04, 2007, 05:44:48 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
Sure, got any? Wink
   Report to moderator   71.245.250.139 (?)


"It is better to be thought a fool, than open your mouth and remove all doubt."
    U. S. Grant

"Don't think about what I say, cause I don't."
   John Luther
Ice Hellion
Contributor
Grand Champion
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 3087

Part time builder of fallen Empires


View Profile WWW Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #46 on: October 05, 2007, 02:31:38 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
No but I can create one or two (after the banners and John Davion's biography).
   Report to moderator   81.56.118.167 (?)


In Turn they tested each Clan namesake in trial against the Ice Hellion's mettle. Each chased the Ice Hellion, hunting it down. All failed to match the predator's speed and grace. Khan Cage smiled and said, "And that is how we shall be."

The Remembrance (Clan Ice Hellion) Passage 5, Verse 3, Lines 1 - 5
Takiro
Administrator
Avatar
*****
Online Online

Posts: 5060

digitdoger
View Profile Email Personal Message (Online)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #47 on: October 05, 2007, 02:45:30 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
Cool Wink
   Report to moderator   71.245.250.139 (?)


"It is better to be thought a fool, than open your mouth and remove all doubt."
    U. S. Grant

"Don't think about what I say, cause I don't."
   John Luther
Ice Hellion
Contributor
Grand Champion
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 3087

Part time builder of fallen Empires


View Profile WWW Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #48 on: October 05, 2007, 05:46:17 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
See, I did not forget your advice to focus on one thing after another  Grin
   Report to moderator   81.56.118.167 (?)


In Turn they tested each Clan namesake in trial against the Ice Hellion's mettle. Each chased the Ice Hellion, hunting it down. All failed to match the predator's speed and grace. Khan Cage smiled and said, "And that is how we shall be."

The Remembrance (Clan Ice Hellion) Passage 5, Verse 3, Lines 1 - 5
LordGrayson
Advocate
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 234


View Profile Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #49 on: October 16, 2007, 02:16:00 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
wondering how easy it is for privateer/pirates to get there hands on advanced missiles like the White Shark and Bar and Killer missiles and there launchers and are AR/10 launchers around for general use or they SL and TR only? Figure any Privateer/pirate might refit a few Mule's (Like the ones WOB did) and make a poor mans Anti-war ship squardon .
  I was thinking of making a Terran privateer grp using them so figured I'd ask before I finished with the make up of the grp and its fluff. Also anyone know what branch the SLDF's anti-pirates Q-ships operated under like under there naval or special forces branchs
   Report to moderator   67.172.58.125 (?)
Bradshaw
Global Moderator
Advocate
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 387

I'm Not Evil I Just Act This Way

docny1975
View Profile WWW Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #50 on: October 16, 2007, 02:43:33 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
I dont think they would be to hard to get their hands on. Just wouldnt get crazy in the amount given.
   Report to moderator   172.31.60.246 (?)
Expect it most when you expect it the least.
Jeremy "Bradshaw"

"America is not a lie; it is a disappointment. But what is worse than being disappointed? It is not even to know what you're missing."
Samuel Huntington
Takiro
Administrator
Avatar
*****
Online Online

Posts: 5060

digitdoger
View Profile Email Personal Message (Online)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #51 on: October 16, 2007, 06:44:17 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
Quote from: LordGrayson on October 16, 2007, 02:16:00 PM
wondering how easy it is for privateer/pirates to get there hands on advanced missiles like the White Shark and Bar and Killer missiles and there launchers and are AR/10 launchers around for general use or they SL and TR only? Figure any Privateer/pirate might refit a few Mule's (Like the ones WOB did) and make a poor mans Anti-war ship squardon .
  I was thinking of making a Terran privateer grp using them so figured I'd ask before I finished with the make up of the grp and its fluff. Also anyone know what branch the SLDF's anti-pirates Q-ships operated under like under there naval or special forces branchs

First off let me say welcome LordGrayson to the boards. Good having you around. In Jihad Hot Spots under the Mule Q-ship it says;

"Based on several recovered Mule Q-ships developed by the original Star League Navy to help protect its shipping lines from predation by pirates, the Word of Blake replaced the existing brace of White Shark and Barracuda Launchers with more efficient AR10 launchers, with decidedly less ammunition available. To confuse the enemy, and perhaps to cause him to over-estmate the vessel, the Blakists seem to have installed empty launcher housings next to the AR10’s. Numerous visible missiles tubes on Mule Q-ships
have never been observed firing ordnance."

Think that answers both your questions.  Wink
   Report to moderator   71.245.250.139 (?)


"It is better to be thought a fool, than open your mouth and remove all doubt."
    U. S. Grant

"Don't think about what I say, cause I don't."
   John Luther
Kit
Contributor
Advocate
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 317


View Profile WWW Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #52 on: October 16, 2007, 08:06:26 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
Sorry I haven't had much time to work on anything, got really busy with the potential for a new job so I am trying to get through that whole process right now.  I do have some new notes, but nothing really fleshed out atm.
   Report to moderator   4.240.75.53 (?)
Visit my blog Orloff Military Academy
LordGrayson
Advocate
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 234


View Profile Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #53 on: October 18, 2007, 03:54:29 AM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
Unit: Jolly Rogers

 

History:
 The history of the Jolly Rogers starts with General Kerenskys call for a exodus. Rear Admiral Jaime M. Howe commanding officer of the Star League Navy's anti-pirates forces came back from the meeting on New Earth to explain to people under her command the idea of the Exodus. For a few weeks after the meeting with her staff discontent started to form in her command and the other commands at the base . To silences this discontent she ordered the arrest of all the commanding offices she believed responseable for the discontent one of theses officers was a young Lt.commander by the name of William F Cameron-O'Riley,as well as her very own Xo and commanding officer of the 8th royal marine CAAN General Robert A. Blane. Two days after the arrest of the officers and the reported reason for the arrest of the said officers troops loyal to the officers protested this with a mass march on the HQ.
The Military Police unit assigned to the brig and to the HQ compound released all the officers and placed the admiral under house arrest for her own safety.Shortly afterword the officers that had been placed under arrest meet and desided what to do about the exodus noticeing that a very large amount of the base personal didn't want to leave due to speaches that Commander O'Riley gave about honoring there oath to protect the Inner sphere and that leaving would mean insulting the dead comrades and friends from the last 12yrs of war. In the end the base and the units split into 3 different groups one group lead by the now released admiral Howe went to join up with the General (its was less then 1/20th the personal assigned to the base) of the other 2 groups one went to the TR and the last group now lead by general Bane Desided to keep true to the Star league oath they sworn but quicky ran into a problem as the base was along side the marik/liao/TR border and all 3 governments demanded that the Star league personal hand over the base to them and there ships The General and Lt.commander discussed this matter for about a month and turned the base and the small orbit yard over to the Republic forces tho striped of all its equipment and the League personal disappeared with all there stuff not to be seen again untill after the start of the 1st SW in the area of the Rim protectorate launching attacks on house K planets and training the planetry forces of the protectorate worlds they launch attacks.

 



Unit formation
 The unit formation of the Jolley Rogers is in the form of Naval Assualt Groups (N.A.G)

There are currentlys 3 N.A.G.'s in the units TO&E
Each N.A.G is 24 dropships and some ground forces that are used in raids

1st NAG "Black Sea"
Commanding officer General Blane
The Black Sea group is the most experinced ground force of the NAG's with a rough str of a regiment made of almost completly of marine personal from the 8th royal CAAN and the remants of the 55th Royal Light horse this unit is hard to pin and is able to rapidlty move
(24)dropships assigned to the 1st NAG are overlords, unions ,confederates, fury .3 lion-cv's(72hvy aerospace)

2nd NAG "Blackhearts"
Commanding officer Commander W.F. Cameron
The Blackhearts get there name from the SAS Batt that makes up 1 of 3 batt's assigned to this NAG the other 2 batt's are marines trained in zero-g boarding ops of enemy vessals
The Blackhearts are the cream of the old Star league Anti-pirate ships and crews keeping the blueprints of almost every ship built they haven't run into a ship they can't board and take in a very short period of time .
(24)Dropships assigned to the 2nd NAG 12 Mule-Q's 3 Vampires,3 Avengers and 6 Lion-CV's
(aerospace fighter 144 36hvy/72med/36light)

3rd NAG "New Dawn"
Commanding officer Jenny Whit
The New Dawn is a very recently formed grp tasked with training new personal and guarding there base or bases as such it has the heaviests weight of all the grps in the form of troops often compared to a dragoon reg with dropships for fighter support  the 3rd operates with the Jolly Rogers Navel reserve force
(24)Dropships Mules,Buccaneers,union,Lion-CV
(aerospace 36light)

Jolly Rogers Naval reserve Group
 The Naval reserve grp consits of just 3 ships 2 carracks(Merlin,Sgt pepper) and 1 volga (heritage)
 
The Jolly Rogers are currently operating under a letter from the TR to operate raids againts enemys of the state < there are reports that the privateers might join the merc guild >


   Report to moderator   67.172.58.125 (?)
Ice Hellion
Contributor
Grand Champion
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 3087

Part time builder of fallen Empires


View Profile WWW Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #54 on: October 18, 2007, 01:46:14 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
We have one group going with Kerensky, one group to the Terran Republic and the other one getting back in the Terran Republic after a while and becoming privateers after that?
   Report to moderator   81.56.118.167 (?)


In Turn they tested each Clan namesake in trial against the Ice Hellion's mettle. Each chased the Ice Hellion, hunting it down. All failed to match the predator's speed and grace. Khan Cage smiled and said, "And that is how we shall be."

The Remembrance (Clan Ice Hellion) Passage 5, Verse 3, Lines 1 - 5
LordGrayson
Advocate
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 234


View Profile Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #55 on: October 19, 2007, 02:10:35 AM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
I got a little confused on who I should of said in the fluff that they got there Letter of Mar from and wasn't sure how to say thier raids went and what type and where they got there loot from also left out about 1/3rd of there history the part that covers where they were  between the time of the exodus and the first few yrs of the wars Also was most wondering if it was oky to use a family member of the cameron's tho he's a far out member of it .
   Report to moderator   67.172.58.125 (?)
Takiro
Administrator
Avatar
*****
Online Online

Posts: 5060

digitdoger
View Profile Email Personal Message (Online)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #56 on: October 27, 2007, 10:13:09 AM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
Hey just got to reading this post in full detail. Sorry for the delay. Alot has happened to me RL wise. Alot of wide strokes here Lord Grayson but some pretty good stuff. I assume this SL anti-pirate group was posted in or near the Rim Protectorate. Does this refer to Coreward Anti-Pirate ops? Or everything? Star's End might be a good place. Especially since you could tell us about the return of the Belt Pirates. Or just what happened to that system out there. The Dark Nebula and Camelot Command are another good place perhaps a fall back point? Other tie ins could be Project Phoenix, the Rim Protectorate, and of course the Terran Republic. IMO I would just have two groups with the 8th CAAN leaving altogether to Exodus and Naval personnel remaining behind. They try to stay loyal to the Last Cameron a bunch o stuff happens perhaps they get screwed by the Protectorate. When the Republic issues a call for Privateers they respond. What do you think?
   Report to moderator   71.245.250.139 (?)


"It is better to be thought a fool, than open your mouth and remove all doubt."
    U. S. Grant

"Don't think about what I say, cause I don't."
   John Luther
LordGrayson
Advocate
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 234


View Profile Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #57 on: October 28, 2007, 03:54:38 AM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
Moved all updates to the same entry Smiley
« Last Edit: November 14, 2007, 02:40:01 AM by LordGrayson »    Report to moderator   67.172.58.125 (?)
LordGrayson
Advocate
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 234


View Profile Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #58 on: October 29, 2007, 12:03:47 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
                                               
Offical Notice
Warrent offically issuied for the arrest or death of said persons belonging to a criminal gang raiding planets along the Outworld Alliance,Federated Suns border going by the name of Jesse's Gang. Reward or prisoners can be handed over at or reward gotten at any Comstar center or planetary governing office rated level 4 or higher.

Unit: Jesse's Gang
 This group of people raided a military supply depot getting away with a number of mechs and vehicles getting refitted at that base .The people then went and robbed a number of banks around the area untill the local military unit came after them . They managed to gain entery to the nearby spaceport and hijack a mule Jesse's Wonder that was busy off loading a delievery. They force the crew on ship to lunch and then hijacked a merchant class jumpship ship that was at the jump point recharging . They were spoted on a number of Outworld and Federated Suns planets always raiding weakly defended areas before the planetary defense forces could respond.The unit gets its named from the hijacked Mule they travel in .

Unit assits
Unit has 3 mechs Wasp,Stinger,and a Griffin. The model of each mech is unknown at this time. The unit uses a number of stolen military vehicles a few that have been confirmed are saladins,scimator and hussuars the vehicles they use change as the raid different planets and replace losses with local vehicles they manage to steal.Unit has one dropship and one jumpship.
     
   Report to moderator   67.172.58.125 (?)
Takiro
Administrator
Avatar
*****
Online Online

Posts: 5060

digitdoger
View Profile Email Personal Message (Online)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #59 on: October 29, 2007, 04:42:44 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
Not bad Lord Grayson. Thanks for the contributions. Working on aspects of this project myself. I hope to be able to share them soon.

Kit
Contributor
Advocate
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 317


View Profile WWW Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #75 on: October 24, 2008, 05:09:43 AM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
Pirates would probably be made up most out of:
Mercs/Privateers that fell on hard times
AWOL Military formations
Businesses that don't worry about the gray areas of the law (this should be treated at least initially as a separate issue as this is more of a mafia even if it is piracy)

True pirates would basically be more or less desperate groups at this point in time.  Their equipment would be more or less in a state of disrepair and so they prey only on those they know they can defeat.  Eventually of course there would be groups who become more successful and have access to better maintained equipment, setting up a pirate lord type thing where they have found some sort of uncharted habitable planet to conduct operations from.  This would be the exception rather than the rule, though.  Most pirates groups probably either get hunted down (in the long run), disband, or dissolve as internal tensions tear the unit apart.

New pirate units probably tend to hit lightly defended areas where there is little risk despite the small payoff.  They simply cannot afford more risk than that (unless they are really desperate).  Pirate lords, on the other hand, can probably pull together resources to do stuff to hit military supply bases or raid major companies or some such.  They won't be able to do this often, but maybe it wouldn't be out of the question that once a year (or every other year) they could make an attempt at major heist.
   Report to moderator   4.240.75.154 (?)
Visit my blog Orloff Military Academy
Takiro
Administrator
Avatar
*****
Online Online

Posts: 5060

digitdoger
View Profile Email Personal Message (Online)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #76 on: December 04, 2008, 09:49:31 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
Hello again all I was talking with Kit about Privateers for Underworlds and wanted to repost some of my random brain storming here for discussion. Enjoy!

Privateers deal mostly with trade as I see it, they essentially are licensed raiders of commerce after all. Plus with Arms Dealers being introduced here as well should we expand this section to Profiteers? This would encompass anyone trying to make money on the war, little different from Criminal Enterprises like the Syndicate.
Of course will need an opening to the Regent on this subject
Privateers, are they Pirates or Mercenaries? Neither of course but the question is still a good one to fit in of course. I think we addressed this already.
Privateers Guild? Freebooters Union? Some type of organization modeled after the growing Mercenary Guild might be a good idea. Again think we mentioned this but was thinking do you think the mercs would try to crush it? Jealously? Don't want these guys horning in on their turf.
And as I think of it the Merc Guild should probably get a mention cause they are the ultimate war profiteers.
Did the Terrans start this current wave of Privateers? During its inception the Free Worlds League used Privateers extensively, might be funny if they decry the practice now.
What are Privateer operations like today? Due they operate from formerly shared worlds or high trade areas? What do the space lanes look like? This might be a very good question to define. We should exam shipping of each nation as it is key to Privateering. Also what is the effect of Dragooning each nations merchant fleet? How do Privateers avoid such a fate or perhaps Privateering is a way to earn exemption.
Who are these Privateers? Merchants left without their trade, Nobles out for adventure, or perhaps Pirates seeking legitimacy??
   Report to moderator   98.116.168.55 (?)


"It is better to be thought a fool, than open your mouth and remove all doubt."
    U. S. Grant

"Don't think about what I say, cause I don't."
   John Luther
Hessian
Advocate
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 387


View Profile Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #77 on: December 05, 2008, 10:50:28 AM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
So many questions Takiro.... Grin

Hmmm... War profiteers... this could be interesting, though I have no idea how to implement this.

I think that privateers will act as both Pirates and Mercenaries, depending on the situation they are in and depending upon the degree of control their respective employer exerts.

And I think that "real" mercenaries will look down upon privateers.

As for who these privateers are I think that all of your proposals are valid(though personally I like Nobles out for adventure the best).

Just my two € cents.

Ciao
Hessian
   Report to moderator   79.199.246.253 (?)
Ice Hellion
Contributor
Grand Champion
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 3087

Part time builder of fallen Empires


View Profile WWW Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #78 on: December 09, 2008, 04:55:27 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
Trying to crush them? Why? They are not really playing in the same field.

Who started Privateers?
What about Kurita? With their aggressive business model, this could be a solution.

I do agree that they need to operate near "big" commercial outposts or lanes.

Should they operate with JumpShips belonging to them, the State or a Merchants or Privateers association (with the last two proposals, there would be a price to pay for each move)?

Could there be a kind of Tortuga Island?
The problem with such a concept is that Privateers of different nations would have to share the same planet but something like Solaris could work.
   Report to moderator   81.56.118.167 (?)


In Turn they tested each Clan namesake in trial against the Ice Hellion's mettle. Each chased the Ice Hellion, hunting it down. All failed to match the predator's speed and grace. Khan Cage smiled and said, "And that is how we shall be."

The Remembrance (Clan Ice Hellion) Passage 5, Verse 3, Lines 1 - 5
Kit
Contributor
Advocate
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 317


View Profile WWW Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #79 on: December 10, 2008, 04:46:29 AM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
1) Who Started Privateers?

The way I envision it the Terrans start it as a way to hurt foes with little direct risk.  The Cappies (the next weakest nation) are just on their heels.  They are followed after a bit by the FWL and House Steiner (more or less at the same time).  House Davion joins later kicking and screaming as their white hat-ness doesn't enjoy such cowardly tactics but their battering at the hands of the DCMS forces their hand.  The Combine, at the release of the book, would still be holding out and be suffering for doing so (if Kurita frowns on Mercs I very much doubt that they would embrace something as dishonorable as sanctioned thieves).

2) Jumpships...?

I expect some wildly successful groups would end up with their own Jumpers, but most probably instead lease them.  Hitch a ride on a ship going the way they need to be going, then arrange for a pickup at a predetermined time.  That sort of thing.  There is also the potential they could capture their own jump ships (what better prize for a privateer to take?) if they can convince their employers to let them keep it (tricky given that Jump Ships will need to replace more traditional troop transports).

3) Tortuga Island?

... ... ...  POSSIBLY.  But there would likely be several and they would be nation specific.  Effectively I expect that each nation that uses privateers would ultimately have something like an organizing body located on one of their planets.
   Report to moderator   4.240.75.158 (?)
Visit my blog Orloff Military Academy
Takiro
Administrator
Avatar
*****
Online Online

Posts: 5060

digitdoger
View Profile Email Personal Message (Online)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #80 on: December 10, 2008, 06:56:05 AM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
Leads to an interesting discussion. Where are Privateer Dens? Bases for Privateers. Obviously near major trade routes. We should outline major commercial planets of this time who rely or relied on commerce. Now every planet did yes but I'm talking about stand outs.
   Report to moderator   98.116.168.55 (?)


"It is better to be thought a fool, than open your mouth and remove all doubt."
    U. S. Grant

"Don't think about what I say, cause I don't."
   John Luther
Ice Hellion
Contributor
Grand Champion
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 3087

Part time builder of fallen Empires


View Profile WWW Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #81 on: December 10, 2008, 02:19:42 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
Or hiding in asteroid fields, old mining facilities.... and having Merchants come to pick the goods.
This could create interesting links between the different people (Merchants, Privateers, authorities...).

The only problem with this idea is the lack of mobility of the Privateers.
   Report to moderator   81.56.118.167 (?)


In Turn they tested each Clan namesake in trial against the Ice Hellion's mettle. Each chased the Ice Hellion, hunting it down. All failed to match the predator's speed and grace. Khan Cage smiled and said, "And that is how we shall be."

The Remembrance (Clan Ice Hellion) Passage 5, Verse 3, Lines 1 - 5
CJvR
Advocate
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 383


View Profile Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Re: Pirates, Privateers, and Other Miscerents
« Reply #82 on: December 10, 2008, 02:50:21 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify Remove messageRemove Split TopicSplit Topic
Quote from: Takiro
Privateers deal mostly with trade as I see it, they essentially are licensed raiders of commerce after all. Plus with Arms Dealers being introduced here as well should we expand this section to Profiteers? This would encompass anyone trying to make money on the war, little different from Criminal Enterprises like the Syndicate.
Privateers are strictly speaking privately funded commerce raiders. A privateers job is to make a profit for whoever funded the unit. To be legitimate a privateer needs a permit from a nation to wage war on it's enemies, technically privateers are also bound by certain RoE. Unlike war profiteers privateers make their money from hitting the enemy and supplying their nation with a cheap privately funded raiding force.

Quote from: Takiro
Privateers, are they Pirates or Mercenaries? Neither of course but the question is still a good one to fit in of course. I think we addressed this already.
The line between piracy and privateering is a thin one, indeed the close relation is one of the main reasons privateering was banned. Pirates often hid behind privateering permits and originaly "honest" privateers to foten crossed the line into piracy as soon as the war they were comissioned for was over. Privateers are however not mercenaries, mercs are payed to fight while no privateer or pirate will ever pick a fight if it can be avoided or unless the odds are overwhelming in their favor.

Quote from: Takiro
What are Privateer operations like today? Due they operate from formerly shared worlds or high trade areas? What do the space lanes look like?
Privateers likely operates from the worlds of their sponsor nation. They likely stay clear of the major trade routes since they are more likely to run into military units there and prey on the fringes of the enemy. The material probably ranges from converted merchants to dedicated fast assault dropships with a few fighters and several assault shuttles, privateers have to capture ships.