Smuggler Archive
Thread: Smugglers/.
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LaughingWolf
Mon Oct 25, 2004 7:52 am
#14
You seem to have been unlucky, DarthMarksman (well, for the "being ignored and lied to" part, the slice itself part would make me say you are very lucky, 34% is great).
I get tells for slice everytime I enter a starport, and they are always for containers (slicing IV but not master yet, I guess that explain why lol). If I have time, waiting for a shuttle, and I have tools on me, I usually accept, but not for free: I no longer need the xps, and while my nice nature would make me enclined to help out for free by doing that I would only step on the toes of "younger" smugglers who are still leveling Slicing and NEED the containers slicing.
When I really can't, shuttle is there and I have friends waiting for me, or I am out of tools , etc, I am polite and say it.
Treating you like a fool like thoses in your story have done I would never do. I might remove my slicer title if I am real busy but I would not tell you I am not one. lol!
There WAS a title bug a while ago, but it is looong fixed.
I get tells for slice everytime I enter a starport, and they are always for containers (slicing IV but not master yet, I guess that explain why lol). If I have time, waiting for a shuttle, and I have tools on me, I usually accept, but not for free: I no longer need the xps, and while my nice nature would make me enclined to help out for free by doing that I would only step on the toes of "younger" smugglers who are still leveling Slicing and NEED the containers slicing.
When I really can't, shuttle is there and I have friends waiting for me, or I am out of tools , etc, I am polite and say it.
Treating you like a fool like thoses in your story have done I would never do. I might remove my slicer title if I am real busy but I would not tell you I am not one. lol!
There WAS a title bug a while ago, but it is looong fixed.
Daturaze
Mon Oct 25, 2004 8:31 am
#15
I've inadvertently been guilty of ignoring people, especially around starports.
If my system is taking awhile to load when I'm travelling I may grab a drink, take a break, etc, during the load and not be at the keyboard. So when someone sends a tell, by the time I get back to the keyboard the normal starport spam has pushed the tell out of sight. There's been a few times I've scrolled back up and seen tells I missed.
Generally though If I'm dumb enough to keep the Master Smuggler tag up when I don't want to slice I'll respond politely, and if the player seems cool I'll slice the things. Usually though, how I act is determined by the tell - if the tell is simply "Hey - slice my gear" or something abrupt I'll bag off on it - don't need to deal with players like that.I mentioned in a post awhile back that a simple "Hi" or "Sorry to bug you but.." will usually get the player a good response :>
Daturaze,
Master Rifleman, Master Smuggler
SpinningCloud
Mon Oct 25, 2004 9:01 am
#16
How odd...I never have problems like the rest of you describe. People ask me for slices, I tell them 5k, they pay, and I've never had one that didn't thank me for the slice nor one that tried to cheat me...most often I get tips that make my average slice worth close to 10k. Then again I don't advertise but just let people look me up so I don't do a huge volume.
As to the original poster...
1. There is a bug that if you drop a skill the title somehow sticks with you. That may not have been the case since he did slice your weapon but then he might have given up all of smuggler but the slicing tree and ended up with a stuck title.
2. Max weapon slice for a Master is 35% as other have pointed out.
DrevenStrobe
Mon Oct 25, 2004 9:01 am
#17
Lately, the first thing I do when I log in is remove my tag and make sure I'm /anon.
However, yesterday afternoon, I logged in on Dath and ran some missions, never really thinking about my tag. But, it got to a point when I was down to 20 minutes left on my buffs (not really enough time to run more missions without risk), and I needed to hop to a civilized planet to repair my swoop.
And, sure enough...I hit C-net and got a "Dreven, can you slice something for me?" in spatial. I do a quick "What the...??" and realize I was tagged, though still anonymous. So, seeing as how I was "trapped", and still needed to kill a little time before I could rebuff, I said "Sure." However before he traded me, I made sure to remove my tag before anybody else noticed. Everything about this guy said "NEWBIE!!"...including the little green droid following him around. So, I was nice and took his DH17 (20% Damage)...and his EE3 (22% Speed)...then returned them. And I went ahead and skipped my usual 10k per item charge and told him to just tip me whatever...which was 5k.
After that, I trained a few TK skills, repaired my swoop, rebuffed, then headed back to Dath.
What really shocked me was when I was waiting for the shuttle in C-net again, There were 5 (FIVE!!) other Master Smugglers standing there waiting as well. That's the most Master Smuggler tags I've seen in one place since before player cities were introduced.
But yeah, most long-time Master Smugglers, like myself,would just as soon stay under the radar and leave the slicing and "/tell hell" to the newer guys. There are other, more profitable things to do with our time than standing around starports. Though, just for fun, I'll sometimes make myself searchable and tagged while I'm standing in line for buffs in C-net. Depends on my mood and how fast the line is moving.
DarthMarksman
Mon Oct 25, 2004 12:27 pm
#18
TomoRainer wrote:
Was this first part a quote of another post? If so, can you direct me to the original thread? I'm a Starsider and there's a number of things wrong with that I might want to look into.
No the entirepost is original.
As for smugglers and slicing, usually the new ones are gung-ho about it and the older ones are less interested. There's a lot of reasons for it: you can make more running Dantooine missions; you have to deal with people complaining about prices and trying to barter with you when you're dawdling around town already making less money than you'd make on an adventure planet; the random nature of slicing gets really depressing, especially when customers act like you've screwed up their weapon when you give them a speed slice (even when they're good-naturedly disappointed it's depressing, moreso really); and there's a number of mechanical issues with slicing that make it annoying. Oh yeah, not to mention the fact 80% of the profession is pretty worthless and adds a general layer of bitter resentment to our worldview.
I understand.
I actually wish I could do more slicing, though. I remember back when I first mastered I had a line 3-8 deep whenever I set foot in Bestine. (Of course, any mention of a populated Bestine implies that was a while ago.) But when I'm the only master in Coronet and can go 10 minutes without getting a single slicing request, it seems like I might be better off using my time elsewhere.
I see.
Basically there's a lot of reasons a master smuggler might not be bursting with enthusiasm to slice for the madding crowd, but it all boils down to increased stress for reduced pay.
Makes sense.
DarthMarksman
Mon Oct 25, 2004 12:28 pm
#19
Nicolas_Frost wrote:
You got ripped off, the max slice is 35%.
The reason many of us ignore random tells like that is we get fed up with dealing with the idiots. And no offence, but if I got one from you, and I didn't know you, I'm not sure I'd want to either. Besides, slices are not manditory, itsa bonus, you don't *need* it.
5K is still reasonable, in my opinion. Many smugglers I've dealth with want up to twice that for a single item.
Imperiai2
Mon Oct 25, 2004 12:29 pm
#20
I find that depending on how the person approaches me determines if I'm slicing for them or not. Repeats who come specificallyto meforbig ordersget slicing. People who demand it, or ask all stupidly get my 'oh sorry, I don't have any gear on me' routine. I really like the 'no gear? Ok I was given some special 98% tools you can use free' thing people try.
I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt, but I think it's a possibility you were asking the wrong way, and of course you aren't going to tell us that part if you were... though it's plentypossible you don't think you weren't asking correctly. Alot of smugglers do it this way. If the customer is cool, we are cool. If the customer is a blithering moron, we walk. It's NOT worth the aggrivation. Sure you got a speed slice, but we CAN'T slice it again so stop demanding we do so (not you, but whoever).
You may want to go back and get another identical weapon: If the guy lied to you and told you he gave you a 40% damage slice, you need to do some math. Honestly unless the guy is just an a-hole, he may have been turned off by the way you came at him. I must have sliced 30-40 weapons for some buddies lastnight, and I didn't hit one damage over 32%.
Besides I've always wondered: Is it even possible to succeed at being a dishonest smuggler? The first time you make off with someone's gear, can't they report you? End of story? I get peoplegoing 'hope I can trust you' and it's like, well, if Iblow, I get reported, so I'm giving you your stuff back...
Nicolas_Frost
Mon Oct 25, 2004 12:40 pm
#21
I know I've raised my price since the loss of auto-pull of tools from crates(I've been in beta for a bit, but I doubt the Devs actually fixed this).
In case you haven't heard, about two months ago, we got nerfed(again), and can no longer automaticly pull slicing tools from crates while slicing. Doesn't sound like a big deal untill you do the math. Say someone wantstwosuits of armor sliced, that's normallyeighteen pieces of armor. This requires four Precision Laser Knives(ten charges each, eachitem takestwo charges), eighteen AUKs(Armor Upgrade Kits) and eighteen Molecular clamps. This takes up fifty-eight spaces in the Smuggler's inventory.
That's a hassle, and you wouldn't believe how many times before and after that nerf I've had people asking me to slice more than eighteen items...
That,plus the fact that we can't influence the *type* of slice, much less percentage(other than hitting the maximum range) and the fact that *we* get bitched at if someone doesn't like getting "only 27% damage" on thier weapon, I mean, I'm surprised we're not slicing for more.
Add the bit there's people who think Smugglers should just sit around all day doing nothing but slicing gear for people when we can go out and do things a bit more fun that repeatedly cut wires.
Sorry if I come across as angry, I just prefer that people be informed of situations. Saddly to say, this barely scratches the surface of our plight.
VolvoSsixtyTsix
Mon Oct 25, 2004 12:43 pm
#22
Well this is a reason why I removed my Master Smuggler title. I just got tired of this tells " Yo can you slice the rifle for me I am the bank", I slice it get a 20-25% speed slice next tell is "You are motha fu(ker, do you know how much I paid for this CDEF rifle, and now you fu(ked it, I want you to pay me full price for it". So you got to think about it from smuggler's perspective, our primary objective in the game is "smuggling" and not slicing, slicing requires equipment knives,clamps, upgrade kits. Many master smugglers are smugglers because they like whole idea of being like Han, and they are not interested in slicing things and getting rude tells in response when slices are not perfect.
SPARTAK
DarthMarksman
Mon Oct 25, 2004 12:44 pm
#23
Imperiai2 wrote:
I find that depending on how the person approaches me determines if I'm slicing for them or not. Repeats who come specificallyto meforbig ordersget slicing. People who demand it, or ask all stupidly get my 'oh sorry, I don't have any gear on me' routine. I really like the 'no gear? Ok I was given some special 98% tools you can use free' thing people try.
I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt, but I think it's a possibility you were asking the wrong way, and of course you aren't going to tell us that part if you were... though it's plentypossible you don't think you weren't asking correctly. Alot of smugglers do it this way. If the customer is cool, we are cool. If the customer is a blithering moron, we walk. It's NOT worth the aggrivation. Sure you got a speed slice, but we CAN'T slice it again so stop demanding we do so (not you, but whoever).
You may want to go back and get another identical weapon: If the guy lied to you and told you he gave you a 40% damage slice, you need to do some math. Honestly unless the guy is just an a-hole, he may have been turned off by the way you came at him. I must have sliced 30-40 weapons for some buddies lastnight, and I didn't hit one damage over 32%.
Besides I've always wondered: Is it even possible to succeed at being a dishonest smuggler? The first time you make off with someone's gear, can't they report you? End of story? I get peoplegoing 'hope I can trust you' and it's like, well, if Iblow, I get reported, so I'm giving you your stuff back...
Well, I would like to think that "Could you slice a weapon for me?", which is how I asked would not come across as demanding, unlike ifI said, "I need you to slice a weapon for me.", more a presumptuous statement than a request. I never demand,I ask, becauseI realize that smugglers are not obligatedto slice a weapon just because it's a talent of their profession.I never take the attitude "Well, I'm going to pay you, so do it."
BTW, the slice was for 34% damage(I did the math). I still think 5k was reasonable. Like I stated previously, I've payed more for less, so I'm still satisfied. I'm going to assumethe smuggler's math was off and he honestly misquoted.
Let me ask you this, to any smuggers. Since thethematic seems to be a "not worth the aggravation"standpoint. What to you is fair for a slice to make it worth your time and effort?
Nicolas_Frost
Mon Oct 25, 2004 12:51 pm
#24
DarthMarksman wrote:
Let me ask you this, to any smuggers. Since thethematic seems to be a "not worth the aggravation"standpoint. What to you is fair for a slice to make it worth your time and effort?
Five grand per item minimum, price increases for attitude. No payment and I keep the gear. Not, pay up or I sell this on bazaar. Just one chance to pay, or I keep it. I make my prices and rules known well before I ever accept a trade.
DarthMarksman
Mon Oct 25, 2004 4:05 pm
#25
Thanks, I try to get a feel for every profession to a point.
WayneInAustin wrote:
DarthMarksman...
I see you all the time in the Rifleman forum... nice to see you slumming over here! I am bothMaster Rifle and Master Smuggler, sofeel free to send me a PM if you have any specific questions you want answered.
As far as your original post, I find that a little strange. Most intelligent master smugglers take down their Master Smuggler tag when they don't feel like slicing. And maybe people are much ruder than I am. I always respond to a tell, even if it is done in an obnoxious way, and even if my answer is "No, can't slice right now.".
Some other general comments:
1. The second poster was correct... we can make more money running missions. But I happen to find that gets boring rather quickly, and there are still lots of times when I enjoy slicing.
2. I have been a master slicer for 10 months now. I have never run into anyone who has called me names or accused me of stealing their stuff. I think those stories are somewhat exaggerated. Or maybe it's because I treat my customers with respect and am very up front with them. If I've been on a bad slicing streak, I tell them and say they may want to track down someone else. I never come at my customers with attitude... so maybe that has something to do with it. Also, I tell them up front what my price is and ask them if that is ok.
3. I would recommend finding a couple of master slicers that are online when you are and keeping in touch with them. That way they might go out of their way to slice for you when you ask them.
Nicolas_Frost
Mon Oct 25, 2004 4:12 pm
#26
Personally, I'm always searchable and leave my Master title up. If I'm busy, I'll respond depending on the situation.
Situation #1
"dood, slice my stuf!!"
"No."
Situation #2
"Are you busy?"
"Yes, yes I am.
Situation #3
"I want you to slice my stuff."
"This is a reply macro, the character you sent a tell to is currently fighting."
"Okay, where are you?"
"This is a reply macro, the character you sent a tell to is currently fighting."
"You already said that, I'll come to you. Just give me the waypoint."
"This is a reply macro, the character you sent a tell to is currently fighting."
"Dude, don't be so lame."
"This is a reply macro, the character you sent a tell to is currently fighting."
"Just tell me where you are so you can slice my stuff."
"This is an annoyance macro. Apparently, you do not understand the concept of someone being busy while fighting. Please do not respond any more as the character you were annoying is still fighting."
That's what typically happens when I'm busy. Yes, I have macros set up like that, and bound to keys on my keypad.
Situation #1
"dood, slice my stuf!!"
"No."
Situation #2
"Are you busy?"
"Yes, yes I am.
Situation #3
"I want you to slice my stuff."
"This is a reply macro, the character you sent a tell to is currently fighting."
"Okay, where are you?"
"This is a reply macro, the character you sent a tell to is currently fighting."
"You already said that, I'll come to you. Just give me the waypoint."
"This is a reply macro, the character you sent a tell to is currently fighting."
"Dude, don't be so lame."
"This is a reply macro, the character you sent a tell to is currently fighting."
"Just tell me where you are so you can slice my stuff."
"This is an annoyance macro. Apparently, you do not understand the concept of someone being busy while fighting. Please do not respond any more as the character you were annoying is still fighting."
That's what typically happens when I'm busy. Yes, I have macros set up like that, and bound to keys on my keypad.
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