Hey all, back for the new update. I got a few questions, some gameplay some mod advice, thanks for any answers.
1. How soon should you start colonies? Start with 1 and grow that to 4/5 size first then start the next or just sprinkle a few at the same time? I try to hunt for a system with at least 2 stable zones and 2+ planets that are 100-150 habitability so their patrols can cover each other. I think (can't remember) Alex reduced profits from industries so colonies need a lot of input before they can become profitable now?
2. How far do your own faction fleets roam/patrol/run around? I know Patrol bases only spawns small patrols in the system they are based in. The description for military bases and high command seems to imply they will patrol in hyperspace and even go to other sectors? So if I have a military base or high command on one planet in System A, will that planet send a response/patrol/backup to a friendly neighbouring system B that's under attack from a raid or expedition? If yes how far do they help friendly systems, I don't expect them to fly across the sector.
3. Can Pirate bases attacking your colonies safely be ignored? They are quite annoying as they tend to spring up again quite fast once I destroy them and they tend to be right across the sector and travel time is a pain.
4. Pather bases are very scary. What kind of ships are good for attacking/sieging one and what kind of tactics are recommended (also what sort of fleet size)? I hate pather cells as spring up in my colonies but trying to take out their main base is quite hard if you don't have a few battleships. I tried attacking one with 2 Falcons, 2 Eagles, 4 Herons and 5-10 Shrikes + Wolves several times (save reloading) and I cannot crack the base, usually end up losing more than 80% of my fleet.
5. I remember reading somewhere that if you sell hull blueprints to faction markets, those factions will eventually adopt these hull types etc into their fleets. Also if you sell these hull blueprints to the blackmarket, the pirates will eventually get those hulls also. Is this a bug or WAD? Where is a safe place to sell these blueprints or you have to hold on to them so other factions don't get all sorts of weird hulls.
6. Where do you edit the player/officer skill effects? I remember back in the days the skills etc were in a xml file iirc so I could increase the burn speed bonus from 2 to 4 and the ordnance points given by the skill to a higher number. They don't seem to be easily editable now?
7.What is a good 'Vanilla+ mod'' you can recommend. I remember playing quite a few that add new hulls and weapons that are quite vanilla like so they didn't feel out of place as some mods go crazy with their designs and weapons. I also remember playing Nexerelin a few years ago before colonies are officially in. Is it much better now?
Thanks all, its a lot of questions but the wiki doesn't really answer them and searching the forums isn't that easy.