Gurista Production

[jackheape]

Lost a Skiff yesterday to an extra strength rats pack. I just happened to walk by when they attacked. Drained cap, webbed me, and TinyMiner logged off because of shield damage before I could close it. Oh well. Just a game. I assume its related to this Guardians Gala affair that's going on. Anyone else noticed this?

[jackheape]

Ok, I think I have this figured out. This is not a product of the Gala that's going on. Pirate FOB's can show up in any low or hisec system. If you warp to a belt that they are mining they will call in reinforcements from the FOB and kill you. FOB's do not show up on the probe scanner unless you scan them down. Only the Agency panel. So you can't use TM and go to random belts. If you stumble on one of their mining fleets you will die. I have just been lucky up until now that they were not in the systems I primarily use.

[VanGoghGaming]

FOB rats are also known to roam systems near their base so if you notice a FOB (Forward Operating Base) in the Agency window then your best bet is to move to another constellation until the FOB is destroyed or disappears due to inactivity!

[Booker20]

I have lost 2 Mackinaws to these guys so far. I don't understand them. It seems like they warp to belt and when my drones attack them they warp in more rats and warp scramble me. This is a .5 systems. Any ideas what I can do to stop this.

[VanGoghGaming]

Guys pay attention to your surroundings. You seem to have the same problem as the guy above. I have merged your threads since it's the same issue, namely a FOB (Forward Operating Base).

These FOBs appear randomly all over and usually last about a week or until destroyed. They spawn special kind of rats that are tougher than usual and can roam around in neighboring systems. Check the "Agency" to see if you have a FOB in your area.

The solution is to wait until the FOB is gone or move to a different constellation and mine there. You can also safely mine in places that are non-warpable without a prior bookmark (such as agent missions or completed emerging conduits)!

[Booker20]

Forgive my ignorance to these guys. But how can I tell in agency tracker if they have an FOB in my system. Also I was not at the computer when it happened so I was wondering will TM attack any rats with out them aggroing first?

[VanGoghGaming]

You can check the current FOBs in Agency -> Encounters -> Pirate Strongholds. Avoid the entire "constellation", not only the system where they reside. FOB rats are hostile by default so they engage your ship on sight and your drones will shoot back if they are launched at the time.

If you want TM to attack rats on sight you need to use the "BlackOps" DLC pack settings found in TinyMiner's Advanced Options although this is not advisable with FOB rats!

[Booker20]

Thank you all. I do have a FOB in my system. I will wait it out.

[Booker20]

I still have the FOB in system. A buddy and I tried to kill it in Golems. Bad idea by the way. If ignored will it ever leave?

[VanGoghGaming]

I suppose someone will have to kill it sooner or later. You should really prepare thoroughly in advance by reading the Wiki and other helpful online articles if you want to solo a FOB. Apparently there is a fit for a passive Rattlesnake which can undertake such a task!