Topic: Artifact first Impressions
Artifact charges come in (3) ranges, 5000 meter, 3000 meter, and 1000 meter; with current infinite sell orders of from 1500 NIC for the 5K to 300 NIC for the 1K.
I put a T4 LWF and Std Geo scanner in a Arkhe MK2, 99 Kph and loaded up with 100 rounds of each type of charge. I spent the EP and NIC to get Artifact Skill lvl 3; which raises the scan distance by 9%.
I undocked from TMA and headed generally toward the north and stopped around 1000 m from the outpost and did my first scan with the 5k; I got (3) results, one of which was a Theo laser site, about 4k away. Since my combat alt is in a Baphomet, I thought that this location could maybe have something interesting and useable.
While looking at the map, a few drones came out and reminded me that I need to keep moving, so I scooted, and there on the ground was a nice red beacon. I thought it would be on the map, but it is on the terrain.
I did the move and scan thing, and I generally moved toward NPC packs, assuming it would be under them, and the closest i got was 900 M.
After barely escaping from the Ewar demob, I parked a safe distance away. I figured it would be a waste of time, but I walked my very well geared and skilled combat assault out to the spot, but the pack was too big to clear solo.
I just logged back off frustrated.
Now, maybe one of the other 2 on the list weren't under NPC's, but looking at the map and distances, I doubt it. And again, all the packs were too big to actually 'clear' solo. Maybe if I put the scanner on the artemis I could have trudged into that big pack double plated, maybe, but I doubt that anything in the loot would have been worth getting killed for.
My first impression; I don't like it. I'll log back in Sunday and try a few more locations, I just hope that there are a few not surrounded by NPCs so a non combat solo player can get to it.
Also, be aware that scanning attracts NPC's from at least 700 meters. So even if you find one not 'under' a spawn, your going to have to scan and move alot.