Is there any detriment for starting PvP without loot onboard
I'm just reading about the game as a newbie, and it seems like if you get jumped while carrying loot, there's all to lose, but nothing to gain.
I just want to clarify, does the aggressor have anything to lose, other than their time? Does the attacked player have anything to gain if they win instead of running away (other than experience?)
If not, shouldn't there be some detriment to starting and losing a PvP battle, even if you had no loot onboard?
You probably won't be attacked for no reason and the attacker will at least have an emissary flag which you can sell if you sink them + you can also get their resources. But it's true that the attacker doesn't really lose much and you're risking way more if you're carrying loot. Although if you dislike the PvP experience you can always play on a private server.
In the crowe’s nest you can raise a flag that will offer an alliance to nearby ships. If they also join the alliance, you can see each other on the map, and receive I believe 50% of what alliance members sell.