Missions & Complexes

^^That,^^ just to start.

Also, research, talk to people you know you can trust who have one (assuming you know any that do), watch videos on YT and elsewhere...the usual. There is at least "some" information out there, go dig it up like a good EVE player should.

That, and roll/build a few cyno-alts --If it were mine, then I'd use at least two different ones, one to get you to the mission-system, another one stashed off in a dead-quiet system to act as a "Oh ****, time to GTFO NAOW" option.

(Just by the bye: Fit a cloak, Heavy neuts, and a couple smartbombs in the highs, and always be aligned to something that isn't immediately obvious.)

In theory the Tengu is getting a buff, the range on HAMS is getting increased, meaning you can apply that DPS quicker, when the patch comes, all you need to do is simply refit.

Unless my info is wrong and the Tengu is getting utterly nerfed.

Is your EFT taking into account the explosion radius reductions your HAM's will be getting post patch?

To be specific is your EFT applying your GMP skill and (if present) rigor rig bonuses to the HAM's? They should be getting better damage application within range with the changes coming.

Well we'll see.

I mission run dual boxing Mach and Tengu (usually with FoF missiles, Yea I said FoFs CCP, auto-targeting missiles my patootie). Even with the "nerf" I'm not changing a thing, that tengu will still be better/easier for killing of frigs threatening my mach than drones would be, especially after December 4.

I'm training my alt up to Tengu now. I may not use the Tengu as my go to ship for all things anymore, but even after the nerf it will still be an invaluable ship. Drones are really getting a much harder nerf. That new AI sounds really interesting.

In regards to using a capital in lvl 5's all you really need is common sense no matter what anybody else says. My alt has been using one for years. In missions you really have two options for fit either tank+fighters or sentry drone fit for speed.

Either has postives and negatives, Sentry Fit positive is speed but negative and its a big one you can't keep alignment and you lose a fair bit of tank.
Now if you are active and keep a close eye on D-Scan it isn't usually a problem as long as you clear any webs promptly when you are doing the missions. as soon as you see any combat,deep space probes on d-scan you recall and align out.

Fighters are a little bit slower but you can keep alignment and fit more tank. If I'm in a quiet system or a certain timezone I will use a sentry fit thanny otherwise its the fighter fit.

Cost isn't really an issue as like me you have said the Tengu's I use are usually worth twice the value of the carriers.
If you keep an eye on local and d-scan like all the time you will be fine.

People who lose carriers are the people who don't constantly expect aggro and this is why they lose them.

If you are looking into carriers you really want to train a second carrier alt that can try to help you out if the **** hits the fan( neut fits,spider tanking etc) but really if you are not stupid you will not get caught.

If you are solo you can use a carrier, if you are in a group use a tengu.

If you are using a carrier as well you won't be able to accept gated missions which seem to be more prevelant in the last 6 months.
If you are lucky you can get a nice stream of ungated missions which you can blitz but thats as rare as chickens teeth lately.

As for the "drone" nerf" just fit a remote shield/armor repper and off you go, little extra bit of work but if the ships are targeting some of the drones it means less incoming dps on the ship.