I knew Ripard/Jester in a previous EVE life. He's not only a prolific blogger but I swear the guy has done just about everything there is to do in EVE. Jester's Trek is required reading and he's got my vote for CSM8.
Have a look at his announcement post and if his platform tickles your fancy, give him your support.
Monday, February 18, 2013
That was... boring
Another weekend and another trip to null, this time to the north-east. What appeared to be decent activity in the Malpais / Kalevala Expanse area turned out to be either dedicated ratters or bots who docked or safed up the second my super-scary Slasher entered local. After some 35 jumps I gave up and logged out.
As I pondered my fate throughout the day I began to be more and more convinced that I was targeting the wrong areas of null. These ratting / carebear alliances were probably more inclined to dock than fight and the behavior I had seen only solidified my opinion. As I logged back in I decided I had enough and set course back to Jita. Along the way I actually saw a few decent targets, even giving chase to a Punisher through a few systems. Alas, I couldn't catch him so I gave up*. I was treated to my first kill on my way out - a cyno noobship fell victim to my slasher in I2D3-5. That was the extent of my excitement for the evening.
I believe that my hunting ground needs to change somewhat. It hasn't been that long since I've been away from EVE and I need to head to areas where I think I can get a fight. Yes, I'm looking at you Delve / Cloud Ring and Syndicate. I don't mind making a lot of jumps if I can coax a fight out of the locals or other groups moving through. Being forced to log out simply because it's late and I've yet to fight is not much fun.
*Perfectly sums up what I've seen from this area. He didn't even so much as yellow-box me.
As I pondered my fate throughout the day I began to be more and more convinced that I was targeting the wrong areas of null. These ratting / carebear alliances were probably more inclined to dock than fight and the behavior I had seen only solidified my opinion. As I logged back in I decided I had enough and set course back to Jita. Along the way I actually saw a few decent targets, even giving chase to a Punisher through a few systems. Alas, I couldn't catch him so I gave up*. I was treated to my first kill on my way out - a cyno noobship fell victim to my slasher in I2D3-5. That was the extent of my excitement for the evening.
I believe that my hunting ground needs to change somewhat. It hasn't been that long since I've been away from EVE and I need to head to areas where I think I can get a fight. Yes, I'm looking at you Delve / Cloud Ring and Syndicate. I don't mind making a lot of jumps if I can coax a fight out of the locals or other groups moving through. Being forced to log out simply because it's late and I've yet to fight is not much fun.
*Perfectly sums up what I've seen from this area. He didn't even so much as yellow-box me.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Slashers
Ehrick flopped on the couch and propped himself up on his right elbow. Leaning forward slightly, he accessed his fitting screen. His Slasher had performed "adequately" during his roam into The Vale of the Silent but his skills were increasing along with his experience flying the mosquito-like ship. He began switching modules, tweaking his active tank and the low slots. After a long time, he settled on the following:
[Slasher, MAR and TD meta]
Nanofiber Internal Structure II
Internal Force Field Array I
Limited 1MN Microwarpdrive I
Initiated Harmonic Warp Scrambler I
Balmer Series Tracking Disruptor I
Medium Ancillary Shield Booster, Cap Booster 50
150mm Light 'Scout' Autocannon I, EMP S
150mm Light 'Scout' Autocannon I, EMP S
150mm Light 'Scout' Autocannon I, EMP S
[Empty High slot]
Small Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Small Projectile Burst Aerator I
Small Processor Overclocking Unit I
[Slasher, MAR and TD meta]
Nanofiber Internal Structure II
Internal Force Field Array I
Limited 1MN Microwarpdrive I
Initiated Harmonic Warp Scrambler I
Balmer Series Tracking Disruptor I
Medium Ancillary Shield Booster, Cap Booster 50
150mm Light 'Scout' Autocannon I, EMP S
150mm Light 'Scout' Autocannon I, EMP S
150mm Light 'Scout' Autocannon I, EMP S
[Empty High slot]
Small Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Small Projectile Burst Aerator I
Small Processor Overclocking Unit I
It wasn't fantastic, but it seemed to have a bit more punch and staying power than his current configuration. He furrowed his brow at the prospect of picking up another skill in order to use the tracking disruptor but, in reality, a few hours of study would give him another layer of protection versus turreted ships. He thought about this fit going against the RF Firetail he fought a few nights prior and wondered if the outcome may have been different...
"Aura," he said, "what would this fit look like when I have all skills to level five? Advise, please."
"Certainly. One moment please."
The screen went dark as Aura accessed the Jita market and cross-checked the skills.
"Results available. Total time elapsed, 0.24 seconds. Ship statistics are as follows: damage is 124 hit points-per-second with Republic Fleet EMP at 600m optimal, 5 km falloff. 2120 effective hit points. Shield recharge approximately 85 hit points per second. Capacitor discharged in 41 seconds with all modules cycling."
"Display, please."
[Slasher, MAR and TD]
Nanofiber Internal Structure II
Internal Force Field Array I
Limited 1MN Microwarpdrive I
Initiated Harmonic Warp Scrambler I
Balmer Series Tracking Disruptor I
Medium Ancillary Shield Booster, Cap Booster 50
150mm Light AutoCannon II, Republic Fleet EMP S
150mm Light AutoCannon II, Republic Fleet EMP S
125mm Gatling AutoCannon II, Republic Fleet EMP S
Small Unstable Power Fluctuator I
Small Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Small Projectile Burst Aerator I
Small Ancillary Current Router I
"Thank you, Aura. Please save the fit and add the modules to my personal preferences."
He smiled, knowing that within a few days he would be able to undock a Slasher with that exact fit. These are exciting times.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Trip to the Vale
Took a trip into Vale of the Silent tonight after seeing some modest activity and pilots online. I headed through low sec and jumped into P3EN-E from Obe. I followed my autopilot into the Y0-BVN pocket, trying to get some activity stirred up. I managed to get a Talos interested in my Slasher but I could never get him in a spot where I thought I could take him. I decided to press on.
I jumped into Y0- and really wished I had a bigger ship as my directional immediately pinged several Hulks, two Rorquals and a couple haulers. I pounced on the ice field but only found bubbles; they had no doubt been warned of my presence. My buddy in the Talos followed me in and I started pinging a RF Firetail as well. They were sitting on my out gate so I waited until they weren't and then gave them the slip.
At this point, I'm giving serious consideration to trying to split them and having a go at the Firetail. I doubt I can take him but I do have an active tank and if he screws up, maybe I've got a chance. A Lloyd Christmas kind of chance, but whatever. I came here to fight.
So, I play dumb and let them both catch up to me and sit at a safe spot some distance from my out gate to see what they do. I figure the Firetail is the tackler and the Talos is the damage so if I can get the Talos to be dumb and aggro me, I'll have a minute alone with the Firetail. To my joy, the Talos leaves our little party in 49- and jumps through into V-OJEN. It's me and the Firetail. I still don't want to be tackled on this side of the gate so I figure I'll warp within 70 or 100 of the gate, burn away and then either engage the Firetail or warp to the gate and jump through. It will all depend on who red-boxes me first.
I warp to the gate and start my burn. The Firetail gives chase and the gate fires as our Talos friend re-joins us. He starts shooting; the Firetail does not. Joy! I hit 150 away, turn, warp and jump. On the other side I start to orbit the gate and wait. Gate flash and Firetail pilot is here. We dance. I actually do okay until the Talos hops back through and starts smacking me pretty good. I have him to 40% shield before I pop. I give them my pod in exchange for a free ride home.
=======================================================================
With these types of engagements and even these roams I really don't go in thinking I can win. It's all about trying to shape the fight the way I want it, learning and teaching myself how to manipulate the other pilots. I just knew that the Talos would be itching to one-shot my T1 frig while the Firetail would be over-confident. It's also all about following through with the plan. I wanted to fight but I also wanted to set up the fight to my advantage, not theirs. So, even though it was a lost ship and lost pod, I managed to bend these pilots to my will. With a different ship and better skills the outcome may have been very different.
PS - Ehrick just finished Hull Upgrades 4 so we will soon be fitting our first T2 module.
PPS - Once the EVE API sees that I'm no longer on trial account, I'll also provide links to my kills and losses.
I jumped into Y0- and really wished I had a bigger ship as my directional immediately pinged several Hulks, two Rorquals and a couple haulers. I pounced on the ice field but only found bubbles; they had no doubt been warned of my presence. My buddy in the Talos followed me in and I started pinging a RF Firetail as well. They were sitting on my out gate so I waited until they weren't and then gave them the slip.
At this point, I'm giving serious consideration to trying to split them and having a go at the Firetail. I doubt I can take him but I do have an active tank and if he screws up, maybe I've got a chance. A Lloyd Christmas kind of chance, but whatever. I came here to fight.
So, I play dumb and let them both catch up to me and sit at a safe spot some distance from my out gate to see what they do. I figure the Firetail is the tackler and the Talos is the damage so if I can get the Talos to be dumb and aggro me, I'll have a minute alone with the Firetail. To my joy, the Talos leaves our little party in 49- and jumps through into V-OJEN. It's me and the Firetail. I still don't want to be tackled on this side of the gate so I figure I'll warp within 70 or 100 of the gate, burn away and then either engage the Firetail or warp to the gate and jump through. It will all depend on who red-boxes me first.
I warp to the gate and start my burn. The Firetail gives chase and the gate fires as our Talos friend re-joins us. He starts shooting; the Firetail does not. Joy! I hit 150 away, turn, warp and jump. On the other side I start to orbit the gate and wait. Gate flash and Firetail pilot is here. We dance. I actually do okay until the Talos hops back through and starts smacking me pretty good. I have him to 40% shield before I pop. I give them my pod in exchange for a free ride home.
=======================================================================
With these types of engagements and even these roams I really don't go in thinking I can win. It's all about trying to shape the fight the way I want it, learning and teaching myself how to manipulate the other pilots. I just knew that the Talos would be itching to one-shot my T1 frig while the Firetail would be over-confident. It's also all about following through with the plan. I wanted to fight but I also wanted to set up the fight to my advantage, not theirs. So, even though it was a lost ship and lost pod, I managed to bend these pilots to my will. With a different ship and better skills the outcome may have been very different.
PS - Ehrick just finished Hull Upgrades 4 so we will soon be fitting our first T2 module.
PPS - Once the EVE API sees that I'm no longer on trial account, I'll also provide links to my kills and losses.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
The First Weekend (so far)
As I figured, getting fights in a T1 frigate is a tall order. Nevertheless, I set out on a couple roams my T1 fitted Slasher at the ready.
My first roam took me into Great Wildlands and eventually into Insmother. I was able to fiddle around with some small gangs and took delight in frustrating their ability to catch me. In particular, there was a Sabre pilot who was determined to kill me; I was just as determined not to let that happen. I managed to separate him in a system so it was the two of us plus another couple who I figured were docked or safe in a POS. I warped to a planet near my out gate and picked up the Sabre and almost immediately thereafter, a warp bubble. If you are not familiar with warp bubbles, here's a few tips:
My first roam took me into Great Wildlands and eventually into Insmother. I was able to fiddle around with some small gangs and took delight in frustrating their ability to catch me. In particular, there was a Sabre pilot who was determined to kill me; I was just as determined not to let that happen. I managed to separate him in a system so it was the two of us plus another couple who I figured were docked or safe in a POS. I warped to a planet near my out gate and picked up the Sabre and almost immediately thereafter, a warp bubble. If you are not familiar with warp bubbles, here's a few tips:
- They appear on your directional scan as 'warp disruption probes'.
- They have a limited duration
- Most Sabre pilots figure that all they have to do is launch a probe and wait for you to be dumb.
As I was keen to prove him wrong on count number 3, I simply aligned to the gate and waited, spamming my scan button. Once the probe disappeared, I warped to the gate. I caught the Sabre just as he jumped through. I followed.
On the other side I sat, comfortably cloaked. I observed that he moved to the gate at 0 and fired another probe. Once the bubble was active I took a quick look around and saw that I could align to a planet and be out of the bubble in no time at all. Align, MWD and I was away, first to the planet and then to my out gate. I couldn't resist and typed "missed me" in local.
The rest of that roam dragged on until it got very late and I logged out in Insmother.
I logged in and began looking for trouble which I soon found in LVL-. In a T1 frig your targets are very limited but I manged to catch a Rifter that had just lit a cyno on the station. I warped to the beacon and started to kill the Rifter. A Thanatos undocked, repp'ed the Rifter and proceeded to kill my Slasher. I was disappointed as the cyno Rifter was probably my best opportunity to log a kill.
Saturday dawned with new hope and I hopped in another Slasher, this time headed to BWF to say hello to Brick Squad. I think I flew threw a pretty massive sov fight as I jumped into IOO and met an Avatar and massive support fleet on the BWF gate. I don't know what was going on but I wasn't about to hang around and find out, and I shot on through to the deeper reaches of Geminate. I wish that I had a battle report for something on this roam, but it was not to be. I played cat-and-mouse with a Rupture/Sabre combination for a time but with a lack of real targets I was not keen to engage. Back to Jita with my frig intact to plan the next incursion into 0.0.
Friday, February 8, 2013
A New Beginning
"Where am I?" Ehrick asked to himself. It seemed only a moment ago that he had been whisked away from central Militia processing to the "Office of Pilot Intake and Surgical Services", sedated and questioned for what seemed to be hours. As he struggled through layers of consciousness, swimming up through the waters of anesthesia, he felt that he chuckled at the fate of the clueless bureaucrats who came up with that name before considering how it would be abbreviated.
He must have chuckled because he felt pain in his neck and along his spine. For a brief moment he was horrified to realize that he had gone through with the surgery. Now he recalled the preparations for surgery, his farewell letters to his family that he wrote and the questions. Questions, questions. So many. Yes, he understood that he would have to sever all connections to family. Yes, he understood the nature of the surgery and the implications of what it would mean to his body. "Bodies" he thought to himself as he recalled the class on Infomorph Psychology.
Odd. He could hear some sort of shuffling or rustling now. The sounds were strange. Muffled. Like he was underwater. He tried moving his feet and realized that both were suspended, weightless. With a start he opened his eyes to see that his world had changed just as much as his body. He was floating in a large egg-shaped pod, suspended from the ceiling by a huge articulated arm. Hydraulics thrummed through the goo that pressed around him.
"Relax, pilot" a reassuring female voice cooed in his ear. "Today is your first day. You have become what all men fear. A demigod, immortal, born to rule the stars." He realized that he wasn't actually hearing anymore. This voice was echoing in his head, no doubt pumped through the web of wires that he could feel faintly against the skin of his back.
"Where am I?" he asked again in his mind. "You are here", replied the voice again. Suddenly a map of New Eden appeared in front of his eyes. The image danced and spun as a single star winked into brightness. "Who are you?" he asked. "I am Aura, and you have a lot to learn. Shall we begin?"
On February 2nd Ehrick Serevi was born a pod pilot; my second attempt to carve a unique path in New Eden. Although I played for almost 2-1/2 years on another set of characters, I wanted to start over. EVE is a social game and although I have no regrets over my previous 'incarnation' in New Eden, I desired a fresh start, a clean slate and a true opportunity to play EVE on my terms, at my pace and, probably, alone. That's not to say I plan on never joining fleets but Ehrick's allegiance is to Ehrick.
Thanks to my previous lives in EVE, I have the luxury of starting with a sizeable bankroll and, even though I am still in the trial period, I am planning to show anyone and everyone that it is possible to PVP, even solo, with a very young character. In the meantime, Ehrick will learn frigate and then cruiser logistics to participate in Incursions as a primary source of income.
With very few skills I will be looking for fights this weekend and posting videos and AAR's of any engagements I can get. Wish me luck.
He must have chuckled because he felt pain in his neck and along his spine. For a brief moment he was horrified to realize that he had gone through with the surgery. Now he recalled the preparations for surgery, his farewell letters to his family that he wrote and the questions. Questions, questions. So many. Yes, he understood that he would have to sever all connections to family. Yes, he understood the nature of the surgery and the implications of what it would mean to his body. "Bodies" he thought to himself as he recalled the class on Infomorph Psychology.
Odd. He could hear some sort of shuffling or rustling now. The sounds were strange. Muffled. Like he was underwater. He tried moving his feet and realized that both were suspended, weightless. With a start he opened his eyes to see that his world had changed just as much as his body. He was floating in a large egg-shaped pod, suspended from the ceiling by a huge articulated arm. Hydraulics thrummed through the goo that pressed around him.
"Relax, pilot" a reassuring female voice cooed in his ear. "Today is your first day. You have become what all men fear. A demigod, immortal, born to rule the stars." He realized that he wasn't actually hearing anymore. This voice was echoing in his head, no doubt pumped through the web of wires that he could feel faintly against the skin of his back.
"Where am I?" he asked again in his mind. "You are here", replied the voice again. Suddenly a map of New Eden appeared in front of his eyes. The image danced and spun as a single star winked into brightness. "Who are you?" he asked. "I am Aura, and you have a lot to learn. Shall we begin?"
On February 2nd Ehrick Serevi was born a pod pilot; my second attempt to carve a unique path in New Eden. Although I played for almost 2-1/2 years on another set of characters, I wanted to start over. EVE is a social game and although I have no regrets over my previous 'incarnation' in New Eden, I desired a fresh start, a clean slate and a true opportunity to play EVE on my terms, at my pace and, probably, alone. That's not to say I plan on never joining fleets but Ehrick's allegiance is to Ehrick.
Thanks to my previous lives in EVE, I have the luxury of starting with a sizeable bankroll and, even though I am still in the trial period, I am planning to show anyone and everyone that it is possible to PVP, even solo, with a very young character. In the meantime, Ehrick will learn frigate and then cruiser logistics to participate in Incursions as a primary source of income.
With very few skills I will be looking for fights this weekend and posting videos and AAR's of any engagements I can get. Wish me luck.
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