Upon returning, one of the first things that I noticed was how many of my favorite bloggers had moved on much like I myself had. Mynxee is gone, though still keeping tabs on the game. (I see you lurking on various forums.)  Shae Tiann is, hopefully, enjoying her new job and I wish her the best of luck. Escoce seems to have fallen off the face of the universe. Crazy Kinux moved on as well with a new job and I wish him the best of luck (even though it is late in coming). And soon to be, the Eve Players Blog portal will be coming down. It will be missed by many I am sure. Myself being one of them as it kept me in touch with the game even when I wasn’t playing. These are just a few that have moved on to other things.

I also realized that a lot of those blogs I loved to read are still here and ultimately helped me decide that returning to writing was something I should continue. Not for the readership per se, though I hope they enjoy what I write, but for myself.

Recently, there were a couple of occurrences which brought to light perceived favoritism CCP had towards the various player media outlets (blogs, podcast, and websites) which caused some rumblings within the community.  One question came to mind when I read the various posts and comments about it. Who do you write/podcast/v-cast for besides yourself? Those are the only people you need concern yourself with to my way of thinking. If CCP decides to turn the spotlight on you for whatever reason then awesome. If they don’t though and instead highlight someone else, does it really matter to those who regularly read, watch, or listen to you? Being one of those unknown listeners/ readers/ watchers myself I can tell you it doesn’t. You do not lose any credibility because of it. We the audience will not lessen our appreciation of your works for lack of a spotlight from CCP. We enjoy everything you put the effort into creating even if we do not necessarily agree with the message contained therein.

I guess what I am trying to say is keep doing what you are doing. It is the vibrant community of EvE that brings a lot of us back and keeps even more of us still playing year after year. Every time we lose an active member within the EvE online community it diminishes us as a whole. The only thing I hope for is someone else will be there to pick up the torch and keep the light shining.

[Loki, explo eft]
Republic Fleet Gyrostabilizer
Republic Fleet Gyrostabilizer
Republic Fleet Gyrostabilizer
Damage Control II

Codebreaker I
Corelum C-Type 10MN Afterburner
Pithi B-Type Small Shield Booster
Large Shield Extender II
Invulnerability Field II

Sisters Expanded Probe Launcher, Sisters Core Scanner Probe I
Covert Ops Cloaking Device II
220mm Vulcan AutoCannon II, Republic Fleet Fusion M
220mm Vulcan AutoCannon II, Republic Fleet Fusion M
220mm Vulcan AutoCannon II, Republic Fleet Fusion M
220mm Vulcan AutoCannon II, Republic Fleet Fusion M
220mm Vulcan AutoCannon II, Republic Fleet Fusion M

Medium Gravity Capacitor Upgrade I
Medium Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Medium Anti-Thermal Screen Reinforcer I

Loki Defensive – Adaptive Shielding
Loki Electronics – Emergent Locus Analyzer
Loki Offensive – Covert Reconfiguration
Loki Engineering – Augmented Capacitor Reservoir
Loki Propulsion – Fuel Catalyst

With my skills and implants:      DPS: 403 close / 321 Barrage   Tank: 242 omni / 337 bloodraiders      Capstable@ 37% w/o the codebreaker    Probe scan strength: 95  Speed: 750 m/s   EHP: 47232

I juggled between an active and passive shield fit for a few days before putting this together. I could find no way to make a passive tank work while still dealing adequate DPS. The low slots had to be moved from gyros to SPRs. That coupled with the blooming signature meant the trade offs were to great for me. I opted for a large extender over a boost amplifier for the increased shield hitpoints as I felt 3000 some odd just wasn’t enough. The 220mm ACs help deal with tracking problems of frigates versus medium turrets without the need for a web or TE.

If anyone has ideas about how to improve the overall performance of this loadout please let me know.  ( Aside from upgrading some of the modules to faction or better deadspace as appropriate. )

The hangar crew spent the next couple hours fitting the modules and weapons to the Loki. I had two specific purposes for the ship. It was to be both an exploration vessel and a warship taking unwary prey indiscriminately. I only needed to change out one of the modular systems to change between the two. The emergent locus analyzer would be switched with the tactical targeting network for a quicker lock time after decloaking. It wouldn’t affect the sensor recalibration time, but it did shave off a second after the sensors came back online. This is a ship that can stand equal or more punishment than a battlecruiser, deals  slightly less damage, and is more maneuverable. I loved it without even having flown it yet.

Of course, many pilots argue that for the price of a Loki and fittings, I could have gotten twelve fully fitted battlecruisers and a couple recon ships as well. Having flown both ships already, I was unsatisfied with the BCs due to thier lack of speed and the fact they turned like a brick. And recons, while nice, just lack the firepower one needs when operating solo. Recons also do not have much defense once an opponent gets close. They operate much better in a fleet or gang where they are a force multiplier.

The excitement over the past week started to catch up to me soon after the Loki was put together. I headed to my office and collapsed on the cot behind the desk. Taking off my boots, I figured i had better get some sleep before putting the Loki through the crucible. As I drifted off, I wondered what I should name her.

***Readers I would like suggestions as to what name my new Loki should have. Reasons why you chose the name would be appreciated. I can’t wait to see what yall come up with. There will be an ISK prize for the name chosen so please be sure to leave the name of the character you would like the prize to go to.***

After being gone for such a long time, I imagine all of my readership has disappeared. I needed to take a break from Eve as some RL things needed my full attention. I was also starting to feel the beginnings of burnout for one reason or another. Sorry for not informing folks here.

I have been back for about 2-3 weeks now, just in time for Tyrannis and all that entails. The expansion did not affect me one way or another really. I dabbled a bit in PI and found it boring. Nevertheless, I have a couple things on the back burner cranking away that will hopefully pay for the investment in a couple months.

After being gone so long, it took a couple days to get back in the pilot’s seat as it were. I now feel the relaxed awareness I remember when moving through lowsec camps or running some lvl4 missions absentmindedly. I’m sure the shakes will return the first couple of pvp fights I have and then they too will disappear.

————————————————————————————————

Couple of interesting notes though on happenings since I returned:

Isk through missions seems  easier to get than before even with the “mission nerf”. I say this because since I have returned, I made enough isk to buy two Gilas, a Rattlesnake, a few Ishkurs, and another Domi. I fitted them as appropriate with some faction gear but they are  mostly T2.  I’m not sure if the amount of isk I made was a result of my experience or just finding good deals when getting rid of lp. From reading various forums and blogs, my experience seems to be peculiar so take it as you will. By the way, I am in love with the rattler! I want it to be the mother of my future children.

I am still a member of TRAMPS alliance through GT’s corp, Tigris Cleptum Gaza. I was glad to see this once I brought GT back online last week. I have been catching up on alliance goings on with Escoce and generally trying to figure out what I wanted GT and the corp to be doing. PVP is still a mainstay, but I’m thinking about moving into lowsec exploration as a second focus for the corp. While those thoughts meandered through my mind, TRAMPS received two wardecs a few days apart from each other. Neither affects those of us in lowsec really, but other members of the alliance are highsec indy/mission types and a couple of them got popped. Nothing major though and not nearly worth the cost of deccing an alliance. One of the wardecs was dropped yesterday and I anticipate the other will run out after a week as well.

Looking forward to catching up with those of you I haven’t talked to yet. Fly casual!

Now, I find myself in a position of leadership for an area I have some experience in, but not a great deal outside of T1 manufacturing. So why did I accept the position then? Because the industrial side of Eve is very interesting to me and was on my long list of things to delve deeply into at a later date anyway. After a bit of research I have a good grasp of what is needed, the processes involved T2 and T3 manufacturing, and the difficulties we will have operating out of w-space.

Besides just understanding the industrial processes, I must recruit for my division. Yes this means you my carebear (with teeth?) friends. Interested in learning what living in a wormhole is like? Want access to those juicy nullsec ores without the constant watching of local? Want the chance to manufacture goods in support of the corp and for personal profit at much reduced expenses? Ever been interested or are currently experienced in T2 and T3 research and production? Then SSOD needs you! We have openings currently for positions within the Production Division operating both in and out of our personal wormhole. You can contact myself, Varnoka, or visit our forums for more information.

“Ah, the sweet, sweet smell of isk out there on the wind; the isk just waiting to be plucked like a peach on the limb.”

This thought crossed my mind after spending a whole day in Dodixie trying to get everything ready for my move into the wormhole and another two days trying to get in. The static lowsec exit kept coming up in Amarr space and I was afraid I would have to travel there in my pod while the contract hauler brought the gear to the lowsec system’s station. Having performed many a mission for the FIO against the Amarr, they did not take to kindly to me being in their space. Patience paid off though and the lowsec entry point opened in Sinq Laison for me. I contacted the hauler, who said there wouldn’t be any problems, and I flew off to act as scout in I. C. U., my trusty cov-ops.

The gear secured in the corp’s hangar in the wormhole had me breathing a sigh of relief. The list totaled two assault frigates, one bomber, a battlecruiser, a mining barge, and various gear and fittings. Not to mention the things I brought for the corp. I contemplated bringing my Proteus, but with the intel I had received on these Sleepers, it didn’t seem a good ship for the task being primarily close range support or exploration fitted. It would stay mothballed with my other gear in known space for now.

This was my first time being in a POS. I spent a while becoming acquainted with the operation of the various modules and defenses. I also met most of the other corp members I would be spending the majority of my time with. Since they were just going to bed when I arrived, I bid them good night and headed back to I.C.U. The ever shimmering and twirling of the POS shields would take some getting used to though.  As I launched out the shield, a feeling of wonder came over me. What adventures awaited me? How would we cope being disconnected from known space? Would anyone remember me when I got back? These thoughts ran through my mind as I set about launching my probes and scanning down the anomalies and signatures in the system. Time later for existential contemplation, there was isk to be made.

One reason for the sudden change was the tedium of mission running was really starting to wear on me even with breaking it up with exploration. I could do just about every level 4 without even glancing at The Mission Guide. The need for isk has been marginalized since I no longer have plans to set up a research POS anytime soon. Having liquidated the majority of my assets also helped in the isk area. Going into a wormhole on a semi-permanent basis will be a change for me. Before, I had looked at short forays never planning to stay longer than a couple hours. Now though I’m starting to learn of the logistical difficulties firsthand. This is a challenge I’m looking forward to and already had some interesting discussions about it. Having read a number of blogs dealing specifically with wormholes allows me to be a little more confident, but there is so much still to learn.

The added benefit of being in a corp with other players will be nice as well. It fulfills one of my resolutions to become more social in my game playing outside of a chat window. Besides the few times I fleeted up while in the Tuskers* and my short stint in the FDU, I hadn’t really done anything with anybody. Basically the game for me was a PvE grind with a chat window. Hell some nights I did nothing but chat and station spin while checking the occasional order on an alt. To really enjoy this game you have to DO stuff with OTHER players. Band together for some goal and go after it with everything you can. Succeed or not, you will have enjoyed yourself much more than just killing Serpentis after Serpentis with your drones or missiles. I guarauntee it.

*not counting blowing up ships solo

First thing I messed with was Prism, the market/asset add-on. OMG! I’m in love with this thing. It took me a bit to get the market price filters set up correctly since you have to fiddle with the pricing criteria to eliminate the outlandish orders. Being able to quickly scan my assets for items that I own and their actual market value based on different regions is just…just…*faint*

Where was I? Oh yea. So after I recovered from that and saw my actual net worth I almost fainted again. I really need to consolidate and get rid a bunch of stuff that I don’t use. During the next week or so, if I run across anything that might be a good buy for yall I’ll put up a little post on a separate page here (titled Varn’s Yardsale) with my going price. And if your interested, let me know IG (evemail Varnoka) and I’ll contract it to you. Most will be ships since I have them rigged and fitted already. If no one’s interested after 4 days then to the contract market they go for maximum profit. If I come across any juicy faction stuff that will be listed also.

Under Prism is also the Rig Builder utilizing salvage you currently have. It list current market cost of materials vs. market price of rigs. Handy that one for those of us who make our own rigs. It also has a Recycler tab which I didn’t really mess with but seems geared for the serious loot reprocessor. Nice stuff all around for the industrialist, marketeer, or mission runner.

The EveHQ fitter is something familiar to almost everyone. Coming from EFT it was a bit confusing at first since the layout and information presentation is a little different. I also found some discrepancies between the two in regards to cap stability and tank. Not sure why that is. Probably some option I missed. If anyone knows a reason please inform me so I can correct. Yes, I made sure that I had the same implants selected in both so it isn’t that. I think I like it better than EFT after spending some time with it.  Being able to see a weapons tracking is nice and I like how it doesn’t round off numbers. A more easily understandable item info is good as I found EFT’s a pain at times. The targeting speed analysis is well layed out so you can readily see how fast you’ll lock different targets without having to click multiple times. The ability to easily switch different implant setups is just sweet. Overall, I give it 9.5/10.

The skill planner is much like EveMon and easy to get used to. Nothing new there just a different layout. The Item Browser though was interesting. Not only does it give you the usual ingame info, but it also breaks down the building requirements to include skills and components, research needs, and what it will recycle into. There is also a price breakdown for all you traders out there.

Overall, EveHQ is a worthy tool for any Eve player. There are some other aspects of it I didn’t mention like the trip planner, POS manager, and wormhole information addons. These addons are not important to me right now, but its nice knowing they are there if I need them. I recommend for yall to go download it and give it a try for a bit. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Without too much detail, here is the gist of it.  The pirate assumed I thought of myself as a hot shit noob/carebear because I piloted a T3 and got away from him and that any moron could do exploration. I agreed that exploration was easy and even easier in a T3, but his other assumptions were off base. To me he sounded hurt I didn’t stick around and let him kill me. Now, anyone who knows me understands that I know I’m not much of a pilot in Eve. Hell even after 2 years I still consider myself a newb in the game. And I often times make stupid mistakes. *cough* Losing a faction fitted Ishtar to NPCs. *cough* So, were am I going with this?

The whole situation had me wondering why someone would assume that just because another person has a nice ship and high sec status that they think of themselves as all that and a bag of chips? I personally have quite a number of nice ships, well fitted, that other players would kill to have and it’s not because of ego but because I had the isk at the time to buy them and I like new shiny toys. I have finally gotten to the point where I understand how to make isk relatively quickly without out-of-game resources and without scamming other players. Was it because he assumed, due to my high sec status and standings, that I was only a complete carebear and did nothing else? Was it some misplaced anger against the “carebear” style of playing? This animosity between carebears and pvpers is something I have never understood. I myself am kind of the middle ground. I like to pewpew every once in a while, but I also enjoy the trading, manufacturing, missioning side of Eve. Having the ability to do all of these things is what makes this a great game. The carebears think all the pvpers/pirates want to do is make their life hell and the pvpers/pirates think the carebears want to make this game into HelloKitty Online. Now everyone doesn’t think this, but the vast majority does for some reason. Or so it seems from reading various blogs and forums.

What neither of the two extremes realise is that they cannot survive without the other. I believe nullsec alliances are really starting to find this out now with the sovereignty changes that came with Dominion. Not all of them mind you, but enough that I hope it will start to change the perceptions of people. Some alliances already understood this and had strong industrial backbones with which to capitalize on the industrial upgrades. In lowsec and highsec though this will take longer to change. It is one of the reasons I joined TRAMPS, to help change this perception that pvpers and carebears cannot cohabitate or even benefit from one another’s success. I feel this will take a fundamental change in the thought processes of most players to be successful. If TRAMPS is able to do so in just a handful of players during my time, I feel we would have accomplished a worthy goal.