Ship Loss

The harsh environment of space always leaves me thirsty for an ice cold beverage, but the refrigerator on my Catalyst Destroyer is on the other side of the ship away from the controls. I was starting to wonder if I should accept Gallente Navy drink coupons as reward for all these obscure errands *cough*, I mean "missions" the Security department keeps assigning me.

As I activated my warp drive towards the repair station that was aiding Serpentis Pirates, I wondered if I would make it back this time. Every mission the Gallente Navy was sending me on seemed to get more difficult, and after losing shields and armor on my previous mission before warping out, I was wondering how close of a call this one would be.

Upon exiting warp I noticed a few scouts were already locking me and approaching swiftly. I decided to concentrate fire and activated all seven of my Railguns before setting orbit to optimal range. To avoid the pirate frigate from moving to close and therefore killing my accuracy, I activated my Webber and took control of the range during the fight.

After dispatching the security forces guarding the repair station I noticed no life signs on my scanner and proceeded to chisel away at the measly constructed pirate repair station. The adrenaline from another successful mission was pulsating through my veins. I think this calls for a victory celebration- a celebratory drink will do just fine!

But wait, the stupid fridge is too far away to see the controls- something could happen. I checked the scanners again, and still no signs of life. Screw it. I ran over to the fridge to make my favorite beverage. As the water started to boil I felt the ship start to shake.

The lights went out. An eerie red glow from the emergency light lit the hallway leading back to the control room. I stumbled through the hall as the ship rocked back and forth. The muffled gunfire grew louder as I neared the control room.

I knew I wouldn’t have enough time, so I took the detour to my escape pod. I knew it was too good to be true. I was about to lose my ship- possibly my life- and I’m still thirsty, ugh!

Through the debris from the explosion I was able to warp my pod to the safety of the station where I would lick my wounds before returning to space.

I think I’ll make a pit stop at the station bar before I have to explain to the Security office why the Serpentis repair station was still operational.

CrazyKinux's EvE Online Blogroll

If you're a die-hard EvE player and soak up any content you can get your grubby Caldari hands on, then you're in luck! CrazyKinux is an EvE player that's been playing EvE and blogging about it for a long time. He's taken it upon himself to create an excellent EvE Blogpack & Blogroll. These comprehensive lists include tons of awesome EvE blogs, and you should really consider checking them out- ALL of them!

So, thanks to CrazyKinux for adding me to the blogroll!

You should all head over to the EvE Online Blogroll to check it out!

Corporation Research on Hold

I've decided to pause on my search for a Corporation to join; I have a new theory that, like love, you only find a good Corp when you're not looking. This also gives me time to learn more about the game, but I'm pretty sure I could almost go toe-to-toe in a trivia game with a Vet.

I've read more on EvE than I ever did in during any college course, heh. The funny thing is I'm still learning new things every day, and that's what I love about EvE (I'm also a spreadsheet junkie, too).

The plan is to grind out cash while looking for a PvP guild- this way I'll be self sufficient when I do join and start losing ships (hah, more like blowing ships up!).

Also, a tip that's helped me on mission grinding that all noobs should know- train Social, Connections, and Negotiations all to level IV asap. These three skills will make your mission-going experience that much better.

Skill Training History

High Speed Manuvering

I'm now qualified to fit and use a MWD, but I didn't get a chance to test it out last night. The first thing I'll be doing tonight when I log on is test a MWD on my three ships, Incurses, Catalyst, and Thorax.

I had tons of ships at one point, but I sold them off and focused on fitting only a few for certain situations. As a side note, the Tristan is one UGLY ship!

I'm currently training Gunnery skills to help assist my future Corp (whoever they will be) in combat. I figure increasing my tank is great if I'm the primary target, but if I'm just a fly on the wall and not being shot at, I would like to bring sufficient damage to the table to help out.

Speaking of Corporations, I'm still without (Can't really count an NPC Corp, heh). I've been researching the forums trying to find the perfect match. If anyone out there is interested in a combat pilot "in-the-works", then please let me know with an EvE-mail, or even a comment here ^^

~Placebo Effect

Hrmm...

I'm still running missions trying to get enough standing for level II's; however, I've decided to focus on the basic Federal Navy since I'm not sure what, or how to tell for that matter, the benefits are for each Corporation.

I plan to run missions in my Incursus Frigate tonight and only do the mission objectives and skip the loot and salvage in exchange for quicker mission completion and therefor raising my standing faster. Can anyone tell me of another way to raise standing besides running missions?

As for skills, I've completely contradicted my last post stating I would train my current skills to level 4 before acquiring more; however I noticed a ton of skills I was missing once I changed the option on my character sheet to "show all skills". I spent 3 of my 5 mill isk on skill books last night. I started the training on each one, but they're still at level 0.

Why did I do this, you ask? Well I wanted to have more 20-45 min skills to level while playing shorter sessions, and switch to longer skills when I log off for the night or any extended period of time.

Skill Training Complete

Ahh yes, we all love those three magic words, "Skill Training Complete". I have a gynormous list of skills I want to train, but I have to keep reminding myself that I won't be effective at anything until I focus my training efforts.

I've decided to get a few key skills to level 4 before I get fragmented with various skills.
The skills are as follows...

Hull Upgrades IV
Armour Repair Systems IV
Drone Interfacing IV
Small Turrets IV
Medium Turrets IV
Navigation IV
Afterburners IV

That's only a small portion of the skills I'm looking at training, but I figure these are critical to surviving basic combat. I eventually- once I can fly BC's for level three missions- want to focus on Rifter skills. I'll probably dive deeper into small turret specialization per Kane Rizzel's suggestion, but right now I need cash, and that comes from running missions, so I'll continue Medium Turrets in my Thorax.

I love how many skills there are to choose from and that any race / gender can pick any of them. I remember being a stun mage in UO before stun mages were cool. I love trying new skills and setups and EvE really promotes that behavior.

I'm wondering when I should start looking for a Corp...? I'm only 2 mill SP, so I don't have a lot to offer yet, and most serious Corps have a minimum requirement higher than 2 mill. If anyone out there is part of, or knows an existing PvP guild that accepts rookie pilots willing to learn with a natural learning ability and previous MMO PvP experience, then please drop me a line ^^

~Placebo Effect

Space is Lonely

I played EvE some last night after the Cowboys victory over the hated Eagles (boo!)

I went ahead and changed my training from Drone Interfacing III (very important to drone damage, and a must have) to Hull Upgrades III. The Hull Upgrades skill will increase my armor value by 5% per level, therefore helping me survive longer.

I've focused so much on improving damage on my Thorax with the Medium Turrets skill that I've neglected defensive skills such as Armor Repairs and Hull Upgrades.

After reading the awesome adventures of Kane Rizzel (http://novakaneinc.blogspot.com/) I'm starting to wonder if I should put more skill training time into smaller ships such as the Rifter. My goal for my time in EvE Online is the same as Kane's, and that is to murder people and become a ruthless Pirate!

I was told the Thorax is a wicked solo ship to Pirate in, but being a noob I'm also too poor to afford an endless supply of Thorax ships, so the Rifter looks much cheaper to fit. I wonder if it has any drone slots (I can't check here at work, boo!)

Also, to anyone reading this, I'm still looking for a good Corporation to join, so keep me in mind when your Corp is looking for good new members. I'm only at 2 mill SP, but I catch on quickly and have no problem listening to the FC's instructions. The Corp must be centered around PvP, but I don't have a problem helping out with other operations, such as mining, either.

~Placebo Effect

Back Up and Running...

I played EvE Online during the late hours over the weekend. I set some temporary and long terms goals for myself since without goals EvE is just a giant sandbox.

Short Term: Build my standings with a few NPC corps through running missions. I want to get up to level three missions, and be able to run them consistently.

Long Term: Focus on training the current skills I have up to level 4 before aquirring more skills. Also, I need to find a Corporation to join up with. I'd prefer a Corporation located in 0.0, or involved in some massive wars. I basically need a Corp that is built around PvP and not one that just PvP'd because it's in the game.

I've been pulling in mor emoney with my new Salvaging skill, and I must say it's not bad money for a new player! I'm almost to 5 mill in only a few hours of playing (I know you vets make 5 mill in your sleep, but I'm new, so HAH!)

I probably won't get any time tonight since my Cowboys are beating up on the Eagles for Monday Night Football; however, if I do get on I'm not stopping until I have at least ONE mission giver at 8.0+ standing.

New Look; Old Game

I changed the look of the blog to fit my new game of choice. I've played EvE in the past off and on, but I'm ready to commit. I'm tired of not having an MMO to call home.

I plan to post more about my time in EvE as I start to progress through the game. My only problem is every time I subscribe I get bored because I can never find a good Corporation to join.

I'm an MMO vet and looking to dive deep into EvE; anyone know a medium-sized Corporation focused on PvP?

Placebo Effect
Gallente - 2 mill SP