Author: Dalarin Brenen

As a NEWBRO to EVE Online, joining a fleet where you know with 100% certainty the future of the ship you are about to undock, is actually quite refreshing.

It will never see another dawn, will never again have the satisfaction of docking, will never again feel the sensation of a new skin touching its hull. In short – it’s doomed.

What is special about the chaos fleets?

I had attended a number of fleets organised by EVE University and found myself embarrassed at my lack of knowledge and inability to keep up, and frustrated at letting the team down.

The Chaos fleet removed all of this anxiety. If I died, no one would be let down and I could simply reship and catch up with the fleet. In fact, if I died, I would probably be celebrated. 

So what are the Chaos fleets?

I have no idea. No one does – that is the point! 

Every single Chaos fleet is different and there is never a defined structure, nor a final goal. Unless the complete obliteration of the fleet can be classified as the final goal. 

What Chaos fleets have in common is that they are organised by experienced Unistas. The Chaos Sisters unstable unit and Danielle en Divalone have created chaos and helped Unistas meet each other in those social fleets for many years.

On the last fleet when asked “What is the objective?”, the answer presented was:
“We are taking our dog for a walk. However the little scamp has actually managed to escape and we need to go find him.” It is very difficult to find a “Retriever” in EVE’s vast universe. 

WHAT?!

The actual route had been designed to allow the new players in the fleet to examine several of the tourist attractions found within the vast EVE universe whilst we chased our dog (the Retriever ship) and included the following attractions:

The Eve Gate (New Eden)
It is believed that this Gate was used by the original human colonists until it collapsed trapping many of them in New Eden. I recommend that everyone should read the history of EVE to gain insight into the different factions that we encounter every day in game. This is a historic location and everyone should take time out to visit.

The Black Monolith (Dead End)
Looking like the object from Space Odyssey this massive Smooth black Monolith can be seen in the Dead End system. This is obviously a reference to Space Odyssey and has been included on a number of CCP sponsored sightseeing contests. Definitely worth a visit.

Violent Wormhole (Promised Land, Plant 1)
What appears to be a stable wormhole is in fact a Sansha constructed wormhole and some people say that you can see the Sansha fleet through the wormhole waiting to attack New Eden. You cannot enter this wormhole and no one knows if this content will eventually come to life. But nevertheless this is one eerie wormhole and the danger of the Sansha forces is palpable. I love it.

The Sansha nation was once among the strongest nations in the Eve cluster. Will they ever return?

Hollow Asteroid – Or as we call it – Dani’s Hole (Djimame)
An asteroid in space with a hole that has mysteriously gained the name Dani’s hole in reference to EVE Unis extremely popular member Danielle en Divalone.

And here I find myself, cramming my tiny ship into Dani’s hole with 50 other people. What is going on – fireworks everywhere and more laughter than I can remember in a long time. I don’t know what to make of this and anyone finding this fleet on DSCAN would probably have been scared away by the sheer craziness of it all. Fantastic fun! 

The Molea Cemetery (Molea, Planet 2, Moon 1)
Starting out as a memorial for player toons having died in game. Players would simply drop their corpses at the cemetery as a bit of fun.

Now however, it has become so much more. Now the cemetery is a place to remember players that have passed away in real life and loved ones that players have decided to remember. Thousands upon thousands of containers with loved ones’ names and messages now surround the monument. If you have not visited this monument yet, be prepared for the emotion that comes with it.

An extremely powerful and heart-warming memorial to our loved ones which is now a permanent feature of the game.

Until that evening’s fleet I had not even contemplated visiting tourist attractions in game. How stupid of me.

So what happens when you:

1. Remove all of the stress from a fleet enabling new players to enjoy an experience without worrying about losing their ships
2. Turn a PVP Sandbox with the mantra “Do not undock what you cannot afford to lose” into a fun, light hearted journey around some fantastic tourist attractions within Eve Online
3. Introduce the concept of walking a dog into a Space based MMORPG

Basically you show new players what SANDBOX means and how vast EVE Online is. There is a reason it is called a SANDBOX. You can do whatever you want. You can be whatever you want to be. You can act however you want to act. You can even be a DOG if you want to.

What did I think?
This was by far one of the most enjoyable fleets I have ever attended and it ended exactly as expected. With my ship going out in a blaze of glory. Thank you to the Chaos Sisters for organising these fleets and making them so unique and enjoyable.

If you have never attended a Chaos Fleet – What are you doing?
Join EVE University and prepare for the next Chaos fleet.

Written by Lucas Spellmeyer

Many people express the feeling that EVE Online imparts upon the player a sense of isolation. This feeling is prominent during the beginning of our careers, overwhelmed and without mentorship. The more experienced of our elite class seem to be in perpetual search of carrion, hunting new blood that they wish to personally welcome into the harsh reality of New Eden. Many pilot’s journeys end here. The birth of a capsuleer is violent and breathtaking, not unlike our own entrance into the world. In much the same way, an infant is thrust into a world of endless possibility, pushed past the threshold, having little hope for survival without guidance. Those who do manage to persist through their infancy have much to be thankful for. Many often point to the people who guided and protected them in their earliest moments as the sole reason they remain at all. Ask any pilot and they will tell you, space may be cold, but it doesn’t have to be lonely. 

Between the ongoing conflicts of the Imperium and Legacy Coalition in the far reaches of Null-Sec, the invasion of the Triglavian Collective in empire space and subsequent abolishment of core trade routes, the cluster is thrumming with the kinetic energy of interstellar war. No one has ever been safe in New Eden no matter where they reside but now even those who choose a reserved and quiet life in High-Sec space find themselves called upon to defend the bastion of relative peace they have long thought safeguarded from major disruptions. But, The fall of Niarja bears with it a period of drastic change indeed, a period in which now more than ever the value of allies is paramount.  

EDENDOM Allied capsuleers engage Triglavian forces during the invasion of Niarja 

I was present when Niarja fell, fighting on the side of civilization as the Amarrians have described it, resulting in the altering of what was once a swift 9 jumps from Jita to Amarr into a much more taxing 40+ jump detour. Residing in the Minmatar Republics, I had first thought that this change to shipping routes would not impact me too heavily. Demoralized I returned home to republic space and over the course of the next few days found myself wondering just what this shake up may mean to me, a relatively new pilot living in the relatively under-populated region of Heimatar. For much of EVE’s history all roads have led to Jita, the undisputed economic powerhouse within the Caldari State, but a time may be fast approaching when this is no longer the case. A time when pilots across the cluster no longer have access to the one stop shop of Jita 4-4 and are instead forced to become more reliant on their immediate neighbors.   

Regardless of whether or not this new reality comes to pass, the importance of guidance during the earliest periods of your career cannot be overstated. The creators of EVE Online CCP have spent many years fine tuning the new player experience to find the most fluid way of revealing and explaining the boundless complexities of their trademark MMO. And while they do a good job getting you out and racing around the stars, imparting upon you the knowledge needed to find success in New Eden in a few short tutorials is a near impossibility. The simple fact that a video game not only facilitates but arguably outright requires an institution dedicated to teaching is both daunting and awesome. During my endeavors flying under the banner of both EVE University and the EDENCOM Defense Initiative I have quickly come to understand the most important lesson a new pilot must learn, that allies are critical to your success in EVE.  

EVE University is well known for its public classes, extensive wiki and welcoming and open philosophy. First opening its doors in 2004 the university is the longest running and most recognizable training institution in the cluster. Housing thousands of students across multiple campuses throughout different regions of space, there is a place for everyone to find their niche and accelerate their career. Whether you are brand new and want to ease your way into things in the highsec or mining campuses or instead wish to head straight for the frontier of our nullsec campus, you will find like-minded individuals and a support structure to assist you every step of the way. If you are truly stuck you can apply for a mentor, a personal tutor to assist you with whatever you may need. Skill books are reimbursed at the lower tiers, basic vessels supplied and a logistical backbone works tirelessly to haul goods between campuses and trade hubs, which as mentioned previously could become especially important in the near future. 

Daily classes, fleets and events are held by talented tutors and fleet commanders. From lowsec roams to joint mining operations there is always something new coming up on the calendar to experience. EVE is what you make of it, the constant drive for content led almost exclusively by your fellow pilots will lead you down paths never expected and to situations that will change your perception of the game and perhaps even alter what you thought was ultimately possible in virtual worlds. New Eden is a place like no other, an epic joint adventure that has persisted for years and shows no sign of slowing down. 

Those interested in joining the university are welcome to review this wiki article. Within you will find the full step by step process for applying and once you are accepted you will be greeted with a number of automated in-game mails to assist you with getting started. The degree of care, professionalism and support delivered by the university is something I have not encountered in any other game. You are guided every step of the way and the diligent staff will continually check in to make sure you are progressing to the level that you desire. It may be daunting but there is no better place to start your career in EVE Online. 

Before I leave you, I would like to take a quick detour outside of New Eden. Our own world has its own fair share of turmoil at the moment and many of us including myself have been doing our due diligence staying indoors for the greater good and safety of our neighbors and loved ones alike. Some of us are undoubtedly enduring a more intimate and legitimate sense of isolation outside of the space lanes, but there is nothing keeping you docked up in EVE, a vivid canvas of fantastic escapism and worthwhile experiences accessible right from home. Much like many beloved tabletop RPGs EVE online is a cooperative endeavor, a platform from which you can make real memories with real people that will become a part of your life’s story and influence your own character moving forward. Whether you join my fellow students and I at E-Uni or seek your place elsewhere, I would implore you to reach out and find a corporation that suits your ideals and ambitions, because as we all know the most valuable ship in EVE, is friendship. Take care of each other and be safe. 

Written by Lucas Spellmeyer

The following Interview was conducted by Sakein of Wolf Brothers INC and originally posted on their website.

Sakein: I personally was in Eve University awhile ago before joining the current corporation I am in now. I had not found another corporation and or group of people that had dedicated themselves to the new player experience than I did with Eve University. This Corporation is a must look at for any new player and also for any experienced players wanting to learn even more about anything Eve Online offers it’s players.

What motivates you to Play Eve online specifically, compared to other games you may play?

Laura: Definitely the community. I have never found a community like it in any other game. I’ve made so many close friends in EVE from all across the world, and I’m lucky that I get to spend so much time hanging out with new people

Who are your main characters and who are they?

My main character is Laura Karpinski, but I have lots of other characters. I have a bit of an addiction to the new player experience – its not unusual for me to roll a new character to try out the tutorial and the start of the game from the perception of a new player. That’s the most exciting part of EVE for me.

What do you characters do, or what positions do they hold?

Laura is the CEO of EVE University, a corporation aimed at teaching players new and old about EVE Online. Several of my alts are used in administrative roles to keep the corporation and the alliance, Ivy League, running smoothly.

What is your personal main driving point that makes you play these character(s)? And how do you approach it?

I love teaching new players and I find their excitement about the game infectious. That feeling you get when you lose your first ship, or get on your first kill, is pure adrenaline, and I love helping new players to experience that and share the experience with them. I just really love EVE and I want to help other people to love it too.

Do you have some sort of goal you want to reach for your character(s)?

My focus is on EVE University, I want to make it as successful as possible and continue the mission to educate players about EVE through the Uniwiki, classes, fleets and so on.

Are there any Rl factors as to why you play the characters as you do?

My hand-eye coordination and reaction speed are both pretty bad, so I’ve historically steered away from most PVP activities for that reason. For the same reason I tend to avoid FPS games and focus more on games that involve strategy and planning.

How old are you personally? If you don’t mind me asking.

I’m in my early 30s.

Do any of your real life perspectives influence how you run your character(s)?

I always like to help people in real life, and I have personally experienced issues with my mental health and isolation. I know how important community and online friendship can be to people. So I like to try and foster a friendly and welcoming community where people can escape from whatever is going on in real life and just enjoy themselves.

Do you have any personal objectives you strive for while in your character(s)?

I’ve spent a long time doing PVE and space spreadsheets, so I’d like to try and improve my PVP skills. That’s more of a long term goal though, because I still have so much other stuff left to do.

Does your character(s) let you play out something that you wish you could do IRL?

Yes, being a space boss is awesome! Being responsible for a group of 2,000 people is something I don’t think I will ever have a chance to do in real life. It does have times when it is incredibly difficult, but it is a challenge I feel honoured to have been given the chance to take on.

ABOUT Wolf Brothers INC: initially an independent capsuleer industrial corporation, serves as the Industrial Arm of the United Neopian Federation. It is often found operating within various parts of Gallente space. Though primarily industrial, Wolf Brothers INC carries an equal opportunity policy for explorers, couriers, and anti-piracy capsuleers and baseliners alike. (Small HighSec/LowSec Industrial/PVE Corp, Newbro and Bittervet friendly)

The following was written by one of our members, Hippla Tsero, who wanted to share their experience of the University:

It started in the Expanse

Five months ago, I returned to EVE after watching “The Expanse”, an amazing modern space series available through Amazon Prime. I remembered having tried EVE several years back but never really getting the grip of it.

What was about to follow completely blew my mind. I’ve been an avid gamer since I got my hands on my first Atari in the late 80s and as one of the first people in my school to have access to the internet I enjoyed playing different MMOs like Dark Age of Camelot, Anarchy Online and of course World of Warcraft, to mention just a few.

I had found great communities in many of those games but what EVE has offered to me throughout the past 5 months is utterly unique and I would like to share my appreciation with you, the community.

Then came the Learning Cliff

After only a few days back in the game, I realised that what appeals to me about this game is its infinite complexity, unfortunately it’s also that complexity that can make it seem difficult to ‘survive’ as a solo player.

I realized quickly, If I wanted to seriously learn the game, I would need help. And help I found! After quickly looking through a few videos on YouTube and reading the EVE Online forums, it became clear to me that EVE University, a dedicated Learning Corporation, was the perfect choice for me.

I found several other beginner corporations, but EVE University offered neutrality within the EVE Universe. This was super important for me. If I ever want to join another corporation, I will be able to join whoever I want without any repercussions due to early-game decisions.  And being 6 months down the road on my EVE journey, I realise even more how important and controversial the politics of EVE can be.

Time to get my further education sorted

So here I am, a complete newbro, ready to learn! So, what does EVE University have to offer?

As a “University” I found it very fitting that EVE University is organised into several campuses. These are learning communities in different parts of space, which allow any new player to experience the different facets of the game – High-Sec, Low-sec, Nullsec, Mining, Wormhole space, Incursions and even somewhat of a “hardcore” mode by joining the campus in Solitude, where new players live pretty much isolated from the main trade hubs in the game and thus need to show self-sufficiency.

EVE University also offers a wide range of public classes, which cover core game mechanics such as exploration, fitting, fleets, missions, EVE careers and many more. Furthermore, they regularly invite guest speakers, like the incredible Jurius Doctor and Ashley Traynor, to share their wisdom with us new folks.

Like most new player corporations EVE University provides a looooong list of programmes and services – Ship Replacement, free beginner Skillbooks, Corp hangars with ships, modules etc., a mentor programme and a whole bunch of other things.

The Best Ship is Friendship

What surprised me most about EVE University though is the community. In my 30 or so years of playing (online) games I have never met such a helpful group of people. As a new player I had quadrillion questions, many of which were probably very stupid. However, I always found someone willing to give an answer, explaining it in a way that a new player like myself can understand it.

But that is not all. As someone who is rather annoyed with the vulgarity of most gaming communities, I found a level of maturity in EVE University that I had honestly given up on in the world of games. Being able to hang out in Voice-Comms (EVE Uni uses Mumble) and chat with likeminded people about EVE but also about everyday issues has just been such an enormous pleasure for me. I can truly say that I have found friends from all around the globe in an online game.

I have rambled on about this fantastic experience for way too long already. But I would like to just take a few moments to thank all those that make EVE University such an outstanding community to be part of. Everyone I have met in EVE University has just made my return to EVE such an outstanding experience. No matter whether it is the CEO Laura Karpinski and her management or other grunts like me. Thanks for giving me an often-needed escape from real life and for all the volunteer work that goes into running such a complex and wonderful community like EVE University <3

It was beautiful and quiet and the stars where shining bright around our campus in hisec, when comm channels began to buzz with reports of a wild bore in the vineyard. In this case a member of Hog Hitman with whom Eve University was at war was in system. It only took moments to discover the pilot was the infamous Vargur, in this case slowboating toward the gate that would take him into the Jufvitte system. The active QRF had just stood down, so an enterprising UNISTA Nienke Solette took charge quickly forming a QRF calling first for a Caracal/Osprey doctrine. Quickly assessing the available assets, because in Eve time is often of the essence, she decided to go with the previous QRF’s doctrine using Vexors and Augorors as there were unistas still shipped and ready to go. And go it was.

To the Gate!

The QRF was quickly assembled and roles established and within minutes came the call, “undock, undock, undock”. The hunt was on. Now normally an FC might fleet-warp the group to the expected battle sight, but this FC was hampered because they were part of the standing fleet. So she warped the DD (damage dealing) squad and order the logi to warp themselves to the gate.

Now for folks new to Eve it is important to note that fleets large and small can live or die because of logi support. Logi (short for logistics) refers to a special class of ships that provide vital support to the damage dealers. Logi can provide extra power (cap), repair sheild, armor, and even hull repair (depending on the ship and fittings present based on the doctrine employed) when one finds oneself on the receiving end of the enemy’s fire.

While the QRF was in warp to the gate, the Varur jumped through into Jufvitte. But alas for this particular boar, the move was expected and the QRF’s scout as able to jump as well and tackle the Vargur. Now for folks new to Eve this basically means that through the applications of various types of modules a ship can be slowed down and even prevented from warping away, basically holding them in a particular location in space.

The QRF was ordered to jump the gate upon landing and join the scout who was holding point (that is keeping the Vargur from warping away). Upon landing and clearing gate cloak, the QRF engaged the target, only to learn from intel sources in the area that the Hogs were rallying and sending help. The QRF quickly applied Statis Webifiers (slow that ship down), War Scramblers (keep it from running away) and Energy Neutralizers (suck out its power so it can’t shoot back). It was all happening so fast that the logistics group was having trouble some trouble establishing and holding their cap chain. Now logi will cap chain to reinforce one another’s capacitors because if you run out of cap you cannot use modules that require this stored energy. So providing reps (healing sheilds, armor, and hulls) requires good capacitor supply.

Rounds started flying. The stars were lighting up with tracers and drones moving to take their shots as well when suddenly two Hog Guardians landed on grid to provide their own logistic support to the stranded Vargur. But it was happening too quickly and the Unistas far outnumbered the Hogs. The total damage per second (dps) the fleet could employ was so high the Vargur went down and was turned into space junk.

The One that Got Away

Shortly after intel came that the infamous Hog Deimos Barret was in the area, specifically on an NPC station in the neighboring system of Ansalle. Now Deimos is no easy hog to kill. He’s been up against many a hunter and many a prey in his day with an efficiency rating according to zkillboard of 93.1% and at the time of this writing 1,647 kills to 123 losses. But hey, Eve University is a learning fleet and often the best learning comes from doing.

Now Deimos was indeed locked out of the station due to a weapons timer and soon the QRF had him pointed and were applying damage when that pesky timer ran out and he was able to dock up. Good fight Deimos!

Vargur Round 2

This hunting party thought the action was over and was almost ready to stand down when, hello, another Vargur landed on the Amygnon gate in Jufvitte. He jumped and round two it was. This time however the Vargur was able to make it into Garoun Investment Bank station. Not wanting to waste a lot of time sitting and waiting which is no fun for anyone, the FC warped the fleet to the Jufvitte gate to watch for movement of hogs in the bushes so to speak. Just as it appeared the hog had bedded down for the night and the QRF was about to dock up, word came the hog was making a run for the gate. The fleet moved to engage and found itself with a heavier response this time from their valiant foe who was making effective use of his drones. The Armageddon in fleet started taking heavy damage but thanks to the valiant efforts of the logi guys the ship remained stable. Now there had been indicating the presence of a Leshak in the area, and sure enough a Leshak landed on grid. Intel reported this particular player was deadly with this platform so the FC called scatter following up with having the fleet warp to her in a safe position in space.

Vargur Round 3

Once again the QRF prepared to bed down for the night when word came the Vargur was warping back to the gate unaccompanied by the Leshak. The QRF’s scout quickly landed and got point and the fleet soon landed and engaged.

This hog wasn’t going down easy. Not this time. The pilot of the Vargur sent his drones for the Atron scout which was saved only by the diligent effort of the UNI logi. The FC primaried the drones eliminating their threat. But the Vargur had Energy Neutralizers which were being employed to cause disruption to the UNI’s cap chain. Suddenly fellow UNIin a hodgepodge of ships came to assist, a Scorpion Navy issue applying damage and an Osprey and a Scythe joined logi. The battle was becoming a bit chaotic and unpredictable. This hog was putting up a fight!

That Pesky Leshak

Eight minutes into the fight and the Vargur’s drones (Hob IIs) were down and the situation was looking more contained when that Leshak popped back on grid. It burned off 60km from the gate taking optimal position. This time however, the FC felt confident they had enough logi to tank the damage and held position keeping the pressure on. The Leshak dropped EC-0900 Wasps (painful buggers) and Hammerhead IIs and began “hammering” the unistas. Once again the drones were targeted for elimination. One brave unista in a Moa warping to the battle had the misfortune to land too close the Leshak out of logi range and succumbed the fight. You have to really watch out for the tusks on these hogs! In the continuing melee the a UNI Condor was also shredded by the Leshak’s tusks. But the unistas were dug in like a tick and thanks to the superb work of the logi were able to finally get through shields, armor and hull and boom… the Vargur was space wreckage. The Leshak warped away… maybe another day.

Good Fight!

In the discussion that followed among the Unistas several things were commonly held. One proclaiming how he appreciated the fellow eve players for their decency and sportsmanship and even being chill enough to come back for another round after losing the first ship. Good fun and good fights for both sides. “Good job fellas.” Among the Unistas, many of whom are new or newer to the game and PVP and fleet dynamics, this engagement provided a great opportunity for learning what worked well and what could be done better. The importance of logi and dealing with cap neutralizers was not lost on anyone. The value of good intelligence, quick form-up and movement, as well as quick and efficient calls for reps (asking for logistic support when targeted to mitigate damage) were also key lessons learned.

So to the Hogs from Uni: Good Fight!

Video Links

First Engagement https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ebs2ez3FT0&feature=youtu.be

Second Engagementhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCldDo9Vg68&feature=youtu.be

Third Engagement https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzItTIiF80s&feature=youtu.be