Re: Blessed are the Cursed

Throughout the game of EVE Online, CCP has provided a large scale virtual reality and a broad spectrum of opportunities. While one player can enter the game with a desire to mine ore, and build his empire on trade, another can enter this arena with no greater desire than to blow someone else up. This wide variety is the strong point of EVE Online, and CCP has wisely chosen to interfere as little as possible. As with so many other aspects of life, strong points always bring along some weak points as well, and one of the greatest weak points in EVE is its lack of clarity when it comes to culture and background.

This month, EVE Online A Ghost Blog put out an article entitled, Blessed Are the Cursed. In this article he portrays the capsuleer as both being blessed with an eternal lifespan, while being cursed with forever being imprisoned in a pod.

Though I greatly respect the perspectives of others, and regard their development in the realm of role playing, I am forced to point out that this is not entirely accurate, when it comes to what CCP has offered.

Over the past several years, CCP has officially announced their efforts to bring out what is code named: Incarna. For the longest time, it had been referred to as Walking in Station, but the gist of the matter is that capsuleers do have the ability to leave their pods and walk around as they did before their conversion into a capsuleer.

During the 2009 Fan Fest, CCP presented a video introducing their efforts to make Incarna a reality.



Now, I am not about to point out how these notions are incorrect, but as an opinionated pilot/ player, this perspective I must totally disagree with. And since this is in fact MY blog , I get to post my ideas!

w00t!!

First off, Capsuleers as a whole, do in fact can and will leave their pods. Speaking from the perspective of Gabby, he has been a normal person for quite some time. The first 4-5 decades had been normal, and this is what he is used to. Granted, being a Pod Pilot is a big rush. You are surrounded and integrated into vast amounts of power, it is only natural to feel more comfortable for a capsuleer to be in his pod than out, but like Gabriel, many other pilots have a life outside of the pod.

The Theodoulos home world is Khopa IV. It's a small system a couple of jumps from Amarr, and the family as a whole, are aristocratically comfortable. Gabriel has family, and in the virtual reality, it is only natural for him to interact, as he had all his life. For him to be forced to live his eternity in a pod, would be psychologically terrible (as pointed out in Ghost's blog).

Second, I must stand up to and address this video provided by CCP and disagree with it as well. This pilot is forcing himself to leave the pod because he must do something that he does not wish to show up on any network. The impression I am left with is that he finds it absolutely revolting to walk around as a normal human. From the psychological perspective, I also have to disagree with this as well. Gabe, is more used to being out of a pod than in it, because he has spent the most part of his life, being out of the pod, and interacting as a normal human being. Granted, the power and strength of a capsuleer is phenomenal, but as a human, he is still a bipedal creature, needing to interact.

Now, out of concern with ruffling a few feathers, allow me to say that with EVE Online, anyone can take the liberties to create any type of background and culture they want. But to paint all capsuleers as being cursed to live forever in a pod, is not the norm.

Hopefully, within this millennium, CCP will bless us with Incarna. When this happens, Ghost's curse will be lifted and he will be free to wander around in blissful freedom. But until then, we are forced to obtain our liberties through our imagination!

Fly Safe!

PLEX: Finally Undocking

CCP Zulu, in his latest blog, has revealed CCP's plans to remove some of the limitations of PLEX (Pilot's License EXtention). In the past, PLEXes were not allowed to be removed from stations, because of CCPs fear of legal repercussions when an object of real value enters a game, and is subject to loss.

When PLEX was introduced into the game, CCP had some serious and legitimate concerns that this new item would be so volatile in the players mind that it had to have certain boundaries. So they implemented a few restrictions on this one item that made it behave differently from all the other items in-game. The biggest difference between the PLEX and other objects was the fact that you couldn't undock with PLEX in your cargohold. It was in fact bound to the station the pilot initially redeemed the PLEX in, only available to put on the market there (or use or whatever). PLEX was also restricted from courier contracts as they couldn't be couriered to anywhere anyway.

Because EVE Online is a complex game, and the players are habitually out-thinking the developers of EVE by taking the game much farther than the original intention, PLEXes were carefully guarded and monitored. Now, after careful deliberation, CCP is willing to take the Pilot's License EXtensions to the next level. The following is a list of changes made:

• CCP will remove the restriction on undocking from a station with a PLEX in your cargo hold

• CCP will remove the restriction that PLEX cannot be put into courier contracts

• CCP will remove the restriction that items (including PLEX) can only be redeemed into NPC stations

• CCP will remove the restriction that items (including PLEX) can only be reverse-redeemed from NPC stations

• CCP will remove the restriction that ETC can only be converted into PLEX while inside an NPC station.

I personally do not deal with PLEXes any more. Sure, there was a time when ole Gabby needed some serious iskies, but now, the brunt of my income is made through Factional Warfare. Yet, back when I did sell PLEXes (GTCs), I always found it a real bother to be hampered by the limitations placed upon them by CCP.

I am eager to see how these new changes pan out, and hope it is for the best, all around.

Cheaters Never Prosper

[Out of Character Post]

If you play EVE Online long enough, you find "glitches" in the game. When used improperly, these exploits can be damaging. This is what is happening with regards to Factional Warfare.

Several Caldari pilots discovered that if they attack Gallente FW Plexes with Amarrian characters, the NPCs will not attempt to defend the plex. This is why all of the Gallente warzone has been captured by the Caldari.

From what I was told, these pilots attempted to notify CCP of this bug/ exploit and according to my sources, CCP has not responded. Therefore, what do these pilots do? They come over to the Minmatar warzone and start taking down plexes as Caldari, knowing that the NPCs will not attack them.

As of this writing 3 systems has fallen using this exploit: Isbrabata, Egmar, and Aset.

As a pilot involved in factional warfare, I will be the first to rejoice when we win, but not by cheating. Granted, it sounds like CCP has seriously dropped the ball on this issue, but it doesn't justify stepping in and ruining the game for others.

There is another bug we discovered earlier and attempted many time to draw CCP's attention on. When a FW pilot enters a plex, approaches a timer, and then warps off, the timer will continue by itself. We have personally found Minmatar pilots repeatedly abusing this exploit, with no repercussions from CCP.

Using these bugs/ exploits is nothing more than cheating.

Our corporation, 1st Praetorian Guard, held several meetings regarding this matter and we unanimously agreed that these bugs are egregious and cannot be sanctioned or promoted. Even though many of our opponents don't mind using such bugs, we have committed ourselves on taking a higher ground.

So, what's going to happen in Matari Space? I am not sure. I suspect that the systems will fall just as the Gallente systems fell. 1PG will not be a part of it, and CCP should be ashamed that they have not addressed the issue.

Star Fraction Loses POS

Today was a wonderful day. Today in Kamela, Star Fraction (a notorious pirate corporation) lost their POS to the Amarr Militia.

If you were not one of the 445 individuals in Local at that time, here is what you would have seen:
I personally don't have any hard feelings against SF itself. It is a pirate corporation and as with all pirates, rapscallions, and other forms of nefarious cretins who shamelessly attack and steal from innocent lives, they deserve their ultimate end.

The only regret I have is that Jade Constantine was not there.

Shame.

Rescuing All These Wayward Children

Blinding sacred laser's flash,
Amarrian armor's hardened crash;
Frigates run to the battlefield,
Fight those Minmatar till they yield.
Fleeting skirmishes and mechanized drone,
Battle to return what is our own;
Fulfilling as the special chosen,
Rescuing all these wayward children.

Follow orders as you're told,
Make their cowardly blood run cold;
Fight until you die or drop,
Our Empresses will shall not stop.
Close your mind to fear and pain,
Fight till you're no longer sane;
Sound the horn and call the action,
Rescuing all these wayward children.

Barbarian tide we push back,
The foolish rebel's vain attack;
Revealing to them the truth of war,
Civility shall be taught, we foreswore.
Dawn has broke, the time has come,
Move your fleet to a marching drum;
Fulfilling as the special chosen,
Rescuing all these wayward children.

Disclaimer: I discovered a poem written on another character's bio, and I used this as a foundation to this piece. If you want to see the original poem, look up Leoline. Personally, I like mine better! :)

Getting to know you...

Recently, a fellow EVE Blogger posted a series of questions in order for you, our readers to get to know us more. Personally, I think this is a wonderful idea, but John is still a bit hesitant. By nature, he is relatively shy and feels that there should be some facts that would be best kept to one-self.

My reply to him? "Balder Dash!"

So, rather than John answer these questions, I thought it might be a fine idea if I answered them instead!

1. Can you cook?

Why yes, I can cook, and pretty well too! While back at the monastery, our communal life required for some of our brethren to do the cooking, but after leaving I have learned how to program and use almost any replicator I have had access to. Though the Matari replicators are rather primitive and sometimes don't give you what you ask for, I have found the Gallente replicators to really need some practice to use. I am truly amazed what that machine can do! Just as long as you have the right ingredients, it will make literally any dish you can think of.

2. What was your dream growing up?

Oh, I'm not sure. Like all children, I had lots of dreams.

I remember on summer, while staying at my grandfather's estate, I watched his Syrikos Trainer working with the dogs. Even though these creatures have the ability to tear a man apart, he confidently handled 12-14 dogs with just his whistles and commands. You could see that these primitive creatures had great respect and love for their master, and I oh so wanted to have such authority, even if it were only over dumb beasts.

3. What talent do you wish you had?

I wish I were more of a warrior. Ever since I was 12 years old, I had been trained and cultivated to be a theology scholar. My focus has been literature and theology, not in fighting. Now, after being forced into the war by recent circumstances, I find myself in great need for ... oh, what does the Matari call it... ah, "Blood Pride!" I do very well in a team formation, and when I have a task to accomplish, but to willfully go after the destruction of another, is not in my nature.

This might change someday.

4. Favorite place?

When I want to be alone, there is a quiet spot on our family's estate where I like to go and sit. It's by a lake that have a small cluster of trees that have grown all the way to the water's edge. An old tree fell down creating a log seat, just perfect, allowing you to look out over the water and reflect on the issues of the heart.

5. Favorite vegetable?

I don't know if I have a favorite. I like almost all vegetables. There is one veggie, I had been introduced to recently that traditionally comes from the Hek System in Metropolis. It's a rather green/ dark-greenish pod that grows on a small bush. Inside are flat white seeds. It doesn't have much of an odor to it, but if you bite into it, especially with the seeds, it is rather spicy hot! My nephew introduced me to a recipe using these pods. You slice them open and remove all of the seeds. Then you fill the insides with a soft cheese and either roll them in breadcrumbs, or thin strips of smoked meat. After that you cook them for about 15-20 minutes. John calls them Poppers, but I call them wonderful!

6. What was the last book you read?

Skill books aside, there is one book, or set of books that I am translating. About 20 years ago, an ancient cathedral was found, with a large portion of it's library intact. I had been asked by the Theology Council to head up a team to try and recover much of the writings. Most of the library was in Ancient Amarrian, or what is also referred to as Vulgata, or High Latin. Yet there were also a section of books written in several unknown languages. Languages that I was at first, not familiar with. Over the next couple of decades, I had single-handedly learned these two languages and translated most of these writings. The main focus of this library appears to be a single collection of smaller books, written in what was called Hebrew and Greek texts. This collection is referred to as the Sacred/ Holy Books, and each of the 66 smaller books all point to an individual referred to as the Chosen or Anointed One.

This finding has incredible repercussions! The writings, we think, predate the wormhole itself. If this is true, then this alone makes the cathedral and library the most important archaeological site known to date. Second, which is a much more dangerous, is that if these texts are accurate, and I think they are, it shows that the Amarrian religion is not what it once was. Because I had taken the oath of Saint Michael's, I cannot be silenced when I have the truth, but the Theology Council has ... how can I word this ... "encouraged" me to be careful in my findings.

[Gabriel sighs and is silent for a moment.]

This is the book I am reading. It teaches that Salvation is not just for the Amarrian, but for all of mankind! If brought out into the public with all of its force, this would rock the very foundations of the Empire. [another pause] ... and I am not sure if I am ready for that.

7. What zodiac sign are you ?

Zodiac? What is a zodiac?

8. Any Tattoos and/or Piercings?

No. None.

9. Worst Habit?

Oh my! Personally, I think I have too many bad habits.

If you ask my nephews, they will say it's my snoring. But actually, I think my very worst habit is my lack of patience with people.

But I am working on that.

10. Do we know each other outside of blogging?

I know John, but I guess that doesn't count. Several other bloggers, I have come to know through the use of a wonderful tool called, Twitter. I greatly enjoy listening to other people's "tweets". My username is GabbyTheodoulos. Please, please... feel free to tweet at me!

11. What is your favorite sport?

I'm not a sports enthusiast. I do enjoy watching the playoffs, but really, I don't have the time.

12. Negative or Optimistic attitude?

[Gabriel sits and ponders this one]
I am not quite sure how to answer this one. I believe that the highest culture and civilization offered to man is what is found in the Amarrian Empire. We have an excellent balance between secular and sacred, and a unity that is unmatched between the Empress and the common Amarrian.

My goal in life is to offer this gift to every living creature. Though they do not always understand or appreciate such a gift, I do believe that it is in their best interest and welfare if they are brought into the Empire. They are like little children who do not know how important it is to eat their vegetables. It is in their best interests that they learn to eat healthy, and sometimes, love demands discipline!

I am optimistic that we will prevail.

13. What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?

I'm not quite sure how to answer that question. Do you bite? Do you shower regularly? Most likely I would be working with you on attempting a way of escape or rescue.

14. Worst thing to ever happen to you?

The loss of my brother Jed.

Jedadiah and I have been close all of our lives. Though I took the more secure and civilized course in life, Jed was always the more adventuresome. Many times, we would sit together and he would tell me of his escapades, and I would laugh at all the times he would find a way out of trouble. And I would be his anchor to reality, giving him a place to come back to the traditions and culture he loved most.

Recently, right as the war was breaking out, his transport was attacked by Matari barbarians. His pod was never found and his clone never activated.

[Gabe pauses a moment and as he looks up you notice the tears in his eyes.]

My goal is to find my brother and bring him home. One way or another.

15. Tell me one weird fact about you:

I'm sorry, I don't know how to answer that one. [Gabriel reaches down for a hankerchief to wipe his eyes] Is it not "weird" for a book-worm to be forced into the position of a warrior? If that is not weird, I don't know what is.

16. Do you have any pets?

No. No pets. My current state of affairs doesn't allow me pets.

17. Do you know how to do the Macarena?

The maca-what-a? I guess I don't!

18. What time is it where you are now?

At the station where I am assigned we are always on Eve Standard Time, or what others call Universal Time.

19. Do you think clowns are cute or scary?

[Gabe gives a confused look] Clowns?

20. If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?

I never really thought of that!

I had not started my capsuleer training until later in life and though "in theory" I will physically live forever, I will have the appearance of an older man. I think I would enjoy looking a couple of decades younger.

It's not a priority, but you did ask.

21. Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?

I would most assuredly be your conscience! Do right young man! Though the stars fall, and the mountains melt into the sea, DO RIGHT!

22. What color eyes do you have?

Hazel.

23. Ever been arrested?

Heavens, NO!

24. Favorite fictional character of all time?

I don't know. I don't read fiction.

25. If you won $10,000 dollars today, what would you do with it?

I am currently given an allowance of 500 to 600 Million isk per month from our family estate. What need would I have for US currency?

26. If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

[Gabe brightens up on this...]

To read people's minds!

[he leans back, with a big smile, and slaps his knee] What a hoot that would be!

[Gabe pauses, gets a more serious look on his face, and sits up]

Well, come to think of it, reading people's minds might not be all that it's cracked up to be. I think I would pass on this one.

27. What’s your favorite hangout?

The estate, with my beloved family.

28. Do you believe in ghosts?

No.

29. Favorite thing to do in your spare time?

I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, and a good conversation with John. He's not the brightest, but I am learning to enjoy his company.

30. Do you swear a lot?

Heavens, NO!

31. Biggest pet peeve?

Stupid people. Ok, ok... I am learning to be patient, but there are a few who really crawl under my skin!

32. In one word, how would you describe yourself?

Sincere. And friendly! Oh? That is two words, isn't it?

Sincere.

33. Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you?

Be glad to my boy! Be glad to. Thank you for the questions.

Promotion to Tribunus Colonel

Incoming Message from the Amarr Empire:

To: Gabriel Theodoulos

2009.02.14 09:46
For your efforts in bringing Gods word to the heathens you have been promoted to the rank of Tribunus Colonel.

An Imbalance in Blogging

Hello All. John here, stepping for a bit of monologue.

Recently I posted a story on Gabe's interactions with a sworn enemy and how a battle was won without weapons firing. After the post, we received a comment that struck me as a bit of a surprise. Though I knew that Amarrians are not well represented in the blog-o-sphere, it drove home that ole' Gabby is a true rarity amongst his social-networking peers. If you haunt the EVE blogs the way Gabe and I do, you'll notice that the vast majority of our fellow bloggers are either Pirates ("Yarr ye maties!") or Matari Freedom Fighters. Sure, there are a few carebears out there, but I have yet to find a fellow Amarrian Factional Warrior in the blogging realm! This revelation puts a bit more pressure on Gabe. The way he described it, it's like arriving to a tie and tails party dressed in denims and cardigan.

Please, don't get me wrong. Every single fellow-blogger has not only been gracious, but has demonstrated hospitality above and beyond what was expected. I guess the problem is that not enough Amarrians have the urge to blog!

Now, our work is cut out for us. Gabriel and I are going to focus on The House Theodoulos with the intent of showing that not all Amarrians are sinister dark overlords who wish to enslave the masses. There is another side to the Amarrian culture that too many do not see. Gabby has agreed to answer any questions posed to him, and in a civil and cultured manner. We both realize that the majority of stories out there come from those opposed to the Empire, and he has graciously committed himself to addressing many of the complaints as possible.

Now, my challenge to you! Please, feel free to ask either myself or Gabe questions you might have. We cannot gaurentee a complete answer, but we will try our best!

Addendum - Gabre reminded me... Please, no tactical questions from the blokes on the other side of the battlefield. It won't work!

A Wild Goose

Looking at the daily reports, Gabriel could see that much of the region had been tagged as being contested. It had been a really long day. Earlier on duty, he and Imperial Major Condor Amarr evicted a Matari pilot out of Arayar, decontesting the system. That afternoon, VFOR had fleet ops bringing in more than a few successful raids. Now, shaking his head, Gabe could see that the night was going to be busy with defense operations. “Looks like the Minmatar have had quite a go at it today, my boy.”

Onesimus looked up from his studies, clearly relieved for the distraction. “What’s up Uncle?” Both he and his uncle were the only ones in the pilot’s lounge and he had been working on Mechanic V for some time. Anything would be a welcome sight; even a round of defense plexing.

Gabriel tossed him the reports, and said, “It appears that we have a bit of work to do.”

The nephew got up from the desk where he was sitting at and stretched. Onesimus knew that he needed to pass these exams before being issued a license to fly assault ships, but it didn’t take much effort, and he was quickly convinced to stop for a while in order to clean up some of the mess the barbarians made during the day.

Both capsuleers undocked their frigates and quickly made the jumps to the battle zone. Moving into Sosala the two spit up, each would take a planet to scan down for anomalies. With a little bit of effort, they would quickly find the breaches in Amarrian Security. It’s not the most glamorous job in the militia, but it had to get done.

After what seemed to be a short eternity, both met at Planet Five. “I think Sosala is dry tonight Uncle,” exclaimed the youth. “Scans are completely clean.” Gabriel sighed, and reluctantly agreed. They were both hoping to get this work done as quickly as possible, but it was looking like the night was going to drag on.

Just then, a sensor went off warning a change in Local. Onesimus looked over and read off the name, “Karin Katari.” He frowned a bit and continued, “Hey Uncle, she isn’t a militia war target, but a corporate. What do we do with her?” Both pilots pulled up the database and took a closer look. According to the records, Karin was a member of the Ushra’Kahn Alliance, renowned for their reputation for being unpleasant. Both her Bio Report and her negative Security Status showed evidence that this was not a nice person.

Gabe shook his head and commented, “She’s definitely not the type you’d want to take home to meet Momma, is she?” He imagined his nephew smiling at the thought of introducing a Matari Sebiestor to his mother. Both knew the reaction would be a clear fainting spell. “Let’s ignore her, and just move on,” the uncle suggested. “Maybe she has bigger fish to fry.”

Both ships, banked and warped off to the nearby jump-gate which led to Uusanen. There was enough work in the region, and Gabe never did like to engage unless necessary. Arriving at the gate, the two frigates jumped and once again started their dance, scanning down the complexes. Immediately, Gabriel got a hit, and both craft quickly moved to the breached complex and began the procedures. They met at the gate, and swiftly moved in on the bunker to begin their scans. It wasn’t hard work, and the night started giving the appearance of another quiet evening. Almost half-way into the scans, the Local sounded off again, and both were grieved to find that Karin Katari had just arrived. Gabe turned and activated the Directional Scanners. He knew that the vessel would have to come close to scan them, and he wanted to see what they were up against. Clearly, Miss Katari had too much time on her hands to be bothering the likes of the two Theodouloses. “Let’s stay on the button for now Onesimus. If she is going to come in, she still has a ways to travel.”

The next couple of minutes, were a bit tense. Directional Scanners didn’t show up anything, though Local clearly revealed her to still be in the system. Both ships continued their routines, and the base was starting to become more secure. It was just then when a Rapier showed up on the Scanner. “Stink!” exclaimed the older Theodoulos. “She’s in a Force Recon Ship.” There are many types of craft pilots can fly. The Force Recon vessel specialized in Electronic Warfare, drones, and cloaking. Each skill by themselves, can be reckoned with, but when combined, the ship becomes a deadly instrument, especially in trained hands. “Listen to me Onesimus, this gal can come in here cloaked. I’m not going to take the chance and have her pop one of us, so let’s change things a bit in our plans.” A smile came across Gabriel’s face, and he switched over to an encrypted comms channel. “This is what we’re going to do…”

Though the scanning was not complete, both frigates aligned to the Iesa Gate and warped off. Arriving at the gate, Gabe ran a quick scan, and ordered both to jump. The gate started its activation, and though sounds cannot penetrate the silent vacuum of space, it still gave the pilots a sense of a building hum. The ball of energy quickly grew in the center of the gate, the ships carefully scanned, dematerialized, and whisked light-years away, reappearing in the Iesa system. Immediately both nephew and uncle broke their post-jump cloak and quickly headed to the Anka Gate. After a minute of warping, the two arrived at the gate in time to see their new friend jumping in from Uusanen. “Wow! You’re good, Uncle” commented Onesimus. Gabe only smiled, and directed the next jump.

After both knew that Karin Katari was in hot pursuit, and they made it to the next system, did Gabriel Theodoulos initiate the next phase of his plan. “Roger,” came the quick reply of the nephew. Onesimus knew what to do, but he was a bit nervous. He was only in a small Executioner-class frigate and he clearly knew that one wrong move would mess up the whole plan and possibly get him into some really serious trouble.

The young Theodoulos ramped up his engines and headed off to Tannakan Gate. By the time he arrived, his heart was starting to pick up speed. Looking toward the Local Channel, all he could see was that he was alone. For a moment, he thought the plan wouldn’t work, but then Local lit up and sure enough, Katari popped into the system. The lad waited a couple more seconds and jumped into the next system. From Anka, he jumped to Tannakan. After Tannakan, he jumped to Sahtogas. Onesimus was careful not to allow the Matari to get close enough to see him, but not too far away to lose her. The next system was Oyonata. Once he knew the Rapier was in Local he jumped and moved to the next gate which led to Sosan. This fox and hound maneuvering was getting on his nerves. The sweat was glistening off of his brow, and a couple of times, Onesimus caught himself about to make a wrong move. But so far, everything was going according to plans.

After a couple of minutes, he got concerned that he lost his pursuer. “Hey Uncle Gabe, I think she lost me,” came his comment. “What do you want me to do?”

“Don’t worry my lad,” came the reply across the comms, “You’re doing great!” Onesimus took a deep breath and relaxed a bit. Gabriel came back and suggested that he start scanning down Oyonata, since that system is contested as well. That sounded like a good idea, so he warped off the gate and started his scanning. By the time he got half-way through his first scan, Local chimed. She arrived!

The young pilot quickly warped off to the Sosan Gate. Once there, he took a quick scan, confirming her flight, and jumped. Going from Oyonata to Sosan added a major chunk of distance, throwing the frigate into the neighboring region of Devoid. Once on the other side, his attention was drawn to a warning light on his console indicating a possible malfunction in the vessel. This wasn’t good, and he relayed the news to his uncle. “Not a problem Onesimus, just one more jump, OK?” Once again, the pilot checked his readings and confirmed that the alarm might not be too serious, so he decided to head to Asghed. Arriving at the gate, he waited. Sure enough, the Ushra’Kahn jumped into the system hot on the heels of her Amarrian prey. He quickly jumped.

“Well done, Onesimus lad! Well done!” commented Gabriel into the comms. He was well pleased how successful his nephew was in eluding his powerful enemy. The aged scholar sat back in his pod and couldn’t help but to chuckle. “Why is it that so many pirates, rascallions, and nefarious folk always think the only way to win a battle is through the use of guns and missiles?” he thought to himself. Gabe calmly reached over and toggled the link, “Please, my beloved nephew, kindly send Miss Katari my warmest of wishes.” He paused, and looked out at the secured Uusanen complex. “Let her know that Uusanen is decontested.”

Blog Banter

Hi Guys!

Gabriel has agreed in allowing me to periodically post on his blog, as long as I allow him access to my email. Apparently GMail doesn't have any way to confirm Gabby's address as being in the Youl System, so to make life easier on the ole' boy, I just grant him access to my email.

The recent Blog Banter has come out and the question asked is, “How do we, EVE bloggers, adapt to changes as they are thrust upon us (speed changes, no more ghost training, all the dev blogs, etc), or as our lives make playing the game different (more time, less time)?”.

First off, as a "at-one-time" dedicated PvE'er, I can say that not all change is bad. Once you have rescued the Damsel in Distress a couple of thousand times, popped Zor's ship innumerable times, and have beaten off the EoM hordes in Gone Berserk for the ump-teenth time, you start to desire a little more of a challenge. This is what has driven me from Mission Running to Factional Warfare. So, with the various changes that are going to take place this year, I almost find my heart starting to beat a little faster in the knowledge that the game-play can only get better!

I had a chance to speak with Gabby about the matter, and he really hasn't shown his opinion either way. Gabe is so focused on the war that, as he would put it, “find working with agents (his way of what we call Mission Running) to be a distraction from what God has called him to do."

Now, the second part of the question is regarding time management. Unlike probably most EVE-Online game players, I have a distinct advantage. I am 44 years old (at the time of this post) and I am retired on disability. My primary duties entail, prepping for my classes that I teach, caring for my 78 year old mother, and house chores (paying bills, shopping, laundry {ugh!!}). This means, my schedule is relatively flexible! It's not uncommon for me to stay up until 2-3AM (Idaho Time) working with Gabe on FW plexing. If the corp. wants to schedule a 11:00AM mission ops, I don't have to be at a job, but can very easily fit my schedule around that. Through all of this I must confess that there are some things that I absolutely must discipline myself. From Monday thru Wednesday, I set aside time to work on my class preps. Any educator will tell you that for every hour of teaching, there is usually 3-4 hours of prep time. At the moment, I am teaching through the book of Genesis as well as the Life of King David. Sure, I could probably grab some pre-compiled Sunday School material, but my classes are geared more for the adult/ college level. So, to find me online during the first half of the week is a rarity, unless I am tweeking on a skill or something.

Blogging has also broadened my horizons a little. I've had The Bible Blogger for a couple of years now, but 99% of my posts are already online at Theology Online. My third blog, of which has just started up is the Online Astronomer. This reveals my interests in Astronomy.

As a whole, I am grateful for the life that I have been given. The stress is gone, and my blood-pressure is way down.

The Battle of Sahtogas

Unlike the previous week, tonight started off to be rather boring. As per my schedule, I lifted off from base and slipped into Kamela. My orders for the past couple of weeks were to run careful security checks throughout the Bleak Lands and assist alerted Imperial bases in securing themselves from Minmatar attacks. If a system is considered to be contested, my team’s job is to secure the local bases, and thus decontesting the system. Over the past couple of weeks, a few of my colleagues and I were very busy. Each night we would secure an average of five complexes and decontest two to three systems. When my duty began, I discovered to my horror that Matari infiltrators set off multiple false alarms throughout many of our major systems. Nothing appeared to be contested from these particular systems, but the congestion of alerts was so great, we had to assuage the concerns of each complex before we could focus on the contested systems.

The members of my team were Reese Traint (New Light Corporation), Jonathan Theodoulos, of the 24th Imperial Crusade, and his brother Onesimus, a new member of VFOR. Both Jonathan and Onesimus are fine lads. Though I am proud to be their uncle, I have found these boys to be young, and in need of maturity.

I left Jonathan and Onesimus to continue their scanning of the Kurniainen and Saidusairos systems, while Reese and I worked to resolve the debacle in Iesa. Entering the system of Iesa, we discovered that there were about a dozen complexes that had gone on alert. Each one needed attention, and we knew we would not be able to close in on the more important systems until these were resolved, so Reese Traint focused on the Minor Complexes in his Punisher, while I took off in my Crusader to calm down the larger plexes.

It must have taken us a couple of hours, but in the end, the two of us were able to secure all twelve complexes, freeing us up to scan down the more important contested systems. Reese took off for Lamaa while I turned the other direction and headed for Kurniainen. So far, this evening was not going well. We were tired and I was looking forward to heading back to base, relaxing with some Mozart, and munch on some of those wonderful oatmeal raisin cookies my niece sent me from home.

I checked in with the two boys, and Onesimus reported that he couldn’t find any alerted bases in the two contested systems of Kurniainen and Saidusairos. “Ugh,” I thought to myself, “this is not going well at all!” I reached over my console and flipped on the Region Reports, showing me the contested systems within the war zone. Sure enough, both of those systems were RED, and then I noticed another RED appearing on the screen: Sahtogas.

I flipped on the comms, and said, “Boys, I’m making a quick stop in Sahtogas. It shows to be contested, and I am hoping to get that straightened out.” I thought for a while, and realized that this is turning out to be a bummer of a night. “Jonathan,” I continued, “How about heading back and completing the reports for us? Onesimus and I will do a quick run through Sahtogas and then head home.” I didn’t think I would find anything. My score so far tonight was ‘zip’ and I didn’t think anything could ruin my losing streak.

I continued on, and finally jumped into Sahtogas. To my delight, I found two complexes on alert and no war targets in system. “Wonderful,” I thought, “This was going to be easy.” I quickly ran a profile check on the neutral pilots in system, and all five of them checked out all positive, so I started relaxing a little more, thinking none of them were pirates. Being a member of VFOR, we do not deal with pirates unless it is a matter of life or death. Besides, though I was in an interceptor, it was currently fitted for speed. I had no scramblers or webbers installed, because I usually don’t run into trouble, especially on quiet nights like tonight. Checking the reports again, I confirmed that Sahtogas was still contested, so I popped the crusader into gear, and sped off for the closest complex.

Securing a complex is not hard. The empire has it setup where all you need to do is to move in on the primary bunker, and run and orbit scan for between 15 to 20 minutes. Once the scan is complete, the complex is secured and I can move on. Nice and simple!

I reached the acceleration gate of the first complex and jumped in. Once inside I saw the bunker, which was about 68km away. I punched my micro-warp drive and quickly reached a broad orbit around the bunker. My scans began and I sat back working on the scans. After about ten minutes I noticed my directional scanner picked up a Jaguar within 15 AUs of the complex. I looked at Local again, and didn’t see any pirate, but the Minmatar Assault Ship made me a bit nervous. I continued with my scans and suddenly alarms went off in my ship. The Jaguar had entered the complex and began an aggressive approach towards me! “Glory Honkers,” I caught myself saying out loud, “This was supposed to be a quiet night!”

I took a quick scan of the Assault Ship, and bugged out. Remember, I wasn’t prepared to go head-on with an opponent, so to stick around would have been foolish. I quickly slid my ship in on a local jump gate, banked around, and shot for a safe spot I had set up earlier that week. I came to a stop in the middle of ‘no where’, and flipped on my directional scanners. I tightened the beam to 30 degrees and scanned the second plex and found it to be empty. I then turned my scanner and low and behold there was the Jag, sitting real pretty in the first complex.

Running the name down, I found the owner to be Ghost Hunter. I pulled up his dossier, and it showed him to have a Security Standing of a 3.4. Pirates show up as a NEGATIVE number, so I was a bit taken back by this. I looked at his corporation: NAQAM. “Huh, never heard of it.” VFOR’s database are kept up pretty well, and this corp didn’t show up to be a pirate corp, so I was more than a bit confused. “Well, maybe it was a misunderstanding,” I thought. He didn’t lock me, so rather than panic, I’ll just move my attention to the second complex. I kicked on my warp drives and headed off. Arriving at the second acceleration gate, I jumped in and moved in on the bunker. The timer started and I watched my scans carefully. After about three minutes, in pops this Jaguar again, and starts to slowly move in on the timer with me. Now, if I had any doubts about this guys intentions, they were quickly dispelled. This neutral wanted to hurt me!!! Flipping on the drives, I kicked the crusader around and headed off to my safe spot. Now, I had the timers run down a bit on both complexes. I only needed one, but I soon realized that this was going to be a long night.

Scanners showed Ghost Hunter to be in the second plex, so I quickly warped to the first, hit the acceleration gate and sped quickly to the timer. Half way there, in jumps the Jag, and he slowly moves towards me. HA! The dude doesn’t have a micro-warp drive! I knew I immediately had an advantage on him. I was on the timer, and orbited it, while he was still 60km away. It took him a while to get to me, and by the time he was within targeting range, I added a few more seconds to the timer, and I sped out! Wa-Hoo! This was fun! This routine went on for a while. I would jump into the plex where he was not at, and head for the timer, he would follow me in and chase after me. By the time he reached me, I added more seconds to the timer, and as quick as a greased pig after a July rain, I shot out of there before he could get a lock on me.

By this time Onesimus arrived and we decided to collaborate. Ones (pronounced “owns”) took off for a complex and headed for the timer. This caused Ghost Hunter to jump after him. While he was chasing my nephew around, I took off for the other complex, and sat on the timer. Ones would get away in his executioner and the Jaguar would come huffing after me. By the time he arrived, I shot off, knowing that Ones was on the other timer. Oh what fun!!!

After a couple of cycles of this cat and mouse game, we had to stop. Ghost Hunter wasn’t a fool and he quickly learned our game. So we setup a safe spot directly in between the two complexes and while monitoring our antagonist, I directed Onesimus on which complex to hit. Now me, I tire easy. I am not a warrior, but a theology scholar. I am quite content with my books, and computers studying the latest archeological findings. My nephew on the other-hand was bubbling over with excitement and energy! He would zip in and out staying just ahead of our slower opponent, running the timer down each time. After a couple of passes, Ones stopped in on my safe spot to get his bearings. This was when I realized our advantage!

“Onesimus,” I said over the comm., “Notice how we are directly in line with the two complexes? Let’s wait here a minute and try something.” I realized that Ghost Hunter was scanning us also, and while doing so, he could see Onesimus’ executioner to be next to mine. The one thing he could not see is was depth!

We waited a couple of minutes, and the Jag quieted down, realizing that his ‘mouse’ was with me, in between the complexes. He didn’t have probes therefore he couldn’t get a lock on our exact position, so we were safely out of harm’s reach. Sure enough, the assault ship stopped and waited for Onesimus to make the next move.

“Now, Ones ole boy, just head carefully over to that other plex,” I said to my nephew. “If he is watching us, he might not know you have warped to the next complex, and think you are still with me!”

Onesimus deftly turned his executioner toward the empty complex, and slipped into warp. Sure enough, the Jaguar didn’t move! Ones jumped through the acceleration gate and quickly got on the timer. It was down to under three minutes! My nephew kept a tight orbit on the bunker, and for a while Ghost Hunter didn’t move.

“Two minutes,” Onesimus called out over the comm. System.

“One minute, forty seconds…. One minute, twenty seconds…” Still no move from Ghost Hunter.

“One minute!”

I turned my crusader and started slowly moving towards the complex where my nephew was riding the timer. This must have tipped off the Jaguar, because he immediately warped toward the other complex! My heart pounded! “He’s coming in! He’s coming in!” I shouted, “Be careful!!!”

“Forty seconds… thirty seconds… twenty seconds…”

“I see him Uncle.” Onesimus calmly commented. “He just entered the plex.”

“Ten, nine, eight… ,“ ticked off my nephew. I held my breath!

“Three, two, one!”

“Warp my Boy! Warp!” If I could have jumped up and down in my pod, I would have! My heart was racing and I could see this wicked person locking his scrams and webs on my poor nephew.

There was silence for a couple of seconds, and all I could hear was the thump, thump, thump of my heart. Then Onesimus’ voice came across the comms, “I’m out!”

“We turned our ships and warped to the nearest gate. I leaned over and checked the reports.

COMPLEX SECURED.
SYSTEM DECONTESTED.

Wa-Hoo!!!!! We did it!

We carefully headed back to base. I remember my nephew as a young lad, running around in his bare feet at the estate. Now, my view of him has started to change. Sure, he’s young, and yes, he still does things that makes me nervous, but now I have started seeing my nephew in another light. No longer, Onesimus the quirky child, but Onesimus the warrior.

My heart swelled with pride.

Matari on Twitter!

Today, I finally broke away from John's Twitter account. While online, I discovered Twhirl, and created my own account. Bear in mind, I am attempting to expand my social network to others, and John had shown me how useful Twitter is in meeting other people. If you are interested, toss me a "tweet" at GabbyTheodoulos. I'll be glad to respond!

When I logged on for the first time, I discovered to my horror that several Matari had also infiltrated Twitter! I contacted both the Imperial Chancellor as well as the Ministry of War, but have yet to obtain a response.

So far, I have identified two, and think there might be several more.

Alexia_Morgan is a member of the Brutor tribe. While reading her bio information, it appears to me that she might just hold a grudge against the Amarrian people.

Wensley is even more nefarious! His Security Status is a -9.8 and has a 5 Million isk bounty on his head! Be careful with this one, he looks tough!

If you find any more Matari on Twitter, please contact me as soon as possible. I'll add them to this list and forward the information onto the appropriate authorities.

Agony Unleashed Downs an Archon

Tonight, while sitting here in Tuomuta, I linked onto the Internet and attempted to catch up on my reading. My order of Punishers won't be in until tomorrow, and none of my corp mates seem to be available, so I kicked back in the Capsuleer's Lounge and logged on.

Recently, I stumbled across a really fine blog post on A Misguided Adventurer. In one of his recent posts, he writes how a rather overly confident carrier pilot attempted to have his friends and him for lunch. In the end, it was the carrier who had to eat humble pie, and at a cost of over 1.5 Billion isk!

I am a firm believer that humility is far better than humiliation.

Good work guys!

"Gabby"

Today a group of us from VFOR decided to assist the Sarum Family in several of local problems. Together with my friends Mechbard and Amroh Bhank, I set off to right several wrongs.

While on one particular mission, I noticed that my friend Mechbard started calling me, "Gabby". Now, I am used to be calling Gabe or Gabriel, but this new nickname took me back a little. No one had ever called me "Gabby" before!

Where I come from "Gabby" was a nickname for someone who like to gab or talk all the time. I thought to myself, "Gabe ole boy, do you talk too much?"

I didn't think so. Hmmmm....

Anyways, after a couple of days dwelling on it, I have come to the conclusion that this new nickname is all right by me. It comes across in a comfortable friendly manner, and if my friends start referring to me as "Gabby" that is fine by me!

Frustrating the Enemy

After spending the evening on Ops, I decided to call it a night. At the time, it was just after 10PM (Idaho Time), and we had an extremely successful night capturing enemy complexes deep in their territory.

Arriving back at our extended base, I decided to leave my EWAR Crucifier* behind and fly back in my capsule. It was relatively quiet, and I didn't think there would be a problem. Besides, all we saw was jBobj, who a single Matari militia, and I didn't think he would be interested in me.

I dropped off my ship and quietly slipped out of dock. No one was around, so I headed for the first gate. When I made it to the second gate, I noticed jBobj again. My initial reaction was just to wave to him, but we are under orders not to fraternize with the enemy. So I just moved on.

When I appeared from my next jump through a gate, I discovered to my horror that the system was full of Matari War Targets! Flying a capsule through low security space is much like running around in your "undies". There is not much between you and the outside. Needless to say, I made a run for it! While warping through the system, I noticed my buddy jBobj popped up on my Local Screen. Apparently he thought I would be an easy target to add to his kill board. I was betting that my pod's small signature and my ability to warp quickly would keep this sorry hide of mine safe. When I came sliding up to the next gate, there they were! All those war targets seen in Local. I don't recall exactly how many enemy ships were camping at the gate (mind you, I was quite busy getting my pod out of there before they would pop me), but from my small perspective, half of the Matari fleet was there and they were all staring down at my tiny little pod.

I jumped through the gate.

Have you ever heard the adage, "Out of the frying pan and into the fire?" That is exactly what happened to me! Thinking that I finally rid myself of all the nefarious cretins in the region, I jumped right into the lap of a bunch of pirates! This particular corporation of pirates had declared war against our corporation, but since we only consider Matari Militia as our enemy, we generally ignore them. Yet, keep in mind, I am only flying my capsule!

It's a good thing that when you come through a jump gate, you remain cloaked for about a minute. I needed that time to calm down a bit and assess my situation. Once a little calmer, I realized that most of these pirates were flying larger ships, so I knew they would not have an easy go at targeting me, so off I went again!

I only had a couple more jumps to go, so I was feeling rather confident of myself. Lo and behold, there was my good ole friend jBobj in local. One thing you have to hand it to him... he doesn't give up easily. Making it to the next gate, I jumped through, and once again found myself in the middle full of war targets.

Taking off, I noticed one of them, who goes by the name matt deamon toss of a little jib on local. "Run Gab [sic]. Run for your **** life." Now, if I were permitted to chat with the enemy, I would attempt to encourage him in two ways. First off, it's GABE, or actually my friends are starting to call me Gabby, not Gab. Second, I would strongly admonish him to kindly refrain from using foul language. You never quite know when there are ladies present, and to use such vulgar language in public is terribly inappropriate.

Well, I finally made it back home. Despite the rascallions in the poorer neighborhoods, I did not get my pod popped, and we captured five complexes. All in a night's work!

* An EWAR Crucifier is a small frigate fitted for Electronic Warfare. By itself it doesn't do much damage, but in a fleet, it really becomes a valuable asset.