Mystic Worlds: 7 Days in Faction Warfare

Today marks my first full week in Aideron Robotics and Faction Warfare. There’s likely a few days lag between my writing this and publishing it but its close enough. All in all, I’m pleased with the decision and outcome. I still haven’t had my first kill. Grrr – circumstances are conspiring against me. *Smile*

Across the whole time, there have been a half dozen encounters. Of those, three resulted in Aideron kills. In two of them, I arrived just as the only successful kill was completed and the tide was turning against us. Basically, I landed as we started getting boomed and got boomed with the rest. The only one where I was actually there at the start, I’m not sure what happened. I couldn’t get a lock on the target – was in range and spamming lock but it wouldn’t take. Suddenly my ship started melting out from under me and I had to warp out to safety.

I am NOT discouraged. I feel more comfortable every day. I’m learning the differences in style and delivery between our two primary Fleet Commanders which helps. I’m no longer stricken with terror if I’m sent to scout a location alone. I’ve lost several more ships since being podded but haven’t gotten popped again. I learned a lesson from that unfortunate event. Less than 25% of my Atron’s armor left, no logistic ships and comrades saying “I’m down” left right and center, means start pounding the warp button. It’s only seconds before my ship is going to explode and I need to get my pod moving.

The Fog Clears

EVE has been around for more than a decade. There’s no shortage of content on “how to” do just about anything you want to know. I keep reading up on topics as situations arise. One article in particular, lifted the veil of mystery for me and the fog instantly dissipated. It’s almost a duh moment. However, it’s clearly not obvious to new PVP players so someone felt the need to address it on Reddit.

In summary, PVP isn’t about a fair fight. People engage you when they feel the odds are in their favor but you are NOT obliged to accept the challenge. If you are outnumbered, outgunned or lack experience, don’t take fights you didn’t setup. Evade. Avoid. Escape. Incinerating your ship isn't the worst thing that can happen. You may also get your pod popped if you’re not careful. This is war. It’s not about honor among thieves.

Planting my Flag

I’m in it to win it. I plan on staying around as Aideron Robotics attempts to claim a piece of EVE. I’ve answered the call for volunteers to help in shoring up certain areas of the corporation website while we make a concerted attempt to recruit more pilots. I write, blog and have done instructional design, so I’m going to help organize and update our training materials. My aim is to become an active and social member of the corporation.

My ships and funds are getting low. I only replaced two implants after being podded, and those were the cheapest I could find. I felt considerably more comfortable flying the Tristan the last time out and want to stick with the Fat Man, an old favorite of mine. Flying Fat Man means losing a more expensive ship and its fittings. Although I’m getting involved in plexing it will be a while before that generates a sizeable income. My optimal play time is at least 2 hours earlier than when our corp tends to get active. One of the goals of our newest recruiting efforts is to cover more time zones - with members and Fleet Commanders.

When things are dead I’m going to resume running security missions for quick cash and eventually unlock level 4 missions. In the meantime, I purchased a PLEX card and sold it on the open market for a fast injection of ISK. I was conflicted about it but in the end, my goal is to keep going which means I must have money for ships and fits. No point in being in FW if I become hesitant about participating because I'm down to my last ship.