EVE Online's NPC News Update For Mid-July 2019

CCP published another news post on the ongoing NPC activity in EVE Online Monday. As CCP intends to surprise players with changes here and there, the patch notes are not always complete. The empire storylines hopefully will fill in the blanks. The main focus of Monday's news: "... the Secure Commerce Commission takes extraordinary measures in response to pressure from Drifter assaults and the continuing Triglavian invasions."

SCC Confirms Limits on Nullsec Bandwidth to be "Maintained Indefinitely" Despite Fall in Drifter Assaults

The SCC has reiterated that its primary concern is to maintain the "integrity and sustainability of the fluid router network for strategic and essential communications" and noted QE 4-He resupply logistics have been put under serious and continuous strain by the Triglavian invasions. Sources within the SCC have revealed that the Triglavian attacks began to seriously affect resupply missions once the so-called "major conduits" phase of the invasion campaign began. Since the Triglavian World Arks began to spearhead the assaults, there have even been attacks on stockpiles of QE 4-Helium.

"The Drifter attacks in nullsec came close to being the tipping point for the imposition of bandwidth limits but it wasn't until we lost an entire QE 4-He production facility to a Triglavian assault that the SCC decided to act. We've since lost some other stockpiles but the DED have stepped up fleet presence at all the critical locations," said one source in conversation with Ret Gloriaxx of the Scope's Galactic Hour with Ret Gloriaxx.

So the Drifters were not the cause of the downgrading of the communications network in null security space. They just pushed the issue to the brink. The real cause are those damned Triglavians. Capsuleers need to go after those guys. If there were only some way to encourage players to participate.

AEGIS Estimates Fatalities from Triglavian Planetary and Station Raiding at "Several Hundred Thousands"

Yulai, Genesis — AEGIS Provost Marshal Kasiha Valkanir released estimates of fatal casualties running into "several hundred thousands" due to Triglavian raiding of planets, stations and other orbital bodies, at a press conference held this morning at DED Headquarters in Yulai. Collated in the course of AEGIS operations supporting, and in some cases providing, defense of stations and orbital bodies, the figures reflect the relatively successful outcomes of most orbital defensive efforts.

Questioned on the remarkably low fatality figures, Provost Marshal Valkanir conceded that "Triglavian assaults on static targets are typically aimed at specific objectives and not at inflicting high levels of casualties." Provost Valkanir went on to say, "The best assessment of AEGIS, and indeed the DED as a whole, is that Triglavian operations on planets, moons, stations, and other orbitals, are primarily focused on intelligence-gathering efforts. This does include some degree of seizing property and personnel, presumably for analysis and, in the latter case, interrogation." The Provost Marshal also confirmed that Triglavian forces attacking orbitals have included so-called "rogue drones" apparently operating under their command.

Wait, I thought the Triglavians hated the Rogue Drones. The Drone Regions, introduced in Revelations, contain no NPC-owned space but are populated by the Rogue Drones. If the Triglavians pop up in null sec in general, and the Drone Regions in particular, the environmental factors null sec residents have to face just got a lot smarter.

CONCORD Revises Casualty Estimates of Drifter Attacks in Outer Regions After SAR Missions

Drifter attacks on non-capsuleer installations appear to have preferentially targeted resource extraction colonies and facilities of various types, while secondarily mounting attacks on communications and logistics infrastructure. CONCORD has noted that it appears Drifter assaults on nullsec colonies generally stripped all resources from the target before entirely destroying the associated installations. In most cases, fatalities were total, resulting in the high numbers of dead. CONCORD has not confirmed or denied reports that in some cases there is a near total absence of corpses or biomass residue remaining amidst the destroyed infrastructure.

While there will be some relief that the death toll was not so high as first thought, the grim reality is that there has been a vast loss of life due to the Drifter attacks. While CONCORD refuses to comment or speculate beyond the facts, it has not been lost on some commentators, the Scope's Galactic Hour with Ret Gloriaxx among them, that the Triglavians have been comparatively restrained in contrast to the inhuman ruthlessness displayed by the Drifters.

The casualty count was reduced from over 10 billion dead to just over 1 billion. Still, if players are going to deal with either invading faction, the Triglavians are the most likely bet.

The other items in the news update were:

• Confusion and Disputes Arise Over Arrests of Mikramurka Defense Officials by Matar Planetary Security

• Federal Intelligence Office Refuses to Discuss Semiki Intrusion in Open Senate Session; Requests Closed Meeting

• Lord Ardishapur Hails Defeat of Triglavians and Blood Raider Assaults in Mandate by Ammatar Fleet and Capsuleers

• Caille Rogue Drone Cultural Exchange Society Vows to Continue Outreach Efforts Despite Firebombing and Intimidation

• Intaki Syndicate to Hold Summit Meeting Discussing Nullsec FTL Comms with ORE, Thukker Tribe and "Strategic Partners"

• Calsif Shadekior Breaks Speed Record for Solo Warp Flight from Pator to Lustrevik; Vherokior Tribe Celebrates

Of these news items, I think the most significant is the meeting between ORE, Thukker Tribe, and "Strategic Partners". I'm pretty sure this is a reference to the null sec regions "controlled" by NPC factions. The list includes:

• Curse - Angel Cartel
• Great Wildlands - Thukker Tribe
• Outer Ring - Outer Ring Excavations
• Stain - Sansha's Nation
• Syndicate - Intaki Syndicate
• Venal - Guristas

Will we see different rules for local in sovereignty null sec vs NPC null? And might those rules extend to NPC corporations that do not own full regions like Blood Raiders, The Society of Conscious Thought, and The Sisters of EVE? And if the NPC groups manage to hang onto their communications, will CCP make the technology available to players?

The next story of interest concerns the Semiki incident. That is the system the Arataka Research Consortium operates from. The system has turned into somewhat of a test bed, so I'm interested to see what happens next, if anything.

The next story has me puzzled. What is going on with the Caille Rogue Drone Cultural Exchange Society? I have the feeling the Rogue Drones will take on at least a supporting role in the main Triglavian storyline. Or is this another player group getting props from CCP, like ARC?

Finally, Calsif Shadekior breaking a warp speed record is nice as someone who plays Mimatar from the Vherokior Tribe. But are we perhaps seeing a hint of a new, speedy shuttle or a special rig or module? I'd suggest a new type of implant, but I think that is wishful thinking.

Actually, I expect a lot of this post is wishful thinking. But from everything I've heard his year, CCP wants players to speculate. No more perfect knowledge of what's about to happen next.

Delayed Local In Null, Is The Removal Of Asset Safety Next?

I think I've gotten to the point with EVE Online I need to cover every video published by CCP, as well as every lore article. Why? Because CCP is not going to come right out and tell players what will happen in the future. In fact, for the Invasion expansion and follow-up patches, CCP isn't even pushing the content to the Singularity test shard for player feedback. In order to keep track of future developments, I need to become a lore hound.

The Scope: The Imperial Navy Reacts And More On The Entosis Link

CCP released the latest The Scope video today. As expected, the aftermath of the Drifter attack featured prominently. The report seems to indicate that the Drifters have only increased activity in Amarr space, although I don't know if that's true or just part of the story. In any event, the Imperial Navy has begun to mobilize to meet the threat. Of course, the Drifters may feel confident in confronting the Amarr based on past dealings with them. As Drifter battleship pilot Apollo Tyrannos tweeted on his unofficial, unverified account...

Pfft...what exactly can the navy do, not like they have a steller record when it comes to battling Jove tech now does it #tweetfleet

— Apollo Tyrannos (@apollotyrannos) May 1, 2015

I'm sure that Amarr loyalists will argue that the navy has improved dramatically since the Battle of Vak'Atioth.

One of the reasons for watching these videos is to pick up clues for changes in the game not mentioned in the patch notes. The big one in this video is that using an entosis link on Jove Observatories can lead to getting valuable loot. One caution, however. I'm pretty sure doing so will draw the attention of the Circadian Seekers and Drifter battleships.

We also learned more about the back story of the entosis link. The Scope report is reporting that some believe the Carthum Conglomerate's decision to market the entosis link as the cause of the escalation of tensions with the Drifters. However, information gleamed by those using the entosis link have uncovered proof that the Jove observatories have operated for decades observing activity in New Eden. But were tensions bound to escalate once the cloaking devices on the Jove observatories began to fail?

I should add one interesting fact before concluding this section. The biggest stockholder in the Carthum Conglomerate is the Sarum family. That's right, the family of Empress Jamyl I. Are we seeing a bit of corruption in the Empire? Or is something a bit more ominous happening?

For those not keeping track, the Sarum family is the only one of the Amarrian royal families who still believes in The Reclaiming, the term used for the Amarr Empire's methodical conquest and enslavement of other races throughout New Eden. Surprisingly, upon her ascension to the throne, Empress Jamyl I did not renew the policy. I can't help but wonder if this is a sneaky way to bring The Reclaiming back to the fore of Amarrian religious and foreign policies.



The following stories appeared in the news scroll:

• Northern Associates lose sovereignty in systems across Insmother, Feythabolis, Oasa, and Period Basis.
• Lai Dai corporation denies rumors of involvement in raid on Propel Dynamics warehouse in Tamo.
• Increased Drifter presence in Amarr territory places Federation Navy tripwire forces in standby in Solitude and Sinq Laison.
• Sanmatar Shakor declines to comment on capsuleer request for further information on Lakat-Hro caravan, citing concerns for Republic security.
• Villore Accords blockade fails to prevent trade and passage in Okkamon as Caldari Navy are sighted in continued final testing of Jackdaw prototype.
• Capsuleers begin to collect snippets of data salvaged from Jove observatories with entosis link.
• Capsuleers continue to press for removal of slaves from SCC market listing.
• Empress Jamyl I atten...

Northern Associates is one of the biggest rental alliances in EVE. NA losing so many systems is another indication of the changes that the new sovereignty capture system will bring to New Eden on 2 June.

The mention of the Lai Dai corporation is interesting. The Lai Dai is a Caldari mega corporation that helped form the Carthum Conglomerate. Coincidence? Or is the leadership of the Lai Dai trying to save face by stating they don't need to cheat to outperform their Ishukone competition?

Is the Federation Navy going on alert just prudence since the CONCORD-owned constellation of Sanctum (of which Yulai is a part) adjoins the Gallene regions of Essence, Everyshore, Sinq Laison, and Verge Vendor? Or is this more foreshadowing that the Gallente are the Drifters' next target. If the Sisters of EVE are somehow involved, then the Gallente are probably a good guess.

The Sanmatar Shakor story is in reference to a post on the official EVE forums by Rhavas asking about one of the great Thukker caravans that was lost in the aftermath of the Seyllin Incident. Given that the wreck of the caravan's Hel is in Thera, I'm kind of interested myself.

Villore Accords is a player alliance that participates in factional warfare for the Gallente. I also understand they do a little role playing, so the desire to prevent the Caldari from finishing the new Jackdaw tech 3 destroyer makes perfect sense. Especially since the Gallente don't have one yet.

Another reminder in the scroll that the Jove observatories are dropping loot. Is this a hint that the loot is valuable and important to how CCP wants to develop the game?

More from the forums, as a petition is formed asking for the removal of slaves from New Eden's markets.

Finally, the news scroll ended with "Empress Jamyl I atten". Really? The empress finally makes a public appearance and the story gets cut off. What a tease!

The Weekly Scope Video Turns Into A Live Event

So once again CCP published a new The Scope news video today. This time, they threw in a twist. A live broadcast, ending with the Drifters attacking the station seeking to stop an autopsy on a captured Drifter.


The Drifters lost multiple (4-5?) battleships while only killing 10 capsuleer ships (1 Malediction, 1 Claw, 2 Crusaders, 2 Imperial Slicers, 1 Cormorant, 1 Thrasher, 1 Atron, and 2 Veletors).

The CONCORD Bureau and the Yulai Graveyard

Despite some initial reports indicating that the Drifters had heavily damaged a station, the only visible damage to any infrastructure remains the still unrepaired CONCORD Bureau station.

Stories appearing in the videos new scroll included:

• CFC declares loyalty to Maximilian Singularity VI and renames coalition to "The Imperium" while setting sights on Providence.
• Propel Dynamics confirm three Rhea-class jump freighters missing after Angel Cartel attacks resupply convoy on route to Thera.
• Emperor Family and Theology Council refuse to comment on Imperium declaration of Empress Jamyl I as false heir to imperial throne.
• Debate into reclassification of Drifter DED threat level reaches Inner Circle Chamber in Yulai.
• Absolute Defiance declares war on Goonswarm Federation.

Just a couple of comments about the stories. Glad to see CFC's, er, I mean, The Imperium's foray into roleplaying is recognized in a video. Also, that the silence from Empress Jamyl is intentional and not because CCP is ignoring the storyline. However, don't lump the Absolute Defiance wardec into the roleplay category (unless I missed something). They didn't seem that type of alliance when we reached out and hugged them a few weeks ago.

The story of Propel Dynamics losing three jump freighters to the Angel Cartel could go a couple of ways. Is it a simple theft of the super kerr-induced nanocoating (SKIN) technology and the Angel Cartel will begin selling the technology in the very near future? Or does the theft have something to do with The Sanctuary? After all, Propel Dynamics is one of the corporations that helped build the Astero-, Stratios-, and Nestor-class Sisters of EVE ships.

Finally, after watching the video, does anyone doubt that the Inner Circle will soon up the DED threat level for the Drifters?

Correction: The original version of this post stated that the Drifters managed to severely damage the CONCORD Bureau station. This is incorrect. The station was originally damaged in an attack by the Thukker Elders in YC110.

The Lore Behind EVE's New Ship Skins

To say The Scope news video on CCP released on YouTube today was a bit surprising I think is an understatement. We now know the origins of the Super Kerr-Induced Nanocoatings, or SKINS. Would you believe Serpentis technology designed for smuggling operations? The main story of the video tells the story of the Caldari Navy capturing a Serpentis Rhea-class jump freighter, the Seeadler.



Other stories of note in the news scroll:

Imperial Armaments continue to deny research into antikythera element is for the purposes of weaponization.

CONCORD re-opens independant political organization identity registration after one year delay due to Inner Circle debates on interstellar political relevance of capsuleer entities.

Caldari Navy reports significant increase in Guristas pirate activity in Pure Blind and Lonetrek with military experts citing seizure of [SPC] Seeadler as probably cause. Narcotics and combat boosters to the value of 65 billion ISK destroyed by Caldari Navy after seizure from [SPC] Seeadler on April 1st.

Legion of xXDeathXx loses significant ground in Geminate as sovereignty drops in seven systems.

Time To Reread The Empyrean Age

"Goonswarm 2015: We are not here to ruin your game, but to ~enhance your immersion~"

The Mittani

Yesterday TMC published the latest Goonswarm Federation Alliance Update. Not very much news was proclaimed, really. Just that the name of the coalition was changing from the Cluster Fuck Coalition to The Imperium. And that the coalition will withdraw from Fountain and Cloud Ring before the new sovereignty system hits Tranquility on 2 June. Oh, and Get Off My Lawn and The Bastion will occupy Vale of the Silent while Executive Outcomes moves to Branch. I suspect that means that the GSF's rental alliance, Greater Western Co-Prosperity Sphere , will soon disband to make room for the regular members of the coalition.

But for me, the big news is the The Imperium's first campaign:

"The first act of our new Imperium: we formally declare our undying loyalty to the True Emperor of Amarr: Maximilian Singularity VI, First of His Name. Anyone in New Eden declaring for the False Empress Jamyl will be violently disabused of their heresy and their territory forfeit. Until the CONCORD-protected zones declare for the True Emperor, we'll have to content ourselves with enforcing the True Emperor's truth across Providence the moment that Fozziesov goes live. We grant Providence the opportunity to reflect upon their sins and seek redemption by bending the knee, just as I have." 

Sure, The Mittani and his leadership team plan to use Providence as a testing ground for evaluating new tactics in sovereignty warfare. But the way The Mittani has couched his coalition's actions almost forces CVA to put up a fight. Sure, Empress Jamyl violated the doctrine of Sacred Flesh and had herself cloned in order to survive the defeat of her champion during the Succession Trials. But Maximilian Singularity VI, First of His Name, is not one of the heirs of the five royal houses.

Of course, The Mittani, or more likely his diplomatic corp operating in Maximilian's name, could argue that the Sarum family has forfeited its place to rule the Amarr Empire, much like what happened to the Khanid Family after Garkeh Khanid refused to commit Shathol'Syn following the ascension of Heideran Kador to the throne in 22762 AD. Just as the Tash-Murkon family replaced the Khanid, so could one argue that the house of Singularity should replace the Sarum.

Does anyone think that CVA will meekly stand back and watch The Mittani place a successor onto the Amarr throne? Even if CVA buys into the legal precedent that if a heir of an Amarr royal house fails to commit Shathol'Syn, then the house is stripped of its royal titles, I would expect that they would want to place one of their own on the throne. At that point, I can foresee an "Amarrian" civil war, with CVA encouraged to persevere by the realistic belief that Goonswarm will eventually tire of the war and move on to bigger and better things.

Quite frankly, I hope both sides fight just to see how CCP handles the situation. The possibilities for future The Scope news updates is endless. But in the meantime, once I finish my current book, I think I'll reread The Empyrean Age and Templar One again. Something tells me I may need to brush up on my Amarrian lore.

Drifters, The RSS, And Eifyr, Oh My!

Sometimes, a subject calls out for a post. Today's example is the latest video from The Scope, covering HERO's withdrawal from Catch and the conflict between N3 and the CFC in the Fountain/Delve area of operations.


For me, the news scroll is often more interesting than the main storyline the narrator of the video reads. Let's look at those stories:

• Mineral prices rise amid second quarter market speculation by capsuleer industrialists.
• Propel Dynamics decline to comment on arrival of unidentified vessel at Tamo factory gravdock.
• 24th Imperial Crusade trade Saidusairos for Arnstur after sustained fighting in The Bleak Lands.
• Tama remains under Caldari control after State Protectorate assumed sovereignty on March 29th.
• Almost Awesome loses swathes of space in Wicked Creek as TEST Alliance roll in.
• Darkness loses ZXB-VC to Fatal Ascention after sizeable capital fight.
• Further rumors circulate regarding Jackdaw technical specifications after prototype vessel is spotted in Saisid.
• Republic Security Services patrol observed briefly engaging Drifter vessels in Elgoi before retreat to Arlek.

Yes, seeing up to the minute references to factional warfare in the video (the flips of Saidusairos and Arnstur occurred on Thursday) was a nice tip of the hat to low sec. But the last story really peaked my interest. Arlek is a 1.0 system in Metropolis equidistant (at least in terms of jumps) between the two major trade hubs of the Minmatar Republic, Rens and Hek.

I found the location where the engagement took place interesting. Elgoi is the home system for Eifyr and Co., major backers of Dr. Hilen Tukoss' work on the Arek'Jaalan Project. In fact, Site One of the Arek'Jaalan Project is located in the next-door system of Eram. Is this small reference another piece of the Arek'Jaalan project storyline playing out? I thought last month's story of Zainou Biotech finally getting around to stripping Dr. Tukoss of his Caldari corporate citizenship a bit weird, since I presumed they had done that shortly after his defection to Eifyr and Co. years ago. But as a stepping stone to keep the storyline moving and in the back of people's minds, creating the story was a nice touch.

One other interesting fact about Eifyr and Co. The Minmatar corporation, rumored to have links to the underworld booster rings, is also a player in w-space research:

"The widespread emergence of unstable wormholes and the technological possibilities opened by these phenomena is the most recent opportunity seized by Kolvil Eifyr's remarkable corporation. Eifyr and Co.'s expertise in chemical reactor technology was swiftly adapted to the newly emerging polymers derived from wormhole space gas clouds. Additionally, Sleeper technology became a particular interest of the corporation. Today, Eifyr and Co. acquires Sleeper-related data in a variety of forms primarily from capsuleers, who encounter the ancient civilization’s drone guardians in wormhole space."

Perhaps I'm reading too much into the situation, but why are units of the Republic's Security Services, and not mainline fleet units, battling the Drifters? Forgive me if I'm suspicious, but the RSS has strong links to the New Eden underworld. With Eifyr and Co.'s shady reputation, is something going on?

Since I've come this far, let me put my tinfoil hat on firmly and go deep down the rabbit hole. Eifyr and Co. along with another corporation mentioned in the video, Propel Dynamics, are among two of the five corporations that have their corporate logos plastered on the Sisters of EVE Astero-, Stratios-, and Nestor-class ships. We may have a clue of what the mysterious ship may feature based on Propel Dynamics' history:

"Propel Dynamics was founded by the team that discovered the first functional warp drive for short jumps within a system. Though it has never managed to live up to its early expectation the company has always turned out innovative and interesting designs that have driven the field of propulsion forward."

With the Minmatar clashing with the Drifters in the headquarters system of one SoE ally and another SoE ally working on a mysterious ship, are we about to see the lore explode? I don't think so. With CCP about to release major changes to sovereignty mechanics in June, I don't think CCP would want to step on the possibly epic stories that players are about to create. However, stringing out the story the rest of the year will give those who don't live and breathe null sec politics something to watch as CCP positions players to create their own stargates, hopefully sometime in 2016.

The Role Playing Background Of My Low Sec Life

"The Vherokior tribe is perhaps the least troubled of the Minmatar tribes, with little aspirations for dominance, content to live on the fringe. Most Vherokiors are shop-keepers or small scale businessmen, seldom venturing into the big boy's league."

In-game description of the Vherokior Tribe

I've discussed living in low sec a lot over the past couple of years.  But I don't think I've explained the role playing aspect of living in low.  Role playing?  I know, I know.  A lot of people much wiser than I have come out and stated that EVE Online is not a role playing game.  Some even wish to remove as many RPG elements out of the game as possible.  But until they succeed, I'll go ahead and continue with my light version of RP.

Is The Minmatar Diaspora About To End?

Admittedly the title of this post is a bit silly because the Amarr hold one-third of the Minmatar as slaves.  But with only 25% of the Matari people living in the Republic ending the diaspora is definitely a viable long term plot line in EVE Online.  Are we about to see a mass migration in the near future?

The possibility exists with the current tensions between the Republic and the Gallente Federation.  Looking at the story so far I should probably do a full post on it.  Not because I'm a role-player, because I'm not.  But if the plot line that began with the murder of Sebiestor Tribal Chief and former Prime Minister of the Republic Karin Midular by a Gallente nationalist with possible ties to the Black Eagles continues, we could see the 20% of the Matari who live in the Federation begin to move to the Republic.  The latest news comes in the form of a Gallente Senate report that tries to sweep rampant discrimination against the Matari living in the Republic under the rug. 

But how does that affect capsuleers who move through the stars and basically answer to no one but themselves?  If the Matari flee the Federation, will that mean relations improve between the Amarr and Gallente?  And with Amarr steadily growing as a trade hub (CCP has had to put the system, like Jita, on reinforced hardwar), will economic rivalry compel the Caldari to grow closer to Amarr's enemy the Republic?  Or is everything about to fly out the window and we are about to see 4 faction PvP in faction warfare?  In any event I could see a realignment in faction warfare about to occur.

Or, maybe not.  All parties involved could come to a defining moment and realize they all like the status quo.  But really?  This is EVE, after all, and CCP does seem to like to stir up the hornet's nest.

The Day Of Darkness And Icelandic History

Ever wonder where some of the lore for EVE Online comes from.  I was surfing the net earlier this week and came across an event in Icelandic history that may correlate to what the Minmatar call "The Day of Darkness," the first contact between the Minmatar and the Amarr.  Being a kind, peace-loving folk, the Amarr scouted out the Minmatar and then struck during the course of a severe storm on the main continent of Matar.  What followed fuels the animosity of the Minmatar towards the Amarr to this day:

"With the storm and military attacks over, the Amarr deployed six massive slave vessels  to different planets in Pator, and scooped up the survivors. The colonies on Belogor, Varkal, and Kulheim were completely depopulated during this raid. On Huggar and Syld, the colonies lost over half their populations, while on Matar, the Minmatar put up a fierce resistance on the surface. However, having known no large-scale warfare for centuries, and with their infrastructure in shambles as a result of both the storm and the precision of the Amarr military strikes, they were unable to prevent the Amarr from enslaving hundreds of millions on Matar alone. This was the largest of the slave raids that would continue for the next millennium that would see the enslavement of hundreds of millions more." 

While not as severe, Iceland suffered raids launched from a far away empire.  In 1627, pirates based on the Barbary Coast led by the Dutchman Murat Reis launched a month-long series of raids now known as the Turkish Abductions.  The first group attacked the fishing village of Grindavík, managing to capture some salted fish, a few hides, 12 fishermen and 3 Danes who were in the area.  While departing the scene, the leader of this group managed to capture a Danish merchant ship through means of a false flag operation.  The group then attacked the seat of the Danish governor in Bessastaðir, but were repulsed before setting foot on dry land by the local fortifications and a hastily assembled group of lancers.  They then returned to their home port of Salé where they sold their captives into slavery.

The second group had more success in finding loot.  Raiding the fjords in Southeastern Iceland, the pirates spent a week capturing livestock, silver and other goods, and 110 Icelanders.  In the course of the raids a Danish merchant ship was also sunk.  Facing strong headwinds north of Fáskrúðsfjörðu, they turned around and sailed along the south coast of the island.  On 16 July the pirates found Vestmannaeyjar, a group of islands and home of a village with the same name.  For three days the raids continued with 34 villagers killed and 234 taken captive and eventually sold into slavery in the Ottomon Empire.

The Ani Campaign - The Ani Constellation

The Minmatar high-sec COSMOS missions are found in the Ani Constellation.  But the Ani Constellation offers more to players than just a chance at rapid faction gains and a chance to get some meta-level 3 blueprint copies.  Here are some additional reasons why I looked at the Ani Constellation as a fun place to spend the next few weeks playing Eve.

Security: The Ani Constellation is a bit unusual in that all 8 systems have a security level of .5.  This is a plus in that the systems are high-sec, although the response from CONCORD will be slow, so tanking against suicide gankers is warranted.  Some distribution missions from local agents can easily send unsuspecting pilots into low-sec, so pay attention to your low-sec warnings.

Politics:  The relatively low security levels in the constellation, while under CONCORD control, has led to some interesting people inhabiting the area.  The major players in Ani are:

Joint Harvesting - Interestingly enough, the Amarr raw materials corporation is the biggest player in this Minmatar constellation.  Holding 5 stations, Dotlan lists 10 agents, including 3 level 4 agents, Joint Harvesting has the biggest footprint in Ani.  Galnet reports that:

"Joint Harvesting was formed a decade ago when several agricultural and mining companies joined together to form one giant company. One of the largest raw material companies in the world of EVE, Joint Harvesting conducts a wide variety of resource gathering and operates both inside and outside the Amarr Empire."

The one interesting fact about Joint Harvesting is that of the four station-holding corporations in Ani, it is the only one without medical facilities located in the constellation.

Krusual Tribe - The second biggest presence in Ani is the Krusual Tribe.  The Krusual hold 3 stations with 7 agents, including 1 level 4 agent, in the key system of Nakugard.  The Krusual have a reputation as sly and cunning, shrouding its ways in lies and secrecy. It is isolationist by nature, but lately it's been becoming more and more involved with the power politics of the Republic, staking a claim for its mastery.

The juxtaposition of the Krusual and the huge Amarr corporation Joint Harvesting is interesting given the Krusual's history:

"The Krusual tribe initially inhabited the mountainous region of the upper Tronhadar-valley on Matar. The other tribes regarded the Krusuals as the most barbaric of them all, but that stemmed more from a lack of knowledge about the intricate culture of the secluded Krusuals rather than being an actual fact. The Amarrians had real difficulties subduing the Krusuals during their conquest of the Minmatars and the unruly Krusuals in their mountain bases were always a thorn in the Amarr side."

Sisters of EVE - Given its history of providing humanitarian aid during the Minmatar Rebellion and the possibility of conflict between the Krusual and the Amarr industrialists, few should find it surprising that the Sisters of EVE have a presence in Ani.  The Sisters maintain 4 agents as well as medical facilities in 3 stations in the constellation.

One does have to wonder if the organization has more than a humanitarian interest in the area:

"But the Sisters do more than just come to the aid of those in need. They are also devoted practitioners of their religious beliefs, which center around the EVE gate. The Sisters belief that this ‘relic from god’, as they call it, holds the key to the universe and are determined to unlock it, in order to bring ‘everlasting peace under god’s guidance and guardianship’ to the world of EVE. The Sisters maintain that god resides at the other side of the gate and from his domain he guides the lives of those that belief in him and keeps them out of harms way. The Sisters have large followings in all the empires (even some Jovians) and the organization is mostly run on donations from those followers, as well as from some limited commercial enterprises and tariffs levied on those visiting their stations."

Republic University - The final entity with a station presence in Ani is Republic University.  While only having 1 station and 4 agents in Nakugard, the Republic University boasts not only cloning facilities but the constellation's only manufacturing facility.  While the manufacturing facility is not critical given that the Hek trade hub is located one system away, it does fit in with the school's mission:

"The Republic University (from where future Minmatar industrialists graduate) was founded by Minmatar emigrates as a show of support for the fledgling republic shortly after its inception. The school is modeled after the University of Caille and based on the Gallentean education system."

In addition to the four corporations listed above, the Ani constellation is also home to a large contingent of the Angel Cartel as well as COSMOS agents plying their trade at locations in space.

Moons and mining - The low security levels of all the systems in the Ani constellation are conductive to economic activity even with the presence of only one station with manufacturing facilities.  The constellation boasts 283 total moons with 60 alone located in Nakugard, one jump away from the Hek trade hub.  But that is not such an advantage as 180 of the moons are withing 2 jumps of Hek.  And the .5 security level is the lowest bar to anchoring a POS in high-sec, meaning the bulk of industrial activity like manufacturing, research and blueprint copying takes place in POS, making the numerous capsuleers who call the area home a potential big power bloc.

The mining opportunities are as good as it gets in high-sec.  The constellation boasts 80 asteroid belts containing Plagioclase, Scordite, Veldspar and Omber.  In addition, Ani contains not one but two systems with ice belts.  Those with loyalties with the Minmatar will enjoy Nakugard's refining facilities along with its 23 asteroid and 1 ice belts.  The Amarr are not far behind with Joint Harvesting possessing good refining facilities in Barkrik with its ice belt and Hjoramold with its 12 asteroid belts.  The Caldari and Gallente, if not wishing to gain faction with either of the other two rivals, can always use the Sisters of EVE facilities in Inder with its 16 asteroid belts, although the Caldari don't really do more than tolerate the Sisters.

Exploration - I'm not sure exactly the exploration possibilities in Ani, but with every system having a .5 security level, bringing along a ship capable of doing some serious scanning is probably warranted.

This concludes my initial look at the Ani Constellation.  I'm sure I will find more as I explore all the mysteries that this interesting area of New Eden holds.

How Boring Is Mining In Eve Online?

I've heard a lot of complaining about how boring mining is, but The Scope brings news that goes far beyond what I imagined.  The Gallente-based news agency reported Tuesday that the inhabitants of a mining colony in Solitude committed mass suicide.  The Scope report quoted one of the first people on the scene:

“They took the time to say goodbye to loved ones and generally described a state of despair, but didn't give specific reasons. We don't know what to make of it yet.”

Many capsuleers are probably wondering why we do not hear more reports like this.

Annaro Miners Rescued

Last Minute Annaro Mine Rescue Operation Successful, Survivors Recovered
reported by: ISD Threff Geldarran | 2010.01.05 07:53:26

Annaro - A dangerous rescue operation aimed at recovering 176 Caldari miners trapped in an asteroid proved successful last night . The rescue was performed by an Amarr team from Ducia Foundry experienced on unstable asteroids.

Reports indicate that the miners themselves were not informed of the attempt and spent the evening writing final letters to their loved ones. One miner told reporters, "When I heard they were drilling just a few meters away, my first thought was that we were hallucinating from the lack of oxygen." The surprise rescue operation was executed, though, for reasons that remain unclear, only a select few knew about the operation. Their secrecy has aroused suspicions that Ducia Foundry was allowed to covertly transport and deploy its slave workers to the asteroid mine.

In a brief statement, Ducia Foundry's Steen Greimala said, "The operation went as smoothly as ever. Every member of my team performed admirably, and we were more than helped by the Deep Core Mining experts, who analyzed every aspect of the asteroid. I never had a point where I was seriously concerned."

CBD Corporation released a statement saying, "We welcome the successful rescue of our miners and thank Deep Core Mining and Ducia Foundry for their help." CBD would not comment on the safety procedures they had employed during the mining operation. Police commander Garr Diymir was not available for comment.

Caldari law expert Dimm Margo remarked, "I think it's obvious what's happened. They managed to sneak the slaves in and get the job done, but there will need to be legal accounting sooner or later. Luckily for them, they were successful."

Will this be the end of the story, or is there one more item to come?

Compromise on Mining Slave Rescue Team

Compromise Over Slave Rescue Team Offered by Amarr Holder
reported by: ISD Threff Geldarran | 2010.01.04 05:08:43

Annaro [The Scope News Agency] - Aszhar Freimala, an Amarr Holder, has offered to purchase and release 16 elite slaves owned by Ducia Foundry for the task of rescuing trapped asteroid miners in Annaro system. Ducia Foundry has agreed to the proposal, but the corporation will not officially release the slaves until after the rescue, citing the need to maintain a solid command structure during the operation.

Annaro system police commander Garr Diymir told reporters, "It's a wonderful gesture, but unfortunately doesn't change much from the legal standpoint. [The rescuers] would still be slaves. Until they are officially released, my hands are tied." Since his statement, the police commander has received a barrage of angry letters from Caldari citizens.

Steen Greimala, director of the Ducia Foundry rescue team, told reporters, "I'm excited about this opportunity to help our allies and am thankful that my company is willing to make compromises. We can take this opportunity to show the public how well we can work with our slaves and what can be accomplished under our system. I'll lose some valuable teammates when it's over, but it will be worth it."

Evvlynne Deermin, spokesperson for CBD Corporation, told reporters, "We feel this is an excellent compromise and would like to extend our gratitude to Aszhar Freimala and Ducia Foundry for their continuing efforts in this situation." The 176 trapped miners currently have less than two days of air remaining.

So the morality choices get tougher. Do you potentially sacrifice 16 people to save 176? But what if those people have no choice in the matter? Is it moral to force them if you offer them their freedom in return? Two important points. The first is: if you were freed beforehand, would you really risk your neck to make your former slave master look good? The second is more important: can you really trust a stinking Amarr slaveholder in the first place?

A Mining Accident in Annaro

The lore in Eve Online continues to be written by both CCP and the players themselves every day. Currently SCOPE, the largest NPC news agency in New Eden, is reporting on a mining accident in Annaro, a system controlled by the Caldari State. Eve Online is a dark, dangerous place and CCP seems to delight in making players face moral dilemmas, both in game play and in the backstory. I'll have to find the RSS feed for these stories, but for now let me get everyone caught up to date. But before I do, I think I need to give a description of the four factions in Eve Online for those of you who don't play the game.

The Caldari State - Founded on the tenets of patriotism and hard work that carried its ancestors through hardships on an inhospitable homeworld, the Caldari State is today a corporate dictatorship, led by rulers who are determined to see it return to the meritocratic ideals of old. Ruthless and efficient in the boardroom as well as on the battlefield, the Caldari are living emblems of strength, persistence, and dignity.

The Amarr Empire - The Amarrians rule a vast Empire, the largest and oldest of the four empires. Ruled by a mighty Empress, this vast theocratic society is supported by a broad foundation of Minmatar slave labor. Amarrian citizens tend to be highly educated and fervent individuals, and as a culture adheres to the basic tenet that what others call slavery is in fact one step on a spiritual path towards fully embracing their faith. As a result, the Empire remains the most stable and militarily powerful nation-state in New Eden, despite several setbacks in recent history.

The Minmatar - Of the four major races of New Eden, none has endured more turmoil than the Minmatar. Once a thriving tribal civilization, the Minmatar were enslaved by the Amarr Empire for more than 700 years until a massive rebellion freed most, but not all, of those held in servitude. Modeling their recovery after the Federation's success, the Minmatar Republic was born. But despite rising to prominence on the world stage, more than one third of the present-day population remains enslaved. The Minmatar people today are resilient, ingenious, and hard-working. Many of them believe that democracy, though serving them well at first, will never restore what was taken from them so long ago. Instead, they long for a government truly reflective of their tribal culture, and remain deeply attached to their enslaved kindred. They will forever resent the Amarrians, and yearn for the days before their accursed ships ever reached their home skies.

The Gallente Federation - Champions of liberty and fierce guardians of the human spirit, the Gallente Federation is the only true democracy in New Eden. Some of the most progressive leaders, scientists, and businessmen of the era have emerged from its diverse peoples. Pioneers of artificial intelligence, the Federation once relied almost entirely on drone fleets to defend its beliefs and borders. But the limitations of this technology and the lack of a human element—both in terms of a military strategy, and as a means of spreading influence— eventually reached a critical point. Today, Gallentean starships are manned by some of the bravest men and women of New Eden.

Here is the story so far...

Mining Accident in Annaro System Traps 200 Miners
reported by: ISD Threff Geldarran | 2009.12.29 17:51:24

Annaro -An asteroid in the Annaro system lost stability and collapsed on a team of nearly two hundred miners at a CBD Corporation mining facility. Thirty two miners are confirmed dead and the rest remain trapped below the surface. A dozen or more are reported to have serious injuries.

Evvlynne Deermin, spokesperson for CBD, explained the current situation in a press conference shortly after the accident. "We're holding out a lot of hope for the safe return of our miners. However, the situation is difficult. The asteroid is highly unstable, and the crew has limited oxygen."

Deermin would not comment when asked about the events leading up to the accident. One anonymous source near the scene claimed it started with a single misplaced explosive, causing a chain reaction of tunnel collapses in the hollowed-out asteroid. CBD Corporation is reported to be consulting urgently with their partner, Deep Core Mining.

Deep Core Mining 'Reluctant' to Commit Rescue Team, Ducia Foundry Offers Assistance

reported by: ISD Threff Geldarran | 2009.12.30 22:08:18

Annaro - Deep Core Mining has stated that it is reluctant to commit a rescue team to an asteroid in the Annaro system, where nearly 200 CBD Corporation miners remain trapped. According to reports, six of the asteroid's eight backup oxygen tanks were destroyed in the accident, and estimations by officials predict that the miners have a little less than six days of breathable air.

"While we feel deeply for the workers and their families," said a spokesman for Deep Core Mining's Astro-surveying division, "we are reluctant to send a team to the surface because of the extreme volatility of the asteroid. We're currently working with CBD to re-map the internals and weak points of the asteroid, and we have not found a way to drill to the trapped miners without causing a total collapse."

In an unusual development, a Ducia Foundry astro-surveying team has pledged assistance and believe they can extract the miners without any loss of life. However, a third of the Ducia team are slaves and have been denied access due to Caldari anti-slavery laws. Steen Greimala, director of the Amarr team, said, "We're here to help. Our team is highly skilled, but we understand the cultural differences and laws that make it difficult to accept our help. Our offer will remain open."

System police commander Garr Diymir told reporters, "The reason the Amarr team has offered a rescue plan is that the only people sent to the surface will be slaves. As much as we want to see the workers get out alive, we have no intention of allowing innocent people to be forcefully sacrificed. I'm confident that a Caldari organization will step forward with a legal solution soon."

CBD Corporation Under Pressure to Organize Legal Mine Rescue Operation
reported by: ISD Threff Geldarran | 2010.01.01 18:18:10

Annaro - CBD Corporation is under pressure to organize a legal rescue of trapped miners in the Annaro system. Numerous mining and surveying organizations have sent experts to analyze the situation, with only Amarr mining corporation Ducia Foundry offering a rescue team. However, this team is being refused access to the system because of its use of slaves.

Steen Greimala, director of the Ducia Foundry team, commented, "I would like to attempt this rescue because I see it as an opportunity for my team to use their skills to aid our Caldari friends. Our slaves, who we call the 'surface team,' are vital to our work and could not be replaced by simple volunteers "

Garr Diymir of the Annaro police said, "We've been in contact with the Ducia Foundry team leaders, but unfortunately they are not going to be able to help without violating Caldari law. Even if we make an exception, the asteroid is unstable and I'm told their rescue efforts could cause a further collapse and the death of both the miners and the rescuers."

Caldari law expert Dimm Margo explained, "Making an exception to the law in this case could set a dangerous precedent that would make it acceptable to break the law whenever we feel Caldari lives are in danger."

The miners remain in communication with the surface and have reported that three more workers have died in the last 24 hours from injuries sustained during the accident. The total number of stranded workers is now believed to be 176, with estimated air supplies at four days.

Debate Over Use of Slaves in Caldari Mine Rescue Continues
reported by: ISD Threff Geldarran | 2010.01.03 07:39:30

Annaro - Caldari law experts, police, and the families of buried miners continue to debate the possibility of allowing an Amarr team, many of whom are slaves, to attempt a rescue of almost two hundred miners at the collapsed CBD Corporation asteroid mine in the Annaro system.

In an interview today, Steen Greimala, director of the Ducia Foundry team, said, "At this point we've got all the data we're going to get about the situation. The longer we wait, the more difficult the extraction will be."

Amarrian Holder Aszhar Freimala, owner of a manufacturing firm and a customer of both CBD and Ducia Foundry, commented to reporters, "It's a shame that their distaste for one aspect of our culture would cause the Caldari to sacrifice their own people." Freimala is reported by sources at CBD Corporation to have been in private talks with CBD and members of Caldari law enforcement at CBD's Sell Division Retail Center in Annaro.

Several hundred family members of the trapped miners have organized a petition asking police to "look the other way," and are attempting to raise money to offer as payment to Ducia Foundry for the release of the slaves, despite the illegality of doing so. "I oppose slavery as much as any Caldari, but letting our children grow up without their fathers is not going to put an end to it," said a representative for the group. Time continues to run out for the trapped miners, with air supplies now estimated at three days.

In the interests of full disclosure, I have two Eve Online accounts and the main characters on both accounts are Minmatar, so I'm a bit partial to the Minmatar. I have an idea how this is going to turn out, but I'll be reading the news as I log in every day to find out if I'm right.