Now this, this is power. Grace, speed and monumental alpha. Or, if you prefer, the ability to bombard pilots with short range ammunition from fifty plus kilometres. You can configure this ship so many different ways, as with many Minmatar based boats. It is a testament to the engineers who devised it.
Yeah, I've got another faction pirate battleship. The Machariel.
There aren't many ships that you can configure in such a variety of uses, and still maintain viable combat potential.
In essence, I am using the ship as a larger Vagabond, it can't reach the same speeds albeit, but in comparison to similar tonnage vessels it excels. Capable of running at over 2.4km/s, aligning like a cruiser and spitting out 800 plus turret DPS with amazing tracking with the ability to pick your damage type, it really does blow you away a little bit. If you couple this with the price of blueprints at the moment, it means you can quite happily get the hull for as little as 650 million ISK. It then doesn't take much to equip fully, even if you sprinkle it with faction modules.
Although it is fundamentally a fairly flimsy ship, it is by no means weak, like its smaller cousin, the vagabond, it excels at hit and run, but it has more than enough hit points to take down battleship class vessels before it needs to disappear. Even if it is only to reappear, moments later.
It is possible and viable to run an armour based configuration on the ship, it is, in essence, the perfect gang ship, enough low slots to mount a full armour complement, enough mid slots to encompass all the necessary electronic warfare paraphernalia and support modules and a full rack of guns complete with remote armour suite. Yet it seems almost a crime to constrict the ship in this way. It is like taking a bird of prey and clipping its wings. It is still capable of being dangerous, but in a more limited fashion. It is a ship designed to soar free, on the wings of angels.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Bloodletting
I really should stop spending ISK. It doesn't bode well when I have 79 million ISK left in my wallet, despite the number of ships I have, even if I am owed 250 million. But it has been a long time since I spent anything near 2 billion ISK on a ship and fittings. The only ship that has cost me that much was my first Proteus class Strategic Cruiser, at 2.1 billion for the hull, that was expensive, but then again, in The United, I could afford such baubles.
The reason I have spent so much on one individual ship, not even a capital vessel, doesn't really make much sense. I sold the Vindicator "Rogue Process" after reviewing its combat performance. Having tested it against another Vindicator, I found that the configuration wasn't to my liking, it was impressive, but I didn't like flying it that way. So I swapped it for a Bhaalgorn.
It is not the first time I have flown a Blood Raider vessel, I have previously flown a Cruor, a nasty little ship in its own right, but recent changes have made it less than desirable to fly, for myself at least.
But the Bhaalgorn is something else entirely, whilst the entire Serpentis line all function fairly similarly, the Blood Raider line needs the slot layout of a battleship to reach its full potential. The cruiser and frigate class are nice but having the ability to equip a full complement of energy destabilizers, turrets and backing these up with an impressive armour suite combined with the long range stasis webifiers means that it becomes a behemoth. Shame the price tag means that taking it out solo will just turn it into a massive target.
The reason I have spent so much on one individual ship, not even a capital vessel, doesn't really make much sense. I sold the Vindicator "Rogue Process" after reviewing its combat performance. Having tested it against another Vindicator, I found that the configuration wasn't to my liking, it was impressive, but I didn't like flying it that way. So I swapped it for a Bhaalgorn.
It is not the first time I have flown a Blood Raider vessel, I have previously flown a Cruor, a nasty little ship in its own right, but recent changes have made it less than desirable to fly, for myself at least.
But the Bhaalgorn is something else entirely, whilst the entire Serpentis line all function fairly similarly, the Blood Raider line needs the slot layout of a battleship to reach its full potential. The cruiser and frigate class are nice but having the ability to equip a full complement of energy destabilizers, turrets and backing these up with an impressive armour suite combined with the long range stasis webifiers means that it becomes a behemoth. Shame the price tag means that taking it out solo will just turn it into a massive target.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Let slip the dogs of . . .
WAR! We started it, and we're so gunna finish it. We've declared war on Razor and Wildly Inappropriate. They have numerous Titans, a huge capital fleet and the numbers to crush us with impunity. So we're gunna do what we do best, be utterly infuriating.
They might catch one of us from time to time with blobs rolling through, sure, that's inevitable, but we can fly whatever we want against them, we can use drones, and they no longer have the advantage of sentry fire. That's how you even the score, by playing to their weaknesses, we have many strengths we can play to, but they can mass larger numbers, so hit and run, get in and out, enjoy flying the smaller things for a change, it's rare we actually take anything out smaller than a battlecruiser, or without the resistances of a Tech 2 cruiser. If we play to their weaknesses we can run rings around them for minimal losses.
It doesn't sound like much of a difference, playing to their weaknesses as opposed our strengths, but in the eyes of a pirate, it makes all the difference.
At least that's the theory, we'll see how it is in action. Some of our guys are that used to flying the larger ships that they make simple mistakes flying the smaller things. It's a learning curve, but then, what is this universe if not a learning curve. IF we aren't learning we aren't improving our knowledge, and no-one can know everything.
This was brought home to my very recently when I persuaded one of my associates to partake in the dubious art of blowing up NPCs in return for ISK and specialist items in high-security space. The basics are easy, equip a ship with the ability to tank a large amount of DPS for anything upto and beyond 30 minutes without running out of capacitor, whilst laying down enough firepower to destroy the ships whaling on you. The subleties however are far harder to grasp.
I'd like to say my knowledge of PvP has allowed me a deeper understanding than a pilot who has come newly to the idea, but in reality it doesn't help as much as I thought. I can equip ships to tank insane amounts of damage, but then they lack the damage to quickly remove the aggressors. In reverse, it is relatively easy to upgrade the damage potential of a ship using certain modules, or to upgrade the ship as a whole and use heavier weapons systems. Maybe it is because I see myself as a veteran now that I dislike being unable to tank a handful of ships. However, there is only one mission to date that I have had to cancel, so maybe I am doing something right. I was told afterward that very few pilots are able to tank the mission solo, and it requires a large investment of ISK in the form of specialiased ships and faction modules, so maybe I am being to harsh on myself.
They might catch one of us from time to time with blobs rolling through, sure, that's inevitable, but we can fly whatever we want against them, we can use drones, and they no longer have the advantage of sentry fire. That's how you even the score, by playing to their weaknesses, we have many strengths we can play to, but they can mass larger numbers, so hit and run, get in and out, enjoy flying the smaller things for a change, it's rare we actually take anything out smaller than a battlecruiser, or without the resistances of a Tech 2 cruiser. If we play to their weaknesses we can run rings around them for minimal losses.
It doesn't sound like much of a difference, playing to their weaknesses as opposed our strengths, but in the eyes of a pirate, it makes all the difference.
At least that's the theory, we'll see how it is in action. Some of our guys are that used to flying the larger ships that they make simple mistakes flying the smaller things. It's a learning curve, but then, what is this universe if not a learning curve. IF we aren't learning we aren't improving our knowledge, and no-one can know everything.
This was brought home to my very recently when I persuaded one of my associates to partake in the dubious art of blowing up NPCs in return for ISK and specialist items in high-security space. The basics are easy, equip a ship with the ability to tank a large amount of DPS for anything upto and beyond 30 minutes without running out of capacitor, whilst laying down enough firepower to destroy the ships whaling on you. The subleties however are far harder to grasp.
I'd like to say my knowledge of PvP has allowed me a deeper understanding than a pilot who has come newly to the idea, but in reality it doesn't help as much as I thought. I can equip ships to tank insane amounts of damage, but then they lack the damage to quickly remove the aggressors. In reverse, it is relatively easy to upgrade the damage potential of a ship using certain modules, or to upgrade the ship as a whole and use heavier weapons systems. Maybe it is because I see myself as a veteran now that I dislike being unable to tank a handful of ships. However, there is only one mission to date that I have had to cancel, so maybe I am doing something right. I was told afterward that very few pilots are able to tank the mission solo, and it requires a large investment of ISK in the form of specialiased ships and faction modules, so maybe I am being to harsh on myself.
Vindication
As you can guess, once again I have a new toy. *she grins* In addition to the second nightmare gracing my hangar after I gave away the first one as a birthday present to an ex-CEO, I now have that pinnacle of Serpentis technology. Yes, I own a Vindicator class hybrid Gallente/Minmatar battleship. And it’s glorious.
From the colour of the hull to the additional turret slot, the increased webifier amount and the additional damage available to you, it is a ship built solely for one purpose. To kick the proverbial crap out of any other similar sized vessel.
There has however, been some debate as to the configuration of the vessel. Amongst the members of my corporation there had been a divide as to whether is it more beneficial to fit dual large armour repairers and the accompanying guns, or to roll with full gank potential and look to your wingmates for support in making your armour go the wrong way. I am still undecided despite my ship being configured for the former due it having a Tech 2 rig upon the date of sale. It was a steal though, it has to be said. 1.1 Billion ISK liquid, some faction assets and a couple of blueprints for some carriers. In total 1.2 Billion ISK, which I thought was very fair considering the current prices of the Vindicator base hull. What makes it even sweeter is the fact I got it from a ship dealer who are typically notorious for running the prices high.
In all honesty I probably wouldn’t have bought the ship if we weren’t due for a faction battleship roam. *she sniggers* It should be funny, none of us are expecting to survive, and seeing as how we have probably close to 15 Billion ISK rolling out, it should be funny. I have already said if my ship survives the roam I will suicide it, most likely into some active system where I can ensured of dieing horribly. If Tama or Amamake don’t work I will jump into Jita, that should be good fun.
From the colour of the hull to the additional turret slot, the increased webifier amount and the additional damage available to you, it is a ship built solely for one purpose. To kick the proverbial crap out of any other similar sized vessel.
There has however, been some debate as to the configuration of the vessel. Amongst the members of my corporation there had been a divide as to whether is it more beneficial to fit dual large armour repairers and the accompanying guns, or to roll with full gank potential and look to your wingmates for support in making your armour go the wrong way. I am still undecided despite my ship being configured for the former due it having a Tech 2 rig upon the date of sale. It was a steal though, it has to be said. 1.1 Billion ISK liquid, some faction assets and a couple of blueprints for some carriers. In total 1.2 Billion ISK, which I thought was very fair considering the current prices of the Vindicator base hull. What makes it even sweeter is the fact I got it from a ship dealer who are typically notorious for running the prices high.
In all honesty I probably wouldn’t have bought the ship if we weren’t due for a faction battleship roam. *she sniggers* It should be funny, none of us are expecting to survive, and seeing as how we have probably close to 15 Billion ISK rolling out, it should be funny. I have already said if my ship survives the roam I will suicide it, most likely into some active system where I can ensured of dieing horribly. If Tama or Amamake don’t work I will jump into Jita, that should be good fun.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Fresh Grazing
New pastures, the old ones have been over used, and now cast aside like a dirty whore. We seek fresh meat . . .
. . . I think we have found it. She grins ferally.
This new area has all the hallmarks of virgin territory, an active gate, belt ratters and mission runners. The foolish mortals we stalk have no idea of the carnage and bloodshed about to be unleashed upon them. We are here to wreak a whirlwind of blood and slaughter, to drink deep of the well of innocence, and after the move, we're all so very thirsty.
Although the move was necessary, I am going to have to cut down on the number of Battleships at the very least, if not the other ships as well. Luckily I was able to rely on the capital support of our armada, but I know that if I choose to leave, I will be less fortunate. 10 Battleships is a minimum of 9 jumps, depending on the class of the Battleship, it was probably a good thing thing I only took 10 in the end, despite taking all the heavy cruisers as well.
In the next 3 weeks however, the number of Heavy and Recon cruisers will likely double, or possibly treble. I have begun training the last stage of Amarrian cruiser class vessels. This, combined with my prior knowledge of Gallentean equivalents will enable me to begin tailoring these ships to my needs. Then I'm going to raise hell.
. . . I think we have found it. She grins ferally.
This new area has all the hallmarks of virgin territory, an active gate, belt ratters and mission runners. The foolish mortals we stalk have no idea of the carnage and bloodshed about to be unleashed upon them. We are here to wreak a whirlwind of blood and slaughter, to drink deep of the well of innocence, and after the move, we're all so very thirsty.
Although the move was necessary, I am going to have to cut down on the number of Battleships at the very least, if not the other ships as well. Luckily I was able to rely on the capital support of our armada, but I know that if I choose to leave, I will be less fortunate. 10 Battleships is a minimum of 9 jumps, depending on the class of the Battleship, it was probably a good thing thing I only took 10 in the end, despite taking all the heavy cruisers as well.
In the next 3 weeks however, the number of Heavy and Recon cruisers will likely double, or possibly treble. I have begun training the last stage of Amarrian cruiser class vessels. This, combined with my prior knowledge of Gallentean equivalents will enable me to begin tailoring these ships to my needs. Then I'm going to raise hell.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Crusade
I'd forgotten.
The speed and power is fantastic . . .
Utterly merciless . . .
Interceptors . . . such fun. I've recently been flying the Crusader, the sleek gold and red hull is beautiful, particularly when the light backwash from the weapons systems reflects off of its sleek contours.
More importantly, it is not just a pretty toy, it is more than able to hold its own in combat, even against the vaunted anti-interceptor that I enjoy flying, the Taranis!
Having taken down a Taranis and Crow solo, and a Malediction as part of a gang, as well as various frigates, I have to say I'm almost ashamed I haven't been flying ships of this calibre more. Admittedly, it is nigh on impossible to work around stations and gates, which is why I have been working with the Harbinger so much, but even so, I shouldn't have neglected such a fun part of my arsenal, depsite said arsenal now growing to more than 50 hulls.
I owe my immersement in this fast-paced style of combat to my ex-colleagues in Ghost Festival, before I joined their ranks it was rare that I flew such ships, preferring to operate out of Tech 2 Cruisers or heavier equivalents. Lately I have only flown ships that are below 50 million ISK at the outset, the funny thing is, I haven't lost any to date, and I have destroyed many times their value. Maybe there is a mesage in that, but I shall choose to ignore it for the moment, I fly what I like and if it costs me more to do so, I shall happily pay the cost.
During a lull in the combat, enforced by the presence of the Gallente and Caldari Factional Warfare fleets completing synchronised jumps, lighting up the EVE map, I got a chance to speak to an ex-CEO, namely Bashar Hardin. It seems that the modules on my Crusader are far from standard, I've opted for a close range, high damage setup as opposed to long range, high speed favoured by many pilots. However, Bash said that he had two, and used both the high speed version and an interesting variation by Mortis Tyrathlion, a good friend of mine, utilising low damage guns and a heavy armour tank. I may have to try out both these versions in the simulator, and see how they compare.
Until then I shall continue to wreak havoc amongst the local capsuleers.
The speed and power is fantastic . . .
Utterly merciless . . .
Interceptors . . . such fun. I've recently been flying the Crusader, the sleek gold and red hull is beautiful, particularly when the light backwash from the weapons systems reflects off of its sleek contours.
More importantly, it is not just a pretty toy, it is more than able to hold its own in combat, even against the vaunted anti-interceptor that I enjoy flying, the Taranis!
Having taken down a Taranis and Crow solo, and a Malediction as part of a gang, as well as various frigates, I have to say I'm almost ashamed I haven't been flying ships of this calibre more. Admittedly, it is nigh on impossible to work around stations and gates, which is why I have been working with the Harbinger so much, but even so, I shouldn't have neglected such a fun part of my arsenal, depsite said arsenal now growing to more than 50 hulls.
I owe my immersement in this fast-paced style of combat to my ex-colleagues in Ghost Festival, before I joined their ranks it was rare that I flew such ships, preferring to operate out of Tech 2 Cruisers or heavier equivalents. Lately I have only flown ships that are below 50 million ISK at the outset, the funny thing is, I haven't lost any to date, and I have destroyed many times their value. Maybe there is a mesage in that, but I shall choose to ignore it for the moment, I fly what I like and if it costs me more to do so, I shall happily pay the cost.
During a lull in the combat, enforced by the presence of the Gallente and Caldari Factional Warfare fleets completing synchronised jumps, lighting up the EVE map, I got a chance to speak to an ex-CEO, namely Bashar Hardin. It seems that the modules on my Crusader are far from standard, I've opted for a close range, high damage setup as opposed to long range, high speed favoured by many pilots. However, Bash said that he had two, and used both the high speed version and an interesting variation by Mortis Tyrathlion, a good friend of mine, utilising low damage guns and a heavy armour tank. I may have to try out both these versions in the simulator, and see how they compare.
Until then I shall continue to wreak havoc amongst the local capsuleers.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Ascendance
I haven't recorded anything in a while, I felt maybe it was time. Several months have gone by and much has happened. The gap in my communiques was due to a variety of reasons which I don't feel are necessary to this record.
After a break down in communications I left Ghost Festival and contacted an old CEO who'd extended an invitation to me some time ago, suffice it to say he seemed more than happy to re-admit me to the ranks of Beyond Divinity Inc.
This is where I am now, roaming the spacelanes, destroying anything and everything in my path, free to act how I want to, not bound by petty restrictions and rules that denied me my true nature, that of a pirate. I am not trying to slander Ghost Festival by any means, as an idea, it is a worthy cause, and the ideals that the pilots adhere to are well-founded and have the ability to create a deadly adversary, however, the pilots, they are a different matter entirely. If they focussed less on internal point-scoring and more on honing their abilities they could become one of the top corporations in their area, but I digress.
Freed of the restrictions that Ghost Festival laid upon me I have been able to indulge my crueler side, creating a path of shattered wrecks and floating corpses. One of the advantages of joining an older corporation is the greater age and experience of the pilots, meaning that they have access to and fly a wide variety of vessels, ranging from Frigate and Destroyer hulls all the way through to mighty Battleship class vessels, and even beyond. It is nice to have the variety once more and pilots willing to fly alongside you in such ships.
Due to the new skillset I have trained recently I have been able to better understand much of the Amarrian technology and as such I have recently acquired a Harbinger class Amarrian Battlecruiser, and I have to say it is incredible. I have long wanted to fly Amarrian ships and after purchasing a few they have rapidly become primary vessels within my fleet. Their power and tacitacal flexibility is fantastic. One of the most enjoyable ships I own is a pirate hybrid cruiser. Colloquially known as a Phantasm, it is a blend of Caldari shield technology and Amarrian weapons systems. It combines beautifully to create a fearsome ship more than capable of engaging ships equal in size and exceeding its class. If Sansha was still alive and had the ability to create a Battlecruiser class equivalent I am sure I would never, or at the very least rarely, leave the vessel, such would be its power.
The other item that has vastly increased my enjoyment in flying with old allies is not only the constant fights we are in, as well as the re-established contact with old friends, but also the ability to converse freely with pilots should they seek to slander me or the corporation as a whole. Rather than maintaining a silence and seeming to accept the vicious, or in some cases pathetic, comments I have been able to return fire with barbs of my own. It is a shame that many pilots in this age are unable to correctly employ their brains and as such end up coming out with pathetically thought out statements that either don't make sense or are so ridiculous as to be laughable.
In closing, good times and good friends combined with a plethora of targets make for an excellent life.
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