Getting to know your surroundings is crucial after a move!

Having recently moved about 30 jumps from Heimatar to the Tash-Murkon region, I'm now settling in to my new home base system of Pimebeka. It's where Phoenix Labs has made it's HQ, though we're still listed as being based out of Khanid Prime. A system and region I'm much more familiar with. Stuck between DOMAIN, KADOR and KHANID, TASH-MURKON is a region I've never really gotten to know, despite my 7 years of EVE. Getting my bearings quickly will be crucial.

That's something I always like to do when I establish myself in a new area of New Eden which I'm not familiar with. And whether you use the EVE Strategic Map like me, or @Wollari's DOTLAN EveMaps (which I also use by the way), learning all you can about the systems, belts, stations and surroundings is essential to safely navigating space.

I haven't had the time or opportunity to join any corp events since moving back to PPL, but I have taken a few trips beyond Pimebeka, learning various routes and getting to know a few agents. Hopefully, I'll get to know the neighborhood well rather quickly.

What about you? Have you moved around a lot, or have you stayed within the same region within New Eden?

EVE Blog Banter #14: A beginning is a very delicate time...

Welcome to the fourteenth installment of the EVE Blog Banter, the monthly EVE Online blogging extravaganza created by none other than me, CrazyKinux. The EVE Blog Banter involves an enthusiastic group of gaming bloggers, a common topic within the realm of EVE Online, and a week to post articles pertaining to the said topic. The resulting articles can either be short or quite extensive, either funny or dead serious, but are always a great fun to read! Any questions about the EVE Blog Banter should be directed to crazykinux@gmail.com. Check out other EVE Blog Banter articles at the bottom of this post!

The first banter of 2010 comes to us from the EVE Blog Father, in which I ask the following: As we begin another year in New Eden, ask yourselves "What Now?" What will I attempt next? What haven't I done so far in EVE? Was it out fear, funds, or knowledge? Have I always wanted to start my own corporation, but have never dared doing so? Is there a fledging mercenary waiting to come out of its shell? Or maybe an Industrialist? What steps and objectives will I set myself to accomplish in order to reach my ultimate goal for this year? EVE is what you make of it. So, what is it going to be for you?

Beginning anew. Well sort of. You see, 2009 wasn't the best of year for my career as a capsuleer. Not that I did not a lack of motivation or a will to try out new things. But circumstances outside of New Eden forced me to put aside most if not all of these goals and for the better part of the year I, for lack of a better word, stagnated. Literally.

I feel out of touch with the game. That might sound funny to some of you, but it's a fact I've had to come to grips with. I'm like one of these ol'war vets who due to some traumatic event, have lost all acquired abilities. Or maybe I'm just outdated, following the last few expansions.

But 2010 will see this situation change. If I may remind you of a post I made back in May of last year, this fellow capsuleer is going to start living in the shadows. As a carebear, I spend most of my time trying to avoid conflicts and dreading that sound you here when your ship is being acquired as a target. No more. This stops today!

So, I've finally completed the Phoenix Labs minimum skill prerequisites and can now start to train the necessary skills to become the Covert Operative that is hiding somewhere under the thick blubberry fur of this carebear.

Now having such a goal is fine and dandy, but I'll need to discuss my role within PPL and see how the Executives have in mind for me. Remember, "Corp is Mother!".

I plan to report over the next few weeks and throughout the next year, my progress, my achievements and my failures in the process.

Please bare with me!

List of Participants:

1. CrazyKinux's Musing - A beginning is a very delicate time...
2. The Wandering Druid of Tranquility - Words, words, words…
3. My God It's Full of Stars - What Now?
4. The Elitist - Plans for 112yc
5. Into the unknown with gun and camera - Show me the money
6. Ecliptic Rift - Enabling the future
7. Inanity and Doom - New Year's Resolutions, New Eden Style
8. Break Vol - Blog Banter #14
9. Guns Ablaze - What Now?
10. Adventures in Mission Running - The Way Forward
11. Diary of a Pod Pilot - Things I want to do
12. Inner Sanctum of the Ninveah - The Year That Will Be
13. Roc's Ramblings - WordPress ate my blog
14. Vive Virtual - Frontier Living
15. A Mule in EVE - Next on the chopping block
16. Prano's Journey - I Peer Into My Crystal Pod...
17. Life in Low Sec - Expanding the Franchise
18. The Light of Stars - Testing the claims of CCP
19. A Memoir From Space - A New Direction
20. The Chronofile - Blog Banter 2010
21. FlashFresh - What now for Flash?
22. EVE Opportunist - Fyreite in 112
23. Mike Azariah - Jiorj
24. Yarrbear Tales - Year in Review
25. The Independant Analyst - The Year Ahead
26. The Travels of Black Claw - Where ma I going?
27. Warp Scrammed - What to do this year
28. Sered's Lives - Searching for directions in 2010
29. Finders & Keepers - New Tears, Same Great Taste
30. The Captain's Log - To Dream of the Future
31. The Lathspell of Mithrandir - Resolutions
32. The Midnight Sun - EVE Blog Banter #14
33. EVE What? - New Heights to be Reached
34. The EVE Chronicles - New Year – New Blog – What a way to start the Year!

[ Delicious Tags: eveblogbanter14 ]

Phoenix Labs: The Few, The Proud, The Industrialists with teeth!

I've been a member of Phoenix Propulsion Labs for most of my EVE career. I've written in the past how important it is to quickly join the right corporation in EVE in order to enjoy the game to its full potential. Let's face it, EVE is an MMOG, a real Massively Multiplayer Online Game, one where the social element of these game is most prominent. Not that you can't play the game solo, but it's a no easy task, and doesn't provide the support a good corp will.

In my case, that corporation is Phoenix Labs. Shortly after joining the corp, I had a chance to meet these fine folks in person during the EVE Gathering in Vegas in mid-2006. Recently, I interviewed our Human Resources Officer, Isuridae, and gave him the chance to showcase this amazing corp I'm proud to be of! The interview is below.

What is Phoenix Propulsion Labs (PPL)?

PPL is primarily an industrial corp but we are trying to become more balanced in areas of PVP. We have a saying to that regard, “Industrialists with teeth.”

What sort of industry does PPL perform?

PPL is engaged heavily in T2 and T3 manufacturing of items ranging from rigs and modules to starships and drones. We also manage a good deal of capital ship production.

How Is PPL structured?

That’s a good question, I am glad you asked. PPL is a socialistic corp in that the means of production and distribution of goods is owned by the corp. All assets belong to the corp. And our Tax rate is 99%. We have a military rank system with promotions based on merit.

That sounds very restrictive for pilots, how do they make money?

The corps provides its pilots with anything they require, thus the burden of constantly grinding for ISK is relieved. Pilots are then free to pursue the activities they enjoy, rather than wasting their energies. All we ask of our pilots is that they maintain a good level of activity, and participate in corp operations when required.

Is PPL part of an alliance?

At present no, though we do see an eventual return to a 0.0 based alliance. It is our hope that with the Dominion expansion, the alliances will begin to see the worth of a dedicated industrial corp. This corp, working with a couple others in what was then FIX alliance, is responsible for the construction of most of the outposts in the Querious region. 3-FCK, I1Y, and 49U to name a few.

Why would a capsuleer join PPL?

PPL is very much a family of mature pilots that value the principles of teamwork, honor, integrity, and commitment. If you are looking for an experience greater than just being out for yourself, wish to be part of a cohesive team working towards a common goal. And want to have fun doing it. PPL may be the corp for you.

What are PPL’s goals?

First and foremost to provide our pilots with a fun and rewarding experience and secondly to be recognized as the preeminent industrial corp in EVE.

Applications can be submitted on our corporate website. I review the applications and then contact you in-game for an interview.

Moving back to Khanid Kingdom to reunite with PPL

So over the last three nights I've been going back and forth between Inaro system and Khanid Prime, which is where the Phoenix Labs head-quarters is. I had to move several ships and items, all of which took a few hours.

The screenshots above & below were taken during this assignment. Over the next few days, I'll be reporting on our activities as we get ready to impact the manufacturing industry. Enjoy!




Fly safe!

Once a corp mate, always a corp mate!

So what makes an MMO so special. What makes you log in every night day in and day out? The people you play with that is. Brent from VirginWorlds.com hinted at the idea, and I have to agree. Yes the game you're playing has a lot to do with it, but in the end, the friends you play with have more to do with it.

Earlier tonight Isuridae, second in command at Phoenix Propulsion Labs contacted me to know if I was interested in returning to the corp. Well, well now. What to do?

After a bit of chatting, I learned that PPL was moving back to Empire space. I then inquired if there was the possibility of becoming the Trades Director. I was told that the corp was open. Interesting. After a few minutes of private chat with Isuridae, I had convinced myself that this was the best outcome for me. I was to return amongst friends. And that's exactly what I did.

After 18 jumps, I had applied and been accepted. I had access back to the PPL forums and members area.

I was home. Amongst friends.

Change is in the air...

Since I've been back from Amsterdam, I've barely played EVE, except to set a new skill. At first I wondered why. Why, even though I longed to play the game while away, did I not find interest now that I had the time.

And then it struck me. Boredom. Since my return to Phoenix Labs, I've seen the corp crumble to a mere shadow of itself. Over the last few weeks, every time I've logged in, I was either alone, or with other corp mates who were afk. And with FIX in constant wars left and right, that left me stuck in various systems, with little to do. Now we did try to get things going again, but it's been happening at a crawl.

It was time for me to come to a decision. Stick around some more, or cut the chase, grab my things and head out there to make a name for myself. Ok, that may be too theatrical, but you get the picture.

I've mentioned in the past my desire to start up a mercantile operation - a trading corporation that would navigate through empire space and lowsec, and reap the riches doing so. Well I think this time has come. I'm thinking of dusting off the old chart of the corporation I had founded way back when, and start trading in goods again. I'll need to reread the trading articles in those 3 EON issues; sell some of the stuff I've got lying in Querious and head over back to Gallente space to establish the new corp.

Any way that's the plan.

Having said that, I should now return to my regular posting schedule for the next few weeks.

So stay tuned!

Phoenix Labs looking for new members

My corporation, Phoenix Propulsion Laboratories, is currently recruiting. When I rejoined PPL a few weeks back, I had some very good reasons for doing so. Phoenix Propulsion Labs is a small giant, that is, we're not a big corp by any means, but because of our mode of operation we have a much bigger footprint. And how do you do that you might ask, simple, you give everything back to the corp.

Because of this military communistic approach to corporate structure, PPL has several POS, operates in zero sec space as part of the FIX Alliance. We are a manufacturing corp which was listed as one of the top 10 industrial corps in EVE. By providing the corp with all your loot and isks, you get ships, ammunition, drones, skill books and much more. It's a win-win situation.

The support operations we have are also quite impressive. In addition to a well put together web site and active forum, we have a Member Section where a pilot can manage his skills training with defined paths to specific skill sets (see this post on becoming a Gallente battleship commander). This is where pilots request new ships, new clone contracts, new skills and all the benefits of belonging to PPL.

And as with any corp in EVE, we go through cycles. Our ranks rise-up, we pick-up momentum, and then they fall. Currently were operating with a much smaller crew than what we'd like, and what we can afford to, given the size of our assets. So that's where the recruiting, and you come in.

If you're looking for a dedicated bunch of pilots, opportunities for advancement to leadership positions, we have a wide range of positions available: manufacture, research, sales, starbase maintenance officer, exploration, invention,capital ship pilot, mission runner, mining and transport. We operate in 0.0 space and still require access to Empire for trade purposes.

We currently have members from most North American time zones, and one mate in Australia (that's you Sapater). European pilots are also welcome of course, though we currently only have one player I believe.

So if you're interested in joining us, come and chat with us on the SHOP@PPL channel, then head over and apply!

Hope to see you soon in corp channel!

Moving back to Khanid space to rejoin Phoenix Labs

Well, my stay in Gallente Federation was only brief. After a few weeks away, I recently got back in touch with a few corp mates from Phoenix Labs and decided to head back to low sec space and rejoin them in their manufacturing operation. Even though I had just joined their ranks recently, I left TAKAGI Corp on very good terms and look forward to staying in touch with them.

I traveled back to Badivefi a few days ago, and I'm giving myself a few days to get back into the beat, before going back to Grinacanne one last time to get a few items and my trusty old Vexor. Then it'll be back to normal, doing CAP for various PPL mining ops in 0.0 sec system. Just the way we like them!

Taken while flying back to Badivefi, in my Myrmidon.

Saying goodbye to Khanid and getting back home

As you read this, I'm on my way back to Gallente Federation space. Though I have not officially left Phoenix Propulsion Labs, I've cleaned out my hangars, sold what I need and could and packed what I could. On my way back out for a last trip, just as I was leaving the station in Badivefi I got podded by a gang of 6 pilots from PURE Legion, who were sitting there and not only lost a Dominix, but its full cargo! They'll pay one day, you can mark my words. Oh they'll pay.

I just hate waking up in a new clone. It's just so awkward and disorienting to wake-up in those clone labs. But ehm who am I kidding, I'd rather feel nauseated then be dead. I just never got used to it.

So I bought a shuttle and undocked. I was going to see if these PURE suckers were fast enough on the trigger. As my shuttle exited the station, I hit the engines full speed and as soon as I was clear I engaged the auto-pilot. They never had a chance to target me! But when I got at the gate, a little Pure party was waiting to say goodbye. This time they locked on me, and started bombarding me hard. Not hard enough though. And by the time I jumped, I had only lost shields and half my armor. These bozos couldn't even get a shuttle for crying out loud. "Les pourris!!" as grandpa used to say.

So now, I've got about twenty-something jumps left to get to Grinacanne, on the edge of the Federation. Dad's gonna be happy to see me! I've already dropped my Vexor and all that it could carry. So I just have to get myself there in one piece.

Khanid was fun, and PPL was a great place to work. But home is home, and you can't take the Gallente out of this girl. See you on the other side!

Am loving it still, after all this time

So I'm back in EVE, playing on a more regular basis since the birth of my daughter, Florence. And I have to say, I don't know why exactly, can't really pinpoint it, but this game is still addictive, still fun and still challenging.


The guys from PPL are a great bunch and I consider myself privileged to by flying with them. We're currently ice mining in QXQ, a system within the Firmus Ixion sovereignty.

Back after a short break

I took a 3 weeks break from EVE and from gaming in general. I was on vacation the last week of June, and then with the heat wave we got the first week of July it was too hot to play. But with the wall-mounted A/C unit that got installed last Thursday, I'm back in business.

Played a lot over the week-end, doing missions in and around Badivefi. Which is what I plan on doing once we've completed some mining ops after the 12th.

So more updates coming in the next few days. I want to rap up the current survey, update you on my current skill path (going Drone crazy), my promotion to Ensign within Phoenix Propulsion Labs the upcoming 4th issue of EON (which I should get this week), and other goodies.

Until then, fly safe and enjoy the summer!

EVE Online: Mining the Khanid Kingdom

This week-end we received orders from command that we needed to do some mining to get our ore supplies a bit higher. So the for the last 3 evenings I've been mining with some of my corp mates (Malindah, Padyn and Paladyn). I was the one hauling the ore, with the help of Malindah.

In this screenshot above, Paladyn was flying CAP (Combat Air Patrol) in a Brutix while I was hauling the remaining containers.
It was a change of pace from the agent missions we had been running the last 2 weeks in order to increase our standings with the Royal Khanid Navy and the Khanid Kingdom.

I tried to get my Teamspeak to work, but without a headset it isn't worth much. Guess I'll have to get me one!

Brother Benthor - EVE - Design Page

I came across this fellows site yesterday and was impressed with the quantity, quality and funny signature he's listed. There's a lot of them and it'll take a while to all load. Worth the wait though. Check it out at "Brother Benthor - EVE - Design Page".

Speaking of sigs. Since I've joined Phoenix Propulsion Laboratories, I've had to change signature. So, here's my signature when I was in Coreli and part of the Cyrenne Initiative:


And here's my new signature as part PPL, until I'm deemed worthy enough to be promoted to midshipman.

I especially enjoy the toothbrushes!

If I find my old Coreli signature, I'll add it here.

EVE Online: on my way to a new home

Heading out towards Hokara in my Vexor.
Originally uploaded by crazykinux.

Last night, after closing up Combined Mercantile Holdings and emptying its hangars and accounts, I packed a few belongings and headed to Horaka to report for duty.

This was the longest voyage I had ever taken; a total of 46 jumps.

After leaving Vlillirier I headed to Covryn where the majority of my assets were. There, I resigned as CEO of CMHI, after emptiyng the corporate hangars. I then switched to my faithful Vexor, slapped on a combat set up, packed my mining gear and headed back out.

My next stop was Aulbres, where I picked up a Mining Barge skill and a few other trinkets. Then I was off to a 30 jumps itinerary in order to get to Horaka. After about 20 jumps, I got to Du Annes, which was as far as I had ever been (in that region). All that lay before my eyes was new territory to me.

Upon my arrival in Horaka, I headed to our offices, docked and reported for duty.

Now, I've left most of my gear, ships and other assets back in and around Covryn, so sooner or later I'm bound to go back. But for now, I'm happy exploring new systems and doing my job as a member of Phoenix Propulsion Laboratories. "Cadet Treenara Mazouk, reporting for duty sir!"

Bring it on!

EVE Online: Phoenix Propulsion Labs, my new home

As you know, I recently left Coreli Core and started Combined Mercantile Holdings while I expanded my trading network, skills and abilities. But EVE is a very social beast and is made to enjoy as such. So while I was having fun trading in industrial goods - and making very impressive profit I might add, I was still looking to join a well established corporation. About a week ago, my long search ended. While reading E:ON #2, I cam across an add from Phoenix Propulsion Labs Corporation and after going through their website from top to bottom, I knew this was the one.

So after meeting some of its members over on their public channel, SHOP@PPL, I decide to apply and completed an application. The next day I received an email requesting my presence for an interview. After agreeing upon a time, I prepared myself by learning as much as I could about PPL.

Earlier today, I completed a 2 and a half hours interview with the head of HR, Gilgamoth. Let me tell you that this was one of the most professional and complete interview I have ever done, virtual and RL. After the interview I was convinced I wanted to be part of PPL, and sure enough, I was accepted.

Now I have a bunch of chores to do, a lot of material to go through. Now, the fun begins...