Backstage - OOC Forums
EVE-Online RP Discussion and Resources => EVE OOC Summit => Topic started by: Julianus Soter on 06 Jul 2011, 16:46
-
Full credit to CMDR Baxter:
[SYNE] Report on Activity in Hebisa System
From: Cmdr Baxter
Sent: 2011.07.06 22:14
To: FCORD,
// FOR OFFICIAL RELEASE //
From approximately 1940-2040 UTC, Sansha's Nation conducted unrestricted activities in the Hebisa system. This report is being issued in response to this incident and statements made by the senior Nation field commander, Slave Heavenbound02.
It is the SYNE official position that the Nation War of Resurgence has possibly escalated into a new phase, and the capability exists for a short-term "spike" in ship losses in combat situations. Of note, the last time such a spike occurred was in the 72 hours following the beginning of the war on 25.01.113YC.
1. Nation has possibly extended upgrades and modifications, previously confined to its second-generation ships, to first-gen vessels. An unconfirmed, single-source report, states that first-gen ships in Hebisa were observed switching targets in response to high damage output. However, first-gen ships were visually confirmed to be carrying and operating mixed-range weaponry, something previously confined to second-gen ships
>> http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd332/KwKiller/Eve%20Online%20Screenshots/20110706203221.jpg
>> http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd332/KwKiller/Eve%20Online%20Screenshots/20110706203526.jpg
2. Multiple sources confirm that Nation deployed a rarely-observed supercarrier in Hebisa, designated a "Nation" class vessel. While the hull configuration is similar to the previously-observed Kundalini Manifest-class supercarriers, this vessel has significantly-strengthened defenses (80% resists) and was operating both Dragonfly and Shadow bombers.
>> http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd332/KwKiller/Eve%20Online%20Screenshots/20110706202138.jpg
3. Multiple sources have confirmed that Slave Heavenbound02 stated, prior to deployment of the Nation-class supercarrier, that "[n]egotiations have ended. The Master is no longer accepting New Eden's surrender. We are coming for you, capsuleers." Reference attachment for further details.
4. Of note, and underscoring Slave Heavenbound02's statements, there are no reports of any sorties against planetary citizens in the Hebisa system. Hebisa is home to one temperate planet (P5) which was within range of dropships had they been deployed. The lack of sorties was confirmed by CONCORD Agent Haeldone Dorgiers, who was observed on the field in action alongside anti-Nation forces, for the first time in approximately six months.
>> http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd332/KwKiller/Eve%20Online%20Screenshots/20110706202101.jpg
Based on all points previously listed, SYNE believes that the Nation War of Resurgence has again escalated. It is our opinion that capsuleer forces should expect a return by Nation to no-warning large-scale, single- or multiple-system incursions, comparable in size to pre-January incursions, over the short-term timeframe. As capsuleers are likely being targeted now, increased casualties should be expected.
---------- ATTACHMENT AS FOLLOWS ----------
[ 2011.07.06 19:50:37 ] Haeldone Dorgiers > Local forces reporting zero dropship launches. Stay frosty, pilots. The baseliners may not be the target this time.
[ 2011.07.06 19:55:02 ] Slave Heavenbound02 > Negotiations have ended. The Master is no longer accepting New Eden's surrender.
[ 2011.07.06 19:55:19 ] Slave Heavenbound02 > We are coming for you, capsuleers.
[ 2011.07.06 20:04:13 ] Slave Heavenbound02 > Shall I bring the fight to you?
[ 2011.07.06 20:06:08 ] Slave Heavenbound02 > Interesting response considering your earlier boasting, don't you think?
[ 2011.07.06 20:11:36 ] Slave Heavenbound02 > Fleet withdrawing. Flagship emerging.
// NATION shows up
[ 2011.07.06 20:26:48 ] Slave Heavenbound02 > Is this all?
[ 2011.07.06 20:32:10 ] Haeldone Dorgiers > Pulling out, pilots. I'm being called back to Yulai. Keep on them.
[ 2011.07.06 20:46:51 ] Slave Heavenbound02 > I see now that this time of trials has greatly improved your tactics, New Eden.
[ 2011.07.06 20:48:17 ] Slave Heavenbound02 > And so we begin again, capsuleers...
[ 2011.07.06 20:49:01 ] Slave Heavenbound02 > Your performance here has been noted.
-
This thrills me.
-
2. Multiple sources confirm that Nation deployed a rarely-observed supercarrier in Hebisa, designated a "Nation" class vessel. While the hull configuration is similar to the previously-observed Kundalini Manifest-class supercarriers, this vessel has significantly-strengthened defenses (80% resists) and was operating both Dragonfly and Shadow bombers.
>> http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd332/KwKiller/Eve%20Online%20Screenshots/20110706202138.jpg
Finnaly! Somone with the guts and skillpoints to fly the Revenant! This is very exciting indeed.
-
I don't know how many Dragonflies I swatted out of the skies while playing with that Revenant. The whole thing got really boring really quickly though, when it degenerated into the usual Sansha BS blob. After Heavenbound left the field, I left too. To me, it's just a fantastic excuse never to do an incursion again, since Heavenbound confirmed they're no longer a threat to the planetbound, and thus no longer something she needs to protect her people against.
-
I spoke to Baxter (IC) after he sent that mail out; he wasn't around for some of the stuff leading up to the incident, namely that Slave 32152 was spotted logging in (yes, I know, major WTF at an event actor being visible logging in?!) earlier in the day around 17:30 EVE time, and reported by someone in SynePublic. I and that person both prodded locator agents while I jokingly tweeted (http://twitter.com/#!/MorwenLagann/status/88665801112031232) about it to Dropbear and TonyG:
I found Slave 32152 for you
From: <REDACTED>
Sent: 2011.07.06 17:38
The sleazebag is currently at 37S-KO VII - True Power Mining Outpost station in the 37S-KO system, XJ-0RG constellation of Stain region.
With regards,
<REDACTED>.
I told Wedge about it as soon as I saw it, and was afk when the live event started; it was only after that that there was time to speak with Baxter.
Note to self for future reference: next time that happens, start spamming the shit out of Live Events and other places. xD
-
supercarriers in high-sec ......when will CONCORD show a true original supercapital model :P its no fun using nyxes and other stuff.
-
Neat. Maybe they'll wrap it up!
-
I won't go so far as to say that CCP raised the bar with this (I've seen better Live Events before) but it does set the stage for ... something? One would hope so at any rate. I just hope it doesn't take another six months before we see the next event.
Edit: I forgot to mention that when I broke the news to SYNE about CCP altering the AI of the NPCs in the Live Events, I saw nothing but ten lines of choice swear words. :lol: Guess people don't like Sansha battleships swapping out crystals based on range?
-
2. Multiple sources confirm that Nation deployed a rarely-observed supercarrier in Hebisa, designated a "Nation" class vessel. While the hull configuration is similar to the previously-observed Kundalini Manifest-class supercarriers, this vessel has significantly-strengthened defenses (80% resists) and was operating both Dragonfly and Shadow bombers.
>> http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd332/KwKiller/Eve%20Online%20Screenshots/20110706202138.jpg
Finnaly! Somone with the guts and skillpoints to fly the Revenant! This is very exciting indeed.
Hate to burst your bubble, but the "someone" was a CCP actor playing Heavenbound02. Speaking of which I assume training up in "Polaris" (http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r67/S_Baxter2064/EVE/Nation%20Class%20Mothership/20110706204821.jpg) is a CCP thing for its employees?
-
Likely a cross between an extra safeguard between dev accounts and the playerbase and also a bit of grandstanding. :yar:
-
Live events are back. And as insipid as ever :(
-
Live events are back. And as insipid as ever :(
I have to say, I like the one I got approached for. It was a simple enough request, had potential for PvP lulz (but unfortunately no one took the bait), didn't take overly long and wasn't overly explained or scripted. Just a simple task (call for escort help, discreetly) , with a few lines exchanged between a few actors that gave away very interesting hints.
It was fun discussing it with other people who attended it afterwards, theorizing on what it could be all about and piecing together all the little tidbits to form a greater picture.
-
I missed the Hebisa/Zith incursions today (did get to literally play armchair CEO by virtue of talking to pilots flying in the fleets via AIM from my blackberry) but ... well it was interesting. In that hitting-your-head-on-a-brick-wall sort of way from what I gather. Too many NPCs, not enough DPS. :bash:
Anyone else get the feeling this is going to be a repeat of the earlier Live Events, where no matter what we do the outcome is the same?
-
Anyone else get the feeling this is going to be a repeat of the earlier Live Events, where no matter what we do the outcome is the same?
At the current stage of live events, there's an emerging structure that I can see that all future live events will seem to follow.
CCP, whether by intent or lack of resources, is not focusing on Live Events that are small in their impact. Small live events as I describe them are events that open and close storylines in small and confined areas. The Zainou defector/traitor that recently made the news would seem to be a 'small event', but due to the over all implications of that character's part in the Sleeper Storyline, it is most likely a major event incognito. As a counter example, a Covenant commander raiding a constellation in typical fashion and is killed is a pretty open / shut case. If, later down the road, it shows that that Commander was actually a vanguard for some bigger op, then it is was not a small live event.
As I've observed from the Sansha Loyalist side of things, nearly all (if not all) events have occurred at a big scale - Galactic game changing affairs. With rumors and foreshadowing of other events occurring now reaching me involving the Sleeper Storyline, I can only presume that these events will have the same galactic game impact that the Sansha storyline has. Thus, the live event team's mission, for all purposes that I can see, is to introduce a gateway for players to affect EVE's macro story rather than micro stories. I presume this to be in line with CCP's philosophy, as player based run and operated micro stories is one of the big things they like to leave to itself.
The issue that ultimately bothers people involved with the live events, I think, is how much railroading CCP will do in order to insure their business goals are met. I do not know if the live events returned in order to grant player involvement, and were later hijacked by business executives for a new profit vector, or if the intent from the beginning was to progress the storyline to match their expansions. In either case, if the live events system is ultimately tied to the business affairs of CCP, then there is a certain finality to what will happen to every storyline.
If the mysteries of W-Space and the Sleeper storyline are unfolded in order to meet the upcoming release of DUST, or an Apocrypha 2.0, then the macro story will follow that business decision. Players will be unable to stop the macro story from allowing the business decision to occur, and that insures a type of predestined 'win/lose' conditions, depending. As Cmdr Baxter alludes, the business decision to release Incursion insured the supremacy of the Nation and its absolute win condition.
There is an argument to be had that allowing players the ability to stop an expansion's deployment through participation in the story is asinine. I would agree with that, and there is an issue that occurs when story and expansion features are tied together. By weaving the Sansha storyline together with the upcoming Incursion system, it insured the absolute win condition for the Nation - because the storyline itself was a major feature of the expansion. No effort by players to halt the Sansha would stop Incursion from being realized. Similarly, if the business decision to market a new Big Bad occurs or a new type of flavor is wanted, an absolute loss condition is set for the Sansha.
Admittedly, perhaps I am not seeing this with the best perspective. I myself have no experience as a tabletop GM in the manner of managing storylines, and perhaps railroading is the only method CCP can do to insure it even works. I suppose, however, that is the price one has to pay for being involved in the live events. When you choose to be involved in the macrostory, you sacrifice most of your freedom of action to the needs of story authors.
tl;dr
To answer your question Baxter: It will be if they're tied to an expansion deadline (presumably DUST).
-
I heard that at Zith, the Nation commander ship and the 2 Kundalini Manifest npc ships and the entire rest of the npcs performing an event role, simply winked out of existence. One moment they were there, the next, PAF! gone.
Any witnesses to this? Kybernetes perhaps ?
-
I heard that at Zith, the Nation commander ship and the 2 Kundalini Manifest npc ships and the entire rest of the npcs performing an event role, simply winked out of existence. One moment they were there, the next, PAF! gone.
Any witnesses to this? Kybernetes perhaps ?
Excessive as the application of Incursion NPCs was, IMO, I didn't see any of the carriers beyond Tama01's own. Everything did, however, just vanish after a bit -- the battleships first, then the carrier a few seconds after.
-
First Nation learned to use EFT, now they've mastered the logofski ...
we're so screwed.
-
*Insightful stuffs*
tl;dr
To answer your question Baxter: It will be if they're tied to an expansion deadline (presumably DUST).
I think this was one of the more frustrating things about the live events leading up to Incursion – the almost palpable feeling that we were being railroaded. Not that it was any particular surprise, they had an expansion to release. This led to a lot of the /sip that Bacch has been railing against for months – as people noticed that /sip got a response from the actors, while actually shooting stuff didn’t seem to matter (Civilian losses going up despite the fact that we were getting better and better and wiping Sansha ships off the field).
Having been both player and DM in tabletop games, I can tell you that railroad is almost required with some people – we drove one of our DMs nuts with the ways that we screwed up his storyline. So to make sure things happen the way you want, railroading is inevitable. The question, then, is whether CCP will ever run a story that doesn’t already come with a fixed, predetermined end. This would permit the story to actually be pushed around by the player response.
I’m curious about the freighter that Miz escorted around the other day, and I’m more curious what would have happened if someone had actually taken a shot at that freighter. Would it matter to the story if it had been destroyed? Or would it have suddenly ceased taking damage like that one wyvern did in… whatever the lowsec system was where Ghost had that POS and CVA showed up to kill stuff, sansha and otherwise.
-
@ Ghost Hunter:
What have you seen from the loyalist side of things? Is there a set of documented PF coming out of the Sansha/Sleeper genre you could point me to please?
Regarding player driven macro storylines, I doubt this could work well at the corporate level, unless CCP's creative teams pre-scoped a range of outcomes - not a specific destiny mind you - that would fit with the asset development already in-place or invested. I imagine they would not want to spend x funds on DUST/EVE assets without knowing they would somehow be put to use (ROI). So, as long as someone who is directing the thing is inventive enough to spin the story according to what the players do within the same set of actors and assets (so as not to 'waste' the investment), it is theoretically possible to have a win-win scenario.
Although, I cannot say that I am optimistic. Rather, I imagine that CCP is setting up Sansha's Nation to be the black-and-white 'badguys' who's motivation is now just to 'get the capsuleers' rather than an interpretive and dynamic motivation such as 'rule the world', with the potential to involve twisting subplots.
Edit: response to Victoria's near simultaneous post.
In response to your last thought, it may be an indication of where CCP wants to take the storyline that they have set the Nation mechanic to 'blob' for now, so that there are no derailing non-Nation victories to put them off their track.
-
When considering the event yesterday, one thing that must be considered is that CCP was deliberately going for the "Oh, shit, we're screwed - can't fight that" feeling in the event - hence the blobtastic incursion NPCs. I wouldn't realistically expect them to reappear at every single live event going on, though a reappearance at future Nation events wouldn't surprise me.
The biggest questions for me remain,
1, when will we see some measure of PvP possibility in the events (Sansha events were a bit gimped due to NPCs shooting loyalists, etc...), and
2, how will CCP respond if someone throws an unexpected wrench in their works? As Victoria said, what would have happened if the freighter had been shot at, or destroyed? For that matter, what if someone had destroyed it, held the field, and made off with the contents (possibly including the good doctor)? I somehow doubt "Doctor attempts defection, is kidnapped by random capsuleer pirates, held indefinitely" was the angle they were going for...
-
@ Ghost Hunter:
What have you seen from the loyalist side of things? Is there a set of documented PF coming out of the Sansha/Sleeper genre you could point me to please?
@Stecker:
That would be Antem.
@Bureeiku:
What do you mean in specific for what I have seen? In regards to any PF, Incursion was the biggest dump of info.
@Esna:
In regards to pvp possibility, I still do not have a good idea if they will. Pure loyalists to the Nation are very small in number, most of the people who interfere with the coalition members are just random pirates or pvpers who show up for pewpew. In this light, enabling loyalists to the Nation to fight in high sec would be more of a waste of resources than anything. It would, however, offer a sign up incentive for pvpers - since free pvp in highsec is a wet dream to some.