Contemplations on a Podcast

First, as a disclaimer, this might not be the best day for this post, as it is totes not a joke.

As many of you know, I was once one of the hosts of The Drone Bay Podcast. I've tried to restart the show a couple of times, but it never took, mostly because my interest in the game waned again. That first burnout hit me hard, and trying to recapture my "glory days" with various corps just never panned out, as I know I've stated before.

Now, though, it's been a month since I've returned to the game (again), and I've started reconsidering my status as a community contributor. I've never been much of a blogger, except when the mood strikes, but I really do enjoy podcasting. The rub is that I just landed a job that gets pretty hectic in the summer time, and I live in Alaska TZ (1 hour west of PDT). That makes it hard to coordinate with peeps, and the busy nature of my summer will make it hard to edit. Still, neither of these is insurmountable.

That said, I am really feeling the itch again. It's been suggested that I talk to existing hosts and see about tagging along on an episode or two, but while I enjoy those shows, the format just isn't...the same if that makes sense. TDB was patterned a good deal after The Instance, and I really liked that style. Still, unless I find that niche again (I can't exactly teach the finer points of doctrines and such that I am still learning/relearning), it'll be tough.

So, I'm going to open it up to all eight of my readers. Is there room for a show like what TDB used to be? If I do make a new show, am I better off trying to resurrect the old name, or go with something new after a couple of false starts hanging over the old show? What about format? I don't know that I could do a solo show (too boring for me and you, frankly), so how many hosts are appropriate? I liked a lot about the three chair format, but it had its drawbacks, for sure. Basically if you have any thoughts concerning a new/rezzed podcast hosted by yours truly, please leave them here. This is an open call for help :P.

Cast the first stone...

Gaming news and the current media environment make strange bedfellows. There was a time when CCP was a sort of media darling, at least from my vantage point. Here was a plucky little Icelandic software company that bucked the trend of railroaded MMOs and gave its players a massive sandbox to play in. The T20 scandal quickly became the groundwork for the CSM, which got a bit of an eyebrow raise from the New York Times. Later that year, another article set a quite bemused tone about the sandbox with all the crazed inhabitants blasting away at one another's space pixels. In a market that was hiccuping, there was really only Blizzard's juggernaut, aging relics, a series of false-starts, and the plucky little sandbox.

Inside that sandbox in 2007, the T20 scandal was more than a news story, it helped kill one of EVE's own juggernauts. Even Hilmar saw what a scandal could do to an alliance once it reached the media. In the second NYT article he stated (emphasis mine), “What happened first and foremost was that the controversy created demoralization within BOB and a downward spiral because they started to doubt themselves and the legitimacy of their achievements. GoonSwarm’s P.R. campaign was effective in creating this impression, and a lot of people left BOB, I think, because of this idea. And kudos to GoonSwarm for having good P.R.”

Since that time, CCP has had its own share of rough days in the press. T20 began it, but Monoclegate (for which I was admittedly not subbed to the game), general vocal dissatisfaction, falling numbers and their coverage in the press, and the eventual restructuring and downsizing of the company all doubtless took their toll and frayed some psyches over Reykjavik way. Now, after what most consider a step in the right direction with Crucible, Fanfest no doubt caused a few head to desk collisions.

Anyone reading this almost certainly knows what was said by The Mittani, and can generally agree that the statement was somewhere between absolutely reprehensible and in rather poor taste. That being settled, the story has burned through Massively, Kotaku, Ten Ton Hammer, as well as other sites. I haven't seen the crossover into IRL media yet, but with the writers (rather shamelessly) using buzzwords like "cyber-bullying," it may only be a matter of time. Many of these stories, as is typical of the world of the 24 hour news cycle where he who scoops first scoops the most hits, the details get fuzzy and often distorted. The result is that a guy with whom I have had very little personal interaction is getting raked over the coals by the gaming media, and if my fears prove true, perhaps soon the mainstream media.

The thing that always strikes me in situations like this is the frank hypocrisy on the part of most humans. Yes, I think what Mittens said was wrong, but as I put it to my CEO as I watched the video, I was waiting for the really shocking stuff. What I saw was a dude in a wizard had surrounded by alcohol bottles make a comment in poor taste that he'd likely regret on his own accord. My somewhat jaded reaction is no doubt fueled by the time I've spent in the rough and unforgiving lands of both EVE and the internet in general. Truth be told, 99% of us have griefed someone in some way in this game and probably thought it was hillarious (the remaining 1% haven't figured out a good method). If the person we griefed were then to convo us and maybe rage a bit, or maybe tell a sob story (true or not), a lot of us would either laugh or simply shrug it off. It's what the now-famous anonymity barrier of cyberspace does to us.

That cruelty gene is inside most if not all of us. I know it's in virtually everyone I have ever played this or any other game game with or against. When someone gets called on a slip-up that exposes his own cruel gene, even in a manner pretty clearly meant to be humorous, we pounce. We want that person dragged into the street and ridden out on a rail because it's cathartic to us. Afterwards, we get to tell ourselves we're better people because we stood up to the cyber-bully. Truth is that Alex "The Mittani" Gianturco may have a wider mean streak than most of us. After all, his exploits scamming, spying, and generally wrecking other alliances is legendary. Underneath, though, he's just a guy. Personally, I believe the contrition in his apologies, and think that he has gotten a fairly good taste of how the other side lives. My only hope is that it doesn't change him. Despite what we might stand on the internet mountaintop and shout, there's a little of The Mittani in all of us.

Enjoy your break, Mittens. We'll be waiting for you on the flip side.

Appropriate Blog Title is Appropriate

Now that I am getting my feet firmly planted back in the game (3 accounts active, running anoms and PI like a crazed person, etc.), I have taken some time to consider my place in the universe of EVE. I've done this every time I came back from a hiatus, and every time I come up with different answers, but the most common thought I have is how much I enjoy the success of those that I have helped in some way.

Let me give an example. Back in the dark ages, I help found ETNY and recruited some people who are now in high places in a big group of people. Now, those guys did pretty much all the work on their own, but it still feels nice to know that I helped on at least one step of the ladder.

Even better, though, are the people who I have instructed in some way who perhaps didn't go on to places of enormous internet pixel power, but instead garnered additional enjoyment from the game because of something I taught them either directly, through flying with me, the podcast, etc.

I think being back in PRAX will afford me that kind of opportunity again. I've been in elite PvP corps and alliances, and somehow I always miss telling a noob how to fit his first tackler more than most fleet fights.

I'd like to podcast again, but I don't know that I can summon the time to record and edit one, these days. C'est la vie.

Back...But For How Long?

So, as some of you know very well, I have an on again, off again relationship with EVE. After the "glory days" of the MC, I've never managed to recapture the enjoyment of the game that kept me wanting to pour hours and hours of my life into it.

After floating through WoW, SWTOR, LoL, and various other time-wasters, I'm back at my original favorite time-waster, EVE. I've rejoined The Praxis Initiative, and this time there is not plan to run off to 0utbreak, BDCI, or Veto. Those corps were all awesome, and I have many good friends in them, but if my grand experiment of returning to EVE is ever going to succeed, I think I need to begin at the beginning, with the corp I joined on day 3 of Crovan's life. Watch this space as my adventure unfooooolds!

The Drone Bay 25 is up!

For the show notes, head to the show's website.

Also, please help us stay on the front page of the EVE-O forums!

The show also has a Facebook page. Become a fan if...you know...you're a fan. Also, hang out to chat with other listeners and the hosts!

End of March Update

First off, I haven't forgotten about the Daredevil, but PRAX's current axtivities mean I haven't had as much time to fly it of late.

Now, on to what I have been working on. The infrastructure for the return of The Drone Bay is quickly being put into place. I have a domain, and have taken over the pre-existing libsyn account.

Al has put down the healbot and picked up the missile and (mining) laser again. He has joined me in The Praxis Initiative, so lols are guaranteed to ensue. If you are interested in finding ois what PRAX is all about and whether we may be a fit for you, check out the in-game channel 'PRAX'. We are newer player friendly, but also have our share of veterans and one bitter old noob.

Right Click, Return to The Drone Bay

The time approaches. My EVE-related synapses have been warmed once more.

As mentioned, I've talked to CK about bringing TDB back from beyond the grave, and Al has put down his (admittedly l33t) tree-healing buttons long enough to resub to EVE.

My reason in writing this is not to officially announce the show's return, as we're not nearly there, yet. What I am after is feedback from you, the once and (hopefully) future listeners. So, please tell me, via comment, eve mail, email, twitter, or candygram, what you think we should consider changing as we look to the podcast's future. I assume regularity and consistency is number one, but I am speaking more in terms of content.

Oh, and while I am more than happy to take convos, as many of you know, understand that if I don't accept or don't respond, it's likely that boat violence is to blame.

Faction Frigates: Dance With the (Dare)Devil Part 1

As promised, the first installment on faction frigates will cover the ship that has quickly become my favorite, the Daredevil.

The Daredevil recently defected from the Angel Cartel and became the Serpentis frigate. It is a mean little beastie, to say the least, and is quite easy on the eyes, provided you dig spikes.

The ship requires Gallente Frigate and Minmatar Frigate, and you're going to want Small Hybrid Weapons, for reasons that will become clear.

The ship's bonuses are rather unique and include:

Special Ability: 200%(!) bonus to Small Hybrid Turret damage

Gallente Frigate Skill Bonus: 10% bonus to Small Hybrid Turret falloff per level
Minmatar Frigate Skill Bonus: 10% bonus to the velocity factor of stasis webifiers per level

What this boils down to is a ship whose webs have forgotten it isn't still 2008, whose damage is 150% that of a Taranis with any given hybrid, and whose turrets have a tasty falloff bonus.

The way I have discovered I like to fly this ship is very similar to how Taranises were flown pre-web-nerf.  Whether that means rails or blasters is up to the individual user.  I have both a rail and a blaster setup that I've come to prefer, both of which were heavily inspired (and some bits outright stolen) from the fitting forums on SHC.
Some basic things to remember:

1. Resist the urge to dual-prop.  Dramiels, Comets, Taranises all dual-prop.  The DD doesn't, at least not for soloing.  You will not be fast enough under AB power to make up for the 90% speed reduction your webs can easily get.

2. Range Control is Life.  As with the Dramiel, the DD has the ability to control range on anything other than a very savvy Dramiel or Slicer, or a long range, high speed scrammer like a Crow or Ares.  Use the extra range your guns have.  It can make or break you against other close-range frigates.

3. Know Your Limits. The Daredevil may be able to crank out about 400DPS overloaded, but a well tanked cruiser with small weapons is still going to eat your lunch if you aren't careful.

In the next installment, I'll discuss some more specific fittings and tactics.  Until then, I'll leave you with the overall pros and cons.

Pros: Hits like a runaway truck, webs like it's two years ago, can get decent EHP
Cons: 100+ million price tag, Not the fastest ship, Hard to get fights (even Drams run for the hills, I find), not nearly up to AF durability, and perhaps a bit shy of Dramiel EHP

Coming Soon: Faction Frigates and You

Apologies to anybody who saw just the accidenital post with only half the subject.

My recent return to active EVE-playing has consisted almost exclusively of frigate-scale FacWar activity. As a result, I have spent a tidy pile of ISK on some shiny new faction frigs.

In the coming days, I plan to share my thoughts, experiences, and any kills/losses of these shiny beasts. Some are kitted out with faction mods, and some are more budget-friendly (yes, that is possible!).

The current ships on the menu are the Federation Navy Comet, Daredevil, and the FotM Dramiel. Between my characters, I can fly most faction frigs, but 800m spent on half a dozen of them should sate me for now, unless someone feels like throwing another ship my way.

For the next round after these, I am open to suggestions. I know I should give the Slicer a whirl, but I'll need a few days at least to sort my small laser spec skills, first.

Stay tuned for some pimpalicious friggy goodness!

Back...again

So, I have once again returned to mother EVE. Yes, I am still playing WoW, but I've scaled it back to raiding a couple nights a week, mostly. EVE is where I belong for a variety of reasons, and now that my life is in a place where I can play again, I'm glad to be back.

Part of my return definitely centers around the dusting off of The Praxis Initiative [PRAX]. PRAX was my first corp, and I still credit it with keeping me hooked on the game in the early days that claim so many new players. I hope to be able to pass on some of what I have learned and help others the way the corp helped me...oh...and pretty blue explosions. Always with the pretty blue explosions.

Also, in related news, I've talked to both Al and CK. Maybe, just maybe, The Drone Bay will come screaming back from the ether to assault your mp3 listening device with terrible jokes.

In other other news, since some have asked, I didn't apply to the commentary cast of AT8. I wanted to, but I am just not going to have the vacation time for it, this year.

Dark Fate

Since some of the other EVE bloggers have been dabbling in fiction of late, I figured I'd try my hand. I apologize in advance for the result.

Space, in all its vastness, assaulted Crovan's senses, and the stargate's simulated whine faded away in his mind. He forced his visual senses into focus through the cameras and sensors of his Taranis class interceptor, Dark Fate. The immediate area scanned as clear, but local transponder signals showed about a dozen other capsuleers in system. He shunted his visual inputs aside in favor of the ship's more powerful directional scanning array. While not as detailed as the local sensors, the device could allow him to detect ships at a far greater distance. The sensor sweep initiated, and Crovan's ears were filled with a satisfying ping. Contact. Typhoon class battleship, sensor arc thirty degrees to starboard, directly on system plane.

With a mental flick, Dark Fate accelerated slightly and swung nimbly in the direction of the planetary cluster indicated by the sensor sweep. The warp engine activated, and the tiny ship shot away from the stargate at several times the speed of light. A deafening simulated roar overwhelmed Crovan's auditory receptors, and he silenced it with a thought while recalibrating the sensor array for a wider sweep. The ship decelerated at the seventh planet of this un-named star, and the process began again. Within seconds, Crovan's years of practice paid off, and Dark Fate had a reliable fix on the Typhoon's location within an asteroid belt. A warning sigin appeared in Crovan's mind's eye, informing him that Serpentis pirates were also likely to be active in the asteroid belt where his unsuspecting prey awaited. Ignoring the warning rune, he again willed the warp drive into action, and rocketed toward his target.

This time, as the asteroids changed from blurs to real, solid objects, Crovan dismissed the scanner readouts and reverted to close-range sensors. A smile crossed his face as the sensor readout showed him what he already knew would be there, a Typhoon battleship. The smile disappeared a fraction of a second later, however, as the information continued to filter in. The battleship was over forty kilometers away, and his warp disruption module was only effective to twenty-four kilometers. In the same thought that processed the information, Crovan forced the Taranis' microwarpdrive to live, and set a vector on a near collision course with the kilometer-long Typhoon. The distance closed rapidly as Dark Fate quickly reached a speed in excess of three kilometers per second.

Crovan's brain opened an encrypted subspace radio channel that had lain dormant in the background, until now. Got you! His sensors began locking onto the Typhoon, whose pilot must have known what was happening, but the huge battleship was not nearly agile enough to escape before the interceptor's advanced sensors had a firm lock, and the warp disruption module crippled the massive ship.

Not too close. Despite being unable to run, this was still a battleship, and Crovan was going to have to proceed with extreme caution. No Serpentis scum had shown their face, yet, but it could only be a matter of time until they attempted to deprive him of his catch...and his ship. He calmy transmitted his coordinates over the subspace channel, and with seconds, friendly transponders appeared in system. At the same time, the Typhoon's clumsier sensors finally achieved a lock on Dark Fate. Almost immediately, missile bay doors opened and expelled their payloads into space. Not good. He could still run, but that would mean losing the kill, which was not an option. As the missiles closed on his location, Crovan reactivated his microwarpdrive. Its enormous signature would make him a bigger target for the missiles, but would hopefully also let him outrun them.

The first wave exploded a few kilometers to the aft of the interceptor. The shockwave rocked the small ship slightly, but the deflector shields held firm. The friendly transponders were getting closer, and subspace chatter told him his friends were coming, but it was a long trip for their slower vessels. All the same, he could make it so long as he could outrun--

Blackness. All of the ship's primary systems simultaneously shut down for an infinite millisecond before auxiliary power brought basic functions online. The last pulse from the warp disruptor still held the Typhoon hostage, but it would not las much longer. Frantically, Crovan mentally pounded on the ship's controls to re-establish a lock and reactivate the disruptor. A separate part of his mind read the output of his reactor unit. Dammit! He was running on 5% capacity, which might maintain the disruptor, but that was all. To punctuate his thoughts, a second volley of missiles exploded to the aft of Dark Fate, this time much closer. The deflector shields immediately failed, but it was enough to stay the blow, barely. The Taranis might survive one more volley before becoming another statistic in Crovan's long line of interceptors.

Still, he pressed on. His friends were very close now, and it would me moments before his visual sensors picked them up. In the mean time, he willed his drones, which his subconscious had launched and directed long ago to maintain their target. The ship AI's feminine voice chimed in, "Shield integrity, 0%. Armor integrity, 97%." Thank you, Crovan growled, mentally. "You're welcome, captain." As the drones pounded futily at the huge ship, the third volley of missiles left the bays of the Typhoon. At the same moment, friendly ships began to appear in space mere kilometers away. Crovan winced, despite the fact that he knew the fluid of his capsule would dampen the impact. Dark Fate bucked violently as the warheads impacted directly onto it's aft plating. "Armor integrity, 15%. Advise disengagement." I'm flying here, not you! "I am aware of that, captain."

The Typhoon was as good as dead now, but would he go with it. His fate was out of his hands, as the friendly ships had not locked down the behemoth, and he would let go until they had. A friendly Falcon electronic warfare cruiser decloaked off his port bow. Finally! Still, it would mean one more volley. Dark Fate might prove a prophetic name. Agonizing seconds passed as the Typhoon continued to drain nearly all the capacitor from the interceptor. The pilot of the Falcon reported had achieved lock...I may make it, after all...but had failed to jam the battleship's sensors. Or not. The fourth volley left the bays of the Typhoon, and Crovan willed his Damage Control system into function for a single cycle. Hopefully it would not shut down the warp disruptor. A barely visible forcefield surrounded critical areas of Dark Fate's structure as the missiles sought out their target. The final seconds of the disruptor's cycle ticked away, and the ship AI spoke up again, "Insufficient capacitor." NO!

Just then, an incandescent blue bubble surrounded all of the ships. The friendly interdictor was in position, and the Typhoon was going nowhere. Unfortunately, neither was the Taranis, as the interdiction bubble was incapable of determining friend and foe. Crovan leaned back in his pod fluid, and waited for the jarring separation of capsule and ship. The Typhoon's missiles found their mark, and he felt sections of the ship tearing away as if they were his own flesh. The sound of explosions were muffled by the insulation of the capsule, but were very real, and not simulations for his sensory benefit. The information input from damage reports was blinding. Crovan longed to the release from the deluge of data and the blackness of space.

"Jammed!" came the cry over the radio, followed by "Armor integrity, 0%. Structural integrity...16%. Strongly advise disengagement." Crovan regained his senses and realized that Dark Fate had not been destroyed, and the Typhoon was nearly in its death throes. After the experience of his own ship's near destruction, he almost pitied the target capsuleer...almost

A minute later, and the Typhoon was dust. Dark Fate limped toward the wreck and scooped the pilot's frozen body into his cargo hold. Crovan opened the radio frequency, "So...how much you guys figure I need to bribe the station manager to let me repair this heap of bolts?"

Go go Gadget ego boost!

So, the experts for the Sixth Alliance Tournament have been announced, and I'm one of them! Naturally, this makes me deliriously happy and smugly superior to all of you. That is all.






I keed! We're hoping to do some special stuff in preparation and during the tourney for the pleasure of all EVE fans out there.

Also, new Drone Bay Soon(tm). Current plan has us recording before Christmas...2009.

The Warpath Episode 5: We've Found a Witching Night. May we Burn it?

Phillip and Stephen return for Episode 5 after a shorter interval than usual. Bonus Warpath, this week!




First off, the guys discuss some news, including Warhammer's first Live Event, Witching Night, as well as the freshly released Patch 1.04.

After that, it's time to get knee-deep with the Old Gods as The Warpath gives an introduction to Chaos. Grab your eight-pointed stars and summon your demons!

Listener mail is a bit shorter for this episode, since Episode 4 had only been up for about 36 hours at the time of recording. In the future, the recording schedule should be more consistent, allowing for more consistent editing turnaround. Thanks to our listeners for bearing with us as we get this thing rolling.

As always, if you wish to contact the hosts, you may do so at warpathpodcast|at|gmail|dot|com. Also you can always drop by The Official Warpath Forums and say hello to other listeners there, as well as find out how to get involved in the official Warpath guild, The Dogs of War, on the Phoenix Throne server.

The Warpath Episode 3: Your Sweet Sweet XP

After a slight delay, the Warpath is back for Episode 3!



This week, Stephen and Phillip tackle the Greenskins, from their tabletop lore to their place within WAR and a brief breakdown of the career paths, it's all about da green.

The guys read some listener mail this week, and threaten horrible, WoW-related content if the mailflow dries up. If you have something to say to us, you can send it to warpathpodcast|at|gmail.com. We're looking for e-mail questions and comments, as well as pre-recorded mp3s. If you want your voice heard, then send it on!

In community discussion, The Warpath takes a look at Da Warmaker, a sharp-looking site with a nice blog, and some video mini-casts.

Finally, your hosts officially debut the official forums and guild for the show. The guild is called The Dogs of War, and plays on the Phoenix Throne server. You can search for the guild by name and talk to any member about joining, or you can visit our forums and move down to the Recruitment section. Be advised that Phoenix Throne is an RP server, and while we don't enforce roleplay, there are rules for naming of characters for the server itself.

Warpath Episode 3 and Drone Bay Episode 16 Recorded

This weekend, I got together with my co-collaborators, and we managed to hammer out an episode of The Warpath as well as the long-awaited continuation of The Drone Bay. Both are currently in the editing process, and should be ready for the listeners by week's end. Sorry for the massive delay on TDB, and the slight delay on Warpath.

The Warpath Episode 1 is Live!

The Warpath: A new WAR podcast.
Episode 1 (iTunes link coming Soon (tm))

From the people who brought you The Drone Bay, we present The Warpath, a Warhammer Online podcast.

Phillip (Crovan) and Stephen (Alsedrech) plan to come to you each week with news, opinions, and discussions on the hit new title, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning.

Please check out our new forums and discuss the show and WAR in general, or to join our guild, The Dogs of War.

More Drone Bay Delays...

...but we haven't forgotten you, our beloved listeners!

Alsedrech is unavailable for now to do the next episode of the show, as he presumably has no power due to Hurricane Ike. We'll get back to you with a new schedule Soon (tm).

The Warpath and The Drone Bay

Tonight, the plan is to record an episode of The Drone Bay. It's been a long time since the last show, and I would be lying if I said I am not at a bit of a loss for discussion fodder. It has been awhile since I logged into EVE to do more than change skills, thanks in part to a busy work schedule.

I want to take this opportunity to announce a new podcast project, as well. Stephen (Alsedrech) and I have embarked into the world of Warhammer Online, and will soon be bringing you The Warpath, a WAR themed podcast. This one, like The Drone Bay, will be hosted at Virgin Worlds, courtesy of our lord and master, Brent. The first episode is edited and ready to go out the door, we just need to get the site setup for it.

Episode 14: It's live! It's liiiiive!

The Drone Bay #14 (Click to Download/Play)

Episode 14 is here, and was recorded in front of a live audience!

Bring on the Drones:

In the weekly update, Al and Crovan have both joined The Dead Parrot Shoppe Inc. [FOOM], and are knee-deep in FW goodness. CK has been hauling his afterburners off.

In DON'T PANIC, the crew discusses how to come back after a hiatus, much in the way that Crovan is doing.

This week's listener feedback section features mp3s submitted from our viewers.

Also, some big news from Al and Crovan...and how they have let their WoW accounts lapse.

Make sure to check out the in-game channel "The Drone Bay" (no quotes) to talk to other listeners, as well as the hosts! News on the latest show, the plans for the next show, and info on how to listen live is available, there.

Contact Info:

In-Game Channel:
The Drone Bay

GAX Online Group:
The Drone Bay

E-Mail:
dronebay|at|gmail.com (comments/questions for everyone)
crovan|at|eve-mail.net
crazykinux|at|gmail.com
alsedrech|at|gmail.com

Skype:
Dronebay

Blogs:
Bitter Old Noob (Crovan)
CrazyKinux’s Musing
The Littlest Drone (Alsedrech)

The Noob's Lamentations on AoC

So, after the accolades that got poured on it at launch, Age of Conan is being hit from all directions by a lot of criticism. Gaming news sites are taking notice, and for good reason.

I canceled my AoC account this week. The reasons why read like a list of the major criticisms of the game. The first warning sign for me was the lack of quest voice-overs after Tortage. It was a minor thing, but I couldn't help but feel that it was a sign of things to come. The technical graphical issues I was experiencing also didn't help, but were eventually resolved.

Basically, there is nothing compelling for me in the game, even in the 30s, let alone the grind to 80 and the bemoaned lack of end-game content. I was hoping that the lauded PvP system would give me more of the feel I have come to love from EVE in a fantasy setting, but it looks like I'll be waiting for WAR, since AoC's siege system is plagued with technical issues, and has been stepped back a number of times, already.

Speaking of EVE, I've gotten more involved in Faction Warfare, including running around with some more organized groups than you tend to get in the militia channel. It's been a great deal of fun and has really rejuvenated my desire to play the game, despite some of the issues that FW has.

The Drone Bay 13 has been edited and uploaded and will be out as soon as the notes are done and Brent has time to publish it.