A State of the Alliance (SOTA) is normally only given for major events affecting an alliance. These can be both good or bad. Sort Dragon’s SOTA from November 6 seems to be one given under bad times.

A little context first to set the scene for where DeadCo currently are:

Things have not been going well for DeadCo of late. DeadCo found themselves very much on the front-line against the Imperial Legacy in their most recent action in the north. This ultimately led to DeadCo leader Sort Dragon to strike a deal with the Imperium. In this deal DeadCo would hand over 40 faction Fortizars to the Imperium for a respite. DeadCo even secured some temporary safety for their allies as well. Some of the DeadCo allies were less than impressed with this deal, especially Pandemic Horde. This tension between PH and DeadCo then increased to the point where PH and allies have declared their intent on at least taking the region of Branch from DeadCo members.

To save you from having to listen to the whole thing here is a rough summary of the more important elements of the DeadCo SOTA.

SOTA Summary

Sort opens by stating that DeadCo are going to defend Branch for their allies Siberian Squad and Caladrius Alliance. This is from the assault of Pandemic Horde, Pandemic Legion, Black Legion and now Circle-Of-Two also. The motivation of the attackers narrative is beyond Sort’s comprehension.

There was then a fair amount of talk about how powerful DeadCo is in the Australian time zone. But now DeadCo need to prove their dominance in the AU TZ. The EU and US time zones are far weaker for DeadCo so conflicts at those times are likely to be avoided.

Although the super and titan class capitals are to remain in the Darkness homelands, to support their PvE efforts, there is to be a dread cache in the system of Y-19. This indicates a certain level of caution in DeadCo’s use of capitals.

But as bleak as things may look for DeadCo there is still hope of a fashion. NCdot have claimed that they will be looking to focus internally but that they will still be looking for content. In such content based fights NCdot have indicated that they will be looking to support the “lesser dog” in the fight. With the alliances lined up against DeadCo, it is very likely that DeadCo will be the ones to get assistance from NCdot, should NCDot be true to their word. This assistance is not going to be complete though as NCdot have no intention of shooting at blues.

In addition to this Test have deployed towards Pandemic Horde space. Sort Dragon hopes that this move by Test will make Pandemic Horde reconsider their attack on Branch. Generally Sort Dragon is still hopeful that “adults talk Gobbins down from the ledge”. DeadCo members as a whole are still at a loss as to the motivation for the attacks from PH, BL and PL.

Sort is not expecting help from other quarters and former allies are very much considered hostiles. Some assistance has been received by DeadCo from Initiative. This was more to do with Initiative being cheeky minxes than anything else, so cannot be relied on in the future.

Other practical topics were covered briefly. Just the normal “get supers, titans and FAXs” as well as pushing for better fleet form ups.

The general feel of this SOTA was realistic one. DeadCo leaders and members all know that they are in a tricky spot. But as much as the odds are stacked against DeadCo they remain generally positive. Line members have now been briefed on what to expect and that weekends in particular are expected to be busy times.

Summary

So there we have it. Sort Dragon is in a tight spot here as he has to strike the right balance. If he is too optimistic, he will not be able to convey a sense of urgency that is required at this time. Too pessimistic, and people will start thinking about jumping ship. Regardless, DeadCo are in a tricky spot for now. It could even be said that the continued existence of DeadCo is in the hands of their former enemies.

PH/BL/PL/Co2 will continue their campaign against DeadCo. Where NC will place their loyalties is not known at this time. Test moving up to Geminate may help relieve pressure from DeadCo, although AlphaStarPilot from PH did say that the main focus of PH will be on Branch. This is supported by PH continuing to lose hisec assets from their extortion campaign.

The SoundCloud recording of the DeadCo SOTA can be found here, and some deep and intelligent analysis is available on Reddit.