Man Child
When I began playing this game, my immediate impressions were that its concept was something I could fully get behind. It was a game with seemingly infinite pathways. A game of perpetual and cyclical wars, both of the traditional military type, and of psychological, financial attrition. One could argue it had ‘virtually’ no limits. However, in the early days, it was plagued by bugs and lag at times rendering the game unplayable for me, at least. Like pretty much everyone else, I created more than one account and character with poor attributes which, once selected, were set in stone at that time. These characters I either abandoned, or reworked with knowledge that had been gained over the first year or two. With the reader’s permission, I’ll skip past some of the large corporations and alliances that shaped and influenced much of the early Eve Online environment either to die or fade into folklore and obscurity as they are not necessarily the main focus of this piece.
Big Blue Doughnuts and other confectionery
Cookies, Cake and Pie (CCP) alliance, comprising m0o, Reikoku, and Evolution, were forced to change their name by CCP. In the process, they hovered up ex m0o Rough Necks, ATUK and Black Nova Corp into the entity know from the annals of Eve history as Band of Brothers (BoB). At its slickest and most powerful, BoB consisted of 5 main corporations: Reikoku, Evolution, Black Nova Corp, Finfleet, and finally Destructive Influence. There were also a few other satellite corps, allied corporations, and alliances known as the GBC.
In a New York Times article entitled ‘In a Virtual Galaxy, Assembly Is Required’ By Seth Schiesel, dated June 28, 2008, the leader and CEO of Band Of Brothers spoke out.
“Our goal is to control all of Eve,” Mr. Molen said in an interview over an Internet voice chat program. “It’s totally impossible to claim all of Eve physically. But it’s possible to control the people. It’s possible to control the alliances, be it by economic means or fighting means or political means. That was the goal and that is the goal.”
On February 4 2009, 8 months after the above articles publication, GIA — Goonswarm Intelligence Agency — operatives infiltrated the inner circle of the BoB alliance and pulled the plug locking down many of the alliances assets and hardware in the process. The irony of this did not escape me. The entity known as Band of Brothers Alliance had come to an abrupt end. The great war was declared over by both those with little or no skin in the game, and certain major players. Since then, many observers of the subterfuge and political map across New Eden seem to me somewhat myopic. Today they often seem uninterested in the extension or protracted political machinations, instead, centering their focus on short-termism and fleeting moments. My amateur observations have seen that political discussions take place in ever decreasing concentric circles, supplanting the day to day operational developments of those spheres as if these engagements are ALL already concluded in full. A small percentage are and these have no bearing in the grand scheme of things. However, they often dismiss out of hand the long game. Today the mere mention of BoB brings the stock declaration from most across New Eden that BoB is Ded! I, on the other hand, do not believe that it is. In fact, at no point in the time since the disbanding have I ever believed that to be true, the disbanding of the alliance being just one in a series of on-going battles, and I certainly don’t believe the Great War to be over yet.
Meet The New Boss same as the Old Boss.
History has recorded that the entity known as BoB no longer exists. However, its legacy and vision, evidently, to this day is as much an influence across New Eden as it has ever been. Black Nova Corp is, to all intents and purposes, in hibernation, an inactive corporation with 7 members. However, Evolution, Finfleet and Destructive Influence lay at the heart of the Northern Coalition organisational structure. Combined with their long time allies Reikoku, although disbanded and reformed into Pandemic Legion, are essentially the same core group that has existed together since Cookies, Cake and Pies were ordered to change their name. The not so subtle influence of the core Northern Coalition corps in addition to the infusion of Reikoku on Pandemic Legions previously loose nomadic hit and run, flamboyant style and flair operational missive has caused them to evolve into a hard lined expansionist megalomaniacal directive. Fostering many of the old ‘MAX’ stratagems and ideals formed at the BBQ in 2007 precisely those espoused by SirMolle in his public address via the NYT article cited above (yes the BBQ we often laughingly refer to in meme form was real and its conclusions did have a malevolent intent)
Ring of Fire
It would not be in the interests of any observer, political or military, to ignore or dismiss, the possible let alone the probable. The developments in the years from 09 to the modern reformation informs all who care to examine. The effects of any given entity’s actions can and often do have far reaching ramifications in New Eden. Perhaps an observer more suited will analyse and dissect the intertwined relationships between the above-named corporation and the supposedly free trade networks operational corps, a starting point might be Spontaneous Defenestration and its members. Therefore it is with this thought in mind that I pose the question what is your current situational vulnerability and how may it be affected by the ring of fire otherwise disguised as NETC. It seems to me that the funding of the Casino War against the Imperium may not be enough to protect Lenny ‘the Teflon Don’ Kravitz2 from his ultimate demise when New Eden Alliances finally cotton on to how the NETC plan also exposes their own vulnerabilities to the expansionist actions of the Axis of Evil in the shape of the NWO NCPL.
The Extinguishing of FI.RE?
Ushra’Khan Execute the Siege of Amamake
Death in Perfection: How Stories Can Transform EVE
Moomin Amatin
Spot on. All too often I am surprised by the short term memory of many. They forget that there are people behind that characters within Eve and that the original drivers for those players are not changed in a hurry.
To my mind PL and NC have been masterful in how they have conducted themselves in the last few years. PL especially dress things up as “we like to see things blow up” but rarely will they do so and put themselves at risk.
I think that this coming year will have some great stories. The success of PL/NC has become to great to allow it to be hidden from players who do not look at the larger picture. Once the true extent of their Empire is revealed I will look forward to how this is received. I suspect that the line of “hey it is just a few guys from our alliance doing their own thing” will be the default position as it has served them all so well in the past.
If anyone should care to dig a little deeper the greatest story arc eve has to offer is revealed. A shame in my mind that many do not seem to look for it. It is quite compelling.
December 24, 2016 at 11:02 AMApostophe Noodle Moomin Amatin
I agree. Despite being on the opposing side from PL/NC, I have to give them credit for their achievements. Heck, the same people that crowed about blue donuts and Goons controlling too much are the same people that applaud PL for making an even bigger blue donut and controlling even more of the game. That’s power. When you can literally just replace the last hated empire with an even bigger version and be loved for it?
December 24, 2016 at 2:34 PMThe biggest war in Eve is propaganda. PL won that even more handily than WWB.
ER0X Moomin Amatin
I was deliberately vague other than to say these are the Corps that were instrumental then and here is what they are up to now. Giving just enough of a heads up for the reader to decide for themselves whether or not there was anything of great note in what I was suggesting.
I think there are at least a few story arc’s with the potential to develop or play out over the immediate or short term future. I might even suggest within the 0 to 3 month time frame for some of them. I’d imagine with the calibre of writer here on INN that at least one of the sharper ones will no doubt have picked up on what I was seeing too. So I’d be inclined to say keep an eye out on here for any possible developments.
December 24, 2016 at 11:47 PMRhivre
Interesting article Er0x, thank you for submitting it.
December 24, 2016 at 1:19 PMVertigoe
Whenever you hear PL say things like they want to see stuff blow up follow it up with the qualifier they like to see others peoples stuff blow up not their own.
December 24, 2016 at 3:11 PMSeraphIXBasarab
You know you’ve upset people when they still madpost about your alliance some 6 or 7 years after it died.
December 24, 2016 at 8:56 PMMoomin Amatin SeraphIXBasarab
You do realise that just because an alliance or corp folds it does not mean that all the people within it disappear as well? It may even be more surprising to you to learn that the people actually went on to play Eve in other corps and alliances.
But you do seem prone to rely on the same “madpost” or insulting nonsense that is all too common in your internet history.
December 24, 2016 at 9:24 PMSeraphIXBasarab Moomin Amatin
I realize that alliances change.It’s still funny that after so many years Mitten’s spin machine still focuses so much on BoB. Hence why I’m pretty sure you’re mad. =/
December 24, 2016 at 9:56 PMMyrddin Calyx SeraphIXBasarab
And you’re still a blithering idiot, so, nothing much has changed.
December 24, 2016 at 10:21 PMMacCloud SeraphIXBasarab
coming from an intel background in eve i will point out that alt corping and reformations of the same members into new corps are all but the old structures with a different label on them. so the focus on the old powers are still relevant even if you cant see past a dead allaince/corp name.
but dont let me stop you from drinking the ‘coolaid’ Seraph, in much the same manner that you claim others do too.
December 24, 2016 at 10:28 PMSeraphIXBasarab MacCloud
And what am I drinking? I just said you guys talk about BoB a lot and look how rustled the jimmies are over it.
December 25, 2016 at 3:45 AMMacCloud SeraphIXBasarab
ok sure bro, whatever you wanna believe you can go believe
December 25, 2016 at 3:47 AMSeraphIXBasarab MacCloud
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/4a/81/aa/4a81aadca9786ec6ce9944942c469fc4.jpg
December 25, 2016 at 3:54 AMMacCloud SeraphIXBasarab
i take it the fact you’re joking about your retort of final bit of what i said means you’ve ceded your point and from here on out its just trolling and the like, so im gonna say Merry Christmas to you seraph, whether you believe it or not i hope you have a good time today / tomorrow 🙂
December 25, 2016 at 4:08 AMSeraphIXBasarab MacCloud
What am I suppose to retort to? I don’t mind having debates at all…even though my posts are now moderated for *reasons* =/ something something hugbox
December 25, 2016 at 4:10 AMMoomin Amatin SeraphIXBasarab
You object greatly to any “debate” and simply look to “win” by a matter of attrition. This is generally done by you writing a lot of nonsense, lying, deceit, manipulation and insults. This thread is already proof of this.
If you manage to have the last post/comment on something you then declare victory. You are a sham and so is Co2 leadership for having you anywhere near them.
December 25, 2016 at 7:44 AMSeraphIXBasarab Moomin Amatin
Debate and win are not mutually exclusive. Well for me they’re not. But for you I’m pretty sure they are.
December 25, 2016 at 9:32 AMMoomin Amatin SeraphIXBasarab
Here you are again telling me what I think. So are you able to prove your ability to read minds?
December 25, 2016 at 9:40 AMSeraphIXBasarab Moomin Amatin
I didn’t tell you what you think. I said for you debate and winning are mutually exclusive. AKA when you debate, you lose. Man really slow aren’t you.
December 25, 2016 at 9:47 AMMoomin Amatin SeraphIXBasarab
The comments you have made, and I quote;
“You know you’ve upset people when they still madpost about your alliance some 6 or 7 years after it died.”
“I’m pretty sure you’re mad.”
“look how rustled the jimmies are over it.”
“for you I’m pretty sure they are.”
“Jimmies are super rustled tonight.”
All of these infer some kind of understanding on your part of the emotional state of others. All are baseless and presumptions you choose to make. There is the other tack you take which are chirlish insults.
Generally I am finding that your comments can be broken down into the following classes:
Pseudo-intellectual – where you state how informed and intelligent you are and yet offer conclusions based on your own conjecture alone.
Declaring an emotional state – with this you decide what others are thinking and feeling.
Chirlish insults – when you are unable to do either of the above this is always the safety net for you.
Why you choose to be like this is quite interesting in its own right. One can only wonder how desperate for attention and validation you must be to take such a course.
December 25, 2016 at 10:59 AMSeraphIXBasarab Moomin Amatin
The wall of text suggests you might be more keen on attention than anyone else.
December 25, 2016 at 11:15 AMMoomin Amatin SeraphIXBasarab
You know only too well you are paying me a lot of attention. The nature of which seems to be aimed at keeping me quiet. Almost as if you are trying to hide something.
December 25, 2016 at 12:28 PMSeraphIXBasarab Moomin Amatin
No actually the point is to see how long I can keep turning this key and how long the monkey will continue to dance. So far not disappointed.
December 25, 2016 at 4:04 PMMoomin Amatin SeraphIXBasarab
Oh you are quite the puppet master I am sure Seraph. Now if you would only direct your efforts of control to your own alliance I am sure they would benefit from it greatly. We may even see a halt to all those members that are leaving you.
December 25, 2016 at 4:17 PMSeraphIXBasarab Moomin Amatin
Maybe you can give me a tip as you did such a good job to control your coalition losing Co2, EXE, FCON, SMA and RZR. Not to mention Bat Country.
December 25, 2016 at 4:19 PMMoomin Amatin SeraphIXBasarab
Oh look it is Seraph telling people how they feel again, what a surprise.
December 25, 2016 at 7:41 AMSeraphIXBasarab Moomin Amatin
Observing =/= telling.
Jimmies are super rustled tonight.
December 25, 2016 at 9:30 AMMoomin Amatin SeraphIXBasarab
Again a default position of yours. You really are a one trick pony, and that trick is far from impressive.
December 25, 2016 at 9:41 AMSeraphIXBasarab Moomin Amatin
lol because you keep falling for the same thing. ur bad ecksdee
December 25, 2016 at 9:46 AMMoomin Amatin SeraphIXBasarab
Actually I am having a fine old time of it. You see as you continue your special approach to diplomacy you are not only ensuring a failure of Co2 diplomatic efforts but also greatly reducing your opportunities to participate in a game you claim to like.
Once you have participated in the downfall of Co2 where will you go next?
December 25, 2016 at 10:46 AMSeraphIXBasarab Moomin Amatin
Only you would be delusional enough to think me toying with a joke like you has anything to do with diplomacy.
December 25, 2016 at 11:14 AMMoomin Amatin SeraphIXBasarab
Well I have checked and at this time I am unable to find anyone who has had diplomatic dealings with you. Also your ignorance about what is happening on a political scale within eve is quite astounding. Having your own members hopping over to PL was something you failed to even notice. Dropped the ball there didn’t you. Perhaps you should spend less time trying to troll and focus on what your supposed role in Eve is.
December 25, 2016 at 12:31 PMMacCloud Moomin Amatin
honestly, no actual joke here at all… when i read the article about the super pilots moving to RKK and first heard that Seraph was co2s diplo i genuinely laughed out loud.
it makes so much sense in retrospect and tbh seraph being in co2 is exactly the place i would expect seraph to be in all honesty. grats on him finding a collection of individuals that suit him down to the ground.
i dont even care that this is public and sounds like im belittling him as im sure however high i ever go in any allaince or coaliion in eve i doubt id have to actually negotiate any kind of diplomatic issue with him or co2 ever.
December 25, 2016 at 1:31 PMSeraphIXBasarab MacCloud
^bitter ex is bitter
December 25, 2016 at 4:06 PMSeraphIXBasarab Moomin Amatin
You’re right. I should be more like goonies in regards to BAT country. You guys lost a whole corp to PL. Congrats. Also please list people you have asked in regards to diplomatic dealings. Let’s hear it.
December 25, 2016 at 4:05 PMMoomin Amatin SeraphIXBasarab
You know so little of Eve history it seems. If you only paid more attention then perhaps you may actually say something useful. I live in hope.
As for who I have spoken to about your diplomatic dealings, I respectfully decline to answer in order to protect them from your absurd ramblings. I should note though that if you were actually any good as a diplomat you would already know.
December 25, 2016 at 4:21 PMSeraphIXBasarab Moomin Amatin
I’m sure lol. “Don’t wanna tell ya” okay…
December 25, 2016 at 4:27 PMMacCloud SeraphIXBasarab
id like to thank seraph for single handedly upping the comment numbers on various INN articles by a considerable amount.
ty for such a gracious gift seraph.
December 25, 2016 at 6:45 PMMoomin Amatin MacCloud
Agreed. He helped me greatly in testing the comments nesting on one of my own articles.
December 25, 2016 at 7:10 PMMoomin Amatin SeraphIXBasarab
Why should I do your leg work for you? You keep claiming you know so much and yet you still keep coming up with nothing. At some point you may work stuff out. Until then it is wonderful to watch you clown around like some diminutive jester at court.
December 25, 2016 at 7:12 PMSeraphIXBasarab Moomin Amatin
Whatever you say. Obvious you are full of shit and made it up.
December 25, 2016 at 9:08 PMER0X Moomin Amatin
You know Moomin like many of the current so called Eve community this guy has no idea of my Eve history. He has no idea that I was in fact an MC leadership director that worked on the GBC side during the ‘Great War’. As you know doubt know that was the BoB side. Or that I fought against RSF and took part in such events as J1V1 and many others. Events that include the decimation of the North on behalf of the GBC. That is until I personally could no longer justify my own, my Corp or the MC’s involvement. I wont need to give you an Eve history lesson on what those events might have been as it was all played out in full public view at the time. As I say he has no idea that I have first hand experience of what it was like to work with those entity’s.
As far as he is concerned if we don’t all share his narrow-minded perspective then we are all wrong and worse still spinning propaganda salt on behalf of The Mittani. According to him none of us are independent thinkers with any experience or ability to identify a pig in a poke when we see one.
We’re in good hands when we have great minds such as this fellows in the game.
December 24, 2016 at 11:18 PMSeraphIXBasarab ER0X
What is my narrow minded perspective? All I said was that it’s interesting Goons are still going on and on about BoB.
December 25, 2016 at 3:44 AMMoomin Amatin SeraphIXBasarab
You actually said “You know you’ve upset people when they still madpost about your alliance some 6 or 7 years after it died.”.
At no point in there does it say “interesting”. Stop misquoting yourself in order to try and make yourself look better. When you do things like this it simply makes you like a shameless, deceitful liar which is not the perception that a good diplomat should ever aspire to.
December 25, 2016 at 7:35 AMSeraphIXBasarab Moomin Amatin
Ahh so you can discern words from one another as in what a claim is and what it is not. 😉 Just only when it suits you. Man you are so easy to show to be a hypocrite. I’m flattered you’ve done so much research about me. I have no idea who you are.
December 25, 2016 at 9:34 AMMoomin Amatin SeraphIXBasarab
Although you claim to have no idea who I am you seem to be able to read my mind. This feels slightly contradictory, a disconnect if you will.
December 25, 2016 at 9:43 AMSeraphIXBasarab Moomin Amatin
Is this your thing now? “STOP TELLING ME WHAT I THINK!!! REEEE”
Really? ffs how old are you
December 25, 2016 at 9:48 AMMoomin Amatin SeraphIXBasarab
It is merely another point in showing others your true nature. You then top it off by an ad hominem slur. Well played Seraph, well played.
December 25, 2016 at 11:07 AMSeraphIXBasarab Moomin Amatin
It’s so sad when stupid people try to sound smart. Look up “dunning kruger effect.” Might help you figure out some of your personal short comings.
December 25, 2016 at 11:16 AMMoomin Amatin SeraphIXBasarab
“It’s so sad when stupid people try to sound smart” this reminds me of someone. I would who that could be?
December 25, 2016 at 12:33 PMMoomin Amatin ER0X
Well I for one am very glad to have the older players about that can tell a tale. The stories we make in Eve are very attractive to me.
I have been doing some research on Seraph and it has been quite revealing. If ever there was an argument for Co2 being dysfunctional and on the point of collapse the fact that Seraph is supposed to be a main point of contact is a testament to that.
December 25, 2016 at 7:39 AMSeraphIXBasarab Moomin Amatin
Doing research about me? That’s funny I have no idea who you are.
December 25, 2016 at 9:35 AMMoomin Amatin SeraphIXBasarab
Well I like to research things before making a comment. This may seem an unusual course for you but I assure you most sensible people find it offers better results.
December 25, 2016 at 12:35 PM