War Declaration RvB Blue Corporation

The war declaration was effective and after roaming around for a while it was clear that RvB Blue Corporation was ready for action and formed up into larger gangs. Outnumbered the Rebels got split up evacuating the area and Starwalker was alone in a system with around 20 other reds, it was not looking good. Fortunately, another Rebel scouted out a safe route back to Bille and on return Starwalker found there was a RvB Thrasher sneaking around.

First Engagement

Without thought for the consequences Starwalker immediately engaged but it seemed that the 280mm Howitzer Artillery II fit Thrasher had been designed to counter close combat Rifters. It was all over within seconds. Starwalker started to give chase with afterburners blazing away and then the Thrasher turned around at about 20km and sped back past the Rifter, firing all the time. As the Thrasher came closer the autocannons burst into life and tracked the Thrasher as it quickly gained distance again. The autocannons were simply ineffective against the Thrasher given the range... and then it was all over. It seemed like a wrecking shot just simply took the Rifter out; one moment the shields were at around 20% damage and then Starwalker was in his pod. The surprise was so complete that Starwalker waited for the Thrasher pilot: xTulak Hordx to kill the pod too. (http://eve-kill.net/?a=kill_detail&kll_id=9896212)

Second Engagement

The medical clone was back in Inaro and so the trek back to Bille began but just before getting there Starwalker had the second encounter in Bereye. Just at the stargate a Merlin was spotted and was immediately engaged – to no effect. The e-war was completely effective and the Rifter was simply unable to target the Merlin but the Merlin pilot: Deckren Reading could certainly hit the Rifter. The fight continued with the Rifter sustaining some damage but nothing very threatening. Then the stargate flashed and a Thrasher entered the fight, piloted by – xTulak Hordx. This was clearly not going to end well and Starwalker started to make a run for it but it was too late. The second Rifter went up in a fireball (http://eve-kill.net/?a=kill_detail&kll_id=9896209). This time Starwalker tried to get his pod out and despite spamming warp was caught in what seemed to be a lag filled time period, consequently the second clone was lost as well.

Lessons learnt

Ship losses are inevitable in EVE and the first rule of EVE is very true: do not fly what you cannot afford to lose. These Rifters were expendable, however, no one wants to throw ships away and so it is useful to record any lessons whilst they are fresh:

·         Target selection: engaging the Thrasher alone was not sensible as given the war declaration it was very likely to be fit for PvP. More than that it was likely to be using an anti-Rifter fit just because it was engaging a Rebel from the Black Rebel Rifter Club

·         Ammunition: carrying too much ammunition given that the fights were short, although ammunition loads can be a tricky thing if the fight goes on or there are multiple engagements before being able to reload from a base station

·         Disruptor: did not use the warp disruptor because too busy firing guns and tracking the enemy. Need to focus on using the ship effectively