First Days and Shaky Legs

Well, I sorta promised my starting story and my reaction to the new world I had decided to join, and whether you're interested or not, I may as well have a go at it. If not for any other purpose than my own reflection.

So, here goes...

Believe it or not, I had no intention to play EVE Online- ever. I was, at the time, going out with a man that happened to play it, and while it was an occasionally hobby, it didn't really bother me. I had briefly played a trial week and found it somewhat bearable but rather boring (having tried mining mostly). I went away on holiday for two weeks though, and when I got back, surprise surprise! Me leaving had been the opening for the game of evil spaceness! The pirates of Molden Heath had hijacked my man! Annoyed at the fact that I was second to this new Mistress EVE, I decided to check it out for myself. I knew of a few friends who had played it and recommended it, and said man offered to buy me a plex to play, so free game--- why not?

Little did I know this world is not something one can easily step into, start to play and then quickly step out of again. I found myself intrigued with the mechanics of such a unique MMO and I started putting some effort into my newly created character. Naughty Cargo was created purely for the pirating world, as the name might suggest. Although... my parents still think it's more like a stripper name... but hey, that's a technicality :P She is a scoundrel, a barterer of ships and a space brigand. Well- tries to be. And fails dismally cause I'm just too nice, but whatever. I can shoot somewhat straight and I'm good at learning :)

Anyways, I trained for guns and frigates and 3 days into my characters life, I ventured into low security space. I have since learnt that 3 day old characters don't venture into low sec unless they're either ridiculously stupid or brave, and while I am neither of those, I am curious and wanted to know what strange people had stolen the attention of that man.

Stopping in a system called Heild, we (me and him) came across one of his corp mates- a seemingly kind man who invited me quickly into a nice, friendly 1v1. Hesitantly, I fiddled with the mouse and activated my guns, targeting this new person uncertainly, wondering what was going to happen. Listening to instructions from both, I started to orbit and was surprised when the nice man's rifter exploded. (In hindsight, he let me win, but that's irrelevant :P). A brief celebration and then I got popped myself, my first experience warping away in a pod, and definitely not the last. I quickly got to meet a few other members of this pirate alliance- The Devil's Tattoo.

They were very welcoming and understanding of my noobness, and were more than happy to help out. I still don't know if this was more to do with my gender than anything, but I know they meant well either way! :P Hells, I'm still living off ISK I recieved in those first few weeks to help me get on my feet!

I applied for membership to the feeder corp- The Black Dragon Fighting Society and was quickly accepted. This new life was exciting! I had so many people who wanted to help, and the odd fleet on Tuesday nights that wandered around shooting at various things. I learnt about plexes and security status and setting ones autopilot. About ammo types and manual flying and scanning and fittings and comms and fleet protocol and skills. Gosh, I'm still learning. There is still so much that I don't know. This game is just so in depth and complicated.

I still distinctly remember that about a month into my membership there was a competition that was annouced- the November Rifter Contest. Basically the idea was who could get the most kills with a rifter in a month. I tried my damndest to win that contest. There were ups and downs and challanges to face, bit I gave it a really good go. Whoring on killmails left right and centre. During that time I also managed to get my first ever (true) solo kill. I was so excited even just by that event, and of course, the 24 hour blitz as it was dubbed- a rapid ganking spree with the help of a good friend helped push me along too.

Sadly, I was not destined to win the contest. But I came a joint 3rd! And considering I was in the feeder corp and only about a month old, I beat some older members anyway. So effort and hard work do go a long way :)

I guess there is really no interest in this for you, dear reader, and congratulations to you if you made it this whole way! That's dedication. I also take it as a compliment to my writing, so thank you :) I've had a sort of shitty evening so it's nice to think about.

Anyways, have no idea what I'll talk about next- comment if ya want something specific :) I'm not fussed. Ideas welcome!

o7 Fly dangerous!