News: Another Round of Fighting in Providence

Providence region. On the night of the 30th of May, 2 battles occurred in Providence. The first battle between Providence Bloc and Fidelas Constans [FCON], the second was Providence Bloc versus Northern Coalition(dot) [NC]. Both rounds won by Providence Bloc.

The first battle took place in Providence Bloc's staging system of F-YH5B at 19:00 EVE Standard Time. [NC] had once again deployed Sovereignty Blockade Units in the G-5EN2 system and reinforced the Infrastructure Hub. Thus Providence Bloc had to form a fleet in order to take them down and defend the timer.

Providence Bloc had a 190 pilot Ishtar Heavy Assault Cruiser fleet formed for that purpose. However reports of an [FCON] gang in the staging system forced Providence Bloc to confront them first, in fear that the hostile gang may block the route for future reinforcements. [FCON] had around 50 pilots in a Zealot Heavy Assault Cruiser fleet.

[FCON] forces were set up on the LF-2KP gate. The Providence Bloc fleet warped to them at range and a short fight erupted on the gate. It was made quite clear that [FCON] were outnumbered and outgunned. Their gang was quickly overwhelmed, and bailed, jumping into the LF-2KP system. Since Providence Bloc had more pressing concerns, they did not elect to pursue them.

Video of the Fight from Providence Bloc's PoV, Courtesy of Mangraa Dementia

With [FCON] dealt with, Providence Bloc turned their attention to the [NC] fleet which was reported in the 4B-NQN system, awaiting the Providence Bloc force to jump into it. [NC] brought a Loki Strategic Cruiser fleet, approximately 70 pilots in total. 

Instead of jumping into that force head on, Providence Bloc used its Jump Bridge network and forced [NC] to confront them in the XHQ-7V system. There, [NC] forces engaged Providence Bloc on the YWS0-Z gate.

A quick skirmish developed on the gate, with both fleets exchanging losses before Providence Bloc disengaged and warped to the JEIV-E gate in the system. [NC] gave chase only to watch Providence Bloc double back and jump into the YWS0-Z system instead. [NC] jumped after Providence Bloc, and the battle resumed in earnest.

This time, Providence Bloc managed to thin the [NC] Logistics numbers, and quickly switched to the mainline ships. One after the other, Lokis and Legions popped, unable to tank the incoming fire due to the lack of Logistics. Thus, [NC] was forced to disengage and beat a hasty retreat, rather than risk losing their entire fleet. 

 Video of the Fight from Providence Bloc's PoV, Courtesy of Mangraa Dementia

With no more hostiles on grid, Providence Bloc continued to the G-5EN2 system to remove the Sovereignty Blockade Units, only to cross jump a RvB Ganked fleet, around 100 pilots mostly in Rupture Cruisers. Providence Bloc forces quickly anchored up and started removing the Sovereignty Blockade Unit on the 9-F0B2 gate, the RvB Ganked fleet declining to engage them.

Once all Sovereignty Blockade Units were destroyed and the Infrastructure Hub repaired, Providence Bloc extracted its forces back to its staging.

Battle report for the F-YH5B system can be found here.

Battle report for the XHQ-7V and YWS0-Z systems can be found here.

In both battles, local remained below 300 pilots, with Time Dilation not being noticeable. The first battle lasted 10 minutes, the second around the same length of time.

Providence Bloc lost 36 ships, translated into 3.8 Bil ISK of damage. [FCON] suffered 23 losses and 4 Bil ISK damage. [NC] had 20 ships worth a total of 8 Bil destroyed.

Providence Bloc once more showed a willingness to fleet up and continue fighting to defend its sovereignty, as the numbers clearly tell. [NC] again found itself outnumbered and outgunned. Though their attempt to force Providence Bloc to fight had succeeded, it probably wasn't the fight they wanted.

With the Imperium slowly deploying to the region and showing its presence, it will be interesting to see how [NC] forces react to this new threat. As for Providence Bloc, it would probably continue as it has in the past, defending its territory against all invaders. The EVE Scribe will keep you posted on new developments.

Special thanks Mangraa Dementia, of Blue Tridents, Sev3rance, for supplying the video footage

News: Heavy Fighting in G-5EN2 Leads to Costly Victories for Providence Bloc

9-F0B2 system, Providence region. On the 29th of May, at 20:00 EVE Standard time, Providence Bloc clashed with Northern Coalition(dot) [NC] and Pandemic Legion [-10.0] in the system, resulting in a sound defeat on the battlefield, but at the same time, a strategic victory in the region.

A few days before, [NC] reinforced both the Infrastructure Hub and the Station in the G-5EN2 system. However, the first timer on the 28th of May went unchallenged, with Providence Bloc removing the Sovereignty Blockade Units and repairing the Infrastructure Hub. [NC] deployed more Sovereignty Blockade Units, resulting in some skirmishing, but for the most part no heavy fighting took place. However, as the shield reinforcement timer for the G-5EN2 Station came up on the 29th, both Providence Bloc and [NC] geared for a fight.

Providence Bloc brought a Nightmare Battleship fleet with a Stealth Bomber wing, 190 pilots strong. The force made it to the system first, and as the reinforcement timer expired was busy repairing the station.

[NC] brought a 110 pilot Proteus Strategic Cruiser fleet, and bounced around the G-5EN2 system, seemingly unwilling to engage Providence Bloc's fleet on the station, as it was within docking range.

[-10.0] was also aware of the timer, and brought a 130 pilots strong Proteus fleet of their own, and set up in the Irshah system in the Derelik region, where it waited patiently for hostilities to commence.

However, as Providence Bloc declined to fight and was busy repairing the damage to the station, a decision was made to lure Providence Bloc into a fight. The [NC] force jumped out of G-5EN2 while the [-10.0] force kept holding position in Irshah. With the station back to full shields and what seemed like an opening, Providence Bloc forces hurried to the 9-F0B2 gate, attempting to extract to their staging system.

However, due to the size of the system and the warp speed of the Battleships, [-10.0] was able to bridge in front of the Battleship force, into their destination system in fact of 9-F0B2. As the Battleships slowly cleared traffic control and entered the system, they were greeted by the [-10.0] fleet perched on the G-5EN2 gate, which warped on top of them, starting the fight.

 The Fighting on the G-5EN2 Gate, Courtesy of Paul Trier

The battle did not go smoothly though, as [-10.0] lost a few ships to the combined damage output of the Battleships. However, as the fight went on and a Triage Carrier brought in, as well as the [NC] force joining the fray, the tide decidedly went against Providence Bloc. It was losing ships one after the other, its Logistics, for the most part, unable to shield transfer fast enough to keep them alive.

After a few minutes of a rather one sided battle, as more Nightmares and Battleships popped, Providence Bloc managed to free enough Battleships and warp them off the field, abandoning its Logistic wing which was massacred nearly to the last, before docking up in the system's station.

With no more hostiles left on the grid, [NC] and [-10.0] safely extracted from the system, bringing an end to the fighting.

Footage of the Fighting from Providence Bloc's PoV, Courtesy of Mangraa Dementia

Battle report for the 9-F0B2 system can be found here.

During the peak of the fighting the system saw nearly 500 pilots, with Time Dilation being noticeable and a factor in it. All told the battle lasted close to 20 minutes.

Providence Bloc received the brunt of the losses, 76 ships for a total of 20 Bil ISK damage. [-10.0] and [NC] suffered some losses, 27 ships for nearly 5 Bil ISK damage, most of which were Interdictors and Interceptors.

Though Providence Bloc suffered a tactical defeat, it managed to win the strategic objective, securing the system and station. [NC] for their part seemed unwilling to engage Providence Bloc on their own, giving further evidence to the power showed by the coalition.

With the Imperium slowly deploying to the Providence region, the fighting is expected to intensify. What will happen as the Fozzie Sov changes loom over the horizon? The EVE Scribe will keep you posted.

Special thanks to, Jin'taan, of Pentag Blade, Curatores Veritatis Alliance for granting an interview and Mangraa Dementia, of Blue Tridents, Sev3rance, for supplying the video footage, as well as Paul Trier of Hoover Inc. Pandemic Legion and ISD for giving screenshots of the fight.

News: Fidelas Constans Deploys to the Providence Region

Fidelas Constans [FCON], a member alliance of the Imperium (Formerly known as the CFC) has declared its intention to deploy to the Providence region in the coming days, choosing the Nakah system in the Derelik region as its base of operations. The system is adjacent to Hasateem, where Northern Coalition(dot) [NC] are currently staging from, and is only a few jumps from the G-5EN2, one of the main entry ways into Providence.

This has raised some concern in [NC]. Unofficial sources claim [NC] has requested temporary blue standings when [FCON] forces are present on the field in future battles, a request which was firmly rejected by the Providence Bloc leadership, who views both sides as invaders, and prefers to engage both equally.

[FCON] deployment is part of the planned invasion of the Imperium to the region, as it was announced a month before by The Mittani, the leader of the coalition. Many consider the move merely an attempt by the Imperium to test the new sovereignty mechanics changes destined to to be implemented in July.

The Providence region was chosen due to it being under the control of the only group currently in the game that will not counter escalate into using Super Capital and Capital assets during battles.This will allow the Imperium to experience and fully analyze the new sovereignty system, which is based on constellation control, thus giving it an edge in future conflicts.

[FCON] is only the first alliance to deploy, but other Imperium entities are expected to join it in the future. It is believed that no Super Capital assets would be brought to the deployment, though it is yet to be seen.

 Propaganda Poster Made by Fidelas Constans

Regardless, with this deployment, the tranquil days experienced lately by Providence Bloc seem to be at an end, what will follow next, will be reported by the EVE Scribe.

Update: All Quiet in the Southern Front

In the last couple of days, no new major offensive has been taken by Northern Coalition(dot) [NC], allowing Providence Bloc to secure the KBP7-G system. 

Both the Infrastructure Hub and the Station's shield timers were allowed to run their course, as no new Sovereignty Blockade Units were deployed by [NC], the last set removed by Providence Bloc uncontested. Thus both timers have been successfully reset.

The only major occurrence were: A [NC] Slowcat (Archon Carriers) fleet which jumped into the system, reinforcing and taking down some of the Providence Bloc towers in the KBP7-G system. A failed attempt by Providence Bloc to reinforce the [NC] staging tower in return which resulted in a few losses and a second attempt later on which succeeded, the timer remains to be contested.

Compilation Video of the Last 2 Days from Providence Bloc's PoV, Courtesy of Mangraa Dementia

As the conflict seems to wind down, it is yet unclear whether a possible end to it is in sight, or this is just a lull in the fighting. Regardless, the EVE Scribe will keep you updated.

Special thanks to Mangraa Dementia, of Blue Tridents, Sev3rance, for supplying the video footage.

News: Further Escalation in the KBP7-G System

KBP7-G system, Providence region. On the 20th of May, at 20:00 EVE Standard Time, Providence Bloc and Northern Coalition(dot) [NC] clashed in the system over Sovereignty Blockade Units, resulting in [NC] escalating to Super Capitals usage.

Since the fall of Y-MPWL, [NC] have been mainly reinforcing towers across the north of the region. However, after the massacre of VKI-77, it seems [NC] wished to provoke another fight from Providence Bloc, perhaps to make up for their previous defeat. Thus [NC] brought a 60 pilot Proteus Strategic Cruiser fleet to the KBP7-G system, and attempted to take down the defensive Sovereignty Blockade Units deployed in the system.

Providence Bloc was alerted to this, and quickly formed a 150 pilot Naga Battlecruiser fleet, with an e-war Frigate wing and a Stealth Bomber wing, all told Providence Bloc had more than 200 pilots, who quickly made their way to the system.

The two fleets clashed on the B-WPLZ gate in the system, after Providence Bloc executed a successful bombing run on the [NC] forces who were situated on the gate. It then jumped its main fleet into KBP7-G and quickly anchored up, starting the fight. 

A short battle commenced, with the [NC] force outnumbered and outgunned, its Logistics ships popping one after the other, though managing to return fire and take down some of Providence Bloc's ships. Soon it was forced to retreat to a safe tower in the system, leaving behind a few stragglers that were caught in the interdiction probes and subsequently destroyed.

Providence Bloc remained on the gate for a while, while [NC] lit a cynosural beacon off their tower in the system, bridging in reinforcements and Carriers for Triage support, as well as bringing their Super Capital force. The combined fleet, including 28 Super Carriers, warped to the B-WPLZ gate at close range in order to brawl with Providence Bloc. Providence Bloc were not willing to fight on such terms, and retreated to their staging instead, their support fleet destroying the off grid fleet booster for [NC] as a farewell present.

Click for Killmail

Battle report for the KBP7-G can be found here.

The system saw more than 300 pilots in the system during the last confrontation, with Time Dilation not being reported. The engagement on its two parts lasted nearly half an hour, but most of the time was taken by a break in the fighting.

Providence Bloc lost 39 ships, for a total of 4 Bil ISK of damages. [NC] managed to lose only 16 ships, but for 3.8 Bil ISK of damage received.

Left with nothing, [NC] forces removed the defensive Sovereignty Blockade Units present in the system and sent to bring their own in to deploy. As the first one was being anchored, Providence Bloc managed to destroy both the hauler and steal the Sovereignty Blockade Units, deploying them once more for Providence Bloc, thus forcing [NC] to restart the whole process again.

Click for Killmail

In the end both the Station and the Infrastructure Hub in the system were put into their shield reinforcement mode, but only after a series of blunders by [NC]. With the VKI-77 massacre as well, [NC] had been on a losing streak, and their current reaction speaks volumes on their state of mind. As one [NC] pilot unironically commentated on Providence Bloc's desperate defense of their home "You asked for it".

As the timers tick away, it remains to be seen how [NC] will respond come the next battle, but what is sure, as it gets bogged down in the swamp that is Providence, [NC] may well learn just why Providence Bloc has managed to persist in the region for nearly a decade. The only question is, how will [NC] leave the conflict when it ends?

Special thanks to corebloodbrothers, of Volition Cult, The Volition Cult for granting an interview.

News: Northern Coalition(dot) Massacred in VKI-77

VKI-77 system, Providence region. On the 19th of May, at 20:00 EVE Standard Time, Providence Bloc forces clashed with Northern Coalition(dot) [NC] in the system, resulting in a one sided massacre.

The fight started after [NC] brought a Tempest Fleet Issue Battleship fleet, approximately 80 pilots strong with 3 Triage Archon Carriers for support, to the region. The force accompanied 21 Titans who were reinforcing towers in the H-GKI6 system. Once the Titans were done, they jumped out, leaving the Battleship fleet to extract on its own.

Providence Bloc formed a response fleet, 150 pilot strong Naga Battlecruiser fleet, with a Stealth Bomber wing and made their way to the system.

The two forces met first in H-GKI6 on the VKI-77 gate, the [NC] fleet receiving a full payload of bomb damage, dropping their health into deep armor as it sat on the gate. Then Providence Bloc jumped their main fleet into them, but [NC] declined to engage, preferring to jump out into VKI-77. There the fleet was caught by interdiction probes, as Providence Bloc jumped back and quickly anchored on the gate.

The fire exchange proved murderous. With many of the Battleship already being in half armor, the Nagas easily picked them off one by one. The Triage Carriers took time to jump in and de-cloak as well, meaning that for a few minutes no Logistics were present for the [NC] fleet, which only added to the initial massacre. Though Providence Bloc lost a few ships in the early stages of the fight, as Battleships popped left and right, their damage output lessened, allowing shield transfers to hold.

With the majority of the fleet decimated and the Triage Carriers tackled, it was every pilot for himself. Micro Jump Drives were spooled and fired, allowing a few Battleships to escape the carnage. With no more sub-capitals on field, it was the Carriers' turn. One by one they were destroyed, the last one trying desperately to tank, giving a brave stand but ultimately succumbing as well to the unrelenting fire poured on it by the Battlecruisers.

The Last Triage Archon's Killmail

With the last Carrier destroyed, Providence Bloc forces looted the field and extracted safely, having held the field. Thus the battle ended.

Video of the Battle from Providence Bloc's Logistics PoV, Courtesy of Mangraa Dementia

Battle report for the VKI-77 system can be found here.

The system saw less than 250 pilots in the peak of the fighting, with Time Dilation noted, but quickly subsiding, reaching upwards of 50% at times. All told the battle took 15 minutes from start to end.

The butcher's bill is heavy indeed, with [NC] losing no less than 39 ships, including 3 Carriers and half its Battleship fleet. The total ISK damage is estimated at 29 Bil ISK. Providence Bloc suffered some losses as well, 41 ships resulting in 3 Bil ISK of damages.

Though it has been a quiet few days in the region since the fall of Y-MPWL, it seems both sides are back into full swing, the fighting no less savage than before. This time Providence Bloc came on top, question is what will [NC] do in retaliation. The EVE Scribe will keep you posted.

Special thanks to corebloodbrothers of Volition Cult, The Volition Cult for granting an interview and Mangraa Dementia, of Blue Tridents, Sev3rance, for supplying the video footage.

News: Y-MPWL Station Falls, Northern Coalition(dot) Takes The System

Y-MPWL system, Providence region. On the 16th of May, the Station fell to Northern Coalition(dot) [NC] forces, marking it the first system to be lost in the conflict between [NC] and Providence Bloc.

[NC] forces had a 100 pilot Tempest Fleet Issue Battleship fleet with Triage Archon Carrier support and a Super Capital wing waiting on standby. The fleet was waiting on the D61A-G gate at optimal range.

Providence Bloc forces decided not to engage the [NC] fleet, as there seemed no chance of victory, especially considering [NC]'s repeated Super Capital usage during previous fights. Thus, Providence Bloc chose instead to reinforce an [NC] tower in the 5IO8-U system, which was used by [NC] as a Super Capital middle point for their campaign in the Providence region.

With Providence Bloc choosing not to show, [NC] forces took the station and the system unopposed.

Killmail of Territorial Claim Unit in Y-MWPL

As the war continues to escalate, and with the first system taken, [NC]'s claims of a "Fun Conflict" seem to ring hollow. 

The EVE Scribe will keep you posted on further developments.

News: Providence Bloc Defies Northern Coalition(dot) in Y-MPWL

Y-MPWL system, Providence region. On the 15th of May, at 19:40 EVE Standard Time, Providence Bloc and Northern Coalition(dot) [NC] clashed once more in the system, over the final Infrastructure Hub timer.

Providence Bloc brought a full Naga Battlecruiser fleet, around 240 pilots strong, supported by a small E-war Frigate fleet and a regular Stealth Bomber wing, perhaps 300 pilots all told fought under Providence Bloc' Banner.

Against them [NC] brought a Tempest Fleet Issue Battleship fleet, some 110 pilots big, with no less than 8 Triage Archon Carrier support.

The two sides met on the D61A-G gate in Y-MWPL, as Providence Bloc jumped in and anchored up. [NC] immediately bridged to a perch on the gate, and the two fleets maneuvered around for a time, before finally closing in and engaging.

What followed was a brutal exchange as the two sides just ripped through each others' mainline ships. Battleships and Battlecruisers popped left and right as the damage output was so great that neither side's Logistics could apply remote repairs in time. 

Providence Bloc's Bombers and E-war wing helped as well, putting more pressure on the [NC] fleet, adding to the confusion as they dived again and again into the Battleships.

Of course, having less tank than the Tempest Fleet Issues and no Triage support, the Providence Bloc Nagas were dispatched at a greater rate than the [NC] Battleships. This slowly sapped Providence Bloc of its ability to apply enough damage to overwhelm the [NC] Triage, thus allowing ships to catch remote repairs and stabilize.

Unable to break through the repair cycles, and losing ships by the minute, Providence Bloc elected to to withdraw instead, extracting from the system quickly.

With Providence Bloc gone, [NC] destroyed the Infrastructure Hub, then extracted from the system, ending the hostilities for the day.

Video of the Battle from Providence Bloc's PoV, Courtesy of Mangraa Dementia

Battle report for the Y-MPWL system can be found here.

The system hosted close to 440 pilots at the start of the fighting, with Time Dilation being a constant factor, peaking up to 50% at times. All told the battle lasted close to 20 minutes.

Providence Bloc lost 125 ships, for a total of 13 Bil ISK of damages. [NC] for their part, lost 40 ships, for 23 Bil ISK of damages, nearly twice the amount Providence Bloc did!

While [NC] may have come to fight a serious battle over the system, Providence Bloc knew the strategic objective was lost in advance, as [NC] had plenty of Super Capitals logged off in the system, as well as having knocked down the Cyno Jammar in the system, thus able to bridge in more reinforcement. 

Instead of fighting a losing battle, they decided to go in and cause as much damage as possible, an objective they seem to have met quite well.

With the Station coming out of reinforcement mode tonight, more battles are expected as the two sides continue to fight over the system. The EVE Scribe will keep you posted.

Special thanks to, Jin'taan, of Pentag Blade, Curatores Veritatis Alliance and corebloodbrothers, of Volition Cult, The Volition Cult for granting an interview as well as Mangraa Dementia, of Blue Tridents, Sev3rance, for supplying the video footage.

News: Continued Fighting Over Y-MPWL System

Y-MPWL system, Providence region. On the 13th of May, at 21:00 EVE Standard Time, Providence Bloc and Northern Coalition(dot) [NC] clashed once more over an Infrastructure Hub timer in the system.

Providence Bloc brought a 160 pilot Ishtar Heavy Assault Cruiser fleet, intending to take down the Sovereignty Blockade Units deployed in the system.

[NC] brought a 70 pilot Tempest Fleet Issue Battleship fleet, hoping to engage the Providence Bloc force in the system.

WAFFLES(dot) [N0MAD] were also present in the system, in a small Stealth Bomber wing.

The three sides met on the Kari gate in the system, as Providence Bloc forces attempted to take down the Sovereignty Blockade Unit deployed on it. This was done in order to secure the Infrastructure Hub, as its first reinforcement timer was running out.

However, [NC] forces attempted to engage the Providence Bloc force, who kept a distance away, though losing some ships who got tackled or were lagging behind. Added to it was constant harassment from the [N0MAD] bombers, who attempted to bomb the fleet several times, even getting a few kills.

[NC] did not like the lack of commitment from Providence Bloc and brought in their Super Capital fleet to reinforce the Infrastructure Hub, pushing it into its second timer. Unable to fight the Tempest Fleet Issue Battleships, being bombed and unable to achieve the strategical objective, Providence Bloc forces retreated, attempting to minimize their losses.

With the Infrastructure Hub reinforced and Providence Bloc standing down, [NC] extracted its fleet as well, putting an end to the fighting.

Battle report for the Y-MPWL system can be found here.

All told, the system hosted close to 300 pilots at the peak of the fighting, with Time Dilation not reported as an issue. The fighting itself was brief and lasted around 15 minutes.

Providence Bloc suffered the brunt of the losses, 54 ships for 6.5 Bil ISK of damages. [NC] lost mostly light tackle, 4 ships only for nearly 200 Mil ISK of damages.

As fighting continues in Y-MPWL, it seems [NC] decided to show the seriousness of its intentions and seems poised to take the system, as both the Station and Infrastructure Hub are reinforced. 

Evacuation has already started but has been made extremely difficult due to both [NC] and other third parties being present in the system at all times. The jump bridge in the system has also been taken down. 

The EVE Scribe will continue to update you on the situation.

News: Fighting Continues in Providence as Y-MPWL Station Is Reinforced

9UY4-H system, Providence Bloc. On the 11th of May, 20:00 EVE Standard Time, Providence Bloc forces clashed with Northern Coalition(dot) [NC] once more in the system.

Providence Bloc brought around 160 pilots, split between a main fleet comprised of Ishtar Heavy Assault Cruisers, Goku Bombers and a Caracal Cruiser gang.

[NC] brought a Tempest Fleet Issue Battleship fleet, approximately 90 pilots strong with Triage Carrier support.

Providence Bloc was en route to the Y-MPWL system, where the station was reinforced a few days before by [NC]. As they were traveling to the system, scouts reported [NC]'s fleet had already bridged into the system, thus beating them there. Unwilling to take the [NC] force head on, yet wanting to secure the station, Providence Bloc decided to hold in the 9UY4-H system, and hopefully divert [NC]'s attention. 

To do so, they hit upon a tower which was brought in by [NC] and anchored in the system. At the same time, Interdictors were stationed on the gates in the systems between 9UY4-H and Y-MPWL to slow [NC]'s movement.

As [NC] forces received notifications of what was happening, it was already too late, burning slowly to 9UY4-H, stalled by the Interdictors, they arrived after the tower was already reinforced. At the same time, a detachment of Tech I Logistic Cruisers was sent via the jump bridge network to repair the station.

However, before Providence Bloc could extract their fleets safely from 9UY4-H they were caught at the U-HYMT gate, where [NC] Interdictors prepared drag bubbles in advance, as they had a spy on the Providence Bloc fleet feeding them information.

The [NC] fleet landed just as the Providence Bloc Ishtars burned off the gate and a quick exchange started, with the Ishtars volleying off Battleships, and at the same time the Tempest Fleet Issues melting Ishtars in rapid succession.

After a few more minutes of brutal skirmishing, with the Ishtar fleet unable to break the Tempest Fleet Issues' tank as its drones were being destroyed, and losing ships, a decision was made to dock up. This was done because the station was already secured, its shields raised enough to reset the reinforcement timer.

With Providence Bloc disengaging, [NC] forces extracted from the system. Putting an end to the fighting.

Battle report for the 9UY4-H system can be found here.

All told the 9UY4-H system hosted nearly 300 pilots at the peak of the fighting, with Time Dilation not reported as a factor. The fighting itself lasted approximately 20 minutes.

Providence Bloc lost the majority of the ships, 52 versus [NC]'s 6. The damage disparity is smaller though, Providence Bloc receiving only 7 Bil ISK worth compared to [NC]'s 3 Bil ISK.

Though Providence Bloc lost the battle, it won the strategic objective, forcing [NC] to reinforce the station once more, having their staging tower reinforced and even managing to uncover and dispose of a spy. 

As for [NC], it may have gotten the fight it wished for, but not the outcome, as sources report much frustration within the alliance, especially due to some of the poor form shown, especially against what many consider an inferior opponent.

After the events of the battle, [NC] reinforced the Y-MPWL station once more and incapacitated the jump bridge in the system as well.

As the conflict continues to rage, it seems from a spectator's viewpoint that the [NC] war machine has been losing steam lately. Only the coming days will tell whether the conflict has run its course, or if it was merely the quiet gathering before the storm.

Special thanks to corebloodbrothers, of Volition Cult, The Volition Cult, for granting an interview.

News: Massive Fleet Fight in 9UY4-H

9UY4-H system, Providence region. On the 9th of May, 21:00 EVE Standard Time, Pandemic Legion, Northern Coalition(dot) [NC], Spectre Fleet and Providence Bloc clashed in the system in an enormous fight that saw no less than 1,000 pilots battle each other.

[NC] brought a Proteus Strategic Cruiser fleet, 130 pilots strong with Triage Archon Carrier support.

Pandemic Legion brought a Proteus Strategic Cruiser fleet as well, 160 pilots strong, with Pandemic Horde [REKTD] also being present in a Maller Cruiser fleet, 60 pilots big, but operating autonomously from its parent alliance.

In a running theme of the battle, Providence Bloc fielded a Proteus Strategic Cruiser fleet of their own, 160 pilots strong, with a Goku Bomber fleet, 70 pilots large, and a support Naga Battlecruiser fleet, 30 pilots in total. All in all, Providence Bloc fielded close to 270 pilots.

Last but not least was Spectre Fleet, who brought a full Battleship fleet, nearly 250 pilots, most notably in Tempest Fleet Issue. It also had Triage Archon Carriers and Dreadnoughts on standby, for future escalation.

Providence Bloc formed to protect the Infrastructure Hub in the G-5EN2 system and repair it. However, they soon found out that [NC] bridged their fleet behind them, hoping to cut Providence Bloc's route of retreat, sitting in the 9UY4-H system, which serves as the major crossroad of the region.

Help came in the form of Spectre Fleet and [REKTD], who promised to aid Providence Bloc against [NC]. This was important for Providence Bloc as reports of a large Pandemic Legion Ishtar Heavy Assault Cruiser fleet spotted in the Catch region were received at the same time.

Thus, Spectre Fleet and [REKTD] engaged the [NC] fleet on the 4B-NQN gate, where Providence Bloc were waiting on the other side. As the two sides tangled, bringing Triage Archons and exchanging blows, Providence Bloc jumped in and started brawling with the [NC] fleet.

At this point, Pandemic Legion, who returned from their escapades in Wormhole space, re-shipped into their Proteus Strategic Cruisers and bridged to a perch above the gate. Once they loaded grid, Pandemic Legion's forces warped on top of the Providence Bloc fleet, choosing to focus on them.

Ships were volleyed off, as Time Dilation kicked into high gear, and even noticeable lag was felt. As Providence Bloc were losing ships at an alarming rate, they attempted to de-aggress and jump back to the 4B-NQN system.

However, they soon discovered Pandemic Legion's Interdictors were waiting for them, launching interdiction probes and trapping most of the fleet on the 9UY4-H gate, as the Pandemic Legion fleet waited its aggression timers and jumped in after them, continuing the fight between the two.

Providence Bloc attempted to fight as best as it could, but it soon became clear that they were losing. To minimize their losses, the fleet warped to the station and docked up, leaving behind many Proteus and Legions who were tackled by Pandemic Legion and promptly destroyed.

Battle report for 4B-NQN can be found here.

With Providence Bloc dealt with, Pandemic Legion came back to the 9UY4-H system in order to tackle the Spectre Fleet head on. However, while Providence Bloc and Pandemic Legion were having their own engagement in 4B-NQN, Spectre Fleet and [NC] disengaged, Spectre Fleet retreating to the D61A-G system, on the Y-MPWL gate, while [NC] seemed to have extracted form the region.

Battle report for 9UY4-H can be found here.

Pandemic Legion entered the D61A-G system and decided to commit to the fight, warping to the gate and hitting the edge of the deployed Interdiction field. Thus, the fight started in earnest, with Pandemic Legion anchoring up and going into the thick of the Battleships. 

The fight was not a one sided affair but a bloody struggle, with both sides volleying ships off. Spectre Fleet had no less than 4 Triage Archons present, while Pandemic Legion had to be content with their Tech II Logistics.

As the battle dragged on, Pandemic Legion lit a cynosural beacon and ushered in its own Triage Archon. In retaliation, Spectre Fleet brought in 4 Dreadnoughts, who promptly targeted the lone Triage Archon, but by the time they brought it down, many of the Battleships were destroyed, making it impossible for the Spectre Fleet to break the Strategic Cruisers' tank.

Realizing their situation, the Spectre Fleet made a dash for the safety of Empire, jumping into the Y-MPWL system and running to the kari gate, with Pandemic Legion in hot pursuit. Several more Battleships and 2 Dreadnoughts were caught, while the remainder managed to escape.

Battle report for the D61A-G system can be found here.

Pandemic Legion continued to camp the D61A-G gate for a while, before extracting from the region, with no resistance whatsoever and managing to score a few easy ganks on the way home. 

Battle report for the Y-MPWL system can be found here.

This marked the end of hostilities for the region.

Footage of the Fighting from Pandemic Legion's POV

The main battle saw 1,000 pilots in the 9UY4-H system, with Time Dilation peaking at 10% and lag reported by many pilots. The other engagements saw less than 400 pilots in local, with Time Dilation at more manageable levels. From the start of the fight to the end of hostilities, nearly an hour elapsed.

The butcher's bill is on a grand scale, considering everything. Spectre Fleet bore the brunt of the losses, 128 ships lost, including 2 Dreadnoughts, for a total of 39 Bil ISK of damages. Close second is Providence Bloc, who lost approximately 117 ships, for a total of 24 Bil ISK in damages. Third place was Pandemic Legion, with 27 ships lost, including 1 Triage Carrier, totaling at 14 Bil ISK damages. [NC] for their part, only lost 9 ships, mounting to 3.5 Bil ISK damages.

All told, this battle is further proof that regardless of Phoebe restrictions, huge scale battles are still fought throughout New Eden, and the devastation they leave in their wake, is still something to be awed by.

Special thanks to Fin1712, of Hoover Inc. Pandemic Legion for supplying footage of the fighting.

Providence Fight Club: 9-F0B2 8.5.2015

9-F0B2 system, Providence region. On the 8th of May, at 18:40 EVE Standard Time, forces belonging to Providence Bloc and StainWagon Coalition clashed in the system, in an honor brawl.

Providence Bloc brought a 159 pilot strong Proteus\Legion Strategic Cruiser fleet, while StaingWagon Coalition brought a 119 pilot large Ishtar Heavy Assault Cruiser fleet. Both fleets arrived at the G-5EN2 system, in order to repel an imminent Northern Coalition(dot) [NC] attack on the station, which was coming out of armor reinforcement mode.

To their surprise, [NC] did not show up, instead taking down the Sovereignty Blockade Units some time earlier, allowing the station to safely exit reinforced mode. With the station no longer in danger and no enemy fleet to fight, the two entities decided to hold instead a honor brawl.

However, the presence of [NC] Stealth Bombers in the G-5EN2 system caused the two sides to relocate to the neighboring 9-F0B2 system. StainWagon Coalition was allowed to go in first, situating themselves off the G-5EN2 gate, when Providence Bloc forces jumped into them and anchored up, starting the fight.

The brawl saw a quick fire exchange, with Providence Bloc losing Logistics ships and StainWagon losing a few mainline ships, as the two sides anchored up. After a while, the StainWagon Ishtars managed to kite out of the effective range of the Providence Bloc Strategic Cruisers, negating much of the damage. Providence Bloc for its part kept losing Logistics ships.

Thus, after a few minutes, the call was made for Providence Bloc ships to de-aggress and warp to the station and dock up, effectively finishing the fight.

With the fight over, StainWagon Coalition made its way home, safely extracting from the region.

Battle report for the 9-F0B2 system can be found here.
Alternate report can be found here.

During the fighting the system hosted 325 pilots, with Time Dilation being noticeable, reaching upwards of 60 and even 40%. The fight itself lasted merely 10 minutes.

Providence Bloc lost 38 ships, for a total of 5 Bil ISK. StainWagon Coalition lost 15 ships, for a total of 1 Bil ISK.

Special thanks to Jin'taan, of Pentag Blade, Curatores Veritatis Alliance and Elazar Keon, of The Black Company G.C. Soviet-Union, for granting interviews

News: Pandemic Legion Clashes Head On With Providence Bloc in G-5EN2

G-5EN2 system, Providence region. On the 7th of May, 20:00 EVE Standard Time, forces belonging to Pandemic Legion and Northern Coalition(dot) [NC] clashed head on with Providence Bloc who were defending the Infrastructure Hub in the system, resulting in a massive fight.

In the previous reinforcement timer, Providence Bloc brought an overwhelming force to the field, prompting [NC] to abstain from the fight. This time, taking note of the numbers brought previously, Pandemic Legion was contacted and brought along to reinforce the attackers.

Pandemic Legion brought a 160 pilot Tempest Fleet Issue Battleship fleet, with 5 Triage Archon Carriers. [NC] brought a Proteus Strategic Cruiser fleet, 110 pilots strong with Triage Carrier support as well.

Providence Bloc brought a 200 pilot strong Ishtar Heavy Assault Cruiser fleet with Goku Bomber support, around 70 pilots big and a regular Stealth Bomber wing. All told Providence Bloc had close to 300 pilots in the system.

Providence Bloc was further reinforced by forces belonging to the Curse Russians, also known as the Red Menace Coalition, who brought an approximately 70 pilot large Ishtar fleet as well.

The fighting began when [NC] forces skirmished the Red Menace Ishtar fleet over the 9-F0B2 gate in the G-5EN2 system. While no significant exchanges were made, Providence Bloc forces entered the system soon after, just as Pandemic Legion arrived on the 9-F0B2 gate as well, at a perch. This forced Providence Bloc to anchor up immediately and start the main event.

At this point the two sides started to exchange blows, with Providence Bloc focusing fire on the Pandemic Legion ships, while the Red Menace fleet warped out. The sheer amount of damage output from the two sides was overwhelming. Battleships and Ishtars melted before Logistics pilots could even lock them, which was not helped by the high amount of Time Dilation present.

As the two forces continued to battle, [NC] forces joined Pandemic Legion and contributed their fire as well. With split damage across the Providence Bloc fleet, Providence Bloc was hemorrhaging ships. The Goku Bomber fleet in particular suffered heavy losses and was forced to leave the system for a while.

At one point, one of the Triage Archons belonging to Pandemic Legion was almost destroyed, as the Ishtars rained punishment on it, managing to survive with only a sliver of hull remaining as it exited Triage mode in the nick of time, allowing it to receive remote repaires from its sister Carriers.

At this point the Red Menace fleet warped back on field, but was dragged by the interdiction fields active, landing on top of the Pandemic Legion Battleships. It lost several ships as it tried to burn out. However, they did not contribute much to the fighting altogether.

Screenshot of the Battle Taken by Yulai Federation Network

The battle raged on for a while, but as Providence Bloc was losing more and more mainline ships, its damage output reduced, it was unable to break either the Battleships nor the Strategic Cruisers' tank. 

As a last gambit, Providence Bloc sent their Logistics to the Infrastructure Hub, in order to repair it enough to reach 26%, so the shield reinforcement timer will reset. At the same time, the Ishtar fleet remained on field, distracting the enemy forces.

This however, turned out to be futile, as [NC] brought in their Super Capital fleet to reinforce the Infrastructure Hub, pushing it into its second reinforcement timer while the two sides kept battling.

With the Infrastructure Hub once again reinforced and half the fleet destroyed, Providence Bloc forces sounded the retreat. Red Menace Coalition also took the opportunity to withdraw, leaving the field to [NC] and Pandemic Legion to hold.

Having won the battle, Pandemic Legion and [NC] extracted from the system without further incident.

Battle report for the G-5EN2 system can be found here.
Alternative battle report can be found here.

During the peak of the fighting, the system hosted 713 pilots, with Time Dilation being a constant factor, effecting the battle, capping around 20% and remaining that high for the majority of the fight. The battle took approximately a full hour before dying down.

As killboards are still synchronizing, it is impossible to tell the exact number of losses. However, so far it seems that Providence Bloc lost the majority of the ships, with 88 ships lost for a total of 18 Bil ISK of damages. Red Menace Coalition suffered light losses, only 6 ships for approximately 600 Mil ISK damages. As for [NC] and Pandemic Legion, they lost 26 ships, for a total of 8 Bil ISK in damages, the majority of which was inflicted to Pandemic Legion.

With the conflict escalating further, as more allies and neutral coalitions are sucked into the fray, it becomes very clear that G-5EN2 will see many more pilots lose their lives fighting over it. While losing the battle, it seems morale in Providence is still high, as many see the fact [NC] had to call upon Pandemic Legion for support a clear sign of the former's inability to take them head on. Thus, they are still confident in their ability to win the war.

Propaganda Poster Calling Providence Bloc to the Flag, Courtesy of Yulai Federation Network

 

As Providence Bloc continues to resist the jackboot of [NC], further fighting is expected, as both the Station and the Infrastructure Hub come out of reinforced mode in the next few days. The EVE Scribe will keep you posted on the events as they unfurl.

Special thanks to, Jin'taan, of Pentag Blade, Curatores Veritatis Alliance for granting an interview and Yulai Federation Network for supplying the screenshots.