It was just a line in the release notes but with the release of Phoebe came the adding of null sec data and relic sites to low class wormholes (C1 thru C3).It doesn't seem like much of a change but its actually rather an excellent one as many high sec pilots won't venture into null sec but will enter wormholes to run sites.
Aside from the oddness of this behaviour this obviously shows that the day-raider pilot certainly exists and by adding the Data and Relic sites to low class wormholes should see an increase in the loot that comes from them.
Thus was born a new variation of the Wormhole Tear Extractor.
Thus was born a new variation of the Wormhole Tear Extractor.
Hypothesis
From this its possible to come up with a hypothesis:
The adding of Data and relic sites to low class wormholes will see an increase in nano'd, warp core stabbed covert ops frigates who are fit to find and complete these sites as quickly as possible.
To a wormhole dweller this means one glorious thing: More Targets.
Catch Me If You Can
However catching them will be difficult as you'd have to allow at least seven seconds, more likely ten, during which time they could easily align and warp out. The delay is caused by deactivating a covert ops cloak and then the time to actually lock a target and activate any warp disruption module(s).
Theorycraft
In a deep dark wormhole somewhere my friend Bex and his cohorts decided to come up with a solution. Bex summed up the task ahead so succinctly:
So what can I produce that is able to efficiently scan out a site, arrive on location cloaked and prosecute the little thieving bastards with impunity.
Much theorycrafting was then performed and eventually the following fit was produced:
[Night Fever, Proteus]
Large 'Vehemence' Shockwave Charge
Large 'Vehemence' Shockwave Charge
Large 'Vehemence' Shockwave Charge
Large 'Vehemence' Shockwave Charge
Large 'Vehemence' Shockwave Charge
Covert Ops Cloaking Device II
Expanded Probe Launcher II, Sisters Core Scanner Probe
Experimental 10MN Microwarpdrive I
Warp Scrambler II
Medium Capacitor Booster II, Navy Cap Booster 800
Reactor Control Unit II
Reactor Control Unit II
Reactor Control Unit II
Reactor Control Unit II
Reactor Control Unit II
Medium Ancillary Current Router I
Medium Ancillary Current Router II
Medium Ancillary Current Router II
Proteus Defensive - Adaptive Augmenter
Proteus Electronics - Emergent Locus Analyzer
Proteus Offensive - Covert Reconfiguration
Proteus Propulsion - Interdiction Nullifer
Proteus Engineering - Power Core Multiplier
Not pretty but the fit has one purpose and you're certainly not going to be tackling anything larger than a Destroyer/Frigate sized hull in this because there is no tank outside of the base the T3 hull gets and all the rigs and low slots are used to provide the Power needed to fit and run the smart bombs.
Testing
It didn't take long for the first test to occur and that was rather successful.
A site was scanned down, with a perch bookmark generated that made all the loot containers warp-able and then it was just a waiting game.
Eventually the fly entered the web and as soon as they moved to a container the ship warped to the container and the smart bombs activated.
Covert Ops ships don't have much tank, especially configured for ninja missioning like the was.
The test was a resounding success but as with any prototype further refinement could be made. So it was back to the fitting tool but at least the basic ship premise had been verified and now a new weapon could be bought into the fight against "the little thieving bastards" that visit wormholes daily.
I've not seen or been provided any details of changes to the fit above, as of yet, but I know that additional variations have been produced for all T3 hull except the Tengu. I guess its only a matter of time before we see, and hear, of smart bombing T3's protecting wormhole Relic and Data sites.
Conclusion
The fit is solid, if a little light on tank however the use is not as a brawler but as a surprise and designed to go after lightly or no-tanked frigates/destroyers. As I've been writing this I have been sent this kill mail:
Kill: Eryx Vanguard (Astero)
which prompted this 'feedback' in Local:
Eryx Vanguard > ps - douche bag move
Apex Bex > bahahaha
Alas Vanguard's pod was able to escape thanks to being ejected just outside Smart Bomb range but regardless the effectiveness of the ship and fit has been proven and I'm sure there will be plenty more killmails to come.
That players find it reasonable and necessary to spend half a billion isk and countless manhours just to very occasionally kill a handful of noobs in unarmed ships should illustrate how paltry engagement mechanics are, and how much effort players have to go to just to convince themselves they really are playing a game.
ReplyDeleteI understand what you're saying, I lose so many cyno ships to players who just want the kill to pad their statistics or just for luls. No other need for it.
DeleteCrafting a ship with this singular purpose I find inventive and so its costs a bit, some players have that much and enjoy the thrill of the kill with whatever they can.
I have no trouble finding fights in the traditional sense, this is merely for teh lulz and I can afford it.
DeleteI'm sorry you're poor.
You got it all wrong. I, for instance, shoot everyone when possible. When they changed data/relic sites to be without rats and now, instead of exploring dps ships, you got bunch of covert op frigates buzzing around with almost no risk, I find it my duty to try my best and kill those pesky frigates, that are so called "noobs". No remorse whatsoever. Plus, they are usually worth more than your average battlecruiser.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on smartbombing proteus. Will need to give it a try. I usually scan and fly tanked proteus, with scan resolution mod and rigs and a few medium smartbombs. It's a good all rounder to tackle heavy targets and catching small ships since when you find target, it usually is just one time opportunity and I want to be ready for everything.
Personally, I've been on the other side of the equation - in a venture sneaking into a wormhole to grab some gas. The idea that someone is watching and that I could die at any time was a huge part of the fun. Overwhelming paranoia - slamming the d-scan constantly - knowing that any instant might be (and on an occasion or two) was my last...
ReplyDeleteWithout an invisible hunter out there, the wh experience wouldn't be nearly as exciting.