Empire Proving GroundsTactical Insights into Triglavian Invasions

DutchGunner

Aria Jenneth

Ilm Gaterau

Haria Haritimado

Released 11/YC121

Editorial NotesGalNET ReleaseAuthors: DutchGunner, Aria Jenneth, Ilm Gaterau, Haria HaritimadoEditor: Matoko PrianoPublisher: Arataka Research ConsortiumCover Art: CCPc©YC 121

ContactItzukame-Zainou Hyperspatial Inquiries Ltd. (Publisher)Isseras IV - Zainou Biotech ProductionOffice 43-56, Sector 2, East Wing, Deck 92-Bravo.Caldari State

Chat: “Arataka Communications Router”Media: ARC Studio: The DiscourseTicker: [IKAME] [-ARC-]

Contents

1. Introduction 1

2. Invading Entities 12.1. Basic Ship Characteristics and Hull Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.2. Ship Roles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22.3. A Note on Zorya Triglav . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42.4. Differences between Invading and Abyssal Vessels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3. ARC Fleet Tactics on Triglavian Invasion Battlefields 53.1. Fleet Composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53.2. Fleet Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53.3. Logistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

4. Opposition Analysis of Major Conduits and World Arks 7

5. Triglavian Invasion and Star System Effects 11

6. On the Nature of Proving 14

A. Observed Triglavian Combat Ships in Empire Invasions 16

B. Involved Staff 18

i

HARIA HARITIMADO

1. Introduction

This issue of the Triglavian Primer covers fundamental aspects for successfully running Major andWorld Ark invasion conduits. The first chapter introduces the invading Triglavian entities, their hulltypes and specialized roles. The second chapter introduces fundamental elements of efficientfleet tactics as developed by the Arataka Research Consortium’s (ARC) primary fleet commanderDutchGunner. The third chapter gives a deeper insight into Major Conduit enemy vessel distributionand an exemplary World Ark escalation documentation. In the fourth chapter, Ilm Gaterau introducesthe system environmental effects caused by conduits and the Stellar Accelerator. Finally, the issuecloses with a philosophical reflection on the concept of proving by Aria Jenneth.

This publication is an instrumental and dense analysis with a clear goal in mind. Fleet tactics areproposed, in order to inform other capsuleer groups and the New Eden societies about possibilitiesto enter in the empire proving grounds and leave as victors. This is deemed necessary in orderto mobilize more resistance against any attempt of colonization, stellar manipulation, or furtherescalation of violence. The issue informs in detail about one way to tackle the invasions effectively.

2. Invading Entities

2.1. Basic Ship Characteristics and Hull Types

Triglavian ships are notorious for their unique singularity power core which makes them easy toidentify on sight. While here is not the place to discuss technological details, it is worth to point outsome very unique characteristics of all Triglavian ships. All rely heavily on the singularity harnessconstructed into the core ship components and hull design. Firstly, the damage profile caused by the

Entropic Disintegrators, the primary Triglavian weapon design, does have a mandatory focus onthermal and explosive damage, caused by the singularity’s quantum particle stream, which basicallycauses localized gravitational distortion on the target vessel. In some cases, Triglavian ships alsosport missiles. They complement the damage profile with electromagnetic and kinetic attacks.

Secondly, all Triglavian vessels have a very similar damage resistance layout with primary focus onarmor, followed by hull, and shield resistance. The shields suffer from electromagnetic vulnerability,armor is weaker against explosions, and hull has a very balanced resistance profile. For example, avery common vessel, the Starving Drekavac, has the following calculated base resistance profileof shield {0− 20− 40− 50}, armor {56− 45− 54− 42}, and hull {33− 33− 33− 33} againstelectromagnetic, thermal, kinetic, and explosive damage respectively.

The third notable aspect of all hulls is the heavy use of Remote Armor Repair capacities. Theusual nanite restoration tissue is modified by engineered bacteria colonies, so called mutaplasmids.

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The whole ship design aims at local remote repair support and this is a feature that must be takeninto account when dealing with Triglavian adversaries.

Figure 1: Triglavian Ship Hulls

Based on the fundamental characteristics above, the Convocation of Triglav fields six hull typesin the invasion proving grounds. They can be classified by common ship types. The frigate-sized

Damavik, the Kikimora destroyer, the Vedmak and Rodiva as cruisers, the Drekavacbattlecruiser, and the Leshak battleship. They are depicted in Figure 1.

2.2. Ship Roles

However, the six hull types are only of limited help on the battlefield in order to make the rightdecisions. Triglavian fleets show a vast array of specific and combined roles which add complexity tofleet composition – and counter-tactics. A brief overview of the different roles and hull types is givenin Table 1 below. They will be briefly described below. However, the actually observed hull, type, andsubtype combinations are much more complex. A comprehensive list (as by today) can be found inthe appendix Table 6 on page 16.

2

Table 1: Triglavian Ship Roles

Type Damavik Kikimora Vedmak Rodiva Drekavac Leshak

Starving

Renewing

Ghosting

Liminal

Anchoring

Harrowing

Blinding

Tangling

Rasznaborg

Sudenic

Chislov

The Starving type does provide Energy Neuting on frigate and battle-cruiser hulls. The so calledRenewing Triglavian ships are equipped with very effective Armor Remote Repair modules on frigates,cruisers, and battleships. Ghosting frigates or battle-cruisers use Weapon Disruption to preventenemy turrets from operating. The Liminal type is a very flexible option across all hull types. Theyengage with primary Entropic Disintegrators and secondary missile launchers for omni-damage(electromagnetic, thermal, kinetic, explosive). Anchoring frigates or destroyers use Warp Scrambling,

3

while Harrowing make use of Target Painters, the Blinding engage in Sensor Dampening, and theTangling in Stasis Webification. As can be seen, the major types are classified by electronic warfaresystems, differing damage profile, or dedicated logistics roles.

The remaining subtypes are the Chislov, which is basically a construction battleship only seen atthe Stellar Accelerators in foothold systems so far. The Raznaborg are lighter versions of othership types and are normally encountered only in roaming scout fleets. Optimal Weapon Range, MaxVelocity, and Orbital Velocity is roughly reduced to factor 0.7, the Armor Remote Repair to 0.3, exceptfor the Renewing Raznaborg. Only Damavik and Kikimora are found as Raznaborg subtype. TheSudenic subtypes deal omni damage through the use of missiles, just like the Liminal type. So far,they are exclusively present on the World Ark proving grounds. If Sudenic is combined with theStarving class, e. g. as a Starving Sudenic Drekavac, the amount of Capacitor Neutralizationis doubled but no omni damage does apply. However, the exact nature of the Sudenic subtype islargely unclear. They might have special ritual purpose bound to the World Ark site. All observedcombinations of the Sudenic and Raznaborg type are included in Table 6 on page 16.

2.3. A Note on Zorya Triglav

So far, we have ignored the queen of the World Ark herself, the Zorya Triglav. She also appears onall stages of the proving ground and she has been seen in any ship hull except the Rodiva logisticcruiser. Arguably, she is the toughest opponent on grid and deals potent damage at close rangewith excellent survivability prediction. She also engages on long-range in battleships and there areseveral subtypes as shown in the appendix (p. 16). What exactly her changing titles of Hospodarand Voivode imply, is not known yet. Numerous fleets by the Arataka Research Consortium couldnot determine any differences in combat behavior or equipment. What is clear is that Zorya Triglav isresponsible for the process of proving which gives her an outstanding role as fleet commander oroverseer of the conduits and battlegrounds in Triglavian invasions. Usually, Zorya Triglav is primary.

2.4. Differences between Invading and Abyssal Vessels

Pilots experienced in abyssal deadspace exploration may be familiar with some of the ship typesdescribed above. However, there are some distinct differences. First of all, drones ( Vila Swarmer)are not deployed on invasion sites. Secondly, the Warding, Striking and Shining classes have alsonot be recorded outside the abyss, though some similarities between the latter and the Harrowingtype are observable. Generally, invading entities have significantly increased shield, armor, and hullendurance but also slightly reduced armor resistance. This is most likely attributed to the uniqueabyssal environments. They have lower sensor strength but greatly increased target range; a featureof lesser importance in the abyssal confines. The signature radius of the invading precursors is alsogreatly reduced while the damage profile is more powerful and differs from abyssal entities. Thiscomes with improved speed on top. Clearly, the Convocation of Triglav has changed their doctrinesto fit New Eden’s environment. Experiences from abyssal operations are not directly transferable toinvasion fleets without risk of surprise.

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DUTCHGUNNER

3. ARC Fleet Tactics on Triglavian Invasion Battlefields

With the appearance of Triglavian forces in New Eden’s known space in YC 120 it soon becameapparent that this new type of precursor faction is a potent rival to the Drifter faction, which revealedthemselves in YC 117. Anyway, contrary to the Drifter forces, the Triglavians engage us in clearlydefined battles and with much more predictability. This makes the development of a fleet doctrine andstrategy easier, but also a more pressing matter. The Arataka Research Consortium has developedan effective counter-strategy for escalated Triglavian invasions. The following part will focus on thecomposition and tactics used by such ARC fleets. It will not go into the equipment used on the ships.Also, the different types of Triglavian vessels were discussed in the previous chapter and their fleetcomposition will be the topic of chapter 4 below.

3.1. Fleet Composition

ARC fleets are based on a doctrine that uses the following, balanced ship composition. For long-range attack, Triglavian Leshak hulls are used. For mid-range, with the option to go long- or shortrange, the Drekavac is the fleet’s backbone. Close-quarter battle is the focus of the Vindicatorbattleship. Logistics are provided by Guardians or Nestors. Auxiliary ships consist of a single

Noctis for salvage recovery and a single Loki for long range webification and command bursts.Table 2 gives the composition with advised minimum numbers for successful World Ark provinggrounds and Major Conduits.

Table 2: ARC Fleet Composition

Leshak Drekavac Vindicator Nestor Guardian Loki Noctis

3x 3x 3x 3x or 6x 1x 1x

3.2. Fleet Operations

When sealing conduits, ARC fleets take a multi-layered approach. There is a general priority in whichTriglavian ships are engaged and destroyed. A specific targeting priority applies for each combat shipin the fleet. The general priority is based on the different hull and type of Triglavian ships (cf. Table 1,p. 3). The standard order is:

Zorya→ Starving→ Renewing→ Ghosting→ Liminal→ remaining variants

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This approach deals with breaking up the command structure of the Triglavian fleet and deal withthe main threats and disruptions to the ARC fleet. If there is a large amount of Triglavian firepower, adifferent, more general priority is used:

Zorya→ Starving→ Liminal→ remaining variants

This alternative approach puts focus on destroying the firepower of the Triglavian fleet to makesure that the ARC fleet’s logistical ships can prevent the destruction of any ship in the ARC fleet.

Besides the targeting priority based on the types, each combat ship in the fleet will have its ownprimary and secondary targets. The ARC Leshak vessels take the Triglavian battleships as primarytargets. If there are none, they will focus on destroying the battle-cruisers followed by the cruisers.The primary target for the Vindicator are the Triglavian frigates. If there are no frigates, it will go forthe destroyers, followed by the cruisers. For the Drekavac, the Triglavian cruisers and battle-cruisersare primary. Depending on the number of Triglavian battleships, they might assist in destroying thoseby swapping ammo to long-range Meson charges. Due to this layered approach, ARC fleets areable to destroy Triglavian invading forces at a fast pace and with relatively low numbers. By havingthe Drekavac outfitted with command bursts, it is possible to need even less ships by removing theLoki.

3.3. Logistics

The final, important part of the ARC fleet operations is tied to the choice of logistical ships. While theGuardian certainly is still a valid option, ARC fleets have developed a tactic that can only be donereliably with the Nestor. Triglavian fleets have shown to prioritize the destruction of logistical shipsover combat vessels. By using two or more Nestors it is possible to keep all Triglavian aggressionoscillating between them. By switching the amount of active remote armor repair modules, it ispossible to trick the Triglavian fleet into switching between the logistics battleships. Each time theyswitch their attack, their damage output is lowered as their weapon systems are turned off and anyramped-up damage is forfeit.

This tactic is used to great effect in order to guarantee the survival of the deployed ships and tominimize disruptive effects on the fleet’s combat ships. In order to make sure that the Nestors survive,the Leshak and Drekavac all have remote armor repair modules fitted. All combat ships also carry aflight of logistical drones for any case of emergency. When piloted by experienced capsuleers andcommanded by a well prepared fleet command, the proposed composition is able to dominate allproving grounds in escalated World Ark systems, even when there are roaming fleets supporting theTriglavian perimeter forces on site.

6

HARIA HARITIMADO

4. Opposition Analysis of Major Conduits and World Arks

This section presents a brief insight into what to expect when entering the Major Conduit or WorldArk battleground. Since a lot of footage exists which gives a proper introduction to the setting andgeneral nature of the combat situation, the following does focus on the evaluation of involved enemyvessels.

The data collected in over a dozen battles at Major Conduits in an escalated foothold system hasbeen reviewed and analyzed statistically. As a result, the general distribution of Triglavian vesselsover the three waves is shown in Figure 2 on page 8. The heat maps combines hull type with primaryroles of the Triglavian entities. Blue indicates few or no observations, red shows the main vesseltypes during the three waves. Black fields stand for combinations of hull and role type which areunknown so far. The interpretation is straightforward. In Major Conduits, frigates make up the majorityof entities during the first wave. The centroid moves towards battle-cruisers and battleships with astrong overall increase of firepower across all vessel types during the second phase. In the final wave,the heavy ships dominate together with close-range electronic warfare types. Interestingly, ZoryaTriglav does not shy away from boarding frigates in the first wave and is seen through all stages ofbattle. Also, the Liminal type vessels are almost always equally distributed across all hull types andwaves. They form the backbone of Major Conduits.

The World Ark is a completely different terrain to explore. Table 3 on page 9 gives a case studyof the Chemilip foothold System, on the 25th of October, YC 121. The first striking difference is thesheer number of Triglavian vessels. We observed 296 combat ships, deployed by the Convocationof Triglav and commanded by several incarnations of Zorya Triglav. Nine waves of varying intensityemerged from the Xordazh class World Ark vessel. The table gives detailed information on thetime between each wave, depending on the progress of the ARC fleet clearing the perimeter. Numberof vessels are reported for each wave, as well as a composition heat map identical to the one usedfor the Major Conduit (p. 8). The attentive observer may realize that there is one additional row onthe World Ark heat maps though. The bottom row has been added for the Sudenic only subtype (likethe Sudenic Rodiva without any additional role). Everything else stays the same.

Interestingly, it is not the number of heavy hull types which makes the later waves a challenge, it isthe very high number of smaller ships. Capsuleer fleets are swarmed by Triglavian ships. This isclearly a difference to the Major Conduits. In the World Ark, every second or third wave might havea focus on battleships and battle-cruisers though. There is clearly a variation in wave compositionvisible. This might be rooted in the concept of proving, underlying the whole World Ark site. It isvisible from the table that the completion of the World Ark took the ARC fleet 27:30 minutes, which isconsidered a good time. A well concerted composition with higher numbers of capsuleer pilots mightspeed it up a bit. The documented World Ark clearance was done by a fleet composition based onTable 2, page 5.

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Tangling

Blinding

Harrowing

Anchoring

Liminal

Ghosting

Renewing

Starving

Zorya

Damavik Kikimora Vedmak Rodiva Drekavac Leshak

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

Tangling

Blinding

Harrowing

Anchoring

Liminal

Ghosting

Renewing

Starving

Zorya

Damavik Kikimora Vedmak Rodiva Drekavac Leshak

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

Tangling

Blinding

Harrowing

Anchoring

Liminal

Ghosting

Renewing

Starving

Zorya

Damavik Kikimora Vedmak Rodiva Drekavac Leshak

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

Figure 2: Major Conduit Waves Composition

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Table 3: World Ark Escalation Timeline

Time Event Composition

00:00 Capsuleer fleet warps on grid; Triglavians on grid (4 ene-mies).

01:31 First wave arrives on grid (20 enemies).

04:03 Second wave arrives on grid (30 enemies).

06:50 Third wave arrives on grid (33 enemies).

11:42 Fourth wave arrives on grid (13 enemies); one Zorya VoivodeTTC-243.

13:51 Fifth wave arrives wave on grid (45 enemies). All Sudenictype.

16:00 Sixth wave arrives wave on grid (26 enemies). All Sudenictype.

17:51 Seventh wave arrives wave on grid (16 enemies). All Sudenictype.

Continue on next page

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Table 3 – Continuation

Time Event Composition

19:12 Eigth wave arrives wave on grid (34 enemies). All Sudenictype.

20:03 Ninth wave arrives on grid (75 enemies). All Sudenic type.

27:30 All enemy vessels destroyed.

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ILM GATERAU

5. Triglavian Invasion and Star System Effects

The Triglavian invasion is not just military in nature but also an influx by the very nature of abyssaldeadspace itself. The leaking of entropic radiation and other anomalies disrupts the very fabric of theinvaded system, leading to some rather interesting effects to spacecraft. In the perimeter systems ofthe invasion they can be quite mild but further in they can create some quite dramatic performancechanges as shown in Table 4. Entropic forces and bending of the gravitational topology have animpact on drones, hull, and agility of spacecraft. Moreover, the interaction between mining lasers andminerals are subject to beneficial influence.

Table 4: Induced Environmental System Effects

Effect Cause PerimeterSystem

AdjacentSystem

FootholdSystem

Increase to ship agility temporal flow anomalies 10% 25% 45%Drone damage reduction entropic reduction disrupting

remote control20% 35% 50%

Drone speed reduction gravitational instabilities 20% 35% 50%Hull stability reduction entropic radiation compro-

mises hull15% 25% 40%

Mining cycle reduction entropic radiation increaseslaser charge

10% 25% 45%

So, it’s not just ships that are affected. The very conduits Triglavian forces use to enter knownspace morph surrounding asteroids, seemingly of the Scordite family, into completely new ores.Though the abundant Scordite is a primary source of the common mineral Pyerite, those foundnear conduits are changed so utterly that uncommon minerals can be found, including the rare

Morphite. Those unusual deposits are shown in Table 5.

Table 5: Effects on Ore Deposits

Ore Cause Locations Minerals (example proportions)

Talassonite light neutron depositionfrom chaotic radiations

minor/emergingconduits

6,400 Tritanium; 228 Nocxium; 40 Zy-drine; 6 Megacyte

Continue on next page

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Table 5 – Continuation

Ore Cause Locations Minerals (example proportions)

Rakovene protracted neutron de-position from chaotic ra-diations

major conduits 1,100 Tritanium; 3,600 Pyerite; 427 Mex-allon; 225 Nocxium; 135 Zydrine;41 Megacyte; 1 Morphite

Bezdnacine intense neutron deposi-tion from chaotic radia-tions

World Ark 6,600 Tritium; 1,100 Pyerite; 1,890 Mex-allon; 550 Isogen; 92 Megacyte; 5 Mor-phite

From all this information, what can we tell about the Convocation of Triglav, abyssal deadspace,and the effects on our systems when their invasions pour through? Let us start with one of the mostheavily used terms in the lexicon of Triglavian studies, singularity technology.

In layman’s terms, a singularity is a one dimensional point where properties, among them gravity,become infinite. New Eden’s inhabitants are quite familiar with the phenomenon of gravity, all theway from the pressure you feel on a large planet to the space-time twisting jump gates we use to getbetween A and B. Abyssal deadspace has rather different gravitational forces compared to knownspace. The fluxes of space-time surrounding abyssal deadspace pockets have been shown to crushspaceships that cross them, but there are more subtle and interesting ways of looking at this uniqueenvironment, which are less likely to result in fatality.

Isogen is a mineral commonly found in areas of intense gravitational pressure in known spacesystem. Its currently unknown if Isogen can be found in abyssal deadspace, but we have insteadfound Crystalline Isogen-10 which analysis reveals to be formed due to the abnormal gravitationaleffects. As we all know, if you live in a harsh environment and survive long enough you start to turnthe very elements to your advantage. In this case the Triglavian seem to have mastered the gravity oftheir home and used it to forge singularity technology. It is ubiquitous and if you have ever wonderedwhat those dark orbs that float around Triglavian vessels and structures are, those are singularities.

It’s from this singularity technology that the Triglavian conduits are formed, allowing the Triglaviansto travel to New Eden. As a side effect, these conduits leak off entropic radiation into the solar systemas well as create spatial-temporal distorting effects as described earlier. However the Drifters andSansha’s nation appear to be able to do similar feats of traveling, though without such a disruptinginfluence on the system. I believe the difference is in part due to the technology line the Triglavianshave evolved, though mostly due to the difficulty of moving from an area of abnormal gravity, likeabyssal deadspace, to known space.

This in effect does appear to explain the unusual nature of their travel to known space, thoughas always it also raises further questions. For instance, have the Triglavians managed this greatfeat because of the peculiar nature of abyssal deadspace, or in spite of it? How would mass travel(beyond of what the Filaments allow for) work in the opposite direction, from known space toabyssal deadspace? Can they jump from system to system in known space, or must they returnto abyssal deadspace first? There are other aspects to Triglavian technology, such as their use oftrinary data and the equipment morphing mutaplasmids, but these are discussions for another time.

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What I am going to look at are stars and the Triglavians’ apparent interest in them.As has been observed previously, during the “high security only” stage of the invasion, the

Triglavians set up more than half of their footholds in systems containing either B0 or A0 type bluestars. While they discontinued this trend when the invasion spread to low security space, they haverecently began to deploy Stellar Particle Accelerators around stars which deliberately effect theirspatio-temporal topology, causing ripples of distortion. Why are they interested in our stars? Thereare copious possible reasons but I will focus on one that seems more likely given the Triglavian’stechnological inclination. I think it is possible the Triglavians are trying to take advantage of a star’slarge gravity field. Indeed, CONCORD were concerned that the stars could be “weaved” into abyssaldeadspace. That certainly could be the case, but I was considering whether it could be used to makea larger conduit that would allow their civilization to travel into known space in mass. We know theyare being ?? pressed by Drifter forces and migration to known space may be a logical retreat plan.Available footage suggest the construction of capital ships in Tier 5 abyssal deadspace pockets.They could possibly serve such colonizing attempts. Of course, they already have the ability to sendtheir massive Xordazh World Ark’s through so why would they need to use a star to open a conduitother than to transfer something much larger, perhaps even a planet?

This closes the thoughts on environmental and stellar effects in invasion systems for now. Anycapsuleer fleet should be aware of the conduits’ and Accelerator’s impact on gravitational typology. Itis advised to look out for unusual or unknown mineral deposits, since that might be a hint to past orongoing space-time manipulations. Also, viewed from the perspective of interactions between abyssaldeadspace and known space gravitational topology, the concept of a local proving ground might be atoo narrow concept to understand the invasions. They might be the vanguard of greater colonizationattempts, a reaction to conflicts within Triglavian home territory, or an attempt of preparation for moreintimate entanglement between the abyss and our domain. Whatever the truth may be, our stars arethe foundation of life in New Eden. We can’t afford to ignore any intervening experiments of suchscale.

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ARIA JENNETH

6. On the Nature of Proving

“Prove yourself”: the concept isn’t something unique to the Triglavian Collective. Competitions ofmerit, with prizes for the victors, can be seen in almost every nation. Ideas vary on what constitutes“merit” and how much of a prize “merit” merits; in the Caldari State, for example, even getting to liveas a part of the society is a prize of a kind.

Probably no existing society, though, approaches the idea with the kind of zeal Triglavians show.Triglavian records of their first encounter with a CONCORD cruiser in their territory show theTriglavians first identifying the general nature of the contact as an unknown foreign ship, thenchecking for “hivelinking” corruption, and, finding none, immediately invoking cladistic proving.

That is, they attacked – just, seemingly, not to remove the intruder, but to test.The Triglavian approach to “proving” is easy to see during a solo Abyss dive. A dive is chaotic,

with widely variable environmental features and hazards and a wide range of hostile encounters, butit’s chaotic within certain predictable bounds: levels and types of opposition across filament tiersare relatively consistent, and particularly strong enemies such as Karybdis Tyrannos or TriglavianLeshaks arrive handicapped, weakened in consistent ways. In fact, the Triglavian dedication to a kindof fairness is perhaps most clearly seen in the Karybdis: a battleship-class unit from a deadly enemyto the Collective that the Triglavians somehow manage to consistently damage (or somehow coaxinto letting itself be damaged) just so right before a capsuleer arrives on the field. Similarly, rewards,though widely variable, are also relatively consistent and predictable over time, calibrated to the risktaken by the intruder and the merit shown in surviving.

This sense of fair play is probably the primary difference between a cladistic proving, that is, adeadly test, and an expungement, removal of the target by all necessary means.

So, if the Triglavians have such a dedication to fair play, what should we make of the fleetsroaming our home systems scanning facilities, ambushing passersby, and messing around with localspacetime in ways and for reasons we still don’t understand? The word “proving” has been comingup here, too, but it’s clear the Collective isn’t playing by the same rules it observes when hostingguests on its own territory.

We also know this is a little more than just a sporting event. The Collective has identified certainqualities of, at least, capsuleer society (and perhaps the empires as well) that it disapproves of:tolerance of support for “hivelinked” entities (Sansha’s Nation), along with other, unspecified “perverse”ideologies. Zorya Triglav has issued a demand that we conform. The invasion has followed. It nowappears that the Triglavian Collective is modifying the systems they invade either for their ownlong-term comfort and convenience or perhaps even to drop those systems out of spacetime as weknow it and into their own domain.

So far, so much like traditional war of civilizations: competing visions of humanity clashing overresources and ideals. Only, over time it’s become the consensus among those who’ve faced the

14

worst of the invasion, the World Arks and their escorts, that the Triglavians are not giving us their all.Confrontations with the World Arks themselves are once again strangely formal: an arena, a

challenge, a succession of waves of escorts under chaotic yet generally predictable conditions. TheLeshaks definitely don’t come with defenses down and the “chaos” of the battlefield can be reallyintense (World Ark ECM pylons do not fool around), and yet it’s clear: this is a test of the World Ark,yes, but of us as well.

As time goes on and the Collective’s assaults continue with no noticeable concern for lossessustained, the suspicion grows that Triglavian resources are vast beyond anything we ever expected,and if they chose to crush us, we’d be crushed. We’re being studied, still; tested, again; but this timeat a larger scale. The Triglavians are doing something to our stars, doing something to our space,and as the Triglavians advance their still-mysterious plans, it appears increasingly that the Collectivehas challenged us – all the great nations of New Eden – to a proving far greater than the tests weface in the Abyss: a proving of civilizations.

We need to learn what their plans are, and make the necessary moves to survive. We need todemonstrate the tenacity, cunning, and will to face a civilization whose technology we can barelyeven understand – in short, to show our merit, to prove our worth. If we fail, we have no reason tothink the Collective will be more merciful in our space than in theirs.

We are undergoing a trial by fire conducted by a power that does not seem to recognize the rightof the unworthy even to survive. It is up to us to rise to the occasion.

Prove yourselves, pilots. Most likely, all of our future survival depends on it.

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A. Observed Triglavian Combat Ships in Empire Invasions

Table 6: Triglavian Invasion Vessels

Type Damavik Kikimora Vedmak Rodiva Drekavac Leshak

Zorya

Starving

Renewing

Ghosting

Liminal

Continue on next page

16

Table 6 – Continuation

Type Damavik Kikimora Vedmak Rodiva Drekavac Leshak

Anchoring

Harrowing

Blinding

Tangling

Rasznaborg

Sudenic

Chislov

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B. Involved Staff

DutchGunner is an experienced and dedicated Fleet Commander for the Arataka Research Consor-tium. One of the first generation to receive the freelancer capsuleer status from the Pator Tech School,she has dedicated her license to the battle against emergent threats. The “Gunnery Dutchess” hasdeclared her loyality and support to CONCORD for a long time now, proving her conviction on theTriglavian battlegrounds since their first appearance.

Aria Jenneth is a well-known name among many capsuleer communities for more than thirteenyears when she left Achura for the State War Academy. Her ways have been turbulent sometimes;she witnessed the immense diversity and colorful heights and depths of New Eden’s capsuleerexistence like few others. Never stopping to reflect on the human and transhuman condition, she canbe considered a philosopher pilot among the stars, dedicated to humanitarian efforts, research – and,lately, to the agenda of the Amarrian alliance of Khimi Harar.

Ilm Gaterau closes his third year in service for the Center for Advanced Studies. His researchinterest includes, among others, stellar processes, Drifter wormhole entrances in known space, andthe unsettling technology of stellar manipulation as seen by the hand of the Convocation of Triglav.His long-term dedication and patience first revealed the persisting deployment of Stellar Acceleratorsin Triglavian foothold systems after the invasions had already come to an end.

Haria Haritimado is a capsuleer employed by Itzukame-Zainou Hyperspatial Inquiries Ltd. forthe Arataka Research Consortium. She is considered core exploration and research staff. Hercapsuleer status was issued by the Science & Trade Institute in YC 116. Since then, her career wasstraightforward, leading to Itzukame-Zainou via the EVE University. Lately, she took responsibility asa Director for her corporation, focusing on the Drifter and Triglavian agenda.

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