News: Providence Bloc Loses Infrastructure Hub Timer in KBP7-G

KBP7-G system, Providence region. On the 20th of June, 18:00 EVE Standard Time, forces belonging to Providence Bloc clashed with Northern Coalition(dot) [NC] over the first reinforcement timer of the Infrastructure Hub, only to see defeat.

The KBP7-G system serves as the last link between High Security space and the Providence region, especially for the North of Providence. [NC] had taken 2 of the Empire exists to the region and deployed Sovereignty Blockade Units in KBP7-G in an attempt to sever that connection as well, using their Super Capital fleet to reinforce infrastructure. Regardless, Providence Bloc attempted to mount a defense of the Infrastructure Hub.

Providence Bloc brought 141 pilots mainly in Ishtar Heavy Assault Cruisers. The force managed to make its way to the system unmolested and sat on the Infrastructure Hub, waiting for it to exit reinforced mode.

Just as Providence Bloc was settling in, a cynosural beacon was lit at the edge of the grid and in came a 90 pilot Loki Strategic Cruiser fleet, belonging to [NC]. Providence Bloc quickly aligned to the beacon and warped at range, dropping sentry drones and attempting to volley off ships before the [NC] fleet could organize.

Providence Bloc managed to score a few kills, but due to an anchoring mistake, burnt too close to the Lokis. This put the fleet in range of the Lokis’ guns, causing Ishtars to quickly evaporate as the Lokis rained artillery fire on them.

Realizing the mistake, Providence Bloc quickly retreated from the field, warping to a perch above the B-WPLZ gate. However, [NC] followed it, landing on top of the fleet and quickly decimating ships left and right.

Providence Bloc attempted to burn away and quickly docked up, losing more ships in the process. This allowed [NC] to push the Infrastructure Hub into its second reinforcement timer with no opposition.

With this, large scale hostilities in the system came to an end.

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

All told the system saw less than 300 pilots during the fight, with Time Dilation not reported as an issue. From start to end the battle lasted 15 minutes.

Providence Bloc lost 36 ships, including 18 Ishtars, for a total of 5.9 Bil ISK damage. [NC] in comparison, lost only 3 ships, 2 of which were Logistics ships, for a total of 0.5 Bil ISK damage.

There is still debate whether [NC]’s ability to pounce on Providence Bloc was due to a lucky probe hit, or their scouts bookmarking a mobile depot one of the Providence Bloc fleet members dropped.

Regardless, many believe [NC] would have reinforced the Infrastructure Hub anyways.

How things develop in the KBP7-G system is up to anyone’s guess, but the EVE Scribe will keep you posted on the developments.

News: Providence Bloc and Northern Coalition(dot) Clash in 4B-NQN

4B-NQN system, Providence region. On the17th of June, at 21:00 EVE Standard Time, Providence Bloc forces clashed with Northern Coalition(dot) [NC], suffering a minor defeat while gaining a strategic victory.

[NC] in its usual fashion, attempted to provoke a fight from Providence Bloc by deploying Sovereignty Blockade Units, this time in the 4B-NQN system. Providence Bloc responded by bringing a 130 pilot Naga Battlecruiser fleet to the system.

[NC] brought a 60 pilot Loki Strategic Cruiser fleet with Triage Carrier support. The fleet parked on the 9UY4-H gate in the 4B-NQN system. Providence Bloc attempted to fight the [NC] fleet, jumping into it and quickly anchoring around the gate. However, the Triage support of [NC] was on the ball and kept most of the Lokis alive. Quickly losing ships and unable to break any of the Lokis’ tank, Providence Bloc retreated from the gate.

At the same time, another Providence Bloc fleet was working on destroying one of the Sovereignty Blockade Units on the other gate. A 30 pilot assorted Cruiser fleet was diligently putting damage on it while the main fleet entertained the [NC] forces.

With the main fleet retreating, the Providence Bloc Stealth Bomber wing kept the [NC] forces at bay. The main fleet linked with the Cruiser force and quickly took down the Sovereignty Blockade Unit, thus securing the system. [NC] forces at the same time jumped into the 9UY4-H system, leaving behind their Triage Carriers.

Click for Killmail

Providence Bloc took the opportunity and quickly warped to the 9UY4-H gate. Once landed, the main fleet anchored up and quickly blasted the first Triage Archon Carrier, who melted fast before finally exploding. Encouraged by their success, the force shot the second Archon, who promptly entered Triage mode, thus tanking the incoming damage just as it dipped into low armor.

Click for Killmail

[NC] forces jumped back into the system, adding their fire while lighting a cynosural beacon to bring more Triage Carriers. Providence Bloc attempted to fight a bit longer, but it became clear they could not break the Triage Carriers or the Lokis’ tank and the order was given to retreat.

After managing to get a fight from Providence Bloc, [NC] forces did not try to pursue further and safely extracted, allowing Providence Bloc to take down the remaining Sovereignty Blockade Unit later on.

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

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

During the peak of the battle, the system hosted around 250 pilots, with Time Dilation not being a noticeable issue. The battle from start to finish lasted 50 minutes.

Providence Bloc suffered the majority of the losses, with 51 Battlecruisers lost for an estimated 8 Bil ISK damage. [NC] lost only 1 Loki and 1 Triage Carrier, resulting in 4 Bil ISK damage.

While small scale hostilities continue in the Providence region, it seems that the conflict has ebbed away once more, resulting in only the occasional battle. Whether this is a sign of [NC] finally tiring from the region or merely the calm before the storm, is yet to be seen. The EVE Scribe will keep you posted.

Special thanks to corebloodbrothers, of Volition Cult, The Volition Cult for giving an interview, Mangraa Dementia, of Blue Tridents, Sev3rance, for supplying the video footage and ISD for providing the screenshots

News: Providence Bloc and Fidelas Constans Clash with Northern Coalition(dot) in G-5EN2

G-5EN2 system, Providence region. On the 13th of June, at 19:30 EVE Standard Time, forces belonging to Fidelas Constans [FCON] and Providence Bloc met Northern Coalition(dot) [NC] in the system for a costly brawl that saw the destruction of many ships.

The brawl began when [NC] forces deployed Sovereignty Blockade Units in the 9-F0B2 system, prompting Providence Bloc to form in order to take them down. Providence Bloc formed what has recently became its signature doctrine, a 130 pilot Naga Battlecruiser fleet.

[NC] forces for their part had a 100 pilot Loki Strategic Cruiser fleet, with Triage Archon Carriers in reserve.

However, before the two forces could meet in the system, a [FCON] Drake Battlecruiser fleet, estimated at 90 pilots, with a Triage Nidhoggur Carrier in reserve, appeared in the G-5EN2 system. The force held on the Assah gate in the system.

The [NC] Fleet Commander decided to tackle the [FCON] first rather than wait for Providence Bloc to show up, a situation that may box up the [NC] fleet and potentially decimate it. Thus the [NC] fleet warped to the Assah gate, engaging the [FCON] head on.

A bloody brawl developed, as Lokis and Drakes were volleyed off, the fighting fierce and unforgiving as the two forces collided in a close range carnage. This forced both sides to bring in their reserve Triage Carriers. With the addition of 2 more Triage Archons, bringing the total Triage support for [NC] to 3, the [NC] fleet managed to stabilize.

With the [NC] fleet able to tank the incoming damage, a decision was made to bring in a Titan and remove the enemy Triage, while continuing to mop up the rest of the [FCON] forces. Yet at this point a cynosural beacon was lit close to the [NC] force and Providence Bloc bridged in their fleet to the fight.

With the amazing damage output of 90 tier 3 Battlecruisers on the field, Lokis were once more volleyed. [FCON] was not idle either, and re-shipped to Ishtar Heavy Assault Cruisers, returning to the field and adding its pressure on the [NC] fleet.

being able to volley off Lokis, Providence Bloc and [FCON] decided to switch their focus to the Triage Carriers, who one by one, succumbed to the damage output and were destroyed to the last. At the same time though, the [NC] Lokis were able to destroy many Ishtars and Nagas in return. And yet, with their Triage support decimated, the [NC] force had choice but to de-aggress and jump back to Low Security space, abandoning the field.

The G-5EN2 Fight from [NC]’s Loki PoV

This allowed Providence Bloc to return to the 9-F0B2 system and remove the hostile Sovereignty Blockade Units, [FCON] following suit and helping in the process. With 2 of the Sovereignty Blockade Units down, the system was secured, yet the fighting was far from over.

[NC] returned to the field, bridging to the G-5EN2 system on the 9-F0B2 gate a Tempest Fleet Issue Battleship fleet, 87 pilots with no Triage Carrier support. Providence Bloc and [FCON] positioned themselves on the other side, waiting for [NC] to jump into them.

Finally, the [NC] fleet jumped in and a quick brutal skirmish developed on the G-5EN2 gate in the system. At first, the combined [FCON] and Providence Bloc damage output managed to destroy several Battleships, but as the [NC] Logistics team pulled together, the damage lessened, and the fleet managed to tank the incoming fire, which dwindled as Providence Bloc lost more and more Battlecruisers, and in the end was forced to retreat.

[FCON] attempted to fight a bit longer, trying to kite outside the range of the Battleships, but after a few bruising losses decided to retreat as well, leaving the field to [NC]. Having gotten the fight they were looking for, [NC] forces extracted safely, ending large scale hostilities in the region.

Battle report for the G-5EN2 and 9-F0B2 systems can be found here.

All told the systems saw less than 400 pilots in local, with Time Dilation not reported as an issue in the fighting. From start to finish, the battle with its various parts lasted 90 minutes in total.

Providence Bloc lost 82 ships for 8.4 Bil ISK damage, [FCON] suffering 94 losses, including 1 Carrier, for 11.2 Bil ISK damage while [NC] lost 54 ships, 3 of which were Triage Carriers, for a whooping 25.6 Bil ISK.

Providence Bloc managed to secure the main objective of protecting their sovereignty of 9-F0B2, while [NC] was able to get the fight it wanted, as its Fleet Commander stated that even if Providence Bloc had failed to remove the Sovereignty Blockade Units, [NC] would not have attempted to contest the system. As for [FCON], they managed once more to successfully third party a fight.

The EVE Scribe will keep you posted on further developments in the region.

Special thanks to FUUUFA of Burning Napalm, Northern Coalition(dot) for granting an interview.

News: Northern Coalition(dot) Black Ops Fleet Ambushed in 9UY4-H

9UY4-H system, Providence region. On the 12th of June, 16:00 EVE Standard Time, a Black Ops fleet belonging to Northern Coalition(dot) [NC] was tackled by Providence Bloc, forcing [NC] to bring their Super Carriers once more in order to extract it.

The battle started when Providence Bloc assembled a 20 pilot Hawk Assault Frigate gang on a Titan, looking for targets to drop on around the region. At the same time, an [NC] Black Ops gang of 13 Battleships and an Archon Carrier were looking for targets in the region as well. [NC] has been using its Black Ops fleets during the entirety of their deployment, with mixed results.

The two sides met on the 4B-NQN gate in the 9UY4-H system, when the Providence Bloc bait ship pointed, and was pointed by the [NC] hunter ship. Both ships quickly lit cynosural beacons and the two fleets jumped in and immediately clashed on the gate.

It soon became apparent that Providence Bloc could not hope to break through the remote repairs of the Carrier, especially with what it had on field. A call was made for reinforcements as well as reshipping, while Interdictors kept the [NC] fleet tackled, Providence Bloc losing ships all the while attempting to hold points.

The [NC] force managed to jump to the 4B-NQN system, but was once more tackled by the Interdictors. This gave Providence Bloc ample time to bring a more suitable force, of 50 pilots in a Naga Battlecruiser fleet. The force managed to destroy 4 Black Ops Battleships, though losing a few ships in return, before [NC] managed to jump in 7 Super Carriers to save the rest of their fleet. The Archon presumably was unable to hold remote repairers working due to capacitor issues. as in no point was it reported in Triage mode.

Once the Super Carriers were on the field, the [NC] fleet warped out to a safe tower they had in the system, leaving Providence Bloc to loot the field.

Fidelas Constans [FCON] were present in the start and the end of the exchange, bringing a 30 pilot Harpy Assault Frigate fleet, but seemed to have contributed very little. They did prioritize [NC] over Providence Bloc, and once the former retreated, disengaged without incident.

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

The system saw less than 100 pilots during the fight with no Time Dilation reported. The engagement from start to end lasted 30 minutes.

Providence Bloc lost 39 ships and nearly 4 Bil ISK in damages, while [NC] lost only 11 ships, but 4 of which were Black Ops Battleships, for 8.4 Bil ISK of damage. [FCON] lost 13 ships, for a total of 0.5 Bil ISK.

While this may not end [NC]’s Black Ops campaign in the region, it may cause a few of its participants to think twice before jumping to what may be an unsuspecting target, or a trap ready to be sprung.

Special thanks to Calette Zardina, of Ember Inc(dot), Curatores Veritatis Alliance for granting an interview.

News: G-5EN2 Falls Without a Fight

G-5EN2 system, Providence region. On the 11th of June the Station fell to Northern Coalition(dot) [NC] forces, marking it the second system to be captured by [NC] in their conflict with Providence Bloc.

The station was taken by a Capital force that included according to sources, no less than 60 Slowcats (Archon Carriers) and 20 Super Carriers. Providence Bloc, unable to counter such an overwhelming force and witnessing this display for previous timers in the system, chose not to form. Thus the system was captured without a fight.

The Territorial Claim Unit’s killmail can be found here.

G-5EN2 is one of the 4 pathways connecting the region to Empire space. With it and the Y-MPWL system in the hands of [NC], the pressure on the Providence Bloc logistics may be felt soon. This also raises a concern that the KBP7-G system will be targeted next, as fighting occurred over it in the past between the two entities.

It remains to be seen what will happen, but one thing for certain, [NC]’s facade of a “Fun War” has been completely shattered following last week’s aggressive push. [NC] has brought only Slowcat fleets and Super Carriers to all the timers, making it obvious it was not looking for a fight, but a complete victory.

Perhaps the string of humiliating defeats and inability to find a definite counter to Providence Bloc’s Naga Battlecruiser doctrine have finally taken their toll on the [NC] leadership. Regardless, the name of [NC] has lost much of its merit in the last few weeks. By the time the new sovereignty changes will be implemented, it may lose all of its value.

As the fighting continues, the EVE Scribe will keep you posted on further developments.

News: Northern Coalition(dot) Cannot Be Stopped, G-5EN2 in Danger of Falling

G-5EN2 system, Providence region. On the 9th of June, at 19:00 EVE Standard Time, Providence Bloc attempted to defend the Infrastructure Hub shield reinforcement timer from Northern Coalition(dot) [NC]’s attack, with no success.

Providence Bloc mobilized 250 pilots in a Naga Battlecruiser fleet, with a Stealth Bomber wing for support. The fleet rushed to the system only to see [NC] drop no less than 80 Slowcats (Archon Carriers) and 20 Super Carriers on the Infrastructure Hub, pushing it into its armor reinforcement mode within a single minute!

Unable to offer any resistance, Providence Bloc forces returned to their staging system, re-shipping to a Rupture Cruiser fleet, downsized to 140 pilots.

The force went back to the G-5EN2 system, after hearing of both a Fidelas Constans [FCON] Thorax Cruiser gang, approximately 70 pilots and an [NC] Muninn Heavy Assault Cruiser fleet, estimated at 30 pilots.

The [NC] force was reluctant to engage the Providence Bloc fleet, so a fight was arranged with the [FCON] fleet, the arena moved to the neighboring system of Assah, in the Derelik region, due to Bombers Bar presence in the G-5EN2 system.

A short battle between the two forces erupted on the third planet’s Costums Office as the two forces warped in close range of each other. However Providence Bloc dominated the fight and annihilated the [FCON] force, as it was able to out range it, suffering very minor losses in return. The [FCON] Fleet Commander, a former member of The Volition Cult [VOLT], was allowed to leave the field with his ship intact as a show of good sportsmanship.

This was followed by a quick battle with the [NC] Muninn fleet which seemed to gain confidence and warped at range of the Providence Bloc fleet. The Providence Bloc Fleet Commander decided to warp the fleet to the G-5EN2 gate at zero, hoping to draw the [NC] fleet closer.

This turned out to work quite well, as the [NC] fleet landed at range of the gate, and in a distance that allowed Providence Bloc to volley the Muninns, quickly decimating them. The [NC] force realized quickly that it was in a disadvantage and chose to quickly retreat.

With no more hostiles left to fight, Providence Bloc returned to their staging system, ending large scale hostilities for the night.

Battle report for the Assah system can be found here.

The Assah system saw less than 300 pilots at the peak of the fighting, with Time Dilation not reported. The fighting on its two parts lasted 30 minutes overall.

Providence Bloc lost 10 ships for only a quarter of a billion ISK. [FCON] lost 58 ships for 1.7 Bil ISK of damage while [NC] lost 12 ships, for a total of 2.4 Bil ISK.

[NC] seems to have given up on attempting to fight or counter Providence Bloc’s Battlecruiser fleets and committed instead to grinding sovereignty, using their overwhelming Capital and Super Capital advantage. As for the reason for this, it still remains a mystery, as Providence Bloc has shown a willingness to fight, to the detriment of [NC] at times.

Regardless, [NC] continues to besiege the G-5EN2 system, and at the current rate it appears the system may fall by the end of the week. The EVE Scribe will keep you informed of any new developments.

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

News: Northern Coalition(dot) Pushes Station Timer in G-5EN2

G-5EN2 system, Providence Bloc. On the 8th of June 19:00 EVE Standard Time, Providence Bloc forces attempted to defend the first Station timer in the system against Northern Coalition(dot) [NC]’s aggressive push, unsuccessfully.

Providence Bloc brought a 170 pilot Naga Battlecruiser fleet to the system just as the Station was exiting its shield reinforcement timer. [NC] jumped in a Capital force on the Station grid, 50 pilots mainly in Slowcats (Archon Carriers) with a few assorted Dreadnoughts, sub-capital support and 6 Super Carriers.

Providence Bloc had no intention of engaging that force, instead focusing on removing the Sovereignty Blockade Unit situated on the 9-F0B2 gate. Fidelas Constans [FCON] arrived to the system as well, bringing a 60 pilot Ishtar Heavy Assault Cruiser fleet. The force attempted to help Providence Bloc by tackling the other Sovereignty Blockade Unit on the Assah gate.

However, Providence Bloc was harassed by a Bombers Bar (An NPSI community dedicated to the usage of Covert Ops ships) Stealth Bomber fleet. The Stealth Bombers managed to land a successful bombing run from three different angles, resulting in a quarter of the Providence Bloc fleet decimated.

To make things worse, [NC] brought in more Super Carriers and warped them on top of the Sovereignty Blockade Units, repairing them and driving away both Providence Bloc and [FCON] fleets.

Unable to respond, Providence Bloc was forced to retreat, allowing [NC] to push the Station into the armor reinforcement timer.

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

All told, the system saw approximately 400 pilots in local, with Time Dilation not reported as a major issue. The battle lasted 30 minutes.

Providence Bloc lost 59 ships, for a total of 7 Bil ISK of damage.

It seems that once again [NC] chose to push forward with little regard to “Fun Fights”. As Providence Bloc lacks the ability to counter escalate, the next timers may see a repeat of the events transcribed here.

The presence of Bombers Bar on the field may prove to further complicate future fights and only increase the already staggering odds Providence Bloc is fighting against.

Regardless, as the fight for G-5EN2 progresses, the EVE Scribe will keep you posted.

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

News: Heavy Fighting Continues in and around Providence

Providence region. On the night of the 7th of June, heavy fighting occurred in and around the G-5EN2 system, as Providence Bloc continues to clash with Northern Coalition(dot) [NC] over the fate of the system.

The first clash was between Providence Bloc and [NC] in G-5EN2. [NC] once again deployed Sovereignty Blockade Units in the system. Providence Bloc answered the provocation with a 200 pilot Naga Battlecruiser fleet, with Stealth Bomber and E-war Frigate support.

The force made its way to the besieged system only to find that [NC] brought an entire Slowcat (Archon Carriers) fleet with some assorted Dreadnoughts, approximately 80 pilots. Unable to fight such fleet composition, Providence Bloc declined to engage, allowing the force to quickly reinforce both the Infrastructure Hub and the Station in the system. It is obvious that [NC] were not looking for a fight over the timer, considering the force brought.

Footage of the Northern Coalition(dot) Slowcat Fleet Reinforcing the G-5EN2 Station, courtesy of Mangraa Dementia

Instead, the Providence Bloc fleet made its way to the Assah system in the Derelik region, where Fidelas Constans [FCON] forces were busy engaging a Wrecked(dot) [REKT] Apocalypse Navy Issue Battleship fleet with Triage Carrier support on the Nakah gate.

[FCON] had a 70 pilot Ishtar Heavy Assault Cruiser fleet, and were engaged with [REKT] forces who had approximately 40 pilots including 2 Archon Carriers for Triage support. [FCON] forces were further augmented by Circle-Of-Two [CO2] Talwar Destroyer gang that arrived through a wormhole and a a small [FCON] Harpy Assault Frigate gang, estimated at 20 pilots.

The two sides exchange fire on the Nakah gate, with [FCON] commanders informing Providence Bloc of the engagement. Since [REKT] are allied with [NC], Providence Bloc decided to engage the [REKT] force and help [FCON] take down the Triage Carriers. The Providence Bloc fleet warped in range of the [REKT] force and put its considerable damage output on the Carriers. One after the other they went down in rapid succession.

With their Logistics gone, the Battleships were forced to disengage and jump out, retreating. With the [REKT] forces gone, both Providence Bloc and [FCON] left the field, choosing not to engage each other. Providence Bloc made way back to their staging system, only to be dropped on by [NC] in the 4B-NQN system in Providence, on the 9-F0B2 gate.

[NC] brought a 60 pilot Harpy fleet, and engaged the Providence Bloc ships. Though managing to take down quite a few ships, Providence Bloc managed to burn out of interdiction probes and return fire, causing some losses to the [NC] fleet. The fleet then warped to the 9UY4-H system and jumped through, pursued by the [NC] force.

However, by the time the [NC] force caught up again, the Providence Bloc fleet had burned a good way from the 4B-NQN gate, its guns at optimal range. A short brutal exchange convinced the [NC] force to disengage, allowing Providence Bloc to reach its staging system and stand the fleet down.

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

In the first battle, the system of Assah saw around 400 pilots in local, with Time Dilation not reported as a contributing factor to the fighting. The engagement went for approximately 20 minutes.

The second battle saw an estimated 300 pilots in local, with Time Dilation again not reported as a factor. The engagement lasted around 10 minutes in total.

All told, [NC] and their allies lost 9.4 Bil ISK in the 2 engagements, including 2 Carriers, 7 Battleships and 13 assorted ships. Providence Bloc lost 19 ships, mainly Battlecruisers for nearly 2 Bil ISK of damages. [FCON] and their allies lost 27 ships, culminating in 3 Bil ISK of damages.

It seems that [NC] has decided to seriously push for the G-5EN2 system, either hoping the pressure of losing sovereignty of the system will force Providence Bloc to bring a more “Serious” doctrine that it could contend with, or punish Providence Bloc for the string of embarrassing defeats it suffered by its hands.

Regardless, it looks like [NC] has decided to reveal its true colors after the proclamation that they were here for “Fun fights”. The EVE Scribe will keep you posted as the situation unfolds.

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

News: Providence Bloc Suffers Defeat in 9-F0B2

9-F0B2 system, Providence region. On the 2nd of June 20:00 EVE Standard Time, Providence Bloc and Northern Coalition(dot) [NC] met in battle in the system, in a fight that saw Providence Bloc soundly defeated.

[NC] had once again deployed Sovereignty Blockade Units in the G-5EN2 system, prompting Providence Bloc to form up and remove them. Providence Bloc for its part attempted at first to remove the Sovereignty Blockade Units with Ishtar Heavy Assault Cruisers, but [NC] had organized a fleet of 130 pilots, in Loki Strategic Cruisers. The [NC] fleet bridged to G-5EN2, forcing Providence Bloc to retreat and re-organize.

Providence Bloc decided to bring a Naga Battlecruiser fleet, as it proved effective in previous engagements versus [NC]. 170 pilots quickly departed Providence Bloc’s staging system en route to engage the [NC] fleet and bring down the Sovereignty Blockade Units.

Fidelas Constans [FCON] which had recently deployed to the region as part of the promised Imperium campaign, caught wind of what was happening and formed an Ishtar fleet, approximately 50 pilots large. The force made way to the system as well, hoping to take part in the fighting.

As Providence Bloc made its way to G-5EN2, it became apparent that [NC] were waiting for them on their in-gate in the 9-F0B2 system, sitting comfortably on the 4B-NQN gate. Providence Bloc stopped its march and sat on the 9-F0B2 gate in the 4B-NQN system, both parties unwilling to jump into each other.

The stalemate continued for nearly half an hour, when [NC] brought a Stealth Bomber force and bridged it into the 4B-NQN system. The force set to bomb the Providence Bloc fleet on the 9-F0B2 gate and thus, hopefully, force it to jump into the awaiting Loki fleet. This did not turn out well, as the Providence Bloc fleet constantly switched gates, thus rendering the entire attempt moot.

And yet, disaster struck when Providence Bloc re-positioned on the 9-F0B2 gate. Giving the order for support ships to jump into the system and join the fleet, several pilots misunderstood the command and jumped into 9-F0B2. Deciding not to abandon them, the Providence Bloc Fleet Commander had the fleet jump after them, knowing full well that it meant certain death.

With Providence Bloc jumping into the [NC] fleet, the battle commenced on the 4B-NQN gate. Providence Bloc ships tried to burn away from the Lokis, but many found themselves webbed down. One after another the Battlecruisers popped under the immense damage projected by the Lokis. They could not warp out either as the [NC] Interdictors did a great job of deploying interdiction probes in the midst of the Providence Bloc fleet, preventing its escape.

At this point though, the [FCON] fleet arrived on grid. After studying the situation for a short time, it chose to attack the [NC] force, warping to it at range and dropping drones. Providence Bloc forces managed to regroup as well, and added their firepower to the mix.

Even with two different fleets hammering at them, the [NC] Logistics managed to keep their fleet mostly intact, losing only a few ships to [FCON]’s Ishtars. As the battle continued, [NC]’s fleet perched up and warped on top of the Providence Bloc Battlecruisers, who managed to anchor away from the gate. Quickly, interdiction fields and probes went up and Battlecruisers were annihilated, forcing survivors to flee to the safety of the station present in the system.

Once Providence Bloc’s fleet left the grid, [NC] turned its attention to the [FCON] fleet. [NC] warped on top of the [FCON] fleet, who chose to withdraw as well, losing a few ships in the process.

With no more targets present, [NC] extracted from the system, choosing not to reinforce the G-5EN2 system, as it achieved the goal of a fight. Thus ended the hostilities between the two sides for the night.

The Battle from a Spectator’s PoV, Courtesy of Mangraa Dementia

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

Local saw nearly 400 pilots in the system at the peak of the fighting, with Time Dilation not reported to be a major issue. All told the actual battle lasted approximately 20 minutes.

Providence Bloc lost 111 ships during the fight, 95 of which were Battlecruisers, for a total sum of 11.8 Bil ISK damage. [FCON] lost 14 ships only, for a total of 2.5 Bil ISK. [NC] suffered minor losses, only 11 ships, though for a total of 4.2 Bil ISK damages.

The battle cannot be called anything but a one sided massacre for Providence Bloc. Though it was commendable of the Providence Bloc Fleet Commander to jump the fleet in and attempt to save the pilots, or at least die with them, showing comradeship, it still resulted in an unnecessary loss of an entire fleet.

It can also be called noble of the [NC] Fleet Commander to decide not to reinforce the G-5EN2 system after being granted a fight, if one does not consider the fact he forced Providence Bloc’s hand to begin with by threatening its sovereignty.

As the clock slowly ticks down to the deployment of the sovereignty mechanic changes, with some features already implemented, one can wonder how long will [NC] be able to continue this mock war? The EVE Scribe will keep you updated.

Special thanks to FUUUFA, of Burning Napalm, Northern Coalition(dot) and corebloodbrothers of Volition Cult, The Volition Cult for granting interviews, as well as Mangraa Dementia, of Blue Tridents, Sev3rance, for supplying the video footage

Update: The Struggle to Re-Claim Y-MPWL Continues

Y-MPWL system, Providence region. Fighting continues over the system, with Providence Bloc deploying Sovereignty Blockade Units as it attempts to re-capture the system.

Northern Coalition(dot) [NC] and Providence Bloc have been mainly skirmishing after the battle of 9-F0B2, with sporadic fighting occurring across the region. Providence Bloc has been mainly busy with removing [NC] towers in the region, with mixed success.

However, as a Sansha Nation incursion started in the I9B-8X constellation, which holds the Y-MPWL system, Providence Bloc seized the opportunity and deployed Sovereignty Blockade Units in the system.

The presence of the Sansha Incursion is significant, as it nullifies [NC]’s ability to counter escalate. This is in part due to the nature of Incursions, which does not allow cynosural beacons to work at all in the effected systems. Coupled with the fact that Y-MPWL does not connect to Low Security Space and the Incursion is present all the way down to the 9UY4-H system, [NC] will be hard pressed to use Capital and Super Capital assets already present in the system, as they have no way of reinforcing them should the worst happen.

Should a battle occur, [NC] may risk the loss of costly assets, as help will take time to arrive through the afflicted systems, with Providence Bloc certain to make the road as perilous and slow as possible.

Thus, the campaign for Y-MPWL commences. Whether [NC] can hold the system against the might of Providence Bloc, or forced to evacuate its remaining assets is unclear. What is certain, is that many more battles will occur as Providence Bloc moves to take back what rightfully belongs to it. The EVE Scribe will keep you posted.