Archive:Project Solitude
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Project Solitude aims to provide an isolated environment for EVE University students, where they require motivation and self-sufficiency to survive. The area provides easy access to low-sec and null-sec opportunities, and the focus is on exploration, missioning, and industrial endeavours.
E-Uni home system: Boystin
Regional Chat Channel and Mailing List: Solitude.E-Uni
E-Uni Home Station & Trade Hub: Boystin V - Moon 6 - Federal Intelligence Office Assembly Plant
Project Solitude Background
Toward the end of July 2012, the EVE University management decided to launch project Solitude. The initial announcement by CEO Kelduum Revaan outlining a brief history of the Uni and putting this project in its context can be found here.
In a nutshell, Solitude is an established University presence in a high-sec pocket surrounded by low-sec and 0.0 space with quick access to the Nullsec Campus.
Overview of the Solitude Region
Solitude is a smallish region consisting of only 43 systems under the sovereignty of the Gallente Federation. Wedged between Aridia and Syndicate, it is made up of two general regions. To the west of the region is a low-sec area bordering both Syndicate and Aridia with the home of the Nullsec Campus (NSC) only a few jumps away. To the east is a high-sec pocket consisting of 17 systems with a second entrance to Syndicate. This pocket also contains the system of Boystin, home to the E-Uni regional HQ as well as the regional trade hub. A further high-sec pocket of 3 systems can be found to the north of the region.
Regional Trade Hub & E-Uni Satellite HQ
Boystin V - Moon 6 - Federal Intelligence Office Assembly Plant is the regional trade hub, which sees more transaction volume than any other station in both the Solitude region and the neighboring region of Syndicate. In order to help achieve the goal of a centralized trading hub, it is advised to use this location for your trading activities.
Boystin V - Moon 6 is also the Project: Solitude headquarters and contains a university office as well as shared university hangars. These hangars are organized similarly to the hangars in Aldrat. It should be noted that Boystin V - Moon 6 does not have medical facilities and is therefore not an ideal place to house a medical clone. However, just one moon away at the neighboring station of Boystin V - Moon 7 - Sisters of EVE Bureau there are medical facilities and so it is recommended for Solitude Project members to set their medical clones to respawn at this station.
Within the Alpha hangar the following containers are available:
- Ammo - This bin is used to store ammunition for frigate sized ships. Items in this container can be accessed by those with the Freshman title, and are freely available to take as needed. Please remember that other students also use this container, so please only take what will satisfy your immediate needs.
- Ships - This bin contains frigate and industrial hulls for student use.
- T1 Modules (High, Mid, Low) - These bins contain modules that Freshmen can access. Again, please only take what you will need. They are split by slot into three different containers.
- T1 Rigs - This bin contains small T1 rigs for frigate sized vessels. Available to Freshman, please only take what you need.
- Skill Books - This bin stores skill books for student use.
- Meta Modules - This bin contains meta modules that have been donated from mission runners.
- Starcraft Enterprises - This bin is used for contributions to the Solitude Carrier Project. It is audited to log all contributions to allow the leaders to reimburse the players for their materials.
- Solitude Donations - items deposited into this container are considered to be donated to the Project: Solitude and will become University property. Items in this container can only be retrieved by certain personnel. Once this container is processed, items are generally moved to Alpha or Theta hangars depending on the items. NOTE: Materials that are for the Archon build project that are placed in this container will be considered donations.
In the Theta hangar, there are the inventory containers that are used to replenish the Alpha hanger stocks.
Please do not place items in any bins other than the Solitude Donations bin. Remember to lock the stacks when you are finished, otherwise another Unista could clean out the stacks you unlocked and you would be the one in the log files as having taken everything out.
What it means to live in Solitude
Living in Solitude has certain advantages over the main high-sec Empire regions. Having said that, the confined nature of the area also has its challenges. Things to be considered before deciding whether to move or not are:
Advantages
- Far from Aldrat, making war target encounters less likely
- Easier to organize awareness of WTs in the region and their location
- A smaller community, which means you'll regularly see and potentially fly with familiar faces
- Significantly reduced cost for use of public research and manufacturing installations
- Easier access to low-sec PI while still living in the relative safety of high-sec
- Easier access to low-sec ores in sparsely populated systems
- Quick access to NPC null-sec space for PvP excursions
- Project stocked hangers
- E-uni customs office
Disadvantages
- Limited availability of items on the local market
- Higher prices for items that are available on the market
- Shipping stuff in and out of the region can be a challenge
- Flying to Solitude requires extended travel through low or null sec (low sec route is recommended)
What Can I Do ?
- Explore - sharpen your scanning skills and run data & relic sites. Scanning down signatures and exploring sites is a big part of Solitude life.
- Mission - Solitude is a great place to run missions and participate in PVE fleets with experienced players.
- Mine - plenty of belts and opportunities to mine solo or in a fleet. Organize and run your first mining fleet!
- PVP - be part of small gang PVP .. FC a small roam.
- PI - Learn PI and then expand into the nearby Low Sec and Null Sec areas for maximum profit.
- Industry - plenty of opportunity to build things. Take part in team efforts to build large capital ships. Learn research and invention with the advice of very experienced players.
Who runs the project?
Project Solitude is a consolidated effort of volunteers and pioneers with the aim to establish an area where people can flourish. Although there are no restrictions on venturing into low-sec and null-sec space, the project mainly revolves around the larger high-sec pocket in the region. Project: Solitude is subject to all standard EVE University rules and policies.
Programs Available in Solitude
There are a few programs available to Unistas in Solitude.
The Solitude Coordinated Scanning Endeavor is the life blood of our logistics. The high-sec to high-sec wormholes they find are key in moving goods in and out of the area safely. Additionally, it provides details on signatures throughout the region, providing explorers, huffers, and PvE players additional sites and options.
The Solitude Alpha Hanger is kept in stock with a large selection of basic ships, T1 modules, ammo, skills, small rigs, and even researched BPCs available to those members of Solitude with hanger access. The supplies in this hanger are donated by the members of Solitude, and kept in stock by the volunteers managing the hanger. To get involved and learn about manufacturing these items, please visit the Solitude Forums.
The Solitude Ship Building Program builds t1 frigates, cruisers, and destroyers for University members in the Solitude region.
The StarCraft Enterprise is a Solitude member run project to create Carriers and similar large fitted ships for other Eve University campus, characters, and out of corp customers. It also provides an easier way to sell your minerals and ores than on the open market.
The Solitude Standing Fleet is intended to be a permanent fleet of Unistas in Solitude who aren't otherwise attached to another fleet. It provides a means for impromptu organization of the various activities regularly undertaken by Solitude residents, a way to share bonuses, and a quick reaction force.
What do I need to become a 'Solidude'?
The only mandatory requirement for a life in Solitude is a healthy dose of pioneer/explorer spirit along with a determination to overcome the challenges of living in a confined high-sec area. All other skills are optional. Project Solitude is open to members of all levels: from people who only just started out in EVE and are new to the Uni, to advanced industrialists, explorers, PVP’ers, etc.
Daring and courageousness are also needed to handle the challenges of the Solitude frontier.
How to get to Solitude
One question to ask yourself before heading out to Solitude is, do you see yourself wanting to come back to contiguous Hi-Sec regularly? If so, it is highly recommended that you first obtain a Jump Clone and move it to Aldrat (or wherever you wish to return) before heading out to Solitude. Failure to do this may cause you to miss out on Corporate and Alliance events hosted at the University HQ since the route back can be time consuming and perilous.
Taking the 'Pod Express'
- As long as you don’t have any implants in your clone and your new medical clone is fairly cheap, traveling to Solitude by “Pod Express” may be the simplest route. Change your medical clone location to Boystin V - Moon 6 - Federal Intelligence Office Assembly Plant (located under the "Stations without Medical Facilities" tab) and then self-destruct your pod. It is highly recommended that you first set up a jump clone in Empire so that you can jump in and out of Solitude at your leisure. Once you arrive in Solitude it is important that you update your medical clone so as not to lose Skill Points upon death. You can update your medical clone at the neighboring station of Boystin V - Moon 7 - Sisters of EVE Bureau.
Dodging pirates in low-sec
- This is the long route via Aridia, from Bherdasopt (high-sec) through Gonditsa, Otakod, Agaullores and Yveve to Yvelet (high-sec). The biggest risk of this particular route is a persistent gatecamp of the Bherdasopt gate in Gonditsa. When planning to take this route, it might be a good idea to scout ahead and check if the area is safe. Once past Gonditsa, this tends to be the safer although longer route.
- A somewhat safer but slightly longer route through southern Aridia bypasses Gonditsa entirely, going instead through Vehan and Hier before meeting up with the northern Aridia route in Shirshocin. This route also provides easier access to the Amarr trade hub.
- Read the Safety Tips for Operating in Low Sec for additional information.
Facing the quiet dangers of null-sec
- For those brave enough to venture into null-sec, there are two possible routes through Syndicate to get to Solitude:
- Route 1 starts in Stacmon (0.6) and goes through two low-sec systems (Ostingele and Harroule, since the Stacmon gate in Ostingele is often camped, you may go via Dastryns) and enters Syndicate at MHC-R3. It then carries on via M2-CF1, Y9G-KS, Pertnineere (low-sec) and then Boystin (high-sec)
- Route 2 starts in Chesiette (0.6) and goes through one low-sec system (Reblier) and enters Syndicate at 6-CZ49. This route also ends up at M2-CF1 and follows the rest of the path to Solitude as mentioned above.
- Please visit the Solitude.E-Uni and the NSC.E-Uni channel before travelling through Syndicate. The above mentioned pipes are frequently being travelled by members already based in Solitude and the Null-Sec camp. Some viable intel might be available.
Jumping down a Wormhole
- The ‘Solitude Co-ordinated Scanning Endeavour’ finds hisec-to-hisec wormholes on average two to three times a week. This makes it a lot easier for those wanting to move assets into the region without having to go through the dangerous low-sec or null-sec pipes. Entry and exit points for active WH’s can usually be found in the Project Solitude bookmarks folder. Notifications are being sent out via a mailing list that has been created specifically for this purpose. Please check the forum or ask in Solitude.E-Uni for further details.
Making use of courier services
- Wormholes have a limited time and mass. As such, it might not always be possible for members to make good use of them. An alternative is to use a courier to move assets into the region. Although there are many courier services around, Black Frog is probably the best known. Note though that using courier services can be a quite costly exercise. Black Frog for example, charges 100,000,000 ISK to move up to 320,000 m3 from Aldrat to Oerse.
- Several E-UNI members routinely move materials into Solitude and may be willing to accept courier contracts. Pricing is typically negotiable. New players needing small packages moved may find a courier willing to move the goods for a significant discount. Please see the following forum posts for details:
What to Bring and What NOT to Bring
Due to having limited access to the rest of Empire space, it is wise to bring as much of whatever you might need as possible. You will find that certain items are less expensive in Solitude while other items are far more expensive. Make sure to check out The Alpha Hanger if you have trouble obtaining equipment through the local market.
What to Bring
Modules Tech I & Tech II
Firstly, be ready to have spare modules, and try to bring equipment over in bulk whenever possible in order to limit risk. Bring only the ones you need. Most modules you can steal off rats.
Sometimes the prices can be double what they are in Empire for both Tech II and Meta 4 modules. Some modules are almost nonexistent on the Solitude marketplace. If you are curious about whether or not a specific item is stocked in Solitude and you do not have access to the area simply head over to EvE-Central, click on the advanced tab, select solitude from the drop-down list of Regions and enter the item that you're looking for. If EvE-Central doesn't have the information that you need you can always ask for a price check in the Solitude.E-Uni Chat channel.
Scanning Related
Some recommended modules to have spares of:
- Cloaking devices (Cov-Ops Cloak if you can fly a Cov-Ops frigate, T3 or Recon cruiser)
- Core Probe Launchers (Sisters Core Probe Launchers are a good idea as the price for these can be exorbitant in Solitude)
- Core Probes (Sisters Core Probes are recommended)
- Cov-Ops Frigates (If you can fly one of these the world is your oyster)
Skillbooks
There is a Federation Navy School two jumps into Low-Sec in the system of Elore. Note that not all skillbooks will be seeded here and that both this station and the route to it are often camped. It is recommended to do a little scouting or go as a group if you are unfamiliar with Low Security space.
General Supplies
Ammunition and scripts are generally not more expensive in Solitude than elsewhere in Empire. Nanopaste and cap boosters will usually need to be obtained outside of Solitude if large quantities are needed.
Tech I Industrial
It's a good idea to use a T1 Industrial when moving a medium amount of cargo (~5K m^3 - 30K m^3) as they carry enough for several packaged frigates or a couple cruisers and you can make multiple trips through a High-Sec to High-Sec Wormhole in a T1 Industrial without compromising the stability of the Wormhole.
An imicus is an ideal alternative if you don't have that much to cart over as it has a base 400 m^3 cargo that can be expanded up to 1,261 m^3 with Cargohold Expander modules and Cargohold Optimization Rigs.
What NOT to Bring
Certain Ships
Many T1 Sub-Capital ships are less expensive to obtain in Solitude due to the proximity to Null Security space and the risk involved in transporting ships back out to the rest of Empire.
For the same reason larger and more expensive ships (i.e. Freighters and Pirate Cruisers/Battleships) can be difficult to take back out of Solitude. Consideration should be given when bringing them into the area. Most High-Sec to High-Sec Wormholes can only handle a Freighter passing through twice before they are destabilized.
If you feel you must bring something shiny or large, make sure that it is something that you will use regularly as it may be very difficult and time-consuming to relocate such items back to the contiguous Empire.
Ore / Salvage / Basic materials
Consult Sen Starfire or some other resident insdustrialist for this matter.
Most of the ores are in fact cheaper here (if they are available).
If you want to trade stuff in bulk, e.g. bring bulk modules from the Empire, post in forum about your freighter (so we can also use your return trip).
Missioning in Solitude:
There are a number of good security mission corps in Solitude - Federation Customs, Federal Intelligence Office, Federation Navy, Poteque pharmaceuticals. While there are a number of other stations, agents, and offices (as found at Agent Range Finder); listed below are the corporations with level 4 security agents which are the easiest to grind up while in Solitude. From time to time E-Uni members will even organize Spider and/or Locust fleets throughout Solitude to further help grind up standings for those that are new to the area. Other than the few level 4 agents notated**, only the high security space agents are listed.
Federation Customs
- L1-0.7- Octanneve V - Moon 1 - Federation Customs Assembly Plant == 2 Security Agents
- L2-0.7- Octanneve III - Federation Customs Assembly Plant == 1 Security Agent (4 jump missions into lowsec have been seen)
- L3-0.7- Octanneve IV - Federation Customs Assembly Plant == 2 Security Agents (Manufacturing/Refining Facility)
- L4-0.7- Octanneve III - Moon 1 - Federation Customs Logistic Support ==1 Security Agent (Regional Trade Hub)
Federal Intelligence Office
- L1-0.8 Yvaeroure X - Moon 14 - Federal Intelligence Office Assembly Plant (1 jump from Octanneve) == 1 Security, 1 Distribution Agent
- L1-0.8 Vecodie II - Federal Intelligence Office Testing Facilities (2 jumps from Octanneve) ==1 Security Agent (No Level 2 Agents nearby)
- L3-0.8- Arasare V - Moon 7 - Federal Intelligence Office Assembly Plant (3 jumps from Octanneve) == 2 Security agents
- L3-0.8 Vecodie II - Federal Intelligence Office Testing Facilities (2 jumps from Octanneve) == 1 Security Agent
- L4-0.5 Boystin V - Moon 6 - Federal Intelligence Office Assembly Plant (3 jumps from Octanneve) == 1 Security Agent
- L4-0.4 Pertnineere VI - Federal Intelligence Office Logistic Support (Low Security!) (4 jumps from Octanneve) == 1 Security Agent
- L1-0.6 - Niballe V - Moon 1 - Federation Navy Testing Facilities == 2 Security Agents
- L2-0.7 - Gererique VI - Moon 3 - Federation Navy Testing Facilities == 2 Security Agents
- L3-0.7 - Gererique VI - Moon 3 - Federation Navy Testing Facilities == 1 Security Agent
- L4-0.4 - Sarline VIII - Moon 7 - Federation Navy Assembly Plant == 1 Security Agent
Material Acquisition
- L1-0.8- Yvaeroure XII - Moon 11 - Material Acquisition Refinery == 1 Security Agent
- L2-0.7- Stoure VI - Moon 4 - Material Acquisition Mining Outpost == 1 Security Agent
- L3-0.8- Yvaeroure XII - Moon 9 - Material Acquisition Refinery == 1 Security Agent
- L3-0.8- Yvaeroure XII - Moon 11 - Material Acquisition Refinery == 1 Security Agent
- L4-0.2 - Babirmoult VI - Moon 15 - Material Acquisition Mineral Reserve (10 jumps from Octanneve in deep Low sec) == 2 Security Agents
Ducia Foundry (Amarr)
- L4-0.6- Larryn V - Moon 1 - Ducia Foundry Mineral Reserve == 1 Security Agent
Poteque Pharmaceuticals
- L4-0.7- Stoure IX - Moon 1 - Poteque Pharmaceuticals Biotech Research Center == 1 Security Agent
Industry in Solitude:
Gas Sites
The Low-Sec constellation of Elerelle, located in Solitude, is one of only two places in New Eden where Gas sites produce unusually large amounts of Celadon, which is the chief ingredient in the production of Exile, a Combat Booster used to increase a capsuleers armor repair amount by a certain percentage.
Gas sites in Solitude occur very frequently in both High and Low Security areas.
Ice Belts
- Niballe (0.6 / 3 jumps from Boystin) is the most popular ice belt in the area. Regulars are generally friendly and plenty of ice to go around.
- Cadelanne (0.1 / 9 jumps from Boystin) typically only has a few residents, often blue.
- I-YGGI (-0.20 / 4 jumps from Boystin) out of the way null sec ice belt that has few visitors. Note: Will spawn BS rats, so make sure you have a good tank.
Note that it is not recommended to ice mine while away from the keyboard (AFK). There are local entities that have been known to suicide gank (using large groups of expendable destroyers) miners that are non-responsive.
Regular Mining
- Project Solitude has several members who run regular mining fleets with orca boosts. Both shared can and u-haul ops occur. For more information and fleet formation check the Solitude forum and ask in the Solitude.E-Uni chat. Mining loaners are available to campus members and Ventures are available in the Boystin hanger.
Manufacturing and Research
There are several student owned and operated research POS in Solitude. Several mobile laboratories are available for lease in their various capacities. More information is on the forums here. Ask in chat for more details.
Manufacturing, Research and Invention System Cost Indexes throughout Solitude are reasonably low and rarely exceed 2.5%.
- 0.7- Octanneve III - Duvolle Laboratories Factory == Manufacturing, Research, Copying, Invention
- 0.7- Octanneve III - Federation Customs Assembly Plant == Manufacturing
- 0.7- Octanneve IV - Federation Customs Assembly Plant == Manufacturing
- 0.7- Octanneve V - Moon 1 - Federation Customs Assembly Plant == Manufacturing
Project Solitude Forum - Get in touch
