Knights Of The Black

[jpaulwilson1982]

IMPORTANT UPDATE AND INFORMATION:

Several other group leaders and I have received an email from Zoc Antonaci, Head of Community, concerning a livestream event on Dec. 21-22. Here's the content of the email:

Hi Everybody!

I hope you are all well. It’s been a little while since I’ve sent out a group update so I wanted to fill you in on a few things coming up. It’s a long email but I hope you can keep reading till the end.

We have a few things that we would love to work with groups on to create awesome content, promote the groups and also help a fantastic cause.

The 24 Charity Livestream.

The first and most important of these is the 24 hour livestream. Starting on 21st of December at midday GMT - Ed will be streaming live for 24 hours all in aid of Special Effect.

He will be joined every hour with a new person from Frontier and for many of the areas community members and groups who will be organising events and joining us on the stream.

I have attached the current schedule, although it’s not finalised and we’d like to announce the details towards the end of this week. However, there are still spaces for groups to get involved. Specifically they are…

· 21st Dec 12:00 – 13: 00 – Speed Docking Challenge – We will need a few contestants for this.
· 21st Dec 15:00 – 16:00 – David Braben’s Elite Christmas Quiz – We need 1 contestant from roughly 3 more groups to join our Canonn contestant
· 21st Dec 17:00 – 18:00 – Saving Private Wirral – I’m checking with Code atm but if not we will need a combat ready group to face off against the Truckers. The aim is that a wing or two of truckers need to protect Jonny while a team of pirates try and kidknap him.
· 22nd Dec 00:00 – 02:00 – The Hunter Games – Much like the Hunger Games in space but without the copyright infringement. We will need 8-10+ group representatives to enter the games. (1 person from each group & you can be involved in this if you have been involved in other events during the day too)
· 22nd Dec 03:00 – 04:00 – Christmas Fun Quiz show – We need another 4 group reps for this quiz show.
· 22nd Dec 04:00 – 05:00 – Dale vs Goliath – We’d like 1 group to help on this one. The event idea is that there are 2 or 3 Anacondas parked outside a station and we see how long it take s wing of sidewinders re-spawning to kill them. Can they do it in an hour?

If you can help with any of these events please do get in touch. The event is a big part of our Christmas planning and we really want to make it special. We will be promoting this as far and wide as we possibly can for this fantastic cause.

24 hour Livestream – Prizing

We are going to bringing some amazing prizes for the event which will all go into a charity raffle. However, we would love to add some community prizes in to showcase the cool community groups and add some flavour to the prizes.

We would be delighted if any groups wanted to donate a prize. It wouldn’t need to cost the earth and we would only ask for 1 prize, rather than lots of small prizes.

An example are the Hutton Truckers who has already agreed to donate a “Hutton Trucker Pack” which will include a mug, a patch and a sticker. This is perfect and would look lovely in our prizing list.

If you do happen to have a prize your group would like to donate. Please do get in touch ASAP as we will be looking to announce this week.

CQC commentator comp

This is a little bit of a cheeky one but we would love any help you’re able to give.

We would like to launch a commentator competition ahead of the CQC tournament. The winner/2 will be brought over for the competition and will commentate over the matches at the live final.

However, to do this we need 6-8 clips of people playing Death match mode in CQC that we can cut into a video. We can do this ourselves but we’re conscious to not take time away from the devs at this crucial stage of development so if there is a combat ready group that is able to get 6-8 people into a death match game and have them all record their screens in the same match we can edit them up to a video that someone can commentate over. We would be delighted and we’d credit you in the competition post for your valiant efforts.

That’s it, thanks so much for reading. I hope you are able to support and get involved and if so please do get in touch ASAP.

Thanks,

Zac


Zac Antonaci
Head of Community
Frontier Developments

I already replied, saying I'd participate. Needless to say this is an awesome opportunity to do something good for a charity and to gain exposure for our group. No one in the Knights is obligated to participate in the activity. The only obligation I made was for my participation. But, if any Knight is interested in participating in this charitable event, just send me a PM here in the forums and I'll try to get you scheduled in one of the activities. I'm not sure how quickly the empty slots for the activities are being filled, so the sooner you get in touch with me the more likely you'll get scheduled.

About the larger group events, if anyone is interested you can post it here in our FD thread and we'll see if we can get up enough people.

Thanks for reading this and take care

 

[Silmar]

OK just compiling a list of things for me to focus on for the moment and it has raised some questions for me:
1) Researching the UA's - bringing them to target stations, helping with experiments to see what might reverse the station malfunctions. Is there a preferred station to bring UA's to given that a couple of the stations are now offline?
2) Merope - I need to get out there and map the system, ahead of the proposed planetary mapping effort and then take part in that endeavour. Is anyone else getting involved in that mapping?
3) SS1 - Is there anything that can be done to further this search? I would be interested but I suspect that for the moment FDev aren't advancing this one.
4) Permit Zones - I have heard of these and believe that there is one reasonably close to the Bubble? If so I was wondering is the occasional trip out to such areas the kind of thing the Knights should do, just to make sure that nothing is going on?

 

[RED D2 PACCA]

Hello there sir,

I'd like to become a knight of the black! RED D2 PACCA in game, I'm with no other group or power tho I always have an eye on what's happening. I have and ASP and Clipper at my disposal and soon to be added will be the DBX. Just tell me where you want me and I'll be there (2 nights a week) ;-)

Fly safe 07
Red

 

[jpaulwilson1982]

OK just compiling a list of things for me to focus on for the moment and it has raised some questions for me:
1) Researching the UA's - bringing them to target stations, helping with experiments to see what might reverse the station malfunctions. Is there a preferred station to bring UA's to given that a couple of the stations are now offline?
2) Merope - I need to get out there and map the system, ahead of the proposed planetary mapping effort and then take part in that endeavour. Is anyone else getting involved in that mapping?
3) SS1 - Is there anything that can be done to further this search? I would be interested but I suspect that for the moment FDev aren't advancing this one.
4) Permit Zones - I have heard of these and believe that there is one reasonably close to the Bubble? If so I was wondering is the occasional trip out to such areas the kind of thing the Knights should do, just to make sure that nothing is going on?

1. There was one other station I was using in 49 Arietis (can't recall the name) that has a black market. I suspect it'll be down pretty soon, as well. I suggest flying something with excellent jump range (+25ly) to reach black market stations. There are still quite a few systems within 40 or 50 ly with BM stations, but available stations will gradually thin out in that region. And, for preferred stations-I do ask you not sell in capital systems of the three empires, but I haven't decided on any specific station to test this. If you're up for this, blackwa, we can talk about experimenting with a station to get more evidence the UAs are causing the malfunctions. I'll look at some systems and see if I can find anarchy systems with black markets. I think there are quite a few out that way.
2. Mapping effort?
3. People have been keeping an eye out for SS1 for months now. The only problem with this one is that there is no confirmation that SS1 is even in the game at this point. I've been checking wreckage, been out to Pleiades, checked SS1's route, and even brought a UA to the system where SS1 went missing. So my bet is that it's not in the game currently, but I'll keep checking out whatever leads I can get. We can actually just put this one on the back burner and I'll update this mission soon to reflect that.
4. There is at least one permit zone out toward Aries Dark Region GW-W d1-51, called Peregrina. Be careful if you ever get the opportunity. The security there is enough to take you down if you're careless with your illegal cargo of UAs.

As for chasing the UAs- yeah, this is one of the things the group was made for. You don't have to investigate there (UAs may not even be alien, though I think they are). But I've been out that way for a few days now collecting UAs, checking wreckage, flying around Pleiades, and I even experimented on a UA. I wanted to see if weapons would make it react in some way, and weapons do get a reaction. Not the explosion, of course but just zap it a little bit and it'll act a little different than usual.

Right now I'm not requiring anyone to search there since there's no proof of alien contact/threat. The evidence is mounting, but still not conclusive.

Sorry its so wordy. Turkey and wine make you drowsy and babble on and on and on and on ..... But if something wasn't clear don't be afraid to ask. Question everythang.

Hello there sir,

I'd like to become a knight of the black! RED D2 PACCA in game, I'm with no other group or power tho I always have an eye on what's happening. I have and ASP and Clipper at my disposal and soon to be added will be the DBX. Just tell me where you want me and I'll be there (2 nights a week) ;-)

Fly safe 07
Red

Welcome aboard, Red. We've been exploring out toward Aries Dark Region GW-W d1-52 since there's been Unknown Artefacts in abundance (over 250,000cr/UA) and station malfunctions. You might want to take your fuel scoop for that trip, if its something you're interested in. No alien confirmation, but things are looking sketchy. If an attack does occur, we'll be killing aliens out that way. Right now, though, no one is obligated to explore there.

As for the DBX, that's what I'm flying currently. I also have a Federation Assault Ship, but the jump range made traveling a grueling experience (18ly/jump). The DBX can go 30ly if you build it right. You wouldn't think the extra 12ly would make that huge of a difference, but it does.

Just make sure to have fun and feel free to do any of the missions in the OP. And always feel free to post questions and comments here.

 

[RED D2 PACCA]

Thanks for tip, was thinking about having a poke around in the 2.0 beta Monday! (Hopefully) Could give us a head start on any new info for the new season! Might head that way then and report back if any changes!..

 

[Silmar]

1. There was one other station I was using in 49 Arietis (can't recall the name) that has a black market. I suspect it'll be down pretty soon, as well. I suggest flying something with excellent jump range (+25ly) to reach black market stations. There are still quite a few systems within 40 or 50 ly with BM stations, but available stations will gradually thin out in that region. And, for preferred stations-I do ask you not sell in capital systems of the three empires, but I haven't decided on any specific station to test this. If you're up for this, blackwa, we can talk about experimenting with a station to get more evidence the UAs are causing the malfunctions. I'll look at some systems and see if I can find anarchy systems with black markets. I think there are quite a few out that way.
2. Mapping effort?

I have no problem with not putting UAs into Capital Systems. Personally for myself I would extend that to Powerplay HQs and Control Systems as well.

As for the Merope Planetary Landings that is discussed in this thread https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=197389&highlight=merope+landings. I am thinking of going along in Beta and helping establish a baseline map, in the hope that they don't put any UA content in before general release. However if the UA content is there in beta I am going to go and take a look. The Canonn have asked that if anyone finds anything in Beta at Merope that it is kept in that thread so as to try and control the release of spoilers, which seems fair to me.

Can I interest any Knights in a meet up at Merope in Horizons Beta?

 

[RED D2 PACCA]

I'll be happy to join up in the beta, add me in game RED D2 PACCA. I'll be in most evenings and hopefully be making my way there Monday night!..

 

[newman1702]

This sounds good. I like the idea of keeping an eye for alien civilizations, not necessarily assuming they have to be hostile but being ready to defend against them. I will be joining the Distant Worlds expeditions when it launches in January with the goal of reaching Beagle Point - a system over 65,000 ly away from Sol. If other alien civilizations are introduced during Horizons, there's a chance a member of this expedition might run into them, so having members of this group present could be beneficial.

I also like that the group isn't exclusive in a "you can do or be a member of whoever you want", so, sure, count me in. Note that I'm often out on exploration trips so I may not always be able to respond to whatever needs doing in the bubble. But I'm also not *always* out there, and having explorers keeping an eye out there is probably a good thing BTW my in-game commander name is the same as the forum name.

 

[jpaulwilson1982]

Thanks for tip, was thinking about having a poke around in the 2.0 beta Monday! (Hopefully) Could give us a head start on any new info for the new season! Might head that way then and report back if any changes!..

Sounds awesome and thanks.

I have no problem with not putting UAs into Capital Systems. Personally for myself I would extend that to Powerplay HQs and Control Systems as well.

As for the Merope Planetary Landings that is discussed in this thread https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=197389&highlight=merope+landings. I am thinking of going along in Beta and helping establish a baseline map, in the hope that they don't put any UA content in before general release. However if the UA content is there in beta I am going to go and take a look. The Canonn have asked that if anyone finds anything in Beta at Merope that it is kept in that thread so as to try and control the release of spoilers, which seems fair to me.

Can I interest any Knights in a meet up at Merope in Horizons Beta?

You have a point about Power HQs so I'll probably add that detail to the mission soon.

And I agree with your statement concerning posting Beta discoveries in the thread you linked. Certainly don't want to spoil anything exciting that can be found or done. Thanks for that post! Good information to have.

This sounds good. I like the idea of keeping an eye for alien civilizations, not necessarily assuming they have to be hostile but being ready to defend against them. I will be joining the Distant Worlds expeditions when it launches in January with the goal of reaching Beagle Point - a system over 65,000 ly away from Sol. If other alien civilizations are introduced during Horizons, there's a chance a member of this expedition might run into them, so having members of this group present could be beneficial.

I also like that the group isn't exclusive in a "you can do or be a member of whoever you want", so, sure, count me in. Note that I'm often out on exploration trips so I may not always be able to respond to whatever needs doing in the bubble. But I'm also not *always* out there, and having explorers keeping an eye out there is probably a good thing BTW my in-game commander name is the same as the forum name.

Glad to have you on board You're right that it certainly can't hurt to have Knights participate in the Distant Worlds expeditions. Horizons is such a huge addition to Elite that I certainly expect that we'll find some space-faring race out there somewhere at some point.

And don't worry about being available to defend systems in the bubble. I encourage everyone to serve in whatever capacity they can. If you're just an explorer, that's okay. If you're only a combat pilot, that's okay too. It can definitely pay off in the long run to have Knights involved in every role available. In the OP, I do push most for combat pilots and explorers to join because I see those kinds of commanders as the backbone of our group. But everyone is welcome to join. This is will become more important if we ever decide to have our group as an actual in-game faction. Traders will be crucial at that point.

AND I want all commanders to be careful collecting UAs. At least in my experience yesterday, it seems UA systems are more perilous (higher presence of lawless ships).

Fly safe, Knights.

 

[newman1702]

If you're just an explorer, that's okay. If you're only a combat pilot, that's okay too.

I like to think of myself as an explorer who can handle himself in a fight, so that sounds good If I'm not out exploring, my main activity and source of income is usually bounty hunting. I got bored of CQC but didn't doo too bad there, either. The thing I've done least is trading - so far I couldn't be bothered to grind too much in this way. Anyway, I think FD has an opportunity to do something here that'd be pretty novel; let how players react to a new spacefaring race during deep space first contacts become a deciding factor on that race's future disposition toward us. Therefore it'd be great if they ran into people who behave by rules other than "shoot on sight" - if FD actually makes us, the players, handle first contact than this group could become quite relevant.

Of course, we have to find them first which is where explorers come in Thanks for the welcome.

 

[Silmar]

I'll be happy to join up in the beta, add me in game RED D2 PACCA. I'll be in most evenings and hopefully be making my way there Monday night!..

I will see you there at some point then . My in game name is Silmar, I will add you when I get back in game.

jpaulwilson1982 and newman1702 I will add you both in game as well if that is OK?

 

[jpaulwilson1982]

I like to think of myself as an explorer who can handle himself in a fight, so that sounds good If I'm not out exploring, my main activity and source of income is usually bounty hunting. I got bored of CQC but didn't doo too bad there, either. The thing I've done least is trading - so far I couldn't be bothered to grind too much in this way. Anyway, I think FD has an opportunity to do something here that'd be pretty novel; let how players react to a new spacefaring race during deep space first contacts become a deciding factor on that race's future disposition toward us. Therefore it'd be great if they ran into people who behave by rules other than "shoot on sight" - if FD actually makes us, the players, handle first contact than this group could become quite relevant.

Of course, we have to find them first which is where explorers come in Thanks for the welcome.

I play basically the way you do. Trading isn't my favorite thing to do.

I will see you there at some point then . My in game name is Silmar, I will add you when I get back in game.

jpaulwilson1982 and newman1702 I will add you both in game as well if that is OK?

That's cool. Anyone who joins can add me as a friend. All CMDR names in the Members' List were given voluntarily so I'm assuming everyone is fine with adding other Knights as friends.

See y'all out there

 

[newman1702]

I will see you there at some point then . My in game name is Silmar, I will add you when I get back in game.

jpaulwilson1982 and newman1702 I will add you both in game as well if that is OK?

Of course

 

[Rubytuesdeys]

I'd like to get in on this. I've been interested about the exploration, but I've never wanted to go alone. CMDR Mahogany

 

[jpaulwilson1982]

I'd like to get in on this. I've been interested about the exploration, but I've never wanted to go alone. CMDR Mahogany

Welcome to the Knights, Rubytuesdeys. I'd rep you for the name alone if I could right now

 

[Warpathx]

Im interested in joining, sent you a PM

 

[jpaulwilson1982]

First, I wanted to bring this issue to the Knights' attention: https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/565f0f2c9657ba247f6856f9

Second, I've written a short story, and am trying to get it posted to GalNet in Sol, Achenar, and Alioth. I doubt it'll get published on GalNet, but I still think of it as our first piece of Lore for the group. If anyone is interested, I have it posted here.

Third, given the station shutdowns, I think its time I devise a strategy to defend and retaliate in response to the potential of the UAs shutting down stations. I'll come up with something in the coming days, and I'll post an article to be published on GalNet to make it known we're not ignoring the situation.

Thanks and take care.

 

[Telonos]

This looks like something I'd be very interested in. I'm still incredibly new (I haven't even been brave enough to venture into Open play yet) but my main pursuits are exploration with combat/bounty hunting being a close second. I am also a huge RP fan, and love the immersive in-universe feel of this group. My in game name is CMDR Keija Suresh, and I hope to get up to speed soon!

 

[jpaulwilson1982]

This looks like something I'd be very interested in. I'm still incredibly new (I haven't even been brave enough to venture into Open play yet) but my main pursuits are exploration with combat/bounty hunting being a close second. I am also a huge RP fan, and love the immersive in-universe feel of this group. My in game name is CMDR Keija Suresh, and I hope to get up to speed soon!

Welcome to the Knights, Telonos. Good to have you here

Also going to release another article for GalNet in a couple days. It'll be a big announcement. Hoping it gets on GalNet globally.

 

[Silmar]

Interesting article on the shutdowns from a Powerplay perspective, https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteMahon/comments/3v6rsl/warning_do_not_use_sirius_systems_or_founders/. A little background on my experience as well, I serve in ALD in one of the groups that attends to maintaining favourable governance within ALD Spheres. I therefore have a good idea how I would use UA's as a weapon in Powerplay, and to be clear I never would and neither would those in the groups I work with.

So my thoughts on the list of affected systems and a possible Powerplay dimension to them.
1) Most of the shut downs are occurring in systems with little to no relevance to Powerplay. If Powerplay groups start using UA's as weapons, then they will focus on Control Systems and HQ Systems and only a couple of systems in the list in the article qualify as being one of those.
2) To affect Powerplay an Enemy Faction would need to get sufficient UA's to cause a shutdown into every starport and outpost in that system. It seems unlikely to me that any Control or HQ Systems have Black Markets in all of their installations, so this does not, at first glance, seem to be an effective Powerplay tactic. Having checked neither Sol or Rhea could be shutdown just using UA's, so Powerplay groups would be unlikely to even start. Arawere does have another Outpost and that does have a Black Market. I admit that if that Outpost goes down as well, then that will be worrying.
3) Another question to answer is does a shutdown stop you using the Powerplay Contacts option in the Starport menu? It might, I honestly don't know. What do people think? As the option appears under Contacts then if you are unable to hand in Bounties in a shutdown system, then this might affect Powerplay.
4) Finally I cannot imagine that FDev would permit all of the Starports and Outposts in a Control or HQ System to be shut down. Powerplay, as much as I enjoy it, has enough problems without allowing that to happen as well.

For the reasons listed above I don't believe that the Powerplay factions will start using UA's as weapons, but I would be interested in hearing other people's thoughts on this.