A legion of variables.

We tackle how metagaming, and mercenary alliances have a dramatic impact on the nature of sovereignty warfare and the game as a whole.


One of the more interesting liberties afforded the humble Pod pilot is the relaxed ruleset in relation to metagaming in EVE Online. Corporate and Alliance level espionage in order to gain a tactical advantage is not just tolerated, but encouraged by the developers of the game. This makes for spectacular events that literally shape the perceptions and gameplay of thousands of players throughout the world of New Eden. Tactically executed heists have netted elegant and creative con-artists hundreds of billions of ISK, equating to many thousands of dollars in real world currency.

Another angle of this metagame is the ability afforded to Players, Corporations and Alliances to create fantastic notoriety for themselves. There are no shortage of official and unofficial places where a capable mercenary group can peddle their own superiority to the player-base. These bouts of chest-beating are usually ringed with impressive killboard statistics, showing genuine capability. There are many who are willing to offer their services in exchange for ISK, notable groups include Noir., Privateer Alliance and the now deceased Mercenary Coalition. But few have become as successful, or as notorious as Pandemic Legion.


In truth it would be impossible to pen an article on mercenary services without mentioning Pandemic Legion. Having once been a space holding alliance in Fountain, a breakdown of internal affairs triggered a metamorphosis within them. Their goals changed from being an example imperial power, to being a transient Alliance specializing in Nullsec affairs. Specifically being called in as a capable entity whose purpose, more recently, has been to shift the balance of power in favor of Alliances who might find themselves on the losing end of sovereignty warfare. This was demonstrated recently when their services were called on to halt Northern Coalition advancement into Drone Space. And while Pandemic Legion ultimately failed to hold Venal, the job of preventing the Northern Coalitions' incursions into the Drone regions was successful.

A great portion of Pandemic Legion's notoriety comes from their undeniable capability, but one might argue that just as much of their namesake comes from their unrelenting PR. Even a loss can be spun into a strange victory should situational variables be favorable. And very rarely is Pandemic Legion's spin department not spinning.

Metagaming and the speeches of Alliance leaders are capable of turning the tide in many ways, not just bolstering the namesake of mercenary groups. Once again, as before, the region known as Delve, home of IT Alliance (formerly Band of Brothers) is under threat from Goonswarm Federation and its allies and the metagaming is in full swing. Outwardly perceived poor troop-rustling and a string of losses in Fountain are likely taking a heavy toll on the morale of IT Alliance's forces. And as the pendulum swings in the opposite direction, The Clusterfuck's forces are invigorated and refreshed by their tactical victories in the region. And while the fighting continues, the old adage 'The Pen is mightier than the Sword' proves to be true again and again.

The words of leaders and the proverbial corporate printing presses can make or break campaigns and Alliances. And mental power-plays are just another compelling and truly remarkable aspect of EVE Online.

~ WT