Yes, bennyboy’s latest endevour.

On June 26^th, the Journal reported that bennyboy Ball, the military leader famous for the birth of many-a force on the grid, was bringing back Imperium Battalion, his military formed after TFM split into CS and IB. It seems Imperium Battalion didn’t open, and it floated away that time round. Of course, previous to that, bennyboy Ball had run ‘Dark Imperium’ with ex-CS admiral Bouwie Scofield, which also had a sim, but never opened due to bennyboy being banned. Previous to that, DEK existed, a German themed military, when that theme was all the rage. And now, he’s back with his newest carnation; Novas Milita. Search ‘BennyBoy’ in the search box at the very bottom of this page for more of abackground on bennyboy Ball.

Novus, based on an 1/8 of a SIM in the region of sweet orange1, is commanded by bennyboy Ball, Zouwer Hydraconis, and three second in commands, Seitei Charik, ravange Zepp and Bouwie Scofield.

Seitei Charik is the character responsible for trying to bring back TFM a few weeks back. And, still being in the groups, and founding the reborn group, it’s only sense that she would want to work with benny again on this new military.

Arriving in sweet orange1, the build of the base was a simple one, but, I’m not one to criticize. And, of course, a kill-prim river, ever inevitable in benny’s bases. I do somewhat admire benny, for having the drive to start a military, even through challenging odds.

It seems their gear is also established. A mech, and armour, and weapons. Although, fleet ships would logically be expected, as their application has a tick box for ‘Fleet’.

The armour at sweet orange1.

In our last article about bennyboy bringing back Battalion, we setup a poll; Will IB succeed and become a potential threat on the grid. It seems, 91% of you were correct.

But! Will Novus be an exception? I spoke with Zouwer Nydraconis. First in command with benny, and builder of the outpost at sweet orange1.

Metallicoe: Hello there! Could you tell me about Novus?

Zouwer: It’s a military.

Metallicoe: Well, that much was clear. Do you own land on sweet orange1?

Zouwer: No.

Metallicoe: Oh…Where’s your land then?

Zouwer: Novus already got land.

Metallicoe: At sweet orange1?

Zouwer: Benny owns it. I dont got land.

Well…that achieved nothing. But I don’t think going into an in depth investigation is good use of my time. Maybe, when Novus become active, I’ll check out their goals. But for now, we wait. Stop on by sweet orange1 to pick up an application, check out the rules, or just see the base for yourself. Unfortunately, at the time of my visit, damage was not on, so perhaps they’re not open for combat yet. It seems Seitei also runs a business selling weapons and armour. A vendor for that is also in their hub area. I couldn’t get anything more out of Zouwer. A more in-depth article may follow. For now, just an update. Novis Militas; coming to a SIM near you.

The products of the Novus 2ic.

Silver Hawk; Commanders decreased, allies increased.

Last Friday, two of Silver Hawks leaders, Bicket Burt and Dayna Laville resigned from their positions in Silver Hawk, leaving two leaders, Corwin Lockjaw and Fay Franzos, to control SH, the military which once stood on two SIMs, now resides on the one full SIM of Silver Side.

I caught up with Dayna on Silver Side Bay, the SIM she reclaimed from Silver Hawk after she left last week.

Silver Side - Home of Silver Hawk

Metallicoe: So Dayna, what was the reasoning behind you leaving Silver Hawk?

Dayna: I didn’t like what Corwin and Fay wanted to do, and I was tired of arguing. A conflict of interest, you could say.

Metallicoe: What direction did Fay and Corwin want to take SH in? What caused the arguments?

Dayna: We always argued, but the thing that did it was the MBC Alliance. That was the breaker.

Metallicoe: The Mercenary Brother Commandos? Why did you disagree with the prospect of an alliance with them?

Dayna: No input about it. I found out from a notice. Then had to ask one of my officers about it…

Metallicoe: So they left you in the dark? Would you have disagreed with it if they had informed you?

Dayna: Yes I would have disagreed. I agree to disagree among us four. But when I am or feel like I am left in the dark about important SH decisions it frustrates me.

Metallicoe: Why would you have disagreed?

Dayna: I don’t want to get into why. It’s over.

Metallicoe: I understand. Did they not inform Bicket?

Dayna: From what they tell me, yes they did.

Metallicoe: Why did he leave, then?

Dayna: Same reason I believe. He also wrote a resignation notice. I think his explains more how we felt though. Mine is just general resignation.

Dayna’s Resignation Letter

I have decided to leave Silver Hawk Army. I will remain in combat; just not take part of any army.

As of today, I will no longer be acting in the role of ‘general’ for The Silver Hawk Army. I will be here to assist with this transitory phase and sincerely hope you will all be dedicated and proactive in assisting High Command through this transition. I will remain dedicated to this army through my loyalty to you as friends and my respect for an army that I help create.

Sincerely, Dayna Laville

So Silver Hawk members are left with two commanders, a full SIM, and an alliance with the Mercenary Brother Commandos. Dayna told me that herself and Bicket did not plan their resignations, they merely happened at the same time. Dayna, left with her homestead SIM attached to SH’s main SIM, Silver Side Bay, hopes to embark on a new project, staying active in the combat community but ‘without the drama’, as inevitable as it can be.

I next spoke with Silver Hawk Officer pjrey Writer, to gather a sense of the reaction to the resignation of their two leaders, and the alliance with MBC, lower down the ranks.

Metallicoe: Hello pjrey, could you tell me your thoughts on the resignation of two long-time leaders of Silver Hawk?

Pjrey: I don’t think out loud. I can tell you that we’ve been incredibly busy here and had a lot of people enlisting and returning. We have plans for a new base; we’re currently in the idea stages but one proposal is a prison theme where the enemy must escape.

Metallicoe: And what’s your view on the new alliance with MBC? Do you think it was a good move by High Command?

Pjrey: Sure, it’s nice to have an ally who is primarily a different time zone, means we can compensate for the lulls in activity.

Metallicoe: Have Silver Hawk and MBC been on any assaults together since the alliance?

Pjrey: No, so far just helping out with defence. We’ve been really busy lately with recruitments and base changes so aside from a few smaller assaults we’ve been quiet. That will change soon though.

So, it seems Silver Hawk will be facing a base change alongside the shift in command. Next, I thought I’d have a chat with Bicket, to see his thoughts on the matter. Since his resignation, his profile would suggest he’s joined the Tetra Combine, the group formed out of the rebellion within the Echelon Union a few weeks ago. Upon contacting Bicket, he didn’t want to talk to the Journal about his resignation and was very dismissive. Suspicious. For the record, he doesn’t want to talk to us. It’s not that I’m being biased. We’ll leave out his side of the ordeal, and respect his privacy. It is a shame how some people don’t trust us. I was, however, able to get a hold of his resignation letter.

Hey Comrades, I am sorry to have to tell you all, but while you are reading this I am leaving Silver Hawk. I am very proud of what Silver Hawk has become, and of what it was like. But (during my absent) there have been some changes.  Also there have been some problems within the High Command these months, which makes it best for Silver Hawk to have me leave. I hope you all will support Marshal Lockjaw and Officer Franzos so Silver Hawk can start growing again, without me.

Anyways, to keep this letter short… I just wanna let you know that I’ve really enjoyed the good and also bad times I shared with you all. And I wish everyone in Silver Hawk good luck.

Sincerely,

Officer Bicket Burt

It seems Bicket left under the same loose terms as Dayna. Changes in the military, which perhaps he wasn’t too keen on. To gather an accurate response, I contacted Corwin Lockjaw, one of the two now in command of Silver Hawk.

Metallicoe: Hey Corwin, what’s your feelings about Bicket and Dayna leaving?

Corwin: I am saddened by their departure. However, since they have left, several old members have returned, and we have gained new members which have strengthened us considerably.

Metallicoe: How did the alliance with MBC come around?

Corwin: Through negotiations over several days. Bicket and Dayna were both aware of it

Metallicoe: Dayna told me she wasn’t aware of it, and you kept her in the dark?

Corwin: When she was told, before the alliance, her words were, “whatever you guys decide”, so she may have put her involvement in differently, I’m not sure. And Bicket left over a different issue

Metallicoe: Oh, what was your understanding of the resignation of Bicket then?

Corwin: Essentially, he left because I would not follow his order to demote an officer. An officer that has since been ejected from Silver Hawk.

This is interesting. New information. Bicket left because Corwin wouldn’t demote an officer? Corwin told me that the officer was originally a Senior NCO. He continued to explain how Bicket ejected and banned him for riding a motorcycle on the base. Interesting. Could this be why Bicket refuses to comment on these current affairs? In Corwin’s eyes, this is a silly squabble. Corwin re-enlisted him, and promoted him to an officer. He assures me the NCO was in line for officer-ship before the squabble with Bicket. Bicket objected to this re-enlistment, and thereafter left Silver Hawk. Anyway, back to the alliance.  “Yet another silly argument, and we move on”, Corwin tells me.

Metallicoe: Why did you decide to ally with them, over other militaries without allies?

Corwin: As an insurance against several swarming attacks we had suffered, prior to that. To be accurate, against their reoccurrence. I admire Dav Broome, the leader of MBC, and his recent drive to ‘clean up’ his army. To my knowledge, we are the only two militaries in the alliance.

Metallicoe: Will Silver Hawk and Mercenary Brother Commandos be attacking other militaries together, as well as defending each others SIMs?

Corwin: Both armies are interested in fair combat, so that would depend on the opposing armies numbers.

Metallicoe: Does the new alliance have a name? Are you open for negotiation with other militaries, if they were interested in allying with you and MBC?

Corwin: Call it the SH CBM alliance if you will! And no, we are not open at present. We are not building an empire. Merely a pact of mutual co-operation.

Metallicoe: Alright. So, what changes do you and Fay plan to bring to Silver Hawk?

Corwin: We intend to build on the strong base we already have. Also, we plan to improve our relations with other militaries. Improving our reputation is important, as it has gone downhill as of late.

Focusing on the new alliance between SH and MBC, I took a trip down to the Commando’s base, in the full SIM of, appropriately named, ‘MBC’. I’ve heard of the Commando’s before, but have never seen any of their members in New Jessie, or attacking a military in the community. Perhaps it’s the time zone, but either way, their SIM seems to always have at least one member wandering around. Crossing the bridge embellished with Spanish flags, I spoke with Saraochi Uriza, overlooked by what appeared to be a crusader. With a sniper rifle.

Metallicoe: Hello Saraochie, what’s your take on the alliance between the Commando Mercinaries and Silver Hawk?

Saraochie: It’s a pact of non-attacking force, but helping each other out.

Metallicoe: Do you think the alliance was a good idea?

Saraochie: Yes.

Metallicoe: Why did MBC choose Silver Hawk over other militaries?

Saraochie: The fact that Silver Hawk are in the same position as us. We have lost personnel because of useless drama. Silver Hawk thinks like us, and they have roughly the same ideas.

Metallicoe: In your view, what will you and Silver Hawk gain from the alliance? What will the two groups do together?

Saraochie: For now, just defending each other. But, we’re also forming friendships.

Well, it seems like both parties agree on the alliance, because they share the same idea. Here, Saraochie seems to be referring the incident with the motorbike on Silver Hawks side, with useless drama. I do like the idea of an alliance over similar outlooks on the community. And,  the fact that the different in Time Zones between Spain and the USA exists, further makes another case for why the alliance could suceeed. Granted, there is a small communication barrier between some of the MBC and Silver Hawk, but nothing that can’t be solved with a bit of patience.

This was an interested article. Bicket, leaving over a squabble with a motorcycle and an NCO. Dayna, for disagreeing with an alliance with the Mercenary Brother Commando’s. And so, Silver Hawk continues. On it’s full sim. Bicket makes a name for himself in Tetra, still inactive, and Dayna works on whatever project she embarks on, in her still damage enabled SIM of Sliver Side Bay. And now, off to bed said Zebadee. Goodnight.

If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame. But if his orders ARE clear, and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers.

- Sun Tzu, The Art of War.

- Metallicoe Keng

Editor in Chief

News Bulliten: Sparta [Another one bites the dust]

Narnia; Spartan Home.

It’s happened again. Another legendary force on the grid has fallen. Legendary here used to describe a group that has stood strong faced with feirce odds. Survived for a little longer after their leader left, Bruno. And now, the Spartans of Second Life are ceasing combat.

The Final Notice
Tue Aug 04 02:46:57 2009

It is with a heavy heart, that I must announce the final days of Sparta. We have once again lost funding, and high command has pretty much decided that we have no room to recover from this loss.

From this day forward, we are no longer an active SL army, The main group will remain as a memory to the marks we left behind in this great community, and all the best to you guys.
Please note that CS/2142 are our closest allies, and are welcoming the now Spartan refugees.

-Roudy
ex-Spartan King

This, the message from the leader of Sparta, RoudyRacoon Hand, after Bruno left.

The Future

I spoke to Roudy in Narnia, the home of Sparta. With 48 Spartans at the time of the declare, Roudy hopes his forces will merge into Chthonic Syndicate and 2142. As for himself, he hopes he can find a spot in CS.

But; fear not! The groups still exist, and Roudy hopes to bring back Sparta if and when funding is available. When Bruno left, Roudy, taking command, moved to the homestead sim from Second Chance, a full sim.

Roudy: We’re going dorment. If someone with funding comes along, Sparta will return. Trust me on this, I spent most of yesterday trying to find funding, but we just have no where to go.

Metallicoe: When will the base be returned?

Roudy: Wednesday. This really sucks, losing Sparta is like watching a family member die.

Metallicoe: Maybe you could survive on a 1/4 sim? Guerilla Rebels done it.

Roudy: It’s already too late. The groups were disbanded last night, except for the main. The groups still exist on alts.

So, come Wednesday, Narnia will be wiped of the Spartan base. Roudy hopes to turn it physical and record it for us. Should be fun! I did enjoy watching ANs towers fall.

For now, we leave the Spartan assaults behind. An Ork was trampling the base as I arrived, as RoudyRacoon stood in his spawn with a look of despair.

An Ork in Narnia, where once a few Spartans stood.

And, as the snow settles, and the Veteran tags are set, let us discuss the end of this era. Tasteful only please. Fondest memories, thoughts?

The Spartan Hub; A sole flag.

Latest News Bulletin: The leave of Jason Backer.

Off to get a first life.

Dear friends who I have known for months or indeed years, I have to sadly announce that I will be leaving without a trace after this is sent out. During my time on SL I have found myself pulling 16 hours online, sleeping to little or to much, ruined my eyesight, (Believe your parents when they tell you staring at a computer for hours will do you harm!) missed Real Life events… This is unsustainable and with me going to Uni this September, getting a job and looking to enjoy my life a bit more I need a clean break.

When you’re sacraficing real life to play a game you need to take a good look at what you’re doing. I’ve done that and i’m sure if I put all the focus, effort and time spent that i had on SL i’d be something more than I am now, thats for sure.

My coming back to the AN was a massive mistake, not because I don’t enjoy your company or because I don’t give a damn, but because it threw my SL/RL balance way out of line and I have to change that. I am truely, unreservedly & infinatly sorry for any problems that result from this… so very much.

On my time on SL i’ve met many friends and persons who I will miss dearly. I’ll remember you all fondly.

So I leave you all now as a friend, hopefully. Some will think i’m selfish, and they are right, i’m putting myself first and nothing but, but i’m doing it for a better future.

With sorrow,

Jason.

P.S. This will likely find it’s way into the hands of those who are not altogether fond of me, to which I will say farewell, good luck and I won’t be missing you one bit :)

The final letter from Jason Backer, to the Alliance Navy, the group he’s grown with.

Jason Backer has left Second Life. I for one am mortified, being a good friend with Jason.

So, what happens to AN?

Jim Herbst has taken first in command within the Alliance Navy. Being a loyal officer, Jason appointed him, to the appreciation of his group.

Jim pledges his first priority to rebuild the base. And he plans to make AN much more active, so we’re told.

Some will be happy at this news. This reporter is not too happy. Jason was a good guy. Bias? No. This is my conclusion. My summary. My opinion. Jason was awesome. And yes. I think we all do spend too much time on Second Life.

I’ve seen my Real Life decapitated in recent weeks. I too should cut down on SL. But this community is too inviting.

It seemed Jason was having issues finding Elshout. So, will his leave mean AN moves to a void sim? Only time will tell. Jim also plans to participate in the IS more.

And now, I open the floor for comments. Tasteful only please. In memory.

-Metallicoe Keng

Editor on Cheif

Variable-Damage Armor – The Alliance Navy’s New Tank

While hunting for a story, I decided to drop in on Elshout, home of the Alliance Navy where, behind the spray of beginner bullets, Officer Jim Herbst and Enlisted Jeremy Duport were developing a new tank for AN’s use. A new tank, with new technology to add to the fledgling armoured combat scene.

Shown above, the model for ANs new tank, the MBT, with new technology in it for the purpose of allowing more damage on certain areas of the tank. Jim explained the tanks hitpoints system to me.

In the picture above, the yellow area inflicts one point of damage when hit. With 60 hitpoints in total to destroy the whole tank, 60 bullets on that yellow area will finish the tank off. The red area, at the rear, inflicts 2 – 3 damage, as the engine is contained within that enclosure. Jim also told me that an engine fire is possible, which will do constant damage to the tank for a short period of time. The pink areas represent the maneuvering bowers of the tank, he says, and hitting these will directly affect the speed and maneuverability of the tank in a negative way. These will also depict how the tank was destroyed, and employ relevant effects. While still in the development stage, Jim and his associate scripter, Jeremy Duport, are working hard on the features; “idle bullet damage resulting in an idle wreck, while a big cloud of bullets will make it go kablooey.” The engine can also after burn if the tank is used for too long.

Kill Bill

After clearing up how the tank dies, Jim moved onto how it kills. “The MBT will be armed with a cannon, a 50 cal, and smoke launchers. The cannon will be equipped with at the bare minimum an HE shell and a SABOT shell. The HE will just be a plain old explosive. The sabot will do a good amount of damage to a target tank.” With some serious firepower, and some great ways to defeat it, it makes a nice combo.

Who’ll be the lucky drivers?

I asked Jim whether each division would get its own variant of the tank, as he explained there would be varieties, including a line armed with flamethrowers. Jim explained that they are all part of the AN Marine division. “There has been very little internal debate as to where tanks belong organizationally. Whether it will be part of the currently planned specializations or a specialization of its own remains to be seen.”

So this brings a new light to SL armoured combat. Potentially this could lead to the growth of more specialized tactics when destroying tanks, rather than the currently prevailing tactic of spamming them at any point on their armor with bullets. Either way though, one thing is clear – it’ll be fun seeing AN personnel sporting these new killing machines in the next week or two.

-Metallicoe Keng

Chaos: Grand Opening

Chaos Dectrum are finally opening their doors next Saturday, 4th of July, Dark Svenska tells the Journal. However, if things delay, it could be postponed to Sunday.

This news comes as great relief to Chaos members, who have been waiting for weeks after their sim Meliae was built, and a carnation of relief for the community.

Exiting the hub at Meliae.

With 68 personnel, and 2 cultists, Chaos are already a fairly strong force, without their base open.

“We want to hit 100 members” Dark Svenska told me, “We want to always have personnel on duty and guarding the wastes.”

I’m sure Chaos’s numbers will shoot up when they open, although, Vanguards return could cause some friction, as two of the most controversial groups on the grid meet face to face. “We’re not just accepting Veterans now” Dark says, “We are accepting fresh recruits, military drop outs, traitors, rejects and we have a full training program written.”.

Chaos Dectrum have chosen not to impliment an objective into their base, as it’s not fit for a Void Sim, they say.

I asked Dark if he had any systems in place within his infastructure, to reward the members. Unlocks, achievements and a motivation source is something I like to see in new militaries.

“We have unlocks to better equip our legions in a fair way. Our infantry has been seperated into two diffrent sections that work as a class and a squad. As for merits, we have many, one of them is even a merit for New Jessie pillaging. As for medals, we have a system of skulls and severed limbs as you can see on my uniform. We do not have merits for operations though, we give medals named after the operation, rather, in our group we call them trophy’s. My Burst Pistol and Chainsword are both unlocks that can be obtained through the system. The slaughtered remains of a soldier is the best award any Chaos soldier can acheive. The more favor they get from the dark gods, the more respected.“

With this, Dark told the Journal that he wants to support role play, but it’s not heavily implimented.

“We like to draw in diffrent things too create a community within ourselves and not just another military group” he explained.

Metallicoe Keng

The New Jessie War Journal Editor

Brush up on the sim rules over on the wiki.

“Chaos cannot be defeated physically. If we lose, we stand up again, this war is our destiny, for the changer of ways deemed it so. As long as we are gifted by the greater powers, we will rule this grid whith banners made of flesh and gore. Never surrender, and always take joy in killing the false Imperator’s followers and the weaker maggots and their groups.” – Dark Svenska

Benny’s bringin’ Batallion back.

Yes! He’s back! After lying low for a while, BennyBoy Ball, the character we all love to hate, is back in the community, commanding his newly reformed military; Imperium Batallion.

Based in Money Island 1, previously a hub for second life campers, Imperium Batallion doesn’t plan to open for a while. While details are sketchy, benny’s uniform, the other IB soldiers, and the built sim definitely suggests it’s making a glorious return.

A view of Money Island 1, IB HQ

Bennyboy sporting IBs old armour, soon being replaced.

So, watch this space!

What do you think?

GR: “That that don’t kill me, can only make me stronger.”

As much as Kanye’s lyrics are grammatically hellish, it’s clear that the Guerilla Rebels are indeed, becoming stronger even when they are knocked down by loss of land.

Guerilla Rebels, the post Vietnam-themed milita, have recently moved to a new plot of land; a quarter of a sim in the region of Armaud. Contrary to expectation, the new land brought over ten new rebels, Zidene Kamm told me.

Shown above, the town of the Guerilla Rebels, 2000 meters in the air.

The base has a network of underground tunnels and passages, Kamm explained – where, recently, a raid group of Mercateers got lost, so I am told.

A dingy tunnel deep under the soil of SW Armaud.

“We expect to have a linked core system up and running soon, to provide a much more enjoyable and challenging combat experience”. With this perhaps combat will become more than just shooting a cylinderical prim, tactics?!

What do you think of GRs new base? After being complimented by the attacking Merczeteers, and exploring it myself, it’s passed my test!

-Metallicoe Keng

Back from the dead.

“Let the ground burn into ash everywhere we march!” – The Chaos Decretum

If there was ever a group people loved to hate, it could be the Chaos Decretum, self-described as the last evil-based group on the grid.  He relishes in it, and the theme of the group is based on this idea of evil.  As a result, the Chaos sim in Meliae is shaping up to be as dark in appearance are as the aspirations of the group now operating from it.  Though sim sim is currently closed to outsiders, Chaos Dominus Dark Svenska let me check it out and take some snapshots of a place that, when it opens, is sure to be under constant attack and counter-attack.

The pictures taken for this piece are all taken in the optimized settings that Chaos says are best for viewing the sim in.  So, to get that really-evil feel as best as possible, here they are.  Keep in mind of course, that an endless droning sound permeates the entire sim, reminiscent of little else but somehow instinctively reeking of death.

The first thing you'll see at Meliae are tormented red skies, murky and poisonous water, and an endless array of jagged rocks looking ready to impale attackers.

These burning red eyes actually follow you as you move. They are probably the creepiest thing I've ever seen in a combat sim, though my visits to a place known as "The Yiff Factory" stop me from calling them the creepiest thing I've ever seen on the grid.

If only they'd call him.

The view into the heart of Meliae is lit by a blazing sun that obscures the view of most everything but the main walls of the Chaos stronghold, and of course the peaks that line the first redoubt.

Bright green sludge oozes from a waste line. The message is clear - not only does Dark Svenska plan to destroy you. He also hates the envionment.

The only thing more terrifying to view than the surface of Meliae is the angry sky above it, with fiery stones moving slowly about the sky suspended in position beneath the warp storm above.

A bit of irony - interestingly enough, evil's home in combat on the grid is located between two paradise-themed sims named Heaven Breeze and Kuwait Love.

Small bunkers dot the sim in various locations, blending into the volcanic rock and ash they're built on.

The smoldering husk of what appears to be a small town lies in ruins within the bowels of Meliae.

"Will made flesh" - this battle standard representing Chaos, one of many visible in Meliae, is joined together by the rotted remnants of a human corpse.

Deep behind all of the ghastly sights and sounds lies the main compound of the Chaos forces.

Chaos claims that this titanic warp gate has a purpose, but so far nobody is saying what that may be.

"A machine possessed by the gods of disease - THE PLAGUE TANK - in other words, the Morbus." - Dark Svenska on the coming armored beast of the Chaos Decretum. Picture taken in New Jessie.

Chaos is not saying much at the moment, instead focusing on building its strength until it opens later in the year.

Caine Constantine: Any word on when the base will be open?
Dark Svenska: Well we need to get all of our gear scripted, so sometime around summer break.
Caine Constantine: Sounds good
Dark Svenska: Its a long wait i know, but hey look how long Ordo had to set up their shit?

"More blood for the blood god!" - reconciliation and friendly engagement are...doubtful, to say the least.

Interestingly enough, probably one of the biggest rumors in the combat community – the idea that Vanguard is going to return to the grid soon – was referenced perhaps randomly by Dark during our conversation.  In explaining his justification for Chaos and its role in the combat community, he also reveals perhaps not on purpose the fact that if Vanguard does return, the biggest losers in this situation will be the smaller groups full of ex-Vanguard members.  Dark also explains what is essentially his purpose for Chaos – to buck the modern move toward a friendly combat community and move back into the recent past of the 2006 – 2007 era.  Though the terminology he uses leaves much to be desired, there is an interesting point here as well.  Can you have good without evil?  Or is good and evil a bit much to really seriously consider since this is a computer game?

Dark Svenska: So yeah, Chaos is still coming.
Dark Svenska: Let’s face it we balance the community in the good vs. evil thing.
Dark Svenska: Even if VG comes back up we still need to be around. Without an actual evil based group you get moralfags.. No one likes moralfags.
Caine Constantine: This is an interesting point.
Caine Constantine: Isn’t Vanguard the traditionally “evil” group?
Dark Svenska: Christoph is evil.
Dark Svenska: Thats pretty much it.
Caine Constantine: Haha, I see
Dark Svenska: Which is why I like Chris! He always finds a way to brighten up my day when it comes to tormenting others.
Dark Svenska: Though the snowmew thing disgusted me and possibly scarred me for life.
Caine Constantine: Any last words on the base?
Dark Svenska: Yes. This base does have effective cover for the opposing force. But the fact that we seem to have more cover?… Well I never said I ‘wanted’ people inside my base now did I?
Dark Svenska: Matter of fact I think that’s the whole point of ‘base defense’.
Dark Svenska: So.. Take that Disney bitches!
Dark Svenska: I SHALL RULE YOU ALL!
Dark Svenska: ….
Dark Svenska: I’m done.

The war of words heated up on the page of the Chaos Decretum on Second Life Wikia, which I initially checked and found the phrase “Let the ground burn into ash everywhere we march!”  Going back to double check it, however, I found that an anti-Chaos author had changed the group’s wikia entry in a less than friendly way.

“”FOR THE IMPERATOR, THE BEING KNOWN AS UMBRA DECLARES WAR ON THE FILTH OF THE CHAOS DECRETUM SCUM.”

Chaos is nothing but a trolling group set up by Dark Svenska to patrol and De-Recurit Ordo Members as they Teleport into the Sim New Jessie. Dark’s combat skills are as weak as his mind. As a plus He may have been a Merczateer Light Ops. member he has nothing to prove on the battlefield. IS forces crippled his force by ejecting most of Chaos members. Also the group known as Solution_Root has taken root in Chaos to drive out all of its members into the group called Umbra which the leader remains nameless and faceless as he is behinde the the project at this time.”

Dark Svenska then edited his page again, opting instead of reverting it to its original form to write a response to what had been posted on the wikia entry of the Chaos Decretum.

“Is this the part where i am scared?… You are dreadfully wrong and pathetic as the rest of you little spy groups. For one all of your comments are a sad attempt at trolling me, since when did we care about recruiting Ordo? And combat skill? That’s actually the funny part because i can slaughter 88% of the members of Ordo in 5 man squads by myself. Yes, I was light ops and everyone still loves me.

You are nothing but filth yet to be eradicated and converted to the influence of the dark gods.

Oh and the stunt Aryte pulled?.. He invaded a land group that was not being used. He could only get enlisted rank in the main group as well sooo.. Way2Fail.

Stop your hiding and face us without your cloak and dagger tactics. We only see you as pathetic cowards and like everyone else you fear us so much you have to hide yourself instead of meeting us in battle! Until then you will never impress me.

Ordo knows very well that everything must be kept on the battlefield and not in sabotage. We want to fight!

Come out of your holes, and fight us.

Or we will hunt you down and force you to weaklings.

In b4 srs bzness.”

Dark Svenska: Consider it my personal message to any group that uses cloak and dagger tactics over combat on the field.
Dark Svenska: Chaos considers all spy groups to be cowards and they fear the greater powers. If you want to prove something fight us face to face.

The symbol of the Chaos Decretum hovers over a battlefield embodied by the concepts of the group based in it.

In visiting Meliae, a few things are evident.  Firstly, regardless of your thoughts on the group, Chaos is putting together a pretty cool place for combat.  Secondly, Chaos is seeking to become a group that is representative of the opposite of what groups like the Iron Symphony want.  Whereas they advocate essentially making combat an experience in amicably and fairly fighting one another, in the same way you might play a game without cheating, play until you win or lose, and then say “Good game” regardless, Chaos is “old-school” as their leader puts it.  There’s no love lost for other groups, minimal advantages for attackers, and a rhetoric built on baiting people to come and try to take Chaos on regardless.

And so having said my piece, what do you think?  Please share your thoughts on the group and its sim, as well as its ideology, in our comments section, as it definitely raises a lot of questions about the nature of armed combat in Second Life.

-Caine Constantine

Sparta Redesigns Second Chance

Having just finished their latest rebuild, the Spartans threw open their sim, Second Chance, to welcome combat from across the grid yesterday.  They were soon obliged with attacks from many groups, with the largest and most persistent being a raid from the Merczateers that spanned a few hours late into the evening.  And so in something new to the Journal, I’m going to put together a photo essay that covers both the new Spartan base and the heated combat that went down in it last night.

The large Spartan base essentially covers the back third of the sim.  With bright red lights in the traditional Spartan theme, as well as multiple flags and Greek motifs, it was an impressive sight for the invading Merczateers.

The new base has a functioning spaceport that acts automatically, with a ship that lands and departs at various timed intervals to give the base a more lively feel.  Also visible in this shot is the sim’s village as well as the fact that there is a strong amount of cover for attacking forces.

Merczateers tried at first to scale the walls of the new Spartan base but eventually opted for a different strategy in the wake of attempts to take the high ground.

Some of the base’s decor was somewhat unfriendly to the invading Merczateers.  At least if you consider a spear through the heart to be unfriendly.

An armored Legion tank piloted by Kastrenzo Benelli led the way into the Spartan base straight up the middle.  After looking at this picture, I felt as though I had seen it somewhere else though.

I am not making comparisons of either side to fascists or commies, I just thought the resemblance was quite uncanny.

The Spartan hovertank was initially under heavy fire and unable to return shots against the Legion tank assaulting it.

Soon enough though, the Spartan hovertank had the Legion held back behind a smokescreen and a field of green fire and neon colored explosions.

Tank duel over the central pit of the Spartan battlefield.  Shortly after the epic fight, the two sides agreed that the armor was creating excessive lag for the sim and agreed to cease using it for the long, remaining duration of the battle.

In the meantime, the armored fight allowed the Merczateers to begin to infiltrate the Spartan base.  Here an infantry squad secures one of the new base’s elevators.

The infantry squad runs past the finely made reactor accents that dot the various parts of the Spartan base.  The detail of these is one of the nicest features of the new build.

Spartan soldier Moonlight Ninetails stood in the new Spartan Officers’ Lounge waiting for the Merczateer squad to drive deeper into the base.

A Spartan and a Merczateer prepare to face off.

The two lunge forward and prepare to face one another, but the Spartan fires off a single shot just soon enough to kill the Merczateer.

Down the hall one of the Spartan rooms was completely ablaze, with torched banners and thick smoke bellowing upward.

At this point in the battle, forces from the Chthonic Syndicate joined in the fight, backing up the Spartans against the Merczateer assault which had, by now, begun to break into the lower levels of the base.  But as the leader of CS, Mayra Roffo explained to me after the fight, initially there was confusion on all sides about the CS.

As CS forces tried to link up with their Spartan comrades-in-arms-of-the-moment, some Spartans confused them for Merczateers, and gunned them down.

Nevertheless, a squad of CS soldiers, led in by leonidas72 Umarov and his giant chaingun, soon got into the battle and everyone resumed shooting at their proper enemies.

Spartan King Bruno Ziskey defends the core and lays down a line of red gunfire to welcome the Merczateers who planned to blow up the sim’s objective target.

The Merczateers soon laid siege to the ultimate objective of the Spartan base – the reactor core.

Mayra Roffo and Mikael Khalamov helped me get to a Spartan elevator so I could get down to where most of the combat action was by now taking place – the deep core of the Spartan base.

A joint contingent of Spartans and CS clear the Merczateers from the core area.  An Ordo attack on Thorium meant that the CS soon had to leave the battlefield though.  You can also see the really cool effects that surround the Spartan base core in the lower levels of their base here.

The Merczateers soon returned however, and dropped in on two sides, surrounding and killing the opposing forced defending the core.

One of Sparta’s defenders was a dog.  What chance does a dog have in combat though?  Can’t even hold a rifle, right?

Well, a dog with a suit of armor and a jetpack might stand a better chance indeed.

Meanwhile, the Merczateers continued to blast away at the Spartan core.  They used training bullets so as to be able to damage the core, but not one another in the massive rain of fire that went off around them.

You know the old saying.  When a man shoots a dog, that is not news…

…but when a dog shoots a man, that is news.  Well, that’s not quite the saying, but it fits.  Would this save the Spartan core?

Merczateers kept the elevators from being able to bring soldiers down to defend the core.  Spartans had a hard time getting down to fight back.

A Spartan stand over the elevator shaft leading down to the base’s core, taking shots at any Merczateers he can see through it.  Unfortunately though, the fact that there were only two ways in, and both quite easily defended, kept the Spartans from getting back into their core.

The end result of the holding of these chokepoints was that the Spartan core finally began to melt down.

The core sparks, then lights up, and finally detonates in a bright blue flourish of electrical sparks followed by a general explosion that destroys the core.

The fight was a good one in that everyone involved enjoyed it and also because according to all those who I spoke with about the fight on all sides, it was also fought fairly and with minimal problems.  Since the Spartan base is still new, it’s likely going to see some changes as a result of lessons learned from these attacks, but it’s clear that the base so far looks great, and represents a strong attention to detail and increased consideration of both defenders and attackers.  Visit Second Chance to see the new Spartan base for yourself, and please share your thoughts on their new base here through our comments page.

-Caine Constantine

The Forefront Nationalist Union – An Ideologically Based Military

Notes of the Forefront National Union

History of the Union- The Forefront National Union was founded in its first incarnation on January 24, 2007. Since then, it has seen its fair share of both defeats and victories, and has successfully brought the end of several militaries. These include, but are not limited to, FEAR, Mercenary Forces, High Tech Forfce, UK Snipers, 101st Mountain Division, and Elite Armed Forces. The Forefront National Union has also won battles against militaries like TCG, Sparta, the Republic of Germany, SLSN, and the Alpha Marines.

Structure and Ideology- The Forefront National Union describes its self as  Falangist. It borrows heavily from the ideology of Francisco Franco, believing in a heavily organized and conservative state. Forefront is headed by an Emir, who is generally tasked with serving the role of a statesman, organizing the ranks, and preparing strategy. The Prime Minister serves close to the Emir, serving as his chief advisor. The Prime Minister often is the one that issues the orders, while the Emir writes them up. The Prime Minister is generally tasked with leading attacks, although the Emir can do this. The Prime Minister can be appointed and dismissed by the Emir. No attacks on foreign powers can be conducted without the explicit permission of the Emir. Below the head of state and his chief advisor are the Generals and Admirals. They typically tactically command their respective divisions in combat. Below them are officers and noncommissioned officers, and finally enlisted men.

Divisions- The Forefront National Union has four official divisions, Ground Force, Airforce, Sea Force,  and Unconventional Warfare. The Ground Force is divided into infantry, artillery, and armored divisions. The Air Force is divided into fighter, bomber, and fleet divisions. The Sea Force is divided into Naval and Naval infantry divisions. The Unconventional Warfare department has no subdivisions, and primarily serves as a division for demoralization of enemy armies, news releases, and can lead recruiting campaigns. The Unconventional Warfare department can be sent as a spearhead attack during invasions.

Culture- The Forefront National Union undeniably reflects the culture of the Southern United States. Although it is predominately Anglo-Celtic, the Forefront National Union expresses many Islamic ideals and makes a point of observing Islamic war law.

Enemies- The Forefront National Union is generally peaceful with those she does not call “Classic Enemies”. These are not limited to Sparta, TCG, and the Ascendant Initiative.

Land- The Forefront National union rents 1/4 of a homestead sim in Sands Cove. This will not the the only land of the Forefront National Union for long, as she plans to rent several sims in the near future, while retaining the 1/4 sim as an outpost.

Recruitment- The Forefront National Union generally recruits most applicants, but often cuts them out during training. All failed recruits are encouraged to try to join again.

Pay Grade- The Forefront National Union will begin to pay all of her members sometime within the next few months, depending on growth. Rates will depend upon a person’s rank, or total engineering projects he or she completes.

Personal Housing- The possibility of giving free housing to Forefront officers has been discussed, and it will be a reality in the near future.

Current Prime Minister and Emir-

Harlequin Amoufhaz- Emir of the Forefront National Union

Griffith Benelli- Prime Minister of the Forefront National Union
Thank you for reading,

Harlequin Amoufhaz- Emir of the Forefront National Union

Editors Note: Check out the Forefront base in Sands Cove, and tell us what you think of the concept of a politically motivated armed force in Second Life, as well as the idea of paying salaries to soldiers and what this might lead to in terms of changing the combat status-quo – Caine.

The End of Dominatium and the Grid’s Combat Malaise

NOTE: The last article was removed as per the request of the author.

The Dominatium saga has ended with the unfortunate disbanding of the group by its leader, Amory Gears. I talked to him earlier today about the situation.

Amory Gears: Caine, do you have a minute ? I have a scoop for you.

Caine Constantine: Sure, although I may not be able to write much for a bit.

Amory Gears: This is going to make many people happy, others will say “I knew it would happen” but i hereby announce the dissolution of the Dominatium Regime. In short : The Dominatium is dead.

Caine Constantine: Wow, why are you taking this step?

Amory Gears: We lost support from our main sponsors after the recent events and as it seems our sim has been sold to someone. We couldn’t afford it anymore.

Amory Gears: We stood tall for more than a year, we were there before Echelon, we were there when the IS was still young, we never gave up, no matter what happened but this time it is no longer a matter of choice. I see myself forced to quit.

Amory Gears: All i will say to my men and to those who supported us for so long is that i am sorry. I wish we could go on but this is no longer possible, i encourage them all to join Chaos and support the group on the best of their abilities. All groups will be disbanded, with the exception of the main group which will stay as a memorial group for us to remember how Echelon’s lies ended up with the death of one of their former allies.

Caine Constantine: So it was finances that did Dominatium in.  But why would you encourage them to join Chaos?

Amory Gears: Because Chaos seeks to expose the corruption of the IS. And that’s what its all about.

Caine Constantine: Will you be joining Chaos?

Amory Gears: No, I am quitting military life. This will be the end of my career.

Caine Constantine: I am sorry to hear that Amory.  Do you have any last words for the readers of the Journal?

Amory Gears: I would like to publicly apologize towards my men and towards the community. I am sad that my group has been subject of so much drama and I never wanted things to escalate in a mind crusade against the Iron Symphony.

One of Herbert Feldmann's propaganda poster creations.

We started to make posters, we started to spread rumors ourselves, we started to act like our enemies and caused harm around us, we offended people and for that I am sorry. But above all I apologize towards my men, these few faithful individuals who gave me everything. Armies come and go, others will rise from their ashes, but not the Dominatium, this is the end. I am sorry.

Caine Constantine: Well I appreciate the information Amory and I wish you the best of luck on your future projects.

Amory Gears: Thank you.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————

The story of Dominatium ended as many militaries do – with a request by the leadership that its members join another group who is seen as carrying on the best traditions of the ended group. But the request that the members of the Dominatium join Chaos is what seems to be an example of a growing trend in combat in Second Life – dissatisfaction with the status quo.

Right now, it appears that the predictions of one member of 39th, who came to talk to me after the article on their short-lived blockade against the Merczateers, are true, when he said that it’s essentially the “Iron Symphony versus everyone else.” There is no more Vanguard, and the Alliance Navy is on such friendly terms that it is not unusual to see it and soldiers of various I.S. groups joining in on attacks together.

Other groups are good at playing defense, but attacks on the hundreds and hundreds of soldiers that make up the core groups of the Iron Symphony are not practical unless you use underhanded tactics. During the last major raid into the Merczateers base for example – in which it took every bit of the rest of combat on the grid to challenge the group and its allies – people on both sides swore up and down that they saw an attacker sit hack into the base and teleport enough people into it to make claiming victory seem reasonable. And what is the point of a fight if it’s done with underhanded tactics?

Word among the Merczateers is that soldiers from the Republic of Germany are even now looking for turncoats willing to teleport invading forces into the sim for yet another backhanded attack on the base. This is what it takes for smaller groups to breach defenses that are routinely 10 to 20 soldiers strong.

As a result, much of the serious military combat these days goes on in seriously limited void sims, whose processing power is set to only decrease as Linden Lab squeezes script limits into sims already limited to 20 avatars. Except for Ziost, Thorium and Second Chance – whose rules prevent it from usually having more than a void sim worth of people regardless – there are no full sims for traditional military combat. Many of the members of the I.S. claim that it’s better this way, with smaller raids and less lag, but even small raids can turn into grey goo in a void sim.

There is a growing feeling among many that combat on the grid is just plain gummed up. Chaos is a symptom of this. It’s made up in large part of people who are frustrated with the current situation. Some of its members are even experienced members of I.S. militaries with strong track records with them, but who for reasons of intrigue are no longer with them.

Other symptoms include the recent ban of Ordo Imperialis from Nerva, the home of one of their allies, the Militant Collective. The ban is apparently due to a feeling among many MC that Ordo is disrespectful toward their group and has recently been combing its membership for new recruits in a time in which the MC is looking to grow and become a larger part of the combat scene. On the other hand, Ordo has not had a recruit from the Militant Collective in over a month. The Merczateers are apparently mediating the dispute towards a positive resolution.

What these random bits add up to is that military combat on the grid appears to need a new major force to get it going again. This could come from Nanao Mahfouz’s new Ascendant Initiative military group, or from Kharne Spyker’s Teen-Grid imported New Rome military – both new challengers with old histories. Or, the steady growth of the unallied Chthonic Syndicate could continue to represent a third way from the Iron Symphony and the ruins of the old Ascendant Initiative alliance.

I have heard more people talk about military diplomacy, improving intergroup relations, and establishing a new way of doing combat in Second Life this past month than I have ever heard before. But what good is all of this if it doesn’t result in more fighting for the average soldier? Or are Second Life’s militaries now more about socialization than about combat?

This isn’t an attack on any groups or alliances, to be sure, but it would be interesting to know how many people – soldiers, officers and leaders – are truly satisfied with the present system. If it seems to focus mostly on the Iron Symphony, that is simply another example of the alliance’s ability to be the 800-pound gorilla in the room that all other things are measured against.

Right now there’s a whole lot more talking than there is shooting. The question is whether this is a positive development for anyone other than the leaders who are doing the talking.

-Caine Constantine

The Siberian Military District – A New Army Rises

After being in just about every army on the grid, I decided it was time to attempt to form my own, based upon the principles of each of the armies I’d seen that made them successful.  I believed that the way the Merczateers, for instance, rather than putting ranks in the actual groups themselves, have seperate arm pieces for each rank, was both efficient and easy.  I also liked the way that Aryte, the leader of Ordo Imperialis, seemed to leave the work to his members, instead of doing everything himself.  I liked how AN seemed to me to look more like a infrastructure than just a military.

Siberia stands strong.

I made these into the SMD.

The SMD stands for SIBERIAN MILITARY DISTRICT.

It is based upon a real life military in Siberia.

We pride ourselves upon use of skill and numbers to defeat our enemies.  Our infrastructure staff are top-notch, seasoned members.  We have a strong government, as well as military force.

Our sim is Diamanta Island.

We’d be happy to see you.

-Vinzenz Fiertze

Dominatium and the Unity Coalition – A New Beginning

In the wake of the Journal’s last article on the Dominatium, controversy ensued and it seemed as though the group had dropped off the radar for a while.  But it seems that the Dominatium is back once again and we were able to obtain an exclusive interview with their leader, Amory Gears.

Olympia Exonar: Mr Gears, thank you for granting me an interview. It was quite difficult to obtain any information about the Dominatium, I must say.
Amory Gears: Well, I prefer to control myself any information that comes out of the Dominatium for only I can express the true opinion of our Regime and administration.

"Serve the Tyrant, Create Order, Further Progress" - Dominatium leader Amory Gears

Olympia Exonar: Of course. Now let me ask you some questions.  Will you maintain your announced anti-Iron Symphony policy ?
Amory Gears: We will indeed, and are determined to ensure the growth of the Unity Coalition and its development into a gridwide opposition force.

A view of the Dominatium base, still closed to the public

Olympia Exonar: There are rumors saying that when you declared war upon most IS factions you did not declare war on Militant Collective. Is that true ? And if yes, why ?
Amory Gears: Unlike other factions within the Iron Symphony which immediately accused us and/or removed us from the concerned groups without asking, without questioning, only believing what had been said in an article written by Roo Tenk himself, Militant Collective remained neutral. They never commented on what the IS calls “Operation Silverstar”. Instead they stood more as neutral observers, than as participants of the conspiracy against us and our Regime. I like MC, I really do. Sometimes I wonder why they are still part of the Iron Symphony while they could achieve far more without their corrupted allies.

Olympia Exonar: Allright, so how is the Dominatium right now ?
Amory Gears: Well, we re-organized our groups, introduced a new rank system and are currently working on a new range of equipment for our division “Dominatium | Air” which is the main attack force of our Regime.

Olympia Exonar: What kind of equipment ?
Amory Gears: Ah, well, the Aurora, our legendary fighter is getting a new look and some new, more efficient scripts. Other vehicles and weapons are also under constructions but I won’t tell you more right now.

Another view of the Dominatium base

Olympia Exonar: Ok, Okay. So, please tell me more about UC, the Unity Coalition. What is it exactly ?
Amory Gears: The Unity Coalition is a treaty, a covenant signed by other militaries which are determined to fight on our side against the Iron Symphony. In exchange for their support, we provide them with equipment and sometimes even funding.

Olympia Exonar: How will the UC be administrated ?
Amory Gears: Well, for each faction a representative is appointed. All Representatives are to attend to a monthly meeting where we decide upon new policies, joint operations and provide help to smaller militaries.

Olympia Exonar: Sounds like the Sovereign Regime.
Amory Gears: Perhaps. We have different aims and work in a different way however.

Olympia Exonar: So, how does a faction join the Unity Coalition ?
Amory Gears: That’s simple, all they have to do is fill in an application form, immediately after an application form has been submitted, all faction leaders within the Coalition are asked whether they agree with this factions entry or not. Absolute Majority is required to join. This means that all factions within the UC must approve the newcomer.

Olympia Exonar: Interesting! Well, thanks Mr Gears, please let me know when i can come and visit your sim once it is finished.
Amory Gears: Of course, and you are welcome.

Shortly after this interview however, new information regarding former Dominatium official and current advisor to the group, Herbert Feldmann began to surface.  Though no longer officially a member of the Dominatium, he does still advise the leadership on an unofficial basis, and he is a founding member of the Unity Coalition.  And apparently he’s already got big plans, and is looking for allies to help further them.  In a conversation he sent us snapshots of to prove, Tristan Blazer, leader of the Republic of Germany, was solicited to break up the Iron Symphony with personal slanders against one of its leaders.

Herbert Feldmann: Within one year Aryte will cry like a little girl and you shall bitch slap him
Herbert Feldmann: Tristan
Herbert Feldmann: We will crush them
Herbert Feldmann: But it will take time to anihilate them completely
Herbert Feldmann: First of all we must break the Iron Symphony
Herbert Feldmann: Make them leave the Alliance and declare war upon the Merczateers

Tristan Blazer: We’re a match for the Mercz and ordo
Tristan Blazer: one on one

Herbert Feldmann: Break the Symphony

Tristan Blazer: Shit…that’ll be hard as fuck

Herbert Feldmann: Find compromising stuff about Aryte

Tristan Blazer: aryte is pretty much sucking lurdan’s cock

Herbert Feldmann: And I WILL GET IT PUBLISHED
Herbert Feldmann: Find compromising stuff about him
Herbert Feldmann: Even fake
Herbert Feldmann: As long as it seems real
Herbert Feldmann: I will get it published
Herbert Feldmann: I know a reporter who owes me a favour
Herbert Feldmann: In the Jessie Journal

Tristan Blazer: I will not resort to blackmail and lying.

Herbert Feldmann: Tristan
Herbert Feldmann: We are at war
Herbert Feldmann: They would not hesitate to stab you in the back would they?
Herbert Feldmann: Find something
Herbert Feldmann: Something compromising

Tristan Blazer: under attack by Sparta
Tristan Blazer: must fight

Herbert Feldmann: You have 5 days.

Mr. Feldmann apparently has plans to use this very Journal to break up the Iron Symphony.  And while we’re still wondering who it is on our staff that “owes him a favor” it’s more likely that the answer is that nobody does and he’s bluffing.  We soon talked to him about the issues at hand.

Caine Constantine: Hey Herbert, what do you think of this conversation I heard about you trying to compromise Aryte Vesperia?

Herbert Feldmann: Aryte doesn’t need me for that. He allready does enough things that can be considered to be “unlawful”. Besides i have no clue what you are talking about.

Soon after this, Olympia Exonar – who went to talk to Dominatium in the first place about legitimate military issues, rather than a plan about destroying someone’s reputation – was the subject of Mr. Feldmann’s response.  Olympia details what he had said to her – apparently involving attacks on her for an article of the past that she’d had nothing to do with.

Herbert Feldmann: I don’t know what you are trying to do Olympia but I know you are faking chat logs, not just you, [but] generally people who work for the Jessie Journal [as well]. First of all you started by publishing an article which nearly destroyed our reputation, an article based on lies, lies given to you by Roo Tenk and his friends and now people are contacting me and asking if i am involved in another conspiracy against Aryte. I dare you, if you publish any fake conversation, i will report you for difamation.

Olympia Exonar: What are you talking about Herbert?

Herbert Feldmann: Since the publication of your stupid article I am being daily harassed by Echelon members, I tried to leave the political life and wanted to stand there merely as an observer but even that is not possible. I am still being harassed and all this is your fault, because you and the Jessie Journal published chat logs without even verifying their authenticity.

Olympia Exonar: Listen, I didn’t write this article. If you have a problem, you should contact Metallicoe or Caine.

And so while he’s no longer part of the Dominatium or it’s ambitious new alliance, Mr. Feldman is still out there looking to clear his name.  He even sent us a completely convincing letter that was no doubt at all written by Echelon leader Roo Tenk – who we at the Journal are in the service of in exchange for lots of money, of course.

“We have successfully driven the Dominatium out of the Iron Symphony, now we must hold our blocade against SCS and get them out on a more lawful way. Our allies will support us, we only need to convince them to leave. Keep me informed about the progress of our operation.

~Roo”

It was, in a way, rather sad that Mr. Feldmann continued trying to change the history of his actions with such a poorly written letter.  After taking all of this in, I decided to talk to Tristan Blazer about what he thought of the attempt by Mr. Feldmann to draw him into a conspiracy to frame the Ordo Imperator and get him ejected from the Iron Symphony.

Caine Constantine: Hey Tristan, how’s it going?  Do you have a minute?
Tristan Blazer: Yeah, sure.

Caine Constantine: Did Herbert come to you with a conversation about destroying the I.S.?
Tristan Blazer: Actually, yes. Why?

Caine Constantine: I was wondering if you could authenticate the one I just received.
Tristan Blazer: Maybe.
Tristan Blazer: Got 10l?
Tristan Blazer: i’ll snapshot it
Tristan Blazer:lol

The conversation in the image is courtesy Tristan Blazer

Caine Constantine: Thank you Tristan, I appreciate it.  What do you think of all of this by the way?
Tristan Blazer: Don’t know, I think it was a dishonorable suggestion that I attempt to blackmail a fellow leader by such means. I regret having the conversation with him.
Tristan Blazer: I will not engage in such activities that I deem below my standing.

Caine Constantine: I can understand that.  Thank you for talking to me Tristan, I appreciate it.
Tristan Blazer: Aye, no problem.

I then talked to Amory Gears, the leader of the Dominatium, to see what his thoughts on Mr. Feldmann’s comments were.

Amory Gears: How can I help you ?
Caine Constantine: Hey Amory, I got a log from the RoG about an attempt to form a new alliance against the I.S. and was wondering if you could vouch for it.

Caine Constantine: Lemme send it by if you have time?
Amory Gears: RoG is trying to apply to the Unity Coalition, but their application will be denied until they remove certain people from their High Command. I don’t think anything will change though.
Amory Gears: I also discussed the purpose of the UC with Mrs Exonar, earlier today.

Caine Constantine: Yeah
Caine Constantine: We’re putting that out soon, we just wanted to get your thoughts on what the Germans said you’re doing
Amory Gears: Feldmann is no longer an official member of the Dominatium, he only retains a honorific rank.

Caine Constantine: Ahh okay.
Caine Constantine: So this is him personally then, not Dominatium or anything.
Amory Gears: I don’t care what he says or does, it doesn’t represent the thoughts of the Dominatium.

Caine Constantine: And he’s only an honorific in the new Unity Coalition too?
Amory Gears: No, we formed the Unity Coalition in an effort to challenge the IS but we are not as radical as Mr Feldmann.

Caine Constantine: Ahh okay, so he doesn’t speak for either group?
Amory Gears: Feldmann wrote the Unity Treaty, the fact that he is in the UC group doesn’t matter, he doesn’t have a say in how things are administrated. You may see him as an advisor of Dominatium | Control but in no way as a part of it.

Caine Constantine: Got it.
Caine Constantine: I thought this would be the case, I just wanted to make sure, I appreciate the clarification Amory.
Caine Constantine: I wanted to make sure if he’s separate, people see him that way, because like you said, he can be kind of radical.
Amory Gears: Indeed. Anything else Mr Constantine ?

Caine Constantine: Any word on when your sim will be open?
Amory Gears: No. You will be first to hear about it though.
Caine Constantine: Great, I appreciate it Mr. Gears.

Tristan Blazer, for his part, denies any intention to join the Unity Coalition completely.

And so the Dominatium is back, and they say they want to crush the Iron Symphony.  Members of the Dominatium say that this is a form of roleplay though and that the group is interested only in fair combat, with words like crush and destroy being part of the roleplay – contrary to land theft or group ejections and the like.

Will the Unity Coalition become a major alliance as the Sovereign Regime once was – providing soldiers, technology and funding to allies in need of defense?

It would seem that, instead of the Iron Symphony or the Jessie War Journal, the biggest threat to the vibrancy of the Dominatium and the Unity Coalition is the attempt by some of its former members to stir up military drama and slander the leaders of other militaries.

In any event, if the group can assemble a number of allies together and form a bloc with which to fight the Iron Symphony, there might be at least a credible challenger to the alliance – which now stands without any enemies capable of countering it as a whole.

We shall see more developments in the coming months, so please comment and give your thoughts on this new alliance in the making.

-Olympia Exonar and Caine Constantine

“FOUR MORE YEARS!” A Celebration of the Alliance Navy

On Sunday the 15th of March, 2009, the oldest military group in Second Life gets even older. The Alliance Navy celebrates it’s fourth birthday in Elshout with all manner of festivities and events. Everyone is invited to celebrate the founding of the Alliance Navy on the grounds of the current AN Headquarters.

Many influential figures in the SL Military environment got their start with the AN. Commanders, Officers, and Generals of all stripes have served in the AN. Some groups owe their very existence to the them for good or ill. Others can attribute their success or failures to the intervention of the Alliance Navy, those who have never been properly acquainted with the Alliance Navy are to this day few and far between.

The AN has carried on where so many have failed. Persevered when many declared it dead or out for the count, has regularly stood up and performed feats deemed impossible. We here at the Jessie War Journal believe that this organization deserves recognition for this day and what it means. And so today, we devote an article to the people of the Alliance Navy, to share their experiences in and around the group past and present.

(Click the title to read the whole article.)

Alliance Navy to Celebrate Four Years

Dear members of the military community at large,

You are cordially invited to attend the festivities this Sunday, March 15th, 2pm SLT onwards as the Alliance Navy celebrates four years on the grid. A banquet will be held in the dome garden, where the entire community will be welcome to sit, and drink, and feast, and share the memories you’ve had over your time fighting on the grid.

You heard the lizard.

For those of you who’d like to try your luck, the area outside the dome will be converted into a massive Bug Hunt – and by that, we mean bugs will hunt you while you run screaming for your lives. If you think you have what it takes to survive the bug invasion, come on in and try your luck!

The festivities will begin whensoever the morning’s combat operations end; while there is no set time to start, it will continue through the afternoon and late into the night. During that time, the bugs will be out in force in the craters, and the beer will be flowing with pixelly goodness in the dome.

-Izaea Qinan, Dance Commander, Alliance Navy

Chthonic Syndicate open for assault.

Chthonic Syndicate, for those who’ve attempted to attack, closed Area 31 last week, to move to a new full 15,000 prim sim, that the the development team have been working on for the past week or two. Now, with the base only missing a few minor details, CS are back on track and are now open for attack at their new sim of N Crystal Springs.

The sim, to be aptly renamed to Thorium in the coming weeks, still retains the overtones of blue glow, that CS can never have too much of. While following the theme of mining for crystals, as Area 31 did, CS’s new base promises to be a different combat experience, with much more cover and terraforming, to create more routes into the base.

With a base objective being installed in the coming weeks, CS have really done a great job on the base. CS have also included lots of features put in just for fun, such as the Indiana Jones tune playing when the boulder rolls down the tunnel in the north-west!

We’ll post another story when the name is changed, but in the meantime, we can all enjoy mass CS assaults without the tremendous lag, which was a problem for many at the less than suitible Area 31.

With their base open, CS will be continuing the usual assaults on other factions, so watch out!

What do you think?

CSL Dead?

Epic bodybuilder, seducer of many women, and rich French person JeanCyril Wise has decided to pull the plug on CSL, according to a log he has left in the comments section of a previous Journal article:

————————————————————————————

“Of Course this fake website is aware of nothing.

I hereby inform those who don’t know yet even reading this supposed SL Combat News Journal, aware of nothing on time;

That CSL, as you know it before, is disbanned.

Everybody knows it apart the jessie war journal, what a shame. Even Bruno Ziskey openned one eye and the information got straight to his brain.We are still expecting confirmation from Grennpeance .org that it understood the info fully.

It doesn’t mean that I will stop to bully your ass.

You desserve it so much that nobody could refuse such an invitation.

Cya Soon.”

————————————————————————————

Stopping by CSL’s sim of Meydstow to see if the base still existed, I was greeted with an empty sim for sale for around L$500,000 by the CSL Land Group.  I checked out Jean’s profile as well:

Say it ain't so!

So CSL now appears to be dead.  With this great pillar of combat in Second Life now apparently gone, how will we stagger on forward as a community?

Day by day…we just gotta do our best to get by day by day.

The Jessie War Journal will keep you up on the situation as it unfolds.  In the meantime, now that CSL is apparently dead, what are your fondest, angriest, or funniest memories of the former group?  Please leave your thoughts and comments on this brief obituary to this group and its leader.

-Caine Constantine

Dominatium declares war.

As shown in the press release below, today the Dominatium, once a member of the Iron Symphony, has declared war on the IS and most other major factions.

Dominatium Official Statement about “Silverstar”

In the name of our undoubted leader, the Tyrant, we hereby issue following statement on the 7th of February 2009 :

• The Dominatium has never been involved in any conspiracy against its allies or enemies. The true conspiracy was created by the Echelon Union in order to harm our reputation and remove us from the Iron Symphony. It is commonly known that they blockaded SCS, another military which they would like to see leaving the Iron Symphony.

• The Dominatium has taken following actions : All divisions have been abolished, the group has been cleaned after a background check of all members, our rank system was updated and war has been declared upon the Iron Symphony. This war starts not because we wanted it to start but because of the utmost disgraceful actions taken by the Echelon Union against us. We will now adopt a neutral stance with our former enemies.

• The Dominatium calls all those who fight against the Iron Symphony’s unfair terror regime to join our side and unite our forces against this corrupted system. Did you know that in the Iron Symphony you can not chose your allies ? Only the Merczateers decide upon who will join the alliance and who not. If any other member of the Iron Symphony is against it, they will just ignore them. How about rules ? Treaties ? There has never been an official list of rules for the Iron Symphony, of course Lurdan and Anthony will say that it is “In Progress” but it has been since last year.

• Our will is stronger than ever before, we will crush our enemies and all those who dare to stand in our way. We will not rest until the Iron Symphony kneels before us.

• Hereby the Dominatium declares war upon the factions of the Merczateers, Echelon Union, Militant Collective, Ordo Imperialis, Special Combat Service, Second Life Sky Navy, Chthonic Syndicate, Republic of Germany, Sparta, Guerilla Rebels and 2142.

This statement has been approved by the Tyrant and the Outer Intelligence Directive.
On behalf of the Tyrant,

Herbert Feldmann
Dominatium Corps General

Well then, watch out Merczateers, Echelon Union, Militant Collective, Ordo Imperialis, Special Combat Service, Second Life Sky Navy, Chthonic Syndicate, Republic of Germany, Sparta, Guerilla Rebels and 2142 – Dominatium’s coming!

Their new sim is expected to be open soon, but with this recent outbreak delays could be expected.  Herbert Feldmann said to the Journal that the sim is 70% complete.

[6:25]  Metallicoe Keng: Hey there Herbert.
[6:25]  Herbert Feldmann: Good afternoon.
[6:25]  Metallicoe Keng: So, Dominatium has left the IS?
[6:26]  Herbert Feldmann: As it seems. Yes.
[6:26]  Herbert Feldmann: Have you seen our official statement ?
[6:26]  Metallicoe Keng: I have.
[6:26]  Herbert Feldmann nods.
[6:26]  Metallicoe Keng: When is the sim due to be open?
[6:27]  Herbert Feldmann: Soon. We are lets say 70% done.
[6:27]  Metallicoe Keng: Okay
[6:29]  Herbert Feldmann: Anything else you wish to know ?
[6:29]  Metallicoe Keng: Will you be joining or forming another alliance in the future?
[6:31]  Herbert Feldmann: We will certainly not become an ally of any of these factions : Merczateers, Echelon Union, Militant Collective, Ordo Imperialis, Special Combat Service, Second Life Sky Navy, Chthonic Syndicate, Republic of Germany, Sparta, Guerilla Rebels or 2142.
[6:31]  Herbert Feldmann: That’s all i can tell you now.
[6:31]  Metallicoe Keng: And do you wish to release anymore information to the Journal?
[6:31]  Herbert Feldmann: Well, feel free to publish our statement if you wish.

SLSN Dead!

Warning: This story is still developing and may be subsequent to correction and addition at any given time.

SLSN has recently descended into chaos – murmurs of corruption persist on various Command levels and their sim Phantomn District is now a blank field of green.  The Journal will endeavour to get to the bottom of what is the group’s 4th collapse.

Allegations have been made that Steve319 Cao was banned on his main account and forced to use his Steve319 Coba account, which did not have payment information and could not finance the sim – thus, setting off a chain of events which made the group implode.

Fox Mulgrave, long time friend of the Journal, and someone who has had a hand in SLSN’s previous failures had this to say:
Vegna Fouroux: Steve got banned?
Fox Mulgrave: He’s still here, is he not?
Vegna Fouroux: Well the sim is blank.
Vegna Fouroux: The SLSN appears to not exist anymore.
Fox Mulgrave: That is correct.
Vegna Fouroux: Why?
Fox Mulgrave: I’m not the person to ask.

Mr. Mulgrave has, it appears swiftly cut ties with the group and refounded Rathium a group he previously led.

The Jessie Journal Discussion group chat minutes on the matter are enclosed here:

Vegna Fouroux: Apparently SLSN has died can anyone confirm?
Swallow Rokocoko: while I can add nothing to the facts pool, allow me to add this opinion:
Swallow Rokocoko: hahahahahahahaha…
Vegna Fouroux: :D
Rolando Ember: circuit city is liquidating all their shit. im bout to go get some stuff.
Metallicoe Keng: Wait…what?
Rolando Ember: and also, go to youtube and watch nirvana “where did you sleep last night”, leadbelly cover. if you dont know who leadbelly is, dang. if you do, i love you.
Swallow Rokocoko: …I fail to see how such music connects to the mil community :P

And that is all the Journal can report on the matter for the time being. Stay in touch for updates.

Special thanks to Admiral Jason Backer for alerting the Journal to the news.

- Vegna Fouroux

The Alliance Navy Goes it Alone – An Update

The Journal received a press release from the Alliance Navy today regarding their decisions about their proper role in the Second Life military alliance system.  They have decided, and the following document and conversation explains a bit about why and for what reasons.  A conversation afterward with Alliance Navy Admiral Bizcut Vanbrugh goes into the future of the group.  Please read and comment.

——————————————-

To: The members of the Alliance Navy, The Combat Community & The New Jessie War Journal

Good day, the following is a statement from the Alliance Navy as to it’s current position in it’s diplomacy with the Iron Symphony, Commonwealth and various other groups.

——————————————-
Part I) The King and I
——————————————-

In early December the last remaining groups in the Acendant Inititive left the alliance after a message ‘The Final Goodbye, Bruno Ziskey’ was released as an act of defamation upon the Alliance Navy, and it’s then leader Jim Herbst. Despite numerous attempts by Jim Herbst to contact Bruno, he was ignored repeatedly and Bruno Ziskey refused to speak with Jim Herbst. Fortunately for the members of the Alliance Navy they (to their credit) persevered and were able to see Bruno Ziskey’s lies.

Here are a few facts neglected to be mentioned or lied about by Mr Ziskey:

1) The Alliance Navy’s numbers did fall for a small amount of time that is no lie. However by the time the Vanguard disbanded the problems were completely gone.
2) The Alliance Navy has never been under threat of loosing its land, in September we had bought and paid for a full sim. The money was donated by the members of the AN and later on enough was raised to pay for tier and a void simulator, which was ordered but later cancelled after the void simulator changes were announced by Linden Labs. The money was again donated by the members of the AN.
3) The only donation accepted and used by the AN from the VG is a single sculpted pouch
4) The total number of former Vanguard remaining in the Alliance Navy? One. Who was a member of the AN for 3 years prior to joining the VG.

Bruno has since in time realized his mistake, and just prior to Christmas offered an apology or what he calls it anyway… It took nearly took 3 weeks to complete.

“To the Alliance Navy:
At the time that Sparta joined the 2142 and GR in leaving the AI and forming The Commonwealth together with SLSN and 39th MHTF, I did make comments in the good-bye letter that accused the AN of being part of a plot with Christoph Naumova. In this plot, Christoph would pay the AN money to keep Elshout, as I insinuated that AN was losing Elshout from lack of funds. As part of this supposed agreement, VG would disband and join the AN, bolstering the ranks. While I did do my own research into this, and the people I talked to and trusted said this was true, I was shown the funds records for Elshout. By these funds, the idea I had formed appears to be incorrect. If I am wrong in this, and I sincerely hope I am, then I deeply apologize for my words on the day we left the AI.

Bruno Ziskey
King of Sparta”

Three weeks… and it’s not even a retraction or apology… it’s an ‘If I am’. What an insult.

——————————————-
Part II) Negotiations have failed
——————————————-

Two days after the notecard was released the Merczateers leaders, Lurdan Huszar & Anthony Lehane contacted a member of the AN High Command asking what happened. After finishing talking with them The Merczateers… our oldest enemy were one the first ones to believe us.

Weeks past, and just before Christmas the AN was approached by a member of the Militant Collective offering talks about a possible alliance. This continued into talks on Merczateers ventrillo and had since involved into talks with the whole Iron Symphony themselves.

After the departure of Jim Herbst as Fleet Admiral on Christmas Day it was reported within the New Jessie War Journal the Alliance Navy could possibly join the Iron Symphony. It was at this point that I, Jason Backer and Bizcut Vanbrugh were invited to talks with the leaders of The Commonwealth. The meeting included all leaders of the Commonwealth but the 39th. What was discussed was the opposition to the AN joining the IS, and an invitation to the Commonwealth (Pending on a vote of course).

As time has gone on from that meeting it had become clear that all groups in the Commonwealth but Sparta were in favor of the AN joining.

The Alliance Navy has decided not to join the Commonwealth, but wishes the 2142, 39th, GR, and SLSN well.

——————————————-
Part III) Madness? THIS IS SPARTA!
——————————————-

The AN was keen to not overreact, to try and talk and understand what went on. However as time passed and we did it we came to understand that this defamation of the group, it’s leader and it’s members was created with little evidence, just a collection of opinions that Bruno had listened to over the person that could give him the facts.

Our enemies have treated us far better than our former allies, we have moved into a new age with the IS, while not being a member (And we will not for the forseeable future) we have put aside our differences and are willing to work together and co-operate.

We are after all a military, willing and happy to go it alone for the time being without a formal alliance. We are also not afraid of standing on our own two feet and make our own way. The Alliance Navy declares war on the Kingdom of Sparta & It’s allies.

We wish the groups of the Commonwealth well and hope to maintain fun, fair and enjoyable combat with them.

——————————————-

After I received this release, I talked with Bizcut Vanbrugh, the leader of the Alliance Navy, about the implications of the notice, some new rules for the group, and about a general overview of where the group was headed in the future.

——————————————-

Bizcut Vanbrugh: Hey Caine how ya doing?
Bizcut Vanbrugh: I told you that you guys would know when we are ready to make some announcements that will be closely looked at by the combat community and I am ready to make them.

Caine Constantine: Excellent.
Caine Constantine: what’s up?

Bizcut Vanbrugh: Well where to start…
Bizcut Vanbrugh: We are now hostile with The Commonwealth due to the Spartan King’s lack of any real apology or admittance of being wrong.
Bizcut Vanbrugh: We are now on a neutral, friendly stance with the IS – not a member mind you, but friendly.
Caine Constantine: So no war?
Bizcut Vanbrugh: We are at war with The Commonwealth.
Bizcut Vanbrugh: they attacked us today
Caine Constantine: No war with the IS, that is.
Bizcut Vanbrugh: correct
Bizcut Vanbrugh: We have put our differences in the past.
Bizcut Vanbrugh: We are also in the process of rewriting our arms limitation treaty.
Bizcut Vanbrugh: We are addressing several areas that have been left open and festering as well as bringing it into a more morden age.
Caine Constantine: Very good.
Bizcut Vanbrugh: We are also adopting the MC aircraft rules.
Caine Constantine: What are those?
Bizcut Vanbrugh: Well some of the big points are limt or take away completely the ability to fly in reverse.
Bizcut Vanbrugh: Slowed max foward speed to around 132 mps.
Bizcut Vanbrugh: All the persons i have talked with so far agree at least in private that aircraft have gotten out of control.
Bizcut Vanbrugh: This will help bring them back in line with other combat items.
Caine Constantine: That sounds good
Caine Constantine: Do you think you’ll focus more on ground combat now?
Bizcut Vanbrugh: Well the AN has always tried to maintain a multi theater aspect of combat, and we have started holding our people to some more strigent engagement policies.
Bizcut Vanbrugh: Such as that our AD is not to engage ground targets unless fired upon or it is a vehicle.
Caine Constantine: I think that will be more fun for all.
Bizcut Vanbrugh: So do we.
Bizcut Vanbrugh: I have never like the idea of aircraft just owning the battlefield.
Caine Constantine: I am really glad that will change.
Caine Constantine: On a personal note I mean.
Caine Constantine: That will be fun.
Bizcut Vanbrugh: Yes we have seen improvement already.
Bizcut Vanbrugh: Another item of change for us:
Bizcut Vanbrugh: We have cleared our ban list save for those persons who have caused problems for the AN (i.e Oblivion Braveheart)
Caine Constantine: ahh alright.
Bizcut Vanbrugh: We have also reset our limitations on AFFPs or applications for former personel.
Bizcut Vanbrugh: It used to be 3 times then you cant come back.
Bizcut Vanbrugh: All have been set to 0 save for person that have caused problems (see above)
Caine Constantine: I see.  Were any of these issues raised previously or are they all original?
Bizcut Vanbrugh: They were considered on a case by case basis upon why and or how that person left the AN.
Bizcut Vanbrugh: More often then not if they left on bad terms we are done with them.
Bizcut Vanbrugh: Lets see what else.
Bizcut Vanbrugh: Oh, we have started to release our marine division specilists weapons
Bizcut Vanbrugh: The SAW or squad automatic weapon is out and will be followed up by our advanced battle rifle and our new mech.
Bizcut Vanbrugh: I am personaly overseeing the development of many of those weapons.
Caine Constantine: Very cool.
Bizcut Vanbrugh: Unless you have any questions, I need to log and get some rest.
Caine Constantine: Nah, I think all is clear.  Could I post this conversation on the end of the press release?
Bizcut Vanbrugh: I would like that very much.
Caine Constantine: Well good luck Bizcut, it sounds like a lot of positive changes have been made and are coming soon.
Caine Constantine: Have a good night.
Bizcut Vanbrugh: You too and thanks for your time.
Caine Constantine: No problem, thank you for yours.

——————————————-

What do you think of this turn of events?  As the former Ascendant Initiative goes to war, and the Iron Symphony is at peace with the Alliance Navy, will this benefit combat in Second Life, and the Alliance Navy in particular?  Please comment your thoughts on this turn of events.

-Caine Constantine

XVi

Cladis Expectatis, the former home of the Assualt Commanders, is now home to Miche’s reincarnation, XVi.

The new base, still maintaining the homestead sim prim count, consists of the main area on a ship, and the hub area on a sort of improvised dock. I had a chat with Shadow Mannonen.

Metallicoe Keng: So you’re the reincarnated Assault Commanders?
Shadow Mannonen: Hm yes we are.
Shadow Mannonen: We had some problems with the old armys-
Metallicoe Keng: Ah.
Metallicoe Keng: So, what alliance are you with?

Shadow Mannonen: XVi was in IS

Metallicoe Keng: Was?

Shadow Mannonen: now we are going to make our own.
Metallicoe Keng: Ah
Shadow Mannonen: Well we dont want to be in IS when AN is in it too.
Shadow Mannonen: So Miche decided to make a new Army with its own alliance.
Metallicoe Keng: Who will you ally with?
Shadow Mannonen: Well so far we dont know, we will see who will join our alliance or if we join another.
Metallicoe Keng: Ah
Shadow Mannonen: I may be one of the big bosses but that is the part of Miche´s Job.
Metallicoe Keng: So who are the main faces in XVi?
Shadow Mannonen: I´m the commanding part, Kenshi the building and Miche the scripting and higher commanding.
Metallicoe Keng: Let’s continue through the ship. What’s this room?

Shadow Mannonen: here is a kind of chillout room
Metallicoe Keng: :D
Shadow Mannonen: Here, the offices of the marshal´s. A kitchen, lawl!
Metallicoe Keng: Haha!
Shadow Mannonen: And the teaching room
Metallicoe Keng: So what was the planning behind the base?
Shadow Mannonen: we want it to be so realistic how it is be able to on a lowprimsim
Metallicoe Keng: So what nationality are you all?
Shadow Mannonen: I´m Geman like the most.
Ondrej Petrovic: I am czech
Metallicoe Keng: Well thanks for your time
Metallicoe Keng Salutes.

So, it seems the XVi are looking for another faction to partner with, who could it be?!

Shorly after my visit, I was IMed by one Kallabis Heinkel. His first messege was this. “you must know the armys of miche cortes have no future all people in it are children the most i know and the most interesting miche cortes use copybotts like his bot named juliette3 mils or someone”

Well, I couldnt resist a little bit of hatred on a Saturday morning! He offerd to teleport me to his office, to which I accepted.

After greeting with his fellow ‘haters of miche’, I was informed that allegedly, lots of the members in Miches armies are underaged, and he doesn’t let them leave under the threat of reporting their real age. Also, he has been known to copy bot, apparently. I was also told that he threw a member out because he didn’t hand over a gun he made for his use, over to miche full permissions. So, to summarise, they told me he wants everything in his control: and if you don’t obey him, you are kicked from land and group, and reported facing perm-ban from SL itself. The anonymous resident I was talking to also said he may be nothing without the people below him. He forces one of the best builders he’s ever known to hand things over full perm to sell.  The underaged members are apparently too scared to report him. “once he sent me a list with names and the ages, parts of chatlog where they told him their age”. “he’s collecting everything about each member, to use it against them in case he needs it for his plans”.

Well, tell us your opinions by commenting!

Adeptus Minor to return to the scene.

For those readers who were active in the community a few months back, you will remember the day Adeptus Minor lost their sim, and ‘disbanded’, shortly after the joint CS and Vanguard assault.

As confirmed by CaptCuddles Boa, the leader of the former Adeptus Minor, the tinee commanded military is to return to the military scene within the next week, so I am told.

After a long-winded conversation with Cuddles, I set out to discover what we can expect from the reformed Adeptus Minor. Well, alongside a full fledged renamed homestead sim, we can expect new armour, new leadership, and potentially more members than before.

Remember to Comment! The Journal will keep you all updated when AM is up and running!

[LATEST!] Vanguard to return?!

In all this news about the Commonwealth, a notice was sent around the Vanguard group too, from Christoph himself. The notice said this;

Selling Supox
Tue Dec 02 22:44:59 2008

Gettin my +9 months of tier back. In any sense.

VG Is not dead, temporarily disbanned. Already paid sculpters and a ton of scripters to have everything new done in 6 months. At that point I will buy the sim Verklund.

In any aspect, GO OVER TO THE ALLIANCE NAVY. Go to Elshout apply and join. Anyone who joins the AN that wishes to come back to VG In six months will retain old rank

Thanks.

So, more ‘egging’ to go to AN. I am sure Christoph is ordering his men to go to AN because of AN’s great background. They are trusted and have really nice morals, no wonder Christoph is telling them to join there. I too am a fan of AN, and all they have to offer; be it leadership, or their technologies, as mentioned in a previous report.

I suppose we will see what happens in 6 months time, then.

[Update] Hello, the Commonwealth.

Bruno has given confirmation to me, that the new alliance being formed by 2142, Guerilla Rebels, Second Life Sky Navy, 39th Black Watch and Sparta, will be named ‘The Commonwealth’, as voted upon by the high command of each.

With no relation to the Commonwealth Special Combat Service, the new alliance will be one of “Full democracy, no group runs the whole show. We’re still working out the details.”, Bruno said.

More updates will come, watch this space.

[Latest] Ascendent Initiative no more.

NOTE: The information contained within this report, is, i am told, innacurate. This report is opinionated, so if you dont like opinion, please, do not read below.

A message was sent by Bruno Ziskey yesterday, addressing the AI – it said this:

“    It is with the saddest feeling and deepest regret that I find myself needing to write this letter to the rest of the AI and more importantly, AN.

It has come to my attention that due to an unholy alliance between Jim Herbst and Christoph Naumova, AN is being funded by Christoph in exchange for VG being allowed to join the AN, even while their groups are hidden.

Unfortunately the facts all point to one thing: Jim knew ANs numbers were failing, due to irresponsible leadership,  and AN was in danger of losing their land, so he decided to “save” the AN by allowing VG in, along with the “generous” donations from Christoph. This sort of attitude it the complete opposite of what an honorable group should be like. You don’t rely on your enemies, much less griefers like VG. Jim should have asked his own allies if we could help…but at this point we likely would not.

Believe me when I say that saying all this pains me greatly. Sparta and the AN have been allies for about a year and a half, which is a long time in Second Lie terms. It upsets me  just thinking about leaving the AI, thinking of no longer welcoming the AN as an ally, but as a visitor, and hopefully not as an enemy. I honestly cannot see myself shooting an AN member…but if we are branded as traitors by Jim and you, the AN members, are ordered to fire at us…please think about those orders. I’m not begging you to not attack us. I am asking you to think about whether you want to stay in a group that is NOT the AN I knew when I first met and allied with so long ago.

Had I been in the AN’s place, I would have let AN die, to be remembered for the group it was, or at the very least moved to a void sim. Not to be remembered as the group that was funded by the group of griefers who even the IS, whose members are often crticized for cheating and unfair tactics, banned.

To add to this, Sparta will be taking both Guerilla Rebels and 2142 with us, and will be forming a new alliance with SLSN and 39th. We do not know what the name of the alliance will be, but it WILL be an alliance of democracy. One group, one person, will NOT have total authority in the group, to do and say as they please. This new alliance will be run by the groups, for the groups.

I can only hope that the AN will listen to what I am saying here. I hope you will think on this, that you will look upon your leaders in a new light. Remember that  the AN is not evil. Its the failed leadership of Jim Herbst and Luca Vasilopita that’s driven the AN into a hole in the ground, a hole I deeply wish to see it rise from. This is coming from the AN’s oldest ally, the member of the longest running alliance every known in the history of the SL military grid. Please don’t take my words lightly.

With Respect and Honor,

Spartan King
Bruno Ziskey”

So, was the disbanding of VG a conspiracy? Was the infrastructure corrupt, never to return again? I was very confused after reading this, so i investigated further. Alliance Navy, a proud and sturdy faction was under immense pressure from onlookers. What unfolded next was a conversation with Ivy, Sparta queen. She told me “since even before 39th left the AI, there’s been talk about why the AN isn’t very helpful as an ally…as their numbers dwindled, they were rarely seen helping out during other attacks, or willing to go on the offensive. There were exceptions of course”, she told me. “In September, we tried to set up weekly councils for the AI leaders to attend, so that problems – like not being helped – could be addressed directly…but after two weeks, no one attended, and nothing was resolved. and when VG disbanded, we were all a little horrified at where they were being directed”.

I too was confused, at the time VG disbanded, as to why Christoph, a great team player in his alliance, didnt send his men off to CS or alike. Anyway, back to Ivy;

“With the withdrawal of 39th, Sparta kind of struggled to keep the other armies with us still…we’ve been allied with the AN for nearly two years, and rather proud of our alliance. In late September, whispers about Jim spending an awful lot of time at supox started surfacing. I mean, VG was an army even the IS couldn’t stand. Organized griefing is maybe the politest way to put our stance on them. We tried to get a feel for how many they were taking in, and couldn’t. Since then, several of the leaders have been told that the AN sim is being financed by Christoph. Personally, I have no way to make sure thats true. Anyway…I suppose that its in a nutshell. 2142 and GR only stayed because Sparta refused to leave, and now we’re leaving to reform an alliance with them and our lost army, 39th, as well.”

So, was all the drama over VG and AN all to increase AN’s recruitment numbers? Well, after further investigation, no, an AN member assured me. And is Vanguard leader, Christoph, financing Elshout? Again, this is deemed not true. What was Jim doing visiting Supox? Personally, in my opinion, i think that makes sense. The old AN sim, Dorien, is under construction as a team combat arena by Nanao, and perhaps that is why he can afford to keep Elshout and Dorien – because Christoph could be financing. But why? Why would Christoph have alteriar motives? This, i decided, is incorrect information i was given. In relation to me, Christoph has always rubbed off as a patriotic and proud fighter of both Vanguard Armed Forces, and his alliance; Soverign Regime. Just look at SR’s group charter:

The Regime of the Vanguard Armed Forces and the allied partners in the struggle to achieve unity within the military organizations of Second Life. The Vanguard do not dictate the organization. This is a protectorate.

This means that we lend military aid to those who are in need – We do not dictate or share tech, we do not create propaganda. We simply assist as the largest military in SL To prevent the smaller ones from dying.

Follow the S.R treaty guidelines and refer to them for further information.

Please, if you have any more information, contact me in-world (Metallicoe Dezno), or leave a comment for others to see. I, and many informer’s, will continue to investigate this conspiracy theory, and the Journal will get to the bottom of this.

The Commonwealth Special Combat Service – A New SL Military

Hearing a tip from Caine Constantine, I decided to check out the Commonwealth S.C.S., a new military on the grid.

Teleporting into their region, Paradise Land, I saw what one would see in any budding military base.  The various cash initiatives (vendors, advertisements, tip jars), the rules being given on billboards and notecards. This is the Special Combat Services H.Q. – home to a military group extremely new to Second Life.

The sign welcoming visitors to Paradise Land.

I was glad to see this group had it together, and so I set about looking for my arranged contact – Lt. General Stephen Holder, who I found in the bunker adjacent to the spawn point. He directed his other troops to begin training while he talked to me.

Vegna Fouroux: Good Evening. I am a reporter for the Jessie War Journal,
Stephen Holder: very good
Stephen Holder: recruits back to base

Stephen Holder, S.C.S.

Vegna Fouroux: Where are we?
Stephen Holder: this is spawn area
Stephen Holder: in there as u see is the bunker
Stephen Holder: 2 points the attacker can attack
Stephen Holder: up and above
Stephen Holder: or down the hole into the river

The S.C.S. base of operations.

Vegna Fouroux: So how long has this group been around?
Stephen Holder: 2 weeks

Vegna Fouroux: Have you yourself had any prior military experience?
Stephen Holder: oh yes…
Vegna Fouroux: Such as?
Stephen Holder: myself a captain for the 27th slc

Vegna Fouroux: Ah, so where does your group stand at the moment? Who are your allies and who are your enemies?

Stephen Holder: well we just got our uniform

He then proceeded to quote from the group’s information notecard:

“The Commonwealth Special Combat Service Aka SCS was established to fight second life terrorism in two aspects – one aspect insurgents who are lone acting persons who grief the other organizations who want to spread fear and tyranny across the sl grid.

The SCS is made up of men and women trained in advanced warfare tactics and weapons handling using infiltration covert surviellance and counter intelligence along with first strike tactics to maintain superiority over the enemy on the battlefield. All members undergo testing prior to recruitment and are monitored and mentored throughout their development within the organization.

As part of the SCS all members are expected to maintain a high degree of professionalism on and off the battlefield with fellow members and civilians alike. Respect and Discipline is expected of every member during the course of their envelopment with the SCS.”

Vegna Fouroux: I see
Vegna Fouroux: So have you engaged any other military groups in battle yet?
Stephen Holder: not as of yet

They do have a fine entertainment center, though.

Vegna Fouroux: and what groups would you be hoping to fight?
Stephen Holder: were just about to go to new jessie and test my troops
Stephen Holder: well i dont like slsn

Vegna Fouroux: Ah yes :) I was just there, quite good actually. The Merczateers are there right now
Stephen Holder: or the merc brothers commandos

Vegna Fouroux: Ah, I see.
Stephen Holder: or the 10th
Stephen Holder: or cati lol
Stephen Holder: so there four targets

Vegna Fouroux: Right. So what does your training involve?
Stephen Holder: intence

Vegna Fouroux: How so?
Stephen Holder: were going for quality not quantity
Stephen Holder: first the recruits have to be n the knowledge of fireteam training
Stephen Holder: team work
Stephen Holder: know there weapons
Stephen Holder: all our guns are custom made like our uniforms

Vegna Fouroux: What is this?
Stephen Holder: this is spec ops
Stephen Holder: they have to become a veteran before passing
Stephen Holder: and theres a exam

Vegna Fouroux: Okay, so where do you see yourselves being in a month or two?
Stephen Holder: a lot larger
Stephen Holder: we dont want to run before we can walk
Stephen Holder: so we grow at a steady pace

Vegna Fouroux: I see.

Stephen Holder: now from now were going to be recruiting
Stephen Holder: hope to have a sim in 3-4 months
Stephen Holder: but with troops i want quality not quantity
Stephen Holder: id rather have 20 of the bst trained then 50 shit
Vegna Fouroux: Yes of course. now as regard to rules. Do you follow set down rules such as STABLE or do you make up your own rules of combat?
Stephen Holder: we will follow stable… for now
Stephen Holder: but our troops are well disciplined

Vegna Fouroux: Thank you very much.
Stephen Holder: no thank you

I could hear the shouts of a drill instructor training new recruits.

Dexterito Frog shouts: Ok stop
Dexterito Frog shouts: You made 27 hits with 30 bullets, awesome
Dexterito Frog shouts: ok stop.

For a group that’s only two weeks old I found them quite remarkable. There base is compact and simple. Their uniforms are decent and remind this nostalgic reporter of his days in Sparta. STABLE: always a good base of rules to work off.  I went expecting the usual bravado and superiority most new groups carry with them, but the S.C.S. were actually quite down to Earth.

However the real test comes soon once the new group starts to interact with the rest of the military community. Will this group be a rock, and break the waves facing all new militaries; finance, recruitment, equipment, updates, griefing and the banhammer? Or will it, like so many others, fall short?

A proud fighting force.

Time will tell, but things are looking promising for this new addition to the Second Life military scene.

-Vegna Fouroux

Vanguard Disbanded.

Today, to everybodies shock, Christoph has disbanded VG. He left this message with all the members;

I’m sure anyone who is reading this is shocked and will be unable to understand any reasonings behind it, and I’m sure there will be people who say “it’s because of this” or “it’s because of that”. The truth of the matter is, I’m doing this because a loved one has personally requested that I do it, and based on my track record I decided it’s finally time I listen to someone I care about and do what they need me to, without fretting or complaining, moaning or bitching.

To everyone who will definitely be hurt with this at the current moment, I apologize and let you know it’s not personal. I have no reason to leave, I love this group and what it is, and I love how strong it is in the current moment. I just have to do this for someone I care about and nothing more.

For the alts in this group that will undoubtedly get this message, no, it’s not because a few people left, I’ve replaced people before and could have again, however I’m sure you will claim responsibility so have fun with that, it means nothing to me.

I’ve worked this group into something amazing and I could not have done it without the people involved and the dedication of others, and in light of the things that I’ve been asked to do by this loved one I have no choice but to listen and take calm advice for one time in my life. I am disbanning the Vanguard Armed Forces until further notice.

Understand everything that has been here and done will not be forgotten, and I am encouraging you, all of you with utmost knowing that the best choice for those who wish to continue your military career is to join the Alliance Navy.

This has come about with the understanding that they are good people – they do not have personal vendettas and they follow the same beliefs that combat should be fair, exactly as I do. They are a good group that could definitely use people as skilled as you are, and individuals who care about a group and are as dedicated as I myself was.

For those of you that will hate me, I’m sure you will be hurt that the group is gone, and I hope you will understand that this is just a game, and there are more important things for me to do then sit here and be selfish about what I want, while hurting those I care about. You must understand that this isn’t personal, this isn’t about anything that has happened, it’s about a request of someone I hold dear to me on so many levels.

So as of this moment, Vanguard itself is being disbanned. I will be mass ejecting everyone from the groups within a 30 minute time period after the notice, and I will be putting notices with this notecard in every group I have ownership in.

Ontop of things however, I do come to the understanding that regardless what happens, this will eventually cause a M.A.D effect in Second Life military. The AN is the group that I am instructing you all to go to, and I’m instructing you all to join. The application is posted below.

Sim: Elshout
App: 􀀀

Understand that I quite possibly will be opening Vanguard again in the future, with ar edone look, redone gear and everything else.

I love you all for the effort you put into this, and I care a great amount about what we stand for and what we’ve come to be, but I have to do this for reasons I cannot control.

Ontop of that I state that everything in VG is still sole copyrighted in my name and that I will not allow anyone to do anything with it as of current, I will however be opening a commercial store with the auth removed and selling everything without logos, but with customization features.

It was awesome while it lasted, and this is just a temporary disbanning until at which point the individual I speak of is alright and satisfied with things in general.

For those of you that wish to contact me, the only way I will allow will be on MSN, which is edouackirovi@yahoo.com as far as contact goes.

Join the AN, make them strong again, and do not let the people we hate so very much win out in the end, as you understand without me to hate they will have to hate on others… Or simply collapse.

Herrschaft Durch Kraft – Domination Through Power
Christoph Naumova – Fuhrer of Vanguard.

Looks like AN will be growing in numbers. I am surprised he did not advise everybody to go to an allied force. But hey, thats the way the cookie crumbles.

Task Force Marines to return to the military scene.

Yes, you heard it here first; Task Force Marines, the long-debated military run by bennyboy is returning back, better than ever.

TFM disbanded into CS and IB a few months ago. Mayra disbanded and formed CS, and benny started a new military with the intention to create a new image; Imperium Battalion. Recently, benny sold IB to Vardis, who mysteriously disappeared leaving the members, and the sim, to slowly enter a meltdown.

So what will be different about the newly reformed TFM? Well, benny wants TFM to be as original as ever, consistant with a void sim, custom weapons and custom sculpted armour.

Expect a follow up report soon when the building for there start-up 1/4 sim is finished. After everything is sorted, they will move to a void, then after that, if recruitment flow is high, benny hopes to go full sim.

Now go comment crazy!!!

[Dominatium]

This report was submitted by Minerva, one of our reporters;

Everybody knows the Merczateers, Vanguard or the Alliance Navy but who has heard of the Dominatium ? If one scrolls down the description of the IS group he will notice that the Dominatium is listed  next to Echelon Union. If the Dominatium is one of the major militaries, why have we never (or nearly) heard of them ? Firstly we should look at the Dominatium’s history. As it seems everything started in 2007 when Herbert Alderson the founder of the drama group “Second Life Military News” created an army called “Reborn”. Reborn regrouped the remains of the Republic of Germany military which had stayed behind without its leader when Tristan Mineff’s account was suspended by Linden Lab and Alderson’s own attempt to make an army. The group was fast growing and obtained a sim called Punta Cana. However, when Mineff came back he disagreed with certain views that Herbert Alderson had over Second Life Warfare and what “fairness” was. He left the group and Second Life behind him until he returned one year later with a new account : Herbert Feldmann. Feldmann’s cousin, Amory Gears was about to create a new futuristic military called “The Dominatium”, this is when we first heard the name of this group. Gathering a little community of five or six members around them, they were looking forward to create a “fair” and “strong” military. The slogan “Your skill, our strength” followed the Dominatium application to the Iron Symphony and after the group relocated itself in Lonsdale, they became the Merczateers, Ordo’s and MC’s new allies. The Dominatium however nearly died as i was told when the two cousins left for Afghanistan. The leadership over the group had been given to a fool who simply left the group die. Most of their members left and their base was vandalized. Today  the Dominatium is back according to their Representative’s word.  With a completely new base in Bunker style which should be finished by next week, new weapons and sculpty uniforms, there is only one problem left faced by the Dominatium. A problem which is quite unusual in the military community as even the smallest noob armies reach to unite at least 30 members around them and which is also the main reason why the Dominatium is nearly unknown from the community : They have the lowest recruitment rate in the community. With only 26 members including 6 active members their power is only political. Is this going to change ? I am sure it will. Their base looks great and so their uniforms and weapons. The Dominatium is a small and friendly army with a great potential. Future will tell.

Small yet strong

The 10th Mountain Division has been around for about nine months now, and they don’t seem to get much attention from the larger part of the Second Life military scene. Because of this, we will soon be preparing a full report on the group.

The 10th Mountain Division is a small army of about 50 members, and reside in the sim of ‘Baie Lazare’. There base is mostly made out of combined prefabs with the occasional custom prim set in to complete the look of a US Army Mountain Base.

The 'Capture the flag' at the centre of their base.

Their armour is pretty well made, but not resembling conventional US military style uniform at all, more like L.O.E armour. 10ths’ main attackers are the TCG, although Raven Raiders are a growing threat, who have long hated the 10th for their ‘noobish attitude’. (Not the opinion of this reporter or the journal)

We look forward to bringing you more information soon.

U.N.I.T to return.

UNIT disbanded, as many of you should remember, a few months ago due to financial issues, and now, according to Steve (The former general of UNIT) they’re returning to the military scene come January the 5th 2009, reincarnated to the Second Life Sky Navy (SLSN), a once strong army that steve started before UNIT, that later fell to its knees under pressure of various issues. During UNITs break, Steve and other formed a business appropiatly named ‘Crysis Industries’ to raise funds for the new sim, and its all paid off. UNIT (SLSN) will return with new technology, a new sim and a revving ambition to get their mark back onto the military community.

Imperium Battalion now officialy disbanded.

Vardis Varga mysteriously disapeared last week, and now that Cannes Villes is up for sale, IB is officially declared disbanded. The primary cause for the split was financial issues – Vardis told me a few weeks ago that he needed a partner to provide half of the sim tier, and my guess is that he didnt find the partner. After buying IB from benny, Vardis was very dissapointed with what he purchased, and events unfolded including various negative reports by military groups, so the overall presumption is that Vardis quit the military because it wasnt up to his expectations.