Hello CCP Team,
I’d like to propose a concept for a new SSOE ship designed to clear C5 and above combat sites. It makes no sense that a faction that is settled in wormhole space doesn’t have a ship that can do all the content in that space. There is no SSOE ship currently used for C5 and above combat sites. (C5 ninja hacking doesn’t count here!) Unlike Marauders, which rely on bastion mode (that, while effective for tanking, prevents warp and reduces escape potential), this new vessel would forgo bastion mode entirely in favor of enhanced escape and rapid repositioning. To compensate for the loss of bastion mode, the ship would need a carefully balanced trade‐off to ensure it remains powerful enough to clear C5 sites.
Here’s a rough outline of the proposed trade‐off:
• Increased Offensive Capability & Speed:
– The ship would feature a significant boost to its potential damage output, maybe an extremely large drone bay—allowing it to clear targets quickly even without the added survivability of bastion mode.
• Reduced Tank and Durability:
– Without bastion mode’s damage mitigation, the vessel would have a lower effective tank compared to Marauders. This means that while it can deliver extremely high burst damage, it must avoid prolonged fights or be caught by counter-attacks.
– The design might include a reduced signature radius or improved agility to help mitigate its vulnerability, emphasizing hit-and-run tactics over sustained combat.
• Enhanced Fitting Flexibility:
– To further support its offensive role, the new ship could offer extra high-slot space or fitting options (for example, a built-in mobile depot bay similar to what the Metamorphosis offers) so pilots can tailor their loadouts—maximizing damage or defence as needed.
– An improved scan strength bonus could allow pilots to quickly scan and engage sites and targets while maintaining the ability to warp out when the situation turns against them. Remember, the main focus here is to create an SSOE ship that can clear C5 and above combat sites.
The Trade-Off:
Without bastion mode, the vessel sacrifices the traditional durability and defensive “lockdown” that Marauders use when clearing C5 sites. However, by boosting offensive power and enhancing warp speed, the ship forces a more dynamic “hit-and-run” style. Pilots would need to rely on rapid target elimination and immediate escape rather than withstanding prolonged fights. This approach fits the SSOE’s identity as a fleet that prizes evasion and stealth over heavy static defense.
I believe this concept—powerful enough to clear C5 sites yet built around the SSOE’s signature emphasis on flexibility and escape—would offer an exciting alternative for solo and small-group wormhole engagements.
Thank you for considering this proposal. I look forward to seeing how EVE Online continues to evolve.
Fly safe,
PlayAlbionOnline
(I do not support Albion Online anymore)