Episode 68 – The Gallente – Caldari War

This episode consists of three Chronicles – The Early Days, The Breakout and The War Drones On. Together, these three stories tell the story of the Caldari State’s fight for independence from the Gallente Federation, and the heavy cost paid by both sides during this conflict.

I thought this Chronicle would be especially appropriate, since this is both Independence Day in America as well as the beginning of a declared war between major powers in New Eden. Be safe out there folks!

Here is a link to Episode 68.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 67 – A Man of Values and Faith

And Sometimes the Fear

Today’s story is about a man living in the Ammatar Mandate. He watched as the Elders came to recover the Starkmanir tribe and he raged when the Amarr Empress destroyed the fleet of the Elders. He wants to awaken the feelings of patriotism and pride in those around him, to remind his brethren that they are Minmatar… and he has a plan…

Here is a link to Episode 67.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 66 – And Sometimes the Fear

And Sometimes the Fear

In this story, a ship module designer named Lauder, driven by depression to the very brink, leaves his virtual reality workshop for a trip into a scenic asteroid. His trip has a very specific purpose, but he might just find something wholly unexpected on his journey.

Long time fans may be wondering where I have been for these last few months. Likewise many may wonder about the recent past and the ultimate future of the podcast. Rest assured, the podcast and I are doing well after going through some dark times and I have already begun work on the next episode.

Here is a link to Episode 66.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 65 – The Ever Turning Wheels

The Ever Turning Wheels

Life for the residents of a colony planet in Gallente low security space was enough of a challenge… and their planet was conquered by the Caldari military. The soldiers in the street and the presence of the new Caldari governor in power make it obvious to the newly conquered Gallente citizens that their planet is under occupation, but the real attack on the Gallente is subtle and far more insidious.

Here is a link to Episode 65.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 64 – Ruthless Chapter 6

Ruthless Chapter 6

For well over a year now I have been working on presenting the Eve Chronicle Ruthless. At over a hundred pages and spanning somewhere around two and a half hours of audio once completed, this particular Chronicle is the longest and most ambitious project ever undertaken on this podcast.

Completing the Eve novella “Ruthless”, today’s episode is the final chapter of this six-part epic story. In this chapter Ralirashi engages in a boardroom showdown to expose the evil behind the Ishukone Corporation. Meanwhile Otro, flying Ishukone’s experimental battleship, must convince enemies to work together to take down the deranged Admiral Bane. No battle is certain and no conflict is without cost… and there are ruthless choices to be made along the way.

For those who have been involved in the project, I thank you very much for your time and your talent in making this production a reality. There have been roadblocks and unexpected twists along the way, and this episode (indeed, the entire publication of this Chronicle) stands as a testament to your patience and your willingness to help.

Here is a link to Ruthless, Chapter 6 aka Episode 64.

Please note that this is the sixth part of this story – the earlier episodes are also available for download on this site.

I intend to make a longer version of the entire Ruthless story (six chapters in one file) in the near future. This will include commentary about some of the pitfalls and unexpected delights experienced along the way as well as an insight to the production process. I also plan to put in a “blooper reel” – with hours and hours of recorded audio on the cutting room floor there are several moments that made us all stop and have a good laugh along the way.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 63 – Ruthless Chapter 5

Ruthless Chapter 5

For well over a year now I have been working on presenting the Eve Chronicle Ruthless. At over a hundred pages and spanning somewhere around two and a half hours of audio once completed, this particular Chronicle is the longest and most ambitious project ever undertaken on this podcast.

Continuing with the Eve novella “Ruthless”, today’s episode is the fifth chapter of six. In this chapter Otro, Mila and Gavriel have been located by the vicious Admiral Bane of the Guristas. Even at their darkest hour, when all hope seems lost, Otro has a plan… but he’ll need help from an unusual source to rescue the others and bring Bane to justice.

For those who have been involved in the project, I thank you very much for your time and your talent in making this production a reality. There have been roadblocks and unexpected twists along the way, and this episode (indeed, the entire publication of this Chronicle) stands as a testament to your patience and your willingness to help.

Here is a link to Ruthless, Chapter 5 aka Episode 63.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 62 – Flametender

Pod and Planet 2017
Today’s episode is a recording of the Pod and Planet 2017 competition’s winning entry, Flametender. This is the story of Minmatar capsuleer, an immortal warrior for the Brutor Tribe, and the debt he owes to his blood brother.

Thank you Djavak Andrard for writing such a great story and thank you Telegram Sam for holding the fiction contest again this year. It has been my pleasure to record this episode.

Here is a link to Episode 62.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 61 – Ruthless Chapter 4

Ruthless Chapter 4

For well over a year now I have been working on presenting the Eve Chronicle Ruthless. At over a hundred pages and spanning somewhere around two and a half hours of audio once completed, this particular Chronicle is the longest and most ambitious project ever undertaken on this podcast.

Continuing with the Eve novella “Ruthless”, today’s episode is the fourth chapter of six. In this chapter the dark truth behind the success of the Ishukone Corporation is uncovered as the Guristas are closing in on their hunt for Otro and Gavriel.

For those who have been involved in the project, I thank you very much for your time and your talent in making this production a reality. There have been roadblocks and unexpected twists along the way, and this episode (indeed, the entire publication of this Chronicle) stands as a testament to your patience and your willingness to help.

This episode uses samples from the excellent freesound.org website. Thank you for allowing the use of the following samples :

Here is a link to Ruthless, Chapter 4 aka Episode 61.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 60 – Ruthless Chapter 3

Ruthless Chapter 3

For well over a year now I have been working on presenting the Eve Chronicle Ruthless. At over a hundred pages and spanning somewhere around two and a half hours of audio once completed, this particular Chronicle is the longest and most ambitious project ever undertaken on this podcast.

Continuing with the Eve novella “Ruthless”, today’s episode is the third chapter of six. In this chapter we our three main characters come to terms with their past and the paths that led them to where they are and what they have become in life. There are no saints in New Eden.

For those who have been involved in the project, I thank you very much for your time and your talent in making this production a reality. There have been roadblocks and unexpected twists along the way, and this episode (indeed, the entire publication of this Chronicle) stands as a testament to your patience and your willingness to help.

Here is a link to Ruthless, Chapter 3 aka Episode 60.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 59 – Ruthless, Chapter 2

Ruthless Chapter 2

For well over a year now I have been working on presenting the Eve Chronicle Ruthless. At over a hundred pages and spanning somewhere around two and a half hours of audio once completed, this particular Chronicle is the longest and most ambitious project ever undertaken on this podcast.

Continuing with the Eve novella “Ruthless”, today’s episode is the second chapter of six. In this chapter we continue the story of Otro and Gavriel, now pirates preying upon the Ishukone Corporation. We are also introduced to Mila and Ralirashi, two very different people at the beginning of their battle against a mutual and as-yet unnamed foe. The next chapter (and subsequent chapters) will be released as editing and post-production are complete.

For those who have been involved in the project, I thank you very much for your time and your talent in making this production a reality. There have been roadblocks and unexpected twists along the way, and this episode (indeed, the entire publication of this Chronicle) stands as a testament to your patience and your willingness to help.

Here is a link to Ruthless, Chapter 2 aka Episode 59.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 58 – Ruthless, Chapter 1

The Jovian Wet Grave (2017)

For well over a year now I have been working on presenting the Eve Chronicle Ruthless. At over a hundred pages and spanning somewhere around two and a half hours of audio once completed, this particular Chronicle is the longest and most ambitious project ever undertaken on this podcast.

A story this large needs to be presented in multiple parts. Today’s episode is the first chapter of six, the story of the humble origins of one of the most notorious outlaws ever known to the Caldari State. The next chapter (and subsequent chapters) will be released as editing and post-production are complete.

For those who have been involved in the project, I thank you very much for your time and your talent in making this production a reality. There have been roadblocks and unexpected twists along the way, and this episode stands as a testament to your patience and your willingness to help.

Here is a link to Ruthless, Chapter 1 aka Episode 58.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 57 – The Jovian Wet Grave

The Jovian Wet Grave (2017)

Today’s Chronicle is perhaps the most famous of all of Eve’s backstories – the story of first contact between the Caldari State and the Jovian Directorate as well as the story of the first capsuleer. If a list ever existed consisting of the top five essential stories for understanding the lore of Eve, this chronicle would be on that list and probably at the very top of that list.

This Chronicle is such a prominent fixture of the lore that I used it for my trial episode, aka “Episode 0” when I first envisioned the Eve Reader podcast nearly four and a half years ago. So much has changed! In that time I have upgraded my microphone from a USB web camera microphone (which was already four years old when I started in 2013!) to a studio-quality Shure SM7B microphone. I also polished my editing and production techniques in order to create a cleaner sound with better production values.

While I was pleased with the overall result when “Episode 0” was released back at the beginning of 2013, it always nagged at the back of my mind. After all, I used one of the best introductions to the lore and turned it into an experimental prototype for the podcast. What if people listed to it and stopped there, with its rather scratchy audio and too-long intro and extro sections? Wouldn’t it be nice to take such an important story and re-do it in a more modern format?

Thus the idea for redoing this Chronicle was born. For those of you who have heard this story before, I encourage you to share the link to this file with those who have never heard the lore before – and if you have never read or heard of the Jovian Wet Grave, then turn down the lights, turn up the volume and listen to the joy and terror of the first ever capsuleer in Eve.

Here is a link to Episode 57.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 56 – Kyonoke Pit

Kyonoke Pit

With the recent interest in the events surrounding the Kyonoke Pit (and at the request of a long time fan) I have recorded the chronicle Kyonoke Pit. This chronicle tells the story of the events surrounding the biological plague at the Kyonoke Pit installation.

This Chronicle is actually one of the oldest ones published by CCP. In fact, it has now replaced The Prophecies of Macaper as the oldest Chronicle I have recorded. The story does give a tantalizing story lead from so long ago, and here we are fourteen years after the Chronicle was published, following up on these events. I for one am interested in seeing where CCP goes with this potential story in the modern game!

Here is a link to Episode 56.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 55 – Escape

Escape

Today’s episode is a recording of the Pod and Planet 2016 competition’s winning entry, Escape. This is the story of a capsuleer struggling with his internal demons… but not all demons are within.

Thank you Breeze One for writing such a great story and thank you Telegram Sam for holding the fiction contest again this year. It has been my pleasure to record this episode and I look forward to recording the winning entry for the 2017 contest!

Oh, and Lenore the Podcast Kitty insisted that I record a bonus track as well, so stick around past the end of Escape for an extra Chronicle. Happy Holidays!

Here is a link to Episode 55.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 53 – The Slow Disease

The Slow Disease

Today’s Chronicle gives us an insight into the mind of Tibus Heth, the man who rose to power as the de facto ruler of the Caldari State. Even the most powerful man in the State can find himself ultimately a victim of the very corruption he sought to fight.

Here is a link to Episode 53.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 52 – Masks of Authority

Masks of Authority

The Caldari State is managed, maintained and virtually ruled by its corporations. The eight largest Caldari corporations each have a military arm, known as the corporate police, to enforce their rule. Today’s Chronicle is about the history of these police forces – how they came to be, what they do for the State and what makes them different from one other.

Here is a link to Episode 52.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 51 – Khumaak

Khumaak

Today’s episode is the story of a rebellion by the Minmatar tribe known as the Starkmanir, and the Amarr reaction to this rebellion. This incident is significant as a leading up point toward the larger Rebellion that resulted in the Minmatars winning their freedom from the Amarr.

Here is a link to Episode 51.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 50 – Old Man Star

Old Man Star

Today’s Chronicle is about how one of the most nefarious systems in New Eden – Old Man Star – came by its name.

Recently I received a request to put a short explanation at the beginning of each episode so the non lore oriented listeners can better understand the significance of the events in each Chronicle. I think this is a fantastic idea. I have placed a brief segment near the start of this episode and plan to do so for further episodes. I would appreciate feedback on this new feature!

Here is a link to Episode 50.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 49 – Rust Creeps

Rust Creeps

This episode is the story of a man with an unusual affinity for fixing machines and the torment he endures in return for his “gift.” Science-fiction settings tend to hand-wave unusual or mystic abilities as “psionics” or “abilities of the mind” but I found this story fascinating by directly addressing the question of what-lies-beyond.

Here is a link to Episode 49.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 48 – Eye for an Eye and Speaks and Walks

Eye for an Eye

Today’s episode is another double-feature of Chronicles – the full-length story “Speaks and Walks” along with the smaller story “Eye for an Eye.”

Eye for an Eye was a fun little episode to record and gave me the chance to practice using sound effects recorded directly from the game. This was something that I did in a smaller way in earlier stories and would like to continue to do in the future. As for the story itself, this is one of the older chronicles but it has fared relatively well – this is a scene that could still be played out even today. Betrayal, loss of corporate power, finding new allies to aid in the struggle versus old allies… yes, this could be happening in New Eden even as we speak.

The other story – “Speaks and Walks” – is a story of a DUST mercenary and the horrific side effects of the original technology that granted him immortality. I found this story particularly fascinating due to the parallels that can be drawn from the soldier’s conflict. Substitute in the stress of dealing with horrifying real-world events and you could have a model of someone struggling with the long-term effects of post traumatic stress disorder. Closer to our New Eden existence, substitute a cause in question – the why in Why We Fight, the who in Who We Fight For – and you have the root of every organized player conflict from faction warfare to nullsec sovereignty. There is always a risk of reading too much into a story, but having been in a position to relate to both of the scenarios above, this a story that called to me.

Here is a link to Episode 48.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 47 – Hands of a Killer and Doppelganger

Hands of a Killer

This is another pair of shorter Chronicles, contrasting the differences between a regular starship crewman and a capsuleer pilot. These stories tie nicely together, beginning with ambition and ultimately with death – but a different ending, a different view of death for each of the characters involved.

I’d like to thank Meo Fafard for helping me understand how to pronounce one of the names in this story. Any mistakes in pronunciation are simply mine!

Here is a link to Episode 47.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 46 – Inheritance

Inheritance
This episode is CCP Delegate Zero’s intense lore Chronicle, Inheritance. This is easily the longest Chronicle I have recorded – at just over fifty minutes, it is nearly twice as long as any other project I have tackled in the past. I appreciate your patience while this Chronicle was recorded and edited, and I hope that you will enjoy the episode.

Stay tuned at the end of the recording for discussions with Cyrillian Voth and Lenore the Podcast Kitty regarding the fall of the Jove Empire!

Here is a link to Episode 46.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Would you like to take part in the next recording?

The next chronicle for release is “Inheritance”, the lore bombshell recently given to us by CCP. This fascinating story involves the Jovians, the Talocan, Caroline’s Star and even the newly-formed Upwell Consortium, answering long-standing lore questions even as it raises new ones for us to ponder.

This chronicle simply calls out for multiple voices. The talented Cyrillian Voth and Elinari Rhodan (from Episode 44, A Spider in her Web) return to voice two of the characters, and this time they are joined by Random McNally from The High Drag Podcast. However… I am still one voice short, for the part of Devan Malate, the Gallente representative to the Inner Circle of CONCORD. Therefore I would like to open up this opportunity to the community at large.

What is the line?
The scene is a meeting of the members of the Inner Circle. One member (Sirdan xer Qosh, the Amarrian representative) delivers a small speech, then turns to Devan and asks a question. Devan’s response is as follows :

“It’s obvious we have great media attention turned on the Drifters, and no shortage of incidents being covered given the extent of our territory but ultimately it’s just one more story competing with the everyday issues of our citizens. People are not as concerned with what goes on in space as you may believe.”

This part does not have a vocal definition so it can be someone who is young, old, male, female, with or without an accent… there is a lot of leeway in the recording. The character is a factional representative to one of the most powerful institutions in New Eden, so bear that in mind in delivering the line.

What do I need to do?
With a one-line part like this, we don’t need to do anything as formal as multi-track recording on a Mumble server. Simply record the line on your computer, save it as an MP3 file and email it to me. If you need a program to record a file as an MP3 then start with this Google search for a program that will suit your operating system.

The process is simple :

1. Start the recording with your name. I don’t want to mispronounce your name, so if I hear you say it then I know how to pronounce it in the credits.
2. Ideally, record several takes so the one that flows the best can go into the recording.
3. Please leave about five seconds of “dead air” at the end of the recording. This gives me background noise for my noise-filtering software and aids in post-production sound clean-up.

Once you have your recording, please email it to zendane [at] evereader [dot] org as a file attachment. If you would prefer to use an alternate method (such as Soundcloud) for storing your recording then simply email me a link to it.

Finally, I need to say that by sending a recording (or link to a recording) to me for this project, you are giving me permission to use it in the eventual recording. Naturally I give credit where credit is due – there’s a page at the very top, for the curious – and your name will be listed in the credits.

My goal is to have this episode released soon, so I will accept sound files until February 11, 2016 at 20:00 Eve time.

Thank you for reading this post and I look forward to (literally) hearing from you!

Zendane

Episode 45 – Extinction Burst

Extinction Burst
Today’s episode is the story of a scientist, his research and his unusual methods in conducting his study of the “Extinction Burst” concept. This is not an episode for the faint of heart!

Be sure to stay for the very end of the episode for an explanation on why there are occasional delays between recordings!

Here is a link to Episode 45.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 44 – A Spider in her Web

Pod and Planet 2015
Today’s episode is a recording of the Pod and Planet 2015 competition’s winning entry, A Spider in her Web. This is the story of a man on the run from a group that he betrayed… and the very special means used by that group in their hunt for him.

Thank you Voodoo Williams for writing such a great story and thank you Telegram Sam for holding the fiction contest again this year. It has been my pleasure to record this episode.

Here is a link to Episode 44.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 43 – Cities of Refuge

Cities of Refuge Chronicle Image

I have uploaded Episode 43, Cities of Refuge. This story is about life after the re-taking of Caldari Prime from the Gallente, from the perspective of a young child.

Here is a link to Episode 43.

In other news, the Pod and Planet fiction writing contest has closed and the winner has been announced – the excellent A Spider in her Web by Voodoo Williams. I am currently in the process of recording this story in audio format and will announce when it is available for download.

The Eve Reader also has a Youtube channel, which can be found by clicking on this link. This is so you can listen to the Eve Chronicles without having to download mp3 files or if you wanted to listen to just a particular section of a chronicle. By all means, find your favorite episode and leave feedback, and feel free to show your Eve and non-Eve friends!

Lastly, the Eve Reader website has been re-designed to be easier on the eyes and easier to use. If you notice anything amiss, please let me know.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 40 – Uplifted

Uplifted
Incursions – the defense of New Eden systems versus Sansha’s Nation – are an integral part of the game. But what does one look like? What would it feel like to be one of the helpless millions on the planet below, watching the terrifying force of the marauding Sansha invade their system… and the even more terrifying prospect of having the capsuleers “save” them?

Here is a link to Episode 40.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 38 – Borrowed Time

Pod and Planet 2014
Today’s episode is a recording of the Pod and Planet 2014 competition’s winning entry, Borrowed Time. This is the story of a drone engineer and, in the author’s words, “bad things happening to average people in an uncaring universe.”

Thank you Kirith Kodachi for writing such a great story and thank you Telegram Sam for holding the fiction contest again this year. It has been my pleasure to record this episode.

Here is a link to Episode 38.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 37 – Two Deaths

Two Deaths
In the lore of New Eden, both the Amarr Empire and the Gallente Federation share an uncomfortable commonality – at one point in their histories, they were betrayed by a member of their leadership. Both the corrupt former Chamberlain of the Amarr and the former Grand Admiral of the Federation became hunted men within known space, evading those they betrayed… for a time. Eventually, each was caught and brought to justice. This chronicle tells the story of their ultimate fate.

This particular episode was suggested by the audience at the Eve Lore Panel. Thank you for the excellent suggestion!

Here is a link to Episode 37.

This episode uses samples from the excellent freesound.org website. Thank you for allowing the use of the following samples :

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 36 – The Prophecies of Macaper

The Prophecies of Macaper
Last night I attended the Eve Lore Panel hosted by the folks at Hydrostatic Podcast. I was impressed by both the quality and the depth of lore analysis by panelists, and several times the “Prophecies of Macaper” were mentioned in connection to recent and upcoming events. Inspired by the enthusiasm of the panelists and the panel audience, I decided to record this Chronicle today.

Here is a link to Episode 36.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 31 – Aura

Aura
Aura, the ethereal voice of Eve’s starship interface, is a familiar voice to every pilot in New Eden. But who is she? Today’s episode tells the story of Excena Foer, best known to pilots as Aura, and how she came to be the omnipresent voice of our starships.

Here is a link to Episode 31

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 30 – In The Pits

In the Pits
Today’s episode involves a mining station under attack by marauding pirates and one man’s fight against them. Without giving away too much, if you enjoyed the last episode’s use of an “ordinary” man and his involvement with the power of the capsuleers, you’ll find something similar in this episode.

Here is a link to Episode 30

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Episode 27 – Intercession

Pod and Planet 2013
This episode – Intercession – is a recording of the grand prize winner of the Pod and Planet 2013 competition. This story defies a simple one-sentence explanation, so I’ll simply say that it is the story of two brothers, their life within wormhole space, and a mysterious force that wormhole dwellers will recognize… and fear with good reason.

This particular episode took some extra time to record and now hold first place as the largest episode I have recorded, requiring considerable post-production. I also used the voices of several others in this recording (thanks guys!) which presented its own challenges and enjoyment.

Thank you Rhavas for writing such a great story and thank you Telegram Sam for holding the fiction contest. It has been my pleasure to record this episode.

Here is a link to Episode 27.

If you would like to reach me, my email is zendane [at] evereader [dot] org.

Eve Community Spotlight!

Eve Community Spotlight
The Eve Reader Podcast was featured in the Community Spotlight! Thank you CCP and thank you to the community for giving the Chronicles wider exposure!

If you’re curious about the motivation behind the podcast or if you’d like to know more about what goes into each episode, please visit the page here!

Zendane

Episode 4 – The End of the World – Chapter 1 – The Spiral

The Spiral
For the next six recordings, I will read the “End of the World” series of chronicles. Episode 4, entitled “The End of the World – Chapter 1 – The Spiral” is now available. This is also the first recording using the new equipment and software, and I hope you’ll enjoy the higher vocal quality.

Here is a link to Episode 4.

If you would like to reach me, my email is evereader [at] phoibe [dot] org.