Okay so...
J'as Salarkin wrote:Question 1: Is there a channel in game for Amarr for general FW coordination and info?
Yes.
When you join Faction War you are given access to a general militia chatroom.
Unfortunately, due to spies and general asshattery you won't find much in the way of "specific details" regarding where people are or what they are doing.
The real intel and organization efforts are done in player-made "backchannels" between various groups of people/corporations/alliance.
And you will have to be invited in to these channels.
The best way to get in is to build trust between yourself and the players around you. This takes time and some leaps of faith (for all parties involved)... so be patient, work on "proving yourself" (by taking part in as much combat as possible... even uninvited), and be **sociable.**
J'as Salarkin wrote:Question 2: I have been reading up and it seems Kamela used to be the major staging area for the Amarr faction, but as it has been taken I am wondering where most FW members are currently based from (Kamela still seems really busy, but I might just try and avoid it till I get some more PvP experience)?
Every player/corporation/alliance has their own "staging areas."
Some have multiple places.
It really depends on what people are trying to do (see: take the offensive or being defensive or simply causing mayhem).
Now... there are some common places in low-sec where various militias congregate, but you will want to talk with other players to see where an optimal staging point for **you** is.
For example: When I started FW I chose to base out of a system one jump from high-sec. As I gained more friends and become more comfortable, I moved my stuff further and further into the warzone.
J'as Salarkin wrote:Question 3: Looking into the future: What Amarr FW corps are decently active and might have an interest in a "bad" PvP:er who can not promise to get online for XX hours ever XX days due to real life taking priority most days of the week?
This is something you are going to have to figure out on your own.
Again, it will come down to talking with people and who is willing to take you on.
Hell... sometimes you don't need to be in a corp. You simply have to **KNOW** people.
As trust and connections grow, so will the opportunities and options.
Now... all that said... here is ShahFluffers-handy-dandy-list-of-dos-and-don'ts-for-being-in-militiaGäó
1. SET UP YOUR OVERVIEW!! Make it so that "friendlies" do not show up (helps to prevent friendly fire incidents and reduces irrelevant information) and especially
make sure that militia status is above suspect status (quite a few militia members have low security status... if you attack them you will incur a large faction standings penalty... and will often be blown up at the hands of your allies).
2.
Buy ships and mods in bulk (mostly frigates and destroyers) and pre-fit them in about 2 or 3 different ways for flexibility (ex, shield-fit, armor-fit, DPS/gank-fit, nano-fit, etc). Base yourself and your equipment in an easy to access station... preferably one in low-sec that many other militia members use.
3. You will lose a lot of ships in militia. Have a steady source of income to replace stuff (which can come from running complexes in low-sec FW systems).
4.
Do not give away friendly fleet locations and/or friendly ship types in Militia Chat. The enemy has many spaiz!!!
5i.
Learn the area well. Even the high-sec areas. This will help you when you are looking for stuff to kill or escape from hostiles.
5ii. Just because combat is more open and encouraged in low-sec it does not mean the enemy militia may not stage attacks in your high-sec area. Keep in mind that joining
Faction Warfare puts you in a GLOBAL war declaration. You can be attacked anywhere at any time. Even in Trade Hubs. Especially in Trade Hubs.
6i. When looking for a fleet, type "X" into militia chat and eventually you will get picked up.
6ii. Alternatively,
go out and roam a bit. If you stumble upon a friendly fleet, they might pick you up. If not, keep looking (and try killing some stuff while you're at it).
7i. Once you join a fleet,
join audio (be it the in-game EvE audio, Ventrilo, Teamspeak, Mumble, etc) and LISTEN.
7ii. LISTEN SOME MORE.
7iii. ARE YOU SURE YOU ARE LISTENING????
7iv. If you cannot figure out where the fleet is by listening,
ask [politely] by typing in fleet.
8. The FC (fleet commander) is GOD himself and his orders should be followed to the letter (ex. even if you're in a frigate,
SHOOT THE GODDAMN "PRIMARY" that has been called). Try to keep idle talk to a minimum (unless nothing is happening) and don't say anything when an engagement is underway. If you have a question... use your best judgement and ask after it is over.
9.
Get to know the "regulars" within your timezone and help them whenever you can. Good things will follow if you make friends with them.
10.
Listen to everyone's advice... no matter how abrasive it is. Chances are, they know what they are doing and you don't.
And most importantly...
have fun!!