In EVE, there is no class based leveling system but a very extensive skill system here. Players can choose skills from it. You can train up to five levels in each skill with a number of sub-levels. Characters start with skills they selected during character creation and may also buy skill-training kits, then rigged neutrally to the character. Skill-training kits vary both in price and availability. There is no limit to the number of skills or skill points a single character can attain.
Through the activation of skill training kits, character advancement is accomplished. Once a training kit is utilized, a certain period of time must elapse before training is complete and the skill is functional. But the activation time required is measured in real time and training continues regardless of whether or not a player is connected to the game. The training time needed for skills may range from less than an hour to several days, depending on the type and complexity of the skill. You may only train one skill at a time and only on one character at a time per account. Time elapsed during training may be monitored through the character sheet.
The likelihood of an Eve Isk character being fully trained in all available skills is virtually zero and not something that could be easily achieved. In particular at higher levels, advancing a skill takes time and new skills are introduced as the game grows and additional features are introduced.
It's a grueling process to gain skills but skills have a number of functions. They dictate the type of ships, weapons and equipment characters can use. For the most part, skills can influence how efficiently characters can use their equipment. What is more, skills give the character access to certain advanced or highly specialized options in the game, ranging from advanced skills relating to researching improved weaponry to managing corporations, factories and so forth.
When your ship is destroyed, you don't die at once. You are encased in a goo-filled capsule commonly called a "pod". If this capsule is destroyed before it gets away to the safety of another system or a station, your character dies and your clone is activated. Being shot down doesn't always result in the death of the character. Though not visible, your character is tucked away inside your pod, which is then nestled into the ship.
