Wait. Is there a HIVE wiki? I have not actually looked for one. I assumed it would be the first thing people say: Here's the link to the wiki, newb!
I don't believe there is, if you search 'hive' on Wikipedia.. it's not even mentioned. Such is the importance bestowed on this black-chain and its rather poor name.
I did several of these posts and then kind of got bored writing them. I hope they help you out.