New frontier.....wargames

[CAPT Huckabee]

Being a long standing advocate for seeing more balanced games during the wargames I would like to propose a thought. 

How bout a format that restricts equipment quality and Mk?  Much like FCAPT Baldwin's RP events. I loved the one we did and the only negative to that was just not as many Klingon players to balance it out fully.

Regardless of the player, all white quality items could be purchased for very little coin in game. This to me would allow skill to be the most determing factor.  Skillful players would still shine, but people who don't have to time to pour resources into the latest and greatest tech wouldn't have to suffer from that handicap.

Maybe perhaps have the ships be of a lower tier to accommodate those members that tend to come that aren't max level, say T4 ships?

Possible restrictions on "cheese"/uber builds like the Aux2Batt that require expensive duty officers? I know some would argue not restricting builds, so that's just a thought.

The con to this, to my knowledge, would rely on a members integrity to gear out with the restrictions.  Being the 7th it shouldn't be an issue.  If someone fills the need to cheat and equips over the restriction then it is sad they would feel the need to cheat their friends just for a win an event for fun.  If someone does and it's proven, then a suspension from further games.

I just feel the time has come to evolve the games to be more enjoyable instead of the constant 1 sided matches in favor of those that can live in the game (myself included before my son came along) and dedicate time to gather the best gear for an edge.  Why have an event that by default handicaps based on time you can dedicate.

I know some will argue that the event is a reward for those that dedicate that extra effort, but why not have it solely based on pure skill and team cooperation??

Seems to me it would be easier to do this, then try to build everyone up to a higher level and pin them in builds they might not even like/want.  I'd be more then happy to implemente a plan for this because obviously it will have cons like the one I pointed out.  Just thought I would throw it out.  So tell me what you think about it or if you want tell me to shut up and I'll go back to my MWO hole with Clan Ghost Bear.

I personally vote for change. Kudos to those with the 0-200 records that manage to always find the fun in it.  But I'd rather see post about how fun, closely played an event is then the usually quarterly post asking for help because their team is always steamrolled.

[Ryo Himura]

I approve of this. This will allow for more communication and strategy (since all are using basically the same equipment) and not just "Oh I need the best build and best gear to win".

As someone that invested, and still is investing, in the Aux2Batt build (which I love for tank/dps engineers) I have no problem throwing my purple doffs and gear away just to have fun with the fleet.

[VADM Wulfric Richter CoS]

I think that this is a great idea. I would only suggest that we cycle our war games between limited and unlimited. The limited games would be as Huck suggests, and the unlimited would exist as a "bring your best" kind of affair. This would allow players who have invested a great deal of time and effort in their builds to not feel as if that investment was a less than optimal choice. Huck's idea to use a limited ship is also a good one. The Ambassador class cruiser is a free ship given in the Azure nebula mission and can be easily obtained and outfitted for use for a limited engagement.

Frankly, we can extend this philosophy to our ground games as well, similar with what we did with the Batleth tournament. For example, when we have unlimited games we have limited ground engagements and vice versa. This way we do not confine ourselves to specific set of rules and allow creativity in builds and tactics. Speaking for myself, preparation for the upcoming war games prompted me to look at a new build and pursue it. Maybe it will work well, maybe it won't, but I don't think that we want to stifle that type of creativity.

Huck's suggestion can give us the best solution by accommodating both classes of players.

[Wupteedo]

Interesting indeed, and there is enough time to "make it so" if Command Staff approves and to iron out all those little details that get in the way.

My two cents:  1) Have one weekend that is Standard Wargames based on the current best STO tech/ships; both space and ground;

                        2) The next weekend (or opening) have TOS Wargames with Mark I common gear; both space and ground;

                        3) Still like the idea of shuttles only event as well sometime in the future. 

Query:  How come we don't do Wargames with other Fleets?

Cheers

[Morgan Shackelford]

The fleet has ever striven to achieve as much balance as possible in our wargames.  All of the rule changes that have occurred over time have been made in effort to improve fairness and balance.

The wargames come with baggage.  Every time we have a Wargames operation, there is invariably some form of low-level drama.  Tensions run higher than normal.  People want to win.  But through that tension, we all improve as captains.  It motivates us to improve our characters and the ships they fly.  It is for this reason we keep running the wargames, despite the baggage.

By changing the rules in the way you suggest - by telling people they can't bring the equipment, ship, or captain that they've been working so hard on - invalidates one of the wargames primary functions, which is improving the constituents of the fleet through contest.  I won't push as hard to finish upgrading my equipment, for example, if I know I'm just going to be handed some white phasers that I have to equip in the name of fairness.  For that reason, I doubt that command will implement anything like this for the wargames. 

If you would like to be involved in an event that runs with this kind of format, make sure to attend the next roleplay scenario.

[VADM pRett]

One of the events I enjoyed the most was the Fed-KDF RP-PvP event that was run. I'd gladly work with someone to set something like that up (and ref/GM/etc it).

[CAPT Huckabee]

Capt pRett wrote:

One of the events I enjoyed the most was the Fed-KDF RP-PvP event that was run. I'd gladly work with someone to set something like that up (and ref/GM/etc it).

That was my thinking behind it.  Maybe I'll have to setup a different set of games for this since it's something command would never adopt over the current.  I totally get what you're saying Shack, and to the extent agree.  However, I'm sure there are more of us out there they would love for some PvP glory without the worry of having to grind for better gear and to be steam rolled for the lack there of due to RL not allowing as much game time that some of the stuff requires to be competitive on your own or the amount of time it might require to be as skilled with your ship.

No format will ever be perfect and will always have it's flaws.  Granted the current one might match the definition of "wargames" better and push people to build better ships.  But I feel what I propose would bring more enjoyment to the fleet, allow people to have more fun and worry less about what gear they have or don't have, and bring out the best in their pilot skills by members striving to be a better player. MMO's by nature cause people to push toward better gear, not a singular event. 

You teach a man to be a wolf in a tin can, and he will flourish into a dragon when you put him in a Mk XIV firing hull of devastation.