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mechagalaxy · 8 years ago

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Sten Hugo Hiller - April 3320 Front Line Fight

Mountain Climbing Mecha Combat

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Highlighting the April 3320 Front Line Fight

Round two of the Squad Wars was over, Brotherhood Dragons Gamma had kicked our butts and taken our names. I needed to let out steam, and there was a climb on K3. Unfortunately there was also a meeting scheduled, supposedly ending at a time that would allow me to attend, but I harbored some private doubts. I am of course talking about the new contract.

Plagued with bandit raids, several planets had banded together and formed Patrolling Against Pirates, Echo Region, Worlds Of Regional Kingdoms. They had contacted several mercenary clans, Star League among them, to find the most efficient way to deal with the pirates. The suggested result, Supreme Headquarter, Region Echo, Directed Defense Endangered Region. The question of how to implement this, and integrate local forces created a Commanding Officer, Newly Formed Echo reaches, Temporary Total Imperator. Of course as this was just a preliminary agreement it had been sent back to the local parliaments for confirmation. The result was the same from all. Good idea, provided OUR man is the imperator, otherwise forget it. The delegation managed to use six hours to tell us this, and then informed us of the new plan. Everything would instead be sent to the newly formed Temporary Regional Alliance, Special Headquarter, Hunting and Exterminating All Pirates.

And by the way, we were too expensive, they would coordinate between themselves. At this point the climb had been under way for minutes. I rushed out and speeded for the mountain, but in vain. My formation was on the Plains, the climb was over, and those who had won Gold, Nephilax and fame this time were:

Div 1 (31 Players): Ben Rail, Cyclops Team (13s) Div 2 (21 Players): James Nickell, Death`s Deceivers (4m,46s) Div 3 (47 Players): German Jaramillo, Brotherhood D. Gamma (30s) Div 4 (54 Players): Karl Kash, Death`s Brethren (27m,53s) Div 5 (44 Players): Duncan Cecil Goetz, Death`s Dawn (3m,57s) Div 6 (61 Players): James Brose, Brotherhood D. Iota (5m,35s) Div 7 (43 Players): Jhong Isaac, Barcode (3m,27s) Div 8 (52 Players): Mortem Orbisque; Brotherhood D. Nu (21h,59m) Div 9 (41 Players): Casandra Proctor, Wrecking Crew Too (5m,50s) Div 10 (19 Players): Bob Geronimo, Wrecking Crew (3h,19m) Div 11 (13 Players): Nathan Soucie (seconds) Div 12 (22 Players): RacerX_, Politically Incorrect (2d,20h)

Number of Participants: 448, Number of Medals: 178 (of 180 possible)

Lots of participants, lots of fighting. Three Gold’s decided last minute, five more during the last six, on the other hand, one was held for over two days.

No single clan got more than one gold, of the families, both AFF and Brotherhood Dragons got three. Only unaligned winner was div 11`s Nathan Soucie, none managed to get a second Gold in a row this time.

After cursing a blue streak on those who drag out meetings, I needed a cold one. LaSalles was open and I went there, perhaps an interview would show him? In through the door came Ben Rail (#459199) waving a Gold medal over his head shouting, "I got my first, drinks to all on me!" Many came over to congratulate him, I scanned my files, put on my reporter hat and waited until he was free before I waived him over.

Sten Hugo Hiller Congratulation on your win. You have had a long career. first appearance in the KOTMs was back in `70. During these 50 years you have been with quite a few clans. Four seasons in Death Watch, two with Toy Box of Doom and two CW Gold’s with The Isle of Misfit Toys. Then followed 10 CWs with Red Comet, 6 of them resulting in Gold. Then a couple CWs in Orion Nebula and back to T.I.o.M.T. for another two, all crowned with Gold. Then Four CWs with Phoenix storm, two new in T.I.o.M.T. one gave Gold, before Transferring to Zeon in `15. Also worth to mention are six Faction Wars, the first five in the Storm resulting in four Gold’s, the last in Spirit of Zeon. Some might wonder about this constant changing. Are you a drifter, always looking for a new home, or have you finally found a place to put down roots?

Ben Rail I have been in the game for a long time and started with Deathwatch, which I eventually become the leader of. I was lucky that I was just getting more seriously interested in the game when "Equipment" was first introduced. Initially it was only available for the mid class mecha of which I had a lot of, pretty soon I was beating players with far bigger mechs (and a lot higher in level) so I then progressed rather quickly. I was invited to the MMI clan which was effectively a meta clan. I was always a slow leveler so have tended to move about the various clans within MMI but helped with strategy and tactics across all of them so in answer to your question I would say I've really been with one clan for nearly all my career. The pressures of the game meant a few key personnel leaving MMI and as one of the higher level players in the game I found myself a little a drift, eventually moving to Zeon where I've enjoyed my time. However the massive leveling that is now part of the game (in Division 1) and the total dominance of Fusion is making the future a little unclear for me. I don't blame Fusion for their dominance, MG has always been a little one-sided at the very top, but we really need to find a way of creating at least 2 powerful clans at the very top to keep things interesting.

Sten Hugo Hiller Yes, I see. Now as to your statement when you came into the bar. Shouting free drinks for all, I got my first and proudly displaying your Gold medal. According to my files you got your first KOTM Gold in unlimited back in November`73, and this was your 23rd. Am I right?

Ben Rail First Gold in Division 1. Division 1 contains the best players in the game so just like Clan Wars being Number 1 is a big deal. I know that really it should be a full Kotm not just a Front Line which is definitely a great leveler but have been trying on and off now for a few months now so really pleased. I guess my first Gold in 73 was special too but really any kotm involves a fair bit of luck and timing so I don't get too hung up on it. Just felt like celebrating today, and it's been cool getting some responses back (from both friend and foe) Just too confirm I have 23 Nephilax's so you 23G looks to be correct.

Sten Hugo Hiller Some are glad for you, others envy you. Now, some want Chronos to, if not disappear, at least be spaced much further apart. About half your Golds are from Chrono event, do you want more of them?

Ben Rail They certainly have been kind to me in the past, again one reason was the USA based timings of a lot of the events although this is less of an issue now. But I'm afraid I cannot really compete against Fusion in D1 as I said before, they do what any good clan should do and work together making it very difficult to keep others from gaining too many points. I do not have enough Strong Level 250+ players by my side to help. I do get lucky from time to time and drop down to Division 2 , where I have more of a chance but even then there are some very strong players. To answer the other part of your question, I think there has been a few too many Chronos and perhaps limiting to 2 a month.

Sten Hugo Hiller Tell me about it, my few forays into div 2 are not big successes. When it comes to limited or unlimited, what is your preference?

Ben Rail I like variety, not just for my own benefit but for the other players too, it's unlikely I can win or even get a silver in an unlimited event so I'd prefer to see more limited events, maybe a 80% limited, 20% unlimited. (I have no idea what the current ratio is though )It's also good to see some of the very high level crystal players giving the niode players a bit of a beating in some of the limited events too

Sten Hugo Hiller Interesting from one with over half his golds from unlimited. When it comes to limited there are three broad types. What do you think of the weapon specialist events?

Ben Rail I must also say my view is somewhat polarized by my Division 1 spectacles, I realize it's a little different lower down the Divisional ladder. My Golds reflect my strengths and before I entered D1 I was one of the strongest players for my level but now I guess I'm top 15, again D1 maths play a part with most of the top players 30 - 50 levels above me. I don't believe the weapons specialist are in any way useful. With 40 200+ Level mechs in your formation you simply can't optimize to a single weapon type, My Projectile bonus is very high but even so I would never consider it in an event.

Sten Hugo Hiller Nice to get a view from the top. How about the rainbows? Do you lump them together, or are they three separate events for you?

Ben Rail Definitely 3 separate events. Nearly all my rainbows are run with empty columns as I do not have sufficient mechs of sufficient weight / strength to populate 41 slots. As new Big crystal mechs come a long I do try and bring them into my formations but the time taken is measured in months. Triple Rainbow is a little easier to manage though. Again at my level you have to pick your battles / where best to spend your resources and you simply can't do all of them. For instance the last few Clan Wars I've gone with 90T and have put resources into leveling up some of the mechs I'd moth balled. When I do see another new event though which depends on crystal mechs (A Luison event being a good example) I bought 10 (didn't have any) and they are currently being leveled (at 216 so far).

Sten Hugo Hiller Yes, have to plan ahead and get mechs early. But all this buying and leveling must cost quite a bit. Have you immense stores or are you to feeling the pinch when it comes to crystal and ferrite?

Ben Rail Good question . Until the recent changes to Circuit Wars with respect to Crystal I was down to zero every time I leveled. Ferrite the same (Need the Crystal to get the Ferrite. My current Bioptic tally is 12 Million. Even in D1 where XP does not matter I was unable to generate sufficient Ferrite / Crystal to level my (crystal) mechs. For me at Level 235 it only requires 25000 Xp to level (I suspect 6 months ago this was far higher).I can do that in one day, win Gold in D1 is 18000 XP. The recent changes have at least allowed me to claw back some of those resources but I do believe the XP required needs to be 2 to 3x what it is currently.

Sten Hugo Hiller You mention winning medals to get Xp. There have been yet another decrease in the number of medals lately. What do you think about that?

Ben Rail With a lot of the changes within the game there are two sides, for lower divisions encouraging competition is a good thing and making players work a little harder is a good way to prevent the camper mentality. But the rewards for those medals needs to make the effort worthwhile. I'd like to see more special prize mecha like the Nephilax and some "Prize Only " weapons / equipment that outperforms Niode equipment. However I know from my own experience that a Division can be dominated by a few players that then become more and more powerful. I have seen D1 Kotms with Fusion holding nearly every single medal place (Gold, Silver and a fair few bronze) so maybe add a tin medal . I noticed in my earlier kotms you got a medal for Top 25.

Sten Hugo Hiller Those were the days. I almost forgot the third event type. When it comes to weight limit do you prefer mech type or max weight, say 50ton max or Oggun?

Ben Rail As I mentioned earlier, I like variety so both are good. That Luison event was a good example, A lot of players simply don't have them so anyone lucky enough to have some stood a good chance of winning something. But also like the tonnage events if I have enough to make up a force. I have virtually no Niode mechs below 75T so it's just a case of choosing the best crystal mecha for the job. Also sold off most of my low ton niode equipment.. Just before Chef introduced specialism D'oh.

Sten Hugo Hiller Sometimes I deplore my lack of foresight as well. Now, if you could create your favorite KOTM event, what would it be?

Ben Rail Easy Max1020T Torrent only event.. In part because I'd love to see all the moaning posts in the forum Seriously though I would like to see a crystal mech only event. I used to have a full crystal setup and use it to show others that it wasn't all about Niode mechs (although Niode equipment / weapons should be allowed)

Sten Hugo Hiller Well, wouldn’t be too much competition in the Torrent event. Only say 8-10 players competing. but from your lips to the Developers ears. Many would like to get hints on what mechs/equipment/weapons you recommend to become more competitive?

Ben Rail I've spent most of this game trying to work out the best options and that's why I'm still here as I've don't really know . First off optimize what you have, learn how to evaluate your formations. Pay attention to what the players who beat you are doing / using / buying. Focus your resources on making strong lines, don't dilute what you have across all your mechs. Join a good clan. Yes an unlimited check book will make you stronger but that doesn't mean you can't get stronger without one.

Sten Hugo Hiller Thank you for your insights. I guess you want to return to your clan for further celebrations. Do you have any final words?

Ben Rail I'm a quiet guy so will be retiring early, and have Squad Wars tomorrow and I feel we're going to get a bit of a beating. Thanks for the opportunity to chat and good luck to all those clans competing tomorrow may all your lasers burn brightly.

Sten Hugo Hiller Good luck to you as well and may your missiles explode.

Ben Rail Hopefully on the enemy not me

And off he went, probably to prepare mayhem in the Squad Wars. I finished my drink and went back to prepare survival. We would face Death in the morning.

Upcoming event: Point Mech Panic This is it. Give your best mech your best weapons and equipment and slug it out with those who think their machine is better. Remember; the scramble can last a anywhere from a few seconds to an whole hour. Sending supers to friends and getting them back is the best way to increase your staying power.

Event ends February 23 between 1700 and 1800 New York Time.

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