With the economy in the toilet and the general feeling that things are going south around me, I did manage to finish up the side work for Pokercrack.com. Roy and I both seem happy about the results and I am hopeful that this is just the beginning of things to generate a little cash here and there. I figured I'll contact Pete and see what he says about getting into this kind of thing more often.
Regardless, I also got paid for said work - but it is in my poker account. Up until last week I was planning on withdrawing the bulk of it and using it for bills and maybe a personal splurge on Foxwoods - but a couple of things have changed my mind on that front.
First off, my wife made indications that she wanted to use it for Christmas presents. While a good idea - it made me take a look at our checking account and the transactions therein. This was very enlightening and I'm concerned that if I made a withdrawal today to my checking account, I'm concerned the money would not be there next week - let alone in time for Christmas.
Second off, I worked hard for this money and would like the opportunity to use it for myself. Selfish? Certainly. In this light, I'm inclined to leave it in my poker account to try to grow it some more (since it gives me enough of a bankroll to play $2/$4 easily, $3/6 and $5/10 with a little more caution and bigger buyin tournaments). My plan since returning to poker has been to grow my bankroll and let it thrive - and I think this injection to it would help me along quite nicely - might even make a difference this year or the next in terms of getting caught up with things.
Anyway - there's other little things that I won't go into here - but I think that keeping it in my poker account for now is a solid idea. If I do decide to use it for Christmas, I can make a withdrawal closer to black friday and not have to worry about it getting used up previous to that.
Mark and I had a decent discussion about the current arrangement and I felt we accomplished alot by just talking. He plans at the worst to be out by Christmas - which I think is a solid goal at this point. He has a backup plan to stay at my mother's if things don't end up working out well enough to pick up an apartment. Lindsay doesn't think she can survive another 2 months with him - but I don't think there's much option here. He needs a place to stay, he just started another new job. We need some extra cash while Lindsay is unable to work due to her wrist. This all means him sticking around for a little longer.
Mark put together my mailbox yesterday which strikes another to-do off of my list. I need to get to the point where the laundry is caught up, dishes are caught up, etc. Once those are caught up, I really want to get to the point that I can finish up the "bill box" (where I throw all manner of bills, papers, etc) and start working on the closet. I'm still not sure what to do with all of the papers, as I don't have access to a shredder (and it would be a huge amount to shred in the first place) - and there's a lot of random crap in there that could be compromised if someone was intent on doing harm. I've contemplated dumping some dye or even water to just ruin the papers - but that has other issues (namely increasing the weight of the bags by quite a bit).
Writing of course has still not picked up. I can blame no one but myself on this front, but it is at least still in my mind.
For role-playing - I actually got in my 3rd session of my "monthly" game. We're coming up on a year since the first session - so I'm working closer to half-yearly than monthly - but what can I say? Life is busy! Online - I've got myself in an PbP game (3.5e) that moves along slowly and in a mini quest for the CoCo (4e). I also entered my first Expert DM Competition (XDMC) - 4e - which is the new MDMC's that I mentioned before. I have high hopes of doing well - but we'll see how things go.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
End of September - what will October bring?
September was a tough month for me. In poker - I was up about $500 but now, the last day of the month, I am at a profit of $6 - so I had a quick rush up and a quick rush down in the same month. Tournaments continue to treat me well, I still can't seem to get a good rhythm in ring games. My bankroll is back down to $200 or so - which is annoying considering where it was.
In October I think it will be wise to try to spend less time on it. I want to make a lot of money but at the same time, I spent a huge amount of time on it this month and while it was for enjoyment, I ended up being more frustrated than anything by it.
I should be finishing up the project for Pokercrack.com soon - which will be some much needed money in my pocket. I haven't decided yet if I'll withdraw it - but I rate it fairly likely that I will.
It appears that my forgetfulness of getting oil for the house is going to save me ~$75-100 due to the fact that gas prices have dipped a fair amount in the last week - as much as $0.50/gallon. I probably should've done a 200 gallon fill - but I am concerned I won't have enough money to do it since Lindsay's not working as much as she was. Lindsay hurt her wrist at volleyball last week and we're not sure how long it will be before she can go back to bartending.
The economy is basically in the toilet. I'm not sure how much this effects me other than I am generally concerned about where things will be in one week, one month, 6 months. I must be more stressed than usual because my exscema is acting up a fair amount more than usual. No one's made any comment on it (to which I am thankful), but it is something that I notice and it certainly bothers me.
I am still dragging my feet about working on cleaning up the house. Soon the temperatures will be dropping and I won't have much drive for it at all. I also want to get out and do more active things - I'm sometimes at a loss as to what though. Walking always seems my route - but I think more exercise intensive actions would be more useful.
Not sure what else to put down today - so I guess I'll close it here.
In October I think it will be wise to try to spend less time on it. I want to make a lot of money but at the same time, I spent a huge amount of time on it this month and while it was for enjoyment, I ended up being more frustrated than anything by it.
I should be finishing up the project for Pokercrack.com soon - which will be some much needed money in my pocket. I haven't decided yet if I'll withdraw it - but I rate it fairly likely that I will.
It appears that my forgetfulness of getting oil for the house is going to save me ~$75-100 due to the fact that gas prices have dipped a fair amount in the last week - as much as $0.50/gallon. I probably should've done a 200 gallon fill - but I am concerned I won't have enough money to do it since Lindsay's not working as much as she was. Lindsay hurt her wrist at volleyball last week and we're not sure how long it will be before she can go back to bartending.
The economy is basically in the toilet. I'm not sure how much this effects me other than I am generally concerned about where things will be in one week, one month, 6 months. I must be more stressed than usual because my exscema is acting up a fair amount more than usual. No one's made any comment on it (to which I am thankful), but it is something that I notice and it certainly bothers me.
I am still dragging my feet about working on cleaning up the house. Soon the temperatures will be dropping and I won't have much drive for it at all. I also want to get out and do more active things - I'm sometimes at a loss as to what though. Walking always seems my route - but I think more exercise intensive actions would be more useful.
Not sure what else to put down today - so I guess I'll close it here.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Work, wear and tear
I have been draining myself thin lately between work, family, poker and then all of the other crap I try to fit in my daily routine. I realized the other day that I try to work on a few things each day, but I very rarely accomplish much.
For instance, cleaning my house. I was working on the pile of papers that need to be shredded, recycled and whatever in the corner next to my computer desk. The pile overflows a 3x3x2ft cardboard box (I don't know how big it is exactly - it is one of the many boxes I used for moving crap from my condo to the house) and extends another foot above it - mostly using the computer desk to prevent a tumble of papers into my bedroom and over the floor. Anyway - I started working on it and promptly walked away after filling about 1/4 of a trash bag. I barely made a dent in it.
Anyway - I think work takes out a lot of my energy, but I'm fairly certain that I am also a little annoyed by how little the rest of my household does in terms of cleaning things up that are not regular cleanups. This is a tension point for me and is certainly something I need to bring up with my wife.
Currently, we also have a live-in guest. He's fallen on hard times, blah blah blah - but he needs to start contributing and he needs to be better about paying what few dollars we have requested of him. That - or he needs to find a place to stay himself. He doesn't put us out very much - I doubt he affects our bottom line - but he is at times very ungrateful and at times a little rude - and this is something that saddens me since I have provided him a place to stay for the last couple of months. To make matters worse, I think he quit his job on a whim last night - and I don't think he has another lined up to take its place.
Anyway - in terms of family, Gabe is doing great in school and continues to adjust to being on a schedule. This past week has been difficult because a cold has been making its way through the household - so Gabe actually stayed home a couple of times. Guenevere is having a good time as well - but its only preschool - so I'm just expecting play time stories from her. Every day though, they both sit at the kitchen table and practice their letters - something I wish we had started earlier (during the summer or even last year). They all know their letters by sight, but writing is still difficult for them.
Poker has been going a little better of late. I managed a deep finish in a cheap tournament the other day and had a monster of a session the other night at a ring game. Also, I'm pretty close to finishing the side work I have that should bring in another $1500. I think I'm planning on taking some of that money and trying a shot in a tournament down at Foxwoods - but I'll have to make plans for that and figure out when is a good time with work and such.
This weekend, I'm hoping to really get some work on cleaning done - whether it be the pile of papers, my front porch or something else. If the weather is nice, I might take the kids to the Zoo - since it is getting close to the time when it closes for the season and it will be a nice time to go (won't be too hot, won't be too busy). I'll check later if they have anything special going on this weekend.
For instance, cleaning my house. I was working on the pile of papers that need to be shredded, recycled and whatever in the corner next to my computer desk. The pile overflows a 3x3x2ft cardboard box (I don't know how big it is exactly - it is one of the many boxes I used for moving crap from my condo to the house) and extends another foot above it - mostly using the computer desk to prevent a tumble of papers into my bedroom and over the floor. Anyway - I started working on it and promptly walked away after filling about 1/4 of a trash bag. I barely made a dent in it.
Anyway - I think work takes out a lot of my energy, but I'm fairly certain that I am also a little annoyed by how little the rest of my household does in terms of cleaning things up that are not regular cleanups. This is a tension point for me and is certainly something I need to bring up with my wife.
Currently, we also have a live-in guest. He's fallen on hard times, blah blah blah - but he needs to start contributing and he needs to be better about paying what few dollars we have requested of him. That - or he needs to find a place to stay himself. He doesn't put us out very much - I doubt he affects our bottom line - but he is at times very ungrateful and at times a little rude - and this is something that saddens me since I have provided him a place to stay for the last couple of months. To make matters worse, I think he quit his job on a whim last night - and I don't think he has another lined up to take its place.
Anyway - in terms of family, Gabe is doing great in school and continues to adjust to being on a schedule. This past week has been difficult because a cold has been making its way through the household - so Gabe actually stayed home a couple of times. Guenevere is having a good time as well - but its only preschool - so I'm just expecting play time stories from her. Every day though, they both sit at the kitchen table and practice their letters - something I wish we had started earlier (during the summer or even last year). They all know their letters by sight, but writing is still difficult for them.
Poker has been going a little better of late. I managed a deep finish in a cheap tournament the other day and had a monster of a session the other night at a ring game. Also, I'm pretty close to finishing the side work I have that should bring in another $1500. I think I'm planning on taking some of that money and trying a shot in a tournament down at Foxwoods - but I'll have to make plans for that and figure out when is a good time with work and such.
This weekend, I'm hoping to really get some work on cleaning done - whether it be the pile of papers, my front porch or something else. If the weather is nice, I might take the kids to the Zoo - since it is getting close to the time when it closes for the season and it will be a nice time to go (won't be too hot, won't be too busy). I'll check later if they have anything special going on this weekend.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Kids back at school, Poker and Megamek
Well, it is past the first week of school now. Gabriel started in Spanish immersion this year; Guenevere is in preschool still. Gabe's class runs 4 days per week - a full school day on Monday and then half days Tuesday through Thursday. Due to my son's special needs, and yesterday being his first full day, it appears this will be the major work point for Lindsay and I. I happened to be home when he came home yesterday and he basically tore apart the house for a bit before finally calming down. Even when calmed down though - I could tell he was still out of sorts.
Guenevere has taken back to school as well as I expected - she loves it, missed it over the summer and is upset that her brother goes to class before she does.
Grayson is not in school of course, but is teething something fierce and is likewise miserable. He is also walking full speed and has taken a bit of a tantrum approach to life. Still, he's cute - so I don't think he's in trouble... yet.
Poker continues to produce well for me and my bankroll is almost up to $300. My side project for PokerCrack.com has hit a bit of a snag - but since that's an extra $1500 in my pocket, I want to owkr hard on it to make it satisfactory to Roy.
Megamek's new cycle just started. I only have had the time to play one match so far, but in general I am happy to see it back. I'll probably not really take much part in this campaign though - there's just too much going on to justify more than a time-to-time commitment.
Guenevere has taken back to school as well as I expected - she loves it, missed it over the summer and is upset that her brother goes to class before she does.
Grayson is not in school of course, but is teething something fierce and is likewise miserable. He is also walking full speed and has taken a bit of a tantrum approach to life. Still, he's cute - so I don't think he's in trouble... yet.
Poker continues to produce well for me and my bankroll is almost up to $300. My side project for PokerCrack.com has hit a bit of a snag - but since that's an extra $1500 in my pocket, I want to owkr hard on it to make it satisfactory to Roy.
Megamek's new cycle just started. I only have had the time to play one match so far, but in general I am happy to see it back. I'll probably not really take much part in this campaign though - there's just too much going on to justify more than a time-to-time commitment.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Just a quick update
Haven't been very good about updating this with any of my recent endeavors - but better late than never I suppose.
Lately, I've been getting back into poker and have been pleased to find that my game is starting to come around. August was a tough month and I was in the hole from day 1. I managed to fluctuate from down $50-100 or so for most of it - which was just frustrating. Near the end of the month though, I managed a 1st place finish in a 2-7 Triple Draw tournament and with the money from that and a couple of timely ring game wins - I was down a total of $7 for the month.
This month, however, has started off real well and I'm already up around $60 or so.
For the most part, I am concentrating on tournaments and mixing in ring games when I have the time and patience. The bankroll is still too small to take too many chances, but at least it is self-sustaining. With a solid tournament finish here and there it should grow quite well.
In non-poker adventures, I'm barely playing Maple Story anymore and have netted about 10% in the past two weeks on my main character (TelinArtho2). My wizard also has gained some, but just from Carnivals.
I've also stopped playing Megamek.net during the test cycle. The new cycle starts this weekend though - so I'll plan to split my poker time with it since it is a fun game to play - especially at the beginning of the cycle. Of course, if I make some decent money at poker - I'm more likely to stay on that activity more... decisions decisions.
I've also been trying to get myself back into writing, which has been arduous and not successful thus far. I need to really set down and put some effort into it - but I have to admit - when I do have the time (after work, after the kids are asleep, after I've unwound for a little bit), I'm pretty tired. Regardless - these are just excuses. I have at least started digging around for my past writings and have been disappointed with what I've found.
I found out that Critters.org is still up and running strong. It is a critique website for writers of fantasy, science fiction and horror and was a staple of my writing time during my college and post-college years. I haven't stopped over there since my son was born (and I know this since my profile over there mentions my son) - so its been 4+ years. My how time passes.
It is of course the end of summer and I've gotten little done around the house to show for it. My lawn is overgrown, my house is a tattered mess. This weekend, despite the hurricane that is moving in on Saturday, I'm hoping to get some solid cleaning done to prepare for the fall and winter months.
I'll try to keep posting over here when I get the chance and the time - at the very least it is an outlet of thoughts - which helps the flow for when I do write. Maybe next time, I'll post about some of the story ideas I am fleshing out in my head (to at least get them started).
That's it for now.
Lately, I've been getting back into poker and have been pleased to find that my game is starting to come around. August was a tough month and I was in the hole from day 1. I managed to fluctuate from down $50-100 or so for most of it - which was just frustrating. Near the end of the month though, I managed a 1st place finish in a 2-7 Triple Draw tournament and with the money from that and a couple of timely ring game wins - I was down a total of $7 for the month.
This month, however, has started off real well and I'm already up around $60 or so.
For the most part, I am concentrating on tournaments and mixing in ring games when I have the time and patience. The bankroll is still too small to take too many chances, but at least it is self-sustaining. With a solid tournament finish here and there it should grow quite well.
In non-poker adventures, I'm barely playing Maple Story anymore and have netted about 10% in the past two weeks on my main character (TelinArtho2). My wizard also has gained some, but just from Carnivals.
I've also stopped playing Megamek.net during the test cycle. The new cycle starts this weekend though - so I'll plan to split my poker time with it since it is a fun game to play - especially at the beginning of the cycle. Of course, if I make some decent money at poker - I'm more likely to stay on that activity more... decisions decisions.
I've also been trying to get myself back into writing, which has been arduous and not successful thus far. I need to really set down and put some effort into it - but I have to admit - when I do have the time (after work, after the kids are asleep, after I've unwound for a little bit), I'm pretty tired. Regardless - these are just excuses. I have at least started digging around for my past writings and have been disappointed with what I've found.
I found out that Critters.org is still up and running strong. It is a critique website for writers of fantasy, science fiction and horror and was a staple of my writing time during my college and post-college years. I haven't stopped over there since my son was born (and I know this since my profile over there mentions my son) - so its been 4+ years. My how time passes.
It is of course the end of summer and I've gotten little done around the house to show for it. My lawn is overgrown, my house is a tattered mess. This weekend, despite the hurricane that is moving in on Saturday, I'm hoping to get some solid cleaning done to prepare for the fall and winter months.
I'll try to keep posting over here when I get the chance and the time - at the very least it is an outlet of thoughts - which helps the flow for when I do write. Maybe next time, I'll post about some of the story ideas I am fleshing out in my head (to at least get them started).
That's it for now.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Losses that Could have Been Wins
The last two nights I have lost, for the most part, from just being unlucky. 2nd round of combat last night, I move my clint (AC10 variant) to partial cover for 6 hexes (7 hexes would have been without partial cover so not as desirable). My opponent fires a large laser, hits the clint's torso and pierces it to explode the ammo.
In that fight, my rommel tank also got several shots with his AC20 that missed which would have been very critical.
Nothing to be done about it - it was a close match despite the early loss of the clint - but it just happens.
The night before - I was doing well enough until I jumped my PXH into light woods 5 hexes away (+3 movement modifier). He ran his charger next to my PXH and kicked the leg off (he was a 4/4 Melee specialist though). Unfortunate - but not much I can do about it.
Again - this fight was close - but just didn't work out.
In any case, that brings my net gain down to 3% due to these two losses. Hopefully I'll be able to make some strides for improvement along that front in the coming days, but we'll see how it goes.
My hanger is looking solid with recent purchases including a thunderbolt to help round out my heavy lance, and a hunchback to replace my whitworth that I lost the other day. I've taken to having 3-4 armies active - one around 3k, one around 4k and the last at 5k+. I actually have two options for my heavy lance currently which puts them both at 5.5k - so I only usually have one built at a time.
In that fight, my rommel tank also got several shots with his AC20 that missed which would have been very critical.
Nothing to be done about it - it was a close match despite the early loss of the clint - but it just happens.
The night before - I was doing well enough until I jumped my PXH into light woods 5 hexes away (+3 movement modifier). He ran his charger next to my PXH and kicked the leg off (he was a 4/4 Melee specialist though). Unfortunate - but not much I can do about it.
Again - this fight was close - but just didn't work out.
In any case, that brings my net gain down to 3% due to these two losses. Hopefully I'll be able to make some strides for improvement along that front in the coming days, but we'll see how it goes.
My hanger is looking solid with recent purchases including a thunderbolt to help round out my heavy lance, and a hunchback to replace my whitworth that I lost the other day. I've taken to having 3-4 armies active - one around 3k, one around 4k and the last at 5k+. I actually have two options for my heavy lance currently which puts them both at 5.5k - so I only usually have one built at a time.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Been a week or two - so let's give an update
Took a week off from work and as such had a lot of time to myself. This gave me plenty of time for a lot of things - and updating the blog wasn't really on my to do list. However, I did get a fair number of games in on MegaMek. Not everything went perfectly - but my hangar has grown well and I believe I am winning more important games than losing. I guess after I do a quick rundown, I'll be able to see whether that is true or not. So let's take a quick look:
Bandit Reprisals - 3 wins, 1 loss; 0 campaign effect
Captures - 1 win, 1 loss; Net 0% campaign effect (+2%, -2%)
Hit'n'Runs - 3 wins, 1 cancel, 6 losses; Net -3% campaign effect (+3%, -6%)
Maraude - 1 loss; 0 campaign effect (some lost comps, no %)
Patrols - 12 wins, 1 cancel, 5 losses; Net +7% campaign effect (+12%, -5%)
Pillage - 2 wins, 3 losses; Net -2% campaign effect (+4%, -6%)
Scout - 1 win, 1 loss; Net 0% campaign effect (+1%, -1%)
Sentry - 1 loss; Net -1% campaign effect (+0%, -1%)
Strategical Invasion - 2 wins, 2 losses; Net 0% campaign effect (+12%, -12%)
Vigilant Strike - 1 win; Net +6% campaign effect (+6%, -0%)
Overall: +7% campaign effect
Now - this is skewed because I know there were some missions where I had no loss (because it was a planet where we had no % anyway) - but without the specific lines from each mission, I can't gather that info. Regardless, I would rather work on the assumption that all wins gained % and all losses lost %. In addition, some of the missions have effect that are more than just the % gained or lost - but it is impossible for me to quantify that without a like amount of information about the finish.
Overall - I'm very happy with how things have been going. My hangar is about at its best so far and I am still growing it when I can. Hopefully, I'll be able to move up to Frontline commander sooner or later and really get into the bigger missions. I would definitely like to try out the super operation with a 30k lance or so - but I guess that will depend on how things go.
Bandit Reprisals - 3 wins, 1 loss; 0 campaign effect
Captures - 1 win, 1 loss; Net 0% campaign effect (+2%, -2%)
Hit'n'Runs - 3 wins, 1 cancel, 6 losses; Net -3% campaign effect (+3%, -6%)
Maraude - 1 loss; 0 campaign effect (some lost comps, no %)
Patrols - 12 wins, 1 cancel, 5 losses; Net +7% campaign effect (+12%, -5%)
Pillage - 2 wins, 3 losses; Net -2% campaign effect (+4%, -6%)
Scout - 1 win, 1 loss; Net 0% campaign effect (+1%, -1%)
Sentry - 1 loss; Net -1% campaign effect (+0%, -1%)
Strategical Invasion - 2 wins, 2 losses; Net 0% campaign effect (+12%, -12%)
Vigilant Strike - 1 win; Net +6% campaign effect (+6%, -0%)
Overall: +7% campaign effect
Now - this is skewed because I know there were some missions where I had no loss (because it was a planet where we had no % anyway) - but without the specific lines from each mission, I can't gather that info. Regardless, I would rather work on the assumption that all wins gained % and all losses lost %. In addition, some of the missions have effect that are more than just the % gained or lost - but it is impossible for me to quantify that without a like amount of information about the finish.
Overall - I'm very happy with how things have been going. My hangar is about at its best so far and I am still growing it when I can. Hopefully, I'll be able to move up to Frontline commander sooner or later and really get into the bigger missions. I would definitely like to try out the super operation with a 30k lance or so - but I guess that will depend on how things go.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
The Benefits of Partial Cover
I cannot express how much a map can really help or hinder a mission. Take my fight from last night, for example. I was deployed on the north side, my opponent on the south. About 5 hexes away to the south of my starting area, it becomes +1 level and increases up to about +4 level in the middle. Heading further south- it dips back down - but only to +2 or so. In other words - my opponent had higher ground than me (for the record - the original map was worse for me and I asked for a remap - and this is what I got...).
Here's the armies that we had:
His army: TBT-5N [4/5], WTH-1 [4/5MA], OTT-7J [4/5], CDA-2A [4/5]; BV: 3476
My army: CN9-AH [4/5MS], HBK-4H [4/5], VLK-QA [4/5], FS9-M [4/5]; BV: 3583
As can be easily seen - he's got the advantage at range. He's also got some fast movers that can ruin my day if they get to my rear.
Anyway we both close in - he's shooting on 7s with his LRMs, I'm shooting on 11s, 12s with my AC10 and LRMs. I move my firestarter to a hidden place to at least protect it for one round. The next round - he's at short range with his LRMs - so he stays put - I close some more - but the terrain slows me down - my HBK runs for a +1 modifier and medium range with his AC10; my centurion walks for a +0 modifier and medium range with his LRM10. My Valkyrie stays put for a round.
This round I'm shooting at 9s (4+2 (run)+2 (medium range) +1 partial cover) - despite the fact that the TBT doesn't move. My centurion shoots at 8s. My Valk shoots the CDA with his LRM at an 8 as well.
I deal 19 damage to the TBT (which is actually quite good considering) - he deals 20+ to my HBK - I fail the PSR and fall. Great! Just great.
Next round - the HBK stands - but fails, stands again and moves 1 hex at running for a +0 modifier, but is now at 9 hexes. My firestarter is finally in position to strike the WTH in melee after running 7 hexes (the first favorable movement modifier set I have had this match); my valkyrie jumps to a level 2 forest with his back to a level 0 area - so he can't really be backstabbed too badly. The OTT does move there - but at least that's only 1 medium laser to contend with.
My firestarter is firing 2 MLs, 2 SLs, and 2 MGs at the WTH with a +6 modifier (4 base, +2 running). He hits with 1 ML and an MG. Yay. My hunchback misses the TBT with his AC10, but manages to hit once with a ML at long range (a nice 11 to-hit). I fail to cause any PSRs, but my hunchback suffers one - falling again.
In the next round - I focus all of my efforts on the TBT, but end up with an exploded HBK instead.
In other words - I feel I lost this match because of the map - but the dice really didn't help either. Luckily - I do have a HBK-4G to replace the blown HBK-4H here. It does mean that my range has decreased again though - and I rather liked having an AC10 in the mix. That said - I do enjoy dual AC20s...
Anyway - due to losses and such over the last few days, here's my current stats:
3 bandit reprisals - 2 wins, 1 loss
7 patrols - 5 wins, 2 losses
4 hit'n'runs - 1 win, 3 losses
1 scout - 1 loss.
(I also had a bandit reprisal, a patrol that were both rolledback that also were wins - but they don't count for the faction).
Anyway - that means I have netted 0% for the campaign so far.
Here's the armies that we had:
His army: TBT-5N [4/5], WTH-1 [4/5MA], OTT-7J [4/5], CDA-2A [4/5]; BV: 3476
My army: CN9-AH [4/5MS], HBK-4H [4/5], VLK-QA [4/5], FS9-M [4/5]; BV: 3583
As can be easily seen - he's got the advantage at range. He's also got some fast movers that can ruin my day if they get to my rear.
Anyway we both close in - he's shooting on 7s with his LRMs, I'm shooting on 11s, 12s with my AC10 and LRMs. I move my firestarter to a hidden place to at least protect it for one round. The next round - he's at short range with his LRMs - so he stays put - I close some more - but the terrain slows me down - my HBK runs for a +1 modifier and medium range with his AC10; my centurion walks for a +0 modifier and medium range with his LRM10. My Valkyrie stays put for a round.
This round I'm shooting at 9s (4+2 (run)+2 (medium range) +1 partial cover) - despite the fact that the TBT doesn't move. My centurion shoots at 8s. My Valk shoots the CDA with his LRM at an 8 as well.
I deal 19 damage to the TBT (which is actually quite good considering) - he deals 20+ to my HBK - I fail the PSR and fall. Great! Just great.
Next round - the HBK stands - but fails, stands again and moves 1 hex at running for a +0 modifier, but is now at 9 hexes. My firestarter is finally in position to strike the WTH in melee after running 7 hexes (the first favorable movement modifier set I have had this match); my valkyrie jumps to a level 2 forest with his back to a level 0 area - so he can't really be backstabbed too badly. The OTT does move there - but at least that's only 1 medium laser to contend with.
My firestarter is firing 2 MLs, 2 SLs, and 2 MGs at the WTH with a +6 modifier (4 base, +2 running). He hits with 1 ML and an MG. Yay. My hunchback misses the TBT with his AC10, but manages to hit once with a ML at long range (a nice 11 to-hit). I fail to cause any PSRs, but my hunchback suffers one - falling again.
In the next round - I focus all of my efforts on the TBT, but end up with an exploded HBK instead.
In other words - I feel I lost this match because of the map - but the dice really didn't help either. Luckily - I do have a HBK-4G to replace the blown HBK-4H here. It does mean that my range has decreased again though - and I rather liked having an AC10 in the mix. That said - I do enjoy dual AC20s...
Anyway - due to losses and such over the last few days, here's my current stats:
3 bandit reprisals - 2 wins, 1 loss
7 patrols - 5 wins, 2 losses
4 hit'n'runs - 1 win, 3 losses
1 scout - 1 loss.
(I also had a bandit reprisal, a patrol that were both rolledback that also were wins - but they don't count for the faction).
Anyway - that means I have netted 0% for the campaign so far.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Taking a hit and Failed Piloting Skill Rolls
Well - in contrast to the weekend, last night was a rough night. I played in three missions and managed to lose them all. I feel that I had a decent shot in two of them and the third was a far cry from reasonable. Regardless, my losses were reasonable - so I cost the faction some campaign points, but still came out ahead in terms of money, mechs and bays.
The first match, I decided I would try out my Goliath in a mission, so I attacked a FS on the front.
My army: GOL-1H [4/5], WTH-1S [4/5], TBT-5S [4/5DM], JR7-F [4/5]; BV: 4411
His army: ENF-4R [4/5], HBK-4G [4/4], HBK-4H [4/4], CN9-A [4/5]; BV: 4401
Map type: not sure - had a huge trench at -4 level with mostly -1 and 0 level surrounding it to divide the map.
This one was great for my goliath - an isolated area to sit at +1 level with hull down while the opponents and the rest of my lance tore it up on -1 or 0 land. Things started off well, but took a huge turn for the worse when I made a very bad move with my TBT-5S that left it in point blank with the HBK-4G. He needed a 9 to hit with the AC20 - got it - and blew up the trebuchet's ammo. One mech down.
I tried to recover - focusing my efforts on the HBK-4G since it was already in bad shape - but he soon had my JR7-F on the ground with a hip crit and that was pretty much all I could do.
I can blame my loss in that fight on missing 3 regular PSRs - but the fact remains that my movement for the TBT-5S was very subpar. My opponent had shown his willingness to fire the AC20 at 9 hexes with an 11 to-hit - I should have been content to let him use it all up. In the end - I was too aggressive.
The next fight, I didn't have much of a serious chance:
My army: WVR-6R [4/5], CDA-2A [4/5], SDR-5V [4/5], VLK-QA [4/5]; BV: 3105
His army: BJ-1 [4/5], Goblin (LRM Variant) [4/4], JVN-10F [4/5], Warrior H-7C Attack Helicopter [4/5]; BV: 3008
My wolverine did have the precision ammo that has been so popular in the last few days, but it did little to ease my comfort in that fight. I managed to get 2 shots at the VTOL - one at 11 and one at 12 - but neither connected. In that time, I had done minimal damage to his blackjack and goblin; he managed to do 20+ dmg on two rounds running on my cicada and in both cases, I failed piloting skill rolls to remain standing. On the second one - I damaged a foot actuator and a hip - making it effectively crippled.
In the last round, my spider moved in one level above the blackjack. He hit armor with both lasers, but missed the 6 to-hit on the kick; in return he took some damage in the firing phase, and got his leg kicked off in the physical phase. Blah.
I surrendered and managed to keep the cicada amazingly enough.
My last match looked much more favorable to me - a bandit reprisal with 4 units versus my opponent's 7:
My army: WVR-6R [4/5], CDA-2A [4/5], SDR-5V [4/5], VLK-QA [4/5]; BV: 3105
His army: VLK-QA [4/5], SDR-5D [4/5], STG-3R [4/5AT2], COM-2D [4/5], Hunter Light Support Tank [4/5], Jump Platoon (Flamer) [4/5]; BV: 2839 (BV vs 4.0 units : 3036)
The map was in his favor - but not horrible so. In round 1- the precision ammo eared its worth by hitting the stinger's arm and critting the medium laser there. After that - the battle was split between my WVR and VLK in close range with his SDR while my CDA and SDR were in close range with the rest of his forces. In retrospect - a very bad match up...
Regardless, he managed to move to the rear of my wolverine and with a single medium laser hit - got a TAC to hit the WVR's ammo - 152 armor destroyed in one lucky shot... Meanwhile, I killed off his COM-2D and his badly damaged STG failed a death from above against my spider who happened to be on the edge. In the last round, I missed everything - he hit my VLK hard and I was in bad shape - so I surrendered.
I drew from the factories and received a Shadowhawk - a mech I still don't like. After much waiting I did draw once more and gained a chameleon.
This morning, I traded away the shadowhawk and bought two more bays when a faction mate was quitting. He gave me an ARC-2S (2 LRM15s, 2 SRM4s instead of the 2 LRM20s) and a Jump Infantry (MG) to work with - which is much appreciated.
The first match, I decided I would try out my Goliath in a mission, so I attacked a FS on the front.
My army: GOL-1H [4/5], WTH-1S [4/5], TBT-5S [4/5DM], JR7-F [4/5]; BV: 4411
His army: ENF-4R [4/5], HBK-4G [4/4], HBK-4H [4/4], CN9-A [4/5]; BV: 4401
Map type: not sure - had a huge trench at -4 level with mostly -1 and 0 level surrounding it to divide the map.
This one was great for my goliath - an isolated area to sit at +1 level with hull down while the opponents and the rest of my lance tore it up on -1 or 0 land. Things started off well, but took a huge turn for the worse when I made a very bad move with my TBT-5S that left it in point blank with the HBK-4G. He needed a 9 to hit with the AC20 - got it - and blew up the trebuchet's ammo. One mech down.
I tried to recover - focusing my efforts on the HBK-4G since it was already in bad shape - but he soon had my JR7-F on the ground with a hip crit and that was pretty much all I could do.
I can blame my loss in that fight on missing 3 regular PSRs - but the fact remains that my movement for the TBT-5S was very subpar. My opponent had shown his willingness to fire the AC20 at 9 hexes with an 11 to-hit - I should have been content to let him use it all up. In the end - I was too aggressive.
The next fight, I didn't have much of a serious chance:
My army: WVR-6R [4/5], CDA-2A [4/5], SDR-5V [4/5], VLK-QA [4/5]; BV: 3105
His army: BJ-1 [4/5], Goblin (LRM Variant) [4/4], JVN-10F [4/5], Warrior H-7C Attack Helicopter [4/5]; BV: 3008
My wolverine did have the precision ammo that has been so popular in the last few days, but it did little to ease my comfort in that fight. I managed to get 2 shots at the VTOL - one at 11 and one at 12 - but neither connected. In that time, I had done minimal damage to his blackjack and goblin; he managed to do 20+ dmg on two rounds running on my cicada and in both cases, I failed piloting skill rolls to remain standing. On the second one - I damaged a foot actuator and a hip - making it effectively crippled.
In the last round, my spider moved in one level above the blackjack. He hit armor with both lasers, but missed the 6 to-hit on the kick; in return he took some damage in the firing phase, and got his leg kicked off in the physical phase. Blah.
I surrendered and managed to keep the cicada amazingly enough.
My last match looked much more favorable to me - a bandit reprisal with 4 units versus my opponent's 7:
My army: WVR-6R [4/5], CDA-2A [4/5], SDR-5V [4/5], VLK-QA [4/5]; BV: 3105
His army: VLK-QA [4/5], SDR-5D [4/5], STG-3R [4/5AT2], COM-2D [4/5], Hunter Light Support Tank [4/5], Jump Platoon (Flamer) [4/5]; BV: 2839 (BV vs 4.0 units : 3036)
The map was in his favor - but not horrible so. In round 1- the precision ammo eared its worth by hitting the stinger's arm and critting the medium laser there. After that - the battle was split between my WVR and VLK in close range with his SDR while my CDA and SDR were in close range with the rest of his forces. In retrospect - a very bad match up...
Regardless, he managed to move to the rear of my wolverine and with a single medium laser hit - got a TAC to hit the WVR's ammo - 152 armor destroyed in one lucky shot... Meanwhile, I killed off his COM-2D and his badly damaged STG failed a death from above against my spider who happened to be on the edge. In the last round, I missed everything - he hit my VLK hard and I was in bad shape - so I surrendered.
I drew from the factories and received a Shadowhawk - a mech I still don't like. After much waiting I did draw once more and gained a chameleon.
This morning, I traded away the shadowhawk and bought two more bays when a faction mate was quitting. He gave me an ARC-2S (2 LRM15s, 2 SRM4s instead of the 2 LRM20s) and a Jump Infantry (MG) to work with - which is much appreciated.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Here come the Dragons
Well - a very good weekend overall.
First off, on Friday, the admins of the server decided they would allow precision ammo in AC5 and AC2 guns. Precision ammo is particularly effective against fast moving mechs and vees - so the instant it went up - the doomsday reports started coming in. Personally - I don't use many AC5s or AC2s - so I wasn't too sure how much this would affect me.
I played a total of seven games this weekend, though the exact mission types for some of them I don't have on hand. I played and won 1 tutorial; 1 skirmish, and 3 patrols. I also lost 2 patrols. Some of those patrols might actually be Hit and Run missions - I'll correct that part tomorrow.
Notable events: Well - my hangar has undergone a reasonable amount of turnover. I lost my HBK-4G to salvage when his leg was blown off, a WVR-6R to salvage when his head was kicked off, a LCT-1E to salvage when his leg was blown off, a STG-3G with 2 engine hits and a missing leg to salvage and a JVN10-N to an ammo explosion. I also scrapped a WSP-1K with 2 engine hits.
In terms of gains, I added a GOL-1H thanks to a generous factionmate, a Padilla (LRM variant) tank (also a generous factionmate). WVR-6R, JR7-F, VLK-QA, SDR-5V were all of my factory draws. In terms of mechs I gained from salvage, I added a WTH-1S, CDA-2A, and a BJ-1 (which I gave away to a factionmate).
I am looking forward to using the goliath - as 4-legged mechs are my favorite to work with - but I won't be able to until I reach "Regular Commander" status - which I think I'll be eligible for around 1k exp. Since I'm sitting at about 550xp - it will probably be another week or so to get there.
Overall, the faction has had a solid weekend - but it ended up as a net of around 0 campaign points. That we were down almost 50 or so though is nice to know that we recovered.
For my part, I have netted 3% for the faction (+5%, -2%).
First off, on Friday, the admins of the server decided they would allow precision ammo in AC5 and AC2 guns. Precision ammo is particularly effective against fast moving mechs and vees - so the instant it went up - the doomsday reports started coming in. Personally - I don't use many AC5s or AC2s - so I wasn't too sure how much this would affect me.
I played a total of seven games this weekend, though the exact mission types for some of them I don't have on hand. I played and won 1 tutorial; 1 skirmish, and 3 patrols. I also lost 2 patrols. Some of those patrols might actually be Hit and Run missions - I'll correct that part tomorrow.
Notable events: Well - my hangar has undergone a reasonable amount of turnover. I lost my HBK-4G to salvage when his leg was blown off, a WVR-6R to salvage when his head was kicked off, a LCT-1E to salvage when his leg was blown off, a STG-3G with 2 engine hits and a missing leg to salvage and a JVN10-N to an ammo explosion. I also scrapped a WSP-1K with 2 engine hits.
In terms of gains, I added a GOL-1H thanks to a generous factionmate, a Padilla (LRM variant) tank (also a generous factionmate). WVR-6R, JR7-F, VLK-QA, SDR-5V were all of my factory draws. In terms of mechs I gained from salvage, I added a WTH-1S, CDA-2A, and a BJ-1 (which I gave away to a factionmate).
I am looking forward to using the goliath - as 4-legged mechs are my favorite to work with - but I won't be able to until I reach "Regular Commander" status - which I think I'll be eligible for around 1k exp. Since I'm sitting at about 550xp - it will probably be another week or so to get there.
Overall, the faction has had a solid weekend - but it ended up as a net of around 0 campaign points. That we were down almost 50 or so though is nice to know that we recovered.
For my part, I have netted 3% for the faction (+5%, -2%).
Friday, April 11, 2008
Adventures in AC20 land...
Apparently, after I logged off the other night, Megamek went through a rollback - meaning my 2 wins and the 2 mechs I bought were essentially gone from the game. No biggie - BJ-1's and COM-2D's are not exactly premium mechs - and the wins are not so important.
So I logged in last night and got re-promoted to Garrison Commander and bought my medium mech over again - this time getting a 4/4 Wolverine WVR-6R. A solid mech - but its high BV makes it a little difficult to use with what I've got. It is certainly a spot better than the BJ though - so no complaints from me.
I also bought another light mech and got a Stinger STG-3G - which is nothing special but again - a spot better than the COM-2D.
I started off with a tutorial match against a new player.
My army: HBK-4G [4/5], LCT-1E [4/5], LCT-1V [4/4], SDR-5K [4/5]; BV: 2594
His army: STG-3G [4/5], JVN-10N [4/5], LCT-1V [4/5], JR7-F [4/5NAG]; BV: 2534
His inexperience was plainly obvious, so I did my best to give him pointers when I could. Still, the match was over quickly even without my AC20 hitting anything. His biggest problems were movement modifiers though - he frequently was running his mechs to a +1 movement mod - and on a relatively open map, that will spell doom for them.
Anyway - I quickly got into another match so that I could do my faction some good. This time I attacked a Lyran in a patrol. Here's the makeup:
My army: HBK-4G [4/5], LCT-1E [4/5], LCT-1V [4/4], SDR-5K [4/5]; BV: 2594
His army: Goblin (LRM Variant) [4/5], UM-R60 [4/5], COM-2D [4/5NAG], COM-2D [4/5PR], STG-3R [4/5]; BV: 2601 (BV vs 4.0 units : 2731)
Map type: Volcano (with elevations as high as level 10!)
I placed my HBK first and it turns out - in the wrong position. I joked in chat that it would be round 6 before he got his first shot in. In actuality - it was round 7. By the time my HBK was in position to start firing, my LCT-1V had just cored itself by charging the UM-R60 off of the map (a very worthwhile trade off - the UM-R60 was camping over the Goblin tank) and my SDR-5K had exploded. So by the time it was in position - I had 2 mechs to his 3 mechs and 1 tank.
(Round 7 – first shot)
Weapons fire for Hunchback HBK-4G ID:1 (TelinArtho)
Auto Cannon/20 at Commando COM-2D ID:7 (Vorkosigan); needs 9, rolls 9 : hits LL
Commando COM-2D ID:7 (Vorkosigan) takes 20 damage to LL. Armor destroyed, <<>>,
11 damage transfers to LT.
Critical hit on LL. Roll is 4; no effect.
Commando COM-2D ID:7 (Vorkosigan) takes 11 damage to LT. Armor destroyed, 1 Internal Structure remaining
Critical hit on LT. Roll is 4; no effect.
(Round 8)
Weapons fire for Hunchback HBK-4G ID:1 (TelinArtho)
Auto Cannon/20 at Stinger STG-3R ID:9 (Vorkosigan); needs 9, rolls 9 : hits (using Left Side table) LA
Stinger STG-3R ID:9 (Vorkosigan) takes 20 damage to LA. Armor destroyed, <<>>,
13 damage transfers to LT.
Critical hit on LA. Roll is 9; 1 location.
<<>> on Hand.
Stinger STG-3R ID:9 (Vorkosigan) takes 13 damage to LT. Armor destroyed, <<>>,
5 damage transfers to CT.
Critical hit on LT. Roll is 9; 1 location.
<<>> on Heat Sink.
Stinger STG-3R ID:9 (Vorkosigan) takes 5 damage to CT. 1 Armor remaining.
(Round 9)
Weapons fire for Hunchback HBK-4G ID:1 (TelinArtho)
Auto Cannon/20 at Stinger STG-3R ID:9 (Vorkosigan); needs 8, rolls 11 : hits (using Right Side table) RA
Stinger STG-3R ID:9 (Vorkosigan) takes 20 damage to RA. <<>>,
18 damage transfers to RT.
Critical hit on RA. Roll is 4; no effect.
Stinger STG-3R ID:9 (Vorkosigan) takes 18 damage to RT. Armor destroyed, <<>>,
12 damage transfers to CT.
Critical hit on RT. Roll is 7; no effect.
Stinger STG-3R ID:9 (Vorkosigan) takes 12 damage to CT. Armor destroyed, <<>>,
Stinger STG-3R ID:9 (Vorkosigan) has taken 6 engine hits this round.
Checking for engine explosion on 12, roll is 9.
Engine safety systems remain in place.
*** Stinger STG-3R ID:9 (Vorkosigan) DESTROYED by damage! ***
Critical hit on CT. Roll is 4; no effect.
My opponent surrendered after that last one to give me the victory despite having a lower overall BV.
After I repaired, I found I still had enough to buy a medium mech - so I grabbed one from the factories - a CN9-AH (AC20 variant). In the past, I've been particularly impressed with this variant - so I am happy to add it to my hangar. I did lose both the LCT and SDR as I mentioned above - but those losses were not so bad as to discourage me.
My last match of the night was an exercise in comedy. First off, my would-be opponent put in to the main channel that he was looking for a battle and my army was right on the money for one of his. I sent him a PM and he responded that he had put the wrong army up and that the actual BV was much higher.
So I made a small change to my lance and went active - immediately getting blinded for 148 above my BV with his other announced army. After I slapped myself on the forehead - I took the match and cringed.
My army: HBK-4G [4/5], CN9-AH [4/4], LCT-1E [4/5], JVN-10N [4/5]; BV: 3275
His army: HCT-3F [4/5], HCT-3F [4/5], WTH-1S [4/5], FS9-M [4/5]; BV: 3423
Map type: Tundra (pretty flat and open - some level 1 and 2 ground - some forest and rubble)
He declared that he was going to get decimated - but I wasn't so sure. My AC20s would sure pack a punch - but his 2 AC10s and his many medium lasers were sure to cause some damage.
To start off - we danced a bit at range - waiting until my HBK could get into a solid position for closing. A couple of LRM hits did nothing but scratch a HCT's armor a little. Then, the fireworks started:
Weapons fire for Centurion CN9-AH ID:6 (TelinArtho)
Auto Cannon/20 at Hatchetman HCT-3F ID:1 (VanZant); needs 9, rolls 10 : hits RA
Hatchetman HCT-3F ID:1 (VanZant) takes 20 damage to RA. Armor destroyed, <<>>,
2 damage transfers to RT.
Critical hit on RA. Roll is 7; no effect.
Hatchetman HCT-3F ID:1 (VanZant) takes 2 damage to RT. 12 Armor remaining.
And then, in the next round:
Weapons fire for Hunchback HBK-4G ID:5 (TelinArtho)
Auto Cannon/20 at Whitworth WTH-1S ID:3 (VanZant); needs 10, rolls 10 : hits LT
Whitworth WTH-1S ID:3 (VanZant) takes 20 damage to LT. Armor destroyed, 2 Internal Structure remaining
Critical hit on LT. Roll is 7; no effect.
Weapons fire for Centurion CN9-AH ID:6 (TelinArtho)
Auto Cannon/20 at Firestarter FS9-M ID:4 (VanZant); needs 7, rolls 8 : hits LL
Firestarter FS9-M ID:4 (VanZant) takes 20 damage to LL. Armor destroyed, <<>>,
Critical hit on LL. Roll is 10; 2 locations.
<<>> on Foot.
<<>> on Jump Jet.
In the mean time - he had opened up some armor on my JVN and had legged my LCT-E. However, once his firestarter fell - he wasn't too keen on continuing on.
On the very positive side here - I didn't lose a single mech and I managed to salvage his FS9-M (the Mirage Firestarter) - which is a nifty mech to have available. On the negative side - my CN9-AH pilot leveled up to 3/4 - which pushes its BV up to ~1400 and outside of the range that I can use it for now.
Right after the match - I was having connection issues - so I didn't get a chance to update my hangar listings - but there's nothing too special yet to report.
Performance (only for missions that didn't get rolled-back): 1 Bandit Reprisal (1 win, 0 lost), 2 Patrols (2 wins, 0 lost).
Net Percentage for the Faction: +2 %
So I logged in last night and got re-promoted to Garrison Commander and bought my medium mech over again - this time getting a 4/4 Wolverine WVR-6R. A solid mech - but its high BV makes it a little difficult to use with what I've got. It is certainly a spot better than the BJ though - so no complaints from me.
I also bought another light mech and got a Stinger STG-3G - which is nothing special but again - a spot better than the COM-2D.
I started off with a tutorial match against a new player.
My army: HBK-4G [4/5], LCT-1E [4/5], LCT-1V [4/4], SDR-5K [4/5]; BV: 2594
His army: STG-3G [4/5], JVN-10N [4/5], LCT-1V [4/5], JR7-F [4/5NAG]; BV: 2534
His inexperience was plainly obvious, so I did my best to give him pointers when I could. Still, the match was over quickly even without my AC20 hitting anything. His biggest problems were movement modifiers though - he frequently was running his mechs to a +1 movement mod - and on a relatively open map, that will spell doom for them.
Anyway - I quickly got into another match so that I could do my faction some good. This time I attacked a Lyran in a patrol. Here's the makeup:
My army: HBK-4G [4/5], LCT-1E [4/5], LCT-1V [4/4], SDR-5K [4/5]; BV: 2594
His army: Goblin (LRM Variant) [4/5], UM-R60 [4/5], COM-2D [4/5NAG], COM-2D [4/5PR], STG-3R [4/5]; BV: 2601 (BV vs 4.0 units : 2731)
Map type: Volcano (with elevations as high as level 10!)
I placed my HBK first and it turns out - in the wrong position. I joked in chat that it would be round 6 before he got his first shot in. In actuality - it was round 7. By the time my HBK was in position to start firing, my LCT-1V had just cored itself by charging the UM-R60 off of the map (a very worthwhile trade off - the UM-R60 was camping over the Goblin tank) and my SDR-5K had exploded. So by the time it was in position - I had 2 mechs to his 3 mechs and 1 tank.
(Round 7 – first shot)
Weapons fire for Hunchback HBK-4G ID:1 (TelinArtho)
Auto Cannon/20 at Commando COM-2D ID:7 (Vorkosigan); needs 9, rolls 9 : hits LL
Commando COM-2D ID:7 (Vorkosigan) takes 20 damage to LL. Armor destroyed, <<
11 damage transfers to LT.
Critical hit on LL. Roll is 4; no effect.
Commando COM-2D ID:7 (Vorkosigan) takes 11 damage to LT. Armor destroyed, 1 Internal Structure remaining
(Round 8)
Weapons fire for Hunchback HBK-4G ID:1 (TelinArtho)
Auto Cannon/20 at Stinger STG-3R ID:9 (Vorkosigan); needs 9, rolls 9 : hits (using Left Side table) LA
Stinger STG-3R ID:9 (Vorkosigan) takes 20 damage to LA. Armor destroyed, <<
13 damage transfers to LT.
Critical hit on LA. Roll is 9; 1 location.
<<
Stinger STG-3R ID:9 (Vorkosigan) takes 13 damage to LT. Armor destroyed, <<
5 damage transfers to CT.
Critical hit on LT. Roll is 9; 1 location.
<<
Stinger STG-3R ID:9 (Vorkosigan) takes 5 damage to CT. 1 Armor remaining.
(Round 9)
Weapons fire for Hunchback HBK-4G ID:1 (TelinArtho)
Auto Cannon/20 at Stinger STG-3R ID:9 (Vorkosigan); needs 8, rolls 11 : hits (using Right Side table) RA
Stinger STG-3R ID:9 (Vorkosigan) takes 20 damage to RA. <<
18 damage transfers to RT.
Critical hit on RA. Roll is 4; no effect.
Stinger STG-3R ID:9 (Vorkosigan) takes 18 damage to RT. Armor destroyed, <<
12 damage transfers to CT.
Critical hit on RT. Roll is 7; no effect.
Stinger STG-3R ID:9 (Vorkosigan) takes 12 damage to CT. Armor destroyed, <<
Stinger STG-3R ID:9 (Vorkosigan) has taken 6 engine hits this round.
Checking for engine explosion on 12, roll is 9.
Engine safety systems remain in place.
*** Stinger STG-3R ID:9 (Vorkosigan) DESTROYED by damage! ***
Critical hit on CT. Roll is 4; no effect.
My opponent surrendered after that last one to give me the victory despite having a lower overall BV.
After I repaired, I found I still had enough to buy a medium mech - so I grabbed one from the factories - a CN9-AH (AC20 variant). In the past, I've been particularly impressed with this variant - so I am happy to add it to my hangar. I did lose both the LCT and SDR as I mentioned above - but those losses were not so bad as to discourage me.
My last match of the night was an exercise in comedy. First off, my would-be opponent put in to the main channel that he was looking for a battle and my army was right on the money for one of his. I sent him a PM and he responded that he had put the wrong army up and that the actual BV was much higher.
So I made a small change to my lance and went active - immediately getting blinded for 148 above my BV with his other announced army. After I slapped myself on the forehead - I took the match and cringed.
My army: HBK-4G [4/5], CN9-AH [4/4], LCT-1E [4/5], JVN-10N [4/5]; BV: 3275
His army: HCT-3F [4/5], HCT-3F [4/5], WTH-1S [4/5], FS9-M [4/5]; BV: 3423
Map type: Tundra (pretty flat and open - some level 1 and 2 ground - some forest and rubble)
He declared that he was going to get decimated - but I wasn't so sure. My AC20s would sure pack a punch - but his 2 AC10s and his many medium lasers were sure to cause some damage.
To start off - we danced a bit at range - waiting until my HBK could get into a solid position for closing. A couple of LRM hits did nothing but scratch a HCT's armor a little. Then, the fireworks started:
Weapons fire for Centurion CN9-AH ID:6 (TelinArtho)
Auto Cannon/20 at Hatchetman HCT-3F ID:1 (VanZant); needs 9, rolls 10 : hits RA
Hatchetman HCT-3F ID:1 (VanZant) takes 20 damage to RA. Armor destroyed, <<
2 damage transfers to RT.
Critical hit on RA. Roll is 7; no effect.
Hatchetman HCT-3F ID:1 (VanZant) takes 2 damage to RT. 12 Armor remaining.
And then, in the next round:
Weapons fire for Hunchback HBK-4G ID:5 (TelinArtho)
Auto Cannon/20 at Whitworth WTH-1S ID:3 (VanZant); needs 10, rolls 10 : hits LT
Whitworth WTH-1S ID:3 (VanZant) takes 20 damage to LT. Armor destroyed, 2 Internal Structure remaining
Critical hit on LT. Roll is 7; no effect.
Weapons fire for Centurion CN9-AH ID:6 (TelinArtho)
Auto Cannon/20 at Firestarter FS9-M ID:4 (VanZant); needs 7, rolls 8 : hits LL
Firestarter FS9-M ID:4 (VanZant) takes 20 damage to LL. Armor destroyed, <<
Critical hit on LL. Roll is 10; 2 locations.
<<
<<
In the mean time - he had opened up some armor on my JVN and had legged my LCT-E. However, once his firestarter fell - he wasn't too keen on continuing on.
On the very positive side here - I didn't lose a single mech and I managed to salvage his FS9-M (the Mirage Firestarter) - which is a nifty mech to have available. On the negative side - my CN9-AH pilot leveled up to 3/4 - which pushes its BV up to ~1400 and outside of the range that I can use it for now.
Right after the match - I was having connection issues - so I didn't get a chance to update my hangar listings - but there's nothing too special yet to report.
Performance (only for missions that didn't get rolled-back): 1 Bandit Reprisal (1 win, 0 lost), 2 Patrols (2 wins, 0 lost).
Net Percentage for the Faction: +2 %
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Current Hangar
I forgot to include changes to my hangar last night. Well - I didn't lose any mechs in that one fight, but I did add a couple: a Blackjack BJ-1 and a Commando COM-2D - nothing special by any means.
And despite my third straight win - I haven't yet gotten a leveled pilot (which is good news for me because if my higher BV mechs get leveled pilots I wouldn't be able to use them due to BV spread).
I also forgot to mention that I started a Hit and Run versus a Lyran Confederation opponent. Unfortunately, I was having trouble with the dedicated host server and was disconnected after the first round of movement (no firing occured). We tried to fix it for about a half-hour but when it wasn't doing anything - he agreed to let me cancel the match. By all rights - he was likely to win that match - his army was going to decimate mine unless I got real lucky - but I would've been willing to fight it out if it came to it.
And despite my third straight win - I haven't yet gotten a leveled pilot (which is good news for me because if my higher BV mechs get leveled pilots I wouldn't be able to use them due to BV spread).
I also forgot to mention that I started a Hit and Run versus a Lyran Confederation opponent. Unfortunately, I was having trouble with the dedicated host server and was disconnected after the first round of movement (no firing occured). We tried to fix it for about a half-hour but when it wasn't doing anything - he agreed to let me cancel the match. By all rights - he was likely to win that match - his army was going to decimate mine unless I got real lucky - but I would've been willing to fight it out if it came to it.
Explosions, Explosions Every where
Well, I returned to Megamek last night and found that I was still not promoted. As instructed, I contacted the mods that were online about it. The first told me to "wait for house leadership" - which is specifically something I asked about and was told that I could ask a mod for it. The second was the mod who told me to contact a mod - he eventually came back and promoted me.
So now I am a Garrison Commander and have access to patrols, hit'n'runs and similar activities. To commemorate this, I went active and got into a patrol mission with a member of the Federated Suns, Epiminodas. Here's the battle setup:
My Army: HBK-4G [4/5], LCT-1E [4/5], LCT-1V [4/4], SDR-5K [4/5]; BV: 2594
His Army: OTT-7J [4/5], FS9-H [4/5], LCT-3V [4/5], LCT-1V [4/5], WSP-1A [4/5]; BV: 2594 (BV vs 4.0 units : 2724)
Map Type: "Light Woods" - it actually had very few forest hexes and was mostly open but uneven terrain.
Anyway, I was setup on the northwest and he on the south east. We closed ranks in two rounds (with light fire in the first round).
The first major hit was in round 3, when my hunchback's AC20 hit the WSP's right arm and did enough damage to core the darned thing (as in - destroyed all of the armor and internal structure in the right arm, right torso and center torso...). Unfortunately, I had directed most of my weapons' fire at the WSP that round, so most of it was wasted.
In round 4, my AC20 strikes again - this time against the firestarter and leaves it on the ground with a heavily damaged leg and 34 total damage.
Now, with things clearly going in my favor - I lose initiative - which means I know my hunchback's backside will be exposed. Still - there's not much I can do about it - so I move to the best position I can and start working at it. Although the OTT had a few shots on it - he only landed a single shot against the rear center torso armor and didn't manage an ammo explosion (though he did get an engine crit).
The final result was his WSP, LCT-1V and LCT-3V were completely destroyed and I salvaged his firestarter. On my side - I had the engine hit on the HBK - but otherwise was mostly unharmed. I have rarely seen such a one-sided victory - especially when I was outnumbered and out-bved.
So now I am a Garrison Commander and have access to patrols, hit'n'runs and similar activities. To commemorate this, I went active and got into a patrol mission with a member of the Federated Suns, Epiminodas. Here's the battle setup:
My Army: HBK-4G [4/5], LCT-1E [4/5], LCT-1V [4/4], SDR-5K [4/5]; BV: 2594
His Army: OTT-7J [4/5], FS9-H [4/5], LCT-3V [4/5], LCT-1V [4/5], WSP-1A [4/5]; BV: 2594 (BV vs 4.0 units : 2724)
Map Type: "Light Woods" - it actually had very few forest hexes and was mostly open but uneven terrain.
Anyway, I was setup on the northwest and he on the south east. We closed ranks in two rounds (with light fire in the first round).
The first major hit was in round 3, when my hunchback's AC20 hit the WSP's right arm and did enough damage to core the darned thing (as in - destroyed all of the armor and internal structure in the right arm, right torso and center torso...). Unfortunately, I had directed most of my weapons' fire at the WSP that round, so most of it was wasted.
In round 4, my AC20 strikes again - this time against the firestarter and leaves it on the ground with a heavily damaged leg and 34 total damage.
Now, with things clearly going in my favor - I lose initiative - which means I know my hunchback's backside will be exposed. Still - there's not much I can do about it - so I move to the best position I can and start working at it. Although the OTT had a few shots on it - he only landed a single shot against the rear center torso armor and didn't manage an ammo explosion (though he did get an engine crit).
The final result was his WSP, LCT-1V and LCT-3V were completely destroyed and I salvaged his firestarter. On my side - I had the engine hit on the HBK - but otherwise was mostly unharmed. I have rarely seen such a one-sided victory - especially when I was outnumbered and out-bved.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Megamek
While Maple works out the recent string of hacker infestations, I figured I would check out the new campaign for Megamek.net. After putting in the requisite tutorial missions, I decided to join the Draconis Combine (Kurita) and see how things go.
First thing I'm hit with is that the relative freedom of last cycle is gone. Each faction has separate sub-factions which dictate what units you can buy from the factories, what missions you have access to, etc. Unfortunately, the initial status affords the ability to purchase light mechs, light vees and medium vees and infantry - but that's it. Luckily it says I only need one mission to get promoted, so I don't worry about it.
Next surprise are the missions. At my initial status - I am allowed "Bandit Reprisal", "Tutorial", "Combat Simulation" and "HPG Assault". Now tutorial and combat simulation are easy - they involve little payout and have no risk involved (damaged/destroyed mechs are restored without cost afterwards). Bandit reprisal seemed like an actual mission and from what I have read about HPG assault - its just a "no-no."
So I figured I would get my bandit reprisal or tutorial and get promoted. I ended up in a battle with BTG (periphery). Here's the battle scenario:
My army: HBK-4H [4/5], JR7-F [4/5], FS9-H [4/5], TBT-5S [4/5]; BV: 3754
His army: JR7-F [4/5], HBK-4G [3/5], ASN-21 [4/5], FS9-H [4/5]; BV: 3701
Map type: City
I was a little apprehensive. The 3-gunner in the hunchback was nasty in close and for long range - I litterally had one option - my AC10. To complicate it - the city map made visibility difficult for long range - so it was going to be unlikely I'd be able to fire on it while staying out of range.
I decided to try to stay out of sight lines of the hunchback until I was able to get to his backside and while waiting - to try to knock out one or more of his units.
After a few rounds of skidding around (in the first round, his jenner skidded 5 hexes...), I managed to take out much of the armor on his firestarter and knocked it prone. At the same time, I missed a sightline on my own firestarter - so he took an AC20 to the torso - stripping off all of the armor there - but at least he still stood.
A moment later, I managed an ammo critical which led to a cascading engine failure - a new feature of the new cycle. Unfortunately for me - this led to a 3-hex radius explosion that nearly resulted in the destruction of my own firestarter (he took 21 damage...) and the damaging of my hunchback (he took 7 damage). He lost his firestarter - but I was starting to show plenty of internals.
In the next round though - I had initiative on him and position to move behind the hunchback as planned. The resulting ammo critical did not lead to an engine failure but did destroy the HBK completely. Now it was 4 vs 2.
Still - my opponent didn't immediately surrender and so we continued. His jenner, trying to get into a position on me, runs and tries to turn, but ends up skidding and falling down one level - meaning he wouldn't be able to fire at anyone - but no one else would either. As a last ditch effort, he tried a death-from-above attack on my HBK with his assassin. Unfortunately for him though, he missed the 9 target and fell down in the next hex.
So the mission was a success and I received my notification of eligibility to be promoted. I took it. My firestarter's pilot gained the survivalist skill (no bv change - just helps in recovering him if his mech is put into salvage)
On the next night, apparently my faction leader still hadn't logged in, so I just decided to see if I could get another bandit reprisal.
This time, I was opposed by Wyldcard (periphery). Here's the battle scenario:
My army: HBK-4H [4/5], JR7-F [4/5], FS9-H [4/5SV], TBT-5S [4/5]; BV: 3754
His army: FS9-H [4/5], WTH-1 [4/5], PXH-1 [4/5], Manticore Heavy Tank [4/5]; BV: 3708
Map Type: Volcano
This map had huge features - going up as high as 4 levels with many areas that had cliffs of 2 levels or more. Again, my opponent had vastly superior ranged capability - but at least it was diminished by having short range penalties.
I set up my hunchback on a level 3 spot behind a level 4 cover - hoping to snipe for a bit with his AC10. My trebuchet and jenner took up positions on the sides, while my firestarter jumped up the middle. In the 2nd round, I got off a lucky shot at the manticore with my AC10 to reduce its movement by half (down to 1/2).
Soon we were fully engaged and I spent most of my effort either being out of sight of the manticore or standing in its hex so that the only viable target for him would be the hunchback behind cover. This proved very effective until late in the game.
My trebuchet showed his strength by dealing much damage to the slowed tank - but only by exposing himself to fire. I got lucky on some rolls and soon the tank was not only immobilized, but also had its turret facing the north side of the map (which only had 5 or 6 hexes left). I legged his firestarter and started to wear it down while I continued to kick on the tank. Meanwhile, with the threat of the turret removed, my hunchback began moving in to help with 4 more medium lasers.
In the same round - a kick destroyed the last of the tank; a kick destroyed the last of the opponent's firestarter. He asked for surrender and I granted it.
No pilots leveled up, but my firestarter's pilot is now up to 3 kills as is my trebuchet (though - each has only killed 2...). Not sure on the math there - but I'll take what I can get.
Currently my hangar is fairly light:
HBK-4G (4/5), HBK-4H (4/5), TBT-5S (4/5) for medium mechs
JR7-F (4/5), FS9-H (4/5, SV), JVN-10N (4/5), STG-3R (4/5), LCT-1V (4/4), LCT-1E (4/5), SDR-5K (4/5) for light mechs.
If I haven't been promoted by the next time I log in - I've been instructed to contact a moderator about it - so hopefully things will continue to improve.
First thing I'm hit with is that the relative freedom of last cycle is gone. Each faction has separate sub-factions which dictate what units you can buy from the factories, what missions you have access to, etc. Unfortunately, the initial status affords the ability to purchase light mechs, light vees and medium vees and infantry - but that's it. Luckily it says I only need one mission to get promoted, so I don't worry about it.
Next surprise are the missions. At my initial status - I am allowed "Bandit Reprisal", "Tutorial", "Combat Simulation" and "HPG Assault". Now tutorial and combat simulation are easy - they involve little payout and have no risk involved (damaged/destroyed mechs are restored without cost afterwards). Bandit reprisal seemed like an actual mission and from what I have read about HPG assault - its just a "no-no."
So I figured I would get my bandit reprisal or tutorial and get promoted. I ended up in a battle with BTG (periphery). Here's the battle scenario:
My army: HBK-4H [4/5], JR7-F [4/5], FS9-H [4/5], TBT-5S [4/5]; BV: 3754
His army: JR7-F [4/5], HBK-4G [3/5], ASN-21 [4/5], FS9-H [4/5]; BV: 3701
Map type: City
I was a little apprehensive. The 3-gunner in the hunchback was nasty in close and for long range - I litterally had one option - my AC10. To complicate it - the city map made visibility difficult for long range - so it was going to be unlikely I'd be able to fire on it while staying out of range.
I decided to try to stay out of sight lines of the hunchback until I was able to get to his backside and while waiting - to try to knock out one or more of his units.
After a few rounds of skidding around (in the first round, his jenner skidded 5 hexes...), I managed to take out much of the armor on his firestarter and knocked it prone. At the same time, I missed a sightline on my own firestarter - so he took an AC20 to the torso - stripping off all of the armor there - but at least he still stood.
A moment later, I managed an ammo critical which led to a cascading engine failure - a new feature of the new cycle. Unfortunately for me - this led to a 3-hex radius explosion that nearly resulted in the destruction of my own firestarter (he took 21 damage...) and the damaging of my hunchback (he took 7 damage). He lost his firestarter - but I was starting to show plenty of internals.
In the next round though - I had initiative on him and position to move behind the hunchback as planned. The resulting ammo critical did not lead to an engine failure but did destroy the HBK completely. Now it was 4 vs 2.
Still - my opponent didn't immediately surrender and so we continued. His jenner, trying to get into a position on me, runs and tries to turn, but ends up skidding and falling down one level - meaning he wouldn't be able to fire at anyone - but no one else would either. As a last ditch effort, he tried a death-from-above attack on my HBK with his assassin. Unfortunately for him though, he missed the 9 target and fell down in the next hex.
So the mission was a success and I received my notification of eligibility to be promoted. I took it. My firestarter's pilot gained the survivalist skill (no bv change - just helps in recovering him if his mech is put into salvage)
On the next night, apparently my faction leader still hadn't logged in, so I just decided to see if I could get another bandit reprisal.
This time, I was opposed by Wyldcard (periphery). Here's the battle scenario:
My army: HBK-4H [4/5], JR7-F [4/5], FS9-H [4/5SV], TBT-5S [4/5]; BV: 3754
His army: FS9-H [4/5], WTH-1 [4/5], PXH-1 [4/5], Manticore Heavy Tank [4/5]; BV: 3708
Map Type: Volcano
This map had huge features - going up as high as 4 levels with many areas that had cliffs of 2 levels or more. Again, my opponent had vastly superior ranged capability - but at least it was diminished by having short range penalties.
I set up my hunchback on a level 3 spot behind a level 4 cover - hoping to snipe for a bit with his AC10. My trebuchet and jenner took up positions on the sides, while my firestarter jumped up the middle. In the 2nd round, I got off a lucky shot at the manticore with my AC10 to reduce its movement by half (down to 1/2).
Soon we were fully engaged and I spent most of my effort either being out of sight of the manticore or standing in its hex so that the only viable target for him would be the hunchback behind cover. This proved very effective until late in the game.
My trebuchet showed his strength by dealing much damage to the slowed tank - but only by exposing himself to fire. I got lucky on some rolls and soon the tank was not only immobilized, but also had its turret facing the north side of the map (which only had 5 or 6 hexes left). I legged his firestarter and started to wear it down while I continued to kick on the tank. Meanwhile, with the threat of the turret removed, my hunchback began moving in to help with 4 more medium lasers.
In the same round - a kick destroyed the last of the tank; a kick destroyed the last of the opponent's firestarter. He asked for surrender and I granted it.
No pilots leveled up, but my firestarter's pilot is now up to 3 kills as is my trebuchet (though - each has only killed 2...). Not sure on the math there - but I'll take what I can get.
Currently my hangar is fairly light:
HBK-4G (4/5), HBK-4H (4/5), TBT-5S (4/5) for medium mechs
JR7-F (4/5), FS9-H (4/5, SV), JVN-10N (4/5), STG-3R (4/5), LCT-1V (4/4), LCT-1E (4/5), SDR-5K (4/5) for light mechs.
If I haven't been promoted by the next time I log in - I've been instructed to contact a moderator about it - so hopefully things will continue to improve.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Level 92 and Level 40
Well - been a busy couple of days on Maple. My crusader, once he hit 92, went down to Gobies to try that out. I found that while I don't have the accuracy issues others might, solo it is not very fun nor efficient. Exp is probably on par with Duals, but the cost is much higher. To make it worse - I died here (but only lost 2% or so because I had just leveled)
After that, I went to Dragon turtles again. Here, I gained a solid 12% in a bit less than an hour (probably between 40-50 minutes), but again it was pretty expensive (~300 honsters used). Some of that time, I trained with Tim (level 110 axe-crusader) and we talked about how best to split the screen.
In the end, I have returned to Duals for now. I need to gain more money more than a slightly faster Exp rate - and duals are still running ~12%/hour - so they are hard to leave. That - and I just found my 5th set of steelys there... so profit is good.
My lizard - Illithik - has now leveled to 40 and finished maxing out thunderbolt. I figure I'll continue at Carnival PQ until he gets enough maple coins and then start branching out to other areas. I might just keep him at CPQ though - since it is a fun change from the regular training.
My crusader is in need of upgrades. Currently I am focused on Attack upgrades, so the following are at the top of my list:
1. Improved sword - A Fraute at 110atk+ or any improved katana (102+). I'm actively looking for katanas, frautes and even spartas that I can afford, for scrolling, but it seems that everyone is buying them up lately.
2. Improved glove - Not much I can do here until I hit level 100 and I pick up a 10atk + korben. Still - I'm on the watch for something better - so if something comes along, I'll snatch it up.
3. Pink Adv. Cape/Pink Gaia - This should be an "easy" upgrade, but at the same time will be expensive (and currently more than I have). I'd like an equivalent of a 3 atk cape (3atk with any stats or 2atk, 6str or better). 3 atk capes run from 17mil (2dex, no slots) on up to 150mil (10 luk, no slots), with ~40mil for a clean one. 2atk, 6str capes are around 20mil, 8str goes up to 30mil and I haven't seen one with 10str.
4. Attack Shield - this is of course the most expensive item to improve, mostly because there are very few scrolled kalkans, those that are scrolled are not for sale, and the scrolls themselves are exorbitantly expensive. For now - I'm thinking this will just have to wait until later on - so I'll just benefit from super-high defense until I can afford it. I haven't decided if I'll pick up scrolls here and there in order to make the hit less severe.
After all of that - I could improve my boots up to the level 100 boots - so it might be worth picking some scrolled ones up or just find a few pairs to scroll myself. I would also need to pick up the scrolls though. I will certainly need the level 100 top and bottom. For now, I'm inclined to buy a pair that are scrolled - but will see what the prices are when I get to that point. These would be scrolled for Str (top) and Dex (bottom). I wouldn't really need the Dex - but since they boost speed a fair amount, and it would add to avoid on the side - I figure it will be more value than just straight defense.
After that, I went to Dragon turtles again. Here, I gained a solid 12% in a bit less than an hour (probably between 40-50 minutes), but again it was pretty expensive (~300 honsters used). Some of that time, I trained with Tim (level 110 axe-crusader) and we talked about how best to split the screen.
In the end, I have returned to Duals for now. I need to gain more money more than a slightly faster Exp rate - and duals are still running ~12%/hour - so they are hard to leave. That - and I just found my 5th set of steelys there... so profit is good.
My lizard - Illithik - has now leveled to 40 and finished maxing out thunderbolt. I figure I'll continue at Carnival PQ until he gets enough maple coins and then start branching out to other areas. I might just keep him at CPQ though - since it is a fun change from the regular training.
My crusader is in need of upgrades. Currently I am focused on Attack upgrades, so the following are at the top of my list:
1. Improved sword - A Fraute at 110atk+ or any improved katana (102+). I'm actively looking for katanas, frautes and even spartas that I can afford, for scrolling, but it seems that everyone is buying them up lately.
2. Improved glove - Not much I can do here until I hit level 100 and I pick up a 10atk + korben. Still - I'm on the watch for something better - so if something comes along, I'll snatch it up.
3. Pink Adv. Cape/Pink Gaia - This should be an "easy" upgrade, but at the same time will be expensive (and currently more than I have). I'd like an equivalent of a 3 atk cape (3atk with any stats or 2atk, 6str or better). 3 atk capes run from 17mil (2dex, no slots) on up to 150mil (10 luk, no slots), with ~40mil for a clean one. 2atk, 6str capes are around 20mil, 8str goes up to 30mil and I haven't seen one with 10str.
4. Attack Shield - this is of course the most expensive item to improve, mostly because there are very few scrolled kalkans, those that are scrolled are not for sale, and the scrolls themselves are exorbitantly expensive. For now - I'm thinking this will just have to wait until later on - so I'll just benefit from super-high defense until I can afford it. I haven't decided if I'll pick up scrolls here and there in order to make the hit less severe.
After all of that - I could improve my boots up to the level 100 boots - so it might be worth picking some scrolled ones up or just find a few pairs to scroll myself. I would also need to pick up the scrolls though. I will certainly need the level 100 top and bottom. For now, I'm inclined to buy a pair that are scrolled - but will see what the prices are when I get to that point. These would be scrolled for Str (top) and Dex (bottom). I wouldn't really need the Dex - but since they boost speed a fair amount, and it would add to avoid on the side - I figure it will be more value than just straight defense.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Level 91
A couple days later and I'm already levelling up again. Duals continues to treat me very well - including 2 steely drops in the past week in addition to a steady supply of dark pirate hats, red prias and other sundries.
I've been contemplating heading on over to dragon turtles for a change, but the fact of the matter is that duals continue to be so nice that I have little need to head elsewhere. I still might - just to see what its like, but for now, I am really focused on making money.
Luckily - duals have been making me some nice profit - with 12 mil over the last 5 levels and the 2 steelys yet to sell (for another ~9-10mil).
I'm not very focused on what to upgrade next. For now, I'm just going to keep my level 80 boots. Although I don't need the extra ACC from it - the extra avoid does help. I'll plan to upgrade to the 100 boots when I get there. Likewise, I'm going to keep my 8atk level 80 glove until 100 and see about upgrading at that point.
Other than that, I want to upgrade my +10 Dex eclipse cloak into a pink adventurer cape or gaia cape with Str. I want to upgrade my red katana into either another, better, red katana or into a fraute of significantly higher attack. Then comes my shield - which I would like to improve into an attack shield - but for now will have to remain defense-scrolled.
In terms of my build, I've now finished off Coma and have 4 points into Shield mastery. After that comes Panic and then the rest I'm still mulling over. Shout probably, relax and maybe 1 point into armor crush.
I've been contemplating heading on over to dragon turtles for a change, but the fact of the matter is that duals continue to be so nice that I have little need to head elsewhere. I still might - just to see what its like, but for now, I am really focused on making money.
Luckily - duals have been making me some nice profit - with 12 mil over the last 5 levels and the 2 steelys yet to sell (for another ~9-10mil).
I'm not very focused on what to upgrade next. For now, I'm just going to keep my level 80 boots. Although I don't need the extra ACC from it - the extra avoid does help. I'll plan to upgrade to the 100 boots when I get there. Likewise, I'm going to keep my 8atk level 80 glove until 100 and see about upgrading at that point.
Other than that, I want to upgrade my +10 Dex eclipse cloak into a pink adventurer cape or gaia cape with Str. I want to upgrade my red katana into either another, better, red katana or into a fraute of significantly higher attack. Then comes my shield - which I would like to improve into an attack shield - but for now will have to remain defense-scrolled.
In terms of my build, I've now finished off Coma and have 4 points into Shield mastery. After that comes Panic and then the rest I'm still mulling over. Shout probably, relax and maybe 1 point into armor crush.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Level 90
Well - I finally hit level 90. Took a while, but I finally hit it and got a chance to scroll some amazing items.
Not surprisingly, my scrolling did not turn out so well:
0/7 10%s on the level 90 bottom
1/2 10% on the level 90 top (still has 5 slots)
0/6 10%s on three level 90 boots (1 has 1 slot, the other 2 have 4 each)
0/1 30% shield for atk on a +4 str kalkan
0/3 10% shield def on the kalkan
3/3 60% shield def on the kalkan
I'll end up replacing the shield for an attack shield when I have more funds and for now I am just using the level 80 boots I have (3 10%s). I'll also buy a new level 90 bottom to try to scroll up. If it also has nothing on it - I'll probably leave it alone though.
Didn't have time to go see how much my stats have changed. All in all - my def increased by about 30 I think and my strength was boosted by about 10 (plus 5 more for the level). I finished off Coma and put my first point into shield mastery. From here though - it is defense for the next few levels.
Once I'm done scrolling the current projects - I'll post up a pic with all of them. Hopefully I'll have a successful Red Katana scrolling by then too :)
Not surprisingly, my scrolling did not turn out so well:
0/7 10%s on the level 90 bottom
1/2 10% on the level 90 top (still has 5 slots)
0/6 10%s on three level 90 boots (1 has 1 slot, the other 2 have 4 each)
0/1 30% shield for atk on a +4 str kalkan
0/3 10% shield def on the kalkan
3/3 60% shield def on the kalkan
I'll end up replacing the shield for an attack shield when I have more funds and for now I am just using the level 80 boots I have (3 10%s). I'll also buy a new level 90 bottom to try to scroll up. If it also has nothing on it - I'll probably leave it alone though.
Didn't have time to go see how much my stats have changed. All in all - my def increased by about 30 I think and my strength was boosted by about 10 (plus 5 more for the level). I finished off Coma and put my first point into shield mastery. From here though - it is defense for the next few levels.
Once I'm done scrolling the current projects - I'll post up a pic with all of them. Hopefully I'll have a successful Red Katana scrolling by then too :)
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Getting a better Red Katana
Well - aside from training a fair amount more than I used to do, I have been a little consumed with the desire to improve the weapon I am using. Darius gave me this 100atk, +7 str katana a few weeks ago and I have to admit it is a lot better than my khan ever was. That said - I know I'll want to replace it and, more importantly, need to replace it in order to meet the greater knockback requirements of the level 90+ monsters.
I found one in the FM last night - a 107 atk, +15 str katana (5 10%/30%s worked) - but it was well out of my price range at 50mil. Red Katanas are of course pretty rare and well sought after. In the mean time, I am going to attempt to scroll my own katana - with the hope that I'll be able to pick up 85+atk clean ones and scroll them with 10%s/30%s until I get something better. It would be perfect to get something around 110+ because that would effectively give me an end-game weapon - something I would never need to replace.
Anyway - that's my current goal as it is something I can afford right now - I have close to 40 1-handed scrolls already - so I just need the swords to scroll. I can still look into improving my glove to a 10+ atk glove - but at 20+mil - and for only a +2 atk improvement - I'm not too crazy about it. Likewise, I could go for a pink adventurer cape - but a 4atk one of those is up there in price too.
The common theme here of course is that I need money. Training at duals is still costing me some money, but it is getting better with each level. Drops have been keeping me afloat with a nice variety:
2 gold hinkels (80atk, 84atk)
3 Dark Pireta hats (avg - one already sold for 320k - just need to find the buyer)
3 Dark Stud tops (one sold for 800k, one was below avg (NPCed), the last I traded for a blue stud top with a guildmate - the blue top currently has 500k bid on it)
Dark Stud pants (currently has a 700k bid on it)
2 Metal Heart earrings (avg sold for 300k; 62mdef sold for 500k)
2 sets of Steelys (sold to a guildmate)
2 60% polearm scrolls (sold to a guildmate)
and the list goes on with a bunch of NPCable items.
Right now, I've got ~11 mil in cash on hand. At 90 - I'll sell my current boots for, hopefully 15+mil.
If anyone reads this happens to have clean 85+atk red katanas and would like to help me in my quest - contact me in game, here, on sleepywood or on basil.
I found one in the FM last night - a 107 atk, +15 str katana (5 10%/30%s worked) - but it was well out of my price range at 50mil. Red Katanas are of course pretty rare and well sought after. In the mean time, I am going to attempt to scroll my own katana - with the hope that I'll be able to pick up 85+atk clean ones and scroll them with 10%s/30%s until I get something better. It would be perfect to get something around 110+ because that would effectively give me an end-game weapon - something I would never need to replace.
Anyway - that's my current goal as it is something I can afford right now - I have close to 40 1-handed scrolls already - so I just need the swords to scroll. I can still look into improving my glove to a 10+ atk glove - but at 20+mil - and for only a +2 atk improvement - I'm not too crazy about it. Likewise, I could go for a pink adventurer cape - but a 4atk one of those is up there in price too.
The common theme here of course is that I need money. Training at duals is still costing me some money, but it is getting better with each level. Drops have been keeping me afloat with a nice variety:
2 gold hinkels (80atk, 84atk)
3 Dark Pireta hats (avg - one already sold for 320k - just need to find the buyer)
3 Dark Stud tops (one sold for 800k, one was below avg (NPCed), the last I traded for a blue stud top with a guildmate - the blue top currently has 500k bid on it)
Dark Stud pants (currently has a 700k bid on it)
2 Metal Heart earrings (avg sold for 300k; 62mdef sold for 500k)
2 sets of Steelys (sold to a guildmate)
2 60% polearm scrolls (sold to a guildmate)
and the list goes on with a bunch of NPCable items.
Right now, I've got ~11 mil in cash on hand. At 90 - I'll sell my current boots for, hopefully 15+mil.
If anyone reads this happens to have clean 85+atk red katanas and would like to help me in my quest - contact me in game, here, on sleepywood or on basil.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Thar be Pirates!
Well - not much has changed in recent days. I've been working at duals for the better part of the last week (with some forays to kill some spirit vikings for the repeatable quest), and it has continued to be solid exp and, although I lose money without drops - I have actually been making some money there due to a nice selection of above average drops.
Now I'm level 88 and have 70% - so I'm well on my way to 89. The zakum helm has really helped in a number of ways - reducing the damage I take, providing a minimal damage increase, reducing the number of hits I take. I suspect that with a minimal improvement in my damage dealing capabilities - I might be able to make duals a purely profitable area without drops.
I spent a small amount of time looking through the FM for red katanas to scroll, but was unable to find one at a reasonable price. Likewise Basil has been void of them for the better part of a week...
My guildmates have been more keen on doing boss runs lately and I'm inclined to make a showing for them if they make it at a time I can make. Right now, I wouldn't be much help versus Papulatus's 2nd form (2% hit rate with bless), but I might be some help... We'll see the next time it comes up though. There's also been a push for GPQ lately and I'd like to help that along in what way I can. So far it hasn't been a strong push though - so we'll see if it lasts.
In other news, I haven't had a real good week of poker - but that happens from time to time. Some bad play on my part, some coolers, some crazy crap that just happens on occasion. Blah. I expect it will pick up soon though.
I guess that's enough for now.
Now I'm level 88 and have 70% - so I'm well on my way to 89. The zakum helm has really helped in a number of ways - reducing the damage I take, providing a minimal damage increase, reducing the number of hits I take. I suspect that with a minimal improvement in my damage dealing capabilities - I might be able to make duals a purely profitable area without drops.
I spent a small amount of time looking through the FM for red katanas to scroll, but was unable to find one at a reasonable price. Likewise Basil has been void of them for the better part of a week...
My guildmates have been more keen on doing boss runs lately and I'm inclined to make a showing for them if they make it at a time I can make. Right now, I wouldn't be much help versus Papulatus's 2nd form (2% hit rate with bless), but I might be some help... We'll see the next time it comes up though. There's also been a push for GPQ lately and I'd like to help that along in what way I can. So far it hasn't been a strong push though - so we'll see if it lasts.
In other news, I haven't had a real good week of poker - but that happens from time to time. Some bad play on my part, some coolers, some crazy crap that just happens on occasion. Blah. I expect it will pick up soon though.
I guess that's enough for now.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Zakum Helm
Well - after hitting level 86, I did an impulsive thing and contacted hefferheffer about getting a zakum helm. He gave me a price - which I was a few million short on. I got a short term loan from a guildie and bought it.
The next night, I was in the first run, but lagged out. On the second run, I lagged out again. Blah.
Anyway - hefferheffer went on for me the next night and got the helm for me. I can definitely say that if I were to ever get cash shop items, this might be the time for it - because while flashy - it is rather annoying after a few minutes. I'll consider it later though.
Anyway - the stats are pretty average - an extra LUK, 3 extra Wdef, but one less Mdef. This puts me at a total of ~500 Wdef and ~300Mdef. At duals - this means I am taking less than 600 per hit (down to as low as ~550). Since I am now broke though, and I need to repay that debt, I am actually training at Kappas again for a bit. Profit there is even bigger than before (they do a whopping 10-18 damage on a bump and I 1-2 hit kill them), so it shouldn't be long before I get enough to go back to duals.
In other news, I've been pretty sick lately, so I haven't bothered playing much poker. As I get better of course, poker will increase and Maple will decrease again. Ebb and flow type of deal I have going here...
That's it for now.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Duals and more duals
Well - I haven't played too much since I last updated. Lately though, I've been capping off my night with 5-15% or so at dual ghost pirates - so I'm slowly making progress.
For the most part though, I've been playing poker to take up my time. I deposited a little back into my Stars account and turned that $100 into just under $900. I'm hoping to let it grow until I am able to make a difference on my monthly bottom line (paying off bills and such) and withdraw the excess each month in that case. Unless I hit a major tournament win though - I'm still quite a way from that goal. For now - my goal is to get to $2000 online and reassess at that point.
In Maple, I've been going back and forth on what I want for my character. On the one hand, getting a zakum helm would make a lot of sense - it would boost my ACC up to around 150 - so I could switch some of my dex-based gear to str-based. It would also boost my weapon and magic defense by a fair amount. I think I'm still a little short on the funds though - so I need to get back into selling items that are sitting around - most namely my old attack glove and my 2 60% scrolls for staff magic attack. With those sold - I think I have enough.
On the other side, is an attack shield. I very nearly dumped half of my funds into a +8 str, +8atk shield with 2 slots left. It was a very good deal - I just couldn't justify it - since I have so many other items that are on high priority too. Since I wouldn't feel comfortable enough to finish scrolling it - I decided it probably wasn't the best idea for now.
Other than that - Darius (lvl15x paladin) convinced me I should be using a katana rather than a khan - and after seeing the difference first hand - I am amazed I didn't notice the difference when I first switched. The katana he gave me is a bit better than my previous one - but still 5atk, 1 str less than my khan - and still gets better DPM.
As of this post, I am level 85 with 77%. I'll probably finish off the current level at duals and try out dual birks with a ice/lightning buddy of mine.
For the most part though, I've been playing poker to take up my time. I deposited a little back into my Stars account and turned that $100 into just under $900. I'm hoping to let it grow until I am able to make a difference on my monthly bottom line (paying off bills and such) and withdraw the excess each month in that case. Unless I hit a major tournament win though - I'm still quite a way from that goal. For now - my goal is to get to $2000 online and reassess at that point.
In Maple, I've been going back and forth on what I want for my character. On the one hand, getting a zakum helm would make a lot of sense - it would boost my ACC up to around 150 - so I could switch some of my dex-based gear to str-based. It would also boost my weapon and magic defense by a fair amount. I think I'm still a little short on the funds though - so I need to get back into selling items that are sitting around - most namely my old attack glove and my 2 60% scrolls for staff magic attack. With those sold - I think I have enough.
On the other side, is an attack shield. I very nearly dumped half of my funds into a +8 str, +8atk shield with 2 slots left. It was a very good deal - I just couldn't justify it - since I have so many other items that are on high priority too. Since I wouldn't feel comfortable enough to finish scrolling it - I decided it probably wasn't the best idea for now.
Other than that - Darius (lvl15x paladin) convinced me I should be using a katana rather than a khan - and after seeing the difference first hand - I am amazed I didn't notice the difference when I first switched. The katana he gave me is a bit better than my previous one - but still 5atk, 1 str less than my khan - and still gets better DPM.
As of this post, I am level 85 with 77%. I'll probably finish off the current level at duals and try out dual birks with a ice/lightning buddy of mine.
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