psicotic1
Teamwarfare Senior Operations Staff
Originally posted by: Wadmaasi
Mercenaries is not Vengeance or Black Knight. These rules were written with an eye towards creating something new and different from the traditional MW4 ladders, while attempting to retain the same spirit.
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MechWarrior4: Mercenaries - TEAM DESTRUCTION
THESE RULES ARE SUBJECT TO MODIFICATION. THEY WILL BE CONSIDERED TEST RULES UNTIL THE LADDER ACTIVATES ON OR ABOUT JANUARY 1, 2003. MODIFICATIONS WILL BE MADE FROM INPUT MADE BY THE PARTICIPATING TEAMS.
Team Roster
A minimum complement of 8 players is required on each team roster. If any team fails to meet this requirement within 5 days of admission to the ladder they will be removed from the ladder without notice.
Teams are expected to remain active while on the ladder. Any team (excluding teams on rest) that has no activity for a period of two weeks or more may be deleted from the ladder without notice.
Agreements
The spirit of the ladder is to involve as many players as possible, and it is hoped that teams will decide match settings with the utmost spirit of cooperation. In any disagreement or inability to achieve mutually acceptable compromise, the rules as written will be followed.
Make sure to use the Match Communications when making Gentlemans Agreements.
Only GAs documented in Match Comms will be binding in the event of a dispute!
Observers & Backup Players
Observers are permitted only if both teams agree to them. Number of observers must be agreed on in Match Comms prior to game day. Any observers must be members of the teams playing, unless otherwise allowed by the Ladder Administrator (for example, a required unbiased referee or a ShoutCaster).
ShoutCasting
ShoutCasting Observers are permitted if both teams have agreed in Match Comms to have the match 'Casted.
Instant Attacks
The ability to instantly attack someone on the ladder is available. Using the IRC room as a staging point, find an open team on the ladder and ask for an instant attack. Proceed through the automation as usual until the time to pick a date. The Defender should select any date, and the Attacker will then confirm.
Setting Up the Match
After challenging a team (or being challenged), use the Match Communication function to negotiate match times and make any necessary Gentleman's Agreements. Teams should always leave a message in Match Comms to announce how many players they expect to have available for the match.
Teams may use the TWL IRC Chat Room to meet and communicate at the time of the contest. The chat room can be reached through a chat client at irc.gamesnet.net, channel #TWL_MW4.
Conditions
Three maps are fought using MechWarrior4: Mercenaries, under the Team Destruction setting.
The ladder software will randomly choose the first two maps, and the Defending team will choose the third map. The ladder software will also generate a Drop Zone Selection & C-Bill Modifier for each map (including the Defender's tiebreaker selection). All maps released by Microsoft will be added to the legal list as they become available. Custom maps may be added at the ladder admin's decision.
The base C-Bills per drop is 56,000,000. This equates to 7,000,000 per player for an 8 person team, or just under the base chassis cost of the 70 ton Thor and Nova Cat. The automation will randomly generate a +/- modifier of up to +10,000,000 C-Bills (enough for fully decked-out Daishis and Fafnirs all around) or -3,000,000 (plenty enough to prevent everyone from being forced into Fleas).
Drop Zone Selection
Drop Zone selection will be one of four values generated by the system:
Challenger/Challenger: The Attacker chooses the drop zones for both teams.
Defender/Defender: The Defender chooses the drop zones for both teams.
Defender/Challenger: The Defender selects their DZ first, then the Attacker selects from the remainders.
Challenger/Defender: The Attacker selects their DZ first, then the Defender selects from the remainders.
Notification of Drop Zone choice prior to the match is not a requirement. Teams may agree to disclose their choices ahead of time in Match Comms if they wish to.
Server Selection
Dedicated servers are the preferred server type for all ladder matches.
Host names should start with "TWL" and then identify the teams in the match.
Example: TWL {D.o.C} vs. Apoc
This makes searching for ZoneStats reports easier.
* Defenders dedicated Server is the primary choice for hosting the match.
* If the Defenders do not have a dedicated server, then the Attackers dedicated server is the secondary choice.
* If the Attackers do not have a dedicated server, then the third choice is a Defenders host server.
* If a Defender's host server fails to function properly, the fourth choice is an Attackers host server.
A 2 minute test run of the server must be done prior to the start of the match. Both teams should take several different classes of 'Mechs. Note the pings of all players; anyone with a ping consistantly higher than 350 cannot pilot a light 'Mech. If the server has an overall unacceptable amount of lag, or is unplayable for some other reason, the host team must rectify the situation through a reboot or a different server. Once the server is selected and the test has been completed the match may begin with no further delay for playability or lag-related issues.
If any server fails to function properly (disconnecting players or players not able to connect), it is granted one reboot. After 1 restart of any server (dedicated or listen), subsequent server failures will result in the match being moved to the next available choice.
Game Settings
Drop Zone selections are not limited to DZ1 and DZ2. All available standard Drop Zones for a map are viable options for selection.
Server settings are as follows:
Report statistics: On
Allow Join In Progress: On (Join Time Limit: Unlimited)
Allow Custom Decals: On
Server Recycle: Off (Recommended)
Use Map Cycle List: Off
Force 1st Person Perspective: Off
Limited Ammunition: On
Heat Management: On
Friendly Fire: On
Splash Damage: On
Force Respawn: On
Dead Mechs Can't Talk: On
Dead Mechs Can't See: On
Restrict Mechs and Components: Off (There are no restrictions; all weapons and 'Mechs are legal.)
Game Type: Team Destruction
Visibility: Clear
Weather: Off
Time of Day: Day
Time Limit: 30
Frag Limit: Off
No Respawn: On
Stock Mechs: Off
Max Tonnage: 100 Tons
Max C-Bills: 35000000
Radar: Normal
Lock Server: Off
Fill Game with Bots at Launch: Off
Unless agreed upon in Match Comms, all matches will be played with the default Team 1 (Ops Blue) and Team 2 (Ops Red) skins.
Number of Players
Each team may field 5-8 players per map. Teams with less than 8 players may divide their surplus C-Bills amongst themselves however they wish.
Teams must have at least 5 eligible players in the agreed upon server at the start of a match (within 5 minutes of the scheduled start time). Failure to have at least 5 players will result in a complete forfeiture of the match at the aggrieved team's discretion; both teams should email the Ladder Admin to this effect. Swapping players between matches is allowed and encouraged in order to maximize player-participation. Delay between subsequent maps of a match, for any reason, should not exceed 5 minutes.
Winning the Match
The winner of the match is the team victorious in 2 out of 3 drops.
A map is won by having the most Team Wins at the end of 30 minutes of play.
If any drop expires and teams have a tie score, that drop is re-fought as a new game from the beginning. Changing 'Mechs or weapon configurations for the re-drop is allowed!
Score Reporting
Report both teams' scores in terms of Team Wins and the winning team of each drop. Both teams should take screenshots (PRINT SCREEN/SYSREQ key) of the summary/score screen as primary evidence in case of dispute.
Match results are reported by the losing team and, under most circumstances, should be reported immediately after the match.
If a match is in dispute, email the Ladder Admin ASAP.
If the match is not reported within 24 hours, and the Admin has not received an email explaining why the match has not been reported, the losing team will suffer additional penalties.
Disconnections - Boot Rule
Due to the intimate nature of Mercs' DZs, the first round of each drop is cold. No 'Mech may move or fire its weapons until "go" has been called by both teams' captain. Once the intial round has been terminated all subsequent rounds are hot, with play commencing immediately upon the game respawning.
If a player is dropped or becomes disconnected after "go" has been called for the first round or subsquent rounds have respawned, the match continues regardless. The penalized team must play on; the booted player may return, or may be replaced with a substitute from the team's official TWL roster, at any point before the match's time runs out. A substitute player, if one is necessary, must bring the same chassis, but not necessarily the same variant, as was being used by the person suffering difficulties without bumping their team's C-Bill total over the limit. The round-based nature of Mercs No Respawn means that a rejoining or substitute player must re-join as soon as possible after reconnecting to the server in order to be ready for the next round; this will 'cause some "join-lag" to affect the round currently in progress, but is unavoidable.
The risk of disconnects and unplayable lag is theoretically equal for both sides; these aren't grounds for suspending or replaying any match. If a team brings in a substitute who is not eligible that is grounds for immediate forfeiture of the map and suspension of that player from play. If a team is shown to have used more 'Mechs than they are legally allowed to use that team will be suspended for one week. Should there be a question as to who dropped and how many mechs were used the ZoneStats page for that drop will be used to determine the actual events.
Server Crashes
If a server crashes, that drop shall be restarted from the beginning. Scores from previous drops will stand and the match will continue. If the server cannot be brought back online, the match must continue on the server provided by the other team.
Game Interruptions by an Outsider
It is recommended that the server or host select a password to protect the server. This should eliminate any interruptions by outside sources. If players illegally enter the drop, they should leave immediately. No harm, no foul. But if they do not leave within 2 minutes, or if they fire shots or in any way affect the battle in progress, the offending team will forfeit that drop, and the match will continue.
psicotic1
Teamwarfare Senior Operations Staff
Originally posted by: Wadmaasi
Originally posted by: B-buck
This line:
The round-based nature of Mercs No Respawn means that a rejoining or substitute player
is incomplete.
Thanks.
The whole line should read:
"The round-based nature of Mercs No Respawn means that a rejoining or substitute player must re-join as soon as possible after reconnecting to the server in order to be ready for the next round; this will 'cause some "join-lag" to affect the round currently in progress, but is unavoidable."
psicotic1
Teamwarfare Senior Operations Staff
Originally posted by: Wadmaasi
Originally posted by: _chiXnhawk_
I don't see the need for norespawn.
It serves to differentiate the Team Battle and Team Destruction ladders in a manner other than just the score-keeping methodology. Many people like the added tenseness of not being able to immediately return to the fight. Many people don't, which is why there would be 2 separate ladders.
Originally posted by: _chiXnhawk_
Also why not just leave the weight limits ( +/- modifyer )
1) To offer something that isn't being done by "the other leagues."
2) To simulate, to a certain degree, the "feel" of being a mercenary, where money not only matters but is the overriding concern.
Originally posted by: _chiXnhawk_
I have personally talked 3 VL teams into joining TWL so the mercs ladder can work and i just like they have never even used the c-bills thing.
No time like the present to start!
Originally posted by: _chiXnhawk_
Why force unusual rules on teams that TWL mercs ladder need in order to run. KEEP IT SIMPLE!
They're no less simple or more complicated than the tonnage rules the BK TA ladder used or the Recon/Raid/Assault (plus scaling for uneven teams) that the BK TD ladder used. They're just different and (if you can restrain your fright!) new. Mercs is, in many ways, a different and new game, and is incapable of just recreating the exact same rules the TA and TD ladders used, and trying to do so, IMO, would doom the ladders before they started.
psicotic1
Teamwarfare Senior Operations Staff
Originally posted by: _chiXnhawk_
Well in a league looking for 20 teams by jan 1st maybe the first wave of league play is not the time to tryout new rules. If the fact is 20 teams or bust why not keep it simple. I play in about every league you can think of. I joined TWL because it was similar to what i already know. I join it because when someone thinks your good at this game they don't want to play. I have talked a couple teams to come over with "forced game play " as the main selling point. That is why i think TWL is a good league. But keep making things harder for new teams to understand and you're gonna go back to BK ladder and play all those "old rules " games anyway.
psicotic1
Teamwarfare Senior Operations Staff
psicotic1
Teamwarfare Senior Operations Staff
Originally posted by: _chiXnhawk_
But keep making things harder for new teams to understand and you're gonna go back to BK ladder and play all those "old rules " games anyway.
Originally posted by: Trap¥
just my 2 cents
obviously if we go to TD, we simply play either no respawn or waves and by C-bills or weights, and i think more teams would prefer TD as of now...
but if we stay to TB...
Team Roster
A minimum of 10 players is required on each team roster. If any team fails to meet this requirement within 5 days of admission to the ladder, they will be removed from the ladder.
Teams are expected to remain active while on the ladder. Any team (excluding teams on rest) that has no activity for a period of two weeks or more may be deleted from the ladder.
Team roster size reduced to 8, so that newer teams to Mercenaries can get a taste of league play if they're really active.
Game Settings
Drop zone selections are not to be limited to DZ1 and DZ2. All available standard drop zones for a map are viable options for selection.
Server settings are as follows:
Report statistics: On.
Allow Join In Progress: On.
Allow Custom Decals: On.
Force 1st Person Perspective: Off.
Limited Ammunition: On.
Heat Management: On.
Friendly Fire: On.
Splash Damage: On.
Force Respawn: On.
Dead Mechs Can't Talk: On.
Dead Mechs Can't See: On.
Restrict Mechs and Components: On. All Weapons Allowed
Game Type: Team Battle
Stock Mechs: Off.
Max Team Tonnage: Each unit receives 12,000,000 cbills per player +/-4,000,000 cbill weight modifier per player.
Chasis Restrictions: No more than two of the same type chasis can be used by one team per drop.
Radar: Normal.
Mission Review: At either teams discretion.
Time is set to 30 minutes for all battles.
Either team may request that mission review be enabled 24 hours before the match.
Custom skins are not to be used unless agreed to in match comms by both teams.
Weapon Restrictions
All Weapons are allowed.
Due to the multiple re-spawn settings, HE is considered excessive and detriment to fun, competitive, and interesting plays.
Winning the Match
The winner of the match is the team victorious in 2 out of the 3 drops.
A map is won by having the most points at the end of 30 minutes of play.
100 points is added to the final score for all enemy kills.
If during any drop time runs out and teams have a tie score, that drop is re-fought as a new game from the beginning. Changing Mechs or weapon configurations in the new drop is allowed!
Disconnections - Boot Rule
THE DROP BEGINS AFTER BOTH TEAMS MECHS TOUCH DOWN ON THE SURFACE AND GO IS CALLED BY EACH TEAM (Cold Drop).
If a player boots, or has a technical problem, during the first 2 minutes of the drop, and hasnt engaged the enemy, he may leave and return to the drop once without penalty. If necessary, a team may substitute another eligible member.
Any disconnections, accidental or otherwise, after the 2-minute mark, are considered Kills.
Players returning from disconnection should remember they have lost one life.
Any player caught using more then 7 lives will forfeit the match.
The match goes forward regardless. The risk of disconnects and unplayable lag is theoretically equal for both sides, so those things aren't grounds for suspending or replaying any match. If a team brings in a substitute who is not eligible that is grounds for immediate forfeiture of the map and suspension from play. If a team is shown to have used more mechs than they are legally allowed to use that team will be suspended for one week. Should there be a question as to who dropped and how many mechs were used the zone stats page for that drop will be used to determine the actual events.
psicotic1
Teamwarfare Senior Operations Staff
I think playing the same map 2 or 3 times is going to be a pain.
psicotic1
Teamwarfare Senior Operations Staff
Originally posted by: psicotic1
Ok, so under Wadmaasi's what are we talking about-TD or waves?
psicotic1
Teamwarfare Senior Operations Staff
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