Birthday Battle -> The Story

[mr. dude]

Note: No real battle stories or complex tactics here, this was a party with my less-hardcore-than-myself friends. What follows is the journey to a few hours of team OHKs.

In the month leading up to my birthday (yesterday), my friends and I kept throwing ideas around as to what we can do. The ideas ranged from laser tag, watching certain movies all day, big dinner, casino, Medieval Times, and basically anything fun we've ever done before. Eventually, someone suggested a water war, I was sold, it had to happen.

I spent the weeks leading up to my birthday scrambling to get as many of them ready as I could, I tested all the ones previously reported as "working", still fine. I decided to finish some mods for the day (HydroCannon and mini-CPS, namely) as well as my APH, and I proceded to work on them as often as I could. Of course, I cut too close to the deadline and neither of the 2 mods were finished (both looked finished until I tested them, that's when I paid for my lazy approach. ie the tubing connections popped off and I didn't have enough time to fix them), meanwhile the APH never got its reservoir. Around this time, SEAL PM'd me with a formal invitation to the Community Battle, but I had already made plans, so I'll go ahead and apologize here.

The day of, after spending the prior week trying to figure out where we could go, we ultimately opted for the beach. We packed a bunch of soakers into two cars, I brought some tools in case they were needed, and we headed off. Now, the lesson behind this story: Don't have water battles at a beach. There are lots of great hiding spots, they tend to be big, lots of tap water around, but also lots of tanning pedestrians in all the good spots. We predicted this would happen, but the weather forecast suggested it would be a cloudy day so we decided to risk it. Of course, the weather forecast was wrong, it was a beautiful day and filled with people, so we decided to do typical beach activities and reschedule the battle. A few hours of body-checking the big waves later, we called it a day and went home. However, we did manage a good half-hour of anarchic shooting before we ran out of water (and were too far away from a source of clean water, even the lake water in that part of the beach looked more like mud). I decided to try out the Ultimate Renegade, which seemed to do well enough, I was dishing out a fair bit; especially considering that others were using my 12k, CPH, Gorgon and Scorpion (there was also a WW Yellow Jacket and a Quik Grip, in case you were wondering). However, the flip side of that is that I ran out of water fairly quickly, I believe only the Quik Grip and the CPH went dry before me. Nevertheless, I was impressed with my latest acquisition.

So, this morning, we assembled and went off to a nearby park. One of those fancy parks with washrooms and fountains, seemed perfect. This time, I decided to try out my Orca, the original version with a cap on the bottom of the reservoir, I was about the only one able to fill in the tiny washroom sinks (if you're willing to exclude the WW Gremlin and Xenon). After finding a nice source of tap water, we filled up and went off to a remote area. First, we had a FFA to get everyone used to their blasters, we played around for a bit, then we collectively ran low on water so began heading back to our refill station.

Once we refilled, we opted for an Every Man For Himself OHK game, gave ourselves a few seconds to spread out, then began the game. Our battlefield was rather small, a bit of open terrain on one side, some long (waist high) grass and bushes on the other side, and a few trees sprinkled around. I went to a tree in the long-grass area, one of my friends (armed with a Xenon) did the same, just out of my Orca's range, while the rest didn't bother and stayed in the open, well out of our range. We started with a bit of a standoff, I tried to exploit my range advantage against the Xenon, but he kept dodging and his return fire made sure I couldn't get too close. For a while, the others just went after each other and let us be, but eventually we were joined by the XP 250 user (coming in on my side). They both had their sights set on me, I knew I had to take the Xenon out before the 250 got within range, but I still couldn't quite hit him. So, here I was, with an opponent on either side of me, and within shooting range of both, they both shot at the same time, just as I began my sprint toward the Xenon. Somehow, I managed to dodge both shots and I held my Orca's trigger long enough to hear the words "crap, I'm out!". Then I turned my attention to the 250, had a bit of a duel, won that (I had a tree to hide behind), and proceded to the next opponent (armed with a 12k). It turns out we were the final two, he shot, I dodged, I shot, he dodged, he shot with some spread, I jumped back and made my injured hamstring unhappy, he shot again and I stood still (didn't want to risk getting hurt), so he won that round.

The next round, we opted to play OHK with teams. I switched to my good old XP110, and partnered up with the 12k+SS50, with the other team having Gremlin+250+Xenon. We started off at either end of a short pathway, with fairly dense plantlife on either side. I told my teammates to hold the middle while I flanked through the forest, which, in a tactical sense, probably wasn't the best idea. Both my teammates were eliminated and it was me against 2 (incidentally, the same showdown as in the first round, I was up against the Xenon and 250). Fortunately for me, they were both wearing sandals and the ground was very prickly, so they refused to get into my cover. I, wearing my running shoes, was free to move around without getting too exposed. Eventually, I managed to eliminate both of them after a fair bit of dodging and hiding on my part.

We relocated and played a few more rounds, alternating victories along the way. Eventually we decided to make our way back to the cars and dry off for a while (which of course turned into "walk to the cars while emptying our blasters onto one another"). If you must know, we sat and enjoyed some ice cream after that. Who could guess that we're a bunch of nineteen and twenty year-olds?

Really, I was happy about the chance to try the Orca and 110 out in 1HK games, to see how they can be used in getting kills. My strategy was similar for both, though I had to be more careful with the 110 due to its shorter range; take a few shots to keep the opponent engaged, then wait for a chance to charge in and hose down. It means taking more time to reload than what I'm used to, but I was getting more kills than usual, so maybe there's something to it

Of course, the main thing was to make sure everyone had fun, which was certainly the case. All in all, a recommended birthday experience.

[marauder]

That sounds like a lot of fun. Did you get any pics by chance? You had quite the diverse array of weapons. I don't know if there's ever been a 250 vs Orca or SS 50 vs CPH battle, at least not documented.

You should definitely try to make Downpour next year and bring some of your friends. It sounds like you have quite a few who'd be into it, even if they aren't as hardcore as you are. We need more members to come to the community war.

[mr. dude]

Pictures, I knew we forgot something!

You had quite the diverse array of weapons. I don't know if there's ever been a 250 vs Orca or SS 50 vs CPH battle, at least not documented.

Isn't life so much more interesting when the team arsenals don't just look like "CPS2K x 5" on either side? Ignoring the fact that I don't have any 2ks or 2500s...

Really, I felt like a store clerk somtimes with the way I handed out my blasters. Each friend would walk up to me with a specific requirement or question about a certain blaster, I'd give my answer, they'd approve and take it. Like, one of them asked me if I had anything that didn't need to be pumped, so I gave her the Scorpion. Another one asked if I had anything that didn't have a trigger, so I gave him the Gremlin. I found it interesting that no one touched the 2700 (or the CPH on the second day, despite having seen its power), opting to match the 12k or 250 with Xenons and Gremlins instead; and I'd have to say it was pretty even, everyone loved the blasters they picked (there was one who traded the Gorgon for the SS50, but everyone else was very happy).

As always, I'm interested in going to Downpour, it's just a matter of doing something about the interest and going there.

[marauder]

DX will argue me to the end on this one, but I totally agree with you. I think that having having various strengths and weaknesses add a whole new dimension to making tactical decisions. It's also a bit romantic in the 18th century sense. I also think that when there's more people there's greater variety of strengths and weaknesses within your own team's personnel. Not everyone is going to be ready for a CPS 2000, and if you have a 15 v 15 war I don't think that having 7 2000s and 8 2500s is the answer.

Variety also makes for more memorable moments. In one Vermin War this guy showed up for the other team with a 12k, wearing a Ninja headband and 2 SS 50s tucked into his belt. We were all like who the #*(#@ is this guy? and we taunted him. During the war, my squad was fighting up on a hill, when the other squad on our team was engaged with his guys down at the creek. He systematically eliminated that entire squad, going so far as to drop his 1200 and jump the creek with 2 SS 50s blazing. Everyone remembered the Irish (he had red hair) ninja.

We usually plan these wars far in advance. Maybe you can make a road trip out of it with your friends, visit Niagra Falls, then go to Six Flags, then go to NYC. Regardless, we need an XP 250 or a functional APH to you know... balance out Dux's 5 2000s and 5 2500s

[HBWW]

Really, I felt like a store clerk somtimes with the way I handed out my blasters. Each friend would walk up to me with a specific requirement or question about a certain blaster, I'd give my answer, they'd approve and take it. Like, one of them asked me if I had anything that didn't need to be pumped, so I gave her the Scorpion. Another one asked if I had anything that didn't have a trigger, so I gave him the Gremlin.

Everyone at my wars just picks the coolest-looking blaster and goes lol. Good part is that we can play sooner and I don't have to explain anything. Bad part is, people end up surprised by the quirks or factors of the blaster they picked.

He systematically eliminated that entire squad, going so far as to drop his 1200 and jump the creek with 2 SS 50s blazing. Everyone remembered the Irish (he had red hair) ninja.

This shows the unique dynamic of water warfare weapon variety. Sure you can sprint with a 12k, 2000, etc. but you can sprint faster (not to mention dual wield and engage more than one target at a time) with light AP blasters. The benefit of mobility doesn't often go through as well as the benefit of a high-output, high-range blaster, but it's there and usable with the right skill, mindset, and playing area/playing conditions.

[marauder]

Mobility and weight are related, but not the same thing. I find that my mobility is significantly greater with an XP 110 than an XP 310, despite the fact that the 310 is only about a pound heavier. If I can easily wield a gun one-handed then I consider it a great advantage. If the 300 just had a trigger... I could one hand that! Of course, due to the backpack it would still be nearly impossible to dodge, but hey, I'll take the extra 2 feet of range and it looks totally badass.

[mr. dude]

Variety also makes for more memorable moments. In one Vermin War this guy showed up for the other team with a 12k, wearing a Ninja headband and 2 SS 50s tucked into his belt. We were all like who the #*(#@ is this guy? and we taunted him. During the war, my squad was fighting up on a hill, when the other squad on our team was engaged with his guys down at the creek. He systematically eliminated that entire squad, going so far as to drop his 1200 and jump the creek with 2 SS 50s blazing. Everyone remembered the Irish (he had red hair) ninja.

Well, really, you brought that on yourselves taunting a guy with a Ninja headband.
As for the main point, I absolutely agree. Different blasters give you different tactical options, it's about picking the ones that suit you.

Everyone at my wars just picks the coolest-looking blaster and goes lol. Good part is that we can play sooner and I don't have to explain anything. Bad part is, people end up surprised by the quirks or factors of the blaster they picked.

That kinda happened when my friend insisted on using a Quik Grip

Mobility and weight are related, but not the same thing. I find that my mobility is significantly greater with an XP 110 than an XP 310, despite the fact that the 310 is only about a pound heavier. If I can easily wield a gun one-handed then I consider it a great advantage. If the 300 just had a trigger... I could one hand that! Of course, due to the backpack it would still be nearly impossible to dodge, but hey, I'll take the extra 2 feet of range and it looks totally badass.

I've always found it awkward to one-hand anything with a pump, because then there's the horrible moment when you have to repump and go back to two hands (thus losing that badass-iness of it all).

[DX]

DX will argue me to the end on this one, but I totally agree with you. I think that having having various strengths and weaknesses add a whole new dimension to making tactical decisions.

Before 2011 Downpour, I'd never actually used a 2000 in a serious war. I found that it was awesome for my playing style, and therefore saved up to buy...more of them. A 2000 was never used in a Ridgewood war. That type of fighting made it difficult to use a soaker with short field life. When the whole war is a single 2-3 hour round, you can't just refill between rounds or break off to refill during a tough battle. Refilling was especially challenging when playing with low numbers - refilling when even or outnumbered gets more dangerous as the numbers get smaller. You can't always just run away to refill. Thus, the type of battles have a huge effect on what type of guns work best.

Even now, there are certain types of rounds when I will give up the power of the 2000 and use something with more field life and/or more mobility, like the superbly versatile 12K. The majority of my kills have been made with super versatile soakers with high field life, like the 2500, 12K, XP 150, and Colossus. Actually, you might be in more trouble if I had 5 2500s instead of 5 2000s, because the 2500 is useful in many more situations than a 2000. The 2000 does its job better, but in more narrow situations. Not having anything between the 2000 and 12K hurt me at Hydropoc in the Saturday team OHK and OHS rounds. A 2500 or 1500 would have been better.

Personally, I value range and long term durability above all else in a soaker. What will get me the best results tomorrow? Will it still be giving me results in a year? 5 years? 10 years? This means my arsenal has to specialize in a few soakers that meet already picky performance criteria and have a low chance of breaking. This is currently the 2000, 1200, and Colossus, although I should add something in between the 2000 and 1200, while air pressure could still change if BBT keeps pumping out even better models. Since I tend to loan a lot of guns out, these become like corporate car or computer fleets, replaced every few years when something better comes along. These are the ones I get multiples of so if one breaks, it's not a big deal.

While more variety is definitely more interesting, I also am competitive and want to win. I'll definitely use the best blaster for a given scenario as possible, unless I want to test something new or just have fun in a non-serious round.

This shows the unique dynamic of water warfare weapon variety. Sure you can sprint with a 12k, 2000, etc. but you can sprint faster (not to mention dual wield and engage more than one target at a time) with light AP blasters. The benefit of mobility doesn't often go through as well as the benefit of a high-output, high-range blaster, but it's there and usable with the right skill, mindset, and playing area/playing conditions.

One thing the 2000 does very well is hold multiple targets, without taking a shot. It can hold an entire team at bay when the numbers are small enough and the field position is ideal enough. This can be very important when outnumbered, outgunned, and/or low on water. Opponents are very aware of what it's capable of and have to respect that power. If you have the speed, you can also turn on any of them in a heartbeat. Because I was a captain of a team for so long, this is the role I play. My primary job is not to engage in one-on-one duels, but to monitor the whole picture and intervene where necessary. Usually I want to play the "switch" position and move to wherever the greatest threat emerges. A CPS 2000 is very effective at heading off such threats. It's definitely not a gun for dueling, which is why I cache the 12K sometimes. In the Valley of Death round on defense, I used the 2000 to shoot to kill and the 12K to shoot to skirmish.

So, it's not just power vs mobility. There are a lot of factors that go into soaker selection and your choices are strongly influenced by the battle conditions you see or expect at the time vs generic guidelines that tell you what should work. I should be more mobile with a Colossus than a 2000, but what if the 2000 performs the same job in a different way in that round (holding the enemy vs skirmishing with them), making the higher mobility unnecessary? Likewise, what if a gametype that calls for more power than mobility suddenly turns into a high speed skirmish?

Almost anything can happen during a round, which is why I'm most comfortable when my team has versatile gun selections that are similar, rather than a wide variety of guns. When more advantages and disadvantages are in play, more things can go wrong for your team. If you are going to lose a round, it should be because your opponents played better and not because your gun failed you. I'm not saying that I'm against variety, but that the variety should be sound. Aka, if you are going to mix them up, a well-thought out mix that enhances players' strengths and reduces their weaknesses, while also enhancing the team's aggregate strengths and reducing its aggregate weaknesses, is better than a random mix made for the sake of mixing it up. However, everything ultimately comes down to personal preference.