30 replies to this topic

[stratagos]

For too long many unanswered questions have swirled around the mysterious MercStar Alliance. I would like to take the opportunity of being stuck on this bleeping train for the next 45 minutes crammed next to a guy who really needs to spend a bit more time in the shower to ask some questions

(ie: I'm bored. So, so bored.)

So, members of -MS-, keeping in mind that I have no real interest in joining you but also don't really have an ax to grind, some questions:

* As individuals, do you generally try to drop with members of your component units, or do you actively try to mix things up?

* Is there a general agreement between and within the subunits about what you'd like CW to develop into?

* I gather from what I've read there is a pretty consistent view that the ability of anyone besides PGI to constrain the actions of your players is anathema; logically that would indicate you - as a unit - wouldn't want to prevent others from doing as they wish. Is that a safe assumption?

* How do you do that thing with your hair?

* How contentious is the decision making process when big decisions come up?

* What deep, dark, nefarious secrets are you hiding from us all? You can tell me, we're all friends here! C'mon, share.

* Right now you guys seem to flip between IS and Clan on a regular basis. Do you ever anticipate taking a contract with a Clan where you aggressively move against the Ghost Bears? If not, why?

* Seriously, did the guy next to me *bathe* in cologne? I think I'm going to hurl.

* Are the individual units responsible for increasing the skill set of their members, or does the umbrella group try to help those members who struggle?

* There appears to be a lot of angst about some of the decision made by your units when on a contract. Have the past... destabilizing results of some of your choices been deliberate?

* How do you... discourage some of your more niche players from negatively reflecting on the unit as a whole?

Oh thank God, two more stops. And then... a day of database table design. Joy.

[Gordon Gecko]

Hey Stratagos. First thank you for the inquiry and I have typed in my answers below.

stratagos, on 12 February 2015 - 06:44 AM, said:

For too long many unanswered questions have swirled around the mysterious MercStar Alliance. I would like to take the opportunity of being stuck on this bleeping train for the next 45 minutes crammed next to a guy who really needs to spend a bit more time in the shower to ask some questions

(ie: I'm bored. So, so bored.)

So, members of -MS-, keeping in mind that I have no real interest in joining you but also don't really have an ax to grind, some questions:

* As individuals, do you generally try to drop with members of your component units, or do you actively try to mix things up?

We mix things up a good bit especially for CW drops but each unit does its own thing when they need to i.e. comp play or team training. MS is a really great group of pilots so its awesome dropping with the variety of pilots we have.

* Is there a general agreement between and within the subunits about what you'd like CW to develop into?

Yes, I will honestly say that the leadership of MS is second to none, all of the unit leaders are a pleasure to work with. We all share a positive and optimistic view for CW.

* I gather from what I've read there is a pretty consistent view that the ability of anyone besides PGI to constrain the actions of your players is anathema; logically that would indicate you - as a unit - wouldn't want to prevent others from doing as they wish. Is that a safe assumption?

We dont police our members, each unit of MS is responsible for their members and their actions. Each unit has its own guidelines/rules.

* How do you do that thing with your hair?

LOL I am not sure to be honest.

* How contentious is the decision making process when big decisions come up?

Not at all, MS is a drama free zone

* What deep, dark, nefarious secrets are you hiding from us all? You can tell me, we're all friends here! C'mon, share.

I could tell you but then I'd have to........

* Right now you guys seem to flip between IS and Clan on a regular basis. Do you ever anticipate taking a contract with a Clan where you aggressively move against the Ghost Bears? If not, why?

CGB is our "home" away from home so to speak. We have many great allies w/ CGB and we enjoy working with them.

* Seriously, did the guy next to me *bathe* in cologne? I think I'm going to hurl.

Old Spice is OP

* Are the individual units responsible for increasing the skill set of their members, or does the umbrella group try to help those members who struggle?

Yes and Yes, great group of guys at MS. If a new pilot desires some help/training there are plenty that will help.

* There appears to be a lot of angst about some of the decision made by your units when on a contract. Have the past... destabilizing results of some of your choices been deliberate?

Being a large group we will naturally draw angst for a multitude of reasons, when we take contracts our goal is to do what is best for our unit and allies.

* How do you... discourage some of your more niche players from negatively reflecting on the unit as a whole?

We have disciplinary actions in place like most units, if needed. Again, member management is the responsibility of the sub units.

Oh thank God, two more stops. And then... a day of database table design. Joy.

Hope that helps and travel safe Mechwarrior. Also, please come by our TS channel if you want to get to know the group/members better.

http://www.mercstar.net

Edited by Gordon Gecko, 12 February 2015 - 07:45 AM.

[HBizzle]

Everything Gordon said.

[Ax2Grind]

stratagos, on 12 February 2015 - 06:44 AM, said:

but also don't really have an ax to grind, some questions:

* I gather from what I've read there is a pretty consistent view that the ability of anyone besides PGI to constrain the actions of your players is anathema; logically that would indicate you - as a unit - wouldn't want to prevent others from doing as they wish. Is that a safe assumption?

Gordon laid it out nicely.

I'll add just a little bit a lot to the one quoted question...when it comes to how we as a community all play this game, and CW in particular, MS supports all of us actively figuring out what works best for each individual and unit. As a unit we are not interested in any arbitrary constraints where in a single player or faction can just deny another player or faction the ability to play how they want.

That being said, the kinds of interactions we do support include unit diplomacy and of course the core element of the game, direct conflict. These two options are all that PGI has really made available to us. So all of the various alliances, NAP's and backroom dealings currently going on in CW are great...as long as we keep in mind that nothing we agree to can force anyone else to play the game a particular way...unless we get them to agree with us as well. Since there is no accountability beyond social/forum wrath, it makes diplomacy a tricky beast and renders true faction diplomacy moot. In fact, with rumors and misunderstandings about who made what agreement, it is a common problem that the social/forum wrath undermines diplomacy. Certainly we have seen a number of occasions where our unit, or others, have been blamed for actions that never took place. Despite the difficulties I have witnessed great Unit Diplomacy in this current game, and I hope folks keep at it. Even with few, if any tools, the community continuously tries to make MWO far more compelling than what PGI has offered up and for that I am very grateful.

If PGI gets around to creating more depth to the current "political" aspect of CW (most would argue its basically non-existent right now) there many ways that these interactions could have a much broader scope, and result in political constructs that have some in game presence. Livewyr has championed a few ideas to make diplomacy more meaningful that I really like, including the ability for units to be able to attack each other, or block each other, from planets within their own faction. It would even be a nice start if we really had some real factions to choose from...if being a loyalist meant something more than a merc contract that didn't end, and if mercs had more meaning than just getting limited Loyalist rewards while jumping around the IS.

So yes, beyond making our own Unit to Unit agreements, and direct conflict in-game, MS has no desire to prevent anyone else from doing as they wish. If it's available in-game, it's fair game.

Edited by Ax2Grind, 12 February 2015 - 08:50 AM.

[HBizzle]

Everything Ax said as well.

[Gordon Gecko]

Very well put Ax.

[Dauphni]

Gordon Gecko, on 12 February 2015 - 07:24 AM, said:

* Is there a general agreement between and within the subunits about what you'd like CW to develop into?

Yes, I will honestly say that the leadership of MS is second to none, all of the unit leaders are a pleasure to work with. We all share a positive and optimistic view for CW.

While that's certainly nice to hear, that doesn't really answer the question that was asked...

[Ax2Grind]

Uite Dauphni, on 12 February 2015 - 10:15 AM, said:

While that's certainly nice to hear, that doesn't really answer the question that was asked...

It's an interesting question...but it's also a bit vague. MS leadership tends to be focused on the game we have, and when we do discuss our wishful thinking about the future of CW I can't think of a single time there was anything other than general agreement. Maybe the vagueness is just that we don't have much to go on from PGI about how the game might be developed. I think Gordon actually answered it very well and very succinctly..."We all share a positive and optimistic view for CW." Most of have been waiting for this version of MWO for over two years. We are excited it's here and hope that PGI keeps up its recent uptick in development.

[Dauphni]

Thanks for the answers, I can totally understand that. The FWLM is very similar in many ways.

[HBizzle]

Bitey, on 12 February 2015 - 10:36 AM, said:

Imported promotional tape from the Liao bureau of MercStar relations, recruitment, and success. Recently created for MercStar informational release.

Hey Bitey check your forum messages. Thanks.

[Gordon Gecko]

Uite Dauphni, on 12 February 2015 - 10:15 AM, said:

While that's certainly nice to hear, that doesn't really answer the question that was asked...

Ax hit the nail on the head, me personally I will say id like to see MOAR maps, modes etc. I hope CW evolves into something that can immerse players deeper into combat logistics and lore.

[NoSkillRush]

I like. 100% agreed with Gordon

Edited by FileTitan, 12 February 2015 - 06:10 PM.

[Zfailboat]

Lol, you missed the most important question.

Are you anything other than a bunch of trolls? Specifically in regards to this persons Poll.

http://mwomercs.com/...ce-not-the-win/

below I highlight the most important line.

MS only want to play against players NOT turret drop, despite what you hear or rumour about MS. they simply want games Vs people.

Now if this guy and MS had a clue, and you actually wanted to play against people, why would you go and join the purple monsters, who are limited to only being able to attack innersphere planets which people don't defend.

Why wouldn't you join one of the Innersphere teams on the front lines against clans, and thus give your group the ability to attack and defend from almost every faction, especially the ones with players.

[Mordin Ashe]

Zfailboat, on 12 February 2015 - 08:56 PM, said:

Lol, you missed the most important question.

Are you anything other than a bunch of trolls? Specifically in regards to this persons Poll.

http://mwomercs.com/...ce-not-the-win/

below I highlight the most important line.

MS only want to play against players NOT turret drop, despite what you hear or rumour about MS. they simply want games Vs people.

Now if this guy and MS had a clue, and you actually wanted to play against people, why would you go and join the purple monsters, who are limited to only being able to attack innersphere planets which people don't defend.

Why wouldn't you join one of the Innersphere teams on the front lines against clans, and thus give your group the ability to attack and defend from almost every faction, especially the ones with players.

WTF?
Mariks fight on many fronts. The more active frontlines faction has the more action is happening.
Also in IS you can simply create a group of 12 people and insta drop against the Clans.

Right now they can easily get much more action than what Clan space offers them. No idea why are you thinking it makes them trolls. Perhaps you could check out the faction tab more often, to get a clue :-)

[Tunes of war]

Zfailboat, on 12 February 2015 - 08:56 PM, said:

below I highlight the most important line.

MS only want to play against players NOT turret drop, despite what you hear or rumour about MS. they simply want games Vs people.

no you are wrong the most interesting part is:

Quote

CGB is our "home" away from home so to speak. We have many great allies w CGB and we enjoy working with them.

in combination with:

Quote

when we take contracts our goal is to do what is best for our unit and allies.

this explains why they dont follow ceasefires between houses... they are CGB and are here to trouble the IS ....

Quote

MS only want to play against players NOT turret drop, despite what you hear or rumour about MS. they simply want games Vs people.

if this would be true so why dont they join FRR they have more then 5 frontlines BUT they dont fight clans....

Edited by Tunes of war, 13 February 2015 - 12:20 AM.

[Mordin Ashe]

Tunes of war, on 13 February 2015 - 12:19 AM, said:

if this would be true so why dont they join FRR they have more then 5 frontlines BUT they dont fight clans....

MS fights Clans a lot, both when in CGB and IS. I already posted the reason - in 12man (no problem to create given high MS population) dropping against Clans is instant battle.

Attacking other houses while in IS is one thing that is almost assured to happen. What might be problematic is making conflicts when there used to be peace, and in this regard I don't know about MS making any drama - weren't Mariks already fighting the Davion?

Regarding FRR, please, read MS explanatory thread. When they go to some faction they want to cooperate with locals, so the locals have to be friendly, cooperative and the community can't be atomized into numerous units of 15-20 people. Not exactly words I would use to describe FRR. Quite the oposite of Mariks.

[Devil Fox]

Tunes of war, on 13 February 2015 - 12:19 AM, said:

This explains why they dont follow ceasefires between houses... they are CGB and are here to trouble the IS ....

You read too much into the answers, let me ask PL why you left one faction for another? Would you go Clan to only attack the FRR or Kurita where you have put most of your work? Personally I'm not really interested why you do what you do, the choice is yours to make, and questioning and reading into it achieves nothing worthwhile.

MS rotates between Clan and IS, we as any unit have an agenda when we are within a faction from getting fight's, upholding NAP's (Marik/Laio and the CGB/CSJ are 2 examples) to diplomacy with unit's within the faction (if possible). I identify myself more as an IS player then Clan, but the unit leadership decides the contracts so I play where needed.

This then comes into:

Tunes of war, on 13 February 2015 - 12:19 AM, said:

if this would be true so why dont they join FRR they have more then 5 frontlines BUT they dont fight clans....

Would you join a faction where all your hard work is wiped out? We went Steiner with our alliance whilst a coalition formed in FRR, at that time both CJF and CW were pushed back extensively by merc's. We have fought the clans and even did a second rotation through Steiner to continue the fight, by which time the Merc's in FRR dispersed into their next rotation for contracts leaving the Clan's to just continue their march into IS territory.

There is no logical conclusion why if we have allies within both the CGB and CSJ that MS would rotate Kurita or FRR, as that would break their trust and agreements in place, if another IS house had a border but Steiner... you might actually seeing us fight CJF or CW, why do you think the Clan wars continuously and spontaneously erupt. Will it mean we won't go FRR or Kurita? Who knows, no-one does because that would mean a larger game plan... which as you know with the planet algorithm is very very difficult to account for.

EDIT: Whilst Clans, how many known 12man teams do we come across? Only those on either side of CGB, the CW and CSJ... IS vs Clan is pug stomping, plan and simple... IS vs IS you still find 12man's... the bloat of the IS vs Clan front due to be pug attracting doesn't always provide the good gameplay or the interesting battles that fighting neighbours can have. Alot of unit's have improved greatly in CW, and it should continue to do so whilst teams smash headlong into each other.

Edited by Apostal Sinclair, 13 February 2015 - 12:53 AM.

[Tarogato]

Hopefully we can continue maintain this thread as a non-hostile grounds for discussion. I have some follow up questions for members/leadership of -MS- ...

A great many players from all factions and varieties of units maintain a lot of contempt for MS. With so many holding you in low regard, how do you deal with it? Does it bother you at all?

Why hasn't MS broken up into its constituent units after faction-wide grouping was implemented? MS was born out of a necessity for a large unified organisation and now that necessity no longer exists. Many of your members miss having their old unit tags and playing as part of a tight-knit, well-defined, recognisable group. Being as the Alliance can continue to exist outside of in-game units/tags, has breaking up ever become a consideration? Why do you continue to fight as one at the expense of individuality?

Which factions' loyalists have been the best to work with, perhaps barring obvly CGB? Does MS consider itself to have any defined enemies/consistent opponents?

[Tunes of war]

Mordin Ashe, on 13 February 2015 - 12:36 AM, said:

MS fights Clans a lot, both when in CGB and IS. I already posted the reason - in 12man (no problem to create given high MS population) dropping against Clans is instant battle.

simply not true they have never been to FRR or kurita... they were once steiner and then they broke the steiner/FRR ceasefire and attacked FRR from the flank...

Mordin Ashe, on 13 February 2015 - 12:36 AM, said:

Attacking other houses while in IS is one thing that is almost assured to happen. What might be problematic is making conflicts when there used to be peace, and in this regard I don't know about MS making any drama - weren't Mariks already fighting the Davion?

Regarding FRR, please, read MS explanatory thread. When they go to some faction they want to cooperate with locals, so the locals have to be friendly, cooperative and the community can't be atomized into numerous units of 15-20 people. Not exactly words I would use to describe FRR. Quite the oposite of Mariks.

davions right not kurita... you disagree yourself... why do they want to work with local partners on hand and why do they brake established ceasfires on the other hand?!

Edited by Tunes of war, 13 February 2015 - 01:00 AM.

[Gordon Gecko]

Thank you for keeping this a positive thread, see below.

Tarogato, on 13 February 2015 - 12:51 AM, said:

Hopefully we can continue maintain this thread as a non-hostile grounds for discussion. I have some follow up questions for members/leadership of -MS- ...

A great many players from all factions and varieties of units maintain a lot of contempt for MS. With so many holding you in low regard, how do you deal with it? Does it bother you at all?

While its true some do hold us in contempt, MS also has a great number of Allies across the different Houses/Clans. If you were to come pay a visit to our TS, you would see many other units have channels established for diplomatic purposes.

Why hasn't MS broken up into its constituent units after faction-wide grouping was implemented? MS was born out of a necessity for a large unified organisation and now that necessity no longer exists. Many of your members miss having their old unit tags and playing as part of a tight-knit, well-defined, recognisable group. Being as the Alliance can continue to exist outside of in-game units/tags, has breaking up ever become a consideration? Why do you continue to fight as one at the expense of individuality?

I think you answered your own question, each units individaulity has been preserved which I believe is one of the reasons MS has been so successful. All the units in MS are very proud of what we have accomplished and really enjoy being part of the group.

Which factions' loyalists have been the best to work with, perhaps barring obvly CGB? Does MS consider itself to have any defined enemies/consistent opponents?

We have enjoyed working with all the Houses thus far honestly and no not to my knowledge.

Edited by Gordon Gecko, 13 February 2015 - 06:09 AM.