As I sit here writing my notes, the sound of the Wars last day's battles can be heard. Missiles and rockets bombard opponents but it's not what I expected for the grand finale. The Wars have taken a toll on many, the drop in participation is evident. Some spend hours waiting for the right circuit to jump into. Others planned to go together in the same group and find they have to wait for someone. A few jump in and forget about the battles, claiming the entry prizes only. The unlimited is the easiest, most worry free, event. You battle everyone in your circuit and work your way to the top if you have what it takes. Some still work to improve their formation, others gave up long ago it seems.
Seeing the wreckage reminds me of all the experience pilots received during this event. There's no place in the arena to go where you won't find bits and pieces. A burnt out mecha may be right beside a frozen one. Some are bullet ridden, the pieces blown off end up everywhere. If you don't watch your footing, you'll trip and end up next to one of the derelicts. A few could not finish the battles as I suspected, the energy required was more than they had. This was a Wars of stamina on many levels. For the most part it was low enough for the majority of pilots for most of the circuits. I've seen more than one level up since the Mechalympix began; wonder if they would have held back had they know what they were fighting for. This would be most true for the lowest levels. The unexpected push up in divisions for my brothers did not stop them from pulling in medals, despite having opponents over 70 levels above them.
On this final day, the prize list was dropped as well as many jaws. The promise of better prizes was only realized by the top pilots as they could pull in twenty weapons on top of all the other items earned. That's no small advance for weapon upgrades. The upper divisions were privileged with niode items, most worthy weapons befitting the level. If you weren't lucky enough to pull in Gold or Silver medals, you'll see the same type of gifts as any other wars, perhaps a few extras but nothing monumental. The confirmation that only the very best will ever have a chance to improve will not sit well with any not in the clique I suppose. I liked the skill points at three, two and one for Gold, Silver and Bronze, it will keep pilots from pulling ahead too far too fast in my opinion. If it was implemented from the start, more balance would have been possible but this move is too late. Those who had the advantage of playing from the start received the standard five points up until now. Even if they no longer hang on to the top position, it will take others twice as long to earn when they did. As the old Terra saying goes, better late than never.
Having so many circuits to deal with is taxing. Some did not bother to do more than enter for the participation prize on entry. Some would finish one before joining another. I juggled a few at once with modest success. The smallest group was easiest to handle. Even any with limited energy would have an opportunity to advance. Some could dominate through power while others had to show patience and restraint, waiting for the right opportunity. By this point, all had to be feeling the strain. If you were able to turn on the auto-pilot, you could cruise to this point. Any would did not regularly jump into the circuits may enjoy the windfall of new crystals, a most useful resource. The added medals on a daily basis are pushing up the counts on many trophy walls. A few of my men are pushing nearly 500 and beyond now.
If the medals could talk, they'd have many tales to tell. All of my men could highlight their first Gold win, the details may start to blur with others but the first is special. We have much more to work with now than back then, the increasing damage progresses and the factories boost power, speed and a multitude of aspects for each weapon class. Seeing the wreckage on the field of vision proves how well they've improved the means of destruction. Most pilots eject in time when necessary, a few are still lost. It is always sad to see, not as many recruits like there used to be. Less sign up each year. Any who burn out from doing double-time are a loss felt even more. I'd hate to see the stats.
We've had good men keeping up with the numbers. Before the news is released, we know the standings thanks to their hard efforts. Considering the limited number of pilots we took in, I'm impressed at the pilot versus pilot numbers. We're kept within a half point of the competition when it comes to points achieved per pilot. Through sheer numbers one crew can pull it off but their point standing is over 30 below the top scorers, on average. All my men have over a handful of medals already and a few may score in every round. In the end, none would sweep the Golds but a couple came close.
~note - collect data on stats and compare with previous Wars
The Raid is something to be looked forward to and dreaded at the same time. Another day or three of battles but the potential rewards.... something few will pass on. The smallest pilots have the most to gain and I've encouraged all to step in this time for a roll. I'm confident a few will do well. All can keep their earnings and work with it until the next Wars and we'll see what they looted. The flagship clan will need to wait on parts, production is backlogged and orders for engines have overwhelmed the manufacturer. Other essential pieces could use improvement and hopes are high this is coming before the next Wars does. Some will not field have naked mecha, others fly with the breeze-unconcerned. All would prefer to have the best but not all can afford the high cost. Each improves at their own pace and some can afford to move faster than others. All will have a big jump after this is calculated. An extensive itemized list has already been dropped and dozens of items categorized.
The prize for Gold winners of a Circuit isn't the BEST weapon available but it is worthy of use or recycling at the very least. I'd hate to be division 2, same prize regardless which place you medal, wonder how the first place winners look at that. Seeing division four and five clumped together raised more than an eyebrow. It's happened that divisions were combined in the prizes in the past but many more divisions were there as well, compared to this time. The Raid prizes do seem to have improved, only one mecha seems to have dropped in percentile compared to previous Raids and the timer is back to the standard seventy-two hours which is great. Having the roster we do, every man will have an opportunity for two rolls, doubling the chances for prizes, the excitement is evident and I hope we'll see lots of new toys from the efforts. The number of prizes given out was impressive in total, we never saw a written breakdown like that before. Perhaps it's the start of a new trend.
Missions continue to pop. The payment from mini bosses can earn as much as the guaranteed boss prize. The experience is more appealing for the higher level pilots looking to keep moving. The counter continues to track our progress. Ever increasing in strength, they will take longer to finish the boss fights as you continue to rack up the number of wins on the counter. The first mission is still shut tight, hopes of it opening soon have long been forgotten. If pilots haven't used enough energy, they'll have something to occupy the time.
Moving down the ladder I see pilots frozen in time, standing still while others caught up then pass them. The lower you move, the more abundant their numbers become, each one adding up. The self-destruction leaves zero tonnage on a few. Others show off the best acquired during their hay day. Each year that goes by, their number increases yet more pilots take their place and pass them by.
A big party is anticipated, another Galaxy Bash as I like to think of it. Looking forward to wearing my new level, it's been hard earned from the tonnage of many. There won't be any bells or whistles going off for the achievement but the anniversary celebration will suffice. Soon after the party I'm taking a well deserved break. Need to focus on the men and our standings overall. Time to come up with new ideas for interactive play, can't let them sit idle between Wars. Only so much polishing you can do to your fleet before the glare into the shine starts to glaze the eyes. Need their vision sharp and mind keen on the task at hand. So much to do every day, just need to keep reminding them. The lull between Clan Wars always has some scattering, leaving nearly as soon as the throw the last shot. I'm so proud they held their own, given the competition. A few bad breaks in a row, that trend will end and they'll have a good shot. It's a long term project, with attention to the daily tasks constantly needed.
There used to be a saying long ago, you can't always see the forest for the trees. I hope they can appreciate the concept. Any who can step back to see the bigger picture stand out. All are needed at every level. Exciting news about a few returnees will have the hangars buzzing, can't wait to see how they've fared while away. They'll enjoy seeing the newest production line releases, hope they've stocked up enough resources, they'll need a bunch. Once they re-outfit, they'll be up to speed again, ready to take on the next challenge. Back where they belong, taking the newest technology with them and enjoying the battlefield once more. Tossing in all for the glory of the Arena where it's all or nothing and it all goes down to the last blast. Both sides still good to the last shot.
~end transmission
Submitted by Deborah Roaché-Hudak ID# 289133