GG: Today we have Rod Skilton in the Galaxy Gathering
studio. Welcome Rod, can I offer you something from the wet bar or a cigar from
General Nova’s private stock?
Rod: Scotch on the rocks thanks John
*Pours two large glasses of Scotch and hands one to Rod*
GG: Thanks for taking the time to talk with me today. Let's
get started!
GG: For the record, what is your name, ID number and the
clan you are fighting with in this war?
Rod: Thanks for the scotch John. My name is Rod Skilton, Mech Pilot ID 899155 and I'm a regular with SteamPunk
Dragons. This war we are camouflaged as Xeon units to get closer to the enemy.
GG: What are you most looking forward to this war?
Rod: I'm looking forward to locking on a few missiles with
the other clans. These new missile specifications will certainly mix things up
a bit. I think we'll see a lot more missile based Mechs trying to make good use
of the extra speed.
GG: Yes, I think most pilots are having the same thoughts
Rod. Only time will tell on that one.
GG: There are 4 specialists this war. Do you enjoy running a
specialist formation or do you enjoy fighting as an unlimited more?
Rod: The specialists are a game changer and I think that any
clan not running them isn't being strategic. Personally, I run a single rainbow
and it gives me great scope for setting out my lines, weapon configurations,
and equipment load outs. I've always steered clear of the 20 ton spec. In my
early days, I struggled against them. The Axebot is an absolute crushing
machine and I never had enough of them to field a competitive line up. They all
provide a good challenge though and the Clan Wars are better for them. Having said that though, there's nothing like
a good stand up grunt-fest of an unlimited fight.
GG: A man who likes it both ways. Good for you Rod *Smile*
GG: This war every clan must have an SRB specialist to
enter. Are you a fan of a clan being required to have a specialist just to
enter the war?
Rod: Ha Ha Ha, you're a funny man John.
Rod: I'm a fan of having specialists so having a mandatory
one is fine by me. It brings a nice flavor to the fight. For the lower level
clans, I can see this having a greater impact, and in some cases difficulty, on
their ability to field specific specialists. Last Clan War it was 20 ton specs,
this Clan War it's single rainbow. Taking on different roles and trying new
things helps make the Clan War rivalries stronger and pilots can be more
creative in their approach to the fight.
*downs his scotch* Looks like my glass is empty John. I'll
have another thanks. *smiles and mumbles - both ways...ha ha*
*Slides another full glass over to Rod*
GG: Required Specs can also have a large impact in the mid
divisions. There are more than a few players who do not make many spec
formations and could find themselves leaving lots of points left they could
have scored or worse yet rush to build the needed spec and find it is not that
strong and give up points.
GG: Do you think Nick will give a bonus prize to the SRB
specialists this war like he did for the 20T guys last war?
Rod: That's what I mean about being strategic with
specialists. Clans that have ignored them in the past are always setting
themselves up for losing valuable, and sometimes, easy points. I do get it that
some clans believe that unlimited is the best way to go and you gotta respect
that too, but in my opinion they are setting themselves up to fail. Clan Wars
aren't a slug-fest anymore. There's an art to war and those that practice that
art will more often than not, come out on top. I'm hoping for a nice reward for
the SRB specialists this Clan War. Mainly because that's the spec I'm running...
hahahahaha
Rod: Hey. John. Drink up, you're fallin behind. *downs the
scotch and hands the glass back to John* Fill er up buttercup.
*Slides another full glass across the desk to Rod*
GG: Thanks for your concern Rod. I am matching you drink for
drink buddy boy. *Smile*
GG: Which specialist formation do you least enjoy fighting
against and why?
Rod: It would have to be the damn 20 Ton spec. In my early
days, I would try my hand at beating them, but would always get wiped. Those
Axebots pack a hefty punch and I've never gone down that path as a specialist.
I still avoid them to this day. It's one of those maxims, if you can't beat
them, stay the hell away.. hahahaha.
GG: This war missiles are getting a +50 Speed boost. Are you
excited about this and will this change how you set up your formations?
Rod: Hell yeah! CronoPower's put some blistering pace into
the missiles. I like seeing these kind of advancements 'cause they make a
massive difference. You can't just sit back and rely on the same formation and
load out. It makes pilots sharper and more aware of what they've got under the
hood and that leads to better battles and better pilots.
Rod: I'm pretty excited about the boosts, and I've already
made changes to my formations. It's already paid some good dividends too. Like
just this morning I picked up the Div 7 KOTM Missile Command Gold medal and I
put down to the speed boost and the formation changes I made.
*Rod stares at his empty glass*
*Slides another full glass over to Rod*
GG: Grats on that Gold medal pickup *Grin*
GG: What clan do you most enjoy fighting against and why?
Rod: Thanks *drinks half the glass*
Rod: Over the last few Clan Wars I'm liking Thunderbird
{BHG} more and more. They're a good challenge for me at my level and I'm not
guaranteed a win at all. Their pilots put up a good fight and that's always
going to make it more enjoyable.
GG: What clan do you least enjoy fighting against and why?
Rod: Any clan that doesn't have a go. When I was leading the
Black Sheep SQN for the HF, I'd push everyone that was active to put rounds
down the range during the Clan War, even if there was no chance of us beating
the opposition. It's the best time to test out your weapon and equipment load
outs, as well as your formations. It's the best time to see what you are
actually capable of. I remember times when I was afraid to hit anyone in a
level above me. But once you get over that fear and push hard, you really start
to understand your true capabilities.
GG: Very good advice for our readers.
GG: Is there something in your career as a mech jockey you
are proud about and would like to share?
Rod: There's a lot of good things I've enjoyed; from KOTM
golds, leading the Black Sheep SQN, joining the Dragons, getting the MG
T-Shirt, and drinking good scotch with you. *empties his glass again* However,
the thing I'm most proud of is the mates I've made all around the galaxy. There
are some wonderful people in this galaxy. Some are rivals and some are clan
mates. But I'm proud to know them all. *laughs* Damn scotch is making me all
sentimental.
*Slides another full glass to Rod*
GG: Is there anything else you would like to add or a shout
out to a friend or foe you would like to give?
Rod: To my friends and allies, may all your shots count in
the coming war. To my foes, keep your heads up so you can see who it is, that
is taking it off.
*sculls the scotch and promptly falls over*
GG: Thanks Rod for taking the time to talk to me today. It
was a pleasure. I wish you and your crew the best.
*Puts a bottle of Scotch in a brown bag and tucks it under
Rod's arm and then John pushes the intercom button on his desk*
GG: Dave? Can you come up here are escort Mr. Skilton home?
Thanks Dave.