Olorin I
05-05-2005, 13:36
I think that most of us who play multiplayer frequently (I do so, but under another name, this being my ‘nom de plume’) can agree that the cavalry spam is the single most aggravating tactic used by players of mid-level tactical experience and/or skill. Many have made differing suggestions on how to address this problem. All of these suggestions have merit and all have drawbacks. I have found that a combination of limiting Denarii and placing a numerical ceiling on the number of cavalry units per army works best - for me. I have played relatively good games with Denarii as high as 20,000 in this manner, though I prefer less.
My reason for posting is to encourage “multiplayers” to join the TWL ladders for RTW (they currently have a 1vs1 and a 2vs2 ladder). TWL has rules in place that are fairly straight-forward and they have recently adopted a rule designed to eliminate cavalry spamming (with the exception of those who elect to use one of 3 ‘horse’ factions – Scythia, Armenia, and Parthia). The rule limits the number of cavalry units per army/player and I have found that it works fairly well. 1vs1 TWL matches are played at the level of 20,00 Denarii and 2vs2 are ALSO played at 20,000 Denarii! Although it seems strange, I have found that it makes play more interesting as a player cannot adopt a single faction/unit selection strategy – you are forced to have at least 2 strategies!
The mechanical functioning of the ladder is excellent. Once a challenge is issued, the challenged party has 48 hours to respond. In order to respond, the challenged party must propose two differing dates/times for the match to take place from a long list provided by the TWL interface. Players may freely agree to times and dates that are different than those on the list by posting such agreements in a “match communication” message board that is automatically created upon the institution of any challenge. Most importantly, the administration of the ladder is responsive and reasonable. Forfeits are processed promptly and fairly. If, on the other hand, you have a good reason to have missed a match and if you were prompt in posting that reason in the “match communications” panel, you will most likely be afforded the opportunity to re-schedule.
In short, one of the, most effective strategies that we can employ to reduce cavalry spamming is to stop playing with spammers! Since we all want to continue to play the game, one way to avoid the spammers is to join a league that bans that type of play. It is not a perfect ban --- but it has proven highly effective to date. I suggest that individuals and clans/teams join TWL. The more people who play there, the more people will put up “practice games” in the lobbies of RTW with TWL rules. The more of these games that are hosted, the fewer will be the opportunities for cavalry spammer to ply their stock and trade. I find myself doing it all the time now when I host. As more people sign on, the opportunity for cavalry spamming should be proportionately reduced. My suggestion, therefore – join TWL. You will find competition and some relief from mindless tactics. Here is the TWL site address:
http://www.teamwarfare.com/
Olorin I
My reason for posting is to encourage “multiplayers” to join the TWL ladders for RTW (they currently have a 1vs1 and a 2vs2 ladder). TWL has rules in place that are fairly straight-forward and they have recently adopted a rule designed to eliminate cavalry spamming (with the exception of those who elect to use one of 3 ‘horse’ factions – Scythia, Armenia, and Parthia). The rule limits the number of cavalry units per army/player and I have found that it works fairly well. 1vs1 TWL matches are played at the level of 20,00 Denarii and 2vs2 are ALSO played at 20,000 Denarii! Although it seems strange, I have found that it makes play more interesting as a player cannot adopt a single faction/unit selection strategy – you are forced to have at least 2 strategies!
The mechanical functioning of the ladder is excellent. Once a challenge is issued, the challenged party has 48 hours to respond. In order to respond, the challenged party must propose two differing dates/times for the match to take place from a long list provided by the TWL interface. Players may freely agree to times and dates that are different than those on the list by posting such agreements in a “match communication” message board that is automatically created upon the institution of any challenge. Most importantly, the administration of the ladder is responsive and reasonable. Forfeits are processed promptly and fairly. If, on the other hand, you have a good reason to have missed a match and if you were prompt in posting that reason in the “match communications” panel, you will most likely be afforded the opportunity to re-schedule.
In short, one of the, most effective strategies that we can employ to reduce cavalry spamming is to stop playing with spammers! Since we all want to continue to play the game, one way to avoid the spammers is to join a league that bans that type of play. It is not a perfect ban --- but it has proven highly effective to date. I suggest that individuals and clans/teams join TWL. The more people who play there, the more people will put up “practice games” in the lobbies of RTW with TWL rules. The more of these games that are hosted, the fewer will be the opportunities for cavalry spammer to ply their stock and trade. I find myself doing it all the time now when I host. As more people sign on, the opportunity for cavalry spamming should be proportionately reduced. My suggestion, therefore – join TWL. You will find competition and some relief from mindless tactics. Here is the TWL site address:
http://www.teamwarfare.com/
Olorin I