Top Tank Platoon

Top Tank Platoon

File:Top tank.png

version I.0 17 APR 2010

I. Mission

The Primary mission is simple, to named the "Top Tank Platoon" by defeating opposing tank platoons in an organized friendly competition which tests both leadership and individual skill. The competition is organized into "rounds" where two opposing tank platoons are paired up against each other. "Top Tank Platoon" honors is awarded to the platoon that wins the final round in the tournament.

• Note: For fun, the average Mission Score is kept for each platoon in each round to determine the average Mission Score of the tournament winning "Top Tank Platoon" high score. This average high score is determined by adding all the mission scores of the previous rounds together, then dividing by the number of rounds.

Secondarily one member in the final round, who also participated in every round in the tournament, will be named "Master Gunner" which is determined by which participant, from either side, that ends up with the highest average User Score (gunnery points). The individual User Score for each participant is averaged together after each round (Master Gunner score = total gunnery points / current tournament round number). In other words, one participant of the final round will be named "Master Gunner", and this can very well be awarded to a participant on the losing side.

• Note: For fun, if the final "Master Gunner" score is higher than the record set in previous competitions, then that user will be named "Top Gun" until someone gets a higher "Master Gunner" score in a future competition.

1. Participation requirements

The only requirement of the tournament is that each team (platoon) must consist of four people - one user for each tank, no more, no less. If a team drops below four people then it is up to that team to find another participant.

II. Execution

Each scenario or "engagement" consists of a 6.5 x 6.5 km area where two opposing platoons (of four tanks each) engage each other. A central bonus objective is present in the middle of the map to provide a focal point and stimulus to the action.

2. Time limit

The time limit of each engagement is 45 minutes, +/- 5 minutes.

3. Time of day

Each scenario takes place at a random time of day, with a random level of visibility.

4. Hasty planning time constraint

The Planning Phase will last a total of 5 minutes and then the scenario will begin regardless of if either side is ready. The HOST starts a timer once all players are in the planning phase map view and starts the mission once 5 minutes has expired after that.

• Note: This short time limit is due to the fact that there are only four tanks in the scenario, and because of the fact that rehearsals and planning should be done prior to the event.

5. Objectives (tactical)

The primary objective in the scenario is to destroy the enemy tank platoon. Scoring is based on points for the % of friendly tanks that survive, plus points for the % of enemy tanks that are destroyed, plus bonus points for control of a central objective.

• Note: The center objective exists as a mechanism to promote action and deter one side from simply sitting in place for 45 minutes. If one side chooses to sit in place, and the other side moves up to take the center objective, then the side that now controls the objective has the initiative and can wait for the enemy to make their move. If they do not, then chances are (depending on losses and kills) the side that owns the objective will win by points.

a. Central objective ownership

Ownership of the objective will NOT be announced to the participants during the scenario. In other words, neither side will get a message when the objective has been secured. Also, objective ownership acts as a toggle; you are NOT required to sit on the objective to maintain control it. Ownership of the objective is determined by the side that outnumbers the other on it last. In other words, once one side moves in and outnumbers the other in the center objective then that outnumbering side will have ownership of it and they can move out of it. Ownership will then change hands once the other side moves through it with superior force.

6. Victory determination

The victor of the round is the side that has the highest Mission Score at the end of the scenario (individual User Score is irrelevant and is only kept to determine who will win "Master Gunner" honors at the end of the tournament).

a. Mission Score

The Mission Score consists of the following:

+350 points maximum for % of destroyed enemy tanks
+350 points maximum for % of surviving friendly tanks
+300 points maximum for control of the center objective (OBJ Center)

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1000 points total (perfect score)

• Note: For fun, the average Mission Score is kept for each platoon in each round to determine the average Mission Score of the tournament winning "Top Tank Platoon" high score. This average high score is determined by adding all the mission scores of the previous rounds together, then dividing by the number of rounds in the tournament.

b. User Score (for Master Gunner/Top Gun determination)

Of lesser importance, User score consists of the following:

+350 points maximum for hit % (accuracy)
+300 points maximum for at least 12 seconds average time to kill
+350 points maximum for user kills (87.5 points for each user kill)
-1000 points maximum for fratricide penalty (-250 points for each fratricide)

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1000 points total (perfect score)

• Note: Again, User Score is only used to detemine which final round participant will be crowned as "Master Gunner"/"Top Gun", which is determined by adding all of that user's scores of the previous rounds together, then dividing by the number of rounds in the tournament. This user MUST have participated in every round of the tournament to be eligible for this honor.

c. Draw (tie)

In the rare event where both sides have the exact same Mission Score, the round is considered a draw and must be played again.

7. Map repositioning and play area

The map is determined at random and, in everyone's opinion, may not be "balanced". Care is given when the maps are chosen to ensure that one side does not have a mountain overlooking the entire play area, but other than that the maps are chosen at random with the intent of having a 6.5 x 6.5 km area of "rolling terrain" (be it woodland, desert, or snow covered landscape). Complaints about map selection will not be tolerated (ignored), it is up to the participants to evalute the map and determine dominant terrain features and how to use them to their advantage, or how to minimize their importance.

• Note: The reaons that complaints in this regard will not be tolerated because it is a fact that unless the flat.hgt map is selected, then EVERY map will have some aspect which some will consider "unbalanced". If each of these complaints are taken into consideration, then the whole tournament would break down. Consider the map, visibility and time of day as "wild card" elements that are beyond your control. The most successful tank platoons (in [i]Steel Beasts[/i] and in real life) adapt to, and overcome the situation - this is part of the test to become the "Top Tank Platoon".

8. Reporting the game

After each mission, the AAR file is saved and uploaded (temporarily) to SB.com for all to evaluate. If the tournament organizer is not present in the scenario as an observer or participant then the AAR file should be emailed to him from one person on the winning side. Scenario results are not official until an AAR is provided and evaluated (the AAR is necissary to calculate points).

III. Organization

The round parings in the tournament will be setup and announced by the Game Master. Rounds will be played during TGIF, Friday 2100 CST *on the dot*. Since the engagement is relatively quick, normal TGIF play will occur following completion of the Top Tank Platoon tournament round.

Everyone not directly particpating in the event is encouraged to join the session as an observer and watch the action, the only requirement is that all observers MUST be in a seperate Teamspeak channel as they are not allowed to communicate directly with the participants (neither by in text in game or through Teamspeak, or through voice comms). Remember, while in the Observer Position you can view the Gunner's GPS view and see what he is looking at (subject to lag of course). The intent is that everyone in the community can come together for 30-45 minutes prior to TGIF and watch, have fun, socialize, and possibly learn something.

1. Forfeiting a round

If a team cannot gather their FOUR participants together by +5 minutes past the 2100 CST start time, then that team has forfeited the round and has a loss recorded to them of 0 Mission Score, 0 User score. A round cannot be played with less than four participants. Needless to say, it is imperative to make sure that everyone shows up about 5-10 minutes prior to ensure that a forfeit will not occur.

IV. Administrative action

These rules in their entirety are subject to change. The Game Master (the creator of the tournament) reserves the right to make adjustments to the rules as necissary to iron out imperfections, and for the sake of clarity. Some rules may have to be rewritten in the middle of the tournament if the Game Master's intent was not properly conveyed in the initial writing of the rule. This will be done at a bare minimum and only in an emergency to keep the entire tournament from possible derailment.

The most important thing to remember is that the Game Master's final decision is THE LAW.

1. Honorable play/disqualification

Above all this tournament is intended to be a friendly competition. If you are the type of person that must win at everything you do regardless of who you trample on your way to the top, then you should not participate in this tournament. This tournament should be viewed as an honorable duel between armored knights rather than a cat-fight. If at any time it is determined that an individual or team (platoon) is a detriment to the overall experience of the tournament (in extreme cases), then that individual or entire team may be disqualified and removed from that particular tournament. If an individual from a team is disqualified, then it is up to that team to find a fourth participant.

• Note: Since the Game Master is not a baby sitter, in most cases zero tolerance will be exercised. If there are two individuals or two teams which are frequently complaining about each other or causing trouble then all parties may be disqualified.