The university is known for having a very inclusive atmosphere when it comes to forming fleets for pvp. When we call for a fleet, we'll get x's from players ranging from 1 week old to 3 years. This is great for our students, as it means that anyone can safely jump into PVP and learn whenever they want. That 1 week student may have just set up an overview and gotten a free rifter and mods, but now they're off with a fleet to attack some low-sec pirates.
I love this aspect of the Uni. That we don't deny anyone access to PVP based on skills or experience. However, this atmosphere of inclusiveness also has a few downsides. For example, since we tend to have a lot of low skilled players, we tend to steer them towards tackle frigates, as thats a good way for a low-skilled player to contribute to a fleet. Unfortunately, this can sometimes create an impression that frigates should only be cheap disposable tackle ships, or that they are only suited for new players. Frigates can be very powerful if used by experienced players in roles other than straight tackle, and thats an aspect of instruction that I feel we fall short on. I'd like to see a more balanced approach to frigates, showing all that they can do, especially if multiple types are used in concert (see Agony basic classes). I also would like to see more experienced tacklers in dedicated ships, like interceptors, HICS, or gallente recons. Our older players tend to move out of tackle as they gain experience, instead of seeing that it can be a role for experienced players as well.
Additionally, our method of forming fleets limits what types of fleets we have. While there is no rule against it, we rarely have ops with custom built fleets that use a certain tactic, probably because it would limit the number of students that can participate, and no one wants to do that. However, I think its important for the Uni to have events where we form a strict RR BS fleet, or HACs with logi support, etc... Fleets that aren't suited for new players, but that let older players improve their skills, learn aspects of pvp that we don't normally teach, and share that knowledge with our students as they grow into those roles.
What are your thoughts?
I've only participated as tackle in Uni fleets so far, and in fact I'm planning to fly an inty soon and try to "excel" in that area.
ReplyDeleteSpecialised fleets seem ok to me, but I'd really like to see those posted in the calendar or the forum, at least approximately. The last dragonslayer op was a nice example of what I'm trying to say.
I fly tackle almost exclusively -stilettos!
ReplyDeleteUnless I'm ratting - then to the AF. I do suppose, though, that it's because I'm not too sure how else to fly a frigate if I'm not trying to solo other frigates.
Being able to deal with something other then the stereotypical E-UNI blob would be rather interesting.
ReplyDeleteYour own propoganda works too well on that front; a lot of Unistas will immediatly shoot down any suggestion of more 'specialised' operations ;) . If its going to happen its got to come from an 'official' source as there are a lot of people who stick to the Uni ethos with religious fervour; of course, as you pointed out this inculcates undesirable tendencies and creates stereotypes. They also need to be pre-announced, as its hard to pull those more specialised resources together on a whim. The organised RRBS lesson/fleet for example was good and useful, even for a non-BS pilot.
ReplyDeleteKierrin, we don't fly the blog because we want to, we end up flying it because we say "x up if you want pvp", and get lots of new players x-ing up. We're a victim of our own success in some ways.
ReplyDeleteI feel like frigates in the uni need some love. A little more focus then "they are cheap, need to be t1 fitted". They can, and can be very effective when fitted very cheaply. However that is not all that they are. And can easily be twice as effective if given some focus, which we can teach. The focused fleet thing I also agree with, mostly because I feel like I need to learn about focused fleets before I leave. But I feel like its less of an issue.
ReplyDeleteI, as one newb, like to see things I don't qualify for. It helps me define my goals. If I see a bomber fleet, I investigate and consider whether that's a training path I want. When I see a potential fleet called for lack of scouts or leadership or beer; that makes me look at my in-game goals. I don't want it to get crazy, but I wouldn't mind just once in a while to hear "no thanks, train x and we'll bring you next time". I won't cry... much ;)
ReplyDeleteNyjil
Specialized fleets would be quite a welcome change in my opinion. I've been seeing a few SB fleets lately and that makes me smile. I'm glad those pilots finally get to take them out and shoot something while being sneaky. I'd love to try an RRBS gang or some sort of focused tactic. Blobbing everything as per regular Uni maneuvers won't set good habits for pilots that leave and experience far different atmospheres.
ReplyDeleteI think some of the problem is that alot of students are new to the game and focus on the next shiny instead of exploring what the ships they already fly can do.
ReplyDeleteThere seem to be a number of alumni in Agony maybe see if they will put an instructor alt in E-UNI or just help create classes and curriculum to expand what E-UNI already teaches.