Well its been a couple of days (roughly) since the original nerf to PPCs and Clan ERLL

1- They DID go back and change the ghost heat from 2 to 3 CLAN ERLL - this is a good thing regardless of how i fell about the state of the CLAN ERLL. 2 Weapons of an energy type is not TOO much and does not deserve ghost heat (at least the weapons we have now).

2 - The PPC nerf
My thoughts - The Standard IS PPC was changed to what, 850 speed? I do feel this is a bit low, maybe 950 would have been better and it MAY be changed again so there is hope. The IS ERPPC is 950 now and probably should be 1000. These are just my guesses.

The PPC Family need to be a viable weapon. Most will just change them out for ERLL and go on until the 'next' change. I did on a few myself,I am not afraid to admit it. 

More on my thoughts  - Yes voicing your opinion on the forums is a way to get changes done, Another way is to send an email to support and POST in the SUGGESTIONS forums.

My real thoughts? Other than the speeds I mentioned above, I think people should learn to adjust to the mechanics of the game. Quit all the bitching, wah, my favouite config sux now cause the enemy can move before all my alpha shots hits them from all the way across the map wah...

Learn to use the weapon as it is and learn to lead shoot instead of stopping your mech. shooting at a stationary target or some dumbass (like me) that is charging STRAIGHT at you using no cover and UNZOOM that damned Advanced Zoom when the target is only 400 meters or less in front of you.
Learn to LEAD your target. Imagine actually practicing this instead of griping to get the Dev team to speed up the shot for you...Shocking thought.

So I see 2 REAL problems with the PPC Nerf
1 - People dont want to learn to lead a target - they had rather bitch than learn
2- And possibly the most important one - is Weapon Convergence.

Number 2 is a real Shit Storm (pardon the pun). Imagine if they took convergence down a few notches and your weapons HIT the target you were aiming at,  just not the SPOT you were aiming for! Wah WTF is WRONG with the game? WAH I shot that JERK and hit him in 4 different places but I was aiming for a Head Shot wah...

I am not saying change it much. I am saying change it SOME. The problem all along has been high damage alphas hitting 1 spot or panel on a mech causing 30 (or more) points of damage. My example is as follows
Lets just say I have a Dragon Slayer (one of the problematic 'Meta-Mechs') fielding 2 erppcs and and gauss rifle. Currently If I am (within optimal range) at a panel on a mech and achieve the hit, I will do 35 pts of damage to that torso and 4 seconds later could do it again.

What IF I fired those weapons and some hit where I aiming and some hit the adjacent panel?  I still did the damage, just not to one panel. 

I realize, of course, that in this universe there are computers that assist with the targeting and so on. I get that. Still the mech is operated by a neuro helmet - uh, the human's brain waves basically - and the pilots reflexes / aim. Pilots make mistakes, especially while operating something as complex as a mech, avoidong incoming fire, trying to stay undercover and opting for 'that shot'. All of this in microseconds. So, YEAH, I could see not all of my weapons hitting the same spot on the same panel at 650 meters while I am either running or moving or jumping as IS THE TARGET. Shocking thought there, huh?

PGI could save themselves a LOT of headaches, and a lot of Paul's ass and stress, if they would simply set the weapons speed to where THEY think it should be (whether we agree or not) and dial convergence back a notch or 2 so that weapons could hit 1 of 3 panels in close proximity of each other. More skill would be needed to achieve good hits and kill a mech, but WE (pilots) are a smart bunch, and able to adapt and figure things out. We would overcome and find out that the game is even MORE fun.

The Problem now is that when they nerf a weapon, BECAUSE we are smart and figure a way to overcome, we just figure out the next best weapon combo to do the most damage to a single point in a single shot and we use that until the nerf bat comes along again.

Ever PLAY the board version? IF you ran the Hunchback - 4P with all those medium lasers, and you fired them all at once within optimal range of the weapons at a single target you would find that you hit with most (missed with one or 2 even) and maybe with 2 hit the same panel. You really inflicted damage from each weapon that actually hit to various parts of the enemy mech, not 5 or 6 lasers hitting the SAME panel. It was done this way for a reason. I am not saying spread the damage THAT much, just to the adjacent panels of where YOU (the pilot) is actually aiming.

Convergence is the problem, not weapons speed. change the speed, we will figure out another combo to use. Change the convergence and it doesnt matter what we use, they just wont hit the same place at the same time, until you only have one or 2 weapons left to fire with...

Post away and yes i expect some flames...
 

The Reply - reposted from the other thread

I got back to the office and motioned for O'Hara to come to mine. As she entered the room I told her to shut the door and put up the seal.

Maureen, I need to get in touch with Smaga. Is Doc here today? And do you have a list of the active pilots? I asked her.

Whats going on Vettie? She asked with a real puzzled look on her face.

Well lets just say I hope you have your space legs in shape. I need to talk to Doc, I can go to him, but I gotta talk to Smaga and it needs to be secure. Also, I need a list of my assets, and those that may be, uh, shall we say, stored?

Ok...I take it we can going somewhere? Yes doc is here, he is in the shuttle repair facility. I still have all the codes and I can send the asset list to your Holo Vid. Doc will have to give you the update on status of the assets.  Vettie, can you please fill me in on whats going on?

Maureen, or should I say Lt. O'Hara, we have been given a proposal, one that stands to make us a lot of money. I feel it is worth investigating.

Vettie, you already have more money than you will ever spend. You could buy House Kurita. What do you need with more?

Maureen, I am a warrior. It aint about the money. Its the action, the battles, being on the field with ones comrades, fighting for we think is right. Look around the Inner Sphere. Look at the news. Everywhere you look Houses are engaged in battles over planets, or communications rights, or drilling rights or some other silly thing. There are ComStar reports of issues on the Periphery. I am telling you the Inner Sphere is prime for some major force to come in and take over. A force that is unified and strong could do it, changing our way of life, possibly even enslaving most of the Inner Sphere.

Vettie? Did you take your meds today?

I am serious Maureen. Keep a close watch on the news. Looks for those small, insignificant reports of power outages and communications interruptions. That is where the key will be. Do you still have contact info for Herendo? I heard he was with ComStar News Network now. He was our friend. He owes me some favors. Time to pull in some. Where are we with the slush fund?

Ok, Vettie. I will find Herendo, tell Doc you are on the way, set some scans for Periphery news and your slush fund is pretty high right now. When do you want to talk to Smaga? Do I need to set up another meeting with Hashman?

Good, good, great, ASAP and I will let you know. Give me the codes for Smaga please.

All you need to do is put in your part of the code. If he is around a communicator, he will know. Anything else?

Thats all for now Maureen, thank you.

I entered my personal code into the Holo Vid. Do I want to leave a visual voice message? What the? No.
I punched few more numbers in and Doc showed up on the Holo Vid. Doc, Vettie here. I am on my way to see you. Lots to talk about. Lots.

Vettie, I am pretty busy. We got 3 ships in the bay and 2 on standby, I had 4 call in sick, a bit short handed, I really dont have time for an executive visit, I have actual work to do.

Doc, I will see you in a few minutes. You got foremen, use them. This is important. Vettie out.

But Vettie, I - Damn, he hung up on me. That long haired wanker. I dont have time for this crap today. I got work piling up all around me, he wants to come down here just to nose around, I need a damn raise. Bloody Hell, How did you get here so fast?

Close the door Doc.

Damnit man, if you are going to fire me just do so, so I dont have to put up with your crap. Way too much to do to listen to you today.

I am not going to fire you Doc. I need input.

I have seen this face before man. I dont know what youre thinking, but it usually means more work for me.

Doc, what is the status of Blood Pearl 2? And are any of my personal battlemechs ready for action if the need arises?

What?

I didnt stutter Doc. 2 questions. I need answers.

Well, uh, damnit man. What the bloody hell do you need to know about The Pearl?

Doc, I need the answers. I need them now.

Well, your personal battlemechs are in pristine condition. Loaded and ready to go. The Pearl is in prime form. Ready to be loaded and make her first jump in several years. All systems are working as new. She looks like she just rolled off the production line. Fueled and ready as ordered. Now can you tell me what the hell is going on?

War Doc. War. Thanks for the info. Our secret storage areas? How much room we have?

Vettie we have enough room there to store a large army.

Ok Doc. I will be back in touch with you. Carry on as usual until further notice. Not a word Doc, not a word.

Aye, Commander....

When I got back to my office the Holo Vid was lit up. Hey Old Man, what is up with you? Long time no hear. Whats going on?
Smaga are you in secure mode?

Yes? Whats going on?

Smaga, Hashman and I had a meeting earlier today. The War Pigs just got in from near the Periphery States. Something big is going on and on its way to the Inner Sphere. Hash has made an offer that I think is worthy of consideration.

Go on....

We discussed detail as I sent over a proposal to Smaga.

Blood Pearl 2 is ready to move as soon as we load her. If you can get your ship here, I can have Doc get it readied. The Black Pearl should be in great shape already so it wouldnt take long. Hashman's ship is already here and being refitted. He is on planet and waiting for me to get back to him. If you can get here, we can have a meeting with him at Hacksaw's place.

Consider me in Vettie. I will pack up and be there in a couple of days. Have O'Hara file a flight plan for the Black Pearl. My inventory is battle ready. I will see you in just about 3 days.

Roger that. See you then Smaga.

Doc?

Yes? Damnit, what the bloody hell do you want now?

Doc, the Black pearl will be here in 3 days. Priority refit and refuel. Make room in the storage area for off-loading of Commander Smaga's inventory. Thanks Doc.

Hello, Herendo. Long time my friend. I here you are working for ComStar news now?

Hey Vettie, my old friend. Yes, yes I am.

Congrats Herendo. I need your help.

Anything. You know I am deep debt to you. How can I help?

Herendo, I need you to get in touch with O'Hara and get her everything and anything on issues at the Periphery.

Vettie, what do you know about whats going on out there?

I dont, thats why I want the info to Maureen.. I just have a feeling its something really big.

Vettie, I am afraid you are right. Two words for you, Clans and Kerensky.

Get all you can to O'Hara as quickly as you can and keep it coming, especially the stuff that does not get reported. Thats where the meat is.

Ok Vettie, will do.

Thanks Herendo, and take care, stay safe.

Hashman, 3 days from now Smaga will be at Universal. We can meet at the Bistro and Holo Vid the rest of the pilots in as needed. That work for you?

Sounds great Vettie. See you I three. I am off to the casino and the buffet.

Vettie leaned back in his chair. What a day. Woke up feeling great, having a great morning, Universal making profit hand over foot and then this. Fortunes can change on a moments notice. Fortunes can change...

what happened to part 2?

I had it posted on here as welllllllll

Vettie the forums is having an issue when you use the quotes in your RP story.  That is why it was cutting off your post.  I will have to see if I can get it to ignore it, but for the meantime when you post don't you those characters and it will copy your post properly.

Ok, tried to post a new one. NO QUOTES in it at all, (the english part of me shudders at the thought).
The entire post was truncated. Wont take it all.

Ahhhhh.......

The year is 3049. The Inner Sphere is rumbling about with Major Houses claiming their territories. Little Skirmishes are breaking out throughout the Sphere. Battlemech production is in full swing. ComStar is reporting difficulties with communications to the periphery. Rumours abound about a new power or powers called the Clans. Business at Universal Logistics is good.

One of the major shipping hubs in the Inner Sphere belongs to an old, long haired, unassuming character simply known as Vettie. Located near Liao Territory, Universal Logistics provides storage and shipping throughout the Inner Sphere on a contract basis showing no allegiance to any particular House, but giving service to all. With repair facilities and a jump station, Universal is a well rounded Logistics solution for most military and commercial needs.

Sitting in his office, sipping on a cup of hot tea and smoking away on his E-Cig, looking over the new contracts and musing over those that are close to completion, the Holo-Vid in Vettie's office sounds off with a code he had not heard in a few years.

O'Hara's sweet voice chimes in Vettie - we have received a scrambled message on a secure channel.

Good morning to you too, Maureen. Who is calling?

An unfamiliar contact, Vettie, but all the codes check out.

Ok. Well, let me seal the office and take the call. Thank you Maureen.  Vettie then tried to remember the correct response codes and upon doing so entered them into the Holo-Vid. When he punched the last bit of code in, a face and voice appeared before him.

Greetings Vettie, you old dog. Hashman  here. We need to talk.

Hash, how you doin? Good to see you after all this time. Should we continue this vid conference or did you want to meet in person?

We should do it in person. Can we come to your space port and go to a secure location?

Absolutely, Hashman. I can arrange for a priority landing for you and a limo. We can have dinner at Hacksaw's Bistro. I have a private room there I use to entertain clients. When are you coming through?

In about an hour.

Damn. Ok. Well, I will have O'Hara set it up and send you the codes. I will be waiting for you at the Bistro. With that, Vettie closed the comms. His mind began to wander what was up. Hashman was the leader of the War Pigz, A fearsome group of talented pilots. In any event, it would be only an hour before all was known.

Maureen, please locate the ship that message came from, set up a priority landing and refueling for them. Also contact The Bistro and have them ready my dining area. Arrange a limo pickup for Lt. Colonel Hashman for delivery to the Bistro. Tell Hacksaw Vettie needs the best. That ship will be here within the hour. Thank you.

I got up from my desk and wandered out to the Hummer. Hawaiian Shirt, shorts, sandals, long hair and an E-Cig, I was ready to do some business.

I arrived at the Bistro and was escorted to my dining room. Within 20 minutes, Lt. Col Hashman was at the door. We shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. Hacksaw came in the room and poured us some wine. He informed us that lunch would be ready in about 20 minutes and that should we need something, all we needed to do was hit the button.

Hashman, what brings you to Universal?

Vettie, its pretty simple. The Blood Pearls is what brings me here.
 
Vettie's eyes widened. The Blood Pearls was a term I hadnt heard in a few years. Not many new of the connection between Universal Logistics, The Blood Pearls and me.

I'm listening...

Vettie, war is at hand. The Inner sphere is in turmoil and The Clans are coming. This would be great time to form a Merc Unit and make a ton of C-Bills. The War Pigz and The Blood Pearls could combine forces and be one of the strongest Merc Units of the Inner Sphere working for the House the pays the best at the moment. What do you say?

Wow. Its not up to just me. Most of the Pearls, well, I dont even know if I could get in touch with them.

Vettie, I know better. Prawnie told me you guys were still running practices and though you lost some pilots, you also gained some new Blood. So have we. We could pull this off and be rich men in the process. I know you have the contacts. I also know you have the perfect cover with Universal Logistics.

How long you gonna be around Hash?

As long as it takes Hash replied with a chuckle and a smile.

We bumped glasses and toasted to the unification of a new Merc Unit. Just then Hacksaw buzzed in that lunch was ready if we were. Good old Terran food, grilled Pork Chops with an orange glaze, garliced mashed potatoes and another bottle of fine white wine.

We covered old stories and ate like kings. This was only the beginning. The Blood Pearls shall rise again. The Inner Sphere would never be the same with the happenings to come in the year 3049.

MILF day is in September. The 13th, IIRC.

w00t!

If I live that long, I'll be celebrating it

You bunch of mothers, have a happy frickin day...

Wait. uh, I mean, For all the Real Mothers (not the ones inferred ^), I hope you have a great Mothers Day.
Make these bunch of pirates treat you nice today.

TO all the Pearl Pigz - you bunch of mothers - Treat a mother nice today.

I am sorry to hear that

Bless you man, prayers for you and your family.

Check your PMs