|
What is EMC?
The EMC is a
massively multiplayer online mini-campaign hosted by iEN using the
WarBirds
aerial combat simulation.
The EMC ties together a string of loosely
scripted scenarios into a campaign, or miniature war if you like,
and is aimed at providing weekly meta-historical missions outside
Scenario Lites and other events. The format is sufficiently
regulated to ensure enemy contact (read: fun) and sufficiently
loose to allow for surprise and stratagems.
Historical missions? Isn't that for
hard-core pilots only?
Absolutely not! Apart from the
reduced icon settings posing a slight challenge, the EMC format
give rookie pilots a chance to do battle under less chaotic
circumstances than in the Main Arena. Because enemy plane types
are usually limited and known in advance, the pilot can fight to
the best of his own aircraft's capability - without having to
worry about all and sundry barrelling in from any direction.
However, the likelyhood of intense action and devastating surprise
is as high, if not higher, in the EMC. Also, since sorties are
generally made in strength, pilots seldom have to face the enemy
alone. At least until the shooting starts (evil grin).
The EMC endeavour to emulate air combat
history, not necessarily recreate specific actions. While certain
missions might be stipulated in the writeup, it is up to the
participants to immerse themselves in the mind set of a particular
campaign.
The Golden Rule
Have fun. If
you're not having fun, we've failed. However, bear in mind that
everyone wants to have fun, so be prepared to do your part to
support it.
Who decides on what I should fly and so
forth?
You do. However, since your actions directly impact
the country effort, we recommend that you co-operate with your
countrymen. CO's (Commanding Officer) are recruited from the
player base on a first-to-come, first-served basis. Anyone can
volunteer for CO or Flight Leader "duties". These duties
extend only as far as you yourself decide. Some take their title
very seriously and make detailed plans, whereas others manage "on
the fly". There are no rules for how to run the show - but
you had better make some plans, or the enemy will plan for you!
The EMC discussion forum is an excellent place to hook up with
pilots interested in flying for your side.
How does it work?
We strongly
recommend that pilots study available campaign information
beforehand, and read up on the various missions and aircraft
involved. A measure of imagination is in order to interpret
logical missions and probable combat flow. Since the typical
campaign is based on historical action, there is often a wealth of
information available on the net. Do check this out in order to
reach a higher level of immersion!
When you've decided which side to bet on and
in which capability you prefer to participate, hop right in.
Chances are high that you get to do exactly what you set your
heart upon, be it fighter sweeps, combat air patrol, bomber escort
or bomber interception, low-level mud moving and so forth.
Again, it is strongly recommended that you
query your countrymen whether there are planned missions
forthcoming or enroute. Going up alone is generally a bad idea,
since combat is more often than not joined in section to squadron
strength. If there are no major organized raids in progress you
are naturally free to enlist support for your own mission. Sit in
the tower a while, listen to the chatter, and have a look at the
map for likely hot spots before launching.
Results from one frame often carry over to
the next. If a certain airfield is destroyed in frame 1, it may be
partially or wholly disabled in frame 2, i.e the next Wednesday.
Eventually even the frontline might be moved.
How do I know who won?
The results
of each scenario, as well as a summary of the whole campaign, is
posted after each scenario and campaign. These debriefs are not
focused on hit percentages etc, but are instead intended to give a
picture of what happened and who had the advantage at the end of
the campaign.
See the "Rules and Settings"
section for specifics on EMC.
Can entire squadrons fly?
Yes! The
more the merrier. Over our first year, several squadrons found a
new "home" in the EMC at one time or another. We aim to
get as many Euro-based squads as possible to become engaged in EMC
and invite squadrons - with their commanders - to take an active
role in the planning and execution of the event.
What's with this European stuff?
EMC
was started by two European CMs: -witz- from Sweden and =dncr=
from Germany. (Current Crew can be found
here.) The frames are run on Euro-friendly hours, making it
possible for many non-Americans to fly in moderated, historically
based events, without having to get up at 3:00 AM to fly.
Americans are of course very welcome to join too :-).
Contacting the EMC Crew
The EMC staff currently can
be contacted at +lytn+'s office
|