Squad Leader Token/ Squad Assignments.

[Xurphorus]

Summary (a quick, 2-3 sentence summary): Recently, I have been trying out different weapons whenever I can get that chance to use them. My favorite so far is the new and improved Marksman rifle. I loved the design and everything else about it that I would like to propose an Idea for squad leaders to have a chance at certain weapons from their vendors. You guys know how the spec has the token to choose a single weapons crate from their vendor? Well I would like a SL Token for the vendor in the leader prep to choose from 4 different weapons, they can only have one, and those weapons will also spawn with ammo for such.


The M4RA Battle Rifle Box

The MK221 Tactical shotgun Box(Comes with two Shotguns)

The M41AE2 Heavy Pulse Rifle Box

The M41A MK1 Standard Pulse Rifle Box(Comes with two MK1s with ammo)

Benefits (How this will benefit the server and game as a whole): This gives options to the squad leader, also if the squad leader doesnt take a weapon for himself, he can assign a marine to take a weapon and appoint a specialized Fireteam to be lead by the specialist depending on their weapon choice. I personally tend to assign a designated flamer team for my squad most of the time for marines willing to take flamers into their loadout. This is much better than the same old routine of having marines just sit around during high pop rounds with nothing to do. The chosen fire team can range from 3-5 including the Weapon Specialist as the leader under the Squad Leader, they can have side objectives, like securing an area, scouting, assisting other squads. This also gives the squad leader his own specialized weapon of choice for himself that fits their playstyle.

Details (Description of how you think this would work, the benefits, etc): Being able to split your team up would give options to better organization, it would also be lore friendly, not towards the CM aspect but Military wise. You have a large squad with different specialized units. Main Squad, Flamer unit, gunner unit, and recon unit. I'm all open to variety in the game, and this could provide more options for how squads should operate but also give a better personalized choice of what weapons a Squadleader or Squad can have at their disposal.

Implementation (Optional, if you have an idea how to implement it): Coding, Spriting, Just basically a token like the specialist token, and the choice of different boxes from the vendor.

EDIT: I would say having more options for the Markman rifle would be better than having the two Tactical shotguns, hence having a recon unit within the squad.

[spartanbobby]

I feel like each box should come with two guns instead of only the MK1 and and Tactical shotty, But more gun variety would be a nice to see during rounds. +1

[driecg36]

I'm all for allowing marines to use more toys, but I have to disagree with giving the sl more weapons. The sl's main job is to lead, and not to fight, and giving him cool weapons would just encourage silent baldies to pick him JUST for the gun and 2 hugger helmet, and then not give orders at all the whole op.

People have proposed a midpoint between spec and pfc, who would get those guns, but every time it got shot down sadly.

[EXOTICISME]

+1 because more toys is more fun. I dont care if we have bad SL as long their slot is filled. We need the helmet cameras

[AishaKitty]

Instead of more gun goodies, you should think more about 'Tactical goodies' So... things like the OB, or the Binos are nice, but what if SL's had a radio they could use to talk to Command directly even if comms are down? or maybe give them a tool which tells all their marines in their squad where you are like how xenos see the queen. stuff like that, that makes leading easier, not killing.

[Kavlo]

"blah blah blah balance blah blah blah"

Basic marines can use things like auto shotguns and the MK1 and the rest listed, so I would say it's fine to allow something like this just to give a more diverse variety of weapons on the battlefield and also SLs are trained in spec weapons so why not give them access to better weaponry.

Anyway +1

[Xurphorus]

I'm all for allowing marines to use more toys, but I have to disagree with giving the sl more weapons. The sl's main job is to lead, and not to fight, and giving him cool weapons would just encourage silent baldies to pick him JUST for the gun and 2 hugger helmet, and then not give orders at all the whole op.

People have proposed a midpoint between spec and pfc, who would get those guns, but every time it got shot down sadly.

Which is why I think most roles should be TIME LOCKED, so players that have accumulated enough playtime can easily be competent enough for command roles.
I myself play both sides of the field when it comes to combat and also leading. I do say it is easy to get lost in the combat, but allowed the SL to have a more personalized weapon is just for more personal experience. Like I said, I loved using the new Marksman rifle, but I also love assigning fireteams inside of my squad.

[RedOktober12]

I feel like in an ideal world, where CM is played exclusively by effective players interested in military RP and the like, this would work well. However, with the server being what it is, you'd get half the squad leader roles filled by people wanting the weapons, ramboing, and leaving the squad directionless. The design of the SL role should encourage tactical leadership as its central component, not combat. I feel like by giving special weapons to the SL, you begin to incentivise an unwanted play style that will actively make the game less coordinated.

Though I appreciate the notion of giving a squad more flexibility, the reality is that you usually get three out of 15 of your squad who actively communicate to the extent needed for the sort of small unit tactics you conceptualise. It sounds awesome, but I doubt it would ever happen.

What would be neat is more loadout options to aid giving orders or coordinating your squad. Deployable rally points that your squad can be guided towards would allow more effective squad manoeuvres and retreats is the only example I can think of off the top of my head.

Nonetheless, there's some potential in the idea of SLs being able to tailor their squads roles. Maybe being able to give out unique attachments could allow for an event of the tactical tailoring you're after without being a huge draw to the baldies.

[driecg36]

Which is why I think most roles should be TIME LOCKED, so players that have accumulated enough playtime can easily be competent enough for command roles.
I myself play both sides of the field when it comes to combat and also leading. I do say it is easy to get lost in the combat, but allowed the SL to have a more personalized weapon is just for more personal experience. Like I said, I loved using the new Marksman rifle, but I also love assigning fireteams inside of my squad.

The only server I've actually played on aside from this one was paradise, and they had a timelock system. Honestly, I wouldn't be against it here too.

[Diggman88]

+1
I like the boost to squad fire power. There is a possible problem with rambos but the idea of good SLs customizing their squads is a better trade.
Plus as a balance they could put the incinerators in a box.

[Skycave1]

-1 it's buffing the marines, so staff won't like it.

[Crab_Spider]

-1 it's buffing the marines, so staff won't like it.

Shut up and actually give a damn reason.

The weapons specialists get in the standard venders are fine enough, if they vend it, that's all. Having TWO of each of these exclusive weapons with a total of EIGHT is too fucking much. -1

[Xurphorus]

Shut up and actually give a damn reason.

The weapons specialists get in the standard venders are fine enough, if they vend it, that's all. Having TWO of each of these exclusive weapons with a total of EIGHT is too fucking much. -1

Which is why its open to editing. It wouldn't be two of each weapon, the token is only good for one of those boxes, unless youre talking about in each squad. I'm just giving options on how to configure fireteams and also have a personal weapon for the SL. During high pop events admins spawn a bunch of MK1s, HPRs, and Marksman rifles. I'm just giving an option to implement it without spamming those weapons during actual rounds.

[driecg36]

Shut up and actually give a damn reason.

The weapons specialists get in the standard venders are fine enough, if they vend it, that's all. Having TWO of each of these exclusive weapons with a total of EIGHT is too fucking much. -1

Heavy pulse rifles and marksmen rifles are really on no terms comparable to spec weapons; they're just slightly better versions of what marines already have. Skycave actually did give a good reason tbh, devs are trying to raise the alien winrate, and this would just lower it. Like it or not, that's the xeno bias for you.

[Wubs4Scrubs]

Neutral

I understand what you're getting at here, however it seems like a huge marine buff so staff would need to play test and figure out some balancing mechanism which would take some time I imagine. Also I'm hesitant to give SLs big guns since their job isn't really supposed to be a frontline warrior, rather many hang back behind the lines and coordinate instead of engaging in direct combat. If you offered all these badass weapons to SLs I'm scared that the overall quality of SLs would drop considerably in the same way that 90% of Specs are complete airheads since a lot of people just want to shoot a rocket launcher and make the boom booms.

[Swagile]

I would love better guns for the SL, but I would love it even more if we got more reasons to follow your SL.

OB's aren't really a reason to follow your SL, nor are Supply Beacons since you don't get a lot of supplies most of the time. SL's tend to get into the nitty gritty combat because they offer nothing except their 2 hugger combat helmet to the table when it comes to gameplay.

People are more likely to follow a Specialist because they either have a T1-T2 repeller (Smartgun) or they have a T3 repeller (SADAR), hence they'll protect the Specialist no matter what. Ive seen standard marines sacrifice their lives just to save one Spec, but they leave the SL hanging unless directly ordered (and even then, they can ignore their order).

SL needs more gameplay mechanics attached to him that makes it attractive to play, like rally beacons as suggested above. That or give them a fancy gun; just fucking something. Usually no one gives a shit about an SL unless they are really new and need guidance, or they are veteran players and your a static namer.

[Steelpoint]

I do support offering some weapon variation to the round start Marines, I find it a shame that unique weapons like the M41AE2 and the M4RA are locked off to one rifle each in the armoury and the RNG shit show that is cargo.

However, I don't want people to join as Squad Leaders just so they can get a Heavy Pulse Rifle, a shit SL is worse than a non-exsistant SL, I know that from experience.

I would only support this if it were a unique role that had this choice, sort of like a mini-Specialist.

Furthermore, if this were to be implemented. Cargo would need a way to order more ammunition for these weapons reliably to be able to resupply the users, because right now you have to order very expensive crates which are subject to RNG odds of getting what you want.

[Renomaki]

I myself am fully against this.

Squad leaders should get tools to be better leaders, not tools to be better killers. We need more tools that can help coordinate with our marines better!

Night vision binoculars, Laser guided artillery markers, advanced radio kits, that kinda shit. I'd like for SLs to have a selection of interesting items to try out that can support their squad in different ways and encourage tactical thinking, not guns that just give people a false sense of power. When you start giving SLs heavy weapons, they start to forget their true purpose and end up becoming the much-dreaded glorified grunt that I so HATE having in my squads, both as a grunt and as a CO.

-1 to guns, 1+ if this idea is morphed into giving tokens that can be used to buy tactical tools instead.

[KingKire]

Why even use a token. Why not have it be an ID... everyones got a unique ID, no need for this outdated token stuff in the future.

also +1. i like squad leaders getting unique equipment. Theres always concerns about baldies getting bigger guns, but the most robust killer on this server is mines, and i dont see baldies lining up like a highschools front football line for it. Theres more discussion to be had, but cool stuff is cool stuff baby.

[Monoo]

I myself am fully against this.

Squad leaders should get tools to be better leaders, not tools to be better killers. We need more tools that can help coordinate with our marines better!

Night vision binoculars, Laser guided artillery markers, advanced radio kits, that kinda shit. I'd like for SLs to have a selection of interesting items to try out that can support their squad in different ways and encourage tactical thinking, not guns that just give people a false sense of power. When you start giving SLs heavy weapons, they start to forget their true purpose and end up becoming the much-dreaded glorified grunt that I so HATE having in my squads, both as a grunt and as a CO.

-1 to guns, 1+ if this idea is morphed into giving tokens that can be used to buy tactical tools instead.

I've gotta disagree.

SLs are important and need the right tools to be able to survive long periods of time. They need to be resistant to flanking, ambushes, and surprise attacks. This is the reason they get better armor, not simply because they're the more unique role. Giving them slightly more powerful guns would increase their survivability - most xenos will find a competent SL with heavy pulse and some escorts a tough piece of meat to chew.

Yes, baldies would want the shinier gear. But what else is new? These things are a risk already, you just need to take them and run with them like the staff have been doing forever.

A lot of the things you're suggesting will create more work and more distractions for an already overworked overwatch crew on the bridge. Let's keep it to a maximum of two varieties of beacon.

Lastly, I think we need to see more of the guns Xur mentioned in circulation. There are barely any to be found sans cargo, and they help to keep the Marines alive and break up the monotony of the game.

+1 to the original suggestion.

[Clutch]

I'm neutral on this, i like it but it encourages people who never play SL to roll for it just because they want the weapon.

[Imperator_Titan]

From my perspective, you can set it as a reward for a marine, encouraging better teamwork and having marines actually listening to your orders to obtain one of these.

But on the other side, like many others have previously stated, you would have many more players who would only become SL for these weapons.

+1 none the less.

[Karmac]

CM has a lot of guns, but most are commonly unavailable, this allows for diversity in gameplay and tactics, so I'mma +1 it.

Also holy fuck I love the new marksman gun so much send help.

[Imperator_Titan]

Also holy fuck I love the new marksman gun so much send help.

You're not alone, I pick it up from the secure armoury just about every chance I get since it's THAT good. Too bad I can't use it to its full potential since Sulaco boarding is really tight.

A great combo I love to use is a MK221 with buckshot on your back and the M4RA in your suit storage.

[Steelpoint]

I would like to see a way for the Marksman Rifle and the HPR to be more accessible for Marines, even if we created a "tac marine" role that had two per squad that could take one of these rifles.

Right now Marines have access to a extremely limited selection of weapons, outside of Specs you get a choice of a Shotgun, Rifle or Revolver. Having some more variations of that on offer would be a nice breath of fresh air.