Hello,
Since this is rearing its head more and more often (and producing more and more angry reactions) I offer the following advice/observations.
But first, a few points to clarify (though mainly for people who don't use the forum):
1) Yes I can do other things
2) No I don't get bored
3) No I'm not cheating/using a mortar-cam/whatever else
4) Mortars don't need banning any more than self-healing Axis medics. Rather less so, in fact.
5) Of course it's within the server rules
OK...the advice...
Initial spawn:
This is a 'capturable' spawn so Allies can attack any way they choose. The safest areas for Axis to stand while they hold the tank are a) by the command post b) under the big arch c) between the tank and the wall. Essentially, those are the hardest places to hit in the immediate spawn area.
Most vulnerable areas are basically anywhere with no roof above you and no wall next to you. Muahahahaha.
Ensure that you gib any Allied players in these areas - I've already asked for clues on your spawn time and we will get it eventually, but this will delay it and increase your chances of staying alive.
"
Zey have stolen ze tank!" <- As soon as you hear this, don't be behind the tank. A shell is about to land there.
Second Axis Spawn - tank outside courtyard:
This is where people experience the most frustration. I'm not going to give everything away, but I've noticed there are several players who I very rarely 'get' after Allies have grabbed the tank (bob and Binary being the 2 most obvious).
Point being that death by mortar is by no means inevitable, even if we have your spawn times (and we do...)
OK, so, we have your spawn times. There are a couple of considerations to make:
Do Allies have the Command Post (should be 'yes')?
How many Heavy Weapons stars do I have (should be 1 or 2 if it's the first time in the rotation; 4 if not)?
If Allies have the CP and I have 3 or more stars, you can expect 3 shells around your spawn exits. Once they've landed, that's it for 30 seconds. If I have 2 stars or fewer, there will only be 2 shells.
In other words - don't just blindly wander out of spawn and then get uppity with me when you get mortared
Second Axis Spawn - bank doors opened:
This is where the fun starts for me. Generally speaking, I'll be up to 3 stars by now, but I'll be much less interested in the main Axis spawn exit. The only time this changes is if I feel you're pushing us back too far. In this case, I'll concentrate on that exit to slow down your advance to us. Because, y'know, leave me alone.
Under normal circumstances, the shells will now be less concentrated and more spread over several distinct targets. I'm also much less interested in spawn times at this point. But they will come more frequently.
The targets are:
Box-room exit archway
Large opening directly behind the bank
Main bank entrance
Archway/Axis MG/Generally 'behind the truck'
The space directly behind the above
The purpose of this is to try and 'clear ze path' into the bank for my Allied brethren. If we can get you all cowering in there, we're just a few rifle nades and a panzer away from re-claiming our gold. Or, even if you all want to hang around outside and let me kill you, even better.
General hints:I usually wait for at least 12 players on Axis before mortaring
If I'm self killing a lot, no one is feeding me ammo. You're MUCH safer in these circumstances. In other words, if you have to choose between killing an engy or a f ops on the bridge, kill the engy. That way the f ops won't be passing me to give me more ammo after respawn.
You can distract me with engaging conversation...maybe you can say something near spawn time...make it interesting though.
I really don't mind it when axis come after me. Just one less defending the gold.
Probably forgotten loads but I'll add to if and when I need to.
Quack.