Raise TCFL Chances

[Snakebittenn]

Hello! A few months ago, we received a PR by the hands of Arrow that made ERT chances based off a few stats of the round, such as time it's been going, time spent on alert, etc. While this was a fine PR on paper, I believe that the chances of ERT are still far too high (I will politely request @Skull132 to give stats on this.) 
Why?
TCFL, although underpowered to some, are better (to me) mechanically and thematically. They require actual tactics in order to solve problems, can't travel anywhere they please without having the crew help them (and, often, they help the crew in turn by donating them spare armor/blasters). Thematically, ERT are mostly faceless goons with the odd regular response trooper, while we actively encourage TCFL to have personality, and even to be seen on the station in the case of our 'Weekend Warriors.' They have more lore, better flavor, and an overall better theme. 
To what?
I believe the chances of TCFL should sit comfortably around 75% or so, and the ERT 25% or so. 

[kyres1]

yes please. It's just ERT but better for roleplay in every single way. They're not even that underpowered, as long as you abuse thumpers as better ion rifles. I will work on getting better hit markers and muzzle flashes made for blasters, as well as better sounds and projectiles.

[Rushodan]

I strongly oppose this as having mostly TCFL kind of defeats the point of what the ERT are for. They are not some cool guys you can call in to get some super cool roleplay with. They are called in emergencies when absolutely required and to help close off rounds effectively and efficiently. They are central's first responders when a threat gets so out of hand that station security can no longer deal with it, so why hinder them with limited access, weaponry and equipment.

Making it easier for antags to deal with the station's final line of defense isn't something we should be walking towards.

I'd set TCFL at 33% honestly, with a fax to go along with it on how all ERT assets are tied up so external assistance has been requested. It would be more interesting and add a bit of randomness to how rounds develop without removing how much of an asset calling for ERT is.

[Snakebittenn]

8 minutes ago, SHODAN said:

I strongly oppose this as having mostly TCFL kind of defeats the point of what the ERT are for. They are not some cool guys you can call in to get some super cool roleplay with. They are called in emergencies when absolutely required and to help close off rounds effectively and efficiently. They are central's first responders when a threat gets so out of hand that station security can no longer deal with it, so why hinder them with limited access, weaponry and equipment.

Making it easier for antags to deal with the station's final line of defense isn't something we should be walking towards.

I'd set TCFL at 33% honestly, with a fax to go along with it on how all ERT assets are tied up so external assistance has been requested. It would be more interesting and add a bit of randomness to how rounds develop without removing how much of an asset calling for ERT is.

ERT is not meant to be, or, well, should not at all be, a win button. It should not be a nigh unwinnable except through weird roshambo balance team of Power Rangers in hardsuits staffed by security ghosts that don't have to roleplay. NT ERT is only suited for game modes such as Crossfire where literally everything has gone to shit and there's no other hope for the station. TCFL can reasonably be seen on any game mode and the antagonists would have a fair shot at a good fight. Their equipment could use light tinkering, yes, as could their access, but their theme is fine. ERT is not a win button for Command, and are still obligated just like anyone else to roleplay. It just happens that they aren't designed to, unlike the Legion. 

[MattAtlas]

I agree with this, as someone who used to hate the TCFL's concept it grew on me. They're pretty cool, and having to use tactics to win isn't necessarily bad.

TCFL can still bring closure to a round, mind you, the difference is in the unga-bunganess.

[Rushodan]

1 minute ago, ParadoxSpace said:

ERT is not meant to be, or, well, should not at all be, a win button. It should not be a nigh unwinnable except through weird roshambo balance team of Power Rangers in hardsuits staffed by security ghosts that don't have to roleplay. NT ERT is only suited for game modes such as Crossfire where literally everything has gone to shit and there's no other hope for the station. TCFL can reasonably be seen on any game mode and the antagonists would have a fair shot at a good fight. Their equipment could use light tinkering, yes, as could their access, but their theme is fine. ERT is not a win button for Command. 

I never said it was a win button, I said it was a way to close off a round. ERT ideally is normally called when the station security has been decimated and another step of escalation is required to avoid things stagnating into the antag being able to do whatever they like. It's off-station assistance that the antags get plenty of warning about, especially when ERT prep takes ages because Tpr. A wants to get their kit just right. They also come in at the same place every time, the antag is able to plan around this if they think carefully.

Using tactics is what the ERT do, being given crappy access and bad weaponry is not suggesting that tactics have to be used, its just making another barrier for...little reason. TCFL can still come with the 33% suggestion I offered, having statistically one out of three responses. In lore it doesn't make much sense either - I can go into detail if why but I am trying to keep this post short.

[MattAtlas]

7 minutes ago, SHODAN said:

Using tactics is what the ERT do, being given crappy access and bad weaponry is not suggesting that tactics have to be used, its just making another barrier for...little reason. TCFL can still come with the 33% suggestion I offered, having statistically one out of three responses. In lore it doesn't make much sense either - I can go into detail if why but I am trying to keep this post short.

Notice that I said "have to", not "can use". The ERT is perfectly capable of not using tactics and pressing LMB in a straight line at the problem. Hell, I've done it before. I just turn my brain off if I get ERT and it works anyways.

The barrier is there to facilitate interaction and allow for shit that wouldn't happen at all with the ERT (arming the crew up, etc etc), which can make a better story in the end.