Showing posts with label Eichenzell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eichenzell. Show all posts

Monday, 2 February 2009

Fulda Gap: The Underground And Much More...

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The new Fulda underground can indeed be quite a challenge, especially for the novice explorer. With a vast network of corridors (with most leading to a dead end), finding your way around won't be easy! For those who are very familiar with the place may find it to be just the perfect spot for ambushes.

Being a lot bigger than last year's version (about treble in size), it features a labyrinth of illusions and traps. Troops who encounter it for the first time would enter uncharted territory. Well not if you have a detailed map of course! (sniggers) I am sure everyone would enjoy surveying every aspect of this fantastic new feature, and I'll bet my bottom linden on that.


First time in. Lizzy Mornington and N71 Aeon (En) explore the underground canals, and ended up discovering la chambre forte!


Fulda Gap's Side Quest
Solving the vault's combination...

First time together in combat this year, Lizzy and En had familiarised themselves with the canals, an added feature in Fulda Gap's constantly changing landscape. Not a lot of us are also aware that an underground vault exists, totally different from the bank vault located at the town centre. Both vaults have a digital (combination) lock for which any of us may try at cracking its code. It shows a series of patterns and numerical sequences which I'm sure must be arranged in order.

There may be a reason why Omega Concern have placed two vaults in Fulda Gap. Introducing a side quest (- quite popular in most console role play games) may indeed be a good way to past time, while a player waits for another to join the game.

There might be the need for a bit of IQ to help you decipher the code. Even the mathematically-inclined Liz was so challenged by it, she decided to give it a go. As we have tried it several times ourselves (in which we both were unsuccessful with), cracking the code wont be a walk in the park. It surely would be worth the effort as a very reliable source revealed that rewards "might" be given out to whoever unlocks any of the vaults first.

Interesting enough for you already? Then what the heck are you waiting for... XD


What's behind door number one? Dare to take the challenge? If you do find that little "needle hidden in the haystack", don't hesitate to proudly announce it in FG group chat! That would be awesome, and oh... don't forget to tell April too! hehehe


Testing The OCS Server
And how fast and smart it really is!...
... said as an "exclamation" and not a "question", just for the record!

With the new OCS viewer getting more and more popular within the OCS community (for being able to disable features that give players an unfair-advantage in combat), and the OCS HUD being the most sophisticated combat Heads Up Display available to date... one can't help but focus their next attention on the OCS server.

So we gave it a go! (ahem... but of course with permission!)
The only remaining disadvantage we can get from an opponent who wishes nothing more but to cheat you off for your points, is the use of Radar HUDs. Yep we have heaps of them in Second Life, from the most cheap but straight-forward ones to the most virtually-tech advance types. April did firmly specify that the use of such devices in Fulda Gap is not tolerated. A number of players have been banned for flaunting that rule, and it would be a shame if any of us would be joining the dunce list. (... and not the dean's list hahaha...)

Just because no formal announcement has been made of anyone actually getting banned doesn't mean that it hasn't already happened? Well you would be surprised! OCS folks are just pros in handling situations like these. They'd rather keep it between themselves and the parties involved to avoid further embarrassment... like I've said, they are professionals, believe me I know. /me sticks his tongue out

"Ignorance of the law excuses no-one"

It does not mean that the absence of a sign board stating the rules would allow us to be FREE to do as we wish. Even in real life combat, all troops must abide by the articles of war and with it are the rules of engagement. The same goes in Fulda as with any other combat simulators in Second Life. Basically, it boils down to conscience, common sense and good karma.

For those who aren't aware that the "basics" can be found in the official Omega Concern website: click here

It pays to be a "soldado honorável" when people would get to know you as an officer and a gentleman (not that you would end up looking exactly like a young Richard Gere... /me laughs), even if you are in a virtual environment. Nothing feels greater than earning the respect and friendship of a fellow player, don't you agree?

How did the test go?
Amazing!... as it was almost instantly that April was able to pinpoint and identify exactly when and what type of scripts were being used, which still leaves her a bit of more time to observe you in amusement (hahaha). Like I have said, the Gods of Olympus are "always" watching (online and offline, the servers never sleeps lol)... and with a Smart OCS Server working in our favour, how else could things go wrong?

Oh and a friendly reminder (something I am sure most of us already know by now), Radar HUDs and Sim Scanners launch probes in the air (for radars to do their scanning work), and in which the server also quickly picks up. Need I say more? You know what I'm talking about... winks hehehe


It is good to always have a combat-buddy with you at all times. Watching each others back promotes camaraderie, and helps us build more bridges that we would build walls.

Still haven't found the underground yet?
Alright, in the picture above: one of us is facing one entrance, and the other is standing a few clicks to its left. Another hint would be that one of them (entrances) is actually seen in the picture! Come on give it a try! You will surely feel proud once you have found it, honest! winks


Too Much Military Police
Where is all the fun?...

I have been told by some players that there may be too much policing in Fulda, compared to any other combat sims in Second Life. I beg to differ as one who has tried other venues in the past. Protocols have recently been introduced into Fulda Gap to help ensure that the game stays within the fair-play boundaries, as what a true role play sim should be.

As common knowledge would tell us: Only crooks or people who know they have done something wrong, would run at the sight of authorities. If you know you've done nothing wrong, then why fret? Unless you really have got something to hide. loud laughter

It simply is just amusing (if I may borrow April's words for a moment lol) to see some players who teleport out of the sim the moment April or any of the Game Managers (GMs) show up at Fulda. I mean, don't you think that would be the perfect time to show off your panache and impress the top honchos? Come on, convince yourself that they are just there to watch. hehehe, oh man I am soooo bad.. really! hahaha


With a lot of players getting "murdered" (even with the protection from a row of houses) stiff measures had to be introduced in Fulda, amid unfair combat practices from snipers who shoot through walls at the opposite side of the sim. No where near being plausible and realistic, isn't it?


There is always an underlying reason (and lessons even) why Omega Concern have to put their foot down on the matter. I have to admit, Fulda Gap had been in a bit of a muddle during the last quarter of 2008. Hungry "points/level-driven" players who would rather breach the barrier of "acceptable behaviour" than play fair in combat have prompted the GMs to bring up these policies, dramatically changing the way OCS combat should be played in the estate. The measures were absolutely necessary to inject new blood in the game, as veteran players have been put-off by the inconsideration brought about by these young bloods (or alts in my opinion hahaha).

The absence of policing have resulted in some combat sims closing down due to griefing, harassment and vandalism by some of its players. While some venues are inferior in ensuring a spontaneous and cheat-free game, others end up being nothing more but a Half-Life spin-off in SL. Though in fairness, I still have yet to try the new Keirman of the Brazilian OCS group. We just might have another OCS haven in the making here. smiles


Pushing The Envelope Further
... batteries not included...

The people behind Fulda Gap have laboured tirelessly to bring to its patrons a role play that is nothing short of being plausible and convincing. With all that has been accomplished so far, more improvements are still being carried out, as I have mentioned of more surprises awaiting the loyal OCS disciple (Judas Iscariot included haha).


Who doesn't have night vision at this age of 21st century warfare? For the sake of realism, we just might be having one of these added to the OCS armory... among many other things!


The mention of night vision being possible in Fulda Gap and the ongoing improvements to add weather factors affecting the way we play is simply incredible! Think: fog, rain or even snow!... anything is possible right? (ugh, just the mention of snow gave me a headache, having had too much of it in the past week in RL hahaha).


The idea of including weather would make combat exciting and a bit more arduous.


Well of course these are all still "beta" and are currently being tested by the GMs, with the exception for the night vision which might be released soon! And I was hoping that the night vision would come in "x-ray" vision as well. Do I have to tell you why? hahaha... /me waves at his Lizzy-babes! Who luvs ya babe?


Saturday, 31 January 2009

Fulda Gap: The Rescue


An American UH-60 Black Hawk chopper flies above the cold North Atlantic ocean. On board is a EUFOR officer keen on returning to Fulda, twelve (12) days after EUFOR's massive pull-out from Eichenzell (amid a KV virus outbreak). The chartered American chopper took off at RAF Lakenheath, a former US Air Force facility in the United Kingdom which reopened recently in support for American troops in the NATO-led military action in Germany.


Braving the North Atlantic skies, EUFOR troops back on a special mission to Fulda.


It has been over a week since the last time EUFOR Central Command (ECC) had made contact with officer En Aeon, back when the bombings in Eichenzell began. First time since Operation: The Only Solution which forced the evacuation of troops (based in Heaney Air Force Base) out of Fulda, a previous order to send non-European personnel back to their home country has been revoked. All troops are to re-establish military presence in the German city to counter reports of an increased number of people moving in and around Eichenzell in the dead of night.

EUFOR Central Command
(ECC) suspects N.E.B. (New Eastern Bloc) taking advantage of a signed truce, to establish their position in taking over the desserted German town. A directive to block all human traffic around Eichenzell is to be enforced ASAP. Unaware to the ECC of the horrors (resulting from the KV Virus outbreak) that would greet its forces.


12th of January, 2009: 0730 hrs
Saving EUFOR Troop En Aeon...

The sound of a chopper hovering nearby aroused the troop from an inconvenient slumber as he struggles to gain consciousness. He feels his feet are soaked in water but does not seem to know the reason why. Dazed with his eyes tightly shut, he attempts to make sense on what was going on around him.



"I hear thunder... it's getting louder... (grunts) I'm wet! Has it rained down on me?... who put out the lights?" (moans)


Taking off his gas-mask, exposing his face to the morning sun: "It's getting warm, I can feel it on my face... is it the sun?... Have I fallen asleep?!..."



"Arghh! the light!... it blinds!..." Still confused and seemingly exhausted, he rests his head on damp soil. "Where am I?... Where is this place?... Am I dead? I can't be dead!... I just can't die... not now... not yet..."



"Who's there?... Who are you?..." He sees a faint silhouette of a person, and tries to reach for his rifle in which he struggles.

"Anybody out there?... Arghh! my eyes... too bright... help!..." He hardly recalls what exactly had happened before, but his instincts tell him he must survive.



He gets flashbacks and the last thing he now remembers was being chased down by creatures in the dark. "Stop right there!... Befördern Sie nicht… mich sagte Anschlag!... Please stop... or I'll... I'll... unghhh"

Standing next to him is a familiar face he thought he would never see again. Lizzy Mornington came back to rescue her man. Her instincts convinced her to jump ship when the AWACS that would take her back to Australia went for a logistical stop-over at the RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, England. Intuition made her believe that something was not right, and that she must find her way back to Fulda immediately.

While putting together a plan to rescue En, a new memorandum from EUFOR Command Central (ECC) was released, authorizing the re-deployment of EUFOR troops back to Fulda. It would be in response to a suspected N.E.B. (New Eastern Bloc) troop build-up in Eichenzell.

This would be the moment Lizzy was waiting for: a free-ticket back to no-man's-land.


An angel of the morning. Just in the nick of time, Lizzy saves En from untimely death who was severely suffering from hypothermia, dehydration and starvation.


The last time she and En were together was at the infirmary, before her sudden departure back to Australia. Her heart sank at the poorly sight of her man, beaten down by nature.


Like a scene from the La Pieta, Lizzy cradles a semi-conscious En as troops drop down from a UH-60 Black Hawk chopper: part of a redeployment effort of EUFOR troops to Fulda.


"Everything is going to be alright hun... it's all going to be okay..." Lizzy tries to comfort and reassure En as she cautiously look in the woods that surround them, aware of the abomination that may be lurking in the shadows.


10th of January, 2009: 1910 hrs
More than 48 hours EARLIER...

... as gunfire proved to be unsuccessful in holding back the advancing mutants, En leaps instinctively off a bridge behind the patrol outpost. It was the only way out as he was being swamped by a multitude of these ghastly creatures.

He screams as he came crashing down the cold seawater, as howls and growls echo above him. The water breaks his fall as he scrambles himself to safety, disturbing a herd of deer in the process. He struggles to keep himself afloat with all the attached military gear dragging him down the deep water.


A close call. En leaps off a bridge before an overwhelming crowd of mutants, bent on ravaging the lone EUFOR soldier.


10th of January, 2009: 1925 hrs
In an inlet just outside Eichenzell...

Shocked and exhausted, En swims safely to shore. The company of wildlife seems to give him a sense of security, as the calmness of these wild animals would mean the absence of savages in the area. Nature starts to take over as the bitter-cold breeze smother him... he feels very tired... dazed and ostensibly confused.


Tired and exhausted, En could barely move or more so react at the curious nipping of marine life, least notice the presence of a prying wild fox.


With dawn taking over the night sky, a full moon still beaming above him... he lays motionless... staring blindly into space. He feels very cold, shivering not because of fright or fear but of hypothermia that seems to blister the warmth away from his very core... he now feels very-very tired.



"Must not sleep... must stay awake... cold... bitter cold..." he mutters to himself as random thoughts besets him.



"Lizzy... you there?... Where are you?... Why did you leave me?", a feeling of abandonment takes over this once brave soldier as anger, frustration and even despair conquers him. Disoriented, he seems to blame everybody for what has happened to him... he blames God... he blames himself.



"What the bloody hell are you looking at!...", swearing at the sight of a taunting full moon. "Leave me alone... just leave me alone... leave me... alone... " he whispers as he sinks into sloom.



"Hey babes, you there?... Lizzy... Lizzy... please... come and help... me... save me..."



Friday, 30 January 2009

OCS Viewer Update: Icing On The Cake

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As mentioned in my previous blog, an update for the official OCS viewer is due to be out soon. Surprisingly, the update was released much sooner than expected! Yes folks, the much anticipated "patch" is here! Say bye-bye-bye to your "psychic" opponents who always seem to know exactly where you are! chuckles.

Some players have found a way around the absence of the radar-like "mini-map" by using the "main-map" as an alternative. Though not as convenient as having a permanent "beacon" on the corner of your screen, the main map can be quite useful as if having a "satellite navigator" at hand. Having to pause for a while for some location-hints have proven to be as effective as having the actual mini-map on. But as we will all know by now, those days are definitely OVER!


A ghost town? No troops? Not quite! The new OCS viewer disables the built-in-map's radar system, showing only an aerial topographical shot of the sim.


Say goodbye to all those psychic "playahs" (laughter) who seem to have the supernatural powers to shadow your every move hehehe. No more wall shooters... no more "x-ray visions"... and to those who love having immortality HUDs and shields, radars and bootleg OCS gear, no more room for you in the new Fulda Gap. Virtual combat has never been this fair... this exciting and this awesome as ever before.

As I attempt to be one of those psychics in FG (off-the game of course: chuckles), I foresee a day when more and more players would be encouraged to go head-to-head with top OCS gamers in Fulda Gap. Then again you need not be a psychic to know that. hehehe

My hat's off to all the Omega Concern people behind this remarkable OCS viewer!


A Secret Playground

Has any of you discovered that secret location in Fulda Gap yet? Just when you thought that everything we see in the new FG are the only things we would have to be contented with, here comes another interesting feature. Truly, there is actually a lot more in Fulda than meets the pixel eye! But getting there isn't as easy as you think, as a lot of that "thinking-out-of-the-box" may have to apply here: sentido comĂşn.

Okay! okay here are some tips for those unaware of this secret garden of delights (but they would have to be in a riddle):

a. The sun will shine and i hope you won't mind, me saying "Here's Johnny" on a street not aligned...

b. Rub that magic lamp and wish one song for me, singing "A whole new world" to a claustrophobic place to be...


Keep your eyes peeled. This labyrinth is an ambush haven. You'll never know what awaits around a corner.


Indeed it is a whole (or should I say a "hole" hahaha) new world as it would not be easy chasing (or be chased by) an opponent in a network of narrow tunnels, in which to the inexperience combatant may just end up a dead-end. I have seen a lot of pockets for ambushes, making this maze a perfect venue for CQC or Close Quarters Combat.

I am already hearing a lot of us here saying: "Where in the world have I placed that bloody crowbar?" hahaha

A dose of the Dual Sig Sauer P229 Handgun might just be helpful in tight situations like these as well. Time to test these babies! woot! woot!

I have also been hearing about a "vault" somewhere in Fulda, which I still have to find out for myself! Something with a secret combination was also being talked about within the OCS-FG community. Now that adds more excitement to the game's role play, don't you think? What exactly is inside it? More questions.. more riddles!


What The Heck Is A Laser Designator?

Ever wonder what that Laser Designator (LD) in our Sig-556 actually does? In my first few days in Fulda, I was able to try this motha-for-all-seasons feature in our ever-so-reliable Sig 556. I called it the "Hail Mary" as it activates a barrage of artillery from the sky. It lasts a good ten seconds (or even more), capable of eliminating a group of bogeys in the field with just one shot (yep, the holy grail!). It still should be active in Fulda though theoretically, a certain object (albeit also in a certain angle and time) must be specifically targeted. The stuff that involves a lot of "jargon-mathematics".

Eeeeep... x2 + y3 multiplied by z2 divided by the square root of 0.765 multiplied by the distance of 56 meters equals.... oh ugh my head hurts.... hahaha

However, it is also possible to try it out on a public sand-box which does not have a "no-push" restriction. Just make sure there is no sign that prohibits the use of any weapons. You will definitely be left in awe with this spectacular feature... totally a sub-freezing level in the coolness gadget meter! Promise!


Three heads are better than two! Pushing the stakes higher as the Sig-556 plays a vital role in supporting teamwork on the battlefield, with the pilot, gunner and designator coordinating each others' actions.


There is another reason why we have LDs featured in our Sigs. Think of the AH-Apache Longbow's APKWS Rockets... Ever wondered why they aren't laser activated from the chopper like its killer-Hellfire counterpart? That is where the Sig-556 LD steps in! OCS is pushing teamwork in FG further by encouraging coordination between team-mates situated in the air to the ones down below. Another step forward in eliminating individualism among players in Fulda.


A scene of things to come! Ground troops guiding the AH-64D Apache Longbow for bogeys. Communication and coordination will be a major factor in winning against opposing forces.


But before we go jumping off our seats, ripping our shirts off and flexing those biceps (well the ladies can stop after the ripping of shirts and forget the biceps... we'll be fine with that hahaha) giving out a loud "grrrrrrrr haarrrrrrr"... bare in mind that these things are currently in the works and are still being tested by our friends at the Omega Concern. Believe me they have heaps and truckloads lined up for all the zealous OCS maniacs like me! hahaha...


STOP! Hummer Time!
da-da-da-dum... ta-dum... di-dum... should touch this!

While the vehicle production of big name companies around the world has been hit by recession, The Omega Concern is optimistic that the pending release of a new DOZOR/HUMMER ( High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle aka HMMWV or Humvee) would just beat that! A leaked photo by insiders (shhh don't tell April!) have seen the manufacture of an improved and updated version of the military vehicle. Rumour of another version installed with a top mounted .50 caliber machine gun is also in the works. Looks like the good times are about to roll in Fulda Gap!


I want one! ... or four for that matter! Just another amazing installment for us OCS kids! 2009 looks bright after all!


Well folks, that is just the tip of the iceberg as I have been told that there are a lot more surprises waiting for us in the couple of months (if not weeks) to come. Finally, no more reason to whine about cheats and all the good reasons for Olympus to have a break from baby-sitting us kids.

Don't you just love a happy ending?

Tuesday, 27 January 2009

The Omega Concern: Muscle Behind OCS

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One cannot truly say they have had the ultimate virtual combat experience until they have actually lived the Fulda Gap role play in SL. It has been my inspiration for some of the (fictional) short stories featured in my blog. It has also been a benchmark for other combat simulators in Second Life. Fulda Gap is synonymous to the OCS combat system, the most popular combat system to date with more and more combat enthusiasts jumping into the bandwagon. OCS is one of the many combat systems available in Second Life, though OCS seems to be the most preferred choice among serious players due to a lot of its amazing factors and features.


Entering Fulda Gap: After joining the Fulda Gap group, make sure you have at least one official OCS weapon and an official uniform. The MARPAT (featured in picture) is available at the Omega Concern shop. Nothing beats a good camouflage and gear in virtual combat survival.


OCS is "probably" the only combat system with an online record that keeps track of your progress in rankings. It is simply saying: The more you "hit" (better than saying "kill" in my opinion lol) the more points you get. And the more points you get, the higher level you reach.

Think of Level 1 as being a new recruit-cum-trainee and whoever reaches the top rank would be seen as Fulda Gap's five-star general. There is no limit on how much points you keep, it is infinite as the game never ends.


OCS Creame dela Creame! The Top 10 combatants! Dare to be on top?


Why bother with the points and rankings?

Simple, the higher your ranking is, the more accurate and deadly your aim will be. Which would make it possible for you to get a hit with just one shot: the Holy Grail in OCS combat. Much like in real life war, the longer one stays in the battlefield the more skillful and knowledgeable the troops becomes. Think war veteran... your style and technique would evolve with you as you get to know the weapons and the simulator (sim) better.

The online OCS Player Standings will also reflect your last "hit" as well as the weapon last used. This would give you more than enough hints that the OCS server does keep track of any OCS activity when the official OCS HUD is worn (well it is compulsory that you wear it to make OCS work hahaha). So cheats (yes kids they are everywhere) who use illegal and bootleg weapons and/or troops who are keen on "rezzing" out scripted prims from their inventory, beware the Gods of Olympus are watching! (laughter)


The New Fulda Gap 2009 from afar. Last year we were given an urban and rural combat setting. This year were going on woodland warfare were camouflage would play a crucial role in a troop's survival.


Fulda Gap is simulated in a Class5-high-performance sim with its own dedicated server and albeit even its own exclusive system which helps keep the game spontaneous and lag-free. At the start of the year, April Heaney who is the brainchild and pioneer of the OCS combat system has rebuilt Fulda Gap with an all-new environment. This would give new players the same leverage as the established veterans in getting to know the new Fulda better.


Whatcha fancy mate? Urban combat or jungle warfare? The new Fulda Gap sim: you don't have to teleport to another sim to have a different setting, when you can have them both in one go! And the next big question is: Will you be the hunter or the hunted? Go figure that one out!


With an established reference point for role play present in the game, supplemented with a player's own mini-biography or story (reasons for being in Fulda Gap) makes the game even more appealing and exciting: adding more depth and character to the avatar.

Normally a new player would start as a Partisan (neutral troop), and you can chose which side you would want to belong to: EUFOR (European Union Forces) or the N.E.B. (New Eastern Bloc) - after submitting your role play profile to April Heaney.


Starting as Partisans not so long ago, Lizzy Mornington, N71 Aeon and Ellynore Lisle now fight under the EUFOR banner.Who would be next to join the two main factions?


The Official OCS Viewer

Leaping forward in keeping the promise for a real combat experience, April has helped develop the first ever OCS Viewer in Second Life. It is custom built to rid the game of its little gremlins: the common cheat features which are built-in the standard viewer. Mind you, this is a Linden Labs viewer so any fear of "undesirables" being installed in your PC would simply be ridiculous.


There is nothing more exciting than playing combat in a pitch-dark environment, radically changing the way we play virtual combat. It gives new meaning to the phrase "bloody adrenaline rush".


The benefits of having to use the official OCS viewer means no more bloody "mini maps" and overriding of default environment settings. That means night combat would be done at night as the way it really should be. The Ctrl-Shift-Y (or N) features are disabled as well as the Advance Menu from activating the "Admin Status".

If that is not enough to tickle your combat fancy, name tags that usually give away your exact location (with that obvious placard floating above your head), even if standing too-close behind walls have also been disabled. Technically speaking, no one should know exactly where you are... or wont they? Excited already aren't you? hahaha

The OCS viewer was basically a year and a half in the making, but it was surely worth the wait! I imagine more updates for the viewer soon as the level of game play would be raised.


The Omega Concern: One Stop Armory

Discovering Fulda Gap was only by chance as Ellynore Lisle who was also a Wilder Skies pilot like me at that time (yep she was so good at it I would not last a minute in the sky! hahaha) had Eichenzell featured on her "profile picks" (did I just admit there that I snoop on someone else's profile? Oooops!). A simple innocent question about Eichenzell brought us both to Omega Concern. The first sight of Omega's glowing dome struck me with awe... much more upon seeing all the amazing weapons on display!

The rendering and the presentation of each weapon was non like no other. It was love at first sight for me with these babies and they have just converted me from originally being a pacifist to a die-hard combatant! yeehaw!


You will never end up more confused than I was the first time I tried choosing for my first weapon. With so many on offer, it would be hard to decide which one to get!... you would simply want them all!


Elly was so cool enough to patiently explain to me everything what is to know about FG. I have to admit, it was information overload as she tried to immerse me with all the technical details on "the hows, the whos and the what" in Fulda Gap within just 10 minutes (laughter)! Not to mention that I spent most of the time asking the same questions over and over again (pssst.. and I think this was the first time I irked her off... lol).


My First True Weapon

Forget all your freebie weapons, they do not compare **** to these babies! The details and resemblance to the real McCoy is uncanny. Among the many choices on offer, I took the Sig-556 Assault Rifle. Apart from a built-in grenade launcher, the features and gizmos that come along with it commands its asking price. And in spite of it being the most expensive rifle in the Omega arsenal, it still remains the most popular weapon of choice among the OCS zealots.




Apart from the Sig, I would recommend for beginners to also get the M67 Fragmentation Grenade and the M16A2/ M21 Mine Pack. These would be sufficient enough to help you "last longer" in combat but does not guarantee that you would be invincible. Weapons only becomes effective when the user uses common sense and a lot of guts when playing in the field. Just make sure you throw your grenades far away from where you are, and avoid stepping on your own mines! hahaha


Hitting Hard While Charging Less

I have also discovered that the XM-109 Sniper Rifle can be a powerful weapon in spite of it costing less than the Sig. Its function is straightforward: aim... shoot... and kill. It can hit a mark even at great distance making it one of the most feared weapons in the OCS armory. Combatants with higher levels in ranking make this rifle their preferred weapon of choice.




The Big Mommas

They are the first thing that will catch your eye upon entering the Omega Concern. The only three vehicles that can be used in Fulda Gap:

The Dozor Utility Vehicle, the M1A1 Abrams Battle Tank, and the AH-64D Apache Longbow

Please bear in mind that other types of vehicles and crafts (apart from the ones mentioned above) are not allowed to be used in Fulda. Believe me, you would not want the Game Managers (GMs) breathing behind your neck! hahaha You will surely get more than just a slap on the wrist... really!


All vehicles blow up when hit beyond its damage limits. So drive or fly them with care! These vehicles are HUD or Menu driven.


The Apache Longbow is by far the most sophisticated aircraft in Second Life... BAR NONE! Nothing comes close to this eagle as being the most interactive attack craft, consistent with role play. Missiles fire away from hardpoints (weapon stations) and actually show them getting depleted, unlike missiles mounted on other crafts that remain static.

Flying this bird can be quite a challenge especially with the OCS HUD on. A crash will cost you your life so flying with care is advised.

Getting this chopper (or helo if you are an airman) is worth the investment. I am very certain that April's creation had sent ripples across the crafting of virtual helicopters in Second Life. Expect a lot of changes on the way SL helicopters are made, and at least owning the first one ever created should give you enough prestige to last until the next best thing arrives.

Thanks (and kisses) a million to my Lizzy-babes for giving me one as a present and of course to April for finally bringing this one out of the hanger... making me the first ever to own one! Good things happen to those who patiently wait. wehey!


Oh my goodness mate... don't just look at it, get one!


To Join or Not To Join? Is that a question?

There isn't a good enough reason not to visit Fulda Gap. The membership is now free, the Official HUD cost just 1L$ and neither do you have to pay for the Official OCS Viewer. Initially, you don't have to own weapons to enter the sim. But do be advised that if another troop gets a visual, you just might end up getting shot! hehehe

Don't fancy being a soldier but want to still be part of the role play? Apply to become part of the Civilian Faction, but please be neutral and non-partisan unless you wish to become an outlaw! Now that's another story!

For more details about the Omega Concern and Fulda Gap: http://sl.theomegaconcern.com/fuldagap

Things to comply to before entering the barrier: 1) wear your group tag 2) wear your OCS HUD 3) use the official OCS viewer 4) be nice and play fair 5) don't bloody cheat, well not that you can with new safeguards installed.. but if you do, see you in your third life hahaha


The Omega Concern main shop, where all combat dreams come true... less the Blue Fairy of course! http://slurl.com/secondlife/The%20Omega%20Concern/195/37/24