Note to self: Visit the other planets (even though I'm level 50) and at least hang around in case people start getting ganked. Might as well help them out whenever possible...

I actually plan on trying to organize Open World pvp events once F2P goes live. Hopefully, there will be a lot of enthusiasm for it.

I was originally going to propose this just for Prophesy of the Five, but I figured this should be open to all servers. I don't mind limiting it to just one server for simplicity and sanity sake, however. As for people that aren't participating screwing things up, once again, I ask that those not participating in Pajama Fight restrict themselves to Rated Warzones. Other than that, you can't really FORCE people to do anything. Heh, I made a funny.

Apparently, there's a lot of concerns revolving around the gear gap between a lot of folks. In an effort to invigorate the PvP community and possibly as a test of skill for the various PvPers, I'd like to propose a Community PvP event. Bear with me on this, it'll seem really outlandish, but it's all in good fun. What I propose is that, on a particular weekend (undecided right now), everyone shows up to fight in the worst gear possible. Which means probably going to Corusant or Dromund Kaas and buying the lowest-level gear for your class imaginable and jumping into non-ranked PvP. Those that do not wish to participate should group up during that weekend and participate in Ranked PvP. This event is mostly for fun, but it's also a chance to just determine skills levels amongst various groups as well. This method would promote a skill-based series of matches that aren't dictated by gear, but rather, dictated by skill and mastery of a person's favored class and specialization. This would also give players a chance to see what works and what doesn't. By submitting screenshots (which will probably number in the thousands) we can put together a chart of those that proved themselves particularly skilled in PvP as a sort of friendly challenge to one another, but this is more of a side-challenge. The overall focus is to remove the perceived "gear gap" and run a weekend that way. Feel free to chip in with positive or negative votes/feedback/etc. I'm curious who would be interested in this.

I recently read a particular thread in this forum (http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?t=545079) and I'm considering taking up TipsyDrow on the offer to try out that particular build. However, before making the transition, I should probably explain WHAT I'm doing before changing anything in case folks know of a better build for my playstyle. Currently, I'm in Full BattleMaster gear (all Super Commando) with the War Hero bracers and belt. Nothing has really been messed with on that front, though I'm going to augment the War Hero gear I have as time allows. Not really sure what I should be putting into that Augment slot, though, as I can only make Reflex, Shield, Absorption, and Skill Augments right now, though I suppose I could find other augments on the GTN. I don't really have a rotation, per se, as I utilize abilities based on the situation. Suffice it to say that I mostly just use my taunts where- and whenever possible, guarding the nearest healer or DPS. Those three abilities are my primary focus. Obviously, enemies targeting my guarded target get hit with the single target taunt while large groups of enemies get hit with the AOE taunt where applicable. I only use the AOE taunt on a single target when either 1) they're attacking my guarded target and the single-target taunt is on cooldown and/or 2) I'm about to die. Smoke Grenade is saved for when I'm in a huge group of enemies. Other than that, this is typically what I do: Against Focused Healers: Interrupt abilities when possible (Cryo Grenade, Neural Surge, Riot Strike), Always use High Impact Bolt when it pops, Always use Stock Strike when it's ready to go, follow up with Full Auto and Pulse Cannon. Sticky Grenade for slippery individuals or those that can stealth. Energy Blast when appropriate. Against Everything Else: Maintain AOE Taunts, lay down damage with Full Auto, Sticky Grenade, the occasional Explosive Round, High Impact Bolt, and Stock Strike. Energy Blast when appropriate. I rarely, if ever, use Ion Pulse and Hammer shot, except to stop individuals from capping. Even then, I'm more opt to use Explosive Round, as it can hit stealthers or multiple cappers. Explosive Surge is used for when Stealth Scan is on cooldown or if I think a stealther is near me. Obviously, Charge and Harpoon are used as the situation necessitates. Current Spec is: 34 in Shield Specialist (All talents except for Brutal Impact and Defensive Measures). 2 in Tactics (Containment Tactics). 5 in Assault (Heavy Stock and Soldier's Endurance). Obviously, feel free to make suggestions as to a different spec, especially after reading the above-linked thread, which seems like a pretty good spec to me, but I'm rather new to this PvP scene. Also, I'm curious what stats I need to be focusing on. I realize Endurance is a big on, Expertise is important as well, but is shield/absorption/defense important in PvP? I have yet to notice myself dodge or absorb an attack at all while playing PvP, though obviously, I'm using Reactive Shield and Adrenaline Rush when fighting gets pretty heavy. Recap: 1: What Augments Should I be using as a PvP Tank? 2: What changes to my Spec should be made? 3: What stats should I focus on? 4: Is my usage of abilities retarded?

Thanks, dude, I appreciate the compliment

I've noticed RWZs are quite a bit tougher than the regulars. I find that interesting, since it seems like the Rated Warzones always seem to have Premades in them--meaning there's even more motivation for me to join up with a good group and pull my weight more in PvP. I'm looking forward to the War Hero gear, though, I feel it looks a lot better than the Trooper BattleMaster gear, but that's just a personal preference. Just a few more days and I'll have full BattleMaster, and then I'll be able to start grinding out the really cool gear. Thanks for the luck, though, I'm having an absolute blast! To be perfectly honest, I'm okay with rotating people out of Defense in order for everyone to get those defense medals. But the mentality of everyone going to their one defensive point when things look grim isn't a way to finish a match. Even at 30% on Denova or 200 remaining on Alderaan, I still try to get people to do one last offensive. I mean, there's a chance we can make a comeback at that point, especially on Denova. I just don't like quitting before the game/race is over, y'know? A little bit of both, really. Like, perfectly honest, I am enjoying myself in PvP despite getting smashed by Pre-Mades and the Gear Gap. I find these interesting challenges to overcome, and once I do, it'll be awesome. I also really want that Trooper War Hero armor.

It's like Valhalla. Fight and Die during the day, Drink and Eat During the Night. Respawn and get back into the fray for another go! Thanks for the warm welcome all the same! I actually rather like how much stuns are in this game, as their careful (or liberal!) use of them can sway a fight in one way or another. Especially huttball. One carefully timed stun can mean the difference between a win or loss, I've seen. Albeit, being the ball carrier means you'll be maxing out that resolve bar something fierce--but that's the character of the game, and I rather like it. Thank you for the kind words And while people are utterly convinced of their opinions, I'm pretty rooted in my own. The gear gap is a challenge just like any other: One that has to be overcome. There has to be challenges when you want to get from point A to point B--regardless of where those two points are. If it was easy, it would hardly be worth doing. I'm just looking forward to that Bounty Hunter's face when I finally show up at Huttball with full War Hero when he realizes "Wait, don't I know you?" I keep forgetting his name though. I think it's Fattman or something. Besides, the blame game just results in more being said than done.

I don't like to think of the Gear Gap as all that debilitating. Sure, it's really hard to go up against a Bounty Hunter with full War Hero gear on, but I like to think of it as just that much more motivation to get to that same level of gear, just to see what that same fight would be like with a more level field. Questions roll through my head on that: If he and I had equivalent gear, who would win? Is he still better talented than I am? Do I have him on the ropes as far as skill? Can I pull off that last High-Impact shot before his buddies jump into the fray or vice versa? I realize a few people may complain about the gear gap, but don't let that beat you--make it motivate you to keep going

I just started getting into the PvP scene after grinding my way through all the solo PvE content of this game. I was in for quite a shock when I started participating in Warzones with my Trooper! At any rate, I just want to inform you Imperial guys that I am having an absolute blast in-game. Almost to full BattleMaster (missing the Shield Generator) and got a taste for Rated Warzones today. I realize a lot of people complain about Pre-Mades stomping on PUGs, but regardless if I'm in a PUG or in another Pre-Made, I just want to tip my hat to all the Imperial PvPers on Prophecy of the Five for an absolutely amazing time in PvP so far. Can't wait to get Augmented War Hero gear, then things might get really interesting! As for all of my Republic allies on the same server, I'm pleased to be fighting by your side, mates! (PS, and if I can make a request, can people stop giving up in either Denova or Alderaan when we're down to 40%? It'd be really, REALLY awesome if we managed to make a comeback while behind, or at the very least, give the entire match our all, just to say we gave it our best shot )

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b344/DarkKnightCuron/THISWEAPON.png Im really interested in this weapon for looks and rping, generally, so if no luck, no worries.

Awesome video! I will see about trying to join up with you guys in the future! (must start trooper on Jung Ma!)

Yo. Back in the day, I used to be hardcore PvE'er in all the other MMOs out there. Never really had an interest in PvPing until, well, today and with this game. Therefore, I would like to actually get into PvP...but I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing! Is combat a lot like PvE content (where I mostly stand there and beat my opponent to death with my Shieldtech BH), or are there different tricks to it? What are some things I need to watch out for? Any suggestions for a beginner would be incredibly helpful, thanks!

Dude, that would be brilliant!

The only thing I can think of that could possible 'fix' this particular situation would be to load in a kind of 'failsafe'. Essentially, if X number of characters from both factions are within a certain distance from each other and are not actively attacking one another, condition Y occurs. That condition could be anything from severe valor penalties to possible insta-gib all characters in that small area instantaneously. I'm not a developer or a software engineer, however, so I don't know it's even feasible. Or, just follow the suggestion someone else posted. Reduce Valor gains to the same level and rate as WZs.