Greeting everyone, it seems about half of you have picked up the actual retail version of the game now, a bunch of others are playing pirated copies and plan on getting the real thing, and still others are slowly getting around to finding enough change in their couches to play. This is good, I’m glad to see things progressing. On to news:

1) Ninjin and Chisha are currently competing against one another until Saturday evening (12:00 AM, so Sunday technically). The current score is Chisha with 21 points, Ninjin with 15. To score, you must play someone from the opposing task force. Point totals for win/tie/loss are 3/2/1 for skirmish and 5/4/3 for campaigns. Report any results to me. To see who you can play, check the roster at:

http://www.rebelsquadrons.org/roster/wing?id=851

2) You can also look at our message boards where folks are posting their in-game MP names and their Xfire names (highly recommended to install this if you can, it actually comes with the game). The boards are at:

http://www.rebelsquadrons.org/forums/viewforum.php?f=20&sid=1dd0e59661ee5b7c189c3f68a5bb6466

Current in-game names posted on the boards are: CodyOnAcid, RS_AntonNels, EMW1824, RS_lv12medi, WesBelden, Scorbolt, rs_sconn, RC427chief

Current Xfire names posted on the boards are: Codyman, randygland25, rsdavid, feakduran

Please get on the boards and post your info ASAP. Using the game and Xfire to arrange matches is the best way to go.

3) You can also log on to IRC. Our chat channel for the whole RS is where a lot of the matches are currently being set up. Our channel is on the undernet at #RS_BAR_AND_GRILL

4) There are some really cool mods already being made for the game. Currently the coolest is the EaW Realism Mod (3.0):

<
Added to the Gold version is the ability to play the optional 'Fleet Mode', a Death Match mode for SKIRMISH without resource collection. Start with 10000 to 100000 credits, amass a massive fleet and slug it out. Rock ON baby!>>

If you’d like to give it a try, head on over to the RS wiki, in the EaW mods section. I’m constantly updating it with new info as well:

http://wiki.rebelsquadrons.org/Empire_at_War:_Mods

5) Also, if you’d like any general info on EaW, including tips and tactics, total conversions, mods, editing tools, or pretty much anything RS related beyond EaW, just check out the RS Wiki in general. It also has info on most anything I’ve mentioned here, including Xfire and IRC.

http://wiki.rebelsquadrons.org/Main_Page

6) One of our members, our esteemed XO, Wes Belden, is currently working on graphics for a number of the Total Conversion mods out there. As such, he’s kind of on the front line for all developing mod tools, tricks, and ideas. This is good for us. We’re already brainstorming ideas on how to make RS missions, maps, and other things that relate to us directly, as well as possible Interactive Tours of Duty that go beyond Multiplayer.

7) Our main website is at: http://rf.rebelsquadrons.org/ri/ Wes is constantly updating the news, so be sure to check it often.

8) We’ve just opened a 3rd task force, our academy task force for people that are new to the Rebel Squadron and new to the game. Sconn is heading it up, and it’s name is Task Force Usagi. All future cadets will be placed there, but if you made it into the first two squads as a cadet, you’re exempt since it didn’t yet exist. Still, Sconn will be hunting you down to make sure you’re properly adjusted into the RS. So if you have any question, dig him or myself up.

9) When the inter-task force battle is concluded, we will be prepping for playing other units outside the RS. As such, it’d really help if you have, or intend to have, a MP capable copy of the game. Upon the intersquad battle completion, I’ll be doing a sweep. If you have the game or truly intend to buy it, I’ll be asking for you to get back to me. I’m not the kind of leader to overly bloat rosters just to look bigger than we are. If you’re not planning on getting this game and partaking in what the division has to offer, I don’t need you taking up space that someone else would fit better in.

10) Finally, we have a TeamSpeak server, but I have to have a room (or two) made for us. I’ll be working on that tonight. I highly recommend getting a mic and whatnot, as it’s really cool to be able to say “His fleet’s moving to attack our NW mines” instead of having to type it out.

That’s all for now. Get in there and mix things up. Chisha is out for blood, and so far, Ninjin’s hiding a bit. I have the utmost faith that Ninjin will show it’s true colors and come out swinging shortly.

LGN Cody Qel-Droma
RID CO/Vanguard XO
THE Rebel Squadron
www.rebelsquadrons.org