31-05-05

Seeking 8vs8 Scrimmages

The Devil's Brigade is seeking BF:1942 Conquest scrimmages using the 8vs8 TWL Ladder rules. We'd like a scrim partner as well, so let us know if your team is interested, thank you.

PunkBuster Update

As some of you may have noticed, Evenbalance is busy updating PunkBuster on a pretty regular basis. Well today is no different, as PlanetBattlefield has announced the third update in the last two weeks. Make sure that you have a copy of the Web Updater if you don't, otherwise you might have see some nice kick messages. Thanks!

GameSurge Stinks

As we're sure the membership has noticed, GameSurge is biting the big one in terms of connectivity. Apparently massive DDOS attacks are being launched against them on a nightly basis. This is unfortunate as up until a few weeks ago they were a pretty solid network. However...

If the interruptions continue, TDB may be forced to change networks and run a link bot to our old channels in an effort to get back the connectivity we're losing. As IRC is one of our primary means of communication, this is extremely disruptive to us, and won't be put up with much longer. We love ya GameSurge, but...

TWL Match Update: TDB vs -[HC]-

Following consultation with TWL and -[HC]-, TWL awarded TDB a forfeit victory over -[HC]-.

TWL Match Update: TDB vs °»LxG«° Redux

Well it looks like °»LxG«° isn't going to get it's payback opportunity after all, as they apparently self destructed a few days ago. A note on their page says that they're all looking for another team after RustyNipples went out of town a few days and found that 3/4 of his roster quit. Good game trash talking.

Rumors of BF2 Demo

Rumors abound of a BF2 demo coming June 10th. We can't find any official mention of it anywhere, so stay tuned...also stay sharp for our E3 wrap up on BF2.

As far as TDB and BF2 goes, when we see a product and have time to evaluate it, we'll see about making a "stay/go" decision. A clan meeting will be held to that effect when the time comes.

28-05-05

TWL Match Update: TDB vs -[HC]-

TWL has announced that there will be no penalties for matches not played over the holiday and any scheduled will be rescheduled for post holiday. Therefore, enjoy your weekends and we'll see you on Wednesday ;).

Have a happy and safe Memorial Day.

27-05-05

TWL Match Update: TDB vs -[HC]-

-[HC]- has been in email and voice contact with us and wants to cancel the match due to lack of interest on the part of their team. The circumstances of the cancellation are under discussion at the moment.

Unfortunately, they haven't done this in match coms, which leaves us in a bit of a quandry; unless we can talk to them and resolve this situation tonight (we apparently just missed their 5v5 team leader yesterday), we may need to go ahead and show up on Sunday night to let things take their course. Now we don't want to do this of course and have been working on an alternative, as we have no interest in interrupting the Memorial Day weekend, but unless we can resolve this we may need to.

Currently, the match is set for Sunday, 5/29 at 10:30pm EST. We'll keep members apprised of the situation as it develops so check back often, thanks!

Memorial Day Holiday

"Field Cross", from TWL forum post to fortord.org.

It's that time of year again when Americans need to pause for a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who keep us free. Since 9/11/01, we've lost some 1800 troops in combat alone. Please take a moment to remember the sacrifice of they and their families, past and present, and remember that while you're partying, or laying out in the sun, or going where you want and doing what you want, somewhere, someone gave of themselves to make it possible.

To better appreciate their sacrifices, here are some links of interest and ways you can help them do their job easier.

Remembering "Hack"

From HQ:

23-05-05

TWL Match Update: TDB vs -[HC]-

-[HC]- has been in contact with us and asking whether or not we can push back the match to next week instead of doing it on the 29th, as this is Memorial Day Weekend and they can't guarantee more than 2 shows. Honestly we're not sure what to expect either so if anyone has issues making it and/or are cool moving the match back to 1st of June, let us know quickly, thanks!

Streets of Berlin Testing Complete

As you may recall, we recently conducted some testing for [BC]Ringo on his "Streets of Berlin" map. He wanted me to pass on the following:

No problem, and we're happy to help out.

22-05-05

Ghop Leaves TDB

Previously we had reported that Ghop_TDB had been involved in an auto accident, on the word of his brother. It seems that this wasn't the case, and he confessed as much to another member today as well as informing us he quit because "eh theres more drama this way".

EDIT by Tex_TDB: To be blunt, anyone without enough backbone to handle something like this themselves and who had to get their brother to lie for them is not TDB material. Expect the usual round of password changes, etc. tonight.

21-05-05

TWL Match Update: TDB vs -[HC]-

-[HC]- has gone ahead and chosen Sunday, May 29th at 10:30pm EST. Map will be Bocage_Pro. See you there!

19-05-05

TWL Match Challenge: TDB vs -[HC]-

We got word this afternoon that we have been challenged to our next 5vs5 match, this time versus -[HC]-. Challenge details are for Wednesday 5/25 or Sunday 5/29 pending acceptance.

BFPro Fixes

After some concerns were raised following .81's new map pack, the BFPro Team went ahead and did some fixes to the maps out there based on the feedback they got from some of the clans. Quoting the official release:

 

Now because of the above challenge, TDB is holding off on installing this "fix" on our server because it hasn't been TWL approved yet. However, the membership needs to go ahead and pick up a copy of the client here, which is basically a few map fixes. Just hold on to it for now, and hope this is the last fix we see for a while heh.

TDB LAN Party?

The Devil's Brigade is again considering the possibility of a late summer LAN party. The only real problem at this time is location, as the age of some of our members may preclude their traveling too far. If you're centrally located to several clan members and think you're up to the challenge of feeding and providing appropriate play facilities for a bunch of hungry Devils (or at least interested in going), sing out loud and and long and we'll start evaluating the possibilities.

"Thank You Sir, May We Have Another?"

Apparently not satisfied with the first smacking they got, °»LxG«° wants more and wants it bad. As stated previously, we feel fine obliging them. If you'd like to see how eager they are, check here. If of course you care heh.

12-05-05

New BFPro Map Pack

BFPro has released a brand new map pack we want the membership to get for next Sunday's practice. The pack can be found here. Why get it you ask? Well for starters, it includes some fresh infantry maps, and fixes for old ones. Plus (and here's the part that affects us), 2 of the custom maps we use for the 5on5 Ladder are included: Abandoned City, and Berlin_Midnight. Make sure you have that pack for Sunday so that we can try them out.

The new maps are on our server.

TWL 5on5 Ladder After Action: TDBvsLxG Victory

The Devil's Brigade faced off last night with League of Xtrodinary Gamers on Caen. There had been some discussion of reschedule but both teams managed to come up with the needed numbers on the agreed upon day, so it wasn't an issue. Or so we thought.

We ran the usual checks and discovered that 2 of °»LxG«°'s members had completely wrong GUIDs (not a little off, we're talking non-matching at all). Further, when we tried to explain the situation to them, they didn't seem to get what the whole GUID thing was about, so they brought in TWL. Shaunzy|TWL, our ladder admin, was very patient, and asked us for screens which we provided. It also turned out that in a rare turn of events, one of our members, who had apparently used someone else's CD's to install their game on a loaner PC had an incorrect one (which °»LxG«° saw), left the field immediately when the problem was discovered and did so without comment (before TWL ever arrived). At match time + 40 minutes, °»LxG«° managed to come up with 2 replacements and the game could get underway.

Before we go into how the game actually went, we think something needs to be said about certain statements made by °»LxG«°RustyNipples on the forums an TWL to the effect that a 3vs5 match took place. This is completely incorrect and a member of TWL was present as witness to it. The numbers dropped to 4vs5 after about 15 minutes into round 1 (approximately) when one of their members announced in global chat that he had to go, and the round outcome was not in doubt. Until that time it was 5vs5. That being said, let's discuss the match.

Round 1, TDB went Axis. Both teams seemed to be off to a fairly good start, with °»LxG«° apparently determined to hold the center flag from their end of the street. However, despite their best efforts and 2-3 changes in ownership of the center, our teamwork and planning paid off and we were able to secure it and the rest of the flags, forcing °»LxG«° back to their base, and keeping them there for the most part. With about 2/3 of the round complete, one of their members attempted to forfeit the match and was shouted down by the rest in global chat. We didn't say a word. Though they did manage to get a few caps behind us, we usually were able to secure them again quickly and keep the pressure on. °»LxG«° just didn't do the work or map preparation necessary for this map, and it showed. Round 1 ended firmly in our favor 122-0 TDB.

Between rounds, °»LxG«° then attempted to reschedule or force us to forfeit, which TWL denied because the match was in progress.

When Round 2 began, TDB went Allies. °»LxG«° adapted a bit more this time, but it was basically a much faster repeat of the previous round. Although °»LxG«° did make a serious attempt at being more flexible and was occasionally able to infiltrate a guy past our defenses, their attempts were usually stopped quickly, and the second round ended much as the first one did, with TDB taking it 148-0.

Before we move on to the highlight reel, a few other statements made by °»LxG«°RustyNipples and others ought to be addressed.

Quoting:

Gee where to begin...first off Rusty, °»LxG«° barely knew what a PBGUID was, much less that they actually had to have an accurate one in to even play in TWL. No we didn't think you were hacking without it, we just wanted to know we weren't playing a bunch of bored 20id/Paradigm Shift guys on a slow night ;). Secondly you guys called in TWL, not us. Third by your own admission, the PC with your personal correct ID was supposedly next door, but you didn't want to go there. Fourthly, if you don't like the rules, lobby for change or play elsewhere.

The second quote is utter bull Rusty, and if you'd like to be known for emotional tantrums when you don't get your way, keep on like you are. At no time did we see less than 4 members of your team on the board, and considering the size of your roster, we're surprised you had any problems at all.

The third quote tells us that a) you're lying again, or b) like most teams you don't bother to read the rules until you needed them for something, so really, who's fault is it you and Brotherhood couldn't play Rusty?

They had a few other fun comments on their page (calling us "asshats" for their own screwups which you can look at here), but the important stuff is covered here. League of Xtrodinary Gamers is welcome to challenge us and get pummeled again whenever they like.

As for a few of the other opinions that were expressed under that TWL thread that we couldn't respond to before admins locked it (you know who you are), we respond thus: you get the same respect from us as you show us. Don't think for one second that because some of you have no problem giving lip service to the rules when people are watching and then exploit your asses off in a tight match or on a pub when you think they aren't looking that it's not noticed. We tried being nice about rules once and it got us burned in 3 consecutive matches, so ya know what? We're hardasses now, and don't really give a damn who knows it. So take your opinions and shove em up your "6" because the feelings are mutual :).

Highlights:

 

Personnel News: Promotions

On the heels of the °»LxG«° victory, it was deemed as good a time as any for Tex_TDB to reward some of the outstanding contributions by members of the The Devil's Brigade to the clan as a whole. Therefore we are pleased to announce the following promotions:

Congratulations and please accept these promotions as a small token of our gratitude and acknowledgment of your continued contributions to The Devil's Brigade. New members who stay the course, uphold our name and reputation, and keep showing improvement will earn promotions themselves down the road, so keep up the great work Devils!

Web Page Updates Continue

As you've probably noticed, web page improvements continue. Among the latest improvements include the "upcoming events" located at the top of the page, the improved links area on the right, rewrites of the Contact page, addition of an About page, the slowly emerging Archive pages, a much better file structure, and the addition of custom graphics and buttons.

Comments on the page have been universally positive, ranging from "fancy" to "pimp", so we're glad you like it. Expect more improvements in the future...

08-05-05

Lots and lots of news, so let's get started.

New Web Page Deployed

First off, welcome to TDB Web Page Mark 5. Don't expect everything to work perfectly at first, but we have delivered, as promised. This is not the PHP version, which is still in development, but it should be a lot more pleasant on the eyes, equally functional (as the old page), and feature yet more graphics. Beats the frames anyway right? 8P.

Personnel News

We have a lot of personnel news of import to impart so let's get started.

First and foremost, we heard from Ghop_TDB. His brother sent us a mail which reads:

We're glad to hear he's ok and we're hoping for a quick recovery and return to ass kicking with us. See you soon Ghop_TDB!

Secondly, Kohut_TDB recently lost his Grandmother. We at TDB would like to express our sincere condolences and sympathies to him at this time.

Thirdly, EvilOne_TDB's mother has been hospitalized a few days for what we hope is a rapidly cured illness. We hope she gets well soon EvilOne_TDB!

UPDATE: We got word late yesterday that NeuroticViper_TDB and Weeeman_TDB also suffered a loss. It seems their aunt's brother was gunned down during a gang related shooting. We'd like to also extend our sympathies and sincere condolences to them at this time.

UPDATE #2: There's a piece of news we omitted to put up. We wanted to take a moment to welcome back Blake_TDB to The Devil's Brigade. A former member, he's been gone a while and playing in our CS division. Welcome him back as only you can.

TWL Match Update: TDBvsLxG

Ahhh a challenge at last.

TDB has been challenged by League of Xtrodinary Gamers. °»LxG«° appears to be a new team to BF:42 Conquest, possibly migrating over from Desert Combat. The match is set for Wednesday, May 11th at 10pm EST/7pm PST, so don't be late! Map is Caen, and will not feature BFPro .81, but regular conquest mode. See you at practice!

VE Day + 60

From HQ:

In the US, it was President Harry S. Truman's birthday, and he took the occasion to dedicate the victory to his predecessor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In London, a national holiday was announced, which you can read more about here or here.

Unfortunately, the bleeding and dying wasn't over yet in Europe, as the Russians were still rampaging across the countryside, people hadn't gotten the word, and misunderstanding and stupidity (as well as the German Werewolves) still had to be dealt with. The Japanese were still actively engaged in the Pacific on Okinawa and Iwo Jima, and of course, the U.S.S.R. still had to secure their new found gains in Eastern Europe, which began some 50 years of a different kind of tyranny. That is however...another story.

If you'd like to hear the original broadcast announcing the end of the war in Europe, click here.

If you'd like to read the VE Day experiences of Orv Iverson, a G.I., click here.

 

Happy service personnel celebrate VE Day In London.

01-05-05

Server Updates

We have two key announcements to make here regarding our 67.15.19.100 server. First for members, in an effort to keep up with the changing competitive environment at TWL, BFPro .81 is installed. Have it for TONIGHT. Be sure to download the .8 full (about 500mb) and then the .81 patch. Graphically there's been some changes, and structurally as well...I won't tell you what those were just yet, but when you jump in the server you will start to notice the differences immediately.

Second, for those of you Forgotten Hope fans out there, FH .67a is now installed on the server as well. In the near future, when we're not doing other things with it, our intent is to turn the server into a FH server baring other developments.

Member Availability

Historical Reminder