Premise:

My purpose here is to show how the introduction of L-Demobs in large scale PVP removes the ablity to engage in asymmetric warfare, due to in inability of a smaller force being able to utilize speed to engage a superior force.  This is an essential component if PVP in Perpetuum is to not become another example of a blob-online type of PVP environment.

Asymmetric warfare is leveraging inferior tactical or operational strength against the vulnerabilities of a superior opponent to achieve disproportionate effect with the aim of undermining the opponent’s will in order to achieve the asymmetric actor’s strategic objectives.

Criteria Utilized:

Calculations for the Zenith are based on the following:
-2 T4 Remote Sensor Amps, remote amp’ing the Zenith
-Head slots having 1 T4 L-Demob (also for the S-Demob)
-Head slots having 4X T4 Range Extenders
-Squad having 1X T4 EW Nexus
-Squad having 1x T4 Long Range Targeting Nexus
-and the following skills/bonuses:

• Skill    B/Lvl    level    bonus total
  Advanced robotics        10   
  Navigation    3.00%    10    30.00%
  Accelerated target locking    5.00%    10    50.00%
  Demobilization    3.00%    10    30.00%
  Long distance electronic warfare    3.00%    10    30.00%
  Long range targeting    5.00%    10    50.00%
  Sensor connection    2.00%    10    20.00%
  NEXUS - Accelerated target locking    1.00%    10    10.00%
  NEXUS - Long Range Targeting    1.00%    10    10.00%
  NEXUS - Electronic warfare    2.00%    10    20.00%

Analysis:
Based upon the data presented below, we see that the Zenth has the following stats:

Locking range   -             1111.696875 m

T4 L-Demob Optimal range    1199.468486 m
(T4 S-Demob Optimal range    599.7342 m )

Taking into account the signal masking and signal detection data below, we see that the L-Demob Zenith, fit per above, has the following:

-    Detection of mech and heavy mech targets well in excess of it’s locking range.
-    L-Demob range well in excess to the maximum potential range of any weapon fire by at least 200 meters

However, the same can also be said about Sensor Suppressors and ECMs, in fact more so.  Fitting a 2 T4 Suppressor or 2 T4 ECM fit, and having 3 T4 Range extenders, we find that the Zenith, being T4 Remote Sensor Amp’d by a person with max skills, has the following ranges:

T4 ECM optimal range:            1216.852
T4 Sensor Suppressor optimal range:    1216.852

However, the issue here is still the locking range, which still remains 111.697 m. 

So lets apply this to a battle.  Group A is set up in position with Group B approaching.  Group A has it’s L-Demob fit Zeniths 200 m  to the rear, and spread out to diffuse interference. Group B engages, and is with weapon fire and L-Demob/Sensor Suppressor/ECM range of Group A, so it has it’s Ewar group move up.  However, to do this, Group B Ewar Zeniths now has to move to within 111.697 m of the enemies L-Demob’ers, and will then be within weapon fire range of Group A.  Group A’s L-Demob Zeniths are still, however, outside Group B’s weapon fire ranges.

This is a no risk situation for the L-Demob, or Suppressor/ECM fit Zenith, fit per the above, of Group A, there is no counter to their L-Demobs / Suppressors / ECMs.

As we can see, with S-Demobs, the Zenith still has to get within weapon fire to be able to utilize it.  With a max potential range of 599.7342 m, it has to be well in range of Grophos and Seths, and possibly Artemis and Tyrannos, based on their fittings.  In order to Demob a target, risk is involved, and the Ewar mech potentially can be fired on and destroyed, so there is a potential counter to S-Demob fit Zenith.

Now let’s add the asymmetric component.  Group A has 80, Group B has 30,  Due to it’s size, Group B can easily afford to have 20% of it’s squad fit for long range Ewar, which would be 16 Ewar mechs.  Even if Group B has the same percentage, that would represent 6 Ewar mechs, Group A having a 150% more long range Ewar capability.  Under such circumstances, Group B could potentially have 80% of it’s forces effected by long range Ewar, vs 7.5% of Group A.

Under these circumstances, Group B has to withdraw.  Using a speed fit doctrine, they at least, without L-Demobs, have the ablity to string out the opposition, possible engage smaller elements that got to far ahead of the main group, or force the main group to hold formation, and thus move only as fast as it’s slowest component.  But with L-Demobs, with Group A having even 10% of it’s force set up for long range demob’ing, could lock down 26% of group B during this retreat, with no risk of retaliation, and with no effective counter, other than remaining outside of the 111.697 locking range.  Properly performed by Group A, this would either result in Group B slowly being destroyed as it tries to retreat, or forcing Group B to defend the demob’d assets, thus being encompassed by a the superior force.

OK, so let’s look at another scenario.  Group B atticipates the potential for long range demobs, and plate fits to compensate.  But in doing so, they now have cut their speed substantially, allowing for Group A, if speed fit, to again encompass Group B, with it’s long range L-Demods safely out of harms way, and wipe it out.  By plate fitting, Group B has effectively demob’d itself.

The point being, L-Demobs, properly fit to a Zenith with appropriate skills, have no counter.  The easy thing is to say that the problem is the Zenith, but the issue never existed prior to the introduction of L-Demobs. 

As far as Suppressors and ECMS, yes, they had the range capability, but all they will do is limit the ablity to lock and fire, not movement.  If Suppressed or ECM’d the targets could attempt to move out of range and break the effect, or choose not to engage at that time.

Conclusion:

The ability of achieving such a long locking range with Remote Sensor Amps, combined with the L-Demods potential range, effectively eliminates smaller groups from kiting and engaging larger groups in PVP.  A larger group will typically have significantly more L-Demobs in it’s forces, and even if the numbers were even, the larger force, due to it’s DPS superiority, will effectively always win.

L-demobs, as currently defined, on a max skilled character in a Zenith, have no effective counter.  ECM and Suppressors can be countered by ECCMs, however. Range should be reduced to force the L-Demob mech to get within weapon fire, and potentially countered, or the module removed from game.

Base Data / Calculations:

Zenith
Locking range:             1111.696875 m
T4 L-Demob Optimal range:    1199.468486 m
(T4 S-Demob Optimal range:    599.7342 m )
2x T4 Sensor Suppressor Range:   1216.852088
2x T4 ECM Optimal Range:      1216.852088

Zenith Detection Ranges:
Service Bot        1250 m
Light Bot        1000 m
Light Industrial    1250 m
Light Ewar Bot    769.23 m
Assault        1000 m
Industrial Assault    1250 m
Mech            1250 m
Ewar Mech        1000 m
Industrial Mech    1250 m
Heavy Mech        1250 m
Heavy Industrial Mech    1333.33 m

Detection of Zenith Ranges
Service Bot            800 m
Light Bot            1200 m
Light Industrial        800 m
Light Ewar Bot        700 m
Assault            1000 m
Industrial Assault        800 m
Mech                1200 m
Ewar Mech            1000 m
Industrial Mech        800 m
Heavy Mech            800 m
Heavy Industrial Mech    750 m