A Musing: Fighter Classifications

Day 1,295, 10:58 • Published in Philippines USA • by Aren Perry

Though this is about fighting classifications, the more important consequence of these classifications is really the level of reputability and social standing that they also tend to contribute to the players that have them. Therefore, it is really more of a social commentary on the different kinds of fighers that exist within erepublik. We are all aware of these classifications to some degree within our own selves, though they may not perfectly agree with my perception of the story.


Gods of Destruction: 5500+ Strength






Gods of Destruction are also known as kings of plastic or mastercard fiends. These people know Lana more intimately than anybody else in the world. Lana has them quite literally on speed dial for when she's in the mood. Whenever one of these fellows show up on the battlefield, all other players despair of ever attempting to combat their damage on the other side of the playing field.


If they are on the battlefield, nobody else is getting that battle hero, and probably not that campaign hero medal. nobody.



Political Prospects


By their sheer nature, if they are interested in it (which often they are not), they are shoe-ins for political positions and well known by their very virtue by all of their countrymen and internationally.



Angels of Destruction: 4000-5500 Strength




A slightly more common sight on the battlefield, but still an ominous one, Angels of Destruction are a welcome sight to those whose side they are on and are sought out on IRC for times of great need. They find their way into many battles in prominent positions such as battle hero and campaign hero.


These are often the leaders of militaries that really enjoy the cohesive nature of fighting. While they may not have mastercards literally attached to their hands from over-use like Gods of Destruction, Angels of Destruction break it out of their wallets from time to time.


Lana, while she doesn't have them on speed dial, still knows them by name and they are on her contact list.


Political Prospects


They are definitely well known within their respective nations and are (depending on how active they are) moderately well known internationally. They have no difficulty in getting well voted articles due to their vast active friend network and in being serious competitors for any political position.



Mini-Tanks: 3000-4000 Strength




Here is the category I (barely) fall in, and have always barely fell into for my e-life. Mini-tanks are a nice relief and augment to the damage done by the true weapons of mass destruction. A couple (three or four most likely, depends on exact strength) of these mini-tanks combined can do the damage of the higher classes together. This makes co-operation at this level extremely important and the use of military units essential.


These players can at times get battle hero medals, but to get campaign hero medals is just beyond their reach unless they have a ton of gold to put into the effort. They are most likely reputable within their own countries as solid players, but hardly known outside of the country for anything accomplished on the battlefield.



Political Prospects


Politically, their strength gives them very little edge in terms of respect but they are also typically well establish players in other ways. That is, the erepublik age of Mini-Tanks,, Gods of Destruction, and Angels of Destruction are often very similar, it's just that Angels/Gods of Destruction either were more successful in obtaining gold and, more often, spent more with their mastercards.


Therefore, it is quite usual for these players to be well established within their social networks and, outside of their strength class itself, have a political edge within their social circles. Without solid newspaper writing or networking, however, their strength cannot stand alone as a weapon of reknown for the player.



The Calvary: 2000-3000 Strength




Calvary class players put forth decent damage and are appreciated within the ranks of their militaries. However, they are not leaders of the field and most likely have not touched a mastercard in relationship with this game.


Every time they use Lana they have to remind her of their name.



Political Prospects


Lots of these players find their fame and reputation from politics, news media, and other things besides the battlefield. If they find fame in the military, it is within their organizational skills and activity within their units.





Young Guns: 1000-2000 Strength




The growing up fighters of the field, Young Guns find their level of experience though the fighting alongside the fighter classes above them and within the ranks of military units.


The honest truth is that while a few of these men and women mastercard, (and those that do will find their ways to the top of the ranks someday) most of them will be stuck doing minimal damage compared to many other players for the rest of their e-days. This is not to say that their damage is negligable, as no damage is, but I understand how depressing it can be to do your damage and not see that bar at the top move a millimeter to the left or to the right.


As a group, Young Gun class fighters can put forth a significant damage proportion to the battle, though one person from the God of Destruction or Angel of Destruction class fighter can negate the damage of 30 people or more within this class singlehandedly. This is most likely the most depressing aspect of being a Young Gun, though this effect can also happen to Mini-Tanks and Calvary as well.



Political Prospects


Politically, their level of strength does not hurt them, but by no means does it aid in the impressiveness of their resume. Hard work, activity, and good networking are required for this class of fighters to find fame and fortune on the road to political success.



Grunts: 0-1000 Strength




Yes, that's right, grunts. For grunts, the good news is they can only look upwards. They are the poor fellows who you see on the battlefield doing around a hundred or few hundred damage. Every time I see something like that on the battlefield run by I feel bad for them.


Thankfully, there are military units that do not have any strength requirements and welcome these players with open arms. Someday, thankfully, their damage will be proportionately significant, though unless they do extreme mastercarding they will never reach the status of Gods of Destruction.



Political Status


Most of these players do not have a sense of fame status due to their young age. If lucky, one of these players can produce quality media work and find a name for themselves there. Also, the hard working can also find themselves accepted into congress, though perhaps not as respected within those ranks as others more experienced within the game.



One Last Note


Note that these categories are of course general and vague, and perhaps there is a slightly more accurate scheme that could be created if more time was put into categorizing these individuals. Secondly, these strength categories will shift. Someday, having 5000 strength will not mean that you are a superior fighter, and perhaps to be what is now a God of Destruction class fighter would require 8000 strength instead.


Lastly, my question is for you, how well do my classifications fit your viewpoint on these issues? And, which fighter class are you?