NS2 Gathers, Rules & Expectations

This page provides Frequently Asked Questions that define gathers and their role in the NSL community. After the FAQ, rules and expectations are stated, along with solutions and punishments that are relevant to player conduct during gathers. Our Code of Conduct and Sanctions and Appeal process documents apply. 

FAQ

Q: So what are gathers?

A: Gathers are pick-up games where you can sign up to play a competitive 6v6 NS2 game with other players from the league.

Q: Does one need to be good to play in these gathers?

A: Anyone who understands basic English and is willing to listen is welcome to join. Sometimes experienced players can get a bit frustrated with beginners but it’s okay, we've all been through that path before, it’s nothing personal. :-)

Q: Why would I play these games instead of public games?

A: Because these games are much more demanding, and arguably more fun. You can get a taste of what NS2 used to be as a competitive game, pinnacle of FPS games. Nearly all players who play gathers regularly prefer them over public. Gather games tend to be more balanced, too, as captains pick the teams and admins might intervene to avoid boring walkovers.

Q: Why would I not play these games?

A: Possibly either of because of some personalities you'll come across or, you're not interested in playing this game as seriously as some players still do. Depending which kind of team you end up playing with, you'll have to put more or less effort into the game, more likely the former.

Q: What do I need before I join?

A: Discord voice chat and working copy of NS2. Also you might need some tolerance for extended waiting.

Q: So how do I join?

A: Click here and follow the instructions. It’s important you get yourself to our Discord voice channels and the game server, we can guide you through the rest of the stuff.

Q: I got banned from the server after I registered, WTF is this?

A: You need to sign up to a gather, and wait until it starts, not join a game in progress. Don't worry, it’s just a temporary ban (if there even was one).

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Breaking rules can be punished with warnings and bans, according to the discretion of gather moderators. In the case that no moderator is present, a timestamped video or screenshot is needed as evidence. Testimony from a majority of present players may be used as evidence. 

Font Scheme

Rule-breaking behavior in order as they appear in the Sanctions and Appeal process

[S] olution

[P] unishment

Sanction-able behavior:

Before gather:

1. Not keeping your gather profile up to date with your preferred roles.

Not having an up-to-date gather profile can mislead captains and undermine team organization.

[S] If you do not want to fulfill a certain role temporary, make sure to announce it in time in the chat on the gather page.

[S] The icons next to a player's gather profile designates their role and lifeform preferences. Please keep these icons up to date.

[P] A warning will be issued, with a possible ban.

2. Not pick captains in a reasonable timeframe and picking sense.

[S] When unsure about picks, use the chat on the gather page, or the NSL discord voice, to ask for feedback and help.

[P] A warning will be issued, with a possible ban.

3. Not showing up in time to a Gather in 10 Minutes without finding a replacement (merc). This includes joining: the server with your NSL profile steamid and ENSL Discord voice chat. Informing your team of actual technical issues increases the limit to 15:

[S] Make sure to have the sound warnings enabled on the gather page. Also make sure you do not start other limiting activity preventing you from joining the gather.

[S] If you can not show up, leave the gather before picking is done. Ideally before 12 players have gathered.

[P] A warning will be issued, with a possible ban.

During gather:

4. Quitting a gather early without finding a replacement. This includes going afk during a match.

[S] Ask all the Gatherplayers to actively help finding a substitute player.

[P] A temporary ban will be issued.

5. Not acting with reasonable courtesy, respect and decent sportsmanship.

See (Code of Conduct) for further details.

[P] A temporary ban will be issued.

6. Not using a language your teammates understand. Default is English.

[P] A warning will be issued, with a possible ban.

7. Not listening to your Captain, commander and teammates. In that order unless agreed upon otherwise.

[S] Make sure it is clear before you start who to listen to on voicechat. If you are confused, speak up and let your teammates know. Do this before the in-game match starts.

[P] A warning will be issued, with a possible ban.

8. If already in a Gather, joining the next Gather before a win/lose/draw banner is displayed.

[P] A warning will be issued and a removal be made, with a possible ban.

9. Keeping Teammates muted for ineffective communication.

[P] A warning will be issued, with a possible ban.

10. Offenses not specified.

[P] A warning will be issued, with a possible ban.

Last updated 03.10.2020.