View source for Tribes: Ascend/Capper

[[File:PathfinderSki.jpg|thumb|300px]]A '''Capper''' is a player whose job is to capture (cap) the enemy team's flag. Although any player can capture a flag, the [[Tribes: Ascend/Pathfinder|Pathfinder]] class is usually used for this role. Capping is a skill that is very simple in concept, but can be challenging in practice, especially for new players who are just learning one of [[Tribes: Ascend|Tribes: Ascend's]] core mechanics: [[skiing]].

==Role Essentials==
A skilled capper has mastered the basic [[Tribes (series)|Tribes]] mechanics of [[Skiing]], [[Energy|Jetting]], and [[Tribes: Ascend/Spinfusor Type|Disk]]- or [[Tribes: Ascend/Impact Nitron|Nitron]]-Jumping. This player’s job is not just to take the enemy’s flag but to actually return with it to their team’s base. To this end the capper must be able to leave the enemy flag stand alive and with enough speed to escape the enemy [[Tribes: Ascend/Chaser|Chaser]]s. Grabbing the flag while moving slowly is called Llama Grabbing and is a sure way to earn the enmity of your teammates; especially other cappers who are not able to successfully grab the flag because a llama moved it out of position. This is why practicing flag routes beforehand is essential to being a good capper. It is also important for cappers to be aware of their own [[Tribes: Ascend/Health Regeneration|Health Regeneration]]; so that they come into the flag stand with as much health as possible. Performing a disk- or nitron-jump too close to the enemy base will drain the cappers health and prevent regeneration, thereby giving the defenders an easier target.

==Loadout==

Although the weapons chosen by a player are a matter of personal preference there are a few other essential pieces of equipment that are used by most skilled cappers.

*'''[[Tribes: Ascend/Impact Nitron|Impact Nitron]]s '''are used to boost the capper’s speed. They create a large amount of knockback when thrown at the ground behind the player which pushes them forward at a higher speed. These items can only be used to self-propel prior to a flag grab however, as they will cause the capper to drop the flag if used while carrying.

*'''[[Thrust Pack]]s''' give the player a large boost of speed at the start of a flag route and can also allow them to change direction quickly to avoid being caught after grabbing the flag.

*'''[[Tribes: Ascend/Perks|Egocentric]]''' is a perk which allows the player to take less damage when using their weapons to self-propel. This allows the use of more disk- or nitron-jumps to gain speed during a flag route.

*'''[[Tribes: Ascend/Perks|Reach]]''' is a perk with increases the margin for error when grabbing a flag. When fully upgraded this perk gives enough reach to allow the capper to ski next to a [[Tribes: Ascend/Heavy on Flag|HoF]] and still grab the flag around (or above) him.

==Voice Commands==

During any match it is important to let your teammates know what you are doing so they can coordinate their efforts. Using the following [[VGS]] commands will allow the other members of your team to help you get the flag.

*'''VSAF – I will go for the enemy flag.''' This command is used to tell the team you will play capper.

*'''VFF – I have the flag! '''This command is used to inform your team that you are about to grab the flag and they should hit the flag stand with everything they have.

*'''VAD – Disrupt the enemy defense!''' This command is used to tell your team that you need help clearing the flag stand so you can escape with the flag.

*'''VFT – Take the flag from me! '''This command is used to tell your team that you are injured and need someone to take the flag you are carrying so the enemy doesn’t retrieve it from you.

*'''VFG – Give me the flag! '''This command responds to the previous VFT command that you will take the flag from the capper.

*'''VNS – I need support! '''This command is used to call for general support and is often paired with other commands such as VAD or VFF.

*'''VVH – Help! '''This command is used when you are about the be killed and need immediate assistance.

==Flag Routes==

There are many flag routes for every map and it would be impossible to list them all. The links below refer to video guides from skilled cappers and provide a first-hand look at some common routes. For more routes see the YouTube links next to the videos or check the map-specific pages on this wiki.

[http://youtu.be/4GUdPFfFoVQ Drydock Route] by TheSmallKiwiBird

[http://youtu.be/90NpCzK6c6M Crossfire Routes] by FreshM

[http://youtu.be/DwGBjYV8rfY Katabatic Route] by TheSmallKiwiBird

[http://youtu.be/SHk9Qjn9L3o Arx Novena Routes] by Vol1tion

[http://youtu.be/hDLa4W-ETwE Temple Ruins Route] by TheSmallKiwiBird

[http://youtu.be/tXr4f-8UdZI Sunstar Route] by TheSmallKiwiBird

[http://youtu.be/Nj8zvnl9Igc Raindance Routes] by Vol1tion

[http://youtu.be/nn97u45Nl3E Tartarus Routes] by Vol1tion

==Video Guides==

See the video links below for more information about capping from some experts in the field:
[http://youtu.be/XLekZsg59M0 Beginner Skiing Guide] by Zeromethanol (DoubleCrossGaming)

[http://youtu.be/ws5v_Yn85eU Basic Capper's Guide] by TheSmallKiwiBird

[http://youtu.be/4V8kJvqMYEk Disk- and Nitron-Jumping] by TheSmallKiwiBird

[http://youtu.be/5aoD0HuefiU Adv. Capping Guide] by TheSmallKiwiBird
[[Category:Player Roles]]