Weapons Officer

[Kapitan Stahlkugen]

Is the weapons officer inop during academy training sessions? I've tried to get him to launch torpedoes, plot vectors etc. but he doesn't seem to take me seriously. Are the training courses designed to teach the captain with hands on experiences. It seems I must do everything myself in this phase of the game. FYI: I also discovered during training that the flak gunner is more effective than I am shooting down aircraft. :damn:

[Detritus]

In the training the ships are neutral and therefore your WE won't attack them. You have to figure it out by yourself. As for flakgunners, they're always better shots than me :x Let him handle it. Small hint, if you may: learn to use the deckgun as efficiently as possible. Contrary to the flakgunners , you're the best shot in the ship with it and you'll be saving lotsa ammo by using the deckgun yourself. Comes handy, when you have to take out the guns of armed merchants quickly enough.

[Kapitan Stahlkugen]

Roger that Detritus, good name by the way. I discovered deck gun shooting is best left to the good Kapitan. This torpedo shooting, however, has a very steep and long learning curve but it's good fun.

[Detritus]

Aye, the torpedo training was about to drive me nuts until I realised that they are always set at default values (hint, hint).

[Kapitan Stahlkugen]

I don't know how much you've played but I'm wondering how important is reknown as a Kapitan in the "real" convoy battle scenarios? The reason I ask is; this will affect how long I decide to stay in the academy. In other words, will my reputation as a Kapitan have severe result in the advancement I make? After all I don't want to stay in the very low tech subs. Also, will the crew become belligerent if I don't perform well?

:hmm:

[Detritus]

Basically, you should do the Academy as well as possible, scoring excellent in everything. You'll net 1500 renown for that. After that, head for the seas.
Renown works in many ways. Unspent renown gets you to better boats faster, so upgrading your Type II to the roof is not really smart. Self-evidently. renown also grants you the upgrades but it also is the 'money' spent on the repairs of your boat. Never, ever hit neutrals or friendlies 'cause their renown is deducted from your tally and sinking them often enough will stop your career. Your personal rank or medals don't matter in getting to new boats/equipment. Unspent renown is the key. But don't go crazy with it: if you think something's worth it, get it. I'm on my 22nd patrol in IXB and have almost 30 000 renown in the pocket though the boat has everything I need.
The crew likes to see you sink stuff :) Every sunk ship or destroyed plane will affect their efficiency rating, so better you do, the more they like you= the better they get. In other words, renown is your 'currency' and targets destroyed is good for your crew. I'm not sure whether missed shots or taking damage affects negative your crew.
Also, the higher the realism settings, more renown you get (of ships net value).

[slow_n_ez]

Also, will the crew become belligerent if I don't perform well?

:hmm:

Naw... they won't care... only thing they care about is going to sleep .... once you get out of the Academy you might consider getting at least the no - fataguie mod ......

[Kapitan Stahlkugen]

Many thanks to all you submariners who have answered my many questions. I'm sure I'll have more later. :up: