OVERVIEW

The VX-7 Scorpion is a revolutionary pistol system that uses auto-corrective aim algorithms to ensure maximum accuracy. With optional add-on ammo packs, attachments, and feature upgrades, this cornerstone of the VX Series is among the most sophisticated weaponry available in Second Life.

GETTING STARTED

Your VX-7 Scorpion Kit contains the following items:

  1. VX-7 Scorpion (Right)
  2. VX-7 Scorpion (Left)
  3. VX-7 Scorpion Holster (Right)
  4. VX-7 Scorpion Holster (Left)
  5. V.I.S.I.O.N. heads-up-display (not in all kits)
  6. BONUS: Suppressor Attachment (not in all kits)
  7. BONUS: Ammo Pack 1 (not in all kits)

Start by wearing items 1 - 4 (the two pistols and holsters). You may also choose to wear only the right or only the left side.

Attach the V.I.S.I.O.N. heads-up display (optional, but highly recommended).

Click one of the guns to bring up the menu, or use the command /11 menu to access the gun menu.

Once your settings are in order, enter mouselook mode to begin firing your weapons.

OPTIONS MENU

The options menu contains most of the necessary settings to configure your Scorpions. There are three ways to access the menu:

  1. Chat command - Use the “menu” command (i.e. “/11 menu”) to bring up the menu.
  2. Pistol click - Click one of the pistols in hand to bring up the menu.
  3. Holster click & hold - Click on one of the VX-7 holsters and hold the click until the menu appears.

Once in the menu, you’ll be able to set most of your settings. The first time you use the VX-7, it is recommended that you poke through the menu to get some idea of what options are configurable on your pistols.

DRAWING & HOLSTERING

There are three ways to draw/holster your weapons:

  1. Chat commands - Use the “draw” command (i.e. “/11 draw”) to draw your weapons, or the “holster” (i.e. “/11 holster”) to holster them. You may also use the “switch” command (i.e. “/11 switch”) to change states.
  2. Menu option - Use the VX-7 menu button (“Holster” or “Draw”)
  3. Holster click - Click the holster to draw the weapon if it is holstered or to holster it if it is drawn.

UNDERSTANDING S.M.A.R.T.

The S.M.A.R.T. aiming algorithm is your new best friend and the cornerstone of the VX-7’s incredible accuracy. Here’s how it works:

Your V.I.S.I.O.N. heads-up-display updates the VX-7 with realtime information about who you’re aiming at, using intelligent sensors to determine your intended target.
When the VX-7 is fired, the S.M.A.R.T. algorithm uses this information to make tiny adjustments to the bullet’s angle to ensure that your shot hits its mark, even if your aim is wide.

The S.M.A.R.T. algorithm is proven to be 100% accurate on standing targets, and far more accurate than the human eye even on fast-moving targets. You can configure nearly every aspect of the S.M.A.R.T. system’s operation (see Configuration), though we generally suggest you stick with the default configuration.

AMMUNITION TYPES

There are several different kinds of ammunition for the VX-7 and future VX-series weapons. These ammo styles have a variety of effects and strategic uses. These are the three basic kinds of ammo:

  1. SMART-compatible - This accounts for nearly all of the CS-compatible ammo types, and a good portion of the normal ammo types. SMART-compatible ammunitions are physical flying bullets, but allow for the SMART algorithm (see Understanding SMART) to correct your aim.
  2. Tracking - Tracking ammunition will literally track your target, going through physical obstacles as well as preventative measures such as shields. Tracking ammo will continue to track your target no matter where s/he goes in the region until it delivers its payload.
  3. Dumbfire - Dumbfire ammunition fires straight and true, but without help from SMART or tracking. This is generally reserved for splash-damage ammunitions (such as explosives) or area effect ammunitions (such as Foam), as these are ammo types you don’t typically intend to hit people with.

Read each ammo pack for information on what kinds of ammo are included in that set.

ENVIRONMENTS

Your VX-7s have two “environment” modes:

  1. Damage - This mode is for use with SL’s built-in damage system. It includes nearly all kinds of ammo, including tracking, SMART, and dumbfire ammo types. Each ammunition has a different effect in this mode.
  2. CS - This mode is for use with various collision-based combat systems, such as DCS, CCS, WARPS, etc. Because tracking ammo is typically frowned-upon in such regions, this mode disables certain ammo options in order to keep compliant with various combat system rules and regulations. Additionally, the ammo types allowed in this environment are specifically optimized to trigger combat system hit points.

Select the environment you’re currently in, and the VX-7 will present the appropriate ammo types and options to you.

CCS (COMMUNITY COMBAT SYSTEM)

As of version 1.2, the VX-7 Scorpions are equipped with CCS integration.  Per CCS rules, certain features of the VX-7s have been limited to ensure balanced play.  Certain other features have been enhanced to ensure a competitive edge in the CCS environment.  Here is a general list of changes:

  1. Not all rounds are available exist in CCS mode (tracking, push-based, and land rounds are removed).  The rounds that are available in CCS mode are CCS-enhanced.
  2. Each CCS-enhanced round has its own clip count and reload time, which are inversely related to the power of the respected round (in other words, more powerful rounds have smaller clips and take longer to reload).
  3. S.M.A.R.T. requires 50 intelligence points and 50 perception points to use in CCS regions.
  4. Enabling S.M.A.R.T. cuts your clip size in half and lengthens reload time in CCS regions.
  5. Enabling S.M.A.R.T. disables full auto-fire in CCS regions.
  6. Status Effect-based CCS rounds disable auto-fire (to avoid chat spam and lag).
  7. Clip drop is automatically disabled in CCS regions.

Your Scorpions will automatically detect a CCS region and will automatically switch to the appropriate mode.  Re-wear your weapon when entering a CCS region if you would like the Scorpions to connect faster (otherwise it may be a couple of minutes before they are able to connect to the CCS servers).

POWER

You may set the power of your attacks via the options menu or chat commands. Power settings apply only to “normal” mode and affect some kinds of ammo differently. The power settings are as follows:

  • Full - This indicates you want your attacks to do the most damage possible. Under normal circumstances, this typically means lethal damage and/or semi-permanent effects.
  • High - This is one step down from full and typically means nearly-lethal and/or long-lasting effects.
  • Medium - This generally indicates you want damage effects at around 50 - 60 percent and/or medium-length effects.
  • Low - This is best for more challenging combat, as it takes more hits to down an opponent this way.
  • Very Low - This is typically best for goofing off or testing your ammo; it will not seriously harm your opponent, but will just do enough damage to show what the ammo does.
  • Harmless - This means all damage is turned off.

The lower the setting, the more challenging the play. Higher settings are good for high-stakes combat.

ATTACHMENTS

The VX-7 Scorpions come with a variety of attachments, and more can be installed later. The included attachments are as follows:

  1. Laser - The laser attachment is a laser sight (best viewed in darkness).
  2. Torch - This is a torch (or flashlight) attachment (best viewed in darkness).
  3. Monitor - This is a flip-out monitor, and is a good way to voluntarily indicate to your opponents that you are using the SMART features on the VX-7 pistols.
  4. Suppressor (BONUS, not in all sets) - This is a very discreet silencer that significantly reduces the sound/flash of shots fired.

You may attach/detach these accessories in the following two ways:

  1. Options menu - Use the “Attachment” button in the options menu to get a list of attachments. Click each one to toggle it.
  2. Commands - Use the “attach” command (i.e. “/11 attach: suppressor”) to attach an accessory, the “detach” command (i.e. “/11 detach: suppressor”) to detach it, or the “toggle” command (i.e. “/11 toggle: suppressor”’) to toggle it. You may also chose to attach/detach/toggle ALL accessories (i.e. “/11 attach: all”).

CHAT COMMANDS

Most of your VX-7 settings can be changed through chat commands in addition to using the options menu. The default channel for commands is /11.

Setting commands are typically structured this way: “/channel setting: value” (i.e. “/11 mode: auto”). Non-setting commands are simpler (i.e. “/11 holster”).

To change the channel for commands, use the options menu or the “channel” command (i.e. “/11 channel: 256”).

DUAL-WIELD MODE

The Dual-Wield Mode is automatically triggered whenever you equip both the right and left pistols (you may also use each individually). In Dual-Wield mode, your VX-7s synchronize, behaving as one weapon:

  • When Dual-Wield Mode is triggered, your left pistol will automatically adopt the settings from your right pistol.
  • Clicking either gun will bring up a menu that controls both guns.
  • Use your right gun’s verbal command channel (see COMMANDS) to change settings in both guns simultaneously.
  • In Semi-Automatic and Burst firing modes (see FIRING MODES), the two guns will alternate firing with each click. In Automatic mode, both guns will fire simultaneously.
  • Customization changes made in Dual-Wield Mode (see CUSTOMIZATION) will apply to both guns. Wear each gun individually to customize them separately.

Dual-Wield mode is cool-looking, but not really necessary. Each gun is designed to be fully effective alone, and most combat systems don’t register nearly simultaneous collisions anyway. Also, remember that in Automatic mode, you’re firing twice as many bullets, so be kind to your sim and use sparingly.

CUSTOMIZATION

Your VX-7 Scorpion is completely customizable. Use the “Customize” button in the options menu or the “customize” command (i.e. “/11 customize”) to begin. Your VX-7 will create a customization kiosk about 5 meters in front of you.

On the top of the kiosk is the color setting, complete with color preview. Click on the color panel and drag along the colors until you are satisfied with your color setting. Use the slider on the left to determine the color lightness/darkness. Your color will be applied to your weapons when you release the click.

Just below the color setting is the shine menu. There are five possible options: High shine, Medium shine, Low shine, Normal, Fullbright, and Glow. Click on the square that represents your choice.

Below the color setting is the text menu. Click on this button, and the kiosk will prompt you to speak the text you want on a random channel. Your text may be up to 10 characters long, and will be displayed on the side of the pistol.

When your VX-7s are customized to your liking, click on the kiosk’s base and select “Done” to delete the customizer. You may re-customize at any time.

IMPORTANT: Be sure you are wearing both guns and holsters while customizing; this ensures that all parts of the VX-7 system match colors properly.

ENDING ATTACKS

You can cease all currently running attacks, or only some of them, at any time.

To cease all attacks, use the “Cease” button in the Options menu or use the commands “cease” or “end.” (i.e. “/11 cease” or “/11 end”).

If you would like to end only the attacks targeting a specific avatar, you may use the chat command followed by a portion of their name (i.e. “/11 cease: luc” or “/11 end: luc”). This option will end only the attacks currently targeting victims with “luc” in their name.

AMMO CAPACITY

The VX-7s have configurable ammo capacity settings (limits can be altered in the scorpions.config notecard). Ammo capacity limits are 1 - 30 rounds per clip (CS) and 1 - UNLIMITED rounds per clip (Normal). Default settings are 20 rounds (CS) and UNLIMITED rounds (Normal). The reload delay (the time it takes a reload to complete before your Scorpions can be used again) is 4 seconds by default. This is configurable (though 3.0 seconds is the minimum).

If you run out of rounds, your Scorpions will automatically trigger a reload. You can also trigger a reload manually by holstering and unholstering your weapons, or by using the “reload” command (i.e. “/11 reload”).

AMMO DESCRIPTIONS

  • BASE AMMO
    • Bullet - High damage rounds [SMART: YES, TRACKING: NO, MIN DAMAGE: 20, MAX DAMAGE: 100, CS: YES, NORMAL: YES]
    • Seeker - High damage tracking rounds [SMART: NO, TRACKING: YES, MIN DAMAGE: 20, MAX DAMAGE: 100, CS: NO, NORMAL: YES]
    • Training - Low damage rounds [SMART: YES, TRACKING: NO, MIN DAMAGE: 2, MAX DAMAGE: 10, CS: NO, NORMAL: YES]
    • Concussive - Low-damage rounds with a push “kick” [SMART: YES, TRACKING: NO, MIN DAMAGE: 0, MAX DAMAGE: 0, CS: YES, NORMAL: YES]
    • Teleport - Teleport target home (requires land permissions or land server) [SMART: NO, TRACKING: YES, MIN DAMAGE: 0, MAX DAMAGE: 0, CS: NO, NORMAL: YES]
    • Ban - Ban target (requires land permissions or land server) [SMART: NO, TRACKING: YES, MIN DAMAGE: 0, MAX DAMAGE: 0, CS: NO, NORMAL: YES]
    • Eject - Eject target (requires land permissions or land server) [SMART: NO, TRACKING: YES, MIN DAMAGE: 0, MAX DAMAGE: 0, CS: NO, NORMAL: YES]
    • Orbit - Send your target flying skyward in push-enabled regions. [SMART: NO, TRACKING: YES, MIN DAMAGE: 0, MAX DAMAGE: 0, CS: NO, NORMAL: YES]
  • AMMO PACK 1
    • Stun - Invisible trapping round [SMART: YES (IN CS), TRACKING: YES (IN NORMAL), MIN DAMAGE: 0, MAX DAMAGE: 0, CS: YES, NORMAL: YES]
    • Smoke - Fill the area with thick smoke [SMART: NO, TRACKING: NO, MIN DAMAGE: 0, MAX DAMAGE: 0, CS: YES, NORMAL: YES]
    • Explosive - Deal damage/push in a 10m radius [SMART: NO, TRACKING: NO, MIN DAMAGE: 20, MAX DAMAGE: 100, CS: YES, NORMAL: YES]
    • Disruptor - Launch your target skyward, even in no-push zones. [SMART: NO, TRACKING: YES, MIN DAMAGE: 0, MAX DAMAGE: 0, CS: NO, NORMAL: YES]
  • AMMO PACK 2
    • Nitro - Freeze target in a block of ice [SMART: YES (IN CS), TRACKING: YES (IN NORMAL), MIN DAMAGE: 0, MAX DAMAGE: 0, CS: YES, NORMAL: YES]
    • Incendiary - Set target on fire, dealing a stream of damage [SMART: NO, TRACKING: YES, MIN DAMAGE: 20, MAX DAMAGE: 100, CS: NO, NORMAL: YES]
    • Neuro - Cause target to run around uncontrollably [SMART: NO, TRACKING: YES, MIN DAMAGE: 0, MAX DAMAGE: 0, CS: NO, NORMAL: YES]
    • Foam - Create thick, trapping, expanding foam on contact [SMART: NO, TRACKING: NO, MIN DAMAGE: 0, MAX DAMAGE: 0, CS: YES, NORMAL: YES]
    • Note that minimum/maximum damage settings only apply to normal combat areas.

UPGRADES

The VX-7 Scorpion line is designed to be fully upgradable. You can add attachments, extra features, and ammo packs as they are released.

Why? Rather than charging an excessively high premium for a collection of features you may never use, this system is designed to allow you to purchase the pistols at a comparatively low price and purchase only the extra features you need. Upgrades are low-priced and modular; they are designed to allow you to improve your VX-7 system over time with small, impulse-level purchases.

Using this system, your VX-7s will continue to get better and better as we come out with new ammo types, attachments, and add-on features. As always, bug fixes, performance improvements, and upgrades to the VX-7 core feature set are free.

Installing new upgrades is simple:

  1. Purchase the upgrade you want at any aubreTEC location
  2. Wear both guns. This is necessary to make sure all the upgrades are available in both weapons.
  3. Rez the upgrade box on the ground and click it.
  4. The upgrade will take place automatically, and a status bar will be displayed above the gun.

Congrats. You’re upgraded.

Your VX-7 Scorpions maintain a list of available upgrades. We’ll add to this list on our servers each time we come out with new upgrades, and the next time you wear your VX-7s a brief message will list new upgrades (once, in a non-spammy way). To learn more about available upgrades, use the “Upgrades” button in the Support menu to load our upgrade page.

If you would like to be informed of upgrades without wearing your VX-7s, join our upgrade announcement group at our main aubreTEC location. Our upgrade group is non-spammy; you will ONLY receive messages about VX-series upgrades, and the messages will come as a simple instant message whenever a new upgrade is introduced.

TIPS & TRICKS

Here are a few tips for using the VX-7 Scorpions (and, in many cases, any other SL gun) effectively:

  • Don’t use Automatic firing mode all the time. The VX-7 has an Automatic mode, of course, but really, it’s unnecessary. Automatic fire is primarily for “spray & pray” - firing tons and tons of bullets in the hopes that you’ll hit something. Since the VX-7 adjusts your accuracy, Automatic firing mode is, in most cases, highly unnecessary. It can also be hard on sim physics (this is true of any SL gun), causes problems when bullets occasionally run into each other instead of targets (it happens no matter how hard to try to time the bullets properly), and (in the case of many combat systems) multiple simultaneous collisions are throttled anyway.
  • If you DO use Automatic mode, sweep or burst. The best way to use Automatic firing mode is to fire in tight, controlled bursts and only hold the trigger down when you want to sweep. Sweeping (swinging your muzzle from side to side) ensures that bullets don’t run into each other and that multiple collisions with the same object don’t confound the Second Life physics engine. It’s completely unnecessary to sweep when using SMART or tracking rounds, but it’s good for dumbfire rounds or for when you have SMART disabled.
  • Avoid close encounters. Second Life is notorious for collision bugs (this is true for all guns), and this seems particularly true when a bullet collides with something almost immediately after having been rezzed. Some minor distance is good to ensure the region and objects have time to properly register that your target should have been hit.
  • Pay attention to what your bullets are doing. Most VX-series ammunition have effects when they hit a target (for instance, blood when they hit an avatar, sparks when they hit an object, etc). If you’re hitting your target over and over again, but don’t see the appropriate splatter or effect, chances are Second Life is doing its bug thing with collisions. Your VX-7 will make sure the bullet passes through your target, but only Second Life can make sure that the hit registers, and it’s a little finicky that way. Most times, all that is needed if a particular situation is not registering hits is simply to reposition yourself in relationship to the target. This is true of all Second Life guns. Hopefully some day we’ll get a physics infrastructure that’s as accurate at registering collisions as the VX-7s are at aiming them.
  • When in normal mode (rules permitting), consider tracking ammo. Most of our tracking ammo is collision-friendly: it doesn’t use fast-moving physical prims (we accomplish things in other, better ways).
  • Use gestures for your favorite commands. One little-known feature of Second Life is the ability to map chat gestures to one of your Fkeys. If you have ammo types you commonly use, or you commonly switch between environments, or you like to turn auto fire off and on, these are good commands to map to Fkey gestures (so you can press, say, F5 to change to concussive ammo, for instance). Keep in mind that most of the settings commands respond to “setting:next” (i.e. “/11 environment: next”) or “setting:prev” (i.e. “/11 mode: prev”) so you can use these to cycle between settings. Also, the command “switch” (i.e. “/11 switch”) will switch your current holstered state (if you’re holstered, it will draw, and vice versa) so this is a good command to map to a gesture.
  • If you’re an advanced player, learn the configuration notecard. - Your VX-7s are designed to be very customizable, not only in appearance, but in behavior. You can set bullet rez offsets, determine where it hits the target, etc, so if you have very specific preferences, it’s good to glance the scorpion.config notecard over so you know what’s possible to change.
  • Keep track of new upgrades, updates, attachments, and ammo packs. Your VX-7 Scorpion will continue to get better over time as we release not only new (free) updates but also inexpensive upgrades and installable ammo packs. These packs install right into your current VX-7s with just a click, so they’re easy to add. Your VX-7s will let you know (once) when new upgrades are available, but it’s even better to join the group (at any aubreTEC location) so you can get immediately notified of new stuff to come play with.