NORTHERN LIGHTS

Author: DIRT JOCKEY
Map Download: Download Map
Preferred Gametype: Download Gametype
Recommended Gametype: Conquest, Flag Rally, King of the Hill.
Players: 2-10

When your this far up North- you have to smoke your game to preserve it.

Im a big fan of modded maps and I wanted to create a legitimate map that utilized some of these cool effects. I had been experimenting with the smoke on Blackout and I wanted a map with an open roof so you can see the Aurora Borealis in the sky. I had to use a budget glitched canvas to do everything I wanted. I used Stairs as Walls, Walls as Doors, Doors as Stairs, Bridges as Windows and Boxes for everything else to give this structure a really different look and feel.

Then I played my first Conquest game on the map 'Cellars' and the gameplay was amazing. This gametype really inspired me so I deleted everything and rebuilt directly around the column of smoke with the middle territory of Conquest in mind.

This map has been difficult to forge from the beginning. Having to struggle with an onslaught of bugs including a Budget Glitched Canvas, Elastic Barriers, Death Barriers, Disappearing Objects and my personal favorite "Rogue Rays of Light". The biggest issue was being unable to place Start Points outside of the map boundaries. The only way I could get players into this smokey arena was to use Teleporters- and I REALLY didnt want to cuz I knew the issues Id have with camping. So to combat the camping problem I placed dual Teleporters which in turn increase the probability your receiver node isnt being watched- So that If you do try to camp, theres a great chance you will get assassinated.

Gameplay: For those of you that aren't familiar with Conquest, you can read all about it HERE
Walkthrough:This Conquest map is made with 7 Territories, each with a specific strategic advantage. Since the majority of the game is fought contesting the middle, the natural ambiance of the smoke adds alot to gameplay in the respect that it is easier to ambush and harder to snipe.

Both Teams start at the very bottom of the map on separate ledges where the first Territory can be found. You will find a Beam Rifle and Fuel Rod gun before entering the Dual Teleporters at the end of this ledge (I used 2 teleporters to prevent camping). Both Teleporters lead to the same room but opposite sides. In this room you will find the next Territory as well as a few Dual Wieldable Weapons. This room shares an Aesthetic Wall with the other Team that is Bulletproof but can be punched through if you are so inclined. Many games have been started with a preround Boxing Match through this wall, though not necessary it is quite humorous and often sets the stage for the whole round. Upon capturing that Territory you move down the stairs to find a Plasma Cannon, a Carbine, a few Plasma Grenades and another Territory. This is where it gets interesting, as both teams head off into this Smokey Arena, the first of which captures the coveted Custom Powerup.

Besides the setting, the next most obvious twist to Conquest is the weapon set- I tried to utilize weapons with 'colorful' projectiles to add to the ambience in the smokey environment. The most notable change is the introduction of 2 Plasma Cannons. Besides that I switched the Battle Rifles up with Carbines. Stick Grenades with Plasma Grenades. I replaced the Magnums with Plasma Pistols. Swapped up the Spikers for Plasma Rifles. Instead of a no-clip Sniper Rifle I replaced it with a Beam Rifle with a slightly longer respawn time to compensate. I also replaced the 1-clip Brute Shot with a no-clip Fuel Rod Gun for a few reasons:
(1) One of them being the fact that the Fuel Rod gun can 'Bounce" its projectiles.
(2) The other reason is that this map is slightly larger than more typical conquest maps so an explosion with a bigger AOE is scaleable in proportion.
(3) The explosions look cool

Weapons:
2 x Beam Rifle
2 x Fuel Rod Gun
4 x Carbine
4 x Plasma Pistol
4 x Plasma Rifle
2 x Plasma Cannon
Vehicles:
N/A
Equipment:
1 x Custom Powerup
2 x Plasma Grenade

Front View

Under View

Side View

Starting Point

Starting Point Spawns Note the "Spawn Hive" above the Teleporter to prevent "Base Switching"

Top Overview

Inside Top Note the Aesthetic Wall/Window, It stops bullets and is completely inescapeable

Watch your back Its Not 100% Impermeable

Stairs

Bottom Main Room Note the Ambient Smoke

Custom Powerup

Best Seat in the House

Shout outs to AZN FTW For his creative map 'Cellars' and innovative gametype 'Conquest'. You've been a huge inspiration.
Also a mention to Predicide for his 'Book of Conquest' Write-up. I referenced it often and it was a huge help.
Also thanks to all the testers. You know who you are.