What started as �just a play style� in TF, grew to get official endorsement in TFC and will also get endorsement in TF2. The socalled �escort� style of playing (Hunted). Here the escorting of a VIP allows you to either win or lose.

Based on, some, experience in VIP escort a number of points for attention are gathered here which are of use when playing that specific style in TF2.

NOTE: I noticed that TFROMMEL has placed a similar document on its website. Please visit this. For the record I wish to state that the article I wrote was done in the beginning of August sipping on a glass of wine in the Austrian sun. Therefore I had no prior knowledge, nor have I tried to copy the article which is posted there. If there are similarities between the two, this can only be blamed on the strategical truths that they are based upon. Again in all fairness: please visit TFROMMEL for more information.

When escorting a VIP

1. The escorting of a vip has to take place with a minimum of three squads. The first squad or squad A is the forward squad. The second squad is the center squad or squad B, and the last squad is the rear squad or squad C. These squads will always have a minimum contact of visibility. As soon as visibility with one of the squads is lost this squad should be deemed lost and the remaining squads will take up defensive positions.

not stand in a straight line (or in naval terms �astern�) but will stand with a slight offset to eachother. This means that if we take squad B as the axis, squad A will stand slightly to the left or right of the axis (depending on upcoming turns in the route) and squad C will have a similar offset versus the axis on the opposite side of Squad A. This so that Squad C and Squad B can cover the most vulnerable flank of Squad A.

4. In case of engagement with one or more hostiles the VIP is moved in such a way that he/she will be covered by one or more players. This to avoid creating a direct line of fire. Under no circumstance should the VIP be allowed to either run away uncovered, or stand on his/her own. The VIP is then moved into safety (be careful, moving into safety usually means back, but when target is in visibility range it could also mean pushing the VIP towards the target).

5. The key to a successful escort-action within TF2 is speed, observation and reaction. Guards do not want to start offensive actions, unless drawn into a situation where there is a need to eliminate an organized assault. Guards need to be aware of their surroundings, in the best case know where to expect assaulting operatives. Guards will also put the safety of the VIP ahead of their personal safety. The action itself must be executed cleanly and quickly so as not to give any enemy a change to organize an assault. If the map allows it: change routes frequently, do not be afraid to once in a while fall back.

Assaulting the VIP

1. Make sure you and your team know the objective: terminate the VIP. Too often operatives will allow themselves to be distracted by guards and start attacking the guards. Guards are a threat in only two situations: when they have uncovered your position, or when they are coming too close for comfort. However, a guard that wanders by your position without detecting you can only be seen as a bonus, as you position will automatically be deemed safe and can function as potential route for the target.

2. There are a number of ways in which too position yourself for a good kill:

- the confronting setup: It basically means that you are waiting along side a potential route and you look toward the point of origin of the target. There is however a large likelyhood of being terminated, as guards will be looking in your direction. This is very effective when you have a target who doesn�t stay under cover of his/her guards.

-the overview position: where you have an overview of the area in which you intend to terminate the target. This is usually very effective with newbies, who look around them, but not up into the sky.

- the side position: you are viewing the area in which you want to eliminate the target from the �side�. This means that you have no clear overview of where the target is coming from, nor do you have a view of where the target is going through. This is a good set up for crack-shots. It requires excellent aiming skills, as the window of opportunity is very small. The chance of discovery is greater then the rear position, however, if combined with rear position, or if well covered it could mean that a target could be terminated without any counter action form guards, as they will first strive to find out where the assailant is positioned.

- the rear position: here you intend to terminate the target with a rear action. You are now waiting along a potential route, but you are facing the direction in which the target will have to move. the benefit of this is that when you have made sure that your position is sufficiently covered from the rear it will mean that guards patrolling the route or targets passing through will not be able to detect you unless they look back.

3. Try to ascertain the moment of arrival without putting yourself at risk. Many operatives will use all their �senses� to see what is going on, and who is moving where, thereby giving away their position and blowing a possible successful termination. Try to rely on audio and your team members as much as possible. You will notice when a larger group walks by your position. Then, and only then take aim. If you are discovered their will be a moment of surprise and there will be an opportunity to terminate the target.

4. As the game is based on continuous escorting, it could be wise not to try to terminate a VIP if you cannot get a clear shot, or if you deem the situation to be too dangerous for you. Lay in waiting. Guards might be lulled into the belief that a particular part of the route is safe, as nobody ever shot the VIP there. Wait for the opportunity.