Why Armor Should Be Sold in Gun Stores Like Weapons

[CodySoulDreamer]

The current system, where armor is unavailable for most players, gives larger gangs an overwhelming monopoly over the server's economy, especially in the drug trade. These gangs dominate because they can hold and/or push cook spots and bully smaller gangs or independent players. With their armor (and heavy weaponry), they can wipe any competition knowing that those smaller groups without armor can't challenge them in a fight.

This imbalance forces smaller gangs to either give up on the best way to make money(drugs) or merge with larger groups, stripping the server of competition and discouraging new gangs from even trying to make their mark, especially in the drug economy. Smaller groups can’t hope to compete when every encounter feels like a losing battle before it even begins.

Allowing armor to be sold in gun stores, with the requirement of a valid weapons license, and even a limit of like one armor every 3 days, would help give smaller gangs a fighting chance. It would shift the focus of conflicts from brute force to skill and strategy, empowering smaller gangs to hold their ground and challenge established groups. Proper pricing could ensure armor remains valuable but accessible, while at the same time breaking up the monopoly that larger gangs hold over critical resources.

making armor available in gun stores would create a more balanced and competitive environment. It would encourage new and smaller gangs to participate actively, while still feeling like they have a fighting chance to rival larger groups. Everyone deserves a fair shot at success, and I personally think access to armor is a crucial step in ensuring that.

[PufferBulletin]

Truth is that what you are suggesting is to make kevlar available for smaller gangs hiding behind the fact that it should be available to civilians.

In reality if kevlar would be accessible to civilians they would be just prayed on and most likely bigger gangs get even more kevlar in the return. 

There is no gang culture where you're born into a street and you join that gang, therefore most people wants to join big established gangs and you cant really rule play on it.

I dont think there is a way to balance smaller gangs vs big gangs PVP, as why would there be, you cant expect smaller gangs to be able to take on big gangs. The problem lies that small gangs should be able to get money from other activities and fund their business, that's where the suggestions should be made.

If we keep on moving the direction you are suggesting, next suggestion will be that individuals should be able to get heavies and armor to fight against smaller gangs when farming drugs.

Edited January 3, 2025 by PufferBulletin

[Jordan]

While I understand the intent behind this suggestion I have to unfortunately disagree. Giving these criminal factions a "Monopoly" as you put it, over these items increases RP as Civilians rply wouldn't have a need for body armor the same as criminals would. Things like gun selling and what not adds a lot of RP for certain gangs. There are gangs in the server that make it their identity to sell things like body armor, making it widely available would take away from that RP.

I would be open to the idea if it was highly restricted and some what lesser like maybe a license with no criminal record that gives you 25/50 AP Armor. Other than that though I think this would do more harm than good.

[Demonmit1]

AP isn't widespread as it's locked behind tier 5/6/7 and there's less than a handful of gangs on the server that have the ability to import them, giving them a monopoly on their imports. 

Since FM 2.0's introduction over 6 months ago, most of the popular weapons used by crims are still only accessible by the same select few gangs that existed before fm2.0. once more gangs gain access to tier 5/6/7 these items will become way more accessible. 

[Eliza]

I don’t think selling armor in gun stores would be a good idea. Gun stores are primarily meant for legal civilians or crims without a record to purchase weapons. Legal civilians typically don’t need armor, as they aren’t constantly involving themselves in shootouts. It would be the same thing as trying to push for a mechanic to get shotguns or AKs, it just wouldn’t make sense.

[Ritchie Stones]

i dont see how smaller gangs suddenly would outnumber and clap larger gangs by having access to armor, and how that would even have any effect on drug trade.... huge leaps of faith here your taking man, the dots just don't connect.

its also doesn't make sense how a new established gang would erase a larger gang who made far more effort to be who they became, when a bunch of boys come around the block and wipe them out, then why have gangs in the first place, lets just go one for all then...

[Jordan]

17 minutes ago, Ritchie Stones said:

i dont see how smaller gangs suddenly would outnumber and clap larger gangs by having access to armor, and how that would even have any effect on drug trade.... huge leaps of faith here your taking man, the dots just don't connect.

its also doesn't make sense how a new established gang would erase a larger gang who made far more effort to be who they became, when a bunch of boys come around the block and wipe them out, then why have gangs in the first place, lets just go one for all then...

^ This aswell, I feel that if we were to allow the legal purchase of body armor it would take away from the accomplishments and growth of factions with FM 2.0

While FM 2.0 atleast in my opinion still needs a lot of work, one of the great things they did was the tier system and the sense of progression. Adding body armor for just anyone to buy would hurt that progression because that reward would feel less impactful. Armor can only really turn the tide in a fight if you have numbers that can match up against another gang. If a big faction of say 10 or 11 were to pull up to a smaller gang with say numbers of 4 to 6 I personally dont think Body Armor would change the tide of the fight that much.

Edited January 4, 2025 by Jordan

[CodySoulDreamer]

7 hours ago, PufferBulletin said:

In reality if kevlar would be accessible to civilians they would be just prayed on and most likely bigger gangs get even more kevlar in the return. 

There is no gang culture where you're born into a street and you join that gang, therefore most people wants to join big established gangs and you cant really rule play on it.

I dont think there is a way to balance smaller gangs vs big gangs PVP, as why would there be, you cant expect smaller gangs to be able to take on big gangs. The problem lies that small gangs should be able to get money from other activities and fund their business, that's where the suggestions should be made.
 

First part : As we know the armor is something that you have to physically put on and be seen. Why would civilians aimlessly be robbed for something that they would only have to put on and show in a dire situation, with this logic civilians should be revoked the ability to buy weapons/ammo from the ammo store because they have something that criminals want. This would only increase RP between smaller gangs and legals as maybe large deals with corrupt legal operatives would be key.

Second part: This is exactly what’s wrong. The best part of roleplay is carving out your own path and creating your own story. If everyone just flocks to the big gangs, it kills creativity and makes the server feel stale. Smaller gangs bring fresh ideas and rivalries, making things way more interesting for everyone. Giving smaller groups a chance helps keep the server fresh. 

Third part: I get where you’re coming from, but balancing smaller gangs vs. big gangs in PvP isn’t about making them equal in size or power, it’s about giving them a fair chance to compete. Right now, the imbalance discourages smaller gangs from even trying. The sheer amount of members and firepower that these larger gangs have access to will make them win by default 95% of the time, but give them full armor, and now any sort of interaction at a drug area has a near 0% chance of trying to fight back at all in the drug trade and you just have to take it.

Yes, other money making activities could help, but if smaller gangs can’t defend themselves or their resources, it won’t matter how much money they can make elsewhere. Giving them tools like limited access to armor isn’t about leveling the field completely, it’s about keeping the game fun and fair for everyone.

Edited January 4, 2025 by CodySoulDreamer

[CodySoulDreamer]

53 minutes ago, Jordan said:

^ This aswell, I feel that if we were to allow the legal purchase of body armor it would take away from the accomplishments and growth of factions with FM 2.0

While FM 2.0 atleast in my opinion still needs a lot of work, one of the great things they did was the tier system and the sense of progression. Adding body armor for just anyone to buy would hurt that progression because that reward would feel less impactful. Armor can only really turn the tide in a fight if you have numbers that can match up against another gang. If a big faction of say 10 or 11 were to pull up to a smaller gang with say numbers of 4 to 6 I personally dont think Body Armor would change the tide of the fight that much.

I agree with some of your points, and I really do appreciate the roleplay that some big gangs bring to the server. The tier system and sense of progression are great concepts, and keeping rewards is important.

That said, the gap between low tier gangs with no armor and high tier gangs with full armor creates an overwhelming advantage. It’s not just about numbers, the lack of armor makes it almost impossible for smaller groups to stand a chance, no matter how strategic they are. On the flip of your example, 5 full armor high tier gang members can rival 10 un armored smaller gang members (that is if they have equal weaponry, which seldom happens for smaller gangs), and this is just plain wrong.

A potential compromise could be allowing the purchase of 50% armor at ammo stores. This would maintain progression for higher tier gangs, letting them enjoy their rewards and full armor, but it wouldn’t give them such a dominating edge that smaller groups feel entirely excluded or powerless.

Edited January 4, 2025 by CodySoulDreamer

[CodySoulDreamer]

1 hour ago, Eliza said:

I don’t think selling armor in gun stores would be a good idea. Gun stores are primarily meant for legal civilians or crims without a record to purchase weapons. Legal civilians typically don’t need armor, as they aren’t constantly involving themselves in shootouts. It would be the same thing as trying to push for a mechanic to get shotguns or AKs, it just wouldn’t make sense.

I see where you’re coming from, but I respectfully disagree. Legal civilians also typically don't need their weapons, but are still given the option to protect and defend themselves. Selling limited armor in gun stores wouldn’t undermine their purpose, it would add a practical option for those trying to defend themselves, whether they're smaller gangs or legal civilians caught in dangerous situations.

Unlike heavy weapons like shotguns or AKs, armor is defensive, not offensive. Civilians and smaller group players should have further way to protect themselves against harm, not just high tier criminals. Armor also would often be kept in a trunk next to a pistol for protection. It’s about balance, not shifting the server’s entire dynamic.

Edited January 4, 2025 by CodySoulDreamer

[CodySoulDreamer]

2 hours ago, Demonmit1 said:

AP isn't widespread as it's locked behind tier 5/6/7 and there's less than a handful of gangs on the server that have the ability to import them, giving them a monopoly on their imports. 

Since FM 2.0's introduction over 6 months ago, most of the popular weapons used by crims are still only accessible by the same select few gangs that existed before fm2.0. once more gangs gain access to tier 5/6/7 these items will become way more accessible. 

I completely agree with these points. The limited availability of armor has created a clear monopoly, as only a small number of gangs have access to it and can use this to their full advantage, continuing to make money and solidify their control over the server. This monopoly not only locks other groups out but also reinforces the power of those few gangs at the top.

What makes this even more significant is that 2 out of the 4 gangs with access to armor are allied, further consolidating their control and reducing competition even further.

While I understand the argument that waiting for more gangs to tier up might eventually make these resources more accessible, the reality is that the current monopoly makes it incredibly hard for smaller gangs to even survive long enough to reach those tiers. Without more balanced access to defensive things like armor (even 50% armor), many groups won't have the chance to grow or compete (especially in the drug economy), leaving the server stagnant and dominated by the same few gangs.

Edited January 4, 2025 by CodySoulDreamer

[CodySoulDreamer]

1 hour ago, Ritchie Stones said:

i dont see how smaller gangs suddenly would outnumber and clap larger gangs by having access to armor, and how that would even have any effect on drug trade.... huge leaps of faith here your taking man, the dots just don't connect.

its also doesn't make sense how a new established gang would erase a larger gang who made far more effort to be who they became, when a bunch of boys come around the block and wipe them out, then why have gangs in the first place, lets just go one for all then...

I respect the hard work larger gangs have put in, and I’m not suggesting smaller gangs would suddenly outnumber them with armor. It’s more about giving them a fair shot. Armor wouldn’t guarantee winning a fight, but it would help level the playing field so smaller gangs can defend themselves and their product in the drug economy. This helps those who are trying to pave their own path and not be bullied and steamrolled every single time a high tier gang with armor comes around.

50% armor would be a great compromise. The goal is to give larger gangs a 50% advantage instead of a 100% one, which would still respect their efforts but reduce the overwhelming edge they currently have. This would make the server more dynamic and competitive, benefiting everyone.

Edited January 4, 2025 by CodySoulDreamer

[Diligo]

there is a simple solution to your problem which you have already stated.
i think what im about to say is going to damage the RP of the server OR boost it. we will see.

 

simply join the gang (solo or with your friends) that can access AP, purchase it in whole quantities, leave the gang.

Making it fair for everyone is what ruins the fun and basically makes this a PvP server.

Merging with larger gangs doesnt break competition, it actually increases it. Because there would never be 1 gang.

Those L`s you received and afterwards feeling it is not fair as it is now should not be directed towards pushing for a change to suit you, it should give you a revelation that right now if you want to protect yourself, you need to make friends with other small gangs, make friends with big gangs to be able to purchase AP.

And going back to the ''automatically lose'' which I believe is a load of self pity with all due respect.
Me and my guys have beat many times gangs in fights where they had AP and we had nothing but a simple blunt.
It all came down to outsmarting, strategies, because when you have the best rifle, 100 AP and all the best drug effects - it makes people forget about their vulnerability and go brute force in.

Me and my guys were just like you but we understood that we need to play differently if we are going against more impressive firepower.

You know CSGO right? Have you ever seen a team winning on eco against full buy? You remember how they did it? There is your answer.

good luck!

[CodySoulDreamer]

1 hour ago, Diligo said:

there is a simple solution to your problem which you have already stated.
i think what im about to say is going to damage the RP of the server OR boost it. we will see.

 

simply join the gang (solo or with your friends) that can access AP, purchase it in whole quantities, leave the gang.

Making it fair for everyone is what ruins the fun and basically makes this a PvP server.

Merging with larger gangs doesnt break competition, it actually increases it. Because there would never be 1 gang.

Those L`s you received and afterwards feeling it is not fair as it is now should not be directed towards pushing for a change to suit you, it should give you a revelation that right now if you want to protect yourself, you need to make friends with other small gangs, make friends with big gangs to be able to purchase AP.

And going back to the ''automatically lose'' which I believe is a load of self pity with all due respect.
Me and my guys have beat many times gangs in fights where they had AP and we had nothing but a simple blunt.
It all came down to outsmarting, strategies, because when you have the best rifle, 100 AP and all the best drug effects - it makes people forget about their vulnerability and go brute force in.

Me and my guys were just like you but we understood that we need to play differently if we are going against more impressive firepower.

You know CSGO right? Have you ever seen a team winning on eco against full buy? You remember how they did it? There is your answer.

good luck!

I disagree with your approach. Joining a gang just to buy armor and leave undermines the rp and forces you into an rp situation with a gang you may not inherently like. The issue is accessibility, smaller gangs are shut out from the start, creating an unfair imbalance. Gangs with full armor inherently have a 100% health advantage, I simply would like to minimize this advantage to 50%, which is more than fair in my opinion.

Balancing the server isn’t about making things too easy; it’s about ensuring everyone has a fair shot at success. Your example of beating larger gangs with strategies is great and im happy for you, but it overlooks that smaller gangs can’t even get to that point without proper resources. Armor and defensive options should be accessible up to a certain point to provide a fair chance, not just for PvP but for the server’s overall health.

It’s not about self pity; it’s about creating a level playing field where tactics, not resources, decide the outcome. Also, CSGO’s eco-rounds aren’t a perfect comparison, you can oneshot someone in the head with a pistol. It’s one thing to outsmart an opponent when you have some resources; it’s another when the gap is often too wide to even compete. 

Edited January 4, 2025 by CodySoulDreamer

[SleepyMegan]

Smaller gangs want AP and other things that bigger gangs have ? the simple solution is to rp with the bigger gangs, set up meetings, do rp ops and ask if said bigger gangs need cash/drugs/chop parts. The reason why AP is for higher-tier gangs is to force gangs to interact more and have a system that is built of gangs supporting each other. AP is a pain to bring in, so it makes sense why only a few gangs can bring them in, it also makes sense with the other rarer weapons, at the end of  the day you HAVE to interact with other gangs, make offers and help them it'll get you more drops. 

I'm sorry you feel this way though, It can be overwhelming but it's the reason why gangs push more for tiers. Without that whats the point of the tier system? 

[Jordan]

50 minutes ago, SleepyMegan said:

Smaller gangs want AP and other things that bigger gangs have ? the simple solution is to rp with the bigger gangs, set up meetings, do rp ops and ask if said bigger gangs need cash/drugs/chop parts. The reason why AP is for higher-tier gangs is to force gangs to interact more and have a system that is built of gangs supporting each other. AP is a pain to bring in, so it makes sense why only a few gangs can bring them in, it also makes sense with the other rarer weapons, at the end of  the day you HAVE to interact with other gangs, make offers and help them it'll get you more drops. 

I'm sorry you feel this way though, It can be overwhelming but it's the reason why gangs push more for tiers. Without that whats the point of the tier system? 

Exactly, more interaction between gangs more RP.

 

[CodySoulDreamer]

1 hour ago, SleepyMegan said:

Smaller gangs want AP and other things that bigger gangs have ? the simple solution is to rp with the bigger gangs, set up meetings, do rp ops and ask if said bigger gangs need cash/drugs/chop parts. The reason why AP is for higher-tier gangs is to force gangs to interact more and have a system that is built of gangs supporting each other. AP is a pain to bring in, so it makes sense why only a few gangs can bring them in, it also makes sense with the other rarer weapons, at the end of  the day you HAVE to interact with other gangs, make offers and help them it'll get you more drops. 

I'm sorry you feel this way though, It can be overwhelming but it's the reason why gangs push more for tiers. Without that whats the point of the tier system? 

I can speak from experience that the few groups who have armor won’t sell it outside of their group or close allies, especially to smaller groups because of the fact that it is such an advantage and a resource they want to hoard. I would love to RP with larger gangs to get access to FULL armor, but the fact that small groups or lower tier gangs are not allowed/given a way to have any sort of armor and 4 gangs have access to armor, and only two of them are really active for NA (and they’re allianced), makes it just unrealistic. I have to bend to the knee and give these already all powerful gangs more resources and cash just so I can maybe get a couple armors that they will just turn around and buy 10 more with. At that rate again it’s the never ending cycle of power with these high tiered gangs. I’m simply saying 50% armor helps allow newer gangs to get into the drug economy and be able to protect their assets and grow, while higher tier gangs can have access to 100% full armor which is still a huge advantage even over 50% armor. I’m just saying the discrepancy of having everyone at 0% armor with no way to go up and large gangs having 100% is just a complete broken monopoly that needs some tweaking.

Edited January 4, 2025 by CodySoulDreamer

[Demonmit1]

Do people forget that armor piercing magazine mods and ammo exists? If you want to "level the playing field" buy equipment that can fight better against armor.

 

Iirc at tier 2 or tier 3, official gangs unlock armor piercing ammo, so it's readily available, but people don't use it for some reason 

Edited January 4, 2025 by Demonmit1

[PurplePlant]

+1 as a civilian there are limits to those who can have certain weapons, such as the shotgun. I agree that it would be nice to have armor, and maybe it can be stolen off civilians like other things if the RP arises. currently factions have access, legal and non legal but civilians are left without.

[Steven Hayes]

On 1/3/2025 at 11:53 AM, CodySoulDreamer said:

The current system, where armor is unavailable for most players, gives larger gangs an overwhelming monopoly over the server's economy, especially in the drug trade. These gangs dominate because they can hold and/or push cook spots and bully smaller gangs or independent players. With their armor (and heavy weaponry), they can wipe any competition knowing that those smaller groups without armor can't challenge them in a fight.

This imbalance forces smaller gangs to either give up on the best way to make money(drugs) or merge with larger groups, stripping the server of competition and discouraging new gangs from even trying to make their mark, especially in the drug economy. Smaller groups can’t hope to compete when every encounter feels like a losing battle before it even begins.

Yes, gangs that have been around longer and have had time to expand their numbers, resources, connections, and influence over the city are stronger, you have to find out how to work around that, if youre at war with them you should negotiate peace or try to avoid engagements where you dont outnumber them for example, this is kinda what you sign up for when you fight a more experienced, wealthy, connected organization in the city. and you dont need body armor to cook drugs or win fights.

On 1/3/2025 at 11:53 AM, CodySoulDreamer said:

Allowing armor to be sold in gun stores, with the requirement of a valid weapons license, and even a limit of like one armor every 3 days, would help give smaller gangs a fighting chance. It would shift the focus of conflicts from brute force to skill and strategy, empowering smaller gangs to hold their ground and challenge established groups. Proper pricing could ensure armor remains valuable but accessible, while at the same time breaking up the monopoly that larger gangs hold over critical resources.

making armor available in gun stores would create a more balanced and competitive environment. It would encourage new and smaller gangs to participate actively, while still feeling like they have a fighting chance to rival larger groups. Everyone deserves a fair shot at success, and I personally think access to armor is a crucial step in ensuring that.

Lets say Gang A is a new group with light pistol imports, limited members, and not much capital. The cartel doesnt trust them enough for heavy imports. Why should they match Gang B, a well established gang with alot of money and strong cartel ties? If Gang A is in constant conflict, they should consider diplomacy, using certain tactics, or using certain gear. They could also work on building relationships to avoid unwinnable wars.  Making body armor widely available reduces the influence larger factions have beyond combat which in turn could reduce a section criminal faction rp to running solely on pvp. Or get body armor of your own, become a loyal and valuable ally to a gang that can get AP and then ask for it they might give it to you.

 

 

 

[Steven Hayes]

21 hours ago, Diligo said:

there is a simple solution to your problem which you have already stated.
i think what im about to say is going to damage the RP of the server OR boost it. we will see.

 

simply join the gang (solo or with your friends) that can access AP, purchase it in whole quantities, leave the gang.

Making it fair for everyone is what ruins the fun and basically makes this a PvP server.

Merging with larger gangs doesnt break competition, it actually increases it. Because there would never be 1 gang.

Those L`s you received and afterwards feeling it is not fair as it is now should not be directed towards pushing for a change to suit you, it should give you a revelation that right now if you want to protect yourself, you need to make friends with other small gangs, make friends with big gangs to be able to purchase AP.

And going back to the ''automatically lose'' which I believe is a load of self pity with all due respect.
Me and my guys have beat many times gangs in fights where they had AP and we had nothing but a simple blunt.
It all came down to outsmarting, strategies, because when you have the best rifle, 100 AP and all the best drug effects - it makes people forget about their vulnerability and go brute force in.

Me and my guys were just like you but we understood that we need to play differently if we are going against more impressive firepower.

You know CSGO right? Have you ever seen a team winning on eco against full buy? You remember how they did it? There is your answer.

good luck!

this is very good i agree it, could even extend outside of just this game really just any game where you may have to fight someone or a team with stronger gear in general that you cant access yet. have to work around it 

[CodySoulDreamer]

8 hours ago, Steven Hayes said:

Yes, gangs that have been around longer and have had time to expand their numbers, resources, connections, and influence over the city are stronger, you have to find out how to work around that, if youre at war with them you should negotiate peace or try to avoid engagements where you dont outnumber them for example, this is kinda what you sign up for when you fight a more experienced, wealthy, connected organization in the city. and you dont need body armor to cook drugs or win fights.

Lets say Gang A is a new group with light pistol imports, limited members, and not much capital. The cartel doesnt trust them enough for heavy imports. Why should they match Gang B, a well established gang with alot of money and strong cartel ties? If Gang A is in constant conflict, they should consider diplomacy, using certain tactics, or using certain gear. They could also work on building relationships to avoid unwinnable wars.  Making body armor widely available reduces the influence larger factions have beyond combat which in turn could reduce a section criminal faction rp to running solely on pvp. Or get body armor of your own, become a loyal and valuable ally to a gang that can get AP and then ask for it they might give it to you.

 

 

 

PART 1: I respectfully disagree with the idea that "you don’t need body armor to cook drugs or win fights." If that were truly the case, why does every high-tier gang consistently use it to cook drugs and win fights? The reality is that armor reinforces their ability to dominate both in the drug trade and in fights, its like trying to go toe to toe with a raid boss who has twice the amount of regular HP and more often than not has some sort of big gun with them, that smaller gangs simply can’t compete with.

It’s like saying, “You don’t need a calculator to solve complex math problems, you could technically do it by hand.” Sure, you could, but it would be inefficient, impractical, and leave you at a huge disadvantage compared to those with the right tools. Armor might not be essential, but it provides a huge edge that high-tier gangs exploit to maintain their dominance, while smaller gangs are left without a chance to compete anywhere on the same level, especially in the drug economy.

 

PART 2: While I understand and completely agree with the idea of rewarding established gangs for their ties and experience, the current imbalance makes it nearly impossible for smaller gangs to even get a foothold. Gang A doesn’t (and shouldn't) need to match Gang B entirely, but they should at least have the tools to stand a chance and participate in the server’s ecosystem meaningfully.

Making body armor more accessible with 50% capacity wouldn’t eliminate the influence of larger gangs, it would still give them an advantage through their resources and connections with them being able to have 100% capacity armor. It would, however, reduce the overwhelming gap that discourages new groups. Diplomacy and tactics are valid, but they shouldn’t be the only way smaller gangs survive.

Saying Gang A should “get body armor by becoming a loyal ally” to a larger gang just reinforces the monopoly and dependence on a select few groups, limiting competition and creativity. Balanced access to tools like armor encourages more dynamic rp and gives smaller gangs a fair shot at paving their own path and not having to bend to the knee of every large group.

Edited January 5, 2025 by CodySoulDreamer

[Steven Hayes]

13 hours ago, CodySoulDreamer said:

PART 1: I respectfully disagree with the idea that "you don’t need body armor to cook drugs or win fights." If that were truly the case, why does every high-tier gang consistently use it to cook drugs and win fights? The reality is that armor reinforces their ability to dominate both in the drug trade and in fights, its like trying to go toe to toe with a raid boss who has twice the amount of regular HP and more often than not has some sort of big gun with them, that smaller gangs simply can’t compete with.

It’s like saying, “You don’t need a calculator to solve complex math problems, you could technically do it by hand.” Sure, you could, but it would be inefficient, impractical, and leave you at a huge disadvantage compared to those with the right tools. Armor might not be essential, but it provides a huge edge that high-tier gangs exploit to maintain their dominance, while smaller gangs are left without a chance to compete anywhere on the same level, especially in the drug economy.

High tier gangs use it because it's available and helpful, but its not a necessity, and you can with fights against body armor just harder. I have to fight gangs that use body armor which makes it harder to win but regardless sometimes we can win, it is just always going to be harder cus they are a more established organization. Also there is ammo that does more damage to body armor, and if fighting someone with armor is not efficient or practical to fight then don't, or only take obviously advantageous fights

13 hours ago, CodySoulDreamer said:

PART 2: While I understand and completely agree with the idea of rewarding established gangs for their ties and experience, the current imbalance makes it nearly impossible for smaller gangs to even get a foothold. Gang A doesn’t (and shouldn't) need to match Gang B entirely, but they should at least have the tools to stand a chance and participate in the server’s ecosystem meaningfully.

Making body armor more accessible with 50% capacity wouldn’t eliminate the influence of larger gangs, it would still give them an advantage through their resources and connections with them being able to have 100% capacity armor. It would, however, reduce the overwhelming gap that discourages new groups. Diplomacy and tactics are valid, but they shouldn’t be the only way smaller gangs survive.

Saying Gang A should “get body armor by becoming a loyal ally” to a larger gang just reinforces the monopoly and dependence on a select few groups, limiting competition and creativity. Balanced access to tools like armor encourages more dynamic rp and gives smaller gangs a fair shot at paving their own path and not having to bend to the knee of every large group.

A gang having body armor does not stop smaller gangs from getting a foothold, there are plenty of smaller and medium gangs doing fine without body armor, gangs are not dying because they dont have body armor. Most factions need to be somewhat dependent on other factions to keep good rp faction interaction going (in my opinion at least) and stops factions from being reckless to an extent. And most gangs dont work together to gouge prices or whatever so just because 2 gangs can drop body armor doesn't mean they are gonna work together against everyone else

[alexalex303]

In contrast to a MOBA or other such games where the idea is to provide an equal playing field where skill is the only determining factor, in a roleplay server we do allow for unequal relationships such as the one seen between law enforcement and criminal organizations.

You should not expect to have access to the same equipment as established groups at the beginning of your journey; you should strive to either make yourself a reliable friend to those organizations, or simply steal it from them during roleplay scenarios. The choice is yours, but asking to be handed it is unreasonable.

[Quietthecutie]

RPly this doesn't make any sense...

Whilst many civilians will carry a gun for personal protection, a gun is a non intrusive item which can be simply stored in a holster clipped onto your belt. Kevlar vests are HEAVY, cumbersome and uncomfortable to the point where people wouldnt wear them day in day out on the off chance they get shot at.

Your average civilian has no reason to wear Kevlar, unless for some reason they are at risk, in which case the solution isnt to put on body armour, its to take the matter to the authorities.

Now if crims feel that purchasing body armour should be open at a lower faction tier, thats a different conversation.