How does low population bonus work? Azura

godivaz

Hello Everyone,

Around 4 hours ago ADs had a population bonus ~160-170 with 3 bars vs 3 bars (EP) vs locked (DC) (Azura Star)
I thought it was strange that they were given a low population bonus w 3 bars, but I assumed that it would change during the next score evaluation. Well, it did not. They continuously were earning a low population bonus for a few hours until EPs population dropped to 2 bars from 3.
I don't understand the mechanics of a low population bonus. Does it get adjusted during every score evaluation?
Also, a very strange thing I noticed while ADs were enjoying their low population bonus is that DCs did not attack anyone, (besides very few small altercations). Also, EPs had very few people active around keeps although we also had 3 bars of population.
Is there any way to manipulate the system? Not searching for tips on "how to", but I could not find any logical explanation. Does it matter if you are logged in in your home campaign or as a guest?
Thank you.

PenguinInACan

We were confused as to why we were still getting the low pop bonus after we jumped from 2-3 bars earlier in the night. It looks like it went away after a score eval or two. I do believe AD was at low pop long enough today to qualify for the low pop bonus while EP/DC had larger chunks of the scoring periods above AD pop.

I think there is just a lag between registering the low pop bonus to updating based on current population numbers. Even though it is supposed to be adjusted during each score eval I don't think (someone correct me if I am wrong) we have gotten a straight answer as to when the low pop bonuses start and what it takes to get rid of it based on pops.

godivaz

PenguinInACan wrote: »

I think there is just a lag between registering the low pop bonus to updating based on current population numbers. Even though it is supposed to be adjusted during each score eval I don't think (someone correct me if I am wrong) we have gotten a straight answer as to when the low pop bonuses start and what it takes to get rid of it based on pops.

Thank you, I believe you are right -- there must be a lag in the system. I saw ADs were low before, but I did not pay attention to your bonus.

wolfwraith37

I'd like to know what the conditions are supposed to be for shutting off the low pop bonus because twice now this campaign in BwB DC has had low pop bonus almost all day (if not all day) even long after population bars had evened out.

godivaz

wolfwraith37 wrote: »

I'd like to know what the conditions are supposed to be for shutting off the low pop bonus because twice now this campaign in BwB DC has had low pop bonus almost all day (if not all day) even long after population bars had evened out.

I also would like to know when it ends and how it gets initiated. I guess developers do not want to disclose this information so people do not exploit it, but then they should fix a lag (if there is one) and have it updated in real time, after each score evaluation. For example, right now ADs are having low population bonus again, and I know that both ADs & EPs were at one bar for quite a bit. AD - 1b, EP - 1 b, DC - 3b
I have nothing against ADs, and I am sure there were times when EP was having low pop bonus in similar scenarios, but it bothers me that there is mystery behind mechanics of this bonus.

Enodoc

The low pop and low score bonuses are evaluated every 30 minutes, but they have never actually disclosed the criteria for determining "low pop" and "low score".

wolfwraith37

I haven't been in Azura's much the past week, but at least in BwB it almost seems like the pop bonus doesn't shut off until DC takes first place, but I haven't personally been on when it has shut off. Either way, it seems to be going on for a lot longer than it's probably supposed to. Hopefully ZOS can clarify for us or fix it.

Kartalin

Getting to first place does in fact shut off the low pop bonus. Also, supposedly it's given based on a rolling average over several hours.

wolfwraith37

I probably should have clarified as it seeming like it only turns off when they reach first place, which can't be right (or shouldn't be).

I'd be interested to know the exact number of hours it takes to shut off.

Chuga_Rei

Worrying about campaign score is a good way to drive yourself insane. Unfortunately the days of round the clock balanced AvA is over and the score can be too easily manipulated/cheesed to eek out a win if a faction is willing to put in the time(flipping resources before a maintence, low pop bonus, night capping, abusing alts) etc etc

I know not a "answer" and I wish there was some way they could get this balanced but if it hasnt happened by now I wouldnt hold your breath.