Ruskey hit this on the head.

Sticks and standard mini-gun are so good that unlocks are not "side-grades" ... they are in fact, not that in the slightest. They are downgrades. Does this mean it's necessary to nerf them, or buff the other weapons in the same category? Who knows.

I think the sticky launcher is likely the strongest weapon in game (situational damage and all around flexibility) and could use a little bit of a nudge down, not a ton, just a slight nudge. Whether that's in splash range, base damage, fall off, arm time, etc. I don't think it's the number of sticks that can be deployed that makes it such a strong weapon... but I think the initial damage, splash/fall off, and arm time play a bigger part as to why it's so good.

Pipes do a ton of damage, too, but the sticks are really the reason why demo is the super-man class of TF2.

Will this change the current meta for demo? Yup. Any change in this system will require adjustments.

This. This. This. I love the idea of "flaming" and blackened as a style. And normal, so it looks like a marshmallow.

Keep the ideas going, folks. C'mon.

Brainstorming. The whole point is to over think things and come up with the best ideas :).

Further - Japan Relief Bundle. It was an awesome idea. Why not have more than 1? I mean, we don't even know if Valve will be on board with it... But if we try for something gigantic and only get something huge, I call that a success... Rather than trying for just the minimum.

I'm for the Summer Camp themed ideas, especially since the donations went to One Step Camp. These should not be confused with Valve's Summer TF2 items (even though it'd be great to make a sun hat or flip flops).

I'm just going to list a bunch here. Please read through and point out any you like, or other ideas that spawn from them.

Warning... There will be a lot.

--- Hat Slot Items ---

Hat Slot - Swimmer Cap: Rubber Swimmer Cap with the TOTH (tip of the hats) logo on the side, or the TF2 logo on the side, with goggles down over the eyes... Extra slack from the goggles using jiggle bones on the side of the head.

Hat Slot - Snorkel Mask: Simple. Snorkel and big awkward goggles.

Hat Slot - Hiking Hat: Maybe a beat up Cowboy Hat? This could have the "ribbon" tied around the top of it. Or if Seanbud and other charity members decide on some cool design... This could be included in the biggest charity bundle only, and some extras for raffled (Genuine?)... Some hat that has two Styles: I know styles count as another 'hat' in the game, but it's too perfect to pass up. It needs a "Tipped" and "Normal" style.

--- Misc Slot Items ---

Misc Slot - The Life Guard: Sun tan lotion on the nose, a watch on the wrist, with a silver whistle around the neck on a string.

Misc Slot - Life Jacket: One of the cheesy orange life jackets that goes around your neck, looks goofy, and is all wonky. I think someone might've already mentioned something similar.

Misc Slot - Water Wings: Need I say more? Just imagine them on the Pyro and Heavy.

Misc Slot - Aviation Technology - Silver "reflective" Aviators: Like the Summer Shades, but with silver frames and the classic "reflective" look on the lenses. I know we can't do actual reflect, but you could paint the texture as such to give an impression of that classic silvery finish.

Misc Slot - Charity Bracelets: Everyone knows someone with like 5,000 of those charity rubber bracelets on. What if they were on both wrists (think the sweat bands on the scout), like 5-7 of them per wrist, with different colors?

Misc Slot - Hiking Boots: Big Boots with cheesy socks sticking out of the top that are sort of rolled down a bit.

Misc Slot - Compass: (think the butt pumpkin): Hangs off of your hip or butt.

Misc Slot - Retro Bathing Suit - The Onsie: Think like Donald Duck's old-striped bathing suit. Team Color and White stripes alternating.

--- Melee Weapons ---

All Class Melee Weapon - Boat Oar: Hollow plastic hitting sound, sort of like hitting something with a wiffle bat. Ruskey really liked the idea of doing an all class melee... I think, with Summer Camp theme, this works nicely.

All Class Melee Weapon - Hiking Stick: Intricately carved stick with the leather strap on the top of it (jiggle bone).

--- Badge/Misc Idea ---

Badge Item - I really like the idea of some sort of boat oars crossing - and we have one of the swoopy ribbons, but have half red and half blu (tf2 theme) for the charity... I'll draw up a logo and show it to Ren, Sean, and Whisker for starters. Even though people don't wear badges TOO often, people still collect them.

Maybe we can develop a consumable that attaches to a counter on the badge for charitable items. Some sort of gift bag, or brown paper bag lunch (just thinking "out loud"). Give them out on servers like the Secret Sax. gifts.

Or maybe people can buy "stamps" from the store, sort of like supporting Map Makers. Each one purchased gains a level (and eventually different titles) on the badge?

--- EDIT ---
This Summer Camp theme would also work with the Coon Skin Hat from Ren. Since it's a Hiking and Swimming thing.

Maybe two packs?

1. "By the Water" - The water themed ones.
2. "By the Mountain" - The outdoorsy themed ones.

Who knows.

<3

Excellent work, guys and girls. You truly brought the TF2 communities together for this.

And my hat is off (pun intended) to the viewers, donators, and participants for making their hard work worth it.

Game Designer. I make games for PC casual, iOS, and Android markets.

Write, design, produce/project mgmt at a company with 15 friends. It's great.