Good evening everyone. I've been looking at the pages and suggestions, trying to decide how to put into words my opinions and suggestions. My original draft was 5 pages long... suffice it to say, I scrapped that idea. So hear is what I came up with instead.
First, I'd like to thank Dink for taking on this project. Jay and David did great work and I know we're all enjoying Dink's. I'd like to comment on some suggestions and Dink's response on Page 9 about what is or isn't feasible, but before I do I would like to offer a suggestion I have not seen (maybe I've missed it, but here it is).
Non-Combat Aura/FX effects.
I suggested this once, back when combat auras came out. The standard combat aura activates when we 'enter' combat, whether we are attacked or we click on an attack power (no matter if it actually goes off). So my suggestion is this, create an effect or aura that is visible when we are out of combat only and disappears when we enter combat. I understand that some of the possible effects will have an incredible amount of clipping issues, but bear with me for a few minutes.
Examples: 1) Violin case available for right or left hand. For those Family-oriented toons or old gangsters. We already have the full suit and fedora costume, and the Tommy Gun for AR. The Violin Case would provide a 'holster' for the Tommy Gun, like in the old films. Walk, run and fly along carrying your case. The moment combat starts, the case disappears and out comes the Tommy Gun.
2) Sword sheath, hip or back, hopefully where we could match hilts to our active weapon. Again, run, fly and move around displaying it... the moment you enter combat and draw your sword, the sheath disappears. I think this might solve some of the issues with 'dynamic' sheath options. Same concept could apply for Maces and Axes I think, and even for some Rifles.
Now, like I said before, I can see some clipping issues, from minimal to catastrophic (imagine having the Violin case and your character decides to cross it's hands or put them on the hips). Some of us use the stances. and thus could avoid some of those issues, but not everyone does.
Now, you will notice I did not mention Gun Holsters or Quivers in the examples above. The reason for that is simple... I don't see a reason why these haven't been provided for us yet. (I know this sounds a lot harsher than I mean for it to, just hoping to convey my frustration, without actually placing blame on anyone). Dink, your response was that Holsters, sheaths, etc (unless they are empty or weapon contained will be rigid) were 'not feasible at this time because of tech issues', and that Quivers were 'noted for possible consideration, however not at this time'.
Quivers is one of the items that has consistently been requested, and though we appreciate you letting us know that they are not being considered at this time. I would like to know, why? The Wyvern members have quivers (granted, they look more like dart holders than arrows, but they have them). I can understand that these may have been created for this group and not available to port. But, is it really that difficult or time consuming to create 3 or 4 options for the Backpack location? Is it merely a marketing issue? Or the fact that they aren't part of a costume bundle? Round slanted, rectangular slanted, large rectangular vertical and a large 'stylized' vertical quivers (I'll try to get some pics linked) should be made available to us. There have already been multiple expressions in the pages of this forum where we let you know we would love to have these, and would be willing to pay for the option.
Holsters... Again, thanks for letting us know that they are not feasible unless they are static and/or empty. There are also a few posts that remark their desire to have dynamic options or none at all. Well, I am hoping that my non-combat aura/fx idea above might keep those that want the dynamic option at peace until such a time as the tech is available to do that. But until such time, the rest of us would appreciate holsters. My Shield/Mace PPD Officer has no issues keeping his holstered weapon and extra tonfa on his belt while he pulls out his PPD Riot Shield and his 'extra' tonfa to keep criminals in line. I would love to have the option to have multiple types of 'static' holster options. Belt option of single holsters for those that don't use guns as their main power, but use the Revolver temp. Double holster options that include a 'cowboy' feel and a more modern tactical holster for those Dual Pistols. Chest detail options for some of these would also be very appreciated.
And last, but not least... vehicle travel powers. We have the Hover Board, Flying Carpet, Coyote and Panther. All these cancel all powers but itself. I'm suggesting using the same concept to create for example a high-tech, Tron-like motorcycle (of course, avoiding all the trademark issues). What about small cars, or small, covered hover jets.
Well, that's it for me at this time. Hope to hear some feedback from the community. Sorry for the wall of text. And Dink, thanks for all your efforts. We all appreciate it.
