Capa_Devans

Now if they can just fix the globals ....

Had the same thing on Guardian a while ago. We were killing like crazy people and could not get him to spawn. Eventually we petitioned it and a GM spawned him.*

I take the point he's hard to find, but sometimes I think he is a little ... more tricky than I'd expect for WAI.

1) There are more people here now than February or June. (And you mis-spelt February.)

You are on a popular server with an increased population since you last played. Check the server lights. Freedom is often red now; previously it was yellow at most. It doesn't matter you have the same machine; the SERVER is more busy.

A subsequent post where you blame non-USA players is absolute rubbish. It doesn't matter where players log in from, it is the NUMBER of players logging in. The only difference is those players will be getting a high ping at the best of times because the information has to travel further. That doesn't touch your game; just theirs. It is perfectly possible for non-US players to buy the US version of the game. Many do because despite the time differences, the population is higher than the alternatives.

4) Most sensible Hami/Mothership Raid leaders will call for non-fancy costumes. By removing capes/auras etc, the amount of work carried out by everyone's machines is less. So that helps everyone on the Raid. You turning down your graphics to minimum helps YOU and only YOU.

Hijack This and CoX Helper logs are best posted in the Technical Forums. Devs won't respond to the 'Player Questions' Forum. If you want a response from a Dev, PM them.

I don't care which Uni you went to rude is rude.

One thing I learnt on Forum Boards is you would be amazed by the experiences of members. Most of the time you will never know because we have no need to sign our posts with our educational/work details because most of the time it isn't relevant and doing so just looks arrogant.


Capa - LLB (Hons)
(That's a British Law Degree).

1) No idea. Are you sure it is network lag (ping) or graphics lag (FPS)? I like to have /netgraph 1 and /showfps 1 running so I can keep an eye on whether the lag is network or graphics.

Freedom is one of the busier servers; I'd expect more lag there. GR has really increased the number of people on and I've seen Freedom red most nights.*

2) I have never tried Fraps on CoX, so I can't comment. Never noticed it dropping my FPS in another game though. I did used to save to another hard drive, not the game one.

3) I started off with this thread. A quick glance at post one here should enable you to decide whether your card is low/med/good/whoa level.

Also this thread and this thread give good explanations of each setting with pictures.

I can give you a list of my settings but if your card is much better/worse then it won't really help you.

4) 50 people is max per zone. You will get lag on Raids; Hami or Mothership. You just WILL. Everyone can try and minimize it by using costumes without moving parts, lowering their graphics settings to minimum (and I never run with 50k particles but about 10k) but you ARE going to lag. Do what you can to minimize it and if it still isn't playable for you, you know not to join another one. First thing I do when I hit the meet point for a raid is drop my gfx settings to min. Every time.

Only difficulty I have with being a TL is consistency. As it happened my insomnia had kicked in so I was awake and alert. That isn't always the case. Sometimes I'll be dead at the keyboard four hours earlier.

Congrats!



*steals 50* :evil:

I still think Main Assist is a pointless role; call it raid leader and be done with it.



Quite pleased we got into the Cathedral. Shame about Rularuu though. That's some nasty regen ability.


Notes:

Certainly an improvement on the second go at the Obelisks (after you'd told teams to stick tight together although I'm surprised that had to be done).

AoE buffers need to fire those off AFTER the shield buffs not before to get maximum use out of them. (Obelisk section where it's not called; get Team Leader to call them?)

More communication between team leads and raid leader required. At one point you called final assault on the Obelisks and Team 3 had: two off the map (hosped) and two or three dead including the tank. (If the three team leaders and raid leader are on vent that may not apply; but looking at channel traffic, not much was being said by TL's.)

Ensure everyone has just team chat and the channel/request chat prominent for the duration of the raid. I noticed people weren't always moving to the Obelisk when it was called. When you sent Lady W over to help us I am almost certain that I was the only one on the Obelisk. Same as when Rularuu's shield went up, very few moved back to the Cubes.

Team make ups:

Seem pretty balanced but perhaps an extra kin or two (one per team) for some FS awesomeness? That should make everything go a bit quicker.

Team 3 obviously had a bad time of deaths, but it would be interesting to know how the other two fared; how many were lost on the Obelisks/Rularuu.

Also; the -regen figure you quote does that include the darks using Howling Twilight at the start of the attack? That's a lovely debuff on it's own. If it was fired off as a debuff and you factored that in, that's some very scary regen ability. Perhaps someone can compare the numbers to Honoree and Reichsman?

In all a decent attempt and I agree getting that version of Rularuu was a nuisance.

Have a happy birthday, Guardianite!

*provides bacon cake*

Hope my post didn't come off brusque. I've a fairly dry writing style (legal background) and sometimes that can get misinterpreted.

Perhaps the Main Assist was a disconnect then. I initially read it as TL 1, TL 2, TL 3 and then MA because TL 1, 2 and 3 couldn't be bothered to type. I like simplicity; follow the star.*If I now read you right, you define that role as someone who has joined a SG/VG to lead a team because the SG/VG doesn't have enough members? *If I still don't understand you then no I don't understand the MA role except as someone who isn't a tank, doesn't have the star but is giving instructions. Er that to me is an added role which (IMO) should be covered by TL 1, 2 or 3. (YMMV and it's your raid so do whatever, frankly it would confuse me if I was on the team and I'd be likely to ignore the gobby team member and follow either the tank or the star.)

Can't wait to see someone require a Personal Assistant on a *Hami Raid. Anyway, I trundle off the point ...

I have done this; just cancel the card which is on your account info page. Do it now, don't let NCSoft try and take money and let it bounce.

Cancelling the billing info means you will still be able to play the time paid.

Then just buy additional game time with a new credit card which you can add on to your account; this will be charged now (IIRC) and add on to your existing time.

I think in good conscience I'm going to formally drop from this so you can replace me.

When something doesn't go pear-shaped (EG RL or my timezone issue) and I get there, I'm pretty tired at the end. I admit that I'm not enjoying playing her as much as I was either.

Wish you the best of luck. Might catch you one day if you need a filler.

OBSERVATIONS

I make no secret of the fact that I thought the last CoP I went on was severely hampered by zero communication before the TF. I learnt with my MoLGs that you need an overview before the TF and the ability to give reminders at each stage.

Here are my views:

1) My first thought at that wall of text was "far too complex".

Don't expect anyone to know the plan in advance; not everyone uses the forum and you are likely to require at least one filler for whatever reason.

"Main assist" is a pointless role. Phrase "Back seat driver" sprung to mind. You have team leade 1, 2 and 3. Your Raid leader is Team leader 1. End of. No crossed wires, no confusion. If they aren't a fast typist, get someone who is or set up binds. Copy/paste from notepad - anything - but get the information to everyone at the start.

2) Your Observation 4 about Brutes having the tanking ability of Tanks.

No. I don't care how well they are put together - and I've seen some awesome ones - but they are NOT tanks. Their HP is lower, many of them won't have taunt. You nailed it when you said Brutes could damage as Scrappers. Some Brutes may fill a Tanking role but not all; some can and some can't. However, if the build is borderline, I think the tank has a better chance of staying up because of the extra HP wiggle room. *awaits Brute hate mail*

The important thing is a team member with taunt/long range aoe who can stand against these mobs; that may be a brute it may not. But you need whoever fills the 'tanking role' to be realistic whether their char can fill that role or not. If not, get someone else or get them help.

The tanker (tank-role not necesarily Tank) needs to KNOW WHAT THE GAME PLAN IS IN DETAIL because the sensible thing is each team follows their tanker.

Tanker being team leader would be perfect because it would keep the team together. I certainly found it easier when tanking my MoLGs because the team was following me rather than giving instructions to the tank/team while playing my corruptor who was obviously not in the lead. I also knew I could do an instructions round up with much less risk of dying.

3) Buffers

Do Shields help against Rularuu damage? I didn't think anything except Mez protection helped? I'll leave someone else to answer this while I go and check the Wiki.

4) "Damage balanced by survivability"

Fair point but saying "Blasters ... bottom of the barrel" is wrong. A well built Blaster won't out Tank the Tank but generally it won't be in melee range. As for not-having Mez protection, that's why CM, Clarity, ID (and the one from Thermal I always forget) are useful. I liked two per run on the MoLGs and any sensible player without in-built Mez protection won't rely on the Thermal/Emp etc they will carry/combine Breakfrees.

If you are going to ban Blasters for squishyness, then take out the Corruptors because they aren't known for standing up either.

You want people who know how to play their character, not a specific "non-squishy" AT or one with a load of sets. This is a badge TF, I doubt anyone will do it except for the badge; it's a PITA and has lousy rewards. So people will want to bring their badgers and some of them will be ATs you don't like. Look at the player not the AT; I have MoLG on a Blaster and a Corr with 1123 HP.

Here's a re-write of your game plan so that it can be given before the TF and at each stage:


GAME PLAN BEFORE THE TF

Arranging the TF

By all means get sign ups on the forum but I'd also broadcast in advance in the Guardian/50 etc channels that the Raid is happening and time. Make a note of who wants to join and with what; add that to the forum list. Make sure everyone knows the kick off time is "TF start time", they need to be in zone 15 mins before for the instructions. You often won't hit it but it won't hurt to give people a deadline; at the least you can get your alts arranged and going.

Ideally you should know who is coming and on what a day before the TF. Any "I'll fill what the team needs" should have a message sent to them so they know what to bring.

Reason:
1) Standing around while people alt, not show and find replacements is dull and people don't pay attention; they make drinks, feed cats or read the news.
2) By get team make up organized beforehand. You can cover gaps and ensure an even coverage of Mez prot/damage etc.

Team Leaders who should be in zone, on the right AT at least 30 mins before kick off.

Team Leaders invite their team as they log in. Report any missing members and RL should start calling the pre-arranged alts 10 minutes before the start time. Get alts to come to zone on the understanding they're in ONLY if the scheduled player doesn't show. Tell the alts to get request/CoP channels visible in their window. (Whichever you will be using.)

Give those scheduled a max of 10 mins after the scheduled start time then pick up the alts and go. These 10 minutes can be spent giving everyone an overview of the TF in request/CoP.

It's a judgement call whether anyone logging in on the dot who misses the instructions, gets a spot. I'd say no but I'm mean.


Overview Given Before the TF

TL = Team Leader. RL = Raid Leader
Please keep the Request channel/CoP channel in your window and visible.
Please leave the channel free for TL's from this point.
Please remove other channels from view; you can nom people later

All instructions from RL.

"TL 1 = me/RL"
"TL 2 = x"
"TL 3 = y"

TF is in two Parts: Obelisk and Cathedral.

Part 1 - each team takes an Obelisk. Obelisks have to drop within 30 seconds of each other to go to next part. So coordination and following instructions means success. This is why the instructions will be detailed. Please try and stay awake.

Once in mission each team takes one Obelisk:
T1 goes towards Left Obelisk, T2 goes towards Centre and Team 3 Right.
Teams hold at 200 yards out from their target and buff. AoE buffers make sure all team mates there before AM etc
TL 2 and TL 3 gives Ready in channel when in position and buffed.
When T2 & T3 have given ready and T1 is in position and buffed, RL will signal to attack the Obelisks

Tanks should go in first and get aggro.
Teams take out the spawns and barrier drops.
When barrier down; hit the Obelisk until it's 20% health(Like Abandoned Sewer Trial) and hold (clear any remaining mobs but leave the obelisk at 20%)
When all Obelisks at 20% RL will give the go to defeat your target ASAP

If a Barrier goes back up on an Obelisk, other teams hold their Obelisk at 20% while the team with the Barrier up, kills the spawn and takes the Obelisk back to 20%. Then RL will instruct another assault and hope to get the Obelisk down within 30s.

Buffing members; Keep CM/ID etc UP.
If you die and aren't rez'd quickly or TPd to somewhere safe where you can wakie; go to hospital please


Part 2 - Cathedral

Enter Cathdral and start buffing your team with ST buffs and summoning MM pets. If your team is fully buffed, buff other people.
When whole team is in and ST buffs applied each TL calls "ready".
When all three teams are in and buffed, RL calls "Pets and AoEs": Summon shivs and nukes and use all AoE buffs
RL will give enough time for the AoE buffs to fire then call for the main attack

Tank and a support member from T1 taunts AV
(RL should tell the two people in their team in Team Chat that they are the ones doing this)

The rest of T1 and T2 go left and attack Cube spawn
T3 goes right and attacks Cube spawn

Once both spawns are down, hit the centre spawn - stick together. Do not run into the third spawn solo.

On "Barrier Shattered" message - everyone hits Rularuu. Get debuffs on asap. Stick tight together. Reapply debuffs ASAP; just like Honoree or Reichsman. Use Howling Twilight as a debuff not a Rez.

If Rularuu's shield goes up T1 tank stays with AV while the rest of T1 and T2 re-attack left, T3 goes rght. Hit the centre once both cubes down.


Keep an eye on the Team/Request channel for updates during the TF; please close other channels from view as they will not be needed and can be distracting.

Any questions, PST or ask in Request, NOW.

Answer any questions.

Let's go get a badge. Please enter <base>



DURING THE TF

Obelisks

RL: Hold at 200 yards off your target please and buff.

TL 2 = Ready
TL 3 = Ready

RL "Attack your target and hold it at 20% health"

RL "Destroy targets completely. Once in the Cathedral hold at door"

Team leaders should remind everyone to ST buff and call MM pets inside and they should do this as soon as the Obelisks drop.

RL in Team Tanker X and Support Y to AV, RL in Request "after buffs and on my go T1 and T2 to left cube, T3 to right"

TL 2 = Ready
Tl 3 = Ready

RL "Nukes, Shivs and Aoe's now" and after a count of five "Attack your target"

RL should keep an eye on the guys on the AV, send help if necessary.

RL "Centre target no then the AV on Shield down message, remember to keep buffs up"

RL "All on AV; debuff NOW"

Obviously if steps need to be repeated, this will have be communicated. Words of encouragement won't go amiss either if you're a fast enough typist.

AFTER THE TF

Win or lose; good going, good effort, thanks for coming. I'll be arranging another one, will let you know when on the forum/in guardian/50.




EDIT:
Feel free to print out and make a paper aeroplane out of the above suggestions.

Here's a pro-tip people:

Communicate what the game plan is BEFORE the TF. Yes, you will probably need to re-cap as you go along, but a good idea before the start is VERY helpful.

I was under the impression that bubble was unresistable. I could be wrong though.

Have fun.

I've got a tank spec'd to CMA's build (mostly) on both builds and I can say it is absolutely worth the effort of doing it properly; the difference between IOs and the sets was just amazing. For the latest respec, I kept his original sets on build one while working on the 'new' build with increased Psi Res/Def on build two. Maybe you could do something similar; you get to keep him playable while working on the sets?

Additionally, when I do IO's on my characters, I look across all of my chars and see what recipies I already have. The ability to email items across servers is very helpful to this.

I very rarely buy enhancements pre-made. Recipies plus salvage are almost always cheaper. (Almost always; check.)

Don't forget merits. I just purchased four complete sets (well except the proc) of Kinetic Combat for my stalker. Merits were my friend. The prices/availability of Positron's Blast (for my VEAT) is not what I'm willing to pay (I'm a cheapskate) but 135 merits for Acc/Dam; OK.*

Other than that; patiences is the key and that goes for salvage too. Don't look at the last sold price, use common sense. 10k for Tier 3 salvage (dropped by high end characters) is ridiculous so don't pay it. Last night I saw Ceramic Armour Plate going for 10k. I paid 100.

AE tickets are fantastic for rare (orange) salvage; 560 tickets per piece. I keep all red salvage I pick up (then email it around as required) but if I do have to buy, tickets are my friend.

To round off this wall-o-text; it will be worth it when your tank is done. Believe me *

We get 30mins notice for unexpected 'server maint'; especially when it's the same day that normal maint as already been carried out several hours previously.*

Couldn't you have fed the hamster then, guys?

Sad to read this, Alien.

I think you were probably one of the first people to invite me to their global friends list. It was always astounding to watch you survive some ridiculous mobs. Still amazes me; I particularly remember you happily clearing solo as one of my MM's got taken out in one hit. (I now understand "aggro cap" much better, thank you. )

Hope to catch you again, but if not ... be well, be happy and be green.

If this isn't getting fixed, then perhaps it's time to remove the information referring to a Char Copy tool? No point having information on something that doesn't actually exist.

Can we please have an ETA on a fix for this?

I've only been playing 24 months. I have a serious case of altitus so have played all ATs into the 40s. I have got approximately 15 characters to 50 - via playing - not PLing.

I have solo'd in Praet with a stalker and duo'd with a friend. (When I first played with him over 18 months ago, he was taking on Knives of Artemis at the hardest difficulty with a Fire/Rad troller.) We aren't wimps.

But when we are wiped at base difficulty with vet powers and five years of game time between us (we know about pulling etc) ... you have to question the base difficulty. Forcing new players into Praetoria was a mistake. It is much more difficult than PC or RI.

Praetoria is stunningly pretty. As soon as my stalker on Beta had Ninja Run, I went for a run around all of the zones. I was impressed by the design. I was less impressed that the graphics settings which are fine in Paragon/Isles result in lag in Praetoria.

Some of the interiors are stunning. Getting lag inside a mission because of 20+ computer monitors is not. It is unforgivable that lowering settings doesn't work to improve fps. I /bugged it during the beta and it's shameful that this hasn't been addressed along with the ability to kill your team mates.

If the aim was to enable CoX to continue to be played by all, then it failed in Praetoria.

The missions are exceptionally well-written, the world is beautiful but do I want to start another character there? Frankly .. no. And that's from someone who pre-purchased on one account and bought the Complete Collection on their second account.