Darc_Ranger

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Considering you can go from lvl 1 - 50 with MA, how long will an arc stay up if you are just running your own stories or running with a limited number of friends arcs. If you are just leveling with any posted MA content is one thing, but if your only running your arcs what then. If they are posted for a short time, those type of arcs will not get as rated as arcs that stay posted for a long time.

Maybe that individual does not worry about the account ticket pool. Maybe his/her stuff will suck, or be brilliant, but it is sad to be the person who may like an arc only to have it disappear before dragging their friends through it.

Those that over turn their arcs frequently will just have to miss out on significated player feedback for good or for ill, especially if they intended the arcs to be only their toy in the big kids pool.

Actually though of something funny. In those cases with people with large turn overs with good arc stories or simply just removing one of the popular ones, their in-game mail, global tells, and forum mail could be overflowing with requests for a copy of the arc. I think a few people will need bigger boxes. Though I expect some enterprising player(s) to create a website to share or exchange arc files, new NPC groups, or new NPC characters. Assuming the data is in small text files, like the costume data files, some information could be a simple forum post. I know we can use regular email to exchange those files, but sometimes a central location saves time instead of responding to each email requesting the same information. This also leads to a way of tagging an arc that is passed around so the original creator(s) are acknowleged in some way.

Also I wish there would be a way to have an ingame record of arcs and their creators we have played, so we can easily find it and drag our friends in. I understand the MA is run like a TF so while you are still in MA mode the information is there, but one you leave, outside of a posible souvenir, what record would we have. I guess we can keep an out of game list.



[/ QUOTE ]Your arcs stay published until you "unpublish" them, they get pulled for inappropriate content, or they make "Hall of Fame" and/or "Devs Choice" status. The latter frees up whatever slot they were in.

There is a limit on how quickly you can publish/unpublish arcs, but it was described as "in seconds, just to keep the traffic load down."

[/ QUOTE ]

I understand that part. I know that I typed alot. Basicaly I was wondering more about players who like a published arc, but it gets unpublished when they want to do it at a later time with friends or with another character. I was not expecting to redo the arc right then and there, most likely within a day or two.

Basically if a published arc is played by someone who likes it, and wants to run it at a later time, but finds it is unplublished for whatever reason, what does one do? It may not have been up long enough for to earn a rating of "hall of fame" or getting "Dev Choice." If you remember the creator and arc name do you bug/beg them for a copy or request it republished? And that could overwhelm some lucky folks.

Even if a fanbased method is created or simple email sent to pass around and share, how will credit to the original creator of the arc or NPC group be maintained, short of not sharing it.

I know I would hate to share an arc I created, that eventually gets republished unchanged by someone else and get they get the special honors or Dev Choice. I know anything I create with MA is not really mine, but there is a prize and a benefit for composing arc that is rated as a 5 and is popular.

Considering you can go from lvl 1 - 50 with MA, how long will an arc stay up if you are just running your own stories or running with a limited number of friends arcs. If you are just leveling with any posted MA content is one thing, but if your only running your arcs what then. If they are posted for a short time, those type of arcs will not get as rated as arcs that stay posted for a long time.

Maybe that individual does not worry about the account ticket pool. Maybe his/her stuff will suck, or be brilliant, but it is sad to be the person who may like an arc only to have it disappear before dragging their friends through it.

Those that over turn their arcs frequently will just have to miss out on significated player feedback for good or for ill, especially if they intended the arcs to be only their toy in the big kids pool.

Actually though of something funny. In those cases with people with large turn overs with good arc stories or simply just removing one of the popular ones, their in-game mail, global tells, and forum mail could be overflowing with requests for a copy of the arc. I think a few people will need bigger boxes. Though I expect some enterprising player(s) to create a website to share or exchange arc files, new NPC groups, or new NPC characters. Assuming the data is in small text files, like the costume data files, some information could be a simple forum post. I know we can use regular email to exchange those files, but sometimes a central location saves time instead of responding to each email requesting the same information. This also leads to a way of tagging an arc that is passed around so the original creator(s) are acknowleged in some way.

Also I wish there would be a way to have an ingame record of arcs and their creators we have played, so we can easily find it and drag our friends in. I understand the MA is run like a TF so while you are still in MA mode the information is there, but one you leave, outside of a posible souvenir, what record would we have. I guess we can keep an out of game list.

[ QUOTE ]
Please tell me that were are getting an MA function for Bases as well.

[/ QUOTE ]
I saw this answer eariler in the thread, it will not happen at start, but should be a feature in a future update. Maybe even using the Mission Computer.

I have one question I have not seen an answer to. I know we can save the arc with all details. It looks lilke you can save the costumes created as we do for our characters. My question is if we create a custom villain and a custom villain group, is there a way to save the NPC charcter data as a separate file. I would dislike creating a custom group, but would have to edit a previously created arc to use that group in another arc.

Maybe we could create the group and save the data, then build the arc off that file.

Actually since I believe Issue 13 you can turn off the ability to earn XP so you can do all the arcs not in flashback.

I might be able to squeeze Frosty in Friday if I get to my destination by then. But after that I am a prisoner of Love until Monday evening. Silly long Valentine weekend.

You had me worried there for a bit with you and partner in crime, or is that comical heroic adventures.

Cannot not wait for Teck's story.

It should be <duration #>. "#" is a number between 1 and 20.

Hey Fleetless feet, hello...

didn't you also post the stories on a blog. I thought you did that as a backup for these boards.

Do not forget cc0 for the first costume slot.

[ QUOTE ]
I strongly recommend not keeping these in Wentworths slots if they turn out to be expensive. Remember, anything you put in Wentworths, if you don't check on it for 60 days, it vanishes.

I've lost millions of inf and lots of items this way by not logging into that character and visiting the auction house for a couple of months! I'd hate to lose my respec too

[/ QUOTE ]

I think this post needs to be reviewed by all. I myself did not realize that there was a sixty day limit on auction storage without logging on that character.

I use notepad too and never had a problem with this program and I have some pretty long binds.

I have followed the last few post, what is the batch file setup that is being used?

Also as Snow_Globe said, one line per quote and I'll add a hard return starts a new quote.

It is usually some small error that causes something to go goofy.

Post a complete quote or two or even send me the files so we can see the interaction between the batch file and the phrase file. As you have read I have some very complex binds with my batch file.

Well first glad to help.

As for the "$$bind_load_file C:\kb\target.txt" command at the end of each bind, it forces the game to reload the bind from the target text file each time.
Normally when a bind is created it becomes part of the character file in game. So if you loaded a bind from a keybind text file, it never looks back at the original text file, unless prompted to do so.

As for the second question... yes you need to either create the binds in game or load it from a keybind file.

You could create a keybind text file called "RGF.txt" for randomly generated files. In that file you could set the binds for each bind command.

Shift+T "bind_load_file C:\kb\target0.txt"
Shift+F "bind_load_file C:\kb\target1.txt"
Shift+S "bind_load_file C:\kb\target2.txt"

You then could make a macro that will load the RGF.Txt file. This would also reset your binds if they start developing errors or not working properly.
/Macro RGF "Tell, $name Loading RGF file.$$bind_load_file C:\kb\RGF.txt"

If you use the macro you usaually have to hit the keybinds twice, i.e. hit SHIFT+T twice. The Loading of the RGF file points to the appropriate target file. Hitting the key a second time gets the expect respone.

If you have a power like taunt bounded to a key you could modify the RGF file.

Shift+T "target_enemy_near$$powexec_name Taunt$$ bind_load_file C:\kb\target0.txt"

This way it will taunt, but without your witty saying. Then the next time you hit the key it will being looking at the appropriate target file, that will say your random phrase and taunt.

[ QUOTE ]
Ok, having a really hard time figuring out how to do what I want to have happen here.

For Masterminds, this would be PERFECT if you could do something like this:

<font class="small">Code:[/color]<hr /><pre>
/bind numpad0 "bind numpad4 petcomall agg$$bind numpad5 petcomall def$$bind numpad6
petcomall pass$$bind numpad7 petcomall att$$ RANDOM PHRASE!!!$$bind numpad8 petcomall
fol$$ RANDOM PHRASE!!!$$bind numpad9 petcomall goto$$RANDOM PHRASE!!!"
</pre><hr />

Check out that last part.

Basicly, if you're telling your bots to attack a target, they'd say something like EXTERMINATE!!! while attacking said target.
If you say follow they'd say something like, "Following Meatbag!!!" and follow you.
If you say GoTo thay'd say something like, "Executing assault Manuver" and goto where they are told.

The Sayings would be random, the keys always the same.

Ideally, you could have different sayings for each key, like numpad 4 (set to aggressive) would be "readying phasors" or somesuch (again, random).

In addition, I'd like to have this incorporated somehow:

<font class="small">Code:[/color]<hr /><pre>
/bind numpad1 "bind numpad4 petcompow batt agg$$bind numpad5 petcompow batt def$$
bind numpad6 petcompow batt pass$$bind numpad7 petcompow batt att$$bind numpad8
petcompow batt fol$$bind numpad9 petcompow batt goto"
.
/bind numpad2 "bind numpad4 petcompow prot agg$$bind numpad5 petcompow prot def$$
bind numpad6 petcompow prot pass$$bind numpad7 petcompow prot att$$bind numpad8
petcompow prot fol$$bind numpad9 petcompow prot goto"
.
/bind numpad3 "bind numpad4 petcompow assa agg$$bind numpad5 petcompow assa def
$$bind numpad6 petcompow assa pass$$bind numpad7 petcompow assa att$$bind
numpad8 petcompow assa fol$$bind numpad9 petcompow assa goto"
</pre><hr />

Again, all with random sayings and all bound to seperate keys (numpad keys).

I just get a big giant headache trying to work out how this would be done. Any ideas?

[/ QUOTE ]



Pollution, I still have not found a way of using this method on MasterMind minions. There main issue is still length limit on the bind commands. Another limit is that only one random phrase per bind. This is still on my plate to figure out, but I have not had the time lately.

My revised method will select a random phrase from file 1 add it to target 1. Basically the Random number step uses that number to go to that line in the Random Phrase File. So if 5 was the random number, the program will go to the fifth line of Random Phrase File 1.

That is why it is important to list the number of random phrases in a file so the program will know the highest random number it can select.

The "Skip" step tells the command line to the start at the generated random number assigned to the script, e.g. 5. The "For F/..." post the phrase in the target file, but the "goto Step 1" tells the program to stop the "For" loop after posting to the target phrase file and proceed to the next step which is the next "For /F..." command.

Without adding the "goto Step 1" on the same command line, the program would loop start at the fifth line and process the remaining Random Phrases files, before for moving to the next "For /F..." command.


So basically each second will post a random file phrase to a target file. So "Target0.txt" will get one random phrase selected from "Phrases0.txt", then move on to posting a random phrase from "Phrases1.txt" to "Target1.txt". From there the next step of selecting a random phrase from "Phrases2.txt" to "Target2.txt" and the "Goto Top" line will restart the process.

So Setting the "Random#" to equal the number of phrases will get you your number range.

The "Skip" command will start at the selected random number in the random phrase file.

Having the "Goto Step..." command as part of the "For /F..." will break the "For" Loop after the first randomly selected phrase is added to the target file and proceed to the next "For /F..." step.

Without using "Random", "Skip", "Goto Step" then two or more "For /F..." will run sequencially. Completing the For loop for each random phrase file before moving on to the next random phrase file, basically getting the results you are getting.

Though the program I set up looks complex, I tried to make it so it could expand within a defined pattern.

I hope I answered you questions. If not please let me know.

[ QUOTE ]
/bind numpad0 "bind numpad4 petcomall agg$$bind numpad5 petcomall def$$bind numpad6
petcomall pass$$bind numpad7 petcomall att$$ RANDOM PHRASE1!!!$$bind numpad8 petcomall
fol$$ RANDOM PHRASE1!!!$$bind numpad9 petcomall goto$$RANDOM PHRASE1!!!"

/bind numpad0 "bind numpad4 petcomall agg$$bind numpad5 petcomall def$$bind numpad6
petcomall pass$$bind numpad7 petcomall att$$ RANDOM PHRASE2!!!$$bind numpad8 petcomall
fol$$ RANDOM PHRASE2!!!$$bind numpad9 petcomall goto$$RANDOM PHRASE2!!!"

/bind numpad0 "bind numpad4 petcomall agg$$bind numpad5 petcomall def$$bind numpad6
petcomall pass$$bind numpad7 petcomall att$$ RANDOM PHRASE3!!!$$bind numpad8 petcomall
fol$$ RANDOM PHRASE3!!!$$bind numpad9 petcomall goto$$RANDOM PHRASE3!!!"

[/ QUOTE ]



The one thing I discovered when working on this is that adding any phrase to the above binds exceeds the bind text limit. The other thing is so far I cannot create mutiple random phrase to one bind. Still looking for a way to do this.

Pollution,

So NumberPad 0-3 is used to set binds for 4-9, which contain the MM commands?

I have not run multiple random phrases in one bind.

I may have to think this one out.

One way would be to have a number of phrases preset for each NumPad 0-3.

Using the basic program format, the phrase.txt file would contain

/bind numpad0 "bind numpad4 petcomall agg$$bind numpad5 petcomall def$$bind numpad6
petcomall pass$$bind numpad7 petcomall att$$ RANDOM PHRASE1!!!$$bind numpad8 petcomall
fol$$ RANDOM PHRASE1!!!$$bind numpad9 petcomall goto$$RANDOM PHRASE1!!!"

/bind numpad0 "bind numpad4 petcomall agg$$bind numpad5 petcomall def$$bind numpad6
petcomall pass$$bind numpad7 petcomall att$$ RANDOM PHRASE2!!!$$bind numpad8 petcomall
fol$$ RANDOM PHRASE2!!!$$bind numpad9 petcomall goto$$RANDOM PHRASE2!!!"

/bind numpad0 "bind numpad4 petcomall agg$$bind numpad5 petcomall def$$bind numpad6
petcomall pass$$bind numpad7 petcomall att$$ RANDOM PHRASE3!!!$$bind numpad8 petcomall
fol$$ RANDOM PHRASE3!!!$$bind numpad9 petcomall goto$$RANDOM PHRASE3!!!"
-----------------------

If that will work for you then, you could add the other NumPad 1-3 to the same file or use the mutiple phrase files method so each phrase file would be linked to a NumPad. If this is the path you want to take I could give you the basic build structure for the batch file either method.

------------------------

If you want random phrase within each bind, we may have to go another way. I will need to figure out the best way to do that.

Added: Actually I may end up using this on my RP MM.

If your emotes or thoughts fall into a few categories your could group your binds into several folders and tie each mood to a single key set and randomize those files.

For example I have three bind files and three target files. Each bind file has its own key bind.
[Meaning each bind in a file shares the same bind key like "Alt+1. The next bind file could use another key like "Alt+2".]
There is only one batch file and one sleep file all in the same folder. The batch files take a random bind from the bind file and add it to the matching target file, the batch file moves to the next bind file and repeats.

You may only need to split you binds into several bind files and change each key to match with each file. So you may not need to start from scratch.

IF you think showing me the binds will help, you could post them here or PM me.

It was removed around June 2005, it was never meant for players. alakazamreact can be done without pumkin if done in hover or fly. Just search for alakazamreact for the costume binds.

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The reclined-sit used to be "e sit$$e dance" as a macro or bind (and spam-hitting the key constantly), but was removed slightly after paladinawaken was IIRC.

[/ QUOTE ]

Just out of curiosity .. what was the action for paladinawaken? any one have a description or screeny? i got into beta after it was removed

[/ QUOTE ]

It was ... A puff of smoke you dissapeared for just a half second or so then reappeared.

[/ QUOTE ]
So... alakazamreact without the pumpkin?

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually it was the Kheldian transformation from human to tanker, without the earth shaking I recall.

Here is the next method of multiple phrases and multiple target files.

Muti-Target.bat
<ul type="square">
@Echo Off
:TOP
Set Phrase0=Phrases0.txt
Set Phrase1=Phrases1.txt
Set Phrase2=Phrases2.txt

SET Target0=Target0.txt
SET Target1=Target1.txt
SET Target2=Target2.txt

SET Random0=26
SET Random1=7
SET Random2=3


SET /A T=(0+(%Random0%)*%RANDOM%/32767)
SET /A F=(0+(%Random1%)*%RANDOM%/32767)
SET /A S=(0+(%Random2%)*%RANDOM%/32767)

SET Z0="Skip=%T% DELIMS=~~~ "
SET Z1="Skip=%F% DELIMS=~~~ "
SET Z2="Skip=%S% DELIMS=~~~ "

If %T% EQU 0 SET Z0=" DELIMS=~~~ "
If %F% EQU 0 SET Z1=" DELIMS=~~~ "
If %S% EQU 0 SET Z2=" DELIMS=~~~ "

ECHO.

For /F %Z0% %%U In (%Phrase0%) Do (echo %%U&gt;%Target0%)&amp;&amp;ECHO %T% %%U&amp;&amp; sleep 1 &amp;&amp; goto Step1

:Step1
For /F %Z1% %%X In (%Phrase1%) Do (echo %%X&gt;%Target1%)&amp;&amp;ECHO %F% %%X&amp;&amp; sleep 1 &amp;&amp; goto Step2

:Step2
For /F %Z2% %%V In (%Phrase2%) Do (echo %%V&gt;%Target2%)&amp;&amp;ECHO %S% %%V&amp;&amp; sleep 1 &amp;&amp; goto top[/list]
This method is if you want powers/Taunts of different type or even different binded keys.

For example "Shift T" handles my taunts, "Shift F" comments about upcoming battle and "Shift S" after battle comments. The alt that uses this is an RP-light alt. I could combind them in one file, but someone earlier asked if mutliple phrases and Targets could be done.

Also I could keep the multiple phrase files and one target file, but there may be issues with that.

The key to the multitple files is the "Step 1 &amp; Step 2".

When it comes to the generating a single phrase, Goto STEP1 tells the program to generate a Target0.txt bind then go to the next step. Which generates a Target1.txt bind then goes to STEP2. That run the next Target2.txt and then starts over at the top when done.

The batch output groups the three binds on screen then "ECHO." add a Return to separate each run. Again its more for visual clarity than anything else.

Of course you need a add binds to the game to link to your new binds, but other than that, that's it.

This new method has only been tested on XP machines so your mileage may vary.

I found a way at least in XP to make your Phrases truly random.

The same foundation is that you still need the Sleep.exe, the Phrase.txt and the Target.text. What I figured out was modifying the batch file.

I have two methods to handle variations.

The first one is straight forward, one phrase file and target file. There are steps you can do to simplify it, but I wanted to set it up with little change.

Target1.bat
<ul type="square">
@Echo Off
:TOP
SET Phrase0=Phrases.txt

SET Target0=Target.txt

SET Random0=36

SET /A T=(0+(%Random0%)*%RANDOM%/32767)

SET Z0="Skip=%T% DELIMS=~~~ eol=; "
If %T% EQU 0 SET Z0=" DELIMS=~~~ eol=; "

ECHO.

For /F %Z0% %%V In (%Phrase0%) Do (echo %%V&gt;%Target0%)&amp;&amp;ECHO %T% %%V&amp;&amp; sleep 1 &amp;&amp; goto top[/list]
[ QUOTE ]

SET Phrase0=Phrases.txt

SET Target0=Target.txt

[/ QUOTE ]

This is simple the name of your files.


[ QUOTE ]
SET Random0=36

[/ QUOTE ]

This is a key to the Random numbers. This is the number of taunts/phrases you have.

[ QUOTE ]
SET /A T=(0+(%Random0%)*%RANDOM%/32767)

[/ QUOTE ]

This is the part the generates the random number, "T" could be any letter but it must be consistant throughout the batch file.


[ QUOTE ]
SET Z0="Skip=%T% DELIMS=~~~ "
If %T% EQU 0 SET Z0=" DELIMS=~~~"

[/ QUOTE ]


This step is in two parts. Again "Z0" can be any name, but it needs to be consistant throughout the batch file. The first part is to handle random numbers from 1 to your maximum, in this case 36. The key here is the "Skip=". This function tells the program to start at the desigated row instead of row one. The "IF" statement covers the random number when it hits zero. This statement does not contain the "skip" command so it will go to the first row. The "DELIMS" command functions as before.


[ QUOTE ]
ECHO.

[/ QUOTE ]

This command with the period included, is not really needed. It just adds a RETURN when viewing the batch output. It does not impact the target file.

[ QUOTE ]
For /F %Z0% %%V In (%Phrase0%) Do (echo %%V&gt;%Target0%)&amp;&amp;ECHO %T% %%V&amp;&amp; sleep 1 &amp;&amp; goto top


[/ QUOTE ]


This is the bread and butter of the program, like the original one this one takes the selected text from the phrase file and adds it to the target.txt file. Like before "V" can be any letter, just be consistance with its use.

Normally this program starts at phrase one and continues to the end. Normally the "skip function" with start at any row after one. And normally the "Goto Top" command is at the bottom of the file. I added after sleep so that it will look at one phrase and start all over again. This helps make the Phrases appear random. Also if you look at the output you see a number which indicated the row it was pulled from, This only appears on the Batch output view and not the target file. This number is not part of the Phrase file. This number is information only.

Also like the early version you could either have the entire bind in the phrase file or just the text. I like the entire bind so I can add powers like taunt or alter the color of the text.

[ QUOTE ]
Is there a way to change the batch file to output different text files for different binds while only calling Sleep once?

Can the batch file be modified to run on a bunch of files at once?

[/ QUOTE ]

I have found that you could modify the batch tile to run two phrase files that upload to one target file. See example below.

<ul type="square"> @ECHO OFF
:TOP

FOR /F "DELIMS=~~~" %%i IN (phrases1.txt) DO (echo %%i&gt;target1.txt)&amp;&amp;sleep 1 &amp;&amp;ECHO %%i
FOR /F "DELIMS=~~~" %%i IN (phrases2.txt) DO (echo %%i&gt;target2.txt)&amp;&amp;sleep 1 &amp;&amp;ECHO %%i
GOTO TOP[/list]
This method load the first phrase file, once those are done it will load the second phrase file. It will then start over. You could try to set sleep from 1 to 0. That may speed up things. I do not think it will be a problem with Co* calling up the commands on key press, when the files change that fast.
At least this way you could separate each bind in a different target files, as you wanted.

The only thing to note is that in the binds in the phrase files point to the proper target file.

For Example:
<ul type="square">
ctrl+z "l Sniping $target. $$powexec_name Zapp$$bind_load_file C:\CoH\Keybinds\random_phrase_files\Character1\target1.txt"

Shift+T "em frustrated$$KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHNNNNNNNNNNNN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!$$powexec_name Taunt$$unselect$$toggle_enemy$$bind_load_file C:\CoH\Keybinds\random_phrase\Character1\target2.txt"[/list]
You could add multiple bind commands to a single phrase file. Alternate the bind commands would make them seem more random. This method creates only one phrase file and one target file to place a varity of bind commands. In the above example instead of those two commands being two different phrase files you could make it one file.

If you have a lot of random phrases tied to several keys then use the first method mentioned above otherwise try the one phrase file way.

Also remember that the batch file will not work right if there are spaces in the file names. For Example "phrase 1.txt" will be seen as just "phrase".

I hope this helps you Djeannie.

I have run two bind keys for one character. In the phrase text file, where you list your random phrases I have a "O" bind for wacky comments and "ctrl+Z" for sniping comments. Although the target file may contain only bind phrase, the game remembers the last uploaded bind phrase for the other command. I have never noted a problem do it this way. As long as there is a hard return between phrases it should run fine.

So basically instead of 3 separate bind files combind them into one file wilth all 3 phrase types/ Alternate the commands instead of doing all "Q"'s, then "E"'s then "T"'s do Q,E,T,Q,E,T,Q,E,T. to get the binds to time a little more randomly or at least look that way.

This got unstickied again. And it was suggest to move it to the guide section with better hope of keep this important information from getting lost. Thx to AceMACE for the first rescue.

The original guide on Cyber Stalking compiled by TheRing,
was removed by accident according to CuppaJo. The following is all the information he compiled, to be re-stickied by CuppaJo, and to be set to "keep" so it won't purge again.
Thank you Cuppa for fixing this, and for TheRing for compiling this outstanding guide.










------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following was compiled by TheRing.



What is this?
This is a collection of resources compiled by concerned players of City of Heroes with the intent of letting our fellow players know that we stand beside them in fighting off acts of harassment. This is a notice to would-be harassers that we as a server community, will help each other find justice through the appropriate channels, and that no player should feel that they are alone or unsupported as a victim of such activity. Though we are a community with much diversity, we are unified by one common guiding principal, that every person who plays this game has a right to enjoy themselves in an atmosphere free of harassment. We will not tolerate harrassing behavior and will not allow our community to become a hostile environment for people who want to play a game and have a positive experience.

What is Harassment?
Harassment is unwelcome and generally hostile behavior or remarks about race, sex, religion, age, national origin, or disability that is often directed at a specific individual or group of individuals. It is a type of discrimination.

Here is a great discussion about video game harassment although there is some adult language, so if you are uncomfortable with that, please skip it. http://www.misbehaving.net/2005/02/video_game_hara.html

What is CyberStalking?
Here is Wikipedia's definition of cyberstalking. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyberstalking)

Quote:
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Cyberstalking is the use of the Internet or other electronic means to stalk someone. This term is used interchangeably with online harassment and online abuse.

Since a cyberstalker cannot present a direct physical threat to their victim, they instead follow their victim's previous trails to learn more about them, occasionally delivering verbal or emotional threats. Although they lack the immediate danger of real stalkers, the anonymity offered by the Internet also allows the stalker to put themselves in considerably less danger, making it a safer and so more common activity to engage in. Although cyberstalking seems relatively harmless, it often has psychological and emotional impact on the victim, and occasionally elevates to real-life stalking.

Cyberstalking is becoming a common tactic in racism, and other expressions of bigotry and hate.

Cyberstalkers target and harass their victims via websites, chat rooms, discussion forums and email. The availability of free email and website space, as well as the anonymity provided by these chatrooms and forums, have contributed to the increase of cyberstalking as a form of harassment.

The first cyberstalking law in the US went into effect in 1999 in the state of California. Other states include prohibition against cyberstalking in their harassment or stalking legislation. In Florida, HB 479 was introduced in 2003 to ban cyberstalking [1] (link). This was signed into law on October 2003. The crime of cyberstalking is defined in Florida Statutes 784.048(1)(d).


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I think that definition is as good a starting point as any. The point is that CyberStalking is a crime, and it's criminality is being recognized by an increasing number of law-making bodies.

Unfortunatley, most of the resources available online assume that CyberStalking (Or Online Harassment) occurs through traditional communication channels such as online chat, email, newsgroups, or web sites. Take, for example, these recommendations from http://www.cyberangels.org/stalking.html about what you should do if you find yourself a victim of cyber-stalking.

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1.) Tell the person harassing you in straight forward terms, "Leave me alone, stop harassing me. Do not contact me again." If you are in a chat or on IM, logoff immediately and stay offline for at least 24 hours.

2.) Do not reply to anything else the harasser says. No replies to emails, taunts or lies said about you. Do NOT REPLY! Harassment is a form of power over you. If you take that power away from the harasser and refuse to "play their game" then you have become empowered instead. You are now in charge!

3.) If the problem only exists on chat or IM, go offline and completely change your online identity. This means changing your nickname and all the information you have listed in your profile. Everything must be changed!

4.) In the case of email harassment you need to contact the harasser's ISP (Internet Service Provider) and make a complaint.

5.) Stay out of problem chat rooms and forums.

6.) Don't give out your chat or IM nickname except to "very" trusted friends and tell them not to give it out to anyone else.

7.) Be certain all of your online profiles do not contain any personally identifying information about you, such as age, sex, address, phone number, school attended and teams you play on or where you work.

8.) In your IM and chat clients be sure logging is enabled, keep all log files that pertain to the stalker for evidence.

9.) Keep all e-mails that originate from the harasser or stalker and any replies you sent for evidence.

10.)If you feel you or your family is in physical danger from this stalker, or the stalker knows where you live or has made physical threats against you- call your local law enforcement agency or the FBI immediately!



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While this is clearly sound advice for keeping you and your loved-ones safe from stalkers, the big difference between random chat rooms or newsgroups and an persistent online virtual reality is one of virtual estate. In a game like City of Heroes, where you can make progress, and gain success, walking away is not the first reaction or most welcome solution. Luckily, City of Heroes is a pay service, and as a result they have some responsibility to provide you some protection against hostile behavior as you will see below.

What is Retaliation?
Retaliation is a term used to define negative behavior directed at the victim of harassment or stalking. It is usually more prevalent in friends or acquaintances of the accused, but can happen to a lesser degree throughout a community. An example would be...

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Don't team with [Hero], she's a total snitch that accused my SG leader of harassment.


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While this may seem a natural reaction to a conflict to some, it is very damaging to the supportive fabric of a community. It isolates victims, and sends a clear message that there is no support for people who step up and take action to better their situation.

A note about False-Accusation
Often times, retaliation results from the assumption that an accusation is false. Our responsibility as a community is to not make such assumptions, or if we find it unavoidable, not let those assumptions guide our actions or interactions. However, False-accusation does happen. Since it is vitally important that we maintain a supportive atmosphere, we will remain supportive of all victims, encourage them to report harassment, and allow the proper authorities to relsolve the validity of the accusation. False-accusation of harassment is a form of slander, and for this reason, we can not allow ourselves take matters into our own hands, and attempt to isolate or "black-list" the accused. Punishment is not our duty, and it is wrongful of us to attempt to fix things ourselves. To protect ourselves and our integrity, we can not allow ourselves to get caught up in a "witch-hunt" even if the accusations are plausible or seemingly legitmate. As a server community, we will do our part to remain vigilant on this point. We must allow NCSoft, and/or local authorites, to do their part in protecting the victims and punishing the harassers.

Member Conduct Rules under City of Heroes' User Agreement
Section 6(d) of the City of Heroes User Agreement Deals with Member Conduct. I will quote the items important to this discussion.

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You agree not to use the Service to:

(iii) take any action or upload, post, e-mail or otherwise transmit any content that violates any law or regulation;

(iv) upload, post, e-mail or otherwise transmit any content as determined by NC Interactive at its sole discretion that is harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, tortuous, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, libelous, invasive of another's privacy, hateful, or racially, ethnically or otherwise objectionable; or contains any viruses, trojan horses, worms, time bombs, cancelbots or other computer programming routines that are intended to damage, detrimentally interfere with, surreptitiously intercept or expropriate any system, data or personal information;

(viii) attempt to gain access to any other user&amp;#8217;s Account or password;

(ix) "stalk" or otherwise harass another member.


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It is important to note that harassment and stalking are both clearly in violation of the user agreement, which means that we have the full support of NCSoft should we become victims of either behavior.


What can you do?
First and foremost, you should consider your personal information as the most important asset you have. Your real name, adresses (email and physical), phone numbers or any personal detail that could lead to assumptions about the aforemention pieces of information should be guarded with the utmost scrutiny. It is absolutely OKAY to deny people access to that information, and if anyone tells you otherwise they clearly don't care enough about you to respect your decisions about your personal safety. With a wide array of available free email and chat cervices, it is rather easy to set up new and temporary email addresses or chat handles for use by your anynomous online friends. Do this. This can be the one thing that prevents harassment or cyberstalking from turning into real world stalking, and prevent you from coming to physical harm.

I can't say this enough, real-world harm is a very real possibility. Protect yourself.

That said, the most important thing you can do after becoming a victim of online harassment is REPORT the behavior to NCSoft as it occurs. You can do this though the in-game petition tool, or by way of http://support.plaync.com. In both cases, your submission is kept confidential, so absolutely NO ONE has to know that you are taking action. Though as stated above, we as a community will try to prevent retaliation from occurring, sometimes total confidentiality is what you need.

Reporting Harassing Behavior using the in game tool.
First click on "Menu" (image). From there select "Support" (image). The support window should appear on your screen (image). Since you are reporting a conduct violation, click the radio button next to "Harassment and Conduct" in the upper right portion of the window. Go ahead and fill in the "Summary" and "Full Description" and do not forget to include the character name of the offending person or persons. Within minutes you should receive confirmation of your petition through your regular email.

While reporting is the most important thing you can do, and hopefully the beginning of the end to your troubles, your action should not stop there. Though real-world authorities may not become involved in the majority of online harassment issues, and while NCSoft may not require it, recording offensive behavior will help you make your case should it come into question. A side benefit is the feeling restoring your control over your experience by taking positive action about your situation. Since habitual harassment, or cyberstalking is really about control, refusing to relinquish that is an important step to defeating it. Below you will find some instruction on how to use in-game functionality to help you accomplish this.

Logging Chat Activity
Logging your chat is a great way to keep a record of harassing behavior. While the resulting text file is easily modified, and some would argue that it isn't "proof" as a result, it has it's uses. For one, it can serve as an indicator to the customer service representatives that an investigation is warranted. The word is that they keep a master log for this sort of thing. They can compare your log against their own to make sure it is legitimate, plus the timestamping built into the log will help them investigate your problem in a more timely fashion. Secondly, courts favor documentation, especially if your records are accurate. If it comes to the point where you find yourself in court over this harassment, your preparedness will pay off.

Here is an excerpt of a chat log (with the names changed).


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06-24-2005 00:30:34 You traded Enrage, Keen Insight, for Luck, Luck, Respite, Dramatic Improvement
06-24-2005 00:30:48 [Team]RabbitEars: tu
06-24-2005 00:30:49 [Team]Homeless: I have acrobatics.. but these brief stuns keep turning it off
06-24-2005 00:30:59 [Team]Homeless: I get knocked down and presto, debt :-)
06-24-2005 00:31:02 [Team]Borealis: Crey Quantum Tank! Boo! Hiss!
06-24-2005 00:31:10 [Team]Cheesemaster: wait for ready, so you don't follow me to your deaths
06-24-2005 00:31:17 [NPC]Field Agent: We can't let Cheesemaster learn of Crey's plans!
06-24-2005 00:31:22 [Team]Cheesemaster: Ready!
06-24-2005 00:32:59 [Tell]NerfHerder: got room for me?


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As you can see, each entry carries a date and time stamp, the channel in which the dialog occured, as well as the persons involved.

You can enable chat logging in one of two ways, either by way of menu, or with a simple typed command.

Enabling Chat Logging via the Menu.
First click on "Menu" (image). From there select "options" (image). This will take you to you game options screen. At the top there are three buttons, "General", "Controls", and "Graphics and Audio" (image). Your current page will be represented by a green button, the others will be blue. Although you should have come to the "General" page autmatically, if the button isn't green, click on it. Once you are there, you will want to scroll down till you see "Log Chat" (image). If it says "Enabled" to right of it, you are already logging chat for this character. If it says "Disabled", click on the word "Disabled" to enable it. It should change to "Enabled". As a reminder, this setting is character specific, meaning that you will have to do this for each hero you play if you want your chats logged. However, the setting does stick, so you should only have to do it once per hero.

Enabling Chat Logging via Typed Command.
The other way to enable chat logging, is to type "/log_chat" in your chat window's text entry box. This will toggle on your Chat logging if it is currently disabled, or it will toggle chat logging off if it was already on. If you haven't messed with the setting of the "Top" tab in your chat window, a status message should be displayed to let you know whether or not logging is currently enabled.

Chat logs are kept as text files on your hard drive (i.e. C:\Program Files\City of Heroes\logs\game\). While they don't get too large, you may find that you don't want to leave chat logging on all the time. If you can't remember the text command, and don't feel like switching back and forth between your options screen, you can create a keybind or a macro that will allow you to turn it on or off at will.

Keybind are commands that have been assigned to a specific key. City of Heroes allows you to do this very easily, and you can "remap" any key on your keyboard (or button on your mouse for that matter) to a new command using this feature. Lets say I decided I wanted to use my "L" key to act as my toggle for Chat Logging. I could accomplish this by typing the following command in my chat window's text entry box:


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/bind l "log_chat"


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That's it. Now, everytime I press the "L" key on my keyboard (unless I am typing in the chat window), chat loggin will be eneabled or disabled depending on it's current state. Keybinds, like the the Options screen, are also character specific. So if I wanted "L" to work the same way on all of my characters, I would have to log on as each of those heroes, and type that same command. Also like the Options screen, these keybinds, as well as the state of my Chat Logging, will be remain the same each time I log on as that character.

If you would rather click a button then a key, you can create a macro to do the same thing. A macro is essentially identical to a keybind except that instead of it being bound to a key on your keyboard, it appears as an icon in your "Power Tray". The syntax for creating a macro is basically identical to the one for creating a keybind. To create a macro named "LoG" that will eneable you to toggle chat logging on or off, type the following command in your chat window's text entry box.


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/macro LOG "log_chat"


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A grey icon with "LOG" (image) in white letters should appear in the next available power slot on your power tray. Clicking on this icon will act the same way as the "L" key in the keybind example illustrated above.

Remember, logs are good regardless of what some naysayers will claim. Not only does it keep a record of harassing behavior, but it allows you to be proactive about your situation, and puts a degree of control back in your hands. Remember, as a victim of harassment, the most important thing is the you do SOMETHING about your situation. Record keeping is is the very beginning of that something.

Taking Screenshots of Harassing Behavior or Dialog.

While a screenshot is almost as easily modified as a chat log, it can be a good quick way of documenting the offending behavior as you experience it. City of Heroes allows you to capture screenshots using the "Print Screen" key usually found at the upper right of your keyboard or by typing "/screenshot" in your chat window's text entry box. However, by default this will not capture the user interface, including the chat dialog. Luckily, you can overcome this limitation with a simple command.

Hit the "Enter" key as you would to begin chatting, or move your mouse cursor down to the chat box and click in the text entry area, and type the following command.


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/screenshotui 1


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Now, whenever you press the "Print Screen" key, it will include the user interface in the screenshot. To return to normal screenshot mode, simply type the following command.


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/screenshotui 0


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This setting will persist until you change it, even if you exit the game and log back in. However, like chat logging, this setting is character specific so you may want to do it on all of your heroes or heroines if you have cause to do so.

If you find that you don't always want to take screenshots with the user interface, but feel it is kind of a pain to keep typing that command over and over, you can set up key binds or even macros to do this work for you.

Key Bind Example
Lets say I decided that I wanted to use the "P" key to take screenshots without the user interface, but i wanted to use the "Shift" key on the right side of the keyboard (also called the Right Shift key) in conjunction with the "P" key to take screenshots WITH the user interface. I would eneter the following two lines into the text entry box of my chat window.


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/bind p "screenshotui 0$$screenshot"
/bind rshift+p "screenshotui 1$$screenshot"


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Macro Example
As explained above, Macros are just like key binds except that they are represented by icons in your power tray. Here is an example of two macros to take care of the different type of screenshot (with and without userinterface).


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/macro SSUI "screenshotui 1$$screenshot"
/macro PIC "screenshotui 0$$screenshot"


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That will give you a "SSUI" button for user interface screenshots, and "PIC" button (image) to press for the others.

Screenshots are saved to your hard-drive just like chat logs. However, they are significantly large in size, and can quickly use up a smaller drive. You can find them in the "screenshots" directory or folder inside your City of Heroes folder (i.e. C:\Program Files\City of Heroes\screenshots\)

Conclusion
Hopefully by this point, you have realized that we are all here to help you should you find yourself a victim of unwelcome and hostile behavior. Not only is NCSoft and the Legal Systems on your side, but so are your fellow players. By reporting harassment and stalking, you are doing your community a favor by romoving unwanted trouble from the game, and potentially preventing it from happening to another community member. There is no more fitting act of heroism available to us in this game of heroes.

Where can you learn more?
http://www.cyberangels.org/stalking.html

http://www.sfwa.org/gateway/stalking.htm - an excellent introductory FAQ on the problem of cyberstalking, and going into awareness, possible solutions and the like. Although many of the links are broken, it is a very well written piece.

http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/cyberc...erstalking.htm - a somewhat outdated (1999) but still-relevant report on cyberstalking by the Department of Justice.

http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminology/cyberstalking/ - CourtTV&amp;#8217;s breakdown of the crime including Legal Classifications, Stalking Typologies and Pathologies, Incidence and Prevalence, Cyberstalking - A Case Study, Risk Management and more.

http://www.wiredsafety.org/cyberstalking_harassment/ - another useful link of definitions and resources by the self-proclaimed &amp;#8220;world&amp;#8217;s largest online safety and health group&amp;#8221;. They also have a self-help page that is pretty interesting - http://www.wiredsafety.org/cyberstal...elp/index.html

http://www.ncvc.org/ncvc/main.aspx?d...cumentID=32458 - More resources from the National Center for Victims of Crime. Good links and contact information.

Thanks
First of all, I didn't do this. Sure, I typed it, but this is the culmination of discussions in chat and on these boards about how we as a community would like to handle this issue.

We would like to thank the various community leaders on the champion server for not only alerting us to the need for such a guide, but also for helping to compile this information, and for creating an environment where we can be comfortable that the help we need is only a teammate away.

The list of contributors is long, and I would do an injustice by way of omission if I tried to name them all here, so I wont. You know who you are, and Thank you all.






-TheRing