Dark_Respite

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  1. We've got the hammer model - it's on a grave in Potter's Field in Sharkhead...

    Just reverse it so it's a huge Mod (a la Ghost of Scrapyard) followed by hundreds of ghosts wailing, "We're sorry... unban us... we're just trolls... release us from this torment..." and flinging poo instead of dynamite.

    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
  2. Okay, I will update this list as soon as I get back from lunch. And cheers to everyone who created an arc!

    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
  3. Of course, in the middle of this, we must remember to give thanks where thanks are due...

    ... to The Television and Dr. Aeon for stirring up things at Paragon Studios to the point where Her Witchness stepped in to give us an awesome 17th issue.



    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
  4. No, the Carnival Warehouse map is not available via the AE at this point. I don't even think it was available on the test server initially, unlike some maps that were there and later removed because they were broken.

    However, 20 maps are being added to the AE in I-17 - it may be that the Carnie map is one of them.

    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
  5. Quote:
    Issue 17 Overview

    "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."
    Where have I seen this before...?

    Oh, yeah!

    *puts her hands to her temples and chants*

    The videographer sees all and knows all.

    Still, damn excited to see this issue... promises much awesomeness.

    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
  6. As no one has created a composite thread yet with everyone's entries, I thought I'd step up and do it. I've gone through this section to try and get the arcs that have been publicly mentioned, but if I've missed yours, please let me know and I will add it to the list!

    *******

    In numerical order:

    Title: "The Great American Skull Fry!"
    Arc ID: 372980
    Author: @Heraclea
    Synopsis: I want YOU... to KILL SKULS!

    Title: "To Save a Hero"
    Arc ID: 373341
    Author: Smash_Zone
    Synopsis: After a horrible incident, a once valiant Hero has found himself unable to assist the city. On the verge of re-possesing his powers, an unknown force seeks to ruin his efforts and destroy the powerless protector.

    Title: "Dereliction of Duty"
    Arc ID: 373571
    Author: Dying_Breath (global unknown)
    Synopsis: You've been contacted by a renowned hero of Paragon City with a proposition. Is it an offer you can't refuse? At least he doesn't want to arrest you yet...

    Title: "Bad Voodoo"
    Arc ID: 373659
    Author: @Beyond Reach
    Synopsis: Mr. Bocor is one of the first victims of a group of masked vigilantes who have been plaguing Port Oakes, stopping illegal operations and pacifying villains' powers with surprising efficiency. He wants you to strike back at them and reverse whatever they've done to his Voodoun powers.

    Title: "Unfair Trade"
    Arc ID: 373846
    Author: @Lazarus
    Synopsis: A friend you had made during your time in the Zig calls in a favor, leading to a quest to regain his powers while getting payback on the heroes who caused him to lose them.

    Title: "Two Tickets to Westerly"
    Arc ID: 374002
    Author: @PW
    Synopsis: While patrolling in King's Row, you see her. Trashy outfit, smeared makeup, unkempt hair; just another Skulls Girlfriend, you think. You're about to pass her by when she starts waving to you. "Please! I need help!" she pleads. "My boyfriend...I think he's in trouble."

    Title: "The Power of Persuasion"
    Arc ID: 374202
    Author: @SupaNerd
    Synopsis: No synopsis available.

    Title: "Suppression"
    Arc ID: 374481
    Author: @Gypsy Rose
    Synopsis: All over Paragon City, heroes have started mysteriously losing their powers. Are you smart and brave enough to find out why? Do you have enough heart to help?

    Title: "To Dream of Nothing"
    Arc ID: 374644
    Author: @Celestial Nemesis
    Synopsis: A strange anomaly has nullified the powers of every powerful hero and villain in Paragon City; the only ones who can still use their powers are new heroes and petty villains. You are a new hero fresh after your first mission, and the FBSA sends you to Positron right away. He is desperately trying to find the cause of the anomaly, and asks you - as a hero who still has powers - to help him in his investigation.

    Title: "Is That A Club In Your Pocket Or Are You Just Happy To See Me?"
    Arc ID: 374975
    Author: @FredrikSvanberg
    Synopsis: It's the anniversary of Pocket D's opening and you're gonna party all night long. Instead you find DJ Zero sitting on the curb outside the entrance to the club... This can't be good.

    Title: "A Hero in Need...is a Friend Indeed!"
    Arc ID: 375018
    Author: @Wrong Number
    Synopsis: You are new to the hero game so the private message that the granddaddy of Paragon City heroes, Statesman, is asking to see you is a pleasant surprise. That's a sure sign you are moving up, though you wonder what he could possibly want from an apprentice hero such as yourself. No matter what it is, it’s sure to raise your hero profile.

    Title: "Night Calls The Weaver"
    Arc ID: 375420
    Author: Sister_Twelve
    Synopsis: A chance meeting with an old woman on the streets of King's Row leads your hero into a plot 23 years in the making... and into the forgotten story of a heroine who deserves to be remembered.

    Title: "A Heart Breaking Story"
    Arc ID: 378511
    Author: @Arctic Princess
    Synopsis: Henry Peter Wong asks you to investigate the disappearance of a team of newly-registered Heroes. One of the said Heroes happens to be a Nuclear Ninety teenager by the name of Daniel Carson. Will you be able to save Danny and his teammates from the clutches of the Vazhilok?!

    Title: "Too Clever by Half"
    Arc ID: 378944
    Author: @Samuraiko
    Synopsis: Vernon von Grun, in his latest and greatest attempt at mad science, encounters a... SLIGHT problem. Panic with him! NYA-HA-HA-HA-HA... HELP!

    Title: "Outbroken"
    Arc ID: 379017
    Author: @Aehaed
    Synopsis: Coyote does a fantastic job of helping heroes find their feet during their first mission. It take a lot of work to prepare each new conflict zone ahead of the arrival of the beginners. When Coyote himself asks for help, it is time to repay his investment in you.

    Title: "The Return of Doctor Null"
    Arc ID: 379045
    Author: peterpeter
    Synopsis: Not available.

    Title: "Holding Down the Fort"
    Arc ID: 379065
    Author: @LaserJesus
    Synopsis: After Lord Recluse uses his Web device to steal the powers of the Freedom Phalanx, the call was put out to the powerful heroes of Paragon City to deal with the threat he now poses. Meanwhile, back in Paragon, only the rookie heroes and the police are left to deal with the chaos that ensues when all the villain groups of the city decide to capitalize on its weakened state.

    Title: "A Wake For Dead 6"
    Arc ID: 379160
    Author: Clave_Dark_5
    Synopsis: Not available.

    Title: "Possession"
    Arc ID: 379393
    Author: @ArwenDarkblade
    Synopsis: A rescue effort turns complicated in this tale of magic, heroics, and ethics.

    Title: "Past Echoes of Tomorrow"
    Arc ID: 379399
    Author: @Equation
    Synopsis: You have just completed your tasks for City Hall, when you are approached by Numina...

    Title: "Storming Citadel"
    Arc ID: 379448
    Author: @MrCaptainMan
    Synopsis: Not available.

    *******

    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
  7. BTW, cheers that at least now when we submit the email with the arc info, we get back a response notifying us that the email was received. Thanks for listening, Doc!

    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
  8. Title: "Too Clever by Half"
    Arc ID: 378944
    Author: @Samuraiko
    Synopsis: Vernon von Grun, in his latest and greatest attempt at mad science, encounters a... SLIGHT problem. Panic with him! NYA-HA-HA-HA-HA... HELP!

    A fast, fun, and tongue-in-cheek 3-mission story. Feedback is always appreciated!

    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
  9. Um, in the headline it says it's on Saturday, in the Details it says it's on Friday. Which is it?

    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
  10. Quote:
    Originally Posted by treboreleets View Post
    Dr. Aeon always sounds like Vizzini from the Princess Bride.
    Actually, I'd have had Vizzini voicing Vernon von Grun. "Laugh with me! Nyahahahahahahaha-" *thud*

    BTW, had a fun conversation with our esteemed Dr. Aeon the other day - when I asked him who he thought should voice Aeon, his remark was "Dr. Aeon sounds like Antonio Banderas... at least, that's what HE thinks he sounds like."

    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
  11. "For the last time, Positron, NO, you cannot synch your iTunes to the sound system. One, it completely jacks up the playlist, and two, some of us do NOT want to hear "Heavy Metal" twenty-six times in a row again."

    If I am a winner, I permit NC Interactive, Inc. and NCsoft Europe Limited to use my name, likeness, photograph, hometown, and any comments that I may make about myself or this contest that I provide for advertising and promotional activities. I also certify that I am at least 13 years of age and am eligible to participate in this contest.

    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
  12. Makes sense to me. My only concern would be what the 'upgrade' cost will be if I purchase the standalone, but I'm sure that Avatea will update her original post as soon as she's able to.

    Just to confirm, though, Avatea - pre-ordering the standalone ONLY gets us early access to the two powersets (Dual Pistols in March, Demon Summoning in April)?

    We won't get the Praetorian content and all the rest UNTIL July when GR actually goes live, correct?

    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
  13. *wonders if she can make a video and get it shipped to Paragon Studios in a week*

    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
  14. I'd like to see more Heroside about the Legacy Chain... they have some great potential for GOING ROGUE, too (we're on the side of Light, but we'll MASSACRE you if we think you're abusing magic).

    Nemesis - overused.
    Longbow - overused.

    I'd love to see more of the Coralax, as well, and yes, bringing in Apex would rock. I'm sorry, there's something about seeing a hero who was actually willing to CRY that really just made him likable.

    More about Weaver-1 would be great, and damn it all, we NEED an Ouroboros arc about Red Widow.

    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
  15. I'll pass this thread along to my husband @Blood Speaker - N/D MM was his first 50, and his first real love in this game. Still his favorite character to play, so he'll have some advice for y'all who are trying out the set.

    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
  16. It would be the height of unlikeliness, but I'd love to see Dr. Sorina Tavarisch, my grav/kin Tech scientist and the female lead from my story THE COURSE OF SUPERHERO ROMANCE, become canon. Even leaving out the storyline of her relationship with Positron, to have her become a new storyline contact for Vanguard would be an absolute thrill.

    Second best would be seeing my MA arc "Dyne of the Times" become canon as it deals with the trials and tribulations of an older Back Alley Brawler.

    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
  17. Quote:
    Originally Posted by MedicineWolf View Post
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite,

    Your wonderful "City of" videos amazed me with the level of storytelling, humor, and pure technical skill. Imagine my delight when I stumbled across this offering. I've read fan fiction before, and really enjoyed some of the "what ifs" they provide...but I have to say, this is an entirely different creature.

    I waited to post until I had read the first story arc of "The Course of Superhero Romance" IN ITS ENTIRETY, and I'm glad that I did! This goes beyond fan fiction, into the realm of the true writer...the heart of storytelling. You took characters I felt I already knew (at least somewhat), and truly HUMANIZED them. Your characterizations were SPOT ON! I found myself actually CARING about what happened, rooting for the heroes, cheering their triumphs, and sharing their sorrows.

    You are a truly creative and talented person. I wish you every success, and thank you deeply for such a touching experience!
    Wow, thanks very much for the compliments! The sequel is already begun (and book THREE is in the storyboard phase)... just a bit derailed due to the job search. *sighs*

    Again, I'm glad you enjoyed TCoSR as much as you did! Feel free to spread the word as a "Supporter of Nerd Flirting"!

    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
  18. When I spoke to the tech guys at IBuyPower.com (where I got my gaming rig), they told me the Radeon 5850 is virtually identical to the GTX 285, FWIW.

    *happy dance*

    I may actually be able to afford the video card upgrade to make vids with Ultra Mode... thanks to a small but devoted group of my fans. Halfway there...

    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
  19. Dark_Respite

    Heroes/Villans!!

    Do: remember that the way you play may not always be the way others play. Some RP, some don't. Some PvP, some don't.

    Don't: be rude. Unless the person in question is an absolute git with the social skills of a slobbering rabid weasel high on angel dust. In which case, a scathing eloquent putdown followed by putting said git on /ignore works just fine.

    Do: be willing to try different servers. Make a couple low level characters. Sound out the folks on there, see how you like 'em. If it's not your scene, move on. You've got til the end of Feb to transfer any characters you get attached to, for free.

    Don't: be afraid to form your own team. Some folks just stand around and howl for a team and then wonder why no one wants to play. When in doubt, form your own and see who wants to join. To that end...

    Do: read search messages when recruiting. If someone says they're not interested in teaming, don't bother them. And for that matter...

    Don't: send blind invites. Politely send a tell, usually including a bit of info on the level, zone, and mish. For example, "heya, lvl 10 team forming to do the Midnighter Club Arc, care to help?" will get you MUCH farther (or at least a more polite decline) than just "need a kin".

    Do: look stuff up on the forums. If you want to know some of the best ways of trying something, you might find the answer here. And...

    Don't: be afraid to ask someone. Again, be polite and concise when you ask, and the answers you get are more likely to be intelligent and informed.

    Happy hunting!

    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
  20. The announcement is also on the main website.

    *sighs*

    Why do I have to be unemployed right when I need to upgrade my video card, RAM, and hard drive?

    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
  21. Not me! I had a much wonkier idea that I intend to run with.

    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
  22. Let's see...

    I17: Entitlement
    I17: Revolving Doors
    I17: Bread and Circuses
    I17: Still Better than CO
    I17: Placebo
    I17: Psych!

    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
  23. At HeroCon 2009, we saw some of the concept art for the Loyalists, the Resistance, the Seers, Tyrant, Mother Mayhem, Marauder, Desdemona, and Maelstrom. Several folks now include these pictures in their signatures.

    I'm trying to find high quality versions of the original images, but can't seem to track them down. If someone has them (or links to them), could you please post them for me? (NOT the stuff that's easily found on the GOING ROGUE site itself, like the wallpapers - those I have.)

    JPG format is preferable!

    Thanks very much,
    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
  24. I just did the SPTF the other day, and we rescued Brent Thomas.

    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
  25. Quote:
    Originally Posted by BigFish View Post
    OK Michelle

    but you weren't exactly my intended target, as I already support Nerd Flirting

    You have no need to prove your writing skills. U HAZ DEM!!!!!111!!
    Oh! Well, you did lay down the challenge to do it without using original characters, and God knows that TCoSR has original characters all over it.

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by BigFish View Post
    Why are professional writers taking umbrage at what I wrote?

    Me? Yeah, I've been published in some amateur journals. Never had anyone pay me, not claiming to be any great shakes, not currently pursuing writing as a career

    just done it enough to know it ain't easy
    *shrugs* I'm not taking umbrage at it, and yes, I am a professional writer. Not quite the same way as Hickman, but I've had published journalism articles, been an editor and tech writer for years, etc.

    For me, it's more about the challenge. When someone says, "Oh yeah? Well try and do THIS!", and I think it's in the realm of possibility for me, I try. Even if what I end up writing for this thing blows whales, it's a 20-page story and writing practice for me.

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Samuel_Tow View Post
    Your analogies don't actually work, since "writing a story" is really only the very crust of what writing actually is. Anyone can write a story, and I dare say anyone with a good grasp of the English language can write a decent story, but being a professional writer largely involves writing OTHER people's stories at times and on topics where you simply lack the spark of inspiration. It involves keeping to specific time lines, creating stories on demand, rather than when you think of something cool, and keeping a large continuity in check. If you look at the job of a writer as someone who writes things for the game as a hobby the way we create Architect arcs when inspiration strikes, then yes, it very much is an easy job. It's also not a job you're likely to get paid for.

    Implementing the inventions system isn't really comparable to small-scale writing. It's more akin to creating the entire Praetorian storyline lore, locations, characters, backstories and such, and then integrating them within City of Heroes without outright contradicting or ret-conning existing stories. Furthermore, it's doing that while still leaving enough room for future reveals, plot twists, surprises and general expansion. And you need to do all that in such a way that it accounts for the actions of player characters, gives them a choice in their decisions and possibly even alters based on what players do. That is by no means a simple or easy job to do.

    There's one thing I can guarantee - most people are going to crack if they are burdened with the task of writing something professionally, and they will either devolve into poor, rushed material or shut down completely. And unlike a lot of other professions, in writing this is a danger than never goes away.

    *note*
    I don't want to sound like I'm some kind of big expert writer, but I like to think I have some experience with it and at least some overview of the difficulties involved. Writing really isn't something you can speak about unless you've had some experience with it, as it looks a lot more glamorous from the outside looking in than it does once you actually start trying to do it. Everyone seems to think it's an easy, cushy job that should be fun to do, and once you start trying to put together a meaningful, longer, consistent story you inevitably hit a point where you hate your life.
    And it's true. Even as a tech writer, it's true.

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Techbot Alpha View Post
    I'll simplify it.

    Any screaming fan-tard can write the most god-awful fan-slash fiction to do with anything. It's technically writing. It's, technically, a story.
    It's also abaout as palatable as a jumbo turd burger washed down with cesspit juice.

    And then you have people like Tolkien, Garth Nix, Rowling...gods damn its too early to be thinking...
    And that is far removed from the 'writing' of the fan-fic masses as gold is from rusted tin.

    There are ninety nine tricks in life. You can teach all of them. But even a master of the ninety nine tricks will be beaten by the novice who has the hundredth trick. And that trick cannot be taught.
    That trick is talent.
    I absolutely love that description of fan fiction writing. And I WRITE fan fiction. And yes, some of it's bad. Because I didn't know what I was doing at the time. *winces*

    Skill will only get you so far. Talent will only get you so far. Skill + Talent = the sky's the limit.

    I don't know if I have talent... ego says I do, self-esteem issues say I don't. But if I don't keep practicing, and trying, even just to hone language and grammar and other skills... I'll never get anywhere.

    Hence, to go back to BigFish's question, why I'm trying my hand at his 'challenge.' *digs out her list of writing prompts and her gaming dice to see which prompt she ends up with*

    Michelle
    aka
    Samuraiko/Dark_Respite