Ex_Libris
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Posts
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Joined
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Thread stickied by request, please let us know when it has outlived it's sticks-worth.
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Regards,
Ex -
I haven't made any full-on cyborg outfits yet, but I did refit a couple of existing costumes using cyborg parts. Both of the below are now different combinations of Vanguard + Enforcer + Cyborg.
SuperCritical
I never get the lighting to turn out nicely on screenshots... the base color on torso and legs is Blue1, and the armor base color is Blue10. I kinda like how the Cyborg visor and Vanguard mask combined.
Araneus
Huge robo-crab says RAWR from somewhere on Cap au Diable.
Lastly,
Ripper Joe
My Stalker just picked up the HUD to finish out his Vanguard outfit. Nobody's really sure why he has one, but they don't seem to be in any rush to try taking it away from him. -
[ QUOTE ]
Totally forgot to add my experimental design: Coppercat
[/ QUOTE ]
That right there is pretty sweet. -
Why is this awesome?
My day 1 villain character's name is SuperCritical. It had always been in his backstory that his powersuit was (unbeknownst to him) highly unstable, and could go ka-boom at any time. Now I can actually do that
Why is this not cool? You implemented it while I was on vacation!
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Vol. 2, Issue 14
September12, 2008
The City Scoop a publication for Supers by Supers! With this issue we have many of our regular features back and moar!
Read the latest publication and then join in on the community discussion!
If you have concerns regarding the content of the Scoop please direct your comments via PM to Lighthouse or Ex Libris.
If you would like to do a feature article, have an event covered, or join "The City Scoop" team please PM Snow_Globe
If you need some Advice contact Lady_Athyna or would like to Ask The X contact LiquidX
Finally if you have a Classified Ad or Recipe you would like included please contact: LadyK or MistressNoire -
Vol. 2, Issue 14
September 12th, 2008
The City Scoop a publication for Supers by Supers! With this issue we have many of our regular features back and moar!
Read the latest publication and then join in on the community discussion!
If you have concerns regarding the content of the Scoop please direct your comments via PM to Lighthouse or Ex Libris.
If you would like to do a feature article, have an event covered, or join "The City Scoop" team please PM Snow_Globe
If you need some Advice contact Lady_Athyna or would like to Ask The X contact LiquidX
Finally if you have a Classified Ad or Recipe you would like included please contact: LadyK or MistressNoire -
The City Scoop Staff
-
Classifieds
NOW HIRING
Paragon Underground Radio is now hiring bouncers and
bartenders. Please send an in-game e-mail to DJ Durango on the Virtue server
for more information or an application.
ARTIST WANTED
Published author seeks superhero artist for politically
progressive comic book project. Speculative: no money up front, any profits to
be split 50/50. Character designs to start; full script pages will follow.
Interested parties should PM DoctorJ through the forums or @DoctorJ on the
game.
Dearest Villains
and not-as-dear Heroes
Ive been running events on the Infinity server since first arriving in January
and realizing there was no one on the boards running regular villain content,
much less during a time slot which worked with my schedule. Many of you on that
server have teamed with me, coming no doubt for my fabulous company and for the
hugs and kisses I always sign off with. Lately Ive been in disguise on the
Mind over Matter Theme Team, but you probably know me best from Occasional Week
Night Strike Forces (OWNSF).
If youre not familiar with it, OWNSFs are something I started last spring, when
my schedule changed and I could no longer commit to the regular Saturday Strike
Forces I was running. I pick a week night and a time slot which work for me, a
strike force Im interested in, and post a thread with the date, time, strike
force name, and general information, and ask for sign-ups. I even have an
overflow list for the definite-maybes. Very rarely I run something by special
request.
At the appointed time, I log on, conspire with the signed-up participates, then
we decimate everything our paths, earning infamy, badges, recipes, and glory.
Of course we are very modest about our awesome abilities. Awesomely modest,
even! To date, all of the OWNSFs have been successful and the teams worked
well, and the conversation has been entertaining. We rarely take more than two
hours maximum for anything. The best part has been becoming global friends with
any of these villains.
Lately, OWNSFs have expanded to include the occasional task force, usually run
by my alter ego, the Textilian. Those task forces follow the same plan of enemy
utter domination, badges and glory, but sans killing, hugs, and kisses. You can
usually tell which personality is in charge, since Text always signs off with
cordial handshakes rather than my friendly salutes.
Any one interested in joining me can do so simply by popping over to the
Infinity server boards, and find the current strike force thread started by
Textilian, then just sign-up with your local name or character tba (to be
awesome), level and archetype. While there are no archetype restrictions, not
even on the rare Lord Reclusives run, sometimes Ill change who I bring based
on the rest of the roster.
In the future, I hope to expand to other shards I exist and am active on,
include badge and giant monster hunting, and run some of the mini-task forces
found in Oroborus. Im also experimenting with different time slots, by
request.
Hope to team with you soon!
Hugs and kisses,
Sins and Needles
XOXOXOXOX
~Textilian
Want to be part of the VEAT Army? Yes we are an offshoot
branch of the FUSION empire in the Protector dimension loyal only to Ghost
Widow. We are destined for greatness.
Ghost Widow has ordered my organization to form a new
sect in support of special operations. I will recruit within our ranks as well
as go outside of our known coalition. These chosen members will go to an
academy for training as various Arachnos soldiers. While I do not like to be
told how to run FUSION, Widow assures me that I will be rewarded for forming
this group.
My first order of business is to choose villains among
my organization that display some of the following qualities: Mind control,
knowledge of poisons, stealth, acrobatics, weapons fighting, and most
importantly do not display fear and that would die if I ordered them to do
such. I have at least 20 in mind from my 150 Villain organization that fit this
criteria. Over the next few weeks I will begin listing them in preparation for
training.
This training will consist of a series of trials and
strike forces ordered by Ghost Widow. More to follow soon.
Want to know more?
Please come to the Veat Army Project.
The Cooperative Story project is in need of authors. You
can locate the current work
here. Support, commentary and introductions are located
here. The idea is simple: Find an author you know well and can work
with, and write a story together. At present, all styles are welcome. We look
forward to your contributions.
HELP WANTED
Writers for The City Scoop. Please contact Snow_Globe or Marcian_Tobay for
submission details.
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Base Showcase
Storm & Phantom Investigations
Who is your base designer and who are your supergroup leaders?
I and my best friend Don are the base designers. I play the Red Phantom, a
pulp/noir occult investigator who deals with the occult, gangsters and Nazi
madmen obsessed with magic. Don is Challenger Storm, a pastiche of Doc Savage,
Allan Quartermain and James Bond. A kind of trouble-shooter for hire.
What server is your base on?
We are situated on Liberty. So far our experiences have been quite wonderful.
We've enjoyed great battles with non-SG players for the most part.
When was your supergroup established?
I believe it was in mid August. The 19th I think.
How many players are in your supergroup?
At least 20. I lost track! I recruited a good number of people recently who
tired of being neglected by their SG's. They were looking for a group who are
in the late 20s to mid 30s.
What is the approximate value of your base?
I believe it's 489, 997 after going through the numbers. We really don't pay
attention to things like that. Storm and Red strive to make our members feel as
if they're part of a real team with a real base which opens the doors for many
roleplaying possibilities.
How much time do you spend working on your base? How much time have you
invested so far?
Every week, I spend at least 15 minutes moving things around, going through
various things etc. Eventually I will expand the base so as to include
workstations, more storage areas and teleporters. It's a slow process but we're
meticulous and are paying attention to detail. From the clutter of books and
vials of stuff in the occult "lab" to the trophies in the "lounge," we aim to
make our members happy. As for how much time, it's really hard to say.
What is your favorite base item? Least favorite?
Favorite thing...The "labs." By putting tech and occult/supernatural furnishings
the base has a real comic book base feel to it. As one member put it, it feels
like the Justice Society of America. There is no least favorite base item to be
honest. We're enjoying everything actually.
What is your favorite thing about base editing? Least favorite?
The most favorite thing would have to be is when I see my SG mates sitting in
the chairs chatting either in or out of character or when they walk around
staring at everything such as the tropies, the pickled organs in the occult lab
and the like.
What is the highest thing on your wish-list for new base items?
teleporters. they would help many of our members to get around quickly. Maybe a
"hangar" to store our vehicles to further enhance the hq "feel." Furnishings to
make the hangar feel like a real grease monkey's haven.
If you could give just one piece of advice to a new base editor, what would
it be?
Make sure there is a good sense of flow to it like a real comic book base. Don't
go nuts with the stuff. It'll be too cluttered and may slow down weaker
computers.
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Rogue Isles Legend
Welcome once more to Rogue Isles Legend, the article where I map out the hidden
dangers and delights that the Rogue Isles have to offer a dedicated doer of
dark deeds. In the past I have guided you through the morbid dangers of
Potter's Field, and through the opportunities in New Haven. In the future, we
will be exploring many such dangerous areas together, but for today, I have a
different adventure in mind. For what good do your ill gotten gains do, if you
must carry them through winding alleys filled with danger? Wouldn't you rather
put your feet up, and enjoy your wicked rewards for a while? Yes? Well then
come with me, to the heart of St. Martial, to the Golden Giza casino, in a
neighborhood called Babylon.
DANGERS OF BABYLON
For the most part, there are no enemies to be found within the glittering walls
of the Golden Giza. Neither do enemies spawn near the casino, within the
boundaries of the Babylon neighborhood. Barring an ambush or a zone invasion,
you can rely on a certain amount of safety here. However, don't be complacent,
ambushes do happen, and enemies from bordering neighborhoods can easily be
drawn into Babylon's borders. While you are outside, be on the lookout for
Freakshow, Family, Arachnos, and Tsoo, all of which spawn on the borders of
Babylon, and may chase you into the perceived safe zone. However, within the
walls of the Golden Giza, you will never be attacked, ever.
CONTACTS
Which isn't to say that the Giza doesn't contain any dangerous people. On the
contrary, a lot of money trades hands in St. Martial, and some very dangerous
people have come to get a piece of that money for themselves. However, these
enterprising sorts are keenly interested in using your skills to their own
ends. The Giza is home to no less than a half dozen potential contacts, all
with their own nefarious adventures to offer you. Three are approachable by any
villain, 2 are hidden, and the final contact needs the aid of an entire team of
villains. Let's start with the most basic contacts, Hard Luck, Jezebel Jones,
and Basse Croupier.
Hard Luck: Apart from looking like an evil Jonathan Frakes, Hard Luck is the man
who makes sure that the house always wins. The Casino turns a healthy profit,
and Hard Luck makes sure that nobody wins "too much". Help him keep a few super
powered cheaters in line, and Hard Luck will see to it that you get a cut of
the action. Hard Luck also offers the Bad Luck badge for completing the mission
"Get the unlucky artifact".
Jezebel Jones: The world's oldest profession is alive and well in Babylon, and
Jezebel Jones is the Madam who runs Johnny Sonata's favorite escort service.
This gives her a lot of influence in St. Martial, which she is not shy about
using and abusing. However, she's in need of a different sort of power at the
moment. Her business is not without it's own risks, and some super-powered
threats are putting a pinch on her profits. Help her get back to business as
usual, and she can do a lot for a villain on the rise to power.
Basse Croupier: This guy is great. Just ask your friends to pronounce his name,
it's priceless. Seriously though, Basse is Johnny Sonata's right hand man, and
a Pitt Boss at the Golden Giza. You might have noticed by now that a lot of St
Martial's illicit activity tends to orbit around Johnny Sonata. Well, Basse
Croupier is the man Johnny trusts to make sure everything stays in a smooth
orbit. There's a lot of money to be made helping Basse keep business running as
usual. Basse Croupier also offers the Skip Tracer badge for completing the
"Catch Freakshow debtor before he skips town" mission.
Greeen Radiance and RocketBoy by Rhardo
HIDDEN CONTACTS
Babylon is home to two hidden contacts, both of whom are within the gleaming
neon halls of the Golden Giza. One is the most powerful man in St. Martial, the
other, doesn't even seem to be a person at all. Both offer some of the most
compelling story lines in the game.
Johnny Sonata: The legendary crooner himself, Johnny Sonata can be found in his
own private office inside the Golden Giza. By now, you know there's more to him
than his often praised singing talents, and you can find out the real story
behind Johnny "The Pipes" Sonata if you have what it takes to impress the
legendary lounge act. Unlocking Johnny is actually very simple. You need to get
the Obsessed badge, gained by having 50 badges. It's almost hard NOT to get
this badge by the time you get to St. Martial in my experience. If you're
having trouble, my advice is to collect exploration badges across the Rogue
Isles. If you don't have any stealth capabilities, then do a quick patrol of
Bloody Bay to get the Hyper Stealth power, which will let you chase exploration
badges in safety, even in zones too high level to travel safely in. You'll have
Johnny Sonata open in no time.
The Slot Machine: At first glance, a perfectly ordinary slot machine, this is
actually one of the must unique contacts in all of CoV. Unlike Johnny Sonata
however, it's kind of a pain to unlock. To unlock The Slot Machine, you need
the Gangbuster badge, gained by defeating 200 "Marcone" Family bosses. There
are two ways to go about this. Either get a team of like minded friends and go
mud stomping some gray spawns in Marconeville in Port Oakes for an hour. Or
head over to "The Flop" in St Martial, where Marcone Consigliere bosses are
fairly common. It's still going to take awhile and be kind of a pain, but at
least you'll be getting experience and drops. Bring friends to minimize the
tedium. As for the Slot Machine itself, rumor has it that the machine pays out
hot tips on insider crimes instead of cash. Unlock it, and try your luck, and
you will find the rumors to be true. You'll have to play every game it has to
offer to learn the secret of this fantastic machine.
STRIKE FORCE CONTACT
Finally, while exploring the casino, you might be surprised to see a villain in
full costume. This is Ice Mistral, the protegee of Scirroco. She is here to
assemble an elite team of villains for the Crystal Keeper Strike Force.
Ice Mistral: Scirocco's apprentice is here to seek out a magical treasure her
master covets, The Crystal of Serafina. However, recovering this potent magical
relic will be no simple matter. You will need a team of between 4 and 8
villains, all level 35 or higher to even undertake this Strike Force. The
Crystal Keeper Strike Force has a maximum level of 40, so higher level villains
will be automatically Malefactored to 40 while working on the Strike Force.
Completing Crystal Keeper earns you a rare pool C recipe, the Crystal Keeper
badge. and the Enchantment of Serafina temporary power. The Crystal Keeper
badge is also part of the Megalomaniac accolade.
BADGES
There are two exploration badges to be found in Babylon, Camel Snot (ew, ok,
just ew), and Stonekeeper. Both can be found outside the Golden Giza.
Camel Snot is by far the more difficult of the two, as it is high atop the
pyramid of the Golden Giza, and difficult to spot. You'll find it near the tip
of the pyramid, on the balcony just below the top, on the western face of the
casino.
Stonekeeper is much easier to get by comparison. Head southeast of the main
entrance to the Golden Giza. You'll see a bunch of obelisks sticking out of the
courtyard, with a fountain nearby. The badge is by the southern most obelisk,
though you can't see it due to the placement of obelisks. This badge also
unlocks the Wailer gladiator option.
And that's everything you need to know to explore Babylon, so I'll leave the
rest to you. Buy some chips, play a few hands, make a few friends, maybe make a
little bit of Infamy along the way. Just remember, the house always wins. Join
me next time for Rogue Isles Legend, where I once again explain the map.
-
Community
Fan Fiction Spotlight
Kat Scratched Fever (Mynx's Story)
In the beginning, she cried. She begged. She pleaded.
But none of it made any difference. They didnt stop. They kept on hurting her.
They kept on changing her. Tearing away who she had been, making her into
someone else.
Something else.
Now now she doesnt cry. She struggles when she can. Glares at them when she
cant. She lets them see that shes watching them. She lets them see that she
knows what theyre doing to her.
And many of themthe ones who still have soulslook away.
Now now for the first time in ages, shes alone.
And that cant be a good thing.
Its hard for her to think, now. She tries to free herself, but her restraints
still prove themselves greater than her strength. For all her newfound
mightand she can feel it coursing through her veins, singing in her earsshe
doesnt have the power to shatter her chains.
But she tries. Again and again, she tries until she realizes shes no longer
alone.
Ah, yes. Still you fight. The voice has a heavy Italian accent. I told them
that your soft exterior concealed a tigress. Youre the first subject to
survive this far, Katherine. I am proud of you.
She hisses at him.
He laughs. Is it the beast that hates me or the woman, Katherine? It doesnt
matter, you know. You wont hate me for long.
Ill kill you! she threatens, moderately surprised to find that she can still
speak, her voice a husky whisper.
No, I dont think you shall. You see, you belong to us, Katherine. Body and
soul. And soon soon your mind will as well.
Blue... Yet another masterpiece...
I'm sorry, that was unprofessional. Let's begin with something more
introductory...
Mynx is probably one of Paragon City's least liked heroines. I don't even know
why. Perhaps it's because the comics portrayed here as a caustically snarky
[insert a very mean word here]. Heck, when I utilized her within my own
fanfiction, it was requested that I later have her hit by a truck, a request I
have little-to-no intention of fulfilling; it's not my place to determine the
future of the signature characters of the game world.
However, BlueBattler not only does determine the stories of the signature
characters, he does it well. From his chronicle of how the Clockwork King got
to be the monstrosity with a broken heart he is today, to exploring the fading
humanity of Statesman, there is something deeply poignant to Blue's portrayal
of the little moments in the game world's history that have a lasting impact on
the rest of the story.
Here, he explores the history of Mynx's origin. In the game lore, we never
really learn of the events that transpired after Synapse learns of Mynx's
existence. Nor do we learn of why Crey seems to just leave her alone. Blue
answers this with a well-thought-out story that, well, measures up very nicely
to the rest of his work.
I know I usually recommend the work that appears in here, but this is simply a
must-read. I can guarantee that it will change your opinion of Paragon City's
most famous catgirl.
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Choose Wisely
Now I'm not a voting man. Honestly. Sure, I could've prevented Ryu winning the
election for "Supreme Commander of Cell Block B" but c'mon, is it worth
incurring the wrath of the candidates? Case in point: November elections are
coming up, and while they have no bearing on me whatsoever, you heroes might
want to listen up. The three candidates this year are all vying for an
important position: Team Leader. And because I feel bad for you heroes, here's
some helpful hints on who to vote for.
John D. Fender: I'm a man of the people. Sure, when the chips are down I go on
the offensive, but I pride myself on taking care of others. See, I believe that
if we all work together in perfect harmony, there's no foe we can't defeat! And
I know from experience that when things get really rough, I can hunker down and
quickly patch things up. So I may not pack a punch. But the sum of our parts
forms some kind of indestructible Japanese robot, and that robot needs an
anthropomorphic animal device to be the head. So this November, vote for the
man who promises to bring us together and lift our spirits. I'm John D. Fender,
and I support this message.
Barry Lasters: Sure, my main opponent promises unity. But the best defense is a
good offense, and I plan to take the fight straight to the source! Yes, I don't
pride myself on untiy through equality but unity through strength. If we're all
at the top of our game, we can take down any foe. And while I mean not have the
people skills my opponent has, I have a better chance of survival. Because I
can fight from a distance and up close, on the front-line with the best of my
time. Vote for Barry Lasters for Team Leader. Unity through strength.
Connie T. Roller: My psychiatrist claims I have obsessive-compulsive disorder,
but this puts me at an advantage. Nothing can go wrong if you control the
battlefield and inhibit the enemy. I believe that with surveillance and
planning we can win the battle before its begun. With the tactical skill to
call for reinforcements and harness enemy turncoats, we can win from within.
Like my opponent Mr. Fender, I believe in the strength of the people but I
pride myself on knowing what I can and will do. I can't say I have the
offensive plans Mr. Lasters does, but by golly halting their progression is the
first step to victory! So let's work together to stop the influences of evil
right where they stand. Vote for Connie Roller.
Now see, the inherent problem is that in the long run other teams will be
assembled and this'll all be insignificant. Such is life. But it never hurts to
prepare, and your best choice of action is to go evil. Why not? Best offence,
moderate defense, no pesky morals to hold you back. Think smart. Think evil.
I'm Hostile V, and I support this message.
Behind the PvP Mask
M3zm3r1z3
Can you tell us a little about yourself? Ages and your natural
habitats?
I'm an artist and animator. I like competitive gaming and I compete in several
different games. I'm 18 years old and I live on the Flathead Indian Reservation
in Montana.
When did you first discover PvP in City of Heroes
Television, it looked like it had a cool costume creator so I wanted to buy the
game and fight heroes too (laughs).
Which PvP groups (Test or other) have you been a member of, could you tell us
about them?
After VORI disbanded I joined GMW, they're a nice bunch of guys and the group
has a lot of talented freedom players.
Your favorite roles in the Arena and most challenging?
Dominator is my favorite, and before Fortunatas(which made Doms obsolete) it was
the most challenging position for me to play (I've played every offensive
position on the test pvp level) and Doms were dangerous to play for a number of
reasons, mainly being an offensive character with long animations making it
very susceptible to AS's.
Do you PvP outside of CoH? If so, which games?
I play team fortress 2, AOC, and Smash Brothers: Brawl. I travel to Brawl
tournaments every once in a while. VORI is also starting a TF2 CAL team.
What is your most memorable Arena moment, team or otherwise?
I can think of a few but the one that came to mind first was when VORI rolled
UJL 20-30 or something to 1 on the lab map. I remember Volund (Mastermind for
VORI) saying: "Just kill them all, let God sort them out."
Once all is said and done about VORI, how would you like to be remembered?
I don't care how I'm remembered, I just play CoH with my friends for fun, but I
want VORI to be remembered as the best VG that has ever PvP'd in CoV history,
because it sure was.
Turbo Ski's Crew by imagesbyalex
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The City Scoop
Under the Hood
Endurance 201
I went over the basics of Endurance (END) in my last article. Everyone has a
base 100 END, and they recover 100% of their END every 60 seconds. That comes
out to 1.67 END/second (EPS). I also covered ways to increase both END and
Recovery. A character with Stamina, Accolades, rare IOs, and set bonuses can
recover around 3 EPS. Now it's time to see how to use that END wisely.
All the Endurance and Recovery in the world won't help if you have a poorly
slotted character. You need to get a handle on where you're spending END and
where to use slots to reduce it. And before you ask, EVERY character can
benefit from slotting END Reduction intelligently. Take a look at the Detailed
Power Info available in game to see how much END you're spending on toggles and
attack powers. Time how long a fight takes, from the start of one spawn to the
start of the next, and multiply that by the cost of each toggle power you have.
Then multiply the cost of each attack by the number of times you used it. The
results should be enlightening.
Movement powers are somewhat expensive toggles with Super Speed and Super Jump
at 0.455 EPS. If you've got Super Jump, switch to Combat Jumping during combat.
Combat Jumping is a REALLY cheap toggle that will never need END Reduction.
Just turn off Super Speed. Fly costs a whopping 1 EPS, so switch to Hover
(0.195 EPS) or just walk in combat.
Defensive toggles are usually 0.21 or 0.26 EPS, and in a 30 second fight will
use 6.2 or 7.8 END. That's about the same as a single Moderate damage attack.
You'll probably find that most of your END is being used by attack powers. That
means the best way to reduce your END usage is to slot your attack powers for
END Reduction. And you get the biggest bang for your buck by slotting attack
powers that use the most total END.
How does END Reduction work? Just divide the END cost of a power by the END
Reduction value, which has a base of 100% (1.0) before Enhancements. Fire Ball
costs about 15.2 END, but if you slot an END Reduction SO (33.3%), it costs
15.2 / (1.0+0.333) = 11.4 END. Similarly, Fire Blast would go from 5.2 to 3.9
END. But you cast Fire Blast about 4 times for every 1 time you cast Fire Ball,
which means Fire Blast would go from 20.8 to 15.6 total END. So it's usually
better to slot frequently used attacks before longer recharge ones if you want
to save more END.
END Reduction Enhancements give diminishing returns. The first SO in Fire Ball
reduced the END cost by 3.8. A second SO in Fire Ball will reduce it to 9.1, or
by 2.3. A third SO will bring it to 7.8, a reduction of 1.3. It's usually
better to spread the END Reduction around before you start to double up on any
given power. As a general rule, give all attacks 1 End Reduction Enhancement
first, toggles second, then take a close look to see what if anything needs
more.
You can also make a more END efficient team. Add support characters with END
friendly powers. Accelerate Metabolism (AM) in Radiation Emission gives a 30%
Recovery boost to the whole team, though it's usually only up about 60% of the
time. It also gives good Resistance to END and Recovery debuffs. Empaths have
Recovery Aura, a 200% Recovery boost for the whole team, but it's usually
available only 35% of the time. But they also get Adrenaline Boost, a single
target 800% Recovery buff that can be up around 60% of the time. Kinetics get
Speed Boost which is a 50% Recovery boost, but it has to be cast on teammates
individually. They also get Transference, which is an AoE END Refill power.
Another important feature of teams is the use of AoEs (Area of Effect attacks).
AoE attacks are the most efficient ways to spend your END if you can hit a
decent number of targets. Large AoEs are balanced to cost about as much as 3
single target attacks that do the same damage. Don't toss a big AoE if you're
only going to hit 1 or 2 targets, but do toss it if you can hit 3 or more. If
you can hit 15 targets, you've done a lot of damage for 1/5 the usual END cost.
Small (often melee) AoEs are usually balanced to cost the same as 2 single
target attacks, so don't waste them on a single target. But if you can line up
3 or more targets, you're spending END wisely.
There are also a few other tactics you can use to help with END. Don't waste a
big END expensive attack on a minion with a sliver of HP. Use blue Inspirations
when you run low on END. Convert Inspirations you don't need to blues. Always
leave a couple Inspiration slots open so you can get more.
Vol. 2, Issue 14
Spetember 12th, 2008
This Issue:
Upcoming Events:
September 13th
Protector
September 14th
Champion
Justice
September 19th
Protector
September 20th
RSVP
Infinity
September 26th
Pinnacle
Protector
Virtue
PAX PPD Hardsuit Code Contest at SIRadio.FM!
There are plenty of END sucking mobs out there that you'll need to deal with.
Malta Sappers can drain you dry quickly, so use Control powers on them when you
can. Clockwork and most other electrical attack using mobs drain a little END
for each hit, so bring some extra Defense so you don't get hit as often.
Carnies drain END from people near them when defeated, so try to defeat them
from range. You can also just load up on lots of END friendly support chars
(especially Rads with AM), or find a Tanker or Brute with resistance to END and
Recovery debuffs.
That's a quick rundown on how to use your END more efficiently. Check out
This Guide by hudsonsmith for more.
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Thread marked to save.
Thank you for joining the ranks, good luck in the ladder.
Regards,
Ex -
[ QUOTE ]
Hello all! I've made another Video and this one comes with a chance for YOU(yes, you) to win a Freak Game Card that is normally only available through attending NCSoft conventions!
The City Scoop describes the card as:
[ QUOTE ]
A Pin Code for the limited edition permanent power: Freakshow Boss Costume! This power switches your character's appearance to that a Freakshow boss. Great for conversation starters, infiltration missions, and framing enemy villain groups for heists!
[/ QUOTE ]
This is all to celebrate W00t's Three Year Anniversary!
Contest details can be found at the link above!
Come, watch, compete and enjoy!
( Youtube link for those with trouble watching the video in other versions )
EDIT: Some of the uploading portions are messed up on the new site. They should be fixed soon.
In the meantime, here is a little guide on how to upload images as it is currently set up:
You must log in with a w00t account.
Cursor over the image depot tab along the top of the site and select the Upload Images option.
From there, select your contest gallery, file and description and save.
If the save button is not displaying, Sorry, we are trying to fix that.
[/ QUOTE ]
Here's another chance to get your "Freak" on, check out the details on how to win a "Freakshow" costume power.
Regards,
Ex -
Vol. 2, Issue 13
August 29th, 2008
The City Scoop a publication for Supers by Supers!
Read the latest player made publication and then join in on the community discussion!<ul type="square">[*] If you have concerns regarding the content of the Scoop please direct your comments via PM to Lighthouse or Ex Libris.
[*] If you would like to do a feature article, have an event covered, or join "The City Scoop" team please PM Snow_Globe.
[*] If you need some Advice contact Lady_Athyna or would like to Ask The X contact LiquidX
[*] Finally if you have a Classified Ad or Recipe you would like included please contact: LadyK or MistressNoire[/list] -
Vol. 2, Issue 13
August 29th, 2008
The City Scoop a publication for Supers by Supers!
Read the latest player made publication and then join in on the community discussion!- [*] If you have concerns regarding the content of the Scoop please direct your comments via PM to Lighthouse or Ex Libris.
[*] If you would like to do a feature article, have an event covered, or join "The City Scoop" team please PM Snow_Globe.
[*] If you need some Advice contact Lady_Athyna or would like to Ask The X contact LiquidX
[*] Finally if you have a Classified Ad or Recipe you would like included please contact: LadyK or MistressNoire[/list]
Join The Discussion! -
The City Scoop Staff
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Classifieds
NOW HIRING
Paragon Underground Radio is now hiring bouncers and bartenders. Please send an in-game e-mail to DJ Durango on the Virtue server for more information or an application.
ARTIST WANTED
Published author seeks superhero artist for politically
progressive comic book project. Speculative: no money up front, any profits to
be split 50/50. Character designs to start; full script pages will follow.
Interested parties should PM DoctorJ through the forums or @DoctorJ on the
game.
Voters Wanted
Individuals wanted to vote for Twilight Guardian, written by CoH scribe and forumite Troy Hickman, as part of a campaign to get the character her own ongoing series. Interested individuals should report every day (through Sept. 8) to www.topcow.com, and cast their vote (once per computer per day). For more information, consult Newsarama
WANTED
Fan Artist to draw my character. I cannot offer much
compensation other than any of the wares I would otherwise sell on the Auction
House. If you are interested, please contact Hakuro de Killer on the Virtue
Server.
Want to be part of the VEAT Army? Yes we are an offshoot
branch of the FUSION empire in the Protector dimension loyal only to Ghost
Widow. We are destined for greatness.
Ghost Widow has ordered my organization to form a new
sect in support of special operations. I will recruit within our ranks as well
as go outside of our known coalition. These chosen members will go to an
academy for training as various Arachnos soldiers. While I do not like to be
told how to run FUSION, Widow assures me that I will be rewarded for forming
this group.
My first order of business is to choose villains among
my organization that display some of the following qualities: Mind control,
knowledge of poisons, stealth, acrobatics, weapons fighting, and most
importantly do not display fear and that would die if I ordered them to do
such. I have at least 20 in mind from my 150 Villain organization that fit this
criteria. Over the next few weeks I will begin listing them in preparation for
training.
This training will consist of a series of trials and
strike forces ordered by Ghost Widow. More to follow soon.
Want to know more?
Please come to the Veat Army Project.
Want your character to be interviewed by Scoop Man? Send
a PM to HumanMiracle!
Want your character to be interviewed by Patty-Sue
Ivanova? Send a PM to Emperorsteele!
Need to sell something? Post it in The City Scoop
Classifieds. Send a PM to SpaceNut while LadyK is on Vacation.
Introducing Two-for-Tuesday at El Super Mexicano! All
regular quesadillas just 2 for $5 all day Tuesday!
VOICE TALENT WANTED!
A CoX movie project is currently in need of voice talent for a variety of characters.
Male, Female and "Other" may apply! If you think you've got a good, clear voice that is above par for a typical fan-made video, please send a PM to Ryan_Mercury on the forums.
Those who do so will be given a narrative suited for their sex and desired character demeanor to which they are interested in applying for. There are are various other details involved, but if this sounds like something you're confortable doing, please apply! More information will eventually be brought to the community forums when the plans become solid.
HELP WANTED
Writers for The City Scoop. Please contact Snow_Globe or Marcian_Tobay for
submission details.
Do you have an event coming up? Are you going to attend
an upcoming event? Do you want to see or even write an article for The City
Scoop? Drop a line to an Editor-in-Chief a week in advance, and you too could
be a guest writer for The City Scoop.
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Base Showcase
Paragon Super Group
Who is your base designer and who are your supergroup leaders?
Base designer: Seigi no Akuma
Leaders: Brain Damage1, Tank Me, Nhytshade
What is your supergroup's name?
Base: Paragon Super Group
Personal: 1stMI (First Mechanized Infantry)
Which server is your base on, and is it a Hero or Villain SG?
Freedom - Heroside
When was your supergroup established?
September 2006
How many players are in your supergroup?
101
What is the approximate value of your base?
29 million prestige
How much time do you spend working on your base? How much time have you invested so far?
I usually spend 4 hours a night working on the base. It took me about 1 month to complete PSG's base.
What is your favorite base item? Least favorite?
The Longbow chaser is the favorite among the SG members; the base started as a simple request to float them. My personal favorite is the white cabinet. My least favorite item is any item with a blue box superfluously larger than the item (EZ flooring, corner counters, wooden cabinets, etc...).
What is your favorite thing about base editing? Least favorite?
I like being able to build an environment which others would find aesthetically pleasing. I also love it when the SG members come in and stare, dumbfounded by my magic desk towers. My least favorite thing would have to be the time-consuming nature of the magic desk stacking technique and raid/doorway pathing restrictions.
What is the highest thing on your wish-list for new base items?
The SG leaders want wall-mounted aquariums... with sharks. I just want the Tech/Research Platform computers without the research platform or the Tech Control/Terminals as decorative items.
If you could give just one piece of advice to a new base editor, what would it be?
Experiment as much as you can. If you have a rough idea for what you want to build, try improvising until you formulate a sure-fire plan. Also, be sure to check out the Base Construction section on the official forums.
Anything else you'd like to add about your SG, your base or the base system in general?
PSG Leader: We're a social supergroup with mature members. We have our own Teamspeak server and use it often for teaming and arena fights. If you would like to join, please contact @Fatal Fists or @Ven Infinity
Personal: I, the base builder, run my own SG on Freedom called 1stMI. The 1stMI initially formed in Auto Assault, but we play a wide variety of games, now. We regularly use Ventrilo while gaming and post in our forums to discuss other games or worldly matters. If you would like to join our community, visit http://1stmi.com/forums/
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The People On...
Croatoa
Well fans and critics alike, it's time for the people to speak out. This time yours truly was APPROACHED by a hero. Shocking isn't it? I mean, I thought I had a bad rep going around or something, but I was wrong! The Field, whom I have met before, approached me outside of the Paragon Police Department in Kings Row. I was filing a report on a stolen vehicle, mine. My 1990 Chevy Impala is still out there and if you have it I will hunt you down... no lie. Anyways, I had been thinking about why certain areas of the city still had not been cleaned up, even though there were enormous amounts of heroes in those areas. For example, Kings Row, or even Croatoa. What has kept these places worn torn by gangs and mystical fighting? Well, I asked the Field if he had any insight on the matter...
The Field: Hey again!
Scoop Man: Ah, Field! Glad I caught you.
F: I'm pretty fast.
SM: I noticed. I was wondering if I could ask you some questions.
F: Of course! I'm always glad to be a help.
SM: Excellent! I've been noticing that there are certain places that seem to draw more citizens to them and less heroes, namely, Croatoa and Kings Row. Any ideas on why that might be?
F: These places are in pretty sad shape. I think most heroes are kinda overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs done. You go to Atlas Park, and our job seems manageable. Here and in Croatoa, however, it's a much bigger task.
SM: Why is that? More crime? More villains?
F: You know, I'm not really sure. King's Row specifically is just a bad part of town, I think. You add villains into an already poverty-stricken side of town, and it's just gonna be worse than the more affluent parts. And Croatoa... well the whole situation with the magic and sorcery and everything I don't understand, that makes it worse there.
SM: The situation makes it worse or the fact that you don't understand WHY there's a situation?
F: I'll be honest, I'm one of those Heroes who avoids Croatoa. I'd guess the situation makes it worse, but also because I don't understand what's happening... I can't do much there.
SM: What about Kings Row? It seems pretty straightforward here and yet it never gets any better for the citizens or the heroes.
F: Hmm, you gotta remember, for every Hero you see out here, there's at least one villain popping up. I'm afraid it's gonna be a constant battle in places like this. Honestly, sometimes I think the world would be better off without ANY Meta-Humans.
SM: Why is that?
F: Well, Heroes have done a lot of good, you can't argue that. But... if no one had powers, those who use them for evil wouldn't have caused problems in the first place, at least problems that your average man couldn't handle.
SM: So what would your solution be for areas like Croatoa or Kings Row?
F: I think general awareness. Croatoa especially seems to fall off the map. If we heard more about it, or perhaps some of the big-wigs like the Freedom Phalanx started asking for more help in these areas, we'd see a lot more Heroes interested in helping.
SM: Gain interest for the overlooked zones? That could work, I'll see if I can get some of my fellows to follow up on that. But what about some heroes' fear of these areas? Croatoa is a hub of magic and nether-worldly powers.
F: Again, I think a lot of power lies with the Freedom Phalanx. Not only physical power, but also the power they have to motivate others. If we had a couple of them spearheading a "clean-up" of sorts, we'd see a lot of progress.
SM: Work by example basically. Yet for Kings Row there have been several attempts at that. Yet this area remains as crime ridden and filled with drugs as normal. Could that be due to lack of caring or the determination of the gangs?
F:I really doubt it's a lack of care. At least I hope. Heh, as much as I hate to admit it, I really don't have all the answers. I don't know what the underlying problem is, at the moment, but I feel all us Heroes can do is keep trying our best to help.
SM: I see. We all know that younger heroes come to Kings Row as a training ground of sorts, do you think that could be contributing to the nature of the area?
F: It very well could be. I don't want to discourage any Heroes, newer or older, from working here. Would things be different if Statesman and friends were focusing on Kings Row? Most likely, but these newer Heroes have their hearts in the right place. And any help is going to be beneficial.
SM: Speaking as a local resident I quite agree. Now on the flip side, Croatoa is normally known to attract heroes with higher security levels. With all that experience, shouldn't the magical quarrels be a thing of the past?
F: Well, I don't care how high my security level is, you send me into a... a magical situation, and I'm gonna be lost. I can try to help, but I really don't know where to start. If those with backgrounds in Magical arts would focus their attentions there, we might see some results.
SM: So you would suggest a call for more magical based aid in that zone just for the purpose of seeing the effectiveness?
F: Don't see how it could hurt. Again, like with Kings Row, any Heroes who want to help would be of benefit. But certainly those who fully understand the situation would be more effective.
SM: I see, thank you for talking with me today Field. It was good to see you.
F: Hey any time, man. I appreciate your interest in this city. We all gotta work together, you know? Hit the bad guys at all fronts.
SM: You got it.
Well, there it is. Perhaps there should be a call for capes to come out and join the fun here in Kings Row or Croatoa. As a citizen who is constantly plagued by gangs on my street corner, I think I can actually say this is needed. If the Freedom Phalanx came down from their ivory towers, maybe Kings Row might clean up a bit. I mean seriously, it's been in construction for years and still no progress. Maybe the crime hinders the progress? Or maybe I should be talking to the Paragon City Building Commission on that one. But look at Croatoa. Wouldn't more heroes with magical backgrounds be beneficial to stop the war there? This is me just spit-balling you understand, but still, something has to be done. The question is, who is going to do it?
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Community
Behind the PvP Mask
Ajax
Can you tell us a little about yourself? Age, occupation and your natural habitat?
I'm 41, married twice with 3 children from my first marriage (ages 16, 15, and 11). I'm a radar air traffic control specialist at the New York Tracon (Terminal Radar Approach Control), Newark sector, where I've been working since 1990. I live in Patchogue, Long Island. Other hobbies besides CoH include fishing, hunting, target practice at the range, and bowling.
Have a favorite movie?
There's a few favorites, mostly war movies. If I had to pick one, probably Saving Private Ryan.
How about musical tastes?
I listen to XM radio channel 82 "The System" while playing CoH. It's mostly a trance, dance and techno music channel. When not playing CoH I listen to Jazz, rock n' roll, and music from the 80's.
When did you first discover PvP in City of Heroes?
Around the end of November/beginning of December of 04'.
Any PvP experience outside this game?
I was a member of Damned fighter squadron in an online WWII combat flight simulator game called "Fighter Ace", which was the top ranked squadron in that game at the time.
Which Test PvP groups have you been a member of, and could you tell us about them?
I was a regular zone PvPer until recruited by Magnus Star, Kyle, Foomanchu and Hans to join a Liberty PvP group called Freaks of Legend aka FoL. I was with them for 2 years, becoming leader of the group after 1 year when Foo left the game for the first time. Due to some internal issues there was a split, and I left shortly after some other members had left already and formed VR. After the VR leadership left the game, VR disbanded. A few of us joined Paragon Elite for a short time, before we decided we wanted to reform the old VR core players under a new tag, and thus Pwny Xpress was created.
What is your favorite role in the Arena and what is most challenging?
I've always enjoyed playing both kin, and sonic, but I like playing sonic the best, which is also the role I find the most challenging.
What is your most memorable Arena moment, team or otherwise?
Wow, there are a lot of great memories, but if I had to pick one... the fight between FoL and HVND in which they brought over the ACE team stands out as my most memorable team fight of all time. We prepared and practiced for that fight every night for over a month. It was the most satisfying win of my CoH career, although the VR vs JAL fight in which we took #1 was also pretty intense.
Many of us in the PvP community see you as a mentor or the "Father of PvP" in this game. How do you take the attention and what advice would you give new PvPers?
Hehe... that whole thing got started as a joke by Psypunk, and it kinda stuck around.
My advice to new PvPers is... stick the course. CoH PvP has a steep learning curve, and it can be pretty overwhelming at first. Do not get discouraged by the beatings you will take in the process. Develop a thick skin, pay attention carefully to what the veterans are doing, and do not be afraid to ask questions or advice. Most of the old veterans don't mind helping, or giving advice if asked.
Fan Fiction Spotlight
The Sooner Nation
By: Sooner
Sooner Spirit stood, ready for battle, ready for a combat she knew she couldnt win. The demon stood on the dias above her, mockingly confident as he stared down at her, his wings flared above him, his horns catching the firelight. She already knew she couldnt touch him, but she couldnt just turn her back and flee either. Not after everything that had happened. The logical thing would be to escape, but they were past logic. Caryn was missing, Cerise was dead, and their mother lay dying in a Paragon City hospital.
The shadows surrounded her as she crouched, ready to charge her enemy, and wondering how it had come to this....
Sooner is a very accomplished writer of City of Heroes and City of Villains Fan Fiction. In her work, the fate of the world isn't necessarily at stake, but the characters' lives usually are. For those who think that such events aren't worth reading in a super hero story, I strongly urge you to read this.
The super hero story is, at its heart, a fantasy. It is epic, but it's also personal. Some of the worst criticisms of super heroes come from reviews that refuse to look at the characters or their work within their world. The relationships they maintain and the lives they live are as much a part of the characters as the super powers that enable them to do such amazing feats.
Sooner Nation explores the beginnings of some of Sooner's characters and the trials and tribulations they had to go through in order to earn and master their powers. It's a different sort of origin story because it's a massive ordeal the whole way through instead of one freakish incident inspiring the characters to a life of crimefighting.
The characters feel real. The situations they go through are the sorts of situations one would expect of almost anybody. Even at this story's most glum, it's extremely satisfying.
Or maybe I just have a soft spot for stories that aren't epic in the global sense. In the personal sense, however, please heap on the "Win."
Starielle Colors by Spinomania
Lines by imagesbyalex
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Content Watch
Red Side: 30-40
The vacation season is almost over for everyone, but as a consolation price here is another Content Watch, straight from the press of the City Scoop to your eyes. This time, it's all about the Red Sde levels 30 to 40. But first, let me remind you that you can read the previous articles of the Content Watch in the archives of the City Scoop and you can find the thread containing all the opinions the players posted for this article right here.
City of Villains offers players four zones for leveling content in this range. The first two were introduced when the game debuted: Nerva Archipelago (25-40) and St. Martial (30-40). The other two are the new co-op zones: The Rikti War Zone (35-50) and Cimerora (35-50).
Nerva offers a plethora of contacts for the 30s. However, most of them tend to fall in one of these two categories: Hero Slayer or Longbow missions. Some players like fighting the heroes of the Vindicators and the Freedom Phalanx because this can lead to some truly epic and memorable fights, but other players don't because of the difficulty many archetypes have soloing the various signature characters. Longbow become pretty bland since you fight so many of them, and they get a big damage increase at level 30, so they become annoying to many players. A common complaint I heard about Nerva is the size of the zone itself. Most of it is unused water and you can end up traveling from one side of the zone to the other for some of the missions on Primeva and Thorn Isle. The respec trial and Technician Naylor's missions are 2 good examples of this. Technician Naylor is one of the contacts worth mentioning in this zone, even though he is a little bit out of the way. His arcs are well written, he does offer some variety in maps and villains to fight, he gives out a badge mission, and doing his arc will unlock the Rularuu weapons for villains.
St. Martial is the city of the vice on the Rogue Isles, as stated by ImpulseKing: "St Martial at night is, in my opinion, the prettiest zone in the game. The Devs did a fantastic job of recreating the feel of a casino town.' Traveling this zone at night offers an impressive view of all the lights and casino neon. Content-wise, you'll find a variety of contacts giving you the chance to fight a good variety of groups including Family, Tsoo, Longbow, Freakshow, Wailers and Carnies. However, most of the stories aren't that impressive since most contacts offer you missions that technically solve their own problems. Arcs along that theme include "Find out how that freak can win at the slots everytime." or "Chase those runaway girls." Vivacious Verandi plays her role as a Carnival Mistress well, and sends you to create mayhem around the town, but unfortunately her arc comes to an abrupt end when the good guy comes in. The 'Good Guy' is Hardcase the demon hunter, a level 30-40 contact. It seems that many players don't like him because he gives out missions that are too heroic.
There are only three Strike Forces in this level range, and two of them are co-op:The Lady Grey and Imperious (level 35-50). Both are run mostly at level 50, but it possible to run Imperious' Strike Force with a lower level team and have the Strike Force scale down to the team level. I will cover these two Strike Forces in the next issues of the Content Watch. The only villain exclusive Strike Force for this range is Ice Mistral (level 35-40), which is a fun Strike Force where you must find you facts about a crystal network. The last mission looks like a regular map, but is truly unique once you find the 'lower level'. As you probably noticed, there is no level 30-35 Strike Force, and most villains certainly hope the developers will create something fun (and quick) to run in that level range.
To complete this round-up of the PvE content, here is a brief listing of the unlockable contacts: Crimson Revenant in Nerva wants you to fight some of the Freedom Phalanx and Vindicators and Arbiter Leery in the same zone sends you to fix some problems that exist between the different factions of Arachnos. In St. Martial you have two fun unlockable contacts: The Slot Machine has a very varied arc (but the badge requirement can be a pain) and Johnny Sonata offers a good story on how he became the popular singer he is. Check ImpulseKing's post of page 2 of this Content Watch thread for a full write-up of the unlockable contacts. As a brief summary, here are badge contacts in this level range: Timothy Raymond (Exterminator), Hard Luck (Bad Luck), Tech Naylor (Portal Hopper) and Basse Croupier (Skip Tracer).
I would like to thank all the players that posted in this Content Watch thread. It is nice to see that this is picking up again after the lack of responses for the last two articles. I would also like to apologize to all the fans of the Content Watch since I've been running late with my article submissions. There are only three issues of the Content Watch left: the level 40-49 content on both sides and the endgame content. I will see you all on the boards shortly for the next Content Watch thread covering the villainside level 40-49 content. This is Plater for the City Scoop wishing you all happy days for what's left of the summer vacations.
Market Watch
The View on Blue
It's time for a contest - a contest with a 5,000,000 influence prize! All you have to do is answer five little questions. I will randomly select one winner from among all entrants. You don't need to get the answers right, and you don't need to be the first person to respond. Just take your best guess and send in your entry. Anyone who enters before the deadline has a chance.
HOW do you enter? Send me a private message. I'll try to keep my in-box clear.
WHEN should you enter? As soon as possible, but the deadline will be next Friday, September 12.
The winner will be announced the Friday after that, along with some anonymized analysis of the answers I received.
The Five Questions
1. If you list an item for 1,000 inf and it sells for 10,000 inf, how much do you pay in fees? Please show your work!
2. What is the 60 Day Rule?
3. When multiple people are buying and selling the same item, how does the market decide who buys what?
4. How much influence does a level 50 character earn in an hour?
5. How much does it cost to craft a level 35 IO Accuracy enhancement?
Send a PM to me with your answers to those five questions by next Friday, and YOU could be the lucky winner of five millllllllllion influence!
Learn Yourself A Book
In light of certain circumstances that have landed me in jail yet again, it turns out a lot of PPD cops are fans of my near-incoherent rants. And they've been so kind as to give me scheduled access to computer terminals to continue my shenanigans. So I'm in the joint once again, but hey! At least you know I'm not dead, right? Although I have a sinking feeling someone out there has a voodoo doll.
One paragraph in and I remember my point: The educational system for prisons. While they want you all to see jail as a bad place, it turns out that they don't mind giving you a couple of books to read. And so this branched out from a group meeting where villains would have a book club to a series of semi-underground seminars for incarcerated villains. You'll learn more in the Zig than those clowns at CaDU will ever teach you. So here's a quick rundown of the current course list, and make sure to pay at the door, about 1 pack of cigarettes or a candy bar.
Intimidating Entrances: Mostly a meeting for young, inexperienced villains to refine the craft of an awesome entrance. From the simple "masked robber with a machine gun" approach to the "smash a hole in the wall while screaming" or the ever popular "magical explosion of power as civilians scream", the instructors give you tips and tricks to make the perfect introduction.
Doomsday Plots 101: A whole subdivision with many branching courses for villains of all covers, you can learn the perfect way to end the world. From earthquakes, bears, zombies, militaristic coups, winged bears, viral plagues, winged bears with chainsaws, dinosaur reanimation, replacing oxygen atoms with iron, making a hole in the ozone and telemarketing, there's a scheme for everyone. Especially helpful for dumb villains and the technologically inept.
Escapology 101 (Now with test days!): As I certainly know, a villain has to know when to cut and run. Master escape artists Das Hundengeist and Senorita Smoke give out hints on the perfect ways to throw a curve ball at the cops and run away. From "smoke grenades" to "fiery explosion" to "punch a hole in the wall and run away", they create any method for evasion of the police and prison. Guess which course I should have taken?
Horrible Technologies and Why You Should Avoid Them: Dedicated to teaching misguided scientists and madmen with tech, it's a seminar on bad technology. From oil powered, carbon powered, bear powered to hate powered, the point is that there are some things man should tap into for villainous purposes. Such as lederhosen powered assault ninjas. *shudder*
And now the final course, so shrouded in mystery and mystique that I really shouldn't mention it with horrible consequences. Only an elite few get to take it, and to whispers its name marks you for death. Its name is SESSION COMPLETE, RETURN TO CELL.
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The City Scoop
Under the Hood
Endurance 101
This is the second article in a series about game mechanics. I'll be going over things like Damage Resistance, Hitting and Missing, Endurance, Attack Chains, etc. These articles are written for people who want to know more than the basics, to maybe get a little insight into how to build better characters or teams.
Endurance (END) is something we all know about, since it's a pretty key aspect of the game. Almost all powers use Endurance. If you run out of Endurance, you generally can't activate new powers. Your toggles usually drop too, which can be very dangerous for Melee characters who rely on them for protection. In this article, I'll discuss the mechanics behind Endurance, and how to get more.
How does END work? Everyone starts at level 1 with 100 END, and often ends that way at level 50. END does not increase as you level. Everyone has a base Recovery that lets them recover 100% of their END in 60 seconds. This is done in 5% (normally 5 END) tics every 5% of a minute (3 seconds). This works out to 1.67 END/second (EPS). If you spend more than 1.67 EPS, your END goes down. If you spend less, your END goes up.
If you increase your END to say, 120, you'll get back 6 END (5% of 120) every tic. Increasing Recovery reduces the time between tics, so a 50% Recovery bonus means you will recover END every 2 seconds (3 seconds / (1.0+0.5)). Someone with 120 END and a 50% Recovery bonus recovers at 3 EPS, nearly double the normal rate. This could be you! There's no real limit to END, but Recovery caps at 500%, meaning you recover 5% of your END every 0.6 seconds. This usually only happens when you're Resting.
How do you get more END? There are only a few ways. The Atlas Medallion and Portal Jockey (hero side) and Marshal and Born in Battle (villain side) Accolades all increase END by 5. The Talos Island Mayhem and Safeguard missions (level 31-35) increase your END by 5 for 3 days in-game (72 hours of play). Certain mid-level IO sets give a small END bonus, usually for slotting 4 of the same set. Tankers and Brutes have it easier, as slotting 2 Mocking Beratement IOs (in any power with Taunt) will give a 1.8 END bonus.
How do you get more Recovery? Again there are just a few ways. Stamina from the Fitness Power Pool is the most common way. It has a base 25% Recovery, which most people slot up to 49%. Many IO sets give a small Recovery bonus, usually for slotting 2 or more of a set. This includes many ultra-rare Purple sets, which give a 3.5% Recovery bonus. The VERY expensive Miracle and Numina's Convalescence unique IOs (slottable in any Healing power) give 15% and 10% Recovery bonuses respectively, and most people slot them in Health so they're always on.
There are several ways your AT and power set choice affect your available END. Defenders get Vigilance, which reduces their END costs when teammates are wounded. Villain Epic ATs appear to get a 5% higher Recovery. Electrical attacks drain END but also have a chance to give some of that to the caster. Several powersets get a END refill power, like Consume in Fiery Aura or Dark Consumption in Dark Melee. Many Tier 9 defensive powers for melee oriented ATs include a Recovery boost. Drain Psyche is available to Psi Assault Dominators and Mental Manipulation Blasters, and it can cap your Recovery if you hit enough targets. The Regen and Willpower sets for all but Stalkers have a Quick Recovery power that's slightly better than Stamina. Learn your powers. If you're having END problems, first see if there's a power you can take in your Primary or Secondary power set that will help.
If that's not enough, several Epic Power Pools offer END friendly powers. They include Conserve Power (gives you an END discount on everything), Consume (refill END), and Hibernate (similar to Rest). Villains are mostly out of luck, as Soul Mastery for Dominators is the only Patron Pool with an END friendly power (Dark Consumption).
Your final option is the Performance Shifter: Chance for +Endurance IO. You can slot this in any END gaining power, but it's best in Stamina. It has a 20% chance when used (or every 10 seconds when in Stamina) to give you 10 END. That averages out to 0.2 EPS, or about the same as a 12% Recovery boost.
Next week, I'll discuss how to spend your more END more wisely. After all, it doesn't matter how much END you have if you waste it. I'll be covering some of the same stuff that's in This Guide by hudsonsmith, so check it out if you need END help right now.
Vol. 2, Issue 13
SEPTEMBER 5th, 2008
This Issue:
Upcoming Events:
September 6th
Guardian
Protector
September 12th
Virtue
September 13th
Protector
September 14th
Champion
Justice
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[ QUOTE ]
The M&G was fantastic! What else can you say about it when 105 players, developers, and community support folks come together like that? Throw in a marriage proposal (congrats Nomme and Gorbified), tasty home cooked cookies (thanks again Cende ), and some swag (many thanks to Ex Libris and Amy from Tabula Rasa for those) and it sums up a recipe for a fun.
It was really great to see and chat with people that were at last year's M&G, and to have the chance to meet so many new fellow gamers. Healing Kit, who had 2 badges printed in her name, made me laugh when she turned to her male companion and said, "you get to be me for tonight." Another chuckle came when Hero 1's wife wittily changed her badge to read "Mrs. Hero 1." It's the little things like that that make these types of events special.
My thanks goes out to everyone who had the opportunity to participate this year. You are the ones that made the M&G such a success.
- Bayne
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I want to echo this post, and add a huge thank you to Gargoyle_KDR for being our local host organizer. I'm always amazed by this community, and this event managed to bring in even more surprises.
I have pics, will post soon.
I've started a thread for you all to continue organizing local events, join the discussion here!
Regards,
Ex
P.S. Cende, you are now the official cookie maker for the NCsoft PAX booth, I received major kudos from the whole team for bringing in a box of cookies on Saturday morning, course I think I ate six of them myself
