Ex_Libris
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Posts
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Joined
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(P.S. - SexyJay is exempt from the following demands. He is Sexy, and therefore awesome. But the rest of you are big dumb stupidheads)
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I resemble this remark... I had Sexy Jay pinned down in eight ball last week. I had just the 8 ball remaining on the table to his 4 stripes, being the big dumb stupidhead that I am I scratched while trying to block his open shot.
I am a big dumb stupidhead... it's really true!
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Ok, admit it, who went out and spent the $10 as soon as they got the email?
I know I did... >.>
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So.. what do these costumes look like? I've already got mine planned out, unless the paid costumes are super-spectacular or something. -
Thread is stickied, please notify me when you wish to unpin it from the board, also if you would like the thread saved please let me know.
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I got my Emp from 33-50.
Corruptor 48-50.
Blaster 49-50.
Freedumb Brute 1-20.
lol Virtue concept Brute 1-17.
All my Infinity characters are 50! My last slots are saved for Villain epic archetypes.
The O-Farm killed the markets. A lot of people were going 35-50 doing those. No salvage drops, no recipe drops, just tons of money. It's terrible. I dropped down my accumulated salvage the other night and a bloody Regen Flesh sold for 120k. Not looking forward to IOing out my new Emp
I had a lot of fun with my Virtue Brute, it's been a while since I've played a pure-concept build.
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Hahahaha... I made out like a bandit during double XP, some people PvP, some people play the market.
If anyone needs a loan, hit me up.
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Roster has been marked saved.
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Edition 35 of The City Scoop a publication for Supers by Supers!
If you have ever wanted to see the sights or capture them on film, this issue is full of advice. Check out the City Traveler, and guides on video capture from two of our community members.
If you have any concerns regarding the content of the Scoop please feel free to 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 Dirtwolf, Snow_Globe, or Pants_Stealer
If you or someone you know should be considered for Behind the Mask Teldon or Encounters please contact MrsAlphaOne
If you need some Advice contact Lady_Athyna or would like to Ask The X contact LiquidX
Discussion on the latest edition of "The City Scoop" is located here. -
Edition 35 of The City Scoop a publication for Supers by Supers!
If you have ever wanted to see the sights or capture them on film, this issue is full of advice. Check out the City Traveler, and guides on video capture from two of our community members.
If you have any concerns regarding the content of the Scoop please feel free to 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 Dirtwolf, Snow_Globe, or Pants_Stealer
If you or someone you know should be considered for Behind the Mask Teldon or Encounters please contact MrsAlphaOne
If you need some Advice contact Lady_Athyna or would like to Ask The X contact LiquidX
Discussion on the latest edition of "The City Scoop" is located here. -
Letter from the Editor
Hey Readers!
I used to be a pretty big advocate for the demolition of all things Valentine's
Day. I'm not so much anymore, and it's not because I'm seeing somebody. I can
understand and respect feelings of the anti- and pro- side of this time of
year.
There are so many reasons that we should be thankful for romance. Regardless of
if we're with the one we love, like or adore, or if we're single, romance plays
a big part of culture.
Lets review some classic comic couples: Catwoman and Batman. Lois Lane and
Clark Kent. Mary Jane and Spiderman (or Gwen Stacy, if you insist). Archangel
and Psylocke. Or even the complete romantic ruckus of X-Men: Jean Grey,
Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, Gambit, Emma Frost, etc. What a mess! I can't even
keep up with who was with who in that situation anymore.
For those of you who are going to be alone this Valentine's Day and may be
feeling down, here's my favorite cure: Cookie dough (indulgence!).
I hope you all have a wonderful February 14th!
Dirtwolf
The City Scoop Staff
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Food
& Recipes
Valentines Recipe Special
Valentines Day falls on a Thursday this year, so I am going to do my
Valentines Day cooking special this week you have time to prepare for that
special man or lady in your life (or something to cook just because). As
promised, I am going to keep the recipes simple because I know most of you
don't want to be in the kitchen for hours on end. Please note these are still
healthy choice recipes. If you want the nutritional information, please PM me.
First things first, though. I was browsing the forums one day eating a piece of
chocolate when I received a PM. It came from Plagued Soul on the Liberty
Server, and he said, "We all know that gamer guys arent the best with the
ladies, and some out there need all the help they can get. This is the best
dessert that a man can make for a lady that loves chocolate."
Thanks Plagued Soul, and here is your recipe!
Date, Date Revolution Blind Date Game Show!
Love Poem Haiku Competition!
Sushi Matchmaking Service!
Boy's v. Girls PvP Event!
Costume Contests!
Hope to see you all there!
Melt in your mouth chocolate mini-cakes
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate
1/2 stick unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon (pinch) salt
1/4 flour
Whipped cream
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Coarsely chop the chocolate and butter into a bowl and put into microwave on
medium for 2 to 4 minutes (until the chocolate turns shiny; be careful not to
burn the chocolate).
Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir; if any lumps remain microwave for
30 seconds on medium and stir again. Repeat as needed until the chocolate is a
smooth liquid. Set the liquid aside to cool.
Mix the sugar and eggs until lightened in color. This can be done in about a
minute with an electric mixer, but can easily be done with a whisk in just a
few minutes.
Once the chocolate-butter mixture has cooled for about five minutes, add it to
the egg and sugar mixture.
Then add the 1/2 cup cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat well, (dont forget to
scrape down the bowl.)
Add the flour and mix until blended. Divide this mixture between 4 (6-ounce)
oven-proof ramekins (if you dont have ramekins, any 6 ounce container that you
can put in the oven and serve out of will work.) Make sure the batter is evenly
distributed. Put them onto a baking sheet and bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
This should be right as the tops begin to crack. Dont peak at the cups, but
also dont over bake. You want the outside to be cooked, but the inside should
still be liquid.
Cool for 15 minutes and top with the whipped cream. The cakes should be pretty
warm when you serve them.
Notes:
This is actually really easy if you follow the instructions to the letter. The
exact quantity of each ingredient is important.
The biggest pitfalls are:
Ingredient selection. To ensure a good flavor. get the best chocolate you can
find (you might even want to go to a chocolate shop) and dont skimp on the
vanilla extract (you want the little bottle of vanilla that costs 5 times as
much as the others).
Microwaving the chocolate. You want the butter and chocolate mixture to be a
thick liquid when you are done. Just melt the two enough so they can be
stirred. Once you burn your awesome chocolate, you just have to throw it away
and start over.
Baking the cakes. Dont over bake the cakes. You want to pull them out after
they have puffed up and have a firm, cooked cake on the top that has just
started to crack. The best part of this dessert is the gooey chocolate in the
middle.
Mmm, yum! That looks so yummy. Thanks, again!
Now you can do dinner, lunch, or even breakfast for your special someone. I will
give you ideas for all three meals. Whichever you decide to do, I am sure it
will be great!
Breakfast
If you want to add a side to these recipes, hashbrowns would go great!
Egg-Filled Ham Cups
4 thin slices of cooked ham (about 4oz)
4 eggs
Salt & Pepper to taste
4 teaspoons of heavy or light cream
Shredded Cheese or snipped fresh herbs or both (optional)
Lightly butter four 6-oz custard cups. Place cups on a baking sheet. Line each
cup with a slice of ham, pleating ham as needed to fit. (1 oz per cup).
Carefully break 1 egg into the center of each custard cup, sprinkle with salt
& pepper if desired. Pour one teaspoon of cream over each egg; cover with
foil.
Bake in a 350F oven for 20-25 minutes or until eggs are firm and whites are
opaque. If desired, garnish with shredded cheese and herbs.
Serves four
Crustless Mexican Quiche
Nonstick Cooking Spray
1/2 pound bulk chorizo or hot pork sausage (could probably do mild if you
wanted as well)
4 beaten eggs
1 1/2 cups of light cream
1 1/2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno peppers
1/3 cup of bottled salsa
Lightly coat a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray; set aside.
In a small skillet cook meat until brown; drain off fat. Meanwhile, in a medium
bowl stir together eggs and cream; stir in cooked meat. Add cheese; mix well.
Pour egg mixture into the prepared pie plate.
Bake in a 325F oven about 30 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center
comes out clean. Let stand about 10 minutes before serving. Top each serving
with salsa.
Makes six servings.
Lunch
Rotisserie Chicken Greek Salad
1 2 to 2.5lb purchased roasted chicken, whole or cut up
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
6 cups of torn romaine lettuce
1/3 cup of small fresh mint leaves, lightly packed
1/3 cup of small fresh oregano leaves, lightly packed
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
Remove chicken meat from the bones; discard bones. Cut chicken into bite-size
pieces. Place chicken in a medium bowl; set aside. In a small bowl, whisk
together oil, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Drizzle chicken with 2
tablespoons of the oil mixture; toss to combine. Meanwhile, in a large bowl
toss romaine, mint, and oregano with remaining oil mixture. Arrange on a large
serving platter.
Arrange chicken in center of the greens. Sprinkle salad with cheese and olives.
Makes four servings.
Spicy Sausage Soup
1lb bulk hot or mild pork sausage
1/4 cup of onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 - 14oz cans of chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, crushed
4 cups coarsely shopped Swiss chard leaves
1 Roma tomato, chopped
In a big soup pot, cook sausage, onion, and garlic until sausage is brown;
drain off fat.
Stir in broth and Italian seasoning. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Stir in
Swiss chard leaves and cook until just wilted.
Stir in tomato; cook 1 minute more.
Makes six servings.
Dinner
Rib Roast with Dijon-Sour Cream Sauce
1 4lb beef rib roast
3/4 cup dry red wine
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed
2 teaspoons dried marjoram, crushed
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
Place meat, bone side up, in a large self-sealing plastic bag set in a shallow
dish. For marinade, in a small bowl combine wine, lemon juice, rosemary,
marjoram, and garlic salt. Pour over meat; seal bag. Marinate in the fridge for
6 to 24 hours, turning bag occasionally. Drain meat, discarding marinade.
Insert a meat thermometer into the center of the roast, not touching the bone.
Place meat, fat side up, in a shallow roasting pan. Roast, uncovered, in a 350F
oven until desired doneness. Allow 1 3/4 to 2 1/2 hours for medium-rare (done
temp - 134F) or 2 1/4 to 2 3/4 hours for medium doneness (done temp - 150F).
Cover with foil; let stand for 15 minutes. (The meat's temp will rise 10F
during standing.) Slice meat and serve with Dijon-Sour Cream Sauce.
Dijon-Sour Cream Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together one 8oz carton dairy
sour cream, 2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon lemon-pepper
seasoning. Cover and chill until serving time.
Makes eight servings.
Chicken with Wine Sauce
4 chicken breast halves
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 shallot, chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/3 cup chicken broth
1/3 cup dry white wine
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Skin Chicken; set chicken aside.
In a large skillet, cook mushrooms, shallot, basil, and garlic in hot oil over
medium heat until shallot is tender.
Stir in chicken broth, wine, salt and pepper. Arrange chicken in skillet. Bring
to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and cook over low heat about 30 minutes or until
chicken is no longer pink (done temp - 170F).
Transfer chicken and vegetables to a serving platter. Serve pan juices over
chicken.
Makes four servings.
Don't Forget To Eat Your Veggies!
These are some ideas for side dishes to go with your main meat dishes above!
Green Beans
8oz of fresh green beans or one 9oz package of frozen or French cut
green beans
2 tablespoons slivered almonds
1 tablespoon of butter or margarine
1 teaspoon of lemon juice
Cut fresh beans into 1-inch pieces (or slice lengthwise French-cut beans). Cook
fresh green beans, covered, in a small amount of salted boiling water for 10 to
15 minutes (cook 5-10mins for French cut) or until crisp-tender. (Or cook
frozen beans according to package directions.) Drain and keep warm.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, cook and stir almonds in hot butter over medium
heat until golden. Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice. Stir almond mixture
into beans.
Makes three servings.
Asparagus Dijon
1 1/2 lbs of asparagus spears or two 10oz packages frozen asparagus
spears
1/4 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
3-4 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
1 hard-cooked egg, chopped (optional)
2 tablespoons sliced green onion
Snap off and discard woody bases from fresh asparagus, if desired, scrape off
scales. Cook fresh asparagus, covered, in a small amount of boiling water for 4
to 6 minutes or until crisp tender. (Or cook frozen asparagus according to
package directions.) Drain; keep warm.
Meanwhile, for sauce, beat whipping cream just until stiff peaks form. Fold in
mayonnaise, mustard, and if desired, egg. Spoon sauce over asparagus; top with
green onion. Serve immediately.
Makes six servings.
Summer Squash Combo
2 tablespoons white wine or red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons snipped fresh oregano or thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or
thyme, crushed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
3 green onions trimmed
1 medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise
1 medium yellow summer squash, quartered lengthwise
In a small bowl, stir together vinegar/wine, oil, oregano/thyme, salt and
crushed red pepper. Brush the onions, zucchini, and yellow squash with some of
the mixture.
For a charcoal grill, grill veggies on the rack of the uncovered grill directly
over medium coals until crisp-tender, turning occasionally. Allow 3 to 4
minutes for green onions and 5 to 6mins for zucchini and yellow summer squash.
For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Place veggies on grill
rack over heat. Cover and grill as above.
Cut grilled veggies into bite-size pieces; transfer to a serving bowl. Toss
with remaining vinegar mixture. Serve warm.
Makes six servings
I hope you enjoy these recipes! I will see you next week for desserts. Feedback
is always welcome. Happy Valentines Day!
~Mistress Noire
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The City Traveler
Hi everyone, it's me, Belle! I hope everyone enjoyed my article about Overbrook.
I got one response to my history question. The question was this: Which four
badges were given for visiting the original four exploration markers in
Faultline? Mekkanos sent me the right answers, which are Apex, Faultless
Mystic, Newsman (and now, Newswoman too!), and Undammed. Congratulations
Mekkanos, you win the grand prize of...Well, I don't really have a grand prize,
except to say yay, so yay Mekkanos!
I've gotten a few requests this week to talk about the history of the area
known today as Eden. Eden was originally known as Woodvale, and to understand
the zone, you have to know a little bit about the history of Crey Industries
and a group of environmentalists who swore to fight the pollution they created
through whatever means they could.
Almost two decades ago, a pharmaceutical company named Crey Biotech moved from
Switzerland to Paragon City. The head of Crey, Clarissa van Dorn, quickly
turned the small drug company into the industrial giant Crey Industries that we
all know today. In spite of its size, Crey seemed to be an ecologically sound
company, operating without incident in the Venice area of the city for many
years.
However, a promising young biochemist named Hamidon Pasalima didn't agree.
Hamidon was dedicated to environmental causes, and he was working on creating
substances that could rapidly transform environmental disaster areas back into
natural habitats. They say he was right on the verge of a breakthrough! One
day, though, he suddenly disappeared.
Eventually, authorities found that to pursue his ideals and fight Crey, Hamidon
had joined an environmental terrorist organization called Fauna First. They
resorted to such measures as bombing companies and organizations they thought
were a threat to the ecosystem, and even turned on Hamidon's former employer,
the Paragon Technical Institute.
In 2002, in the most devastating way possible, Paragon City discovered that
although Crey claimed to be ecologically responsible, they actually had a huge
warehouse of dangerous chemicals stored in the Venice industrial district.
During the Rikti Invasion, the warehouse was destroyed, releasing the chemicals
into the air and waters of Venice. Some conspiracy theorists say that it wasn't
the Rikti that destroyed the warehouse, but that Fauna First took advantage of
the distraction of the invaders to launch their boldest attack yet and maybe
even steal some chemicals they needed.
The toxic canals of Venice
I don't necessarily believe that, but whatever the cause, the results are
indisputable. The place is uninhabitable by the citizens of Paragon City, and
all manner of strange and dangerous creatures now call the area home. Crey
claims that its own security forces have the area under control, but many doubt
it and now refer to the area as Crey's Folly.
Shortly after that, the small community of Woodvale, also largely destroyed and
evacuated during the Rikti War, seemed to respond with an equal and opposite
reaction to the disaster. Within a very short time, heroes noticed that the
area was overrun with new vegetation, vegetation that grew so thick and with
unnatural speed that getting to the other side was extremely difficult. In the
distance, one can see tall spires of stone reaching to the sky. What purpose
they serve, no one really knows. Many heroes have ventured out there are
reported heavy encounters with the Devouring Earth, and more than a few have
had to be mediported back to the hospital as a result.
Spires reach skyward west of Woodvale
The reports of exactly what is happening in the area are sketchy. It's
suspected that the core members of the Fauna First organization, including
Hamidon Pasalima, have secluded themselves west of the old Woodvale community,
now called Eden, and that their bizarre experiments have resulted in the
Devouring Earth. Some say they even used the power of an earth control hero
named The Woodsman to overrun the area, killing him in the process, and that
his spirit still waits at the tallest rock spire in Eden for heroes to fight
against the Devouring Earth and rescue his friends that are still being held.
It's a really sad story, and I hope some intrepid heroes will seek him out!
The Devouring Earth seem to be trying to push eastward into Founders' Falls
while the heroes try to hold them off. Only the most powerful of heroes dare to
venture past Woodvale now, and the Devouring Earth have been spotted as far
west as Venice and as far north as Independence Port and Talos Island. Lately,
there has been a lot of attention in the White Plains area and the Rikti
mothership, but I hope the heroes don't forget about Woodvale or the immense
challenge that lies beyond!
What lies beyond the spires?
I'll end this week with a question about the city's history. This one might
take some research! There is a plaque in Eden that commemorates the sacrifice
of Galaxy Girl defending Paragon City against the Rikti, using the last of her
strength to heal Ms. Liberty so that she could regroup with the Freedom
Phalanx. The city zone she was defending was renamed to Galaxy City to
recognize her bravery and selflessness. What was the original name of Galaxy
City before they renamed it in her honor? If you know the answer, or you just
want to say hello,
send me a message. Until next time, byeee!
| |
Rare Solar Radiation Storm Predicted to Occur AgainScientists have predicted that the solar radiation storm, which doubles the experience and influence/infamy received, is poised to happen yet again on February 8th through the 10th. The event, which the heroes and villains have begun to call Double XP Weekend, is a rare event that occurs every once in a blue moon. The event itself is when the moon lines up correctly with the sun to intensify certain radiation that effectively doubles the amount of experience and money gained when fighting enemies. As one could imagine, this event is one of the most celebrated in Paragon City and the Rogue Isles, ranking up there with the Winter and Halloween events. As such, Paragon and the Isles become filled to the brim with super-powered beings, both new and old. Even heroes and villains who havent been seen for weeks are known to show up for the amazing event. So people of Paragon City, get ready! With the surplus of superheroes, the chance youre going to get mugged will stay the same, but the chance that youre going to get saved is way up! People of the Rogue Isles, you may just want to stay in this weekend. Trust me on that. The Top Ten |
|
TOONS ON FILMVideo editing, like any other creative endeavor, is equal parts craft, art, and the desire to have fun. But how do you start? Unfortunately, it's not as easy as picking up a pencil and doodling your favorite toon in the margins of your college algebra notes. With a little planning, some time, and a really cool idea, a City of Heroes/City of Villains video is quite possible! Will it happen overnight? Not unless you're willing to forego things like food, sleep, and the hygienic habits that make you acceptable in public. The fastest video I ever created for CoX was completed in four days from start to finish. I've been making videos for almost five years now, though, so I've got an advantage. First things first: you need an idea. What is your video going to be about? Is it the story of your toon? Your villain group fighting the not-so-good fight? Or how about highlighting the latest issue for the game? Maybe you want to prove why Necro/Dark Masterminds are the only REAL character build in the game. Or maybe you've heard some fantastic song and thought, "Wow, that'd make a fricking awesome video!" Get your concept in your head, and the rest will follow. Case in point: I've done three videos now based on releases for the gameone for Issue 10, two for Issue 11. I had the ideas first, and then I figured out how to create them. I've also begun work on two separate commercials for supergroups, have completed one music video, and have begun work on two others. WHAT'S THE 'REST'? You've got your uber-cool idea. Great. Now, my usual method is to pick out the music or audio accompaniment to said idea next. Make a list of music that you might want to use. Even if you don't choose any of them, you can see the trends of what type of music you're imagining for your video. On the other hand, you might already have the perfect song picked out (like the theme song of your supergroup or toon), and you're ready to move on. Case in point: my Issue 10 Rikti Invasion video, right from the get-go, was going to need something big, alien-sounding, with more than a little menace, and extremely intense. My Issue 11 teaser needed something fast-paced, almost ticking like a clock. By comparison, one of my anime videos (available on YouTube) came about because I'd heard the song first, and then had the idea for the video. Whatever works. MOVING RIGHT ALONG Concept idea: check. Music idea: check. Next up on the roster: scenes. You can either base them on the lyrics of whatever song you might be choosing or use the rise-and-fall of an instrumental piece to give you ideas. If your music is 100% in-your-face action, then you're going to want to see your toon stomping on the foes of your choice. I like making outlines with time codes (or using lyrics as the reference markers) to know what scenes go where. Go for some variety. Yes, Nova is a cool attack, but three minutes of your toon using the same move over and over again does not make a good video. Different zones, different attacks, motion versus stillness, all of these things make your video more compelling. Also, try messing with camera angles. (This is really easyjust hold down the Page Up button on your keyboard and move your mouse. Voila, camera angles!) Experiment! But be sensiblepracticing changing camera angles while fighting Lusca is not a good idea. That's what the Hellions in the Atlas Park parking lot are for, in my opinion. Get the hang of it there, then go out and fight. Case in point: my latest COH video was done to Blue Man Group's "Time to Start." Thanks to the lyrics, I knew I was going to need to show my toons (or other people's toons or NPCs) following along with the instructions of the song. | BUT HOW DO I GET THOSE SCENES? Here is where you have two options. (By the way, there's no "right" way or "wrong" waypick the one that you feel most comfortable with.) Option one: using the nifty in-game feature known as demorecording. In a nutshell, let's say your favorite hero is about to join a group that's going to do something spiffyfight a Giant Monster, do battle in the Arena, whatever. You want to immortalize your moment of glory. All you need to do is type /demorecord [filename], replacing [filename] with whatever you want to call the file. My preference is something like KRJoRikti. This way, I know at a glance that the setting is Kings Row, the toon in question is my favorite en/en blaster Johanna Sinclair (she's on Triumph, by the way), and she's taking part in a Rikti invasion. Your preference may vary. Option two: for the slightly more ambitious (and perfectionist) folks, you can code a demo file from scratch. To this end, I highly recommend Scuzzbopper's fantastic site, which has more info than you can shake a Nemesis staff at. Choose your map, models, FX, weapons, emotes, and start coding. However, it's not quite as easy as I make it sound. I recommend the guide created by Zloth (available on the COH forums), which has several other handy links. And for an absolutely brilliant example of a video created in this fashion, I cannot praise Vertical Studios' "Night Prayers" (available on YouTube) highly enough. My preference for scenesI use a bit of both. I run around in-game, getting scenes that I want to use. Sometimes I leave them as is, other times I open the demo file and change a few things around. (If you've seen the "Time to Start" video, this is how I have Lord Recluse jumping up and down like he's moshing at a concert.) Case in point: on almost every North American server, back when the Rikti were invading, the minute the skies went dark, a message would go out over the broadcast - "Okay, everyone, look coolI'm filming this!" And immediately following that announcement, I would start demorecording the invasion and the battles. Once they were over, I'd stop recording. Until the next invasion... Note: Demorecording is not without its flaws. First of all, for some unknown reason, demorecords will occasionally be saved incorrectly, which means they won't load. I could write a whole separate article on fixing them. For this reason, if it's really important, record the scene twice if possible. Second, since customizable weapons came out in Issue 11, demorecords will not always play them back correctly, so you may need to learn just enough editing to remove the customization. The developers are aware of this. It's just a question of whether or not they'll fix it. We can only hope so. Mmy katana scrapper looks really stupid waving her arms at an opponent. I'VE GOT THEM! NOW WHAT? rogress! You've got your scenes demorecorded...but you can't just open Windows Media Player and watch them. You'll need to convert them from text code to a video file. You'll need a recorder. FRAPS is one of the most popular screen capturing programs out there, it's dirt simple to use, and for the most part, it's free. All you need to do is use a demo player (I use Zloth's), and use FRAPS to record the demo as a video file! (Word of advice: spend the $37 and register the program. First of all, it removes the five minute recording limit, and second, it gets rid of the FRAPS URL at the top of the screen.) You'll need to record each demo file one at a time, which is not that big of a deal. Also, if the demos are reasonably short (or your memory is good), you can record only the segments you want saved as a video file. Name your demofiles accordingly so you know what they are. And make your life simple by putting them all in one place so you know where to find them. |
THE FUN PART You've got your scenes saved as video files. Your character's coolness committed to video. You've got your music, whatever it might be. But you're not done yet... Now you've reached one of the most important steps yet: editing. You'll need a video editing program, such as Windows Movie Maker (which I don't recommend, but at least it's free), Adobe Premiere, or my own personal favorite, Sony Vegas. What these programs allow you to do is import in your video and music files to create a project. First off, get your music into the project. Why? Because this is usually your best reference for your videopart timeline, part inspiration. And it tells you just how long you have to tell your story. Unless you're using Wagner's full "Ring" cycle, you've got usually two to six minutes for your video. Now, start adding the footage you've recorded into the project. Depending on the program you're using, you can trim it, slow it down, run it backwards, or add a filter to it. Special effects are cool, but don't overload your video with them. You want people to admire your toon's coolness, not go into an epileptic fit because you've added thirteen color filters to the footage. The best special effects are the ones you barely notice in the grand scheme of things. Most programs are drag-and-drop. Get the footage into the project, then move it around to synch up as you need it to. Now, repeat after me. Save often! Again. Save often! You do not want to have to explain to the cops why you threw your computer off your balcony after you spent sixteen hours straight working on your video only to have the power go out and lose all your work. So save often. Stop and watch your project every now and again. Get some fresh ideas, or try moving things around. See what new concepts might spring up as you go. It may be that while the footage you shot earlier was okay and all of a sudden you get an absolutely killer idea on how to highlight your toon. Go back into the game, demorecord it (or write the code), film it, and bring it in! Case in point: for the Issue 10 Rikti Invasion trailer, I recorded over 100 separate Rikti invasions in almost every city zone in the game. I even had other people record them and send me footage of their toons kicking Rikti tail. The end result was a ton of viable footage that allowed me to pick and choose the absolute coolest scenes. However, it wasn't until I started adding text to the video (more on that next) that I had a fantastic idea for a segment...so I had to jump back into the game. Do you know, despite it being an Invasion weekend, I had to wait six full hours for the Rikti to invade Skyway? All because I needed one five-second shot. But it paid off because I was able to capture footage of a Rikti drop ship bombing the Legrange medical center as it flew overhead. | A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA In the great tradition of coming attractions everywhere, a little helpful dramatic text can add that something extra to your video. Whether it's your video's opening titles/closing titles, or just some helpful dramatic phrasing, you might want to add a line or two to your trailer. But don't go too crazy, unless you want them to focus more on reading your video than watching it. Case in point: My Issue 11 teaser has several items of text, used to indicate major events in the CoX timeline, and peaking with two particular phrases"Winter 2007 Everything Changes" and "Get Ready to REMAKE History." The Issue 10 trailer also has several text hits (No Retreat, No Surrender, No Mercy) to build dramatic emphasis. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER Now you've got everything in your project. Terrific. Watch the whole thing from start to finish. If you've got a somewhat slower computer (or one that's a resource hog), I recommend saving the project as an actual video file and watching it. Watch the whole thing from start to finish. Does it flow? Does it have all the scenes that you wanted? Does it convey what you want it to convey? If not, open the project again and get back to work. Make sure you take the following into consideration: 1) Pacing. Too slow, and it will drag. Too fast, and people will go, "Huh?" Make sure you're not jumping from one scene to another if you're trying to tell a story. 2) Quality. All too often, I've seen videos that were fantastically edited, but the sound quality of the audio file was absolutely atrocious. Use a good quality mp3 or WMA file for your sound. And always double-check the volume settings. 3) Transitions. Depending on your program, you have options for how one clip moves into another. Make sure these are clean, and either sharp or subtle as necessary for your video. 4) Titles. Opening and closing credits are almost always a good idea. Every video of mine contains the Samuraiko Productions opening and closing credits (in one form or another)the opening credits with my production info, and the closing credits with info on the video and its source material (and usually a dedication). In fact, I keep separate project files just for these so I can customize them as necessary for each video, and then attach them to the project. Case in point: The Issue 10 Rikti Invasion trailer starts out with several video hits. The scene opens with no transition and fades to black, synched to the hits in the music. It's not until later in the video that there are no fades between scenes, when everything is coming at the viewer so fast that there's no need to use them. DONE AT LAST! You're finished! Save your video in the file format of your choice. I personally recommend WMVs because the quality is good and the file sizes aren't larger than the gross national product of Burma. The other popular choice is AVI, but it's all a matter of preference. Now, depending on if/how you want to share your video, and especially if the file is big, you'll want to save it two separate ways: one high quality version, and one low quality version. I only save a high quality one, but then again, I host the video on my own website. I use YouTube to make the low quality versions available. Be proud! You've finished your first video! |
Before we go TOO nuts with adding new missions to Ouroborous (though I agree there are a lot of one-off missions I'd like to see there), I'd just like to pipe up and say there are still one or two badge missions that can't be done through flashback missions yet 
Portal Hopper from Technician Naylor is the main one that springs to mind. No, it isn't used for any accolades... but its still a badge mission.
Portal Hopper from Technician Naylor is the main one that springs to mind. No, it isn't used for any accolades... but its still a badge mission.
Thanks everyone, especially to NotPutzing for being a major driving force to get this compiled.
This will be included in the weekly Community Report and listed for the PvP Quality of Life Community Feedback.
Please note that our internal development schedules are made well in advance, so please keep the expectations for changes with that in mind.
In the meantime keep up the fight!
GG!
Ex
This will be included in the weekly Community Report and listed for the PvP Quality of Life Community Feedback.
Please note that our internal development schedules are made well in advance, so please keep the expectations for changes with that in mind.
In the meantime keep up the fight!
GG!
Ex
[ QUOTE ]
I wasn't going to do anything different - work until 5:00 on Friday. Play some Friday night between chores and stuff. Wait until the wife wakes up Saturday afternoon (she's a day sleeper) and play with her until I crash around midnight. Sunday, lather, rinse, and repeat.
Except...
My wife took Friday off and plans on getting up early Saturday and Sunday, so I've now had my schedule reconstructed. It's CoH pretty much solid from noon Friday until midnight Sunday.
I love it when my wife gets aggressive like that.
[/ QUOTE ]
Isn't it wonderful when things like this work?
Check out the matchmaking offer going on Virtue.
Maybe you will find virtual love.
Ex
I wasn't going to do anything different - work until 5:00 on Friday. Play some Friday night between chores and stuff. Wait until the wife wakes up Saturday afternoon (she's a day sleeper) and play with her until I crash around midnight. Sunday, lather, rinse, and repeat.
Except...
My wife took Friday off and plans on getting up early Saturday and Sunday, so I've now had my schedule reconstructed. It's CoH pretty much solid from noon Friday until midnight Sunday.
I love it when my wife gets aggressive like that.
[/ QUOTE ]
Isn't it wonderful when things like this work?
Check out the matchmaking offer going on Virtue.
Maybe you will find virtual love.
Ex
As most of my weekend will be spent either out of town or working out, Double-XP Weekend doesn't really affect me much at all In my free time though, I hope to level up my Dominator into the 30s, and then try to make some emergency cash with my Stalker to counter the inevitable jump in prices that will be seen on the Black Market before purple recipes end up out of my reach indefinitely.
In my free time though, I hope to level up my Dominator into the 30s, and then try to make some emergency cash with my Stalker to counter the inevitable jump in prices that will be seen on the Black Market before purple recipes end up out of my reach indefinitely.
I'd love to get this thread up to a more useful state, if there is anyone that would like to help me get this organized and update the OP with a list please let me know via PM.
Ex
Ex
Posts have been updated.
So heres the deal. Due to this being a creative section like Guides, Roleplay, and the new Media section, whenever we do forum maintenance this forum gets automatically skipped over so that we don't delete stuff that is worth saving.
The potential is your forum in particular gets bogged down with a lot of posts, some fluffy, some useful, some only necessary temporarily.
So this thread, which I will check on occasion needs to be manually maintained, I hope that was more clear than my OP.
Ex
The potential is your forum in particular gets bogged down with a lot of posts, some fluffy, some useful, some only necessary temporarily.
So this thread, which I will check on occasion needs to be manually maintained, I hope that was more clear than my OP.
Ex
Edition 34 of "The City Scoop a publication for Supers by Supers!
Highlighting some local flavor as well as foodie flavor the Scoop is full of recipes for fun!
If you have any concerns regarding the content of the Scoop please feel free to 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 Lemur_Lad, Dirtwolf, or Snow_Globe
If you or someone you know should be considered for Behind the Mask Teldon or Encounters please contact MrsAlphaOne
If you need some Advice contact Lady_Athyna or would like to Ask The X contact LiquidX
Discussion on the latest edition of "The City Scoop" is located here.
Highlighting some local flavor as well as foodie flavor the Scoop is full of recipes for fun!
If you have any concerns regarding the content of the Scoop please feel free to 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 Lemur_Lad, Dirtwolf, or Snow_Globe
If you or someone you know should be considered for Behind the Mask Teldon or Encounters please contact MrsAlphaOne
If you need some Advice contact Lady_Athyna or would like to Ask The X contact LiquidX
Discussion on the latest edition of "The City Scoop" is located here.
Edition 34 of "The City Scoop" a publication for Supers by Supers!
Highlighting some local flavor as well as foodie flavor the Scoop is full of recipes for fun!
If you have any concerns regarding the content of the Scoop please feel free to 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 Lemur_Lad, Dirtwolf, or Snow_Globe
If you or someone you know should be considered for Behind the Mask Teldon or Encounters please contact MrsAlphaOne
If you need some Advice contact Lady_Athyna or would like to Ask The X contact LiquidX
Discussion on the latest edition of "The City Scoop" is located here.
Highlighting some local flavor as well as foodie flavor the Scoop is full of recipes for fun!
If you have any concerns regarding the content of the Scoop please feel free to 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 Lemur_Lad, Dirtwolf, or Snow_Globe
If you or someone you know should be considered for Behind the Mask Teldon or Encounters please contact MrsAlphaOne
If you need some Advice contact Lady_Athyna or would like to Ask The X contact LiquidX
Discussion on the latest edition of "The City Scoop" is located here.
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It's dinner time! Here are some great recipes.
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I was going to do desserts next week, but because it will be before Valentine's Day, I will have a Valentine's special. I will make sure to toss some easy recipes for you guys that are going to cook for your ladies. I'll follow up with desserts the week after that, and then it'll be time for another special edition. Stay tuned! ~Mistress Noire~ | |||||
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Costume Contests! Come as singular romance or love-inspired costumes. There will also be a special contest: famous romantic couples in history contest! Josephine and Napoleon, Romeo and Juliet, Siegfried and Roy; you name it, you make it! And last but certainly not least, a performed show for pure spectacle and enjoyment of our audience. Date, Date Revolution Blind Date Game Show! Contestants will get a chance to win a date with our very own school nurse, Elizabeth Nurse White! The details: On February 8th, 2008, The Sushi Squad and The Cape Radio will began festivities at 8pm EST in Virtue Servers Pocket D, a three hour long RPvP extravaganza starring the likes of: Nurse White as our bachelorette Ascendant as The Announcer Comrade Smersh, Stabbo the Clown, Flea Mark Evil and Quinton Vance as our four lucky contestants DJ Angel as The Goddess Venus DJ Cosmic as our crazed and deranged Cupid Yume Miyoko and Iceciro will be hosting our PvP tournaments respectfully An myself as your hostess with the mostest for the night festivities. Remember that the real winners here will be the participants. No matter where youre standing at the end of our various competitions, you will have had a great time, and that's what this is all about. If anyone reading this has any questions, wish to help out with the event, or are interested in becoming a Sushi, please feel free contact me here on the forums as Lady_Cyrsei. I would be happy to help you in anyway I can. Hope to see you all there! | The Top 10I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! And even if youre lactose intolerant, here's a list that's bound to agree with your fickle stomach. I give you the Top Ten CoX-inspired ice cream flavors! Number 10: Blaster Berry! A fruity explosion that defies your taste buds! Number 9: Kinetic Krunch! With chunks of No-Doz mixed in to give you the boost you need! Number 8: Regen Rhapsody! It seems like it's always full! Number 7: Stalker Sherbert! With a taste that hits you from out of nowhere! Number 6: Wacky Willpower! Its taste is sure to rise to the challenge! Number 5: Mastermind Munch! With pretzels, chocolate chunks, caramel swirl, pecans, marshmallows, bananas, cookie dough, and gummy bears! Oh, and just a little bit of ice cream! Number 4: Radiation Rainbow! With a taste that lingers in your mouth, and infects your taste buds with a powerful rush of deliciousness! Number 3: Scrapperlock! You won't be able to think about anything else except that next bowl.... Number 2: Totally Tanked! This flavor is sure to grab all the attention in the room. And finally, the Number 1 CoX-inspired ice cream flavor is... Rikti Rush! Taking over your grocer's freezer...by FORCE! |