Ex_Libris
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Posts
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Joined
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Post has been marked to save, thank you for letting us know about your ladder entry.
Ex -
We are working on updating what tracks we are allowed by license to share, so this project may take a bit of time.
It is on our list of things to sort out and update.
Ex -
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Since we have the upcoming Double XP Weekend starting February 8th - February 10th coming up next week, we wanted to find out how you spend your weekend maximizing your effort?
To help you organize and find other players within your communities we have started the following threads, use them to link to things your SG/VG may be doing or to find teams before and during the event.
Champion
Freedom
Guardian
Infinity
Justice
Liberty
Pinnacle
Protector
Triumph
Victory
Virtue -
Hando,
I know War Witch has offered her lovely talents before for this type of thing, and I would be willing to contribute if you have any trouble locating for the female cast.
Keep us posted.
Ex -
Thread marked as saved.
Some great thoughts in here, if I get the chance to raise the topic I certainly will.
Ex -
So we have identified WilliamsSquare from Founders Falls and I'm working on getting that uploaded to the FTP site.
What other music or sound files appear to be missing from the files?
List here in this thread.
Thanks,
Ex -
[ QUOTE ]
Could you please add my previously posted YouTube channel to the main list Ex?
[/ QUOTE ]
Lets wait a bit for a few more to filter in, and we will update them similar to the Guide to Guides.
Ex -
Blaster Guides have been updated, thank you Camo_Fire for taking on this task!
Regards,
Ex -
Hey Folks since this forum is one that gets skipped in our regular maintenance cycles I am starting this thread for you all to link to threads that should be moved, or trashed.
Regards,
Ex Libris -
I poked around internally to see what was up with this... someone has put it on their task list, although low priority.
Ex -
Updated.
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If anyone knows of good resources, guides, or materials that belong in this section please link them here and I will move them over.
Specifically looking for demo-record, sound, and other goodies.
Ex -
We have brought a new forum online due to Community feedback.
Introducing the Multi-Media section.
This section is dedicated to all forms of media, discussions on how to make media, and showcasing of some of the great stuff that you all have made to celebrate City of Heroes and City of Villains.
This section is marked to not purge so keeping it clean is a community responsibility.
Discuss the new section here: -
We have brought a new forum online due to Community feedback.
Introducing the Multi-Media section.
This section is dedicated to all forms of media, discussions on how to make media, and showcasing of some of the great stuff that you all have made to celebrate City of Heroes and City of Villains.
This section is marked to not purge so keeping it clean is a community responsibility.
Discuss the new section here: -
Edition 33 of "The City Scoop a publication for Supers by Supers!
Pick up information on one of our developers in the Behind the Mask Developer Incognito article. Learn more about the PvP SG/VG Ladder in The Arena. Find out what the base editor can do in the Base Showcase.
Another edition FTW!
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 33 of "The City Scoop" a publication for Supers by Supers!
Pick up information on one of our developers in the Behind the Mask Developer Incognito article. Learn more about the PvP SG/VG Ladder in The Arena. Find out what the base editor can do in the Base Showcase.
Another edition FTW!
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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Puzzles
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Base Showcase
Children of the Gods
Who is your base designer and who are your supergroup leaders?
The base was designed by Branche of Statesman's Watch and the leaders are myself
[Persaea] and Goddess Grace [my husband in RL].
Which server is your base on, and is it a Hero or Villain SG/VG?
Hero SG on Infinity. We've always been on this server primarily, since the best
teaming and camaraderie has been, in our opinion, there.
When was your supergroup established?
February 23, 2005
How many players are in your supergroup?
15 continuously active members and about 120 alts.
What is the approximate value of your base?
33 million, not counting current prestige bankrolled.
How much time do you spend working on your base? How much time have you
invested so far?
Branche has spent about 40 hours at least on this base. She's always tweaking
either her base or her friends'. She has mad skilz as an artist.
What is your favorite base item? Least favorite?
Tough question; there are so many goodies! My favorite item by far has been the
teleporters. My least favorite is the base editor itself. I think many of us
would be much happier with a more flexible base editing tool. I don't really
have a least favorite item in the base itself.
What is your favorite thing about base editing? Least favorite?
Branche, Goddess and I have always enjoyed seeing the endless creative
possibilities. Branche's latest brainchild has been creating a pool using slow
fields; the effect looks quite realistic. Our least favorite, once again, is
how limited the editor is. I designed more on games such as the Sims,
especially since our item placements weren't restricted as much by space or
number of items allowed in each room.
Any advise about base editing?
Try to keep the needs and wishes of the members in mind. We started with the
basics: meds and porters, then worked our way up to decorative. As far as
editing in general, Branche could vouch that patience is key. If you can't get
something to work, play around with it.
We can't thank Branche enough for so generously loaning her skills and talents
to creating an ownage base . I hope we can be featued soon and thanks for
lending your eye, born2luz!
Base Tours
Base Builder's Inc. is hosting a gigantic cross-server base tour and all are
invited to join! This tour will span all servers and both sides, Villain and
Hero. To join, simply check out the global channel BaseBuildersInc. (don't
forget the Dot!) and show up on the dates listed below. If you're interested in
showing off your base to others, follow
this link and post your info.
Dates and servers presently scheduled are as follows (all dates are for both
hero and villain bases):
Starting Feb 2nd and 3rd (Sat and Sun)
Servers: Virtue/liberty/Protector
Next up Feb 9th and 10th
Servers: Champion/Guardian/Victory
Followed by Feb 16th and 17th
Servers: Infinity/Justice/Triumph
Ending with: Feb 23rd and 24th
Servers: Freedom/Pinnacle
All weekend long, all servers, both sides. We will be using the global channel
BaseBuildersInc. (don't forget the Dot!) to coordinate base tours, who's base
is available for tour, and what's coming up!
More bases will be added as we get closer to the date. Please join the channel
BaseBuildersInc. (don't forget the Dot!) in advance for latest up to date info.
Questions? Sends in-game tells to @JZwolinski or @Knight of IronStar.
Juvie by QuietAmerican
Plasma Stream by Rizerax
Here's a list of SG bases lined up for the tour so far:
Mine - "The Vampires Coven" - Justice/Blue
Robo_Knight - Pinnacle/Blue
Robo_Knight - Pinnacle/Red
Taos - Pinnacle/?
CaptA - "The Infinity Legion" - Freedom/Blue
AmyGdala - "Renaissance de la Veritas" - Champion/Blue
BattleKnight - "War Crows" - Champion/Red
Talek/Cende - "Unbidden" - Triumph/?
Frozen_Horizon - "The Darkest Moon" - Protector/Blue
LadyCleo - "The Moirae" - Freedom/Blue
Korith - "Esoteric Singularity" - Triumph/Blue
BigYeti - "Hellstorm" - Protector/Red
Soundtrack - Virtue/Blue
Baisleac - "Mouseion at Alexandria" - Virtue/Blue
Tigra_Swipe - "Sentinels United" - Virtue/Blue
MCG_Warface - "FUSION" - Protector/Red
Jackrabbit - "Warren" - Pinnacle/Blue
Belton - Freedom/?
XxBudweiser8xX - "Protectors of Neverland" - Champion/Blue
Jupiter_M - "Desperado" - Freedom/Red
Agent_kendt - "Legion of Terra" - Liberty/Blue
Agent_kendt - "The Institute" - Liberty/Red
Dr. Brave - "Paragon Corp." - Champion/Blue
Clobbertime - "The Majestics" - Virtue/Red
xXCrusherXx - "Those Who Wield Power" ?/?
SpectralDaisy - "Commedia dell'Arte's Theatre" - Virtue/Red
DragonGirl - "S.H.A.D.O.W." - Infinity/Red
The_Demon_Hunter - "Paragon Elite Legends" - Virtue/Blue
eltonio - "Digital Warz" - Freedom/Blue
Ignicity - "Dark Assassins" - Justice/Red
nexxus898 - "Elite Burners" - Liberty/Red
sherlockho - "New Age Outlawz" - Freedom/?
Sherlockho - "Dark Matter" - Champion/?
The_Zekiran - "Treasure Isle" - Pinnacle/Blue
The_Zekiran - "Spirits of Paragon" - Protector/Blue
The_Zekiran - "Comic Gallery Irregulars" - Protector/Blue
Folonius - "Superheroes, Inc" - Justice/Blue
Fireduck - "Debt Hawks" - Protector/Blue
Ditzy_Blonde - "South base" - Guardian/?
DasScoot - "Power's Allegory" - Virtue/?
DasScoot - "Power's Affliction" - Virtue/?
Daemon_Creed - "Heroes of Marakest" - Justice /Blue
Acid_Rain - "The Disciples" - Triumph/Red
Peregrine_Falcon - "Meta Forces" - Virtue/Blue
Peregrine_Falcon - "Crew of the lost starship" - Protector/Blue
EvilRat - "Faithful Fans of Fallout" - Freedom/Blue
EvilRat - "Green Machines" - Freedom/Blue
EvilRat - "Shadows of Salvation" - Freedom/Blue
Solian - "Phoenix Dragoons" - Champion/Blue
Mrs_OSHA - "The OSHA Academy" - Infinity/Blue
PlasmaStream - "Guardian Force" - Virtue/Blue
PlasmaStream - "Vicious Circle" - Virtue/Red
Ebon_Angel - "The Grey Area" - Infinity/Blue
Ebon_Angel - "Alliance of Aberration" - Infinity/Red
Zynite Yunox - "Empire of Dawn" - Virtue/blue
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The Arena
Sunday Night Fights!
Velocity vs. Victory Reborn
January 20 2008
The Test Server PvP Ladders, both hero and villain, have been in action since
mid-2007. Founded by the PvP Events Committee (PVPEC), there are five groups on
the Villain ladder and ten on the Hero ladder. Groups meet on test, typically
on Wednesday and Sunday, to dispute matches in the hopes of one day attaining
the top rung of their respective ladders.
Victory Reborn vs. Velocity promised to be a match for the ages.
Velocity has been one of the best of the Test SG Ladder for months now, even
occupying the top spot for a period. Victory Reborn has fighting its way up the
ladder since last fall.
I asked NotPutzing a little about Victory Reborn prior to tonight's match:
Victory Reborn was formed last fall when Mykonos, HoJ, Ed-Wreck and I decided
to leave Freaks of Legend. There are also former members of NDX, Lion's Den as
well as other members from Freaks.
"Victory Reborn is really looking forward to this fight. Velocity has some of
the best players in the game, and every time we fight them it's just amazing
fun. Our practices are always back and forth, so really anyone can win."
Victory Reborn has started from the bottom of the ladder and made their ascent
at a dizzying pace.
Velocity has been near the top of the hero ladder for some time now, even
attaining the top rank a few months ago. They decided to adopt a Digimon theme
for their outfits and names tonight. Visible were Devimon and Seraphimon- among
others.
Things were hectic at the Arena and thus not many Velocity members were
available for comment.
Some of the most memorable matches in the ladder have involved Velocity,
including a November 2007 match against Justice for All League.
This match put the second rank in the ladder in question, with Velocity
currently holding said position.
Match one was played at a furious pace in the Cargo Ship map. Blasters on both
sides, notably Lacuna and Ed-Wreck, were isolated with Sonic Cage to ensure
damage mitigation. In this confined map, players typically circle around the
crates cluttering the middle while "spiking" the other team's support with
their Blasters. League matches are set to 10 minutes. Both teams brought "Jump"
teams consisting of Blasters, Sonics, Kins and Emps.
Victory Reborn took Match One 5-3 with kills from R86 (4) and NRGFX (1) to
Velocity's 3 kills, all by Decimate. Velocity played short one Kinetics in the
match, tilting the match 8-7 in Victory Reborn's favor.
Match Two occurred on the Outbreak map, allowing both teams a great deal of
maneuverability to duck around buildings evading and healing. Again, blasters
were caged to lower kill counts. Most of the action in the match took place in
the center area.
Velocity took match two 6-2, with Decimate (3), -Sorrows (2) and Lacuna (1)
scoring for Team V while R86 and Ed-Wreck scored for Victory Reborn, setting up
a thrilling tiebreaker! Almost inevitable seeing the talent on both teams.
Match Three was played on the grandiose Atlas Park map, again ensuring a wide
open match with plenty of back and forth. Both teams ducked in and out of the
Atlas statue, sometimes retreating behind city hall as they were caged or
needed to rebuff.
The match was tied 1-1 after 10 minutes, Ed-Wreck scoring for Victory Reborn
and Lacuna scoring for Velocity! It doesn't get closer than this folks.
Match Four got reset due to the Hollows caves cycling in. This map is one of
several vetoed by all teams due to its confined nature. It was reset a second
time since the office map loaded in.
Finally, the teams loaded into the Lab Map, which can swing a team win early
off a Blaster nuke or a few hard spikes. Both teams congregated in the middle,
ducking in and out of fire blasts and sonic debuffs.
Velocity keeps its 2nd place ranking with a 3-1 match win! -Sorrows (2) and
Decimate (1) scored for Velocity while R86 answered from Victory Reborn, in one
of the closest matches disputed in a long time.
Good game to both teams!
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Behind the Mask
Dev
Incognito
Where do you live?
Northern California. Any more specific and my SO would glare at me.
Do you have any pets?
We have a small tabby cat named after a famous philosopher. No, I have no idea
why she was named that way!
What is the most interesting place you have visited?
Hoover Dam, I'd have to say. While many people might be bored taking the tour,
I was fascinated!
What are your top three songs of all time?
Wow TOUGH choice. Mood makes such a difference in this, I'm going to have to
bend the rules and pick top three Album/CDs instead. "Bloodletting" -- Concrete
Blonde, "Garbage" -- Garbage, "Physical Graffiti" -- Led Zeppelin (with
Honorable mentions going to "Stand Up" from Jethro Tull, "We Sold Our Soul For
Rock and Roll" from Black Sabbath, "Fush You Mang" from Smashmouth and
"Saturday Morning Cartoon's" soundtrack/homage CD from the early 90's.
What five TV shows could you not live without?
Uh TV isn't a 'live without' sort of thing. I like "Heroes", "Chuck", "Saving
Grace", "Scrubs" and "House" the best out of what is on, though.
What was the best book you last read?
Pretty sure it was "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows", though I may have
re-read "The Sleeping Dragon" by Joel Rosenberg since. The timing of the two is
a bit blurry.
What is your favorite pop culture quote?
Oh, dear lord. There are SO many I use! I know in the Simpsons Nelson voice "Ah
ha!"
What other hobbies do you have?
Gaming: PC, Console, Board, Card, Dice pretty much anything. Reading, Movies
(though less so than a few years back too expensive!) I used to have a
collection of pewter dragons, but I pretty much stopped adding to it.
Who is your real life hero?
I don't really have a hero; I'm too cynical to really put anyone up on a
pedestal, which is sort of required of a hero. Hmm maybe Ron Jeremy. He gives
ugly men everywhere hope!
Pants?
Only if I've been running!
What is your home server, and why did you end up picking it as your home
server?
My "Home" is Justice, it's where my oldest friends in game are and where my
Supergroup is. Unfortunately, I don't play with them much since I started
working on COH.
How were you drawn to this game?
I've been a fan of Superhero games since I discovered Champions in 1981. When I
heard that an MMO version of one called City of Heroes was being made, I
immediately signed up on the forums. About a month later, the forums got wiped
and I had to re-register -- I was among the first 500 people registered for the
COH pre-beta forums. When the first wave of Beta invites went out, I was one of
the "First 100." I've been playing ever since!
What is your favorite aspect of the game?
Confession time: Even though I work on powers and critters, my favorite aspect
of the game is the costume creator. I hate to think of how much time I've spent
in it making alts and updating costumes on characters!
Who is your namesake character, and what are they?
My main was a champions character I played in a game run by a fellow named
"Ventor Laird" a while back. His original name was taken so
was born.
is a Blaster with an assortment of power pools I like.
Which type of character would you say is your favorite to play and why?
I have SO many characters! I think, in general, I prefer Scrappers or Brutes
since I solo so often. I LOVE playing my Dominator in PVP though.
How do you normally handle new challenges in the game?
Ego: "I CRUSH THEM!" Honestly: "I get defeated a lot until I figure a way to
beat the encounter/change/whatever."
Which zone is your favorite?
Striga
What is your favorite storyline in the game?
I forget the name, but the level 20ish villain storyline which goes into Ghost
Widows background. Great stuff.
It has been a busy year for the game so far. Do you feel that I9-i11 have
really added anything to the game and why?
Let's see. Another Co-Op zone, a new "Raid" style encounter at the Mother Ship,
new Powersets, hmm I think we did pretty well.
What advice do you have for any new players to the game?
If you are able to complete your missions and are having fun doing so, IGNORE
people who tell you your "build sucks" without you asking. The game isn't very
difficult, and there is almost no need to try and build "optimally." Those
people are usually not the one you should be listening to, in any case. Of
course, if you do want help, there are a ton of people on the forums more than
willing to give you a hand in building a better hero. We have a great
community!
Any closing comments?
Working on COH is probably the most fun I've ever had while at work. Sure, it's
stressful at times, and there are days when I pull my hair out, but usually,
it's a blast!
Staff Spotlight
Pants Stealer
Where do you live?
Plano, TX, which is north of Dallas. Its kind of an infamous city.
If you do not mind, what is your gender and age?
Im a 24 year old woman.
What do you do for a living?
Its hard to sum up my job with just a few words because I have so many
different duties that are loosely related. Roughly, Im a database manager for
a select guest base for major restaurant chain. I know, that probably tells you
nothing. Im hoping to do something with my new technical writing
certificationhopefully in the gaming industry.
What has been the most unusual thing to happen at your job?
Hm, well, its a corporate job, and with most corporate jobs, theres a high
school mentality associated with it. Theres the typical office drama and
gossip, which I shamelessly participate in sometimes. Ive had people ask me
out over the phone (these being random guests who called in to have me resolve
something for them). Thats really the strangest thing I can think of.
Are you seeing anyone special right now?
Im not, but Im ready to get back out there and meet someone.
What is the most interesting place you have visited?
I havent traveled much. Its a toss up between California as a whole or
Chicago.
What are your top three songs of all time?
This isnt a stagnant thing for me, but my favorite songs right now are My
Humps by the Black Eyed Peas, We Share Our Mothers Health by The Knife, and
Pass This On by The Knife.
What five TV shows could you not live without?
I think I could probably live without television, but my top five favorite
shows right now are Heroes, LOST, Medium, Greys Anatomy, and Six Feet Under
(which has been off air for a couple years, but Im watching it on DVD).
What was the best book you last read?
Thats a tough one because I read a lot. Its probably a toss up between Jane
Eyre by Charlotte Brontë and The Country Girl Trilogy by Edna OBrien.
What is your favorite pop culture quote?
This fluctuates too much to be answerable, and my current one isnt really
family friendly.
What other hobbies do you have?
Well, aside from playing City of Heroes/Villains, I enjoy just chatting with my
supergroup mates from Whirligig (and our pseudo-members), playing D&D,
spending time with my local friends, playing Guitar Hero 2, reading, drawing,
writing, copy editing, watching movies, and so on.
Who is your real life hero?
It used to be my mom because shes overcome a lot in her lifetime, but I think
its myself now. I know that sounds horribly self-centered, but Im really
proud of what Ive accomplished in my short lifetime and the way that Ive
changed and grown within the last year. Ive discovered a great well of
strength in myself that gives me a lot of hope for my future. I admire the
person Ive become.
What is your home server, and why did you end up picking it as your home
server?
I play on Liberty. I think I was drawn to it because, when I joined the game, I
was very much into politics and civil liberties and rights, so it just fit. I
happened to meet some incredible people on it, too, and thats what keeps me
here.
Ive also called Pinnacle home, and now I play on a number of servers.
How were you drawn to this game?
Its kind of a sad story. My cat Noah was dying, and I was pretty emotionally
devastated. I needed something to take my mind off of the inevitability of
losing him, so I picked up City of Heroes at Target one afternoon. I didnt
realize it was an MMO or that I had to pay for it, but I fell in love with it
anyway. Its been a source of escape for me, and Im not afraid to turn to it
when Im going through a hard timeespecially now because Ive made some
wonderful friendships that I hope will last for a long time.
What is your favorite aspect of the game?
Its definitely the social aspect now. There are days when I just log in to
talk to my friends. I enjoy the teamwork often needed to succeed in the game,
too, be it in PVP or PVE.
What was your biggest n00b moment in game?
Oh gosh I remember getting a tell for the first time and having absolutely no
idea how to respond. I met some nice people from a supergroup called A New
Breed, and they took me under their wing.
What was your favorite OMG moment in game?
It was my first Hamidon raid. I was unbelievably overwhelmed at the sheer
amount of people gathered to take down this one enemy. It really moved me to
see so many people united for one cause.
Who is your namesake character, and what are they?
Pants Stealer is a rad/psy Defender. She hasnt been around all that longmaybe
a year at the most. It kind of took me a while to find my identity within the
game, and it just never occurred to me to make a character named after my forum
handle.
Do you prefer Heroside or Villainside and why is that?
I think I probably lean a little towards heroes just because Im more familiar
with their powersets and such.
Which type of character would you say is your favorite to play and why?
I like dealing damage, specifically ranged, so I think Blasters are my
favorite. I also really enjoy Controllers and Corruptors, though.
What would you say is your playstyle?
Other than being very team-oriented, Im not sure I have one. I like to think
Im pretty versatile.
Which zone is your favorite?
I think its probably Firebase Zulu. Its so amazingly beautiful in there.
What is your favorite storyline in the game?
I recently did the Seer Marino storyline, and I felt it was pretty awesome. I
also like the Devouring Earth one about Terra and Hamidon. I tend to not pay a
whole lot of attention to content because Im lazy.
Last year saw three incredible issues to the game. Out of all that was added
what would you say is your favorite new feature?
I think my favorite thing was a fix for the arena (though the problems seem to
be back). I think the Invention system has added even more customization to the
game, especially for PVP. Its nice to have a build that has all the same
powers as everyone else, but I can use whatever sets I want to get whatever
desired result I want.
What advice do you have for any new players to the game?
I want to say dont be afraid to ask questions, but I know there are some
people in the game that can be jerks about it, so I guess my advice is to find
a group of people that you really enjoy playing with. If theyre new, too,
learn together. If theyre experienced in the game, ask them questions. I think
a lot of people are pretty willing to help out newcomers. And dont be afraid
of the forums. I think I really blossomed and opened up once I joined the
forums and began posting.
Any closing comments?
Ive tried out a couple other MMOs since City of Heroes, and I just cant get
into them. Our community is one of the best Ive encountered. Its friendly,
helpful, and caring, and you can meet people just like you if you give it a
chance. I have a lot of pride for the people that play this game, and that
pride goes into the people I play with, my supergroup, and the City Scoop. Ive
gained a lot since I bought this game, and Im really grateful for it.
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Food
& Recipes
Well as promised, lunch. But first... Remember: to keep a high metabolism you
must eat 6 small meals a day. In between meals you must eat snacks - do carrot
sticks or other veggies, or fruits, such as apples and oranges. How about a
bowl of popcorn? Just don't drown it in butter or go heavy on the salt! I know
for the first little while it will take getting used to cutting your serving
sizes in half but you can do it! Trust me, it takes time and all, but you will
be much happier in the end.
So let's get started on lunch!
Waiter, I'll have a...
Chunk Chicken & Veggie Soup
[*]
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
[*]
1 boneless skinless chicken breast (4oz) diced
[*]
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
[*]
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
[*]
2 green onions, sliced
[*]
2 cans (14 1/2 oz each) chicken brot
[*]
1 cup of water
[*]
1/2 cup of sliced carrots
[*]
2 tablespoons of cream
[*]
1 tablespoon of finely chopped parsley
[*]
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
[*]
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
[/list]
1. Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 4 to
5 minutes or until no longer pink. Add bell pepper, celery and onions. Cook and
stir 7 minutes or until veggies are tender.
2. Add broth, water, carrots, cream, parsley, thyme and black pepper. Simmer 10
minutes or until carrots are tender.
Serves 4
With a side of...
Cucumber Tomato Salad
[*]
1/2 cup rice vinegar
[*]
4 packets of Equal
[*]
3 cups of unpeeled 1/4 inch thick sliced cucumbers, quartered (about 2 med
sized cucumbers)
[*]
2 cups of chopped tomatoes (about one large tomato)
[*]
1/2 cup chopped red onion
[*]
salt and pepper to taste[/list]
Distilled white vinegar maybe substituted for rice vinegar.
1. Combine vinegar and Equal. Add cucumbers, tomato and onion. Season to taste
with salt and pepper; mix well. Refrigerate, covered at least 30mins before
serving.
Makes 6 servings
Actually I'll have what those three are having...
Tri-Mushroom Soup
[*]
1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil
[*]
1 - 8oz package of sliced button mushrooms (3 cups)
[*]
2oz portobello mushrooms sliced into 1/2 inch-thick pieces
[*]
2oz shiitake, porcini, or other mushrooms, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
[*]
3 cloves of garlic, minced
[*]
1/3 cup dry sherry (this is optional)
[*]
3 - 14oz cans of reduced-sodium chicken broth
[*]
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed, or 1 tablespoon snipped fresh thyme[/list]
1. In a large saucepan heat oil over medium heat. Add all of the mushrooms and
the garlic. Cook about 10 min or until mushrooms are softened and most of the
liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally. If desired, stir in sherry. Cook
for 2mins more.
2. Add the chicken broth and dried thyme (if using). Bring to boiling; reduce
heat. Simmer, covered for 20mins. Stir in the snipped fresh thyme (if using).
Makes 6 servings.
I hope you all enjoyed again this week!
See you next week, it will be dinner time!
Mistress
Noire
-
The City Scoop
Giant Exhibit
This week the Paragon City Museum unveiled the their first exhibit for the new
year, scale models of some of the more famous giant monsters in the world, past
and present, as well as the inclusion of some inter-dimensional ones. The City
Scoop had a chance to meet with D. Perez, a spokesperson for the Museum, and
talk to him about the exhibit.
City Scoop: So, why dont you tell us a bit about the Paragon
City Museum.
D. Perez: Of course! The Paragon City Museum is intended to be
a new, visual resource for citizens and visitors in Paragon City to see various
aspects of hero and villain life. There are already some great publications and
databases for that, of course, such as the
Paragon Wiki, Red
Tomaxs journals, Vidiot Maps,
the Titan Network, and other such sites, as well as Paragon Citys
recent proposal to open up the hero registry vault for public viewing. We dont
plan on trying to replace any of these wonderful resources, but we are striving
give the community an additional resource to actually see individuals, motions,
and physical comparisons not found elsewhere, like the Animated Emote Guide,
which will be included in the museum in the museum soon.
CS: Great! Now, why did you decide to highlight giant monsters
as your first exhibit?
DP: Well, we had released a smaller version of it a while
back, but even then it wasnt very complete. Since then we have had regular
requests to update it to include the few monsters that were missing. A number
of other monsters and giant-sized threats have been discovered or have arrived,
so the need was that much greater for a new exhibit. As it was something that
was requested, and the original still pops up from time to time as someone has
a question about it, it seemed like a simple, easy starting point.
CS: Now, looking at the exhibit, it's pretty obvious to me
that there are a number of giants missing, as well as a few Ive never seen
before. How did you gather the information on these monsters and decide who was
included and who wasnt?
DP: We have a number of heroes working with us, delivering
information on the monsters they have seen or fought. Given the wide range of
submission we had, Im fairly certain some of these heroes were
interdimensional or even time travelers. However we had enough of those reports
that we felt we should include some of them. We would have liked to include all
of them, but it wasnt feasible. We felt no need to include the frequently seen
monsters of the Devouring Earth, for instance. For others, we just couldnt get
enough reliable data on which to make a accurate model, such as the Chimera
beneath Talos Island or the rumored Leviathan beneath the Rogue Isles. There
are several other monsters and giant sized threats we are aware of and will be
adding as the data arrives.
CS: Yes, the Rogue Isles. How did you get reliable information
on the monsters found there?
DP: Im afraid Im not at liberty to reveal our sources...
CS: I see. Well, there is one monster missing that I know
people are going to ask about. So, what about Sally?
DP: Sally? Oh right, that monster rumored to be in the lake in
Croatoa. I havent seen convincing evidence that she exists.
CS: And how about the giant heroes of the past?
DP: We would have loved to have included the famous giant
heroes of the past, such as Atlas or Talos, but we didnt feel that it was
respectful of these heroes to display them in the same exhibit as so many
notorious and destructive monsters.
CS: Anything else you would like to add?
DP: Id just like to remind everyone that we are still under
construction at this time, but to keep an eye out for us. We have some big
things planned for the near future!
And without further ado:
The Giant Monster Exhibit*
*We remind readers that since time travels are believed to be involved with the
creation of this exhibit, it may include spoilers.
Vol. I, Issue XXXIII
January 25th, 2008
This Issue:
Upcoming Events:
Content Watch
Heroside Level 11 to 20
I was gonna shop at WentWorth's, but I bought Dyne.
I was gonna join a task force, but I took Dyne.
I turned into a Troll and I know why.
Why man? He! He!
'Cause I took Dyne, 'cause I took Dyne, 'cause I took Dyne.
-Song from unknown artist quickly pulled off the air
Hello everyone and happy New Year. It is time for another Content Watch article.
This time I will cover the level 11 to 20 range Heroside. Since I did two
issues on the blue side in a row, my next two Content Watches will be on the
red side. You can read the present discussion here and feel free to post any
comments.
In this level range, you have six zones you can use to level up: the Hollows,
Steel Canyon, Skyway City, Faultline, Boomtown and Bloody Bay. Many of these
zones are underused content wise because players have better choices available
to level up. This might result from a regular contact introducing you to X in
Zone Y for their first mission, but receiving no indication that you dont have
to do the new contact's missions. The story arcs in the Hollows and Faultline
are probably the most popular due to their more recent design.
From the replies on the forums, I see two threads for this level range. Some
think its a grind because you want to hurry to 20 for the much needed Stamina,
and some view it has enjoyable as you can fly past them with a couple good
groups and a TF. Mr_Grey posted: "11-20 is the worst grind for heroes. It
starts without a travel power and you fight a metric ton of endurance-draining
enemies (from the Clockwork to the Outcasts to the Tsoo), and you don't even
have Stamina yet." I think this quote summarizes the spirit of this level
range, especially if you solo a lot. Also, the fact that some players want a
travel power at 14 and stamina at 20 uses up 5 of your power slots. This can
push back gaining other powers that might be more fun to use to higher levels.
Of course, I have to talk about the first two task forces: Positron (10-15) and
Synapse (15-20). The Positron task force is a horrible thing where your team
can wipe several times. It can take you several (5+) hours to complete. Its
easier to do it with a small group, which doesn't fit the "8man team or
nothing" mentality some heroes have. The Synapse TF is actually enjoyable. It
takes about 3 hours to complete and takes in the land of the Clockwork King and
his court. For many new heroes, the Clockwork King will be the first
archvillain they fight, which can lead to a truly memorable experience.
There are a few old story arcs worth mentioning:
[*]
The Skull and Hellion war in the level 10-15 range
[*]
The Tsoo rage lab
[*]
The Dr. Vahzilok story arc
[/list]
Dr. Vahzilok might be the first AV some players meet. Ever since the last room
of the mission was reworked into a torture chamber, it really gives out an
eerie atmosphere. This is probably the reason why Dr. Vahzilok was voted the
most popular AV at the player choice awards in 2007. However with the Faultline
arcs, the first AVs players will encounter will often be Kurse and Nocturne.
There are still a couple of missions that will cause problems for some players.
Kellis posted: "Someone tell that Security Chief to stop sending us to fight
L15 Clockwork in Boomtown when we're only level 12." Next, a post by IanTheM1:
"I want to see the 'Kill 10 Igneous in the Gulch' and 'Stop 20 Trolls from
Damming the River' to be either changed or abolished entirely." Those "Defeat
X" missions were good to introduce you to a zone when street hunting was a
popular way to level up. However, they are now often dropped because players
view them as too hard, or because they cant find help fast enough to clear
them (because door missions are now the prime means to gain XP).
At level 15, heroes and villains can take part in their first open PvP
experience in Bloody Bay (level cap 25). Im not going to cover PvP here, but
in terms of content Bloody Bay offers some repeatable missions that will give
out a superior XP completion bonus every 30 minutes. Also, doing the patrol in
this zone will grant you a 30 minute hyper-stealth temporary power, which can
be really handy sometimes. Theres also the "Investigate the Meteors" mission,
which gives the summon Shivan temporary power, which is always a popular choice
for soloing hard monsters or helping out on AV fights.
You can also get your first badge mission needed for an Accolade, the Spelunker
badge from the "Rescue the missing fortune-teller" mission. If you missed it,
you can grab it by using the Ouroboros flashback system or by checking your
server badge channel.
This sums up some of the content available for this level range. I would like to
thank everyone on the forums that took time to give me their opinion on this
level range. Because of you, I can keep writing my articles for the City Scoop.
The next Content Watch thread will be up in about a week in the City Life
section of the forums covering the level 11-20 range for villains, so stay
tuned until then. This is Plater for the City Scoop, thanking you for your
support so far on the Content Watch.
By Popular Request
This is the twelfth in a series of By Popular Request articles, which reviews
commonly requested player suggestions that have strong positive support, and
reviews the implications and considerations that would need to be considered if
these suggestions were to be implemented.
This weeks subject Respecification options:
Respecs allow players to change the powers, slot distribution, and slotting of
their characters. Characters can earn up to 3 respecs by completing a TF/SF.
Characters also acquire them automatically via veteran rewards. Additionally,
free respecs are handed out from time to time by the devs. In all cases, the
respec procedure is the same.
Players first reselect all their powers, as if they were level 1. Once all
powers have been selected, a player then places slots into these powers.
Finally, once all slots have been allocated, players reslot any of the
enhancements they had, either in their powers, or in the enhancement bar.
Players may also sell enhancements they do not wish to keep, and may place
previously slotted enhancements back into their enhancement bar.
This process could be upgraded in a number of ways. First, an indicator as to
what level you are selecting a power might cue players into what power they
might want to take (travel power at 14, stamina at 20 for instance). Second,
there could be an indicator as to which power the character had taken
previously at this level. Third, there could be an addition, wherein a player
could click a button and skip a step, thereby keeping all the things from that
step the same as the character had prior to the respec.
There could also be somewhat easier to obtain partial respecs, which would only
allow certain changes to be made, such as a respec which would only allow the
changing of slots or the moving of enhancements. Some players would even like
the ability to simply reorder the enhancements in their powers, without
changing slotting at all. Finally, it would be a bonus to give players the
ability to maintain the way they had their power bars prior to the respec. In
this way, players that made few power changes would not have to reorder their
bars for relatively minor changes to their powers.
The Top Ten
Top Ten signs you're in a broken mission.
Sometimes it's a misplaced mob or glowie. Sometimes it's just not a good
mission. Other times it's strange hiccups in space and time. Regardless, here
are a few clues that your current mission is borked.
Number 10: Instead of Hellions vs. Skulls, you've got Jets vs.
Sharks, and they're all doing the funky chicken dance.
Number 9: 3 hours and 37 minutes later, another hero gets a
mission to rescue YOU.
Number 8: Upon closer inspection of the collection list, you
realize your contact is just sending you on errands they're too lazy to do. I
mean seriously... Collect the DVDs? Secure the Dry Cleaning? Escort the Pizza
boy?
Number 7: Lord Recluse has dispatched Black Scorpion and Ghost
Widow to help you kidnap a corn muffin.
Number 6: No mobs - just a small sign that reads "Bio BrB"
where they should be.
Number 5: You're supposed to be fighting Trolls, but these
really look more like Orcs....
Number 4: When you escort the hostage to the door, instead of
thanking you he says "Ok, now you go hide and I'll find you!"
Number 3: Katie Hannon is now asking you to score her Hanna
Montana tickets.
Number 2: All the Fake Nemesis in the mission look
suspiciously like Orville Redenbacher.
And the Number one sign that something is a touch off in your current
mission is... It's on an Oranbega map!
For 3.5 years now, Derek Sweet has been bringing the City of Heroes community
free comic strips twice a week. Anyone that is a fan of the series has been
anxiously awaiting the 3rd issue of the full-length comic book, a joint project
with Roan Moore, for quite some time now. We are happy to tell you that it has
finally been released after more than 2 years in development, and WOW, is it
ever a great end to the story! Here's a link:
City of
Zeroes - Issue #3
-
[ QUOTE ]
This thread should be updated - I can't find any of December's back issues
[/ QUOTE ]
I agree, we will have to get this up to date... if you go into the announcement section they should be listed by date.
Ex
