Ex_Libris
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Posts
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The City Traveler
Okay, here's the deal. Taxibot Belle is taking a week off. Last I heard, she was mumbling something about a little tiff between Vanguard and the Freedom Phalanx. You know, it's kind of funny that heroes make fun of us residents of the Rogue Isles for a lack of teamwork when they seem to have just as much trouble holding it together themselves. Having dealt with both groups in a slightly different capacity than Belle, well, I wish her good luck straightening that mess out.
So anyway, she felt really guilty about not having a column this week, and I've helped her out a few times when she popped into the Isles to take care of some business. She asked if I could cover for her until the latest chest-beating match between Statesman and the Dark Watcher blows over. "Sure," I said, "It's not like a Rogue Isles Getaway 'bot would be too busy over here involuntarily serving the transportation needs of a maniacal and ruthless leader, I'll just ask for the day off." She thanked me, kissed me on the cheek, and disappeared in a matter transference flash. Mental note: Sarcasm just doesn't work on Belle like it's supposed to.
She left me a list of things that I should write about. She mentioned something about making sure that I answer her question last week about where the original Paragon Dance Party entrances were. Of course, she didn't bother to actually give me the answers, so after a few hours this afternoon scaring the poo out of heroes in Bloody Bay looking for a veteran (photonic displacers rule, by the way), I finally got one to cough up Steel Canyon, Talos Island, and Independence Port. I swear, I have no idea how I get rooked into these things. She said that an even dozen heros sent her the right answer. The first was DracoExMachina, who responded within minutes of her article being published. Congratulations, here's your blue ribbon... Whatever.
It's too bad you all are reading this and not watching me rip up the list of things she gave me to write about. She can write about whatever she wants when she gets back. But did she really expect me to talk about Crey's Folly? If I'm going to do this, I'm not going to talk about her beloved Paragon City. I'm going to say a few words about the place I call home, where every two-bit villain thinks he's a dollar's worth of trouble.
I did read her article last week. (What, you don't think we get the City Scoop over in the Isles?) I saw that she mentioned the Monkey Fight Club branch in Pocket D. I also saw the she conveniently left out the fact that the original Monkey Fight Club is located over in Sharkhead Isle, and just like the Pocket D branch, fights take place every five minutes on schedule. Unlike the fancy schmancy Pocket D club, though, it's a great place to just relax and throw back a beer. At least, it is for those who aren't on call 24 hours a day in case a "Destined One" nut job turns a bank job into a hack job.
The original Monkey Fight Club
If you want to drop by and visit, find the Natural Quartermaster in Sharkhead, turn east, and walk through the door next to the big red monkey painted on the wall. You know, monkey--as in "Monkey Fight Club?" (Sorry, sometimes you have to spell it out for the tanks.)
Oh, so you think you're smarter than the tanks? Okay, wise guy, here's a question for you. The Moretti family actually bought another property they were considering to use as another branch of the Monkey Fight Club before DJ Zero approached them about opening up shop in Pocket D. I've snapped a picture of it, big red monkey and all, and I've included it below. The question is simple: Where was it taken? If you know, don't bug me, I don't care. Here, bug Belle instead, she actually likes it when people send her answers to stuff.
Another Monkey Fight Club?
And just to teach her a lesson so I won't have to do this again, I'm going to give away a couple of Taxibot secrets. Stuff they don't exactly go around telling the public about. How do I know them? Let's just say that I've read the manual.
First of all, they sometimes use a technique called "telezoning." Basically, if you teleport someone into a ferry or a tunnel, they automatically pop out the other side, no fuss, no muss. Try it sometime with a friend, it's fun. Just teleport them right into a tunnel. It's actually possible to get a hero from Atlas Park all the way to Peregrine Island even if they're not monitoring their own whereabouts. Telezone them from Atlas Park into Skyway City, then to Talos Island, then to Peregrine, badda bing, badda boom. (What, you don't think we have maps of Paragon City in the Isles?)
A second technique they use is called a "Teleportation Attack Sequence." To pull it off, you need a teleporter and an attacker. The attacker needs to have their teleportation prompt set to enforce acknowledgement before being teleported. The attacker gets within a few seconds' range of his or her target, then the teleporter, who is a comfortable distance away, initiates the teleportation sequence. The attacker then goes in and wails away on the target, acknowkedges the teleportation prompt, and poof! Out of harm's way. This works particularly well in multi-level buildings or labs.
The RIGS have perfected this strategy into what we call a 'Port Strike, where stealthy stalkers like me are able to sneak up on a much more powerful enemy and do some heavy damage and instantly get the hell away with little risk. If necessary, we repeat the process to whittle away an enemy group's ranks before going in with our force. We've used it to successfully develop a healthy respect from every group within five miles of our four-mile island.
They have a few other secrets (as do we), but that ought to do it for now. If I bored you, well too bad, I don't care. Belle will be back next week and you can complain to her. If I didn't and by some miracle you enjoyed this column, then how about convincing Recluse to give us a raise? Or seriously, a day off now and then would be nice. Maybe a maid for the RIGS garage to pick up after the organics?
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Letter from the Editor
It's been an exciting couple of months here at the City Scoop. Most of the crew is still a bit punchy after going on Split Infinity Radio last week. We've been geeking out about Issue 11, the NCsoft buyout, and everything else that's been happening. What does that all mean? We're going to do the unexpected, and take a week off!
Well in truth, we'll all be working on important different things in preparation for the rush toward the end of the year. There will be behind the scenes work going on to bring some new staffers up to speed, advance some neat new projects, and several other things. So, you guys have a choice as to your explanation for why we're not publishing:
Most of the crew is going to the Meet and Greet, and wants to focus on preparing goodies for that.
It's the week of Thanksgiving in the US, and family and school is going to come first for a little while.
Positron's Turkey deep fryer went haywire, and the office is under attack from Giant Rabid Turkeys.
It's a small act of solidarity for the WGA workers on strike.
We're preparing some stuff behind the scenes and need a week to work.
In truth, it's all of the above...mostly. So I take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy holiday, and if you're on the west coast and come to the Meet and Greet, say hi to all the Scoopers that will be there! Anyone worried that they will see me can rest easy, though. The containment facility they keep me in is on the other coast.
Official Fanzine Launch
We got the word this week from Lighthouse that a new Official CoH Fanzine will be coming soon to our neighborhood. The announcement brought the teensiest bit of panic to the newsroom until Lighthouse explained the full deal to us. Once it got hammered into my brain, I agree this is going to be quite cool.
The Fanzine will be an online publication devoted to showcasing fan fiction, artwork, and other things done by the players of the game. It is coming along to fill part of the gap from the CoH comic's departure. The first issue was put together by Arctic_Sun before his departure. The fanzine is going to show up three or four times a year, and it a gives a professional presentation to player creations.
It will be a free downloadable .pdf, and you guys can get the first issue now. The Scoop staff is looking forward to finding and showcasing some of the excellent creations of the community, for eventual inclusion in the CoH fanzine.
Veteran's Day
Many people chose to honor the brave men and women who fought for our country this week. One of the larger and more heartfelt events, in game, was held on Virtue. Many heroes and villains attended to hear the speeches given by those in attendance. All I ask of you all, despite your current feelings of the war, is to think about those that serve our country and to remember those that paid for that freedom with their lives.
Below and to the right are excerpts from some of the speeches.
Light Wave
"Heroes of Paragon, denizens of the Rogue Isles, welcome. We are here today to remember, recognize, and honor all the people out there in the real world who make a difference everyday. I'm not only talking about the soldiers who serve to protect our freedom, and who do a damned good job at that, but also to the lesser spoke of heroes. I am of course speaking of the fire fighters who courageously put their lives on the line to save life and property. I speak of the police officers who would sacrifice themselves in the line of duty to serve the public. I speak of the paramedics who save lives on a daily basis, to each individual who would go out of their way to help their fellow man."
Lucifia
"I speak in honor for the one hero in my life, my dad. I never got to know him very well... He passed away when I was 5. But, he was a Korean War
veteran and he did some things - Probably, did things he regretted and never spoke of. But the one thing I remember is Mom told me how he would watch
historical things on TV - and she nagged him for doing that, "Why do you watch it even if you never wanna talk about it?!" He looks at my Mom, and goes,
"Because despite what happened, I never want to forget so the same mistakes can't be repeated."
Crimson Rook
"I'd also like to thank the people who often get overlooked--911 personnel. There is always someone on the radio with an officer during a chase. There is always someone helping the firemen get where then need to go. They save lives not with medical equipment but with a phone. It's all they have when someone calls in whose child has stopped breathing or when someone has been badly wounded. They HAVE to remain calm even when the situation seems to be going horribly wrong on the other end of the phone."
Chief Crowbar
"Why do soldiers do what we do? I've been asked. We've all heard the reasons... a paycheck, benefits, money for college... Maybe that's the answer for some.
But that's not the call, that's not the call that pulls at the soul that makes a man or woman put their life on the line for his country, his people, his fellow soldier. For a stranger, for a foreigner in a foreign land who doesn't even speak the same language, when you've come to protect them from an invader.
I am a soldier. I put my life, and my honor, on the line for you. For your child. For this country.
For this world, and the hope of freedom for another man, woman, child, family that doesn't haven't it, who only dreams of it. Who can only dream of it, a distant dream.
Freedom isn't just an American dream. We need to remember that as we look to the rest of the world, and remember the cost of it.
I give to you today: The soldiers... and the civilians we serve, who depend on us, because without them, we would be nothing."
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Go. Hunt. Get Badge.
This week's installment covers the Spider Smasher badge. The rule of thumb for this one is simple: any Arachnos Trooper with the word "Wolf" in their name. That means most of the low level troops (Wolf Spider, Wolf Spider Enforcer, Wolf Spider Assault, Wolf Spider Tac Ops, and Wolf Spider Huntsman) will count towards this badge. Arachnos troops of other types don't count, and neither do Rogue Arachnos, which are found in most of Warburg (see below for exception).
Villains
Its painfully easy to get this badge. Most villains have it long before level 15. The Wolf Spiders are everywhere in the lower levels.
Heroes
Its slightly harder to get this badge, but since the introduction of the revamped Faultline, is isnt difficult at all. If you like a challenge, you can pick them off at the villain base in Bloody Bay. I did this with my Scrapper because I was bored while getting the five hour badge (watch out for drones). Even with Faultline as a choice though, I recommend that heroes level 30 and up head to Warburg. There are nice bunches of arachnos troops at the villain base. There are clusters of Wolf Spiders even though they are too low level for the zone. That means they con gray, and it means they stand there in nice tight groups. Look around the warehouse near the villain hospital, slip in, wipe them out, and then move off until they respawn. It ends up being a quicker and easier hunt than most other options.
There you have it, short, simple, and to the point.
Art Spotlight
Ms. Frost by Vexiphne
Kobolt by Toxic Shia
Tiena the Solarkinetic by Tatious
Big the Tank by Juggertha
This Issue
Features
Staff
Upcoming Events:
Nov 17th
Infinity
Natural Disasters' 3-Tiered Contest
Hamidon Raid
Justice
Legacy Costume Contest
Test
PvPEC Haunted House - Heroes
Nov 18th
Guardian
Ultra-Massive Rikti Pylon Raid
Triumph
Sunday Night Smackdown
Nov 24th
Freedom
The Turkey Hunt
Protector
Nuke Hami... with Pets
Test
PvPEC Haunted House - Villains
Nov 30th
Test
Irregular Pentad
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The City Scoop
Fan Site Highlight
City of Heroes/Villains has a large and creative fan base, and
many of these individuals have set up their own fan sites to honor this beloved
MMO. These fan sites have had wide and varied purposes, from streaming radio
shows to creating archives of information about a specific aspect of the game,
and everything else you can imagine. These sites are maintained by dedicated
individuals who run these sites as a way to help their fellow Heroes and
Villains enjoy the game even more. This new article will be used as a tribute
to these hardworking fans and as a way to inform players about fantastic fan
sites that they are missing!
This week, we highlight w00t Studios, which may be one of the more well known
fan sites for City of Heroes. w00t Studios originated as w00t radio. It was
founded by City fan Jester and was run by a number of fans which provided
streaming music that any City of X player could log into. Between the wide
variety of music selected and the talk shows provided, players were given the
option to take a break from the sounds of the City and experience a refreshing
change of pace. With experience and time, the radio's team size expanded and
other MMOs began to gain coverage. As the website gained notice, a strong
relationship developed between w00t radio and the makers of City of
Heroes/Villains, and exclusive interviews and discussions became more and more
common place. With time, w00t radio became synonymous with live coverage of the
City, going so far as hosting the Anniversary parties of both City of Heroes
and City of Villains.
On September 2nd, 2007, w00t radio made the decision to move from a live radio
station into w00t Studios, which can be considered a collective of player
creativity. In this form, the website no longer streams live music, but it now
focuses more on fan videos, fan fiction, and various ongoing shows. Two of the
more well known shows are The Jester's Court, in which Jester discusses the MMO
news of the week and speculates as to the various impacts this news will have,
and Stan and Lou, a comedy show created entirely by Hertz, the former Editor in
Chief of the City Scoop. Stan and Lou is dedicated to honoring the mythology of
City of Heroes and Villains while pointing out the absurdities inherent with
any MMO and exclusive to the City.
We caught up with Jester, founder of w00t Studios and asked him to lend us his
experiences and perspective on this awesome fan site.
How did W00T Studios/radio get started?
The birth of the w00t: In 2005, I was stuck in dial-up hell and wasn't able to
DJ for the amateur station I'd started at. While I had that time off, I
realized that a more professional station could have a good chance of doing
developer interviews and being a solid source of community entertainment and
news. I started doing research over the summer, and by September, I had all the
pieces in place to actually launch a 24/7 broadcast of music. It started as
just me running from zone to zone on Protector letting folks know I was
broadcasting music for their entertainment. A couple weeks later, I had my
first staffer join up. Things snowballed from there. I had made friends with
some folks in the Mean Girls SG as well as a few of the other great SGs on
Protector, and suddenly we had thirty to fifty people tuning in during our live
shows.
Ive spent two years to the day running w00t Radio. Over that two years, we did
some of the biggest and most fun events (in my opinion of course) that CoH has
seen. I realized this summer, though, that with the changing legislation out
there and the impending doom of the RIAA's pricing, trying to become a
legitimate business in the Online Radio industry was essentially financial
suicide. Especially since anyone could setup a pirate station, not follow any
rules, and go pretty much unnoticed while being actual competition for us.
I stepped back and looked at all the sites the community uses and looked for
where there might be a need. The one I saw was the need for a central
repository for fan fiction, image galleries, fan videos, etc. So I set to work
with the w00t Studios site.
We launched w00t Studios on September 2nd, the 2nd anniversary of w00t Radio.
w00t Studios goal is to provide players of MMOs a place to display their
amazing hard work creating all the content they do. In addition, the staff I
have is working on showsslower than we'd like but that's life.
How long have you been working on w00t Radio?
We're into our third year.
How many people work on this project?
Over the last three years, I've had a large number of volunteers. At current,
we have about ten folks actively on staff.
What games do you focus on?
We focus on the games our staff plays, which is mostly CoH/CoV. I'll be getting
into Jumpgate Evolution, and I used to focus a lot of Auto Assault (RIP). We
also keep up with Lord of the Rings Online, Tabula Rasa, and most other games
out there.
Who does Serge's fashion section (A show for discussing fashion tips in
City of X)?
Serge's Fashion Tips is a collaboration between myself and Buzz, an extremely
talented voice actor who has been with me at w00t since our second or third
month in operation. I consulted with Arctic Sun on how to pronounce Serge and
what the character might be like, Arctic gave me the best source material
ever...Beverly Hills Cop 1 and 3. Serge was based off of Bronson Pinchot's
character in those movies.
What new features are you interested in adding to w00t Studios?
As far as new features, whatever we have time for and whatever there's an
interest in. Just last month, I added in the Fan Fiction section and have a
couple folks who are keeping tabs on the section when new content is added so
we don't let it devolve into softcore hero porn or something as popular as that
might be.
What is your favorite section of w00t Studios?
That's a tough one. I love all the content that's been put up, but I think what
I love most are the comments. Those are what show us that others are enjoying
what we're doing and what the rest of the community is doing as well.
What are your driving goals in w00t Studios?
Well, I guess that's three things: entertain, inform, and world domination.
Okay, so maybe not the last one so much, but when I started w00t, I realized it
wasn't the DJ'ing I loved so muchit was being involved with the community,
doing player events, and helping to promote the game by keeping the community
entertained and mixing. Making the social elements of CoH and other games that
much more interesting and exciting. TalN just put up a great issue 11 video on
the w00t Studios site that was great, and the Shardtober stuff was also quite
awesome. I miss DJ'ing player events and official events, but things change and
its for the best. Unless NCsoft wants to hire me to run an official station,
I'll be leaving the DJ'ing to the pirates and folks with more money than I've
got.
What do you feel are the most significant dates in the history of w00t
Studios?
There are three that come to mind:
The first was the CoH second Anniversary Party. Some politics kept us from
being the official station of that event, but we had a HELL of a turn out. 687
players simultaneously tuned in while we broadcast from Freedom's Pocket D. We
had CuppaJo live on air, and even had the Ghost of Don Knotts there hitting on
her throughout the night. It was a blast.
The second was the Cuppathon. Cuppa and I have been friends since we exchanged
PMs about something during Issue 3's testing, so when she was planning her
departure for TR, she and I began discussing party plans. We came up with the
twelve hour marathon on the Test Server. Cuppa and I stayed on air and
broadcast contests, stories, events, and music for twelve straight hours
without a break. We had an average of 380 folks tuned in and peaked at 520 for
the prime time hours. It was one of those events that will stay with me
forever. After all, who can top having Hamidon show up to wipe out Pocket D 7
with a Mito Spawn? The awesome work Manticore (Sean Fish) went through giving
out gold titles for a good part of the day. Not to mention the invasion of
Recluse and his crew in various Pocket D instances.
The third was CoVs first anniversary party. We were again back on Test and had
the devs showing up on signature characters to bring fun and a bit of mayhem.
They were the first three events where we had major dev interaction during the
events, and we really tested and pushed the limits (like you won't see Hami
spawning in Pocket D anytime soon). Now seeing signature characters at events
is a lot more commonplace, but back then, it was practically unheard of.
What do you feel is the best reasons fans should visit w00t Studios?
The best reasons:
The site is 100% free and volunteer. You only have to register if you want to
upload something, leave a comment, or use the forums.
The site has been created so folks can gather in one central place to display
all of their creative content. Our Video Depot can display videos from 20+
different video hosting sites as well as allow users to upload videos directly
to our site that are 26mb in file size. This gives them more freedom than many
other sites.
Also, instead of wading through tons of off-topic videos or random junk, its
all straight up MMO fun. We also do our best to keep things categorized by
game.
We're here for our users. If there's a feature that is needed, we'll look into
trying to add it. I can't guarantee it will happen but I'll definitely try.
Is there anything else that you'd like to say?
Nothing else to really add other than I've been a player of the game since
March 2004, but don't really feel I was a part of the community until I started
doing w00t Radio in Sept. 2005. Thats when I started getting to know lots of
folks and really enjoying CoH at its best. If you see an online radio station
advertising an event, or a fan site hosting a contest, take the time and check
it out, you could find that it adds a whole new dimension to the game for you,
too.
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[ QUOTE ]
So essentially, this event WOULD normally exclude those players who aren't 21.... That's not encouraging.
[/ QUOTE ]
We will be looking at other venue possibilities in the future. So this is relevant feedback.
Thank you for pointing this out, I am sure no matter where we hold the event there will be some age guidelines but not quite this stringent.
Ex -
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I would imagine that with the "group" comes "entry". If you're registered, I would assume it'd be very, very poor relations on D&B's part to deny entry to folks who have an entry badge for the event.
Redname comment anyone? Just to allay the fears?
[/ QUOTE ]
Just... quoting this for folks who seem to have missed it. I'm pretty sure that they will be allowing people who are clearly part of this group, in to the event.
[/ QUOTE ]
The Meet & Greet Policy is what Dave & Busters has posted as to their age limits for attendees and guardians.
"Please make sure that you post that all people will be carded at the door of Dave & Busters to gain admittance to the building. They will be required to show valid ID for entrance.
If they are under 21, they must be accompanied by someone who is 30 or older at all times. No exceptions."
Whether they hold to this or not, it is the policy, and we support Dave & Busters and their posted policies. -
I stickied both threads, but the links in the SG/VG site still point to the old threads, let me know when you feel these posts have enough information to re-direct those links, and I can include the original links in that document as (reference or historical)
Also the other threads are marked so they will not purge so they will always be around for reference.
Let me know if you need anything else from my end.
Virtue as always is a force to be reckoned with!
Regards,
Ex -
[ QUOTE ]
City of Heroes & City of Villains Player Meet & Greet for the San Jose, CA. area is coming up on Friday November 30th. To prepare for your safety and arrival we have secured some courtesy blocks at some of the Hotels near Dave & Busters in Milpitas, CA.
Here is the information for reservations and to lock in the special rates we were able to get just for our players.
We will be opening registration for the event next week through our PlayNC site, but we wanted to allow those who will be traveling in for the event a shot at early registration for their accommodations.
Here is the information on the three hotels that are all within 2 miles of the event.
Listed by distance to the event starting with the closest:
Courtyard Marriott
Courtyard Marriott Silicon Valley
Milpitas, California 95035 USA
Phone: 1-408-719-1966
Fax: 1-408-719-1962
Rate: $79.00 + Tax/night for King Room (you can ask, but no longer available.)
Rate: $89.00 + Tax/night for Double Beds
Group Name: NCsoft City of Heroes
Check In: 11/30/07
Check Out: 12/1/07
Location from event: 0.2 miles
**Special pricing for this hotel must be locked in via phone and you must mention NCsoft City of Heroes to get the rate, also the rate only applies for one day**
Embassy Suites Milpitas
Embassy Suites
Web Registration
Embassy Suites Online Registration
Dates Available: 11/30/07-12/2/07
Group Name: NCsoft City of Heroes Meet Up
Group Code: 606
Rates: $99.00/night + tax for King Non-Smoking, $109.00/night + tax for 2 Double Beds Non-Smoking
Phone: 408-942-0400
Reserve By: 11/15/07 or before rooms are no longer available
Distance: 1.5 Miles from Dave & Busters
Hilton Garden Inn
Web Registration
Hilton Garden Inn Online Registration
Phone Registration:
Hilton Garden Inn San Jose/Milpitas
30 Ranch Drive
Milpitas, California 95035 USA
Tel: +1-408-719-1313
Fax: +1-408-719-0191
Rate: $89.00 + Tax/night for King Room
Rate: $89.00 + Tax/night for Double Beds
Group Name: NCsoft City of Heroes Meet Up
Group Code: COH
Make Reservations by 11/28 to lock in rate
Location from event: 1.7 miles
<a href="/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=9576281" target="_blank">Please use the following thread for questions/discussion!</a>
Regards,
Ex Libris
[/ QUOTE ]
There is still plenty of room at the Embassy Suites who also offer this:
The Embassy Suites Milpitas - Silicon Valley is an all-suite atrium style hotel with a tropical Mediterranean design. Guests will enjoy our complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast and our nightly manager's reception. Each of our newly renovated suites is beautifully decorated with a private bedroom and spacious living room. All of our suites are fully equipped with two televisions, a refrigerator, microwave oven, coffee maker, two telephones with data ports and a well lit work desk with ergonomic chair. High speed wireless internet access is available hotel-wide. Hard wired high speed internet access is available on floors 4, 5, 8 and 9.
I believe when they mention the manager's reception that includes free adult beverages. -
The Beginning--Part I
Jump to Part II
Jump to Part III
Jump to Part IV
Chapter V: Book Wyrm
Uh Isabelle was speechless, No, I dont remember you, Im sorry.
Just then Derek came up to the booth, and Isabelle swore that she was never so relieved to see him in her life.
Derek being the friendly heroic type extended his hand and greeted the mysteriously familiar woman.
Hi, Im Derek; you must be a friend of Isabelles.
Isabelle listened intently hoping to catch a clue to this womans identity so she could place her in her memory.
Na we arent really friends, we were school mates a long time ago. My name is Vivienne, its nice to meet you Derek. It looks like you have a date so Ill let you get back to your evening.
It was good to see you again Isabelle.
Before Isabelle could form the words the woman had vanished, almost it seemed into thin air. Derek sat down at the table and started chattering about contacts, and reports. Isabelle quietly nodding her head and staring at him drifted off into her memory trying to find the catalog that contained Vivienne.
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Izzy hated lunch period. It was the single most boring hour of her life. She had taken the time to multiply the hours that she would end up spending suspended in that systematic human devised time sink. She averaged that she would spend 1500 hours sunk into lunch over the next 5 years of her academic career. Izzy figured that was 1100 hours of reading and potential growth gone.
It only takes fifteen minutes for me to eat my lunch I dont see why I cant just stay here in the library
Izzy had once pleaded to Dr. Evans.
I know Isabelle, and if it were up to me I would encourage you to stay here, but the law requires us as educators to have a one hour lunch break. Dr. Evans replied.
Isabelle had started in to return her rebuttal when Dr. Evans followed up his argument with a statement.
Theres more to it Isabelle, and you know that. It has taken some people years to attain their rights as citizens of St. Mercy and Port Oakes.
Isabelle pulled a face of disapproval that spoke volumes, but she knew that Dr. Evans was right. Her father had always talked about his work to lobby for change. Isabelle stopped and looked down at her feet, as an image of her father telling one of his stories pervaded her mind; it was so real she could hear his voice echoing in her memory.
Things havent always been this way Izzy, and they wont always stay this way, the world is in a constant state of change. I just try to be one of those people out there pushing it a certain direction.
Dr. Evans who had been walking along side her at a rather quickened pace, stopped and looked the three feet behind him where he stared at the saddest little girl he had ever seen. His shoulders drooped slightly as he was overwhelmed with a rush of empathy.
Isabelle looked up at that moment and asked in the most sincere tone Dr. Evans had ever recalled.
Does it ever get easier? I mean will it ever stop hurting so much?
Dr. Evans stepped closer to Izzy and put his hand on her shoulder.
It doesnt feel like that right now Izzy, and it will be a while before it will. But there will come a time when you can remember the good things without feeling the pain.
Izzy was embarrassed at her emotional outburst and shrugged at Dr. Evans, simultaneously dismissing his kindness as unnecessary and at the same time feeling completely comforted.
She knew better than anything she had to control her emotions and attachment to other people, as it was a weakness. She knew well enough from her studies of archery that a natural human possessed the ability to hurdle a weapon across time and space to hit a target. The target, supposing it wasnt static has two innate defenses. First, if the target were mobile, it is less easily tagged. Second, if the defense of the target is strong enough to repel the force and nature of the attack, then it could potentially render the attack futile. She knew that she needed to master these principles.
Izzy figured if it worked in physical theory it ought to apply to psychology as well. And since she figured it that way, it was. Until she could prove herself otherwise!
Izzy and Dr. Evans walked up the hallway and towards the junction split where teachers and students converged and like charged energy headed towards their destinations.
Izzy ducked left and quickened her pace to keep up with the flow of the group. She hated social interaction on this level. Crowds had to be Isabelles single worst fear. She only felt safe in controlled environments. She had experienced enough chaos for one so young that she clung to the comfort of knowing the exact outcome of every situation.
Except when she read, that was the only time she felt truly free. Some of the other children teased her relentlessly, especially during lunch, and one of the main things they would always call her was book worm and since Izzy knew it was true enough, she changed the word worm to be wyrm she altered the energy to be positive and each time they were calling her a Libris Draconis. Izzy figured being a book dragon ought to give her some incredible powers like the ability to freeze or breathe fire. She was still working out the specifics in her head as to which element she liked the most.
Someone bumped into Izzy and she was alert to the fact that she had drifted off into her mental space again.
Pay Attention she reminded herself.
Isabelle always kept her head low and eyes focused downwards to heighten her ability to see her peripheral better. She always had the eerie feeling she was being watched.
It was her peripheral that caught the first sight of danger that afternoon. The chair came sliding across the floor with Izzy as the dead on target. Izzy couldnt escape its path but she knew she could defend against it, what she found instead was far more than she had thought possible.
The chair made a screeching sound as it rushed across the floor then made a sudden halt right at Izzys feet. For a split second everything within the immediate area stopped as well and a hush started to creep across the cafeteria.
Almost as quickly as the chair had stopped it pushed forward in the other direction as a skinny, raven-haired, girl pushed forward and started mouthing off to the boy who had pushed the chair at Isabelle.
You almost hit her you fricken punk. You think you are so cool and untouchable in your gang. If you want to fight someone, you can start with me.
Isabelle slammed back against the wall with a force of awe and a rush of unexpected energy. Her heart was pulsing in her head and she could feel her stomach muscles tighten in preparation to sprint into action.
Whats happening to me? she thought, and she heard a voice very clearly say.
Just stay calm. Ill get us out of here, just dont run.
This couldnt be possible. Isabelle knew that this couldnt possibly be happening. She pushed her resolve forward enough to ease her energy into a relative flow and she pushed past the students who had gathered and walked towards the exit.
The students who were close by would later tell stories about how,
I swear that library kid; she stopped the chair dead in its tracks without even touching it.
Other students would always counter the tale and continually shed more and more doubt and as time passed and people realized that it just wasnt possible the story evolved into something that resembled this,
It was that weird girl, you know the one that dresses all dark and she sits alone at lunch. She stepped in right before the chair was going to smash into that little kid, and she kicked it out of the way and then picked a fight with Raymond Sciotto.
Only Isabelle and the weird girl knew what really happened without any doubt.
~Ex Libris~ The Story part V by Jill Henderson -
[ QUOTE ]
A few of my old guides here ready for deletion. These have all been replaced by newer versions.
FF Defenders v 1.5 old
http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showflat....rue#Post7826572
FF Defenders v 1 old
http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showflat....rue#Post4222659
Combat Handbook v 1 old
http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showflat....rue#Post3974963
[/ QUOTE ]
Thanks for linking.
Ex -
[ QUOTE ]
Apparently heroes are only villians that get parades and a brand of sugar cereal named after them.
[/ QUOTE ]
Well that about sums up how I feel about heroes.
I only play a hero at my day job.
Ex -
Edition 26 of "The City Scoop a publication for Supers by Supers!
Well I dont think there is any news that can top what the City of community heard this week. The Scoops cover story is about the acquisition of City of Heroes & City of Villains IP by NCsoft. This is big news for everyone! Also is it just me or is the art section something that just blows you away?
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 or Marcian_Tobay
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
If you have an event you would like covered by The City Scoop please post your events under the event forum located here: Event Forum
Discussion on the latest edition of "The City Scoop" is located here. -
Edition 26 of "The City Scoop" a publication for Supers by Supers!
Well I dont think there is any news that can top what the City of community heard this week. The Scoops cover story is about the acquisition of City of Heroes & City of Villains IP by NCsoft. This is big news for everyone! Also is it just me or is the art section something that just blows you away?
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 or Marcian_Tobay
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
If you have an event you would like covered by The City Scoop please post your events under the event forum located here: Event Forum
Discussion on the latest edition of "The City Scoop" is located here. -
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Puzzles
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Classifieds
November 12th is Veterans Day.
Thank you to all who serve.
Converted_Clock and Genna are looking for recruits to their team!
Having run the Super Olympics on Champion the last three years we would like to
take the event game wide Feb. 2008! If you are interested in helping plan the
events, assisting with running the events on your server or just have a burning
desire to know more please PM either Converted_Clock or Genna. Currently we are
looking for people on all servers. Organization, Web Skills, or Prior Event
Experience a Plus! We are a non discriminatory group; casual player, RP'r,
PvP'r, WE WANT YOU!
A Triumphant Return
Hey there kats and kittens! Player Vs. Radio is alive and kicking! Yes, it may
have taken a little while, but it's true! Check out our all new line up of DJs.
Some faces and names you'll recognize from our previous incarnation, and some
you won't, but we hope you get to listen to and love them all! Have any
suggestions? Let us know. Send us your requests. Got any news? Tell us! Are you
a Dev from any games? Let us pick your brain!
Thanks everyone, again, for all your patience through this trying time of
getting things put together. Soon, we'll have everything just where we want it,
and you'll have the best PvRadio EVER!
Stay tuned in for more details as they happen.
Viva la Player Vs. Radio!
www.pvradio.net
DJ Krelo, Administrative Director
I am not a Power Ranger.
-Sentai Sage-
WANTED: a creative and talented web designer to be the lead
designer for a CoX WebTV station, which will contain videos edited by players
from in-game footage. For details or any questions, please send a PM to TheFrog
The Paragon City Medical Research Corps has just been formed and
is looking for researchers!
Did you or someone you know lose someone to Outbreak?
Do you have an interest in cutting edge medicine, both traditional and
otherwise?
Have you wondered if there will ever be a cure for Outbreak?
Do you want to help find it?
If you answered Yes to any of these questions, especially the last, then send a
/tell to Dr. Greg Miller Jr. on Liberty or @Byssot to sign up. The Paragon City
Medical Research Corps needs YOU!
Based on Liberty, we are open to all heroes who want to make a difference.
Since this is a new SG we are still working on construction of our base, but
that means you have more time to make your opinion known! Also pending is a
website, but it should be up as soon as a good place for it is found.
VeronicaVenom is hosting
"V-Games" on Victory Server, every Sunday night at 8PM EST. Events include: PvP
tournaments, TF races, and Gladiator FFA. Please Send Tell to VeronicaVenom if
you want in on the action.
Happy 232th Birthday to the United States Marine Corps on the 10th
of November. Simper Fi all you Devil Dogs.
n00b at HTML seeks mentor, will pay if needed. Contact @Molten
Slowa on Test/Live if interested.
Paragon City Choppers: Super Motorcycles for Super Customers!
Paragon City Choppers is a unique experience in motorcycling, based out of
Skyway City on the Virtue Server, our dedicated and creative staff is committed
to bringing our customers the custom rides that are every bit as super as their
superheroic riders!
Whether you're a seven foot tank who's tough as nails or a high flying
flame-flinging blaster of evil, we have the bikes that you want at your
request!
For more information contact our (occasionally hirsute) chief designer Erik
Love aka The Wulfen at his PM box: Wulfie
The PvP Event Committee is looking for more experienced event
coordinators and planners to add to our current team. We are looking for PvPers
with a general knowledge of tournament formats and PvP tactics. We are looking
for players with evening and weekend availability who are dedicated to
improving the PvP community within the whole of CoX. We need dependable,
hard-working members who will put in extra time when needed to teach, promote,
or host events game-wide. If we just described you, please visit our website at
http://pvpec.guildportal.com, click "Join the PvPEC", and fill out our
short membership application to become a part of the driving force in PvP
game-wide.
THE CITY SCOOP seeks staff writers to contribute articles,
columns, or HTML layout on a biweekly schedule. We want helpful, positive and
motivated people! Send a PM to Marcian_Tobay or Lemur_Lad.
The Kheldian League is a supergroup on Triumph. It is only for
Warshades and Peacebringers. We have a friendly group of players and a nice
base. To join, please email xoxman on the forums, or contact us in-game by
emailing Beta Sword PB, Enis, or Umbrastar.
The Rogue Isles Marine Corps is looking for new Recruits.
We have been established on the Guardian Server since City of Villains went
live. We have a fully functioning base which is raid ready if/when the
Cathedral of Pain goes live, as well as an IO Factory and Teleporters to each
zone. We also have our own website with forums on Guildportal.
We seek to expand our ranks. Promotions are awarded according to prestige
earned and reward you with access to base storage including a large reserve of
IOs.
Send a /tell to @Botley, @Alpha-One or @MrsAlphaOne to be recruited.
-
Collector's Corner
Sources: Commission
They are infinite! Want to be featured here? Have some suggestions
for the art section?
PM me!
Silverstard
http://silverstard.deviantart.com/
Funny Face Design
http://funnyfacedesign.deviantart.com/
Peng-Peng
http://peng-peng.deviantart.com/
Lord Paladin
http://lord-paladin.deviantart.com/
Reiq
Kieranoats
http://kieranoats.deviantart.com/
A Rodriguez
http://aleciarodriguez.deviantart.com/
Meshsmoother
http://meshsmoother.deviantart.com/
| |
This week we visit two villain groups on Guardian and Infinity. | |
Disciples of Power(The villain side variation of the Defenders of Paragon.) Server and alignment: Infinity, Villains When Established: 4 days after the release of How Many Members: 72 on Roster. with 44 active in Approximate Base value: 20324557 (Ranked in the Approx time spend on base design: 80 hrs+ since Favorite Base Items: For base raids.. It's Slow Enjoy the most: Trying to design a base that is Least Enjoy: The fact that you can't put a Wish list: A base plot, quickly followed by Tree One Piece of advice: Well it's not one piece.. Other notes: The Disciples of Power/Defenders of | Rogue Isles Marine Corps
Server and alignment: Guardian Villainside When established: November 4th, 2005 How many members: Currently 67 characters, mostly Approximate base value: About 17.5 million Approx. time spent editing base: I tend to make Favorite base item: The Arachnos Flyer, its HUGE Least favorite: The worktables, aside from being Enjoy the most: The versatility. Its like Least enjoy: The base editor itself can be a pain Wish list: A base bank/cash vault. We have One Pieve of advice: Play around with the Other Notes: My main goal when creating our
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QUEEN XTriumph Server
I have a huge an beautiful penthouse with an express elevator to Do you have any pets? Yes, I do. He is a Rikti Monkey... What is the most interesting place you have visited? Hmmm...I would say the most interesting place I have visited is What are your top three songs of all time? I would say my top three songs of all time are, If you can turn What five TV shows could you not live without? Oh I love watching Judge Judy, The Golden Girls, I love Lucy, Days What was the best book you last read? HAH!! The instruction manual for my iPod. What is your favorite pop culture quote? My favorite pop culture quote is "I aint your biotch, biotch!!!" What other hobbies do you have? Hmmm
besides killing foes an saving the world for peace? I love Who is your real life hero? I have three real life heroes and they are Kan, Azi Xumi, and Pants? HAH!!! Well... if you know who I am, I do not like to wear any What is your home server, and why did you end up picking it as your My home server is Triumph!! How were you drawn to this game? Well, I have to say my ex-roommates drew me to this game. I was What is your favorite aspect of the game? Well, I would have to say my favorite aspect of this game is a Who is your namesake character, and what are they? LOL!!! Well I have to many to mention. I would have to say my Which type of character would you say is your favorite to play and I would have to say my favorite toon is my level 50 How do you normally handle new challenges in the game? Well, being a 36 month veteran I have dealt with so many Which zone is your favorite? I would say my favorite zone is Founder Falls. It reminds me of What is your favorite storyline in the game? I would say my most favorite storyline in game are the Maria It has been a busy year for the game so far. Do you feel that I9 Yes it has for COH. I really love I9 because of the new addition What advice do you have for any new players to the game? Welcome to the game! Ask questions if you do not understand!
| Tax E Girl
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Where 
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Villain side level 1 to 10
I told them I was misunderstood and not crazy "Everybody leaves Mercy Island like the festering, snake infested Hello everyone, my name is Plater and I am writing a new column in This column will work like this : each 3-4 weeks, I will role-play Some great thoughts on how to make things better were also First lets start with Mercy Island. From the posters, it seems | There are only 4 Mission contacts in the zone. And a character
Beldoman wrote: Port Oakes is a fun zone. It feels like the kind There is plenty of content available in Port Oakes, the main issue To wrap this up well, I would like to thank everyone that took the I hope everyone enjoyed reading my first City Scoop chronicle.
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I 
By Popular RequestThis is a special ninth in a series of By Popular Request This weeks subject The NCSoft acquisition of the City of There have been a number of requests made over the years that Most importantly, the most far reaching effect of the acquisition
| Recipe of the WeekAnother anonymous recipe left on my desk here at the Steel Canyon The mystery of the perfect chicken Shawarma. I've come across recipes here and there... some say "Marinate in VOILA! PERFECT SHAWARMA! First: The spice blend (this is good for a lot of [*] 1tbsp of Cumin [*] 1tbsp of Corriander [*] About 3tbsp of cardamom [*] 4tbsp of paprika [*] 2tbsp of Allspice [*] 1/2tsp of cloves [*] 3 tsp of nutmeg [*] A pinch of curry powder[/list] Mix it all together then dump it in a dry pan and toast the spice Now for the shawarma! Cut 1lb of chicken/beef/lamb into thin thin thin slices put in Take 4 cloves of crushed finely minced garlic (more for more meat Cook on medium heat, covered for about 20 minutes, then uncovered Serve in pita bread with tzatziki sauce/smashed garlic sauce, hot It's awesome.
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The End of the Beginning | |
The What is happening to the Development team? Very nearly the entire team from Cryptic is moving to the new "I haven't read all of the comments about how everyone is reacting What about the development schedule? Details are vague at this time, but the current schedule of 3-4 What does a major reinvestment mean? NCSoft has promised a major reinvestment in the CoH franchise, and How will this make things better? Efficiency has been one of the words that has come up most often. Community reactions covered the gamut, just as they usually do Official The first three years have made a game thousands of people enjoy | This Issue:Base Showcase Behind the Mask
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The 
I am mostly bummed because we had slated a visit from The Defuser! He has promised me that he will catch up with us at another event though, so I know we haven't seen the last of him.
Ex
Here is the information for reservations and to lock in the special rates we were able to get just for our players.
We will be opening registration for the event next week through our PlayNC site, but we wanted to allow those who will be traveling in for the event a shot at early registration for their accommodations.
Here is the information on the three hotels that are all within 2 miles of the event.
Listed by distance to the event starting with the closest:
Courtyard Marriott
Courtyard Marriott Silicon Valley
Milpitas, California 95035 USA
Phone: 1-408-719-1966
Fax: 1-408-719-1962
Rate: $79.00 + Tax/night for King Room
Rate: $89.00 + Tax/night for Double Beds
Group Name: NCsoft City of Heroes
Check In: 11/30/07
Check Out: 12/1/07
Location from event: 0.2 miles
**Special pricing for this hotel must be locked in via phone and you must mention NCsoft City of Heroes to get the rate, also the rate only applies for one day**
Hilton Garden Inn
Web Registration
Hilton Garden Inn Online Registration
Hilton Garden Inn
Phone Registration:
Hilton Garden Inn San Jose/Milpitas
30 Ranch Drive
Milpitas, California 95035 USA
Tel: +1-408-719-1313
Fax: +1-408-719-0191
Rate: $89.00 + Tax/night for King Room
Rate: $89.00 + Tax/night for Double Beds
Group Name: NCsoft City of Heroes Meet Up
Group Code: COH
Make Reservations by 11/28 to lock in rate
Location from event: 1.7 miles
Please use the following thread for questions/discussion!
Regards,
Ex Libris