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The Week in Art

Hi everyone! TA here!! This is a new section of the Scoop dedicated to the creative minds over on the Fanart forums. Here we'll list all the pieces being posted by the many artists along with the WIP's (work in progress) as well. Each week I'll choose an artist to feature and have a sit down with them so you get a feel about what their thoughts are in the creative process.

The artists and fans of art would like welcome back Jomaro Kindred to the Fanart boards after an abscence of some length due to an injury. Glad you're feeling better brother, welcome back!

Who's drawing what? Here we'll delve into the many pieces of art being posted and bring you links, where possible, to those pieces. The intention is to show you the broad spectrum of art that is displayed daily by our own members of this great community.

First off we have an alternative piece by Juggertha of a popular hero.

MCG_Warface has picked up a pencil after holding a costume contest on Protector. The winners recieved this first piece ever drawn by him. Costume contest winners.

Psichlopse brought us Private Nurse from Protector.

Vyktra brought us Vyktra the Warshade.

Lady_Judgement presents Snowman Frost, Turbo-ski's Inner Suffering and Sarix Morrison

BlackJackDavy2 is back at it after a long break with a piece for Mardun of his signature character.

The_SlaveDawg brings us a WIP of his character Guss Justice

Crestent did a giftart piece for Lady_Judgement of his main character

Finally Brandon McKinney has posted a new piece called Pagan Priest Comic Cover trying his hand at digital painting once again.

We have a couple contests going on currently listed below:

Juggy's Coloring Contest!

Contest For Graver! by Starchasm

Evil Dragonberry by Scarfgirl
(Click for full view)

Featured Artist

Interview by Thors_Assassin

Our featured artist this week is Scarfgirl from the Virtue server. I had a chance to sit down and talk to her about a couple pieces she's done and here's the result:

So Scarfgirl thanks for taking the time for an interview for the first installment of the featured artist here on the Scoop. To start off what would be two of the pieces of art you've done that you are most proud of?

I'd say Pratoreon Scarfgirl and Lady Thug

Was there something in particular that you liked in these two pieces? Maybe something you learned in doing them?

Well the real reason I started drawing was to somehow represent mine and my friends characters without having to beg others

The Praetorian Dragonberry was an evil version of my Main character on Virtue ,a Spines/Invulnerability scrapper and I was incrediabley happy with how she came out .I think I draw dragonberry whenever I can't come up with something else . she appears all throughout my sketchpads

Lady Thug was a gift for my best friend and roommate of her character , which I promised her I would do when she hit Security Level 50 .Besides how can you not love a teeny tiny martial arts scrapper who runs around in a lady bug themed costume not because it ties into her secret origin but because she just really really like Lady Bugs

How would you describe your artistic style?

Very loose and cartoony and constantly evolving as I learn new things , and there seems to be a never ending supply of new things to learn

How does your style set you apart from other artists?

Acck im going in the wrong direction then ! Im constantly trying to be more like all the great artists I admire from the City of Heroes art and screenshot forums.

Folks like Graver , Brandon McKinney, Shia , Gill Bates and Celtic Bolt to name a few are folks that really make thier pieces sing and if I can study what their doing and walk away with only an ounce of their diluted awesomeness i'll be quite happy.

Whats the one piece of art you've drawn that you've learned from?

When my parents first saw me doodleing lots of Superhero art they wanted pictures for themselves for the holidays and I quickly discovered that drawing musclebound heroes and scantily clad amazons does not really get you prepared for drawing folks from real life.

Im still very proud of the portraits I eventually did for them and the practice studying real life proportions and facial structures was well worth it in my oponion.

What kind of music do you like to draw to?

Im usually listening to one of Virtues two radio stations when im drawing either C.A.P.E. Radio or Radio FTW , as they play such a huge variety of different musical styles.

When im drawing at the park and just have my I-pod for company im usually jamming with alot of late 70's Early 80's Rock Music as well as a few Bluegrass tunes.

Do you have any Quirky things you have to do to inspire you to be creative?

Well im not sure if its quirky but one of my fave snacks while doodleing is Dry Ramen noodles , covered in crunchy style peanut butter , litely coated in powdered sugar and dipped in a bowl of mountain dew between bites.

Its like a lil slice of crunchy gooey heaven and helps keep me wild eyed or is that wide eyed when im working late on art .

Alot of my art seems to happen during sugar binges or when partaking of my favorite strawberry flavored drink

Anything occur for you ingame as an inspiration to draw?

Well I should tell you about the folks I caught in the arena doing mature RP but I think I'll say all the fun people that I have met in game or on the Forums seem to be my biggest inspiration .

I don't think I would find half as much fun in drawing if not for the odd friends I have met in City of Heroes .

Do you have a favorite object that you like to draw?

My current favorite thing to draw aside from Statesman/ Chimera romance comics would be chibi or super deformed versions of my friends from the Virtue Server

Last question. If you were to give one piece of advice to any beginner artist what would that be?

Thats easy! practice from life as much as possiable , while its not as exciting as say drawing Thong Lass and her anti gravity chest or Uber pecs guy it does pay off in over all strengthing of your work .

Granted I think you'll hear this old chestnut echoed by alot of the artists that they interview in the future but its a really good nugget of wisdom and goes hand in hand with practice practice practice.

Thanks very much for that time Scarfgirl.

Super Secret Diner

By LadyK

In this installment of the Super Secret Diner report takes us to one of the most familiar names in Paragon City, Rhode Island and, well, the US. I am talking about El Super Mexicano, of course. Who can forget ESM's owner's, retired Mexican hero, El Jefe, marketing campaign with Pandora's Box? Changing out the signage was a nice touch Boss-man.

The first thing that hits you as you come through the front door is the aroma of fresh salsa and fresher chips. The ESM family makes their tortilla chips fresh all day. This is a good thing, a reliable source stated just one store of this prevalent chain goes through about 2 tons of corn tortillas per year. Other than chips there are plenty of things to pick from. Appetizers, soups and salads, tacos and tostadas, enchiladas, burritos and chimichangas, and many other Mexican delights for the senses. As the menu is not just geared to hero types, who can need massive amounts of food to keep us going, all menu items come in four sizes. El Poco, good for children and people looking to manage their weight, El Medio, lunch sized portions for the average person, El Grande which some would call dinner sized portions and El Super, sized right for sharing with friends and family or for one of our brethren.

The prerequisite nachos and quesadillas were on the menu as well as a traditional favorite from the state of Sonora and the desert region that shares its name. I was quite surprised to to see this amazingly simple dish brought to my table on a pizza tin, and almost disappointed to see that it was nothing more than a flour tortilla covered in cheeses. This dish is deliciously simple and understated, it is a must for everyone. Next, from the array of soups and salads, I had to have help. Too many choices on the menu can be just as daunting as not enough. All the traditional favorites are there, munudo (pig tripe and hominy soup), albondigas (chicken meat-balls in broth), guacamole, taco and fajita salads. As I am not a big fan of eating intestines, I went with the guacamole salad. I was served a delightfully fresh salad with a dip/dressing of mashed avocados, onions, tomatoes and a secret blend of herbs and spices. For the main course I went with a combination plate that offered a little taste of everything on the menu. Combo number five features a cheese enchilada, a shredded beef taco, a chicken burrito a beef tamale, with beans and rice. I found the enchilada sauce a little bitter for my taste, which, by proxy, made both the enchilada and the tamale my least favorite items. The waitress suggested that a little sour cream goes a long way on these items if they are too bitter. The meat in both the taco and the burrito were amazing, well seasoned, moist and tender, perfect with the crispy corn taco and the soft, buttery flour tortilla with the burrito. As a choice with this combination, and all the tacos and burritos, you can have a soft or fried taco shell and your burrito plain, toasted or deep fried. I just recently learned that a deep fried burrito is called a chimichanga.

When I received the check, here again I was pleasantly surprised to find that even my bill was not outrageous. I was also glad to find out that our friends at El Super Mexicano take, not only cash, checks and credit cards but influence, enhancements, inspirations and salvage as well. Not every costume has places for a wallet and ID.

El Super Mexicano's Shredded Beef for Tacos, burritos and enchiladas

This is actually the recipe Estrella Negra, the wife of El Jefe, and co owner of El Super Mexicano, serves at home. This recipe serves 4 people.

[*]4 cans of canned roast beef[*]1 medium onion cut in a large dice[*]1 tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil[*]1 clove of garlic minced[*]1 tablespoon of dried oregano[*]1 teaspoon of cumin powder[*]1 teaspoon of dried cilantro flakes[*]salt to taste[/list]

In a large steep sided skillet heat the oil over medium-high heat. Turn down the heat to medium and saute the onions and garlic until the onions are translucent and soft. Add the herbs and spices and stir until the oregano and cilantro begin to rehydrate. Add the rinsed canned beef, breaking apart the chunks. Add one can full of water and simmer on medium-low heat for 30 minutes or until most of the water is evaporated. Serve hot in tacos, burritos, tostadas, salads or on nachos.

El Super Mexicano's Frijoles (Beans)

Estrella Negra uses this recipe at home, and a modified version at all of the ESM restaurants.

[*]1 pound bag of pinto beans[*]fresh cold water to cover[*]salt to taste[/list]

Place rinsed beans in a slow cooker or crock pot, cover with water and simmer over night on low heat. Serve hot, covered with cheese, with any meal.

Advice

Market Watch

5/31/07

The market continues to sizzle, with rare mid- to high-level arcane salvage commanding prices in the millions. Common low-level arcane is still in high demand, as well; heroes are well-advised to step up and scavenge their foes for any items, no matter how small, that can be used in the battle against evil.

Meanwhile, our spies in the Rogue Isles report similar trends - perhaps a backlash against the weaponry being devised by the blue. Pricing on the underground markets appears to be considerably lower, and while some of our caped crusaders feel relief that villainous funds pose no threat to the blue, others worry that these underpriced items are being unfairly directed away from virtuous service.

Read the full report.

- Protea

Horoscopes

Sun is in Gemini, Moon in Sagittarius.

Controller – Continue to collect the goodies. Don’t talk too much about it. Do well by being smart about what you buy and sell.
Defender – Conditions are very good for love. You should be pretty lucky in other games of chance as well, but not for money. Take care.
Scrapper – The odds of getting into an argument are pretty high. Knowing that, it’s wise to avoid obnoxious associates.
Blaster – It’s harder to express yourself in clear and concise terms. You’ll have a tendency to get confused. Postponed public speaking, if possible. If not, just speak from your heart.
Tanker – You’re learning very quickly, but some of the concepts are still way over your head. Keep asking questions, you don’t have all the answers yet.
Peacebringer – The first priority is to finish up a lot of old stuff. You really don’t have to be reminded. You know what it is.
Warshade – Stick to the schedule. You’re making points and getting a lot done. There are higher beings admiring your work.
Brute – The infamy’s still coming in, so what are you to do? Make an investment you’ve been considering. If you’ve done your research, your luck is pretty good.
Mastermind – The amount of work you’ve been facing is practically overwhelming. Instead of going crazy, figure a way to mechanize.
Corruptor – You’re raking in the infamy at an alarming rate. But, can you keep it? That’s the $64,000.00 question.
Dominator – Let your friends know what you need, and what you’re worried about. One of them is about to have an idea you can ‘borrow’.
Stalker – Confer with the family and make a decision. Once you decide on your course of action, you will find a way.

Horoscopes provided by Lady Athyna

Dear Athy

Athy,

My SuperGroup recently fell apart. Now my closest friends are steadily departing the world and I feel bereft and alone. Some even went to that place that doesn't particularly WoW me... What should I do?

Yours,
Lonely Heart

Poor dear. Did your group of fast friends have any groups they’d coalitioned with? Perhaps there’s even a group of similarly heroes on permanent LFG… Also, there are the younger heroes, those only recently finding a home in our city. There’s someone for everyone and a group for everyone, there’s also plenty of heroes who would love a new friend.

Paragon does seem to have a way of being a fond memory for those who’ve gone on to very different adventures. Wherever you’re adventures lead you, don’t remove those friends from your little black book, they may one day return.

Dear Athy;

I knew the day that I first discovered my ability to transform into a huge beast that my destiny was to guard and protect the people of Paragon City. What I didn't know is that it takes a lot of time! Between sleeping and crime-fighting, there isn't much time left in the day to earn a living. I've lost three jobs because people needed rescuing on my shift. Now I'm just a part-time burger flipper and I barely make ends meet.

Last week, the Red Beast company heard about how I saved a school full of kids from a gentically engineered lizard, and they offered me an endorsement contract! I really need the money if I'm going to be a defender of the city. My super group mates are calling me a sellout who wants to hook the kids who look up to me on caffeine! It does worry me some, but a guy's gotta eat, right? It's not like it's cigarettes or 'Dyne. What should I do?

Signed,
Hungry in the Hollows

I have to ask, what are you spending your money on? Most apartment managers are more than happy to have a hero or two renting, so much so that they frequently give deep discounts for rent and amenities. In a city with so many super powered folks joining some gang or other everyday, an apartment with a residing hero is preferable.

A little planning and you might find an apartment with a restaurant or two downstairs. Let the influence you’ve acquired through your good deeds help with those bills.

Dear Athy,

I'm depressed. For years now, when people would see me, you could hear the groans. The only times friends dropped by to see me they threated me like a punching bag. I've tried to move around, but it hasn't helped. Still they pick on me. I want friends, too. What can I do?

signed,
L. in Independence Port

Are you sure these so called friends are true friends? Perhaps you should raise your standards about whom you count as a friend.
PS – Athy has to know, have you ever run into any exceptionally tall heroes? Particularly close to the Talos wall?

Dear Athy,

I am a very unorganized person. I keep misplacing things constantly. Thankfully, some wonderful heroes have returned these things to me when they've found them.

I have a lot on my mind, but I can't help but think that this is getting to be a very serious problem - one which could cause some to get hurt. I feel a bit guilty, so would ask your advice - what can I do to get more organized and feel more secure?

signed,
Az in A.P.

Az in AP may wish for a PDA?

Dear Athy...

I have found myself dreaming about a certain person more and more each day... Every day SOMETHING reminds me of her... She is an individual I know very well, but has yet to notice me. What would be the best way for me to show my love for her?

-Signed
W. Ilyu Mary & Mii'Ath E.

If this person hasn’t noticed your charming wit, perhaps she’s not the one for you. I’ve noticed, whenever we stop looking at one person, a wonderful friend we’ve known forever and a day becomes The One.

Dear Athy,

I come from a big... uh... family, if you know what I mean. I like the guys I hang with. We get along great. We like to stand around Independence Port talking. But lately I've gotten my butt kicked by these "heroes" who swoop in and clobber us law-abiding citizens, all in the name of Justice! They think we're criminals or something! It's ridiculous! Don't I have the right to stand on a public street and talk to my friends?

signed,
Indignant in Independence Port

If any of your friends draw their weapons first, I’m sorry, you need new friends. If you and your friends are truly doing nothing, you need a better lawyer.

Dear Athy,

I'm in a pickle and I hope you can help. My wife is convinced I'm cheating on her, but I'm not. Sure I go out at night, but it's not to date other women, it's to save this city from the ravages of Evil! You see, I have a secret. I'm a registered Hero and I have to keep my identity safe or her life will be in danger. I tell her I'm out bowling, but she called the alley the other night and I wasn't there. Of course I wasn't there, Athy! I was in a Talos Island warehouse, hip deep in Freakshow! How can I keep her safe and save my marriage?

signed,
Faithful in Founder's

You know, there’s one thing that’ll damage a marriage faster being kidnapped and held for ransom, the loss of trust. Also, not all heroes have super powers. Perhaps a class in self defense will be the best way that she can protect herself when you aren’t there.
Relax though. You don’t have to carry the burden of protecting the city and your wife, but if you can trust her with your secret, her support in you will help to carry that burden for you.

Advice From the X

Greetings once again boys, girls, and lifeforms of indeterminate gender! It's the king of advice, the sultan of tips, the master of facts, LiquidX! And once again, I'm here to give you your dose of answers to those questions that nag at your very soul (Or soul-like substitute for some of you villains out there.) in another round of Advice from the X!

"Dear LiquidX,
I often get lots of help from the local heroes, and they always use these weird terms like "Npc", "Mob", "Aggro", and "Re-rolling". What do those mean?

Sincerely,
Sally Mayfield"

Dear Sally,
Those terms are shorthand that originated with the Hero community several years back. "NPC" means "Non Participating Combatant". This is used to refer to just about anyone who is not directly involved in a battle, and therefore not a threat. For example, if you were being mugged by some Freakshow, in this situation you would be an "NPC". You are not directly involved in the battle, and thus not a threat. Now, the term "Mob" is used as a shorthand to refer to enemy combatants. This came about because most villains tend to congregate in packs, or in other words, a Mob. In the long run, it just because easier to refer to all enemies as a "Mob". So, in the previous example, the Freakshow would be the "Mob".

Now the next term, "Aggro", is slang for "Aggravation". This is because some Heroes (Usually those registered as Tankers or Scrappers) will taunt or otherwise infuriate the enemy in order to draw them away from their intended targets. For example, using the previous Freakshow example, a group of Heroes might have their Tanker "Aggro" the Freakshow (drawing their attention using taunts or other methods) to distract them from their Blasters or Controllers. Finally, "Re-Rolling" is slang used to describe a Hero who has started over, usually with some form of new powers. For example, a former Tanker who has been mutated by some freakish experiment causing him to develop fire powers would be refered to as having "Re-rolled". No one is really sure where this one came from, but rumors have it that it originated when the Hero "The Gambler" took a look at Apex (Now carrying War Witch's old sword) and commented "Looks like someone has Re-rolled the dice of Fate, eh?".

Fun fact: These terms have also become widely used in the Rogue Islands. This is partly due to the large influx of former Heroes that have taken up the villainous lifestyle.

Behind the Mask

Interviews by Teldon

Arachnos Countess and Arachnos Commander

First off I know you proposed in game and that you (countess) thought it was just a RP thing. How surprised were you when he proposed in real life to you?

Countess: shocked. I thought he was kidding. he got down on one knee, at the beach, in Massachusetts in January... it was beautiful and cold
Commander: I'm good like that

Well how did you two find each other? Was it in game or in real life first?

Commander: Real
Countess: real life
Commander: I'll let you talk, you always do
Countess: shut up

Well do you two talk in game or thru a voice chat program?

Countess: Well, we don't see each other much right now. I'm back in Memphis taking care of my mom. I'm waiting for him to get off his lazy [censored] and get moving to tennessee
Countess: lol, on the phone
Commander: Yeah, I'm going to be moving down there, hopefully by winter
Commander: yeah, thank god for free long distance

Also I noticed your VG does some amazing contests. Do you have anything planned in game to celebrate the upcomming happiness?

Commander: Well, nothing planned yet. But we should be doing something for it.
Commander: I wanted to do something that could get everyone involved, not just the group.
Countess: I want a small wedding
Commander: hehe

Finally do you two roleplay lover's spats in game to confuse people?

Commander: all the fricken time, and it's not roleplaying
Countess: shut up

Arachnos Commander

Virtue Server

What is your home server and why did you end up picking it as your home server?

Virtue has been my home since I started in September 2004. I had some friends that played there. They were big roleplayers, so I fit right in.

Where do you live?

Massachusetts

What else do you like to do in your free time besides play CoX?

I do some web design and writing when I have free time.

What are your favorite movies?

Comedy, Horror, Action… some chick flicks (I can admit it.) Resident Evil 1 & 2 are ones that I have no problem watching over and over. I used to manage a video store so I’ve become pretty jaded towards movies.

What are your favorite books and authors?

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom, the Regulators by Stephan King, and the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

What TV shows do you like to watch?

Heroes, Law & Order (all of ‘em), and most of the Food Network.

Do you have any pets?

A Chihuahua named Taco and a cat named Buttercup (I didn’t give her that name, btw.)

How did you get drawn to this game?

An old friend of mine, Shannon, introduced me to City of Heroes. I created my first character, a tank, named Kerse. When I first started playing CoH, I had also begun training to be a pro-wrestler (yep, the fake stuff you see on TV.) After getting dropped on my head too many times, and putting a dent in my shin bone, I realized that CoH could let me fulfill my dreams of wearing spandex without having to get injured in the process. ? When CoV made it’s debut, I gave up on being a good guy and have been a villain, exclusively.

What is your favorite aspect of the game?

I love all of the content. The game definitely has a feel all its own. My favorites things in game are the mission maps that have been changed to fit the character storyline. Like the warehouse that was converted into the Carnival of Shadows lair and the Crey Lab that was destroyed by the CoT boss. Good stuff.

Who is your namesake character and what are they?

Right now, the character I still play is the Arachnos Commander. I created him as an homage to the Cobra Commander of G.I. Joe fame, however if the Arachnos Commander took on the Cobra Commander, I’d definitely say that Cobra would fall easily.

Which of all the archtypes and powersets would you say is your favorite?

Mastermind is definitely my favorite. It’s the first archetype that I got to lvl50. Poison and Mercenaries are what I chose and it hasn’t done me wrong, yet.

Your least favorites?

The epic archetypes on the villainside… oh, wait. There aren’t any yet.

What would you say is your greatest strength in the game?

The other players, definitely. If it weren’t for everyone else and their creations, there game play would suffer. Everyone adds something unique to the game.

Your greatest weakness in the game?

PvP. I’d love to get into PvP with the Commander, but being a Mastermind doesn’t give him any advantages. The Mercenaries are great, but having to control them leaves me open to get ganked… which always happens.

What zone is your favorite?

Truthfully, Atlas. I’m a villain, through and through, but hearing that triumphant music when you’re near Paragon City Hall gives me chills.

What is your favorite storyline in the game?

Ghost Widow’s Patron storyline, that and Operation Scrooge by Operative Gruber.

What one feature would you like to see added to the game?

Only one feature? Well, I would love to be able to see more villain zones. Even if they destroyed all of the hero zones and threw them in as villain zones, I’d be happy.

What advice do you have for any new players to the game?

Stick with it. The game does get repetitive, but it’s well worth it dinging in at level 50. Also, find a good group to team with. Make friends with lots of people, because having someone to watch your back never hurts.

Any closing comments?

The developers are the true heroes of the game, and I don’t just mean their characters. This small group of people was able to give thousands upon thousands of people an experience that no one will ever get in real life. Next time you want to complain about what didn’t happen and what powers you didn’t get, don’t forget… you’re reaping the rewards of all of the devs work.

Arachnos Countess

Virtue Server

What is your home server and why did you end up picking it as your home server?

Virtue; that’s where my fiancé plays.

Where do you live?

Tennessee

What else do you like to do in your free time besides play CoX?

Work. That’s all I have time for

What are your favorite movies?

Horror movies. The more blood and gore the better

What are your favorite books and authors?

Anything by Dean Koontz, Clive Barker, and Stephen King

What TV shows do you like to watch?

CSI, Are you Being Served, Benny Hill

Do you have any pets?

10 (6 cats, 3 dogs and 1 bird)

How did you get drawn to this game?

My fiancé played it and he talked me into signing up.

What is your favorite aspect of the game?

Interacting with so many different people. The ideas they come up with for characters are amazing.

Who is your namesake character and what are they?

The Arachnos Countess. She’s a thermal corruptor.

Which of all the archtypes and powersets would you say is your favorite?

Stalker and super strength/invul. Brute

Your least favorites?

Defender. Damn them all to hell!

What would you say is your greatest strength in the game?

Playing with a good team.

Your greatest weakness in the game?

I heal most of the time, so I don’t see much frontline action. I’m usually in the back healing and rezzing.

What zone is your favorite?

Pocket D

What is your favorite storyline in the game?

I love all of the holiday missions, especially the Halloween events.

What one feature would you like to see added to the game?

Hero to villain and villain to hero switch

What advice do you have for any new players to the game?

As much as I love you guys, constantly spamming the broadcast window demanding “PL Meh Plz” just isn’t cool

Turbo Ski

Infinity Server

What is your home server and why did you end up picking it as your home server?

Infinity is where I make my home, but I also have characters on Liberty, Virtue, and Justice. My brother and I started playing the game together and he chose the server because some of his friends were there. It just sorta stuck for me even after he quit the game for good.

Where do you live?

I’ve always lived in and around Houston, TX. My family and I would always take trips annually to Colorado to snow ski.

What else do you like to do in your free time besides play CoX?

I have a variety of geeky activities, but my most recent involve art collecting and trying to improve my art skills. I also enjoy seeing a variety of movies and anime. My friends and I often like to play Risk 2010 A.D., Magic the Gathering, Silverage Sentinels, Munchkin, and Smash Brothers Melee whenever we get together.

What are your favorite movies?

I’m crazy about horror movies! The Evil Dead trilogy, Psycho, It, The Thing, and the Shining are among my favorites, although I have far too many in my dvd collection to name.

What TV shows do you like to watch?

The Colbert Report, Rome, and Dexter are the only things I regularly watch. Everything else I wait until it comes to dvd.

Do you have any pets?

Nope.

How did you get drawn to this game?

My brother told me about it and suggested we play it together.

What is your favorite aspect of the game?

I have to pick? The ability to easily play for only 30 minutes or for 8 hours and still get the same amount of satisfaction out of it.

Who is your namesake character and what are they?

Turbo-Ski, my Ice/Cold Corruptor. Sarix the Devourer (DM/Fire brute) and Project Reaver (NRG/SR stalker) are also my “signature” characters.

Which of all the archetypes and powersets would you say is your favorite?

It’s a tie between Ice/Cold Corruptors and TA/A defenders for me. I enjoy almost all the support sets the most in this game.

Your least favorites?

I honestly don’t like playing an Empathy user, despite my only level 50 hero being a Fire/Empathy Controller (Shadow Blaze). I find constantly buffing and healing in between attacks/controls to be boring compared to debuffs and more control.

Do you prefer heroside or villainside?

Villain side, because it feels more expansive without the war walls, story arcs are more interesting to me, and ATs are quite interesting to play.

What would you say is your greatest strength in the game?

I can live on a slither of HP for a VERY long time (on squishies) and remain active in combat. I also follow directions well.

Your greatest weakness in the game?

Unless I’m in “The Mood”, then I’m a horrible team leader and I generally don’t start my own teams.

What zone is your favorite?

I must be weird because I actually LIKE Grandville and I’m a superspeeder!

What advice do you have for any new players to the game?

Read guides, ask questions, actively try to understand each AT and their playstyles, learn the importance of positioning yourself in combat, and constantly look for new ways to use your powers.

What is your favorite storyline in the game?

Viridian’s is by far my favorite, but I like the entire Praetorian story arc as well. A Scythe temp power or a dark fireball temp power (like Succbi have). Also a flower bouquet emote would be cool too.

Any closing comments?

This game has the most awesome community! I’m constantly finding both experienced and new players who are always ready to lend a helping hand. Also if anyone ever needs helpful advice in finding artists, then send me a PM and I will happily point you in the right direction.

Lady Thug by Scarfgirl
(Click for full view)

SilverSpar

Virtue Server

What is your home server and why did you end up picking it as your home server?

Virtue. Few reasons I actually chose Virtue honestly. First I am an RPer, I like to get into my character(s) and act them out. Generally if I can never get a feel for my character they get deleted, no matter what level they reach. Having done some research, and as Virtue was the unofficial RP server, it kind of clicked with me. Also, part of me thought on it since I am an old time Ultima Online player as well.

Where do you live?

Texas.

What else do you like to do in your free time besides play CoX?

Writing stories and dreaming and attempting to draw are in my blood, so when I am not playing CoX, I am typically doing something like that. Of course, I am also an amateur 3d modeller, and been focussing more and more on doing that kind of work lately.

What are your favorite movies?

Unsurprisingly enough, my favorite all time movie is the Howling, the first one. I have quite a few others I like, such as Pirates of the Caribean (all three), Shrek, Hudson Hawk, and a few others that slip my mind at the moment.

What are your favorite books and authors?

Anything written by Christie Golden that I have read usually is very good and well written. Most of the works that I have of her's are in the now cancelled Ravenloft novella series. I think my all time favorite novel is a Ravenlloft book called I, Strahd.

What TV shows do you like to watch?

I don't regularly watch TV. If I do sometimes I catch something on Cartoon Network, otherwise I will watch the History Channel, gives me some ideas every now and then for a story hehe.

Do you have any pets?

Nope. If I had a choice of a pet, it would be a wolf though.

How did you get drawn to this game?

That's a bit of a tale actually. Originally, I was in the CoH beta, but at the time Heroes did not interest me. I kept my eye on heroes as updates went through but still, nothing sparked my interest with Heroes. Then I heard about Villains. At the time Villains came out, however, I wasn't in a position to start playing, but eventually I was able to get started, and I have been hooked ever since.

What is your favorite aspect of the game?

The flexibility in creating your character. That's what primarily keeps me in villains, you really have alot of freedom and choice for creating and customizing the character you create. Not saying Heroes doesn't, however, Villains feels and plays more free form granting, in my mind, greater flexibility.

Who is your namesake character and what are they?

Silver Spar, a level 50 werewolf, or mutation brute, take your pick She was originally a stalker, but the AT didn't fit what I had in mind, and re-rolled her as a brute, and been playing her like that ever since.

Which of all the archtypes and powersets would you say is your favorite?

Honestly, I love playing my brute, as my namesake character, but then again I don't have the strongest inclination to make alts either. However, my second favorite AT would probably be the mastermind, but I guess that's because I like to tank and protect my teammates as best I can. As far as my favorite power, I tend to play anything mixed with dark in it somewhere, whether dark armor, dark miasma, melee or even necro. Hehe, dunno why dark just seems to appeal to me the most.

Your least favorites?

Least favorite I don't really have, least played, I would say is a dominator, but mostly because the domination spark and most of the dominator powers give me a really bad headache.

What would you say is your greatest strength in the game?

Personally, I try to involve everyone and build community and friendship together. I typically run Strike Forces and I am starting to build up some courage for events and the like. I try to include everyone I can for anything I do, as I don't want anyone to feel like I am neglecting them. I try to help out anyone who asks, will even malefactor down if need be. Just something I try to do, be there for my friends and try to make new ones and build stronger community over all.

Your greatest weakness in the game?

Guess that can be any number of things, though I guess the major one is being dumb enough to talk at all hehe. Honestly, the list is probably longer than I even thought about, probably boiling down to I tend to rub people the wrong way I guess. Usually have a bad habit of not thinking before I speak and I end up saying something that just ticks someone off, when I really don't try to. Also I have to say I am very defensive of my beliefs and will stick to them. That seems to create some problems to hehe.

What zone is your favorite?

Hero side, Croatoa.
Villain side, it's a toss up between St. Martial, Monster Island, and The Abyss. Each of those three zones has something I really like about them. For instance I actually enjoy listening to the music in Jackpot when I am running through there, while Monster Island I enjoy the area as a new RP spot, and having a clear sky or just to relax. The Abyss I enjoy because it's very interesting in design and scope, not to mention the whole Jurassic Park thing it has going on.

What is your favorite storyline in the game?

Alot of mixes here. Narrowing it down, however, I would say von Grunn, TV, and Viridian. von Grunn because he is an absolute nutter, TV because the story is just hilarious to read, and Viridian because I like the epic scope and challenge his story arc gives. A Strike Force that's not a Strike Force, as it were.

What one feature would you like to see added to the game?

If I had to choose just one, I think it would be the villain EATs I would want to see. But I have alot I would put equal to that.

What advice do you have for any new players to the game?

Take your time, don't try to rush to the end. Though reaching the big five-o might seem what you have to do, you will have alot more fun taking your time and ignoring the fact that your experience bar even exists. Try to enjoy the company you get with others.

The City Scoop

June 1st, 2007

Vol.1 Issue.3

Dark Astoria

"May you live in interesting times." I never really thought much on that saying that my master said to one of her students when she banished him from her dojo. It seems like such a minor curse, almost an after thought. Turns out life in Paragon is always interesting these days. First the rebuilding of Overbrooke and learning Archnos had set up a base there and the recent unpleasentness of caputring Lord Recluse and his escape no less then a day later.

Now it seems like more and more unusal things have been happening in the city. While I thought the war in what is called "Recluse's Victory" had been settled, I was wrong. Seems like something or someone is trying to tip the scales again. Though in which side's favor I do not know, yet. I now must gather my allies and learn the cause of this. This is going to be an interesting summer.....

Thus the stage is set for the upcoming "Good vs Evil Revolutions: Uprising" event to be held on the test server, brought to you by you, the players in the form of the PvP Event Committe (PvPEC for short). This is the first of three major player driven events the PvPEC will be sponsoring this summer.

Part One: Uprising
Friday June 1
Pocket D 9pm est/6pm pst
Get together and party to start things off. Special appearances by Lighthouse and Ex Libris who will not only be on hand to hand out Yellow titles but will also be there to give out and receive beat downs!

Siren's Call 10pm est/7pm pst
Massive brawl in the zone with special guests Light house and Ex Libris to encourage your side.

Saturday June 2
Pocket D 3pm est/12 noon pst
Lethal Lottery Tournament lvls 22-26 (exemping/malfactoring allowed)
A fun tournie where each round you have a new team. Will be 4x4 or 8x8 depending on turnout Prizes will be handed out.

Pocket D 10pm est/7pm pst
Lethal Lottery Tournament lvls 40+
Same thing as before only this time a higher level tournament.

Sunday June 3
Pocket D 8pm est/5 pm pst

Ever wondered how the best of the best play? Ever been completely decimated by a group and want to see them get theirs in return? This is your chance, as the best PvP SG's in the game get together to showcase their talent. This event is designed to show off the capabilities of PvP in the arena as the best in the game pwn each other for your viewing pleasure! Make sure to bring your own popcorn, because you won't want to miss a single match of this Showcase!

To participate in these event you need to copy your character to the test server. This is the link to the copy tool to get your character onto the test server. To learn how to get onto the test server follow this link .

Hunting in the Darkness

By Travel Specialist Lemur Lad

This neighborhood of Paragon City is probably one of the saddest. It's been over half a century, and all even the mightiest of heroes has been able to do is watch and guard, making sure the evil infesting this neighborhood does not spread. Little is known about it even today, which is probably the main reason it's proven so hard to save. The place has a distinctly spooky vibe even for a nocturnal creature like me. Most heroes want to get in, get their jobs done, and get out as quickly as they can. I'm writing this to pass on some of the knowledge I've gained in my time there, to make it easier for everyone else.

Dark Astoria is limited to Heroes security level 21 and above. It's loaded with the denizens of the Banished Pantheon, but there are also agents of the Tsoo, and Circle of Thorns there. The most I've ever been able to discern of their purpose has been to steal various artifacts that may or may not be in the hands of the Banished Pantheon. You're going to see a lot of weird things while you're here, including the shades of many of the people who lived here.

Many heroes avoid the street patrols against specific foes, but for a long time I thrived on them. However one of the hardest I ever took was to track down the Circle of Thorns in Dark Astoria. They tend to avoid the streets most of the time, and are on the roofs of some buildings in the northwest corner of the zone.

A more common reason people come to this zone is that they hear rumors that there are Banished Pantheon Mask Spirits here. Normally they only come out at night in the brighter reaches of Talos Island. The gloom of Dark Astoria means they're able to roam freely here anytime, but that doesn't make them common. There are a few spots in amongst the offices near the middle of the zone, but mainly they limit themselves to the small park in the southeast area.

I always find it amusing to help people with this next problem. They come looking for the markers, but they have an inferior map to guide them, or they don't have the kind of instincts that come naturally to us lemurs. That section of Moth Cemetery is riddled with catacombs. So when they think they are in the right place they are not. In truth, the marker is in a cave directly below the spot where they're looking. This is a common mistake. Silly humans...

The last thing that tends to trip people up is looking for big old Adamastor.The Pantheon love to revive him, and heroes love to come and bash him down. I went looking, but my Scoop photographer didn't want to come along after I told him the story of how long it took me to get the zombie puke out of my fur the last time. So, we'll have to rely on this file photo.

These are some of the common things that tend to trip up young heroes in this area of town. I know I didn't cover everything, but if I did, none of you would ever learn on your own. I'm just trying to save folks a bit of time and toil, and maybe a trip or two to the hospital.

This Issue:

[*]Intervies with Arachnos Commander, Arachnos Countess, Turbo Ski, and SilverSpar[/list]Advice
[*]Dear Abby, From the X, Market Watch[/list]Arts and Entertainment
[*]The Week in Art, Featured Artist: Scarfgirl, Super Secret Diner[/list]Crossword Puzzle





Upcoming Events:



June 1st

Test Server:

• PvPEC Kickoff Party & Sirens Call Brawl[/list]
  June 2nd

  Champion:

  • Synapse TF[/list]

    Justice:

    • Saturday Matinée![/list]

      Protector:

      • Villain Hami Raid[/list]

        Test Server:

        • Lethal Lottery Tourny[/list]
          June 3rd

          Test Server:

          • Showcase 8x8 Event[/list]
            June 5th

            Champion:

            • Champion's 32nd Tanker Tuesday[/list]
              June 9th

              Test:

              • Hardcore 2 v 2 Tournment[/list]
                June 10th

                Victory:

                • Rainbow PROM 2007[/list]

                  ---

                  
                  

                  
                  Graff, Boom Boom Headshot
                  by Scarfgirl
                  (Click for full view)

Point / Counterpoint

By Bowfling

This is the second in a series of point-counterpoint articles, which will review commonly requested player suggestions, and review the pros and cons of those suggestions.

This week’s subject – Endurance Management

POINT:

Endurance is one of the key factors in determining the pacing of the game. For an action oriented game like Co*, having to wait for endurance to recover is often a boring time sink. Making players wait around while they recover endurance can disrupts the flow of the game.

There are numerous ways in which the devs could modify the way we handle endurance that would significantly reduce the time spent waiting for endurance to recover. The devs could provide players with an inherent form of stamina, just like rest and brawl, or just up the recovery rate. They could also increase the amount of endurance we have, either at a certain level, or each level, like +1 end per level. The could also add new badges that lead to accolades that provide endurance pools, like some already do, or increased recovery rate. Another idea would be to add more temporary powers, like those from Mayhem and Safeguard missions, ones which would increase recovery or overall endurance. Many of the mechanisms for doing these things already exist, so adding to them would be easier than making up something entirely new. By increasing the speed of the game by making endurance easier to manage, the devs can capitalize on the action centric nature of the combat system, allowing players that enjoy fast paced action to maintain a high level of speed throughout a mission.

COUNTERPOINT:

But there are also certain reasons why endurance is the way it is. The most important is probably because the devs wanted endurance to be a tactical feature of the combat system. The game system is currently balanced around the existing endurance limits and recovery rates. Changing them could require a further set of balancing changes to critters. It is also possible to think of Endurance more as a percentage of available endurance, something that rises as we level, but is countered by increasing power costs.

Further, there are existing methods of endurance management that players can do that do not require any game changes. Power and Toggle management can be used in combat situations to decrease endurance usage, either by using the more cost effect attacks to defeat opponents, or turning off toggles of little or no value during the fight. Powers can be selected, like stamina, which increase personal or team recovery. Players can also make more frequent use of recovery powers, like Rest. Invention sets can provide increased recovery. Doing missions or collecting badges which lead to existing recovery buffs is also possible. It is also possible to manage powers through enhancements, adding more endurance reduction enhancements into powers, in particular, replacing recharge reduction enhancements. If all else fails, players can take on easier critters, which will increase the drops/level while increasing hr/level.

It is also possible to modify the way players can gain endurance modification, without necessarily modifying the game balance. Adding new power pools that provide a recovery buff that does not stack with stamina, or moving some of the recovery in stamina to other powers in the fitness pool. The devs could also provide another global endurance reduction, like the one that came with the launch of enhancement diversification. There are numerous ideas on how endurance could be modified.

In all, here is a list of all the robust ideas that have come up regarding endurance. Each has Pros and Cons:

1. Inherent stamina, either granted at a certain level, or at level 1 as represented by an increase in base recovery
PROS: Relieve players of the requirement to get the fitness pool in order to maintain game play speed, opening new power selections.
CONS: Fundamentally alters the nature of endurance management, could require other game balance changes to compensate.

2. Increased endurance pool, either a step increase at certain levels, a gradual increase, such as +1 endurance per level, or a new power.
PROS: Allows for an increase use of progressively greater number of powers available to characters.
CONS: Fundamentally alters the nature of endurance management, could require other game balance changes to compensate.

3. Add additional pools that end in stamina, or rework existing pools to allow stamina.
PROS: Allows great freedom in build selection while still maintaining the current game balance.
CONS: Existing pool changes may cause existing build difficulties for coding. Changing pools may require further pool balancing. Finding a different but equal pool to fitness may prove problematic.

4. Change global endurance costs, or modify specific AT costs.
PROS: Global change has already happened, so the code already exists. Can pinpoint specific AT needs rather then change the entire system.
CONS: Could require further balance changes, stamina likely reduced in effectiveness.

5. Modify the existing fitness pool, making part of the enhanced recovery of stamina available in other powers in the pool.
PROS: Requires minimal work to change, does not modify game experience for anyone not taking the fitness pool.
CONS: Does not provide alternative methods from existing conditions.

6. Add a new accolades and set bonuses that increases endurance recovery.
PROS: Requires minimal work to change, inspires proactive player action.
CONS: Likely small increase similar to other accolades may not address endurance concerns, may require farming of certain critters to obtain.

7. Add new temporary powers that can buff recovery, either click powers (timer or use limit), or inherent buffs.
PROS: Inspires proactive player action, temporary powers already obtainable via safeguard/mayhem missions, so the code already exists.
CONS: Stacking with stamina could require other game balance changes to compensate, may require farming of certain missions to obtain.

Hopefully this article will get you thinking about your own endurance usage, and perhaps provide you some insight into a means of addressing your own endurance concerns. Endurance is an issue which the devs have commented on in the past, so it is one they will definitely be keeping an eye on.

State of the Archetype: Dominator

by Liliaceae

Dominators have come a long way since they were first unleashed on the Rogue Isles. A multitude of improvements have all but eradicated the cries of "Gimp!" and recently even cries of "Nerf!" have been appearing. For those who don't know, since CoV's release, Domination has been improved to build faster, especially in PvP, recharge sooner, and provide mez protection including a break free effect. All of this without taking away the lightning-reflexes, total-awareness, fast-decision style that can make Dominators an obsession. There were also a lot of helpful changes in power patch that came post Issue8. Many niggling problems with different Assault sets were fixed.

The latest good news for Dominators is the new Hamidon raid, where the ability to stack large amounts of hold magnitutde is critical to a successful raid. Of course the invention system and the existing RSF has significantly reduced the interest in Hamidon raiding, but Dominators will definitely be wanted when it happens. A solid contingent of Doms is essential to making villain raids go smoothly.

Inventions have brought something special to Dominators, the quest for the holy grail of Perma-Domination: if you can slot enough IO sets with recharge bonuses Domination can be reactivated before it expires. This has huge potential in PvE and PvP. It's also created an undertone of worry in the community, because many fear it's too good to be true, or at least remain true for long...

Naturally Dominators still have their problems, and foremost of those are the Purple Triangles of Doom (PToD), that special mez protection that Arch Villains and Heroes (including their lesser Elite Boss variants) get that makes them mostly immune to a Dominator's control powers for two thirds of the time. Three or four Dominators can cut through the PToD, but one or two don't bring much more than mediocre damage against a solo AV. What happened to those ambushes in the Respec Trial anyway? There's nothing like an ambush to make a Dominator feel useful in an AV fight. This brings us to the Lord Recluse Strike Force, which seems like it was designed to make most Dominators feel useless. Excluding, of course, a good Mind Control Dominator who can, with a little help, contribute spectacularly by keeping the entire Freedom Phalanx permanently asleep. Overall though, it takes things like Vengeance stacking, Shivans and Nukes so Dominators can "contribute" equally. (Or more than equally with Power Boosted Vengeance.) That is probably less a flaw with Dominators and more a problem with the LRSF though.

While not hailed as the champions of PvP, Dominators are now holding their own. The increased Domination gain in PvP has made all the difference here, because when it's active Dominators are a force to be reckoned with. Forum threads complaining about Dominators being overpowered are a good sign that balance is being approached. I guess some people are upset that it now takes skill, and not just a Break Free to best a Dominator at PvP. IOs will play a role in PvP, but thankfully they grant mez resistance, not mez protection (like the Monument of Iron), which reduces mez durations, and doesn't negate it all together. Unfortunately there is still a disparity in that defensive characters can stack a lot more mez resistance set bonuses than control characters can stack mez duration bonuses.

Finally, there are of course a plethora of specific issues, here are some notable ones: Dominator AoE Control powers have lower max target caps than those of Controllers; some powers have poor visual effects; Jack Frost and Flytrap have cruddy AI; Psionic Dart has an excessive endurance cost; the AoE holds have poor utility; Hot Feet, Arctic Air and Telekinesis all have excessive endurance costs; Gravity Control lacks useful AoE control before Wormhole; the death sentence that is the AoE immobs; PPP AoE attacks have superior counterparts in the secondaries; and the debatated claim that Energy Assault's damage output is too low.

Overall though, it's a good time to be a Dominator. The word is out, and while there are still a few people who don't know or understand, enough do so that a Dom is welcomed on most teams. It takes a special brand of insanity to play a Dominator, often you're one missed Hold from being a smear on the floor. For most of us though, that's where the fun lays.

Editor's Note: This is the first in an ongoing summer series of Guest Columns. Alternating weeks will showcase a Villain then Hero Archetype. If you have any nominations for forum posters you would like to see write for an Archetype, send them in a Forum PM to Lemur_Lad.

Kichi Piccy by Scarfgirl
(Click for full view)

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Arts and Entertainment

The Week in Art

This week in art we had a lot of entries for
Graver's birthday and the winners were announced as well! Also we had alot of
commissioned pieces come down the pipe and a few suprise pieces from old
posters. As requested I am going to go through them for ya and list my top
five of the week! For a look at all the art from the week be sure to drop by
the Fanart Section and have a look! We don't bite....hard!

Soul
Train by Rocinate - Find more of Rocinate's work at his
Deviant art site.




Janie Gunn
by Sorah Suhng - Check out more of Sorah's art at
sorahsuhng.com




Mad maiden
Absinthium WIP by Scarfgirl - More of Scarfgirl's art can be found
here.





Obsidi_Anne does a piece for their main character of the same name -
First art piece posted




Rowrsie by
Thally - More artwork by Thally can be found
on their deviant art page.

There's my picks! Keep the great art coming guys
and gals!

City of Heroes No.15 Cover by David Nakayama

(Click for full view)

Featured Artist

David Nakayama

Interview by Thors_Assassin

This week as the end of the comic book approaches I had a
chance to sit down with one of the artists involved in the Top Cow series.
David does the pencil work for the series and has done so since issue #1.
Here's what he had to say:

So David thanks for taking this time to sit down with me.
The news over the forum is that the Top Cow comics and the comic in general is
coming to a close after merely 20 issues and I wanted to get your thoughts
on that.

My
pleasure, Thor’s. Believe me, I’m really sorry to see the comic go too, and I
would’ve loved to continue working on it, but then again, we did get 20 full
issues, which is pretty impressive considering the expense and difficulty of
putting together a comic.

Looking back, I’m amazed that we got mainstream creators like
Mark Waid and Dan Jurgens to work on the book (not to mention homegrown talents
like Sean Fish and Troy Hickman), and for the most part, I’m really proud of
the art quality throughout the series. Heck, when you think about it, this kind
of free premium is EXTREMELY rare among MMOs, so when all’s said and done, I
see the comic as a really cool and unique bonus for the CoH community, and I’m
glad we got to do it for as long as we did.

When sitting down to draw for the coh comic what kind of
tools do you use?

I use a .03 mechanical pencil with HB lead and a variety of
erasers. Nothin’ too fancy, I guess! I also use a ton of printed screenshots
from the game, just to keep the costumes and landmarks looking as accurate as
possible.

In your opinion what were the key differences with the Top
Cow series and the Blue King comics for CoH?

To be honest, I’ve only read a couple Blue King issues, so I
might not be the best person to answer this one. But I’d guess that the biggest
difference would have to be the cast of characters. Our series follows the
signature heroes, which brings a very different flavor to the book. Also, I
think we did more multi-part stories, at least in the first year. Obviously,
each book had its own storytelling and visual style, and that’s a huge
difference as well.

Describe how you're able to express yourself artistically
through comic book art.

I’ve always liked figure drawing, and that’s pretty much what
comics are about, so it’s a good fit. To me, working out poses, anatomy, and
expression on the page is kind of like solving a puzzle, and it’s rewarding to
get better at it over time.

What would your fantasy job be?

Comics, of course! And I’d love to do more concept art for games
and/or movies as well.

What gets ya pumped up about your future projects?

Well, my new title (called Marvel Adventures: Hulk) premieres in
July, and the anticipation’s just about killing me right now. I put a lot of
extra energy into the work, so I’m dying to see what people think. Plus, it’ll
be the first time I’ve had a full-length comic published by Marvel, which is
pretty exciting considering how long I’ve been a Marvel fan. Anyway, I hope you
guys’ll check out the Hulk book in July, and if you’re at the Chicago or San
Diego conventions this summer, I’ll be signing and sketching at the NCSoft and
Marvel booths, so definitely look me up. I’m always happy to draw a portrait of
your CoH character if you bring me a screenshot.

Thanks for that time David and good luck on the release of
the Hulk series for Marvel. We'll see ya at the conventions!

Featured Collector

Juggertha

Interview by Thors_Assassin

Here's a new feature for the fanart section made strictly
for the collectors on the fanart forums. You see in the world of comic art
theres the artists who create the pieces and those of us that love getting art
done of our favorite characters. Juggertha is a rare breed as he is both and in
this first feature I took some time to sit down with the big guy and ask
him some questions about his ever-increasing gallery:

So Juggertha! As an artist you have the unique role that
you've taken on as a collector as well. Recently gathering up art from some
great artists of your main character. What is it like being on both ends of the
spectrum?

"In a word... healthy. It's good to see it from both sides of
the fence. I think that getting art work done for me really helps me understand
how the people requesting art from me feel. That whole 'is this guy the style I
want?' - 'How long is this gonna' take?' - 'Am I going to hear from him again?'
I really feel it's helped me to become a better artist."

Who's the one artist you can't wait to get a picture done
by?

"Ah, are we talking 'Dream Artist' here? If so, then it's got to
me Todd McFarlane. I met him once when I was a kid, and have always been in
love with his lines (if not his story telling)."

What do you get out of collecting art?

"ART ... no seriously, I get pictures of my character. Sure, a
part of me says that it fulfills parts of this game's fantasy, but the truth is
for me, it's just a sheer appreciation for the pictures themselves. I love
comic art, and always have. Collecting it is what I do."

Do you have a favorite piece among those you have in your
gallery?

"So now the tough questions start eh? You want me to whittle
down my gallery and choose only one? If I was to choose one out of my
collection it'd probably have to be this civil war piece by Jeffrey 'Chamba'
Cruz. I think that he really captured the lurking (yet hulking) danger that
I've always pictured Juggertha to have."

When it comes to Juggertha, does art imitate life?

"Hahaha, my wife would love this question. For some reason, she
always thinks that my online characters look like me. Whether it be a
Trandoshan, a Dwarf, or some big bulbous Hero, she figures they all look like
me - or that I start to look like them (after hours of game play). So, let me
set the record straight, the closest I get to Juggertha is a receeding
hairline. "

What was your inspiration to start up a collection of your
main character?

"Would it be butt-kissin' if I said you? Honestly, seeing
yourself and a few others on this board gathering up such cool pieces really
made me want to start up as well. I think that a big reason people come to this
game is to have the character stuck in their head brought to 'life'. I think
that these art collections are a continuation on that theme."

What pieces do you have coming up and from who?

"I just had a few finished up from Tien-Wei and Lak Lim, but as
for 'up-and-coming'... I'm thinking about getting something done up by Marcio
Takara. He's got that great cartoony style."

Any other galleries out there that you keep an eye on when
looking for artists?

"Not as much as you might think. Sure I check out yours,
Buckeye's and Rowr's, but for the most part I just hunt through people's
'favorites' lists and look for styles I like. So, here's my not so subtle hint
for people on DA to give out faves if ya like something."

In closing, any advice for people thinking about starting up
a collection?

"If you're considering taking the step into Art Collectoring you
should be aware of something - it's addictive! Sure, it might seem harmless at
first, just over the counter water colors or something. But you'll soon find
yourself in some dark alley hoping to score a trading card or a 3D render. Be
careful, and don't say I didn't warn you.

"Do everything in moderation boys and girls and it'll all turn
out ok."

Cool thanks again for those great comments brother!! That
does it for this week in art! Next week we'll have some more great interviews
and art for ya! Take care all!

Advice

Heroscopes

Julian Day 2454260.29

Controller

With Sun transiting the First House, you should
experience all the benefits of this most powerful cosmic force. Endurance is
high and your creative juices are flowing, ready to be applied to the work at
hand.

Defender

Sun conjunct Mercury enhances your creative
thinking today. You may have new and promising ideas in work or business. Today
is THE day to start new ventures.

Scrapper

Saturn transiting the First House tends to slow you
down, making you realistic about your abilities and expectations for success.
Your nature will most likely be very stoical now, as you take a serious
attitude to just about all aspects of your life.

Blaster

Sun square Moon creates conflicts between you and
loved ones who may have different ideas about what you should be doing.
Bottling up problems is not healthy but it makes a great nova!

Tanker

Neptune conjunct Uranus presages a strange period
in your life in which you may be seduced by radical ideas or alternate
realities. Follow the beat of a new drummer only if your heart agrees it is the
right thing to do and you aren’t in Orenbega at the time.

Peacebringer

Pluto sextile Uranus invigorates your mind, giving
you a new insight into talents that possibly have lain dormant for years. Group
activities, especially if they help others, can be most rewarding.

Warshade

Sun opposite Pluto tends to disrupt your relations
with those in authority and increases the possibility of conflicts with
strangers. On the positive side though, this transit may portend the successful
culmination of an ambitious project.

Dear Athy

Dear Athy,

Settle a bet. My Super Group leader says Rikti used to be normal
humans. I say he's wrong. I think he's confusing the Rikti for the Lost, who
were once human, but were experimented on by the Rikti.




Who's right? There's an Invention Enhancement riding on it.




signed,

Convinced

---Dearest, since I can’t see your Omega Level clearance badge,
I’ll simply have to say, you should pay the man his enhancement.

Dear Athy,

I am a superspeeder. In fact, I am considered the fastest man in
Paragon City. Recently I have moved to the Rogue Isles, and found it very
difficult to get anywhere. I have asked the Black Scorpian to help, but he can
only grant me fly for a few seconds at best. Should I move back to Skyway, or
find a jetpack?




Signed,

World's Fastest Man (on the ground)

---The Isles? Oh my! Some areas over there are just not
SS-friendly. A jet pack or a jump pack would definitely be the must-have
accessory for any speedster, here in the City or out in the Isles. Even if you
rarely need one, it’s easier to not need what you’ve got than to need what you
don’t have.

Dear Athy,

After a few hours' worth of fighting Crey, I have found that
their really horrible chemical stench lingers for days. Water doesn't seem to
get rid of it, and I avoid using my fire then for fear of setting the chemicals
on fire and blowing myself up. No soaps seem to work, either.




Can you recommend anything?




Dragonistic

---Never fear, I’ve made a few calls including one to Crey Ind
(a simple inquiry regarding a minor belch of spew from one of their factories )
and according to Crey Representative Tina, Crey Cola should do the trick. For
some reason, this answer didn’t sit well with yours truly so I made few more
calls.




According to a chemist who wishes to remain anonymous, mixing the chemicals in
Crey Cola with one of the main ingredients in their some of their weapons
produces a toxic cloud that would level half the City! He remarked that the
chemical composition of Crey’s weapons formula looked like it would be
susceptible to simple talcum powder, however I was unable to gain any further
insight from him as the phone line went dead.




Athy is a tad concerned. Since he was so adamant about not revealing his
identity, I’ve had a bit of a problem checking on him and can not raise him on
the phone. I’ll be listening to the police scanner for a bit.

Dear Athy,

I was new to Paragon City when I was approached by a gentleman
who invited me to join his super group. I took him up on his offer and told him
that I would do everything I could to improve our base. I haven't seen hide nor
hair of the leader of the group in several days and I fear for his safety. Did
he become the victim of one of the many evil organizations that plague the
city? I have lost sleep wondering about his condition. There is another problem
with this situation. Our leader is the only one who can modify our base, which
is in dire need of improvement. I do not know what I should do. Any advice you
can offer would be greatly appreciated.




Troubled Knight

---Have you listened to the police scanner? Perhaps if he’s
fallen into more trouble than one hero can handle there’d be a broadcast from
the PPD.




Regarding the base though, if he’s truly MIA so to speak, the base system
should override his permissions in a short time frame allowing another to step
up to the proverbial design plate.

Dear Athy,

What does a guy have to do to impress some chicks in this city?




-Hot Stuff

---Get a rooster themed costume.

Dear Lady Athyna,

A fellow hero, whom I am generally proud to call my sidekick and
frind, seems to be risking neglecting his duties for the sake of impressing
girls. I do not wish to seem rude or unreasonable, but perhaps there is a way I
can make sure he concentrates on heroic duties first, then his personal life?




-Concerned Swordsman

---Ah, the wants and desires of my younger days… oh but how a
set of piercing blue eyes and tight spandex would set the heart a-twitter. Oh
how many times I’d miss my target if a certain someone flashed that smile…
Relax dear. After a particularly humiliating battle, I realized that I needed
to focus on my accuracy more than on those abs. It shouldn’t too long before
your sidekick discovers this for himself. If not, perhaps a well meaning note
attached to some bit of those lovely enhancements will give your friend a clue.

Dear Athy,

I recently took in a "Lackey" like I regularly do, but this one
is clingy and is stalking me now. He has these really weird goggles on too, and
it's all really starting to freak me out. Normally I would just kill the fool,
but I'm afraid things might be worse if he came back as a ghost. How the heck
am I supposed to get this guy to stop following me without decapitating his
head and convincing Veluta Lunata to let me borrow her Ghost Slaying Rifle?

---Have you tried the direct approach and explained to him that
his behaviour is unwelcome? That would be my first suggestion. If that fails,
perhaps he needs a ton of bricks to fall on him. If you’re out of bricks, try a
sledgehammer.

Villanscopes

Julian Day 2454260.29

Brute

Venus transiting the First House makes you
well-disposed towards friends and VG mates. Teaming with others is most
rewarding at this time. You can be helping them as much as their presence is
helping you.

Mastermind

Jupiter conjunct Pluto fills you with an ambition
for prominence. You are willing to work very hard and do most anything to
achieve success. With this competitive attitude, you will probably achieve your
goals.

Corruptor

Jupiter in the First House marks a time when you
feel "lady luck" smiling on you. Make sure both your expectations and abilities
are realistic before diving into something you may not be able to get out of
without harm or embarrassment.

Dominator

Mercury conjunct Jupiter confers enthusiasm and
quick mindedness. Your comprehension of issues is broadened today and your
inner peace makes you tolerant of dissenting views.

Stalker

Pluto transiting the First House is a transit where
your moods may fluctuate as much as the Black Market. This is not a good time
to make any concrete decisions about a relationship or business deal.

Heroscopes and Villainscopes provided by Lady
Athyna

Juggertha - Civil War

(Click for full view)

Jenna Seidel's Rogue Islands Repast

Greeting Villains, Vigilantes, Heroes and other general pains in
the neck. After reading the latest edition of “The City Scoop”, I decided that
being a food critic wasn't that hard. Besides, the more tourism to the Islands,
the better for everyone involved.

I grabbed the gang and we all headed out to Brass Knuckles
favorite dive, Lucky Spot BBQ. The six of us had a quiet meal together, with
great service. This could be because when five crazy-eyed thugs and one
no-nonsense chick walk into a place, we normally clear it out. The food is
char-grilled, chicken, pork and beef, with some burgers. If you don't eat meat,
you are SOL at “The Spot”.

I
had a chance to sit down with Lucky Spot's owner, Deacon Jackson and his wife,
Effie. It was hard at first to convince them that we were just there to eat,
Archie demands on taking his TNT with him everywhere. After calming them down,
Deacon told me that he and Effie moved to the Islands during the “problems” of
the 1960's in the American South. “Even with heroes, it wasn't a place for
certain folks to be.” Lucky for us, they brought their recipes with them.

Greg had the pulled pork sandwich, Carolina style, the cole slaw
on the sandwich, with potato salad. The BBQ sauce is fresh and home made,
sweet, tangy and a bit of spice. The pork was juicy and tender and the cole
slaw is a cool, creamy contrast to the hot pork. He liked the cole slaw so much
that he demanded the recipe and I added it.

Hodges went with a more local flavor, the grilled jerk chicken
with plantain fries and pineapple chutney. Pineapple chutney, as far as we can
tell, is pineapple cooked in brown sugar and spices. The chicken was a little
spicy for me, but I was lucky I didn't pull back a bloody stump when I asked
Hodges for a bite. The plantain fries tasted just like sweet french fries to
me, but Deacon told us that it looks like a banana, but you have to cook it
before you can eat it.

Archie, being a pyro and into anything hot, had the “Firehouse”
brisket with a side of beans. The “Firehouse” is a special sauce that is
available with any BBQ dish, it's the hottest thing that Deacon serves, made
with a lot of Louisiana hot sauce. It burned my eyes when it was brought to our
table. Archie said that it was one of the best meals he had ever eaten and
didn't even have to add his own hot sauce. The beans “didn't have enough
flavor” for Archie, but they tasted just fine to the rest of us. I think that's
'cause we have taste buds left.

Pancho ordered the “Smokehouse Combo”. Half a rack of ribs and
smoked sausage, with fries and slaw. So much for originality, if you ask me.
The sausage recipe is another one that came form the American south, but this
time with Effie and she said that she would rather lose a finger than give up
it up. It was good enough I didn't press it, besides she's a nice lady. War, my
other Enforcer, ordered a combo, too. He had the “BBQ Combo”, half a rack of
ribs, half a BBQ-ed chicken, again with fries and slaw. I really shouldn't
complain too much about their eating choices, they are good at what they do.

Brass had exactly what he came for, a rack and a half of ribs.
Lucky Spot doesn't actually have this as a menu item, but Brass likes the extra
sides he gets when he orders both. The man packed away a pound of meat. Deacon
told us that he hot smokes the ribs personally, letting them smoke over 48
hours with real hickory wood smoke. Then he sets the ribs in a cooler for
another day, just sitting in the dry rub. He'll baste them 2 or 3 times while
he BBQs them over low heat. And I will tell you the meat falls right off the
bones.

I didn't order anything, I ate off the guys plates.

Though we didn't have to pay, and got another customer in our
“Security” business, Lucky Spot BBQ only accepts cash.

Advice From the X

Greetings boys, girls, and beings of indeterminate gender! One again I have
been called upon to give you another dose of Advice from the X! Today’s
question arrived via a brick through the second floor windows of the City
Scoop:

"Dear LiquidX,




I's recently gained sum... "employment opportunities" in da Rogue Isle's, an
I's keeps hearin 'bout sumthin called a "re-spec". Can youse fills me in on
dis, and hows I's cans get me sum of dis?




Sincerely,

Jimmy Two-bits"

Dear Jimmy Two-bits,




A "Respec" is short hand for "Power Respecification". Essentially, a "Respec"
means that a Hero or Villain has somehow changed their powers, often losing
powers they had while gaining new ones (or even just affecting the ability for
the person to enhance their abilities with various enhancements). Now, it
should be noted that a "Respec" is different then a "Re-roll", in that a person
who has "Respec"-ed will not have vastly different powers, and will still be
classified under the same Archetype. (For example, an Assault Rifle Blaster
won't suddenly be carrying around a Mace and tanking.)




Now, there are a couple of different ways that a Hero or Villain can gain the
ability to Respec. In Paragon City, the most common way for a Hero is when they
defend the Terra Volta reactor. Often, the radiation from the reactor can
affect (Or even grant) mutations, amplify or alter powers that have been
granted due to exposure to other forms of radiation and cosmic particles,
super-charge electronics and other technological gizmos, and do strange things
to magical artifacts.




Now, for Villains, they instead gain the ability to "Respec" by staging
assaults against the Thorn Tree. The Thorn Tree is a Demonic plant used by the
Circle of Thorns in order to siphon energy from a fortress of Mu. By breaching
the Tree and stealing the Nexus of Thorns, Villains can use the gathered energy
to "Respec". Interestingly enough, it should be noted that for both groups,
they can only "Respec" a total of three times through these methods. No one's
really sure why this is, either.




Now, another way to "Respec" for both Heroes and Villains is as rewards,
granted by the Paragon City Government and Arachnos, respectively. Because of
the difficulties involved (and often high costs), these are only granted to
people who distinguish themselves. Paragon City, for example, grants Respecs to
Heroes who have continued to serve for months (And years). Meanwhile, Arachnos
grants them to lucky Villains who have proven their power by avoiding being
tossed back into the 'Zig. Rumor also has it that Villains who take on a Patron
are also granted a gift of a free "Respec", along with whatever powers and
techniques they learn.




Finally, the last form of "Respec" is a mystery as both Heroes AND Villains
have sometimes discovered the ability to "Respec" for no apparent reasons.
There are hundreds of theories as to why this is, too. Some claim it's thanks
to hyper-intelligent beings from beyond our dimension. Others claim it's due to
mysterious and cryptic gods who created the universe and the multitude of
dimensions billions of years ago. Some people believe it's the result of crazy
genetic experiments by Crey. And some blame a Wizard, or the mythical
"Statesboy-Prime". Whatever the reason, it happens.




And there you have it. All you ever wanted to know about "Respecs", but didn't
want to ask! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go before someone expects me
to clean up all this glass. Toodles!

There Is Help!

As a citizen of Paragon City, you really can't enter any public
building with out seeing a flier or poster proclaiming the next meeting of
Alt-aholics Anonymous. But what is Alt-aholism and why is it so prevalent in
our fair city? To answer this question I went to Paragon City Behavioral Health
Associates, located in Chiron Medical Plaza, in Atlas Park and asked Dr. Nora
Conners. “Alt-aholism is a disease of the mind and ego, “ states this leading
authority on super behavior. “We normally see it [Alt-aholism] in people who
are new to this city and, frankly, to our way of doing things. Though this
illness can strike any super, from any background, at any level.” Dr. Conners
explained that Alt-aholism is the compulsive need to create alternative
personas, or Alts for short. “The creation of Alts can be healthy, ” states Dr.
Conners, ”even necessary.” An example would be, when a Villain group sets out
to ruin the reputation of said Hero and this person must adopt a new person to
clear their name. “The healthy hero can give up this 'Alt', when the time
comes.” The current belief in the mental and behavioral health communities is
that it stems from a relentless quest for perfection. This can become a serious
problem when the creation and registration of false personas take priority over
the actual heroing and crime-fighting processes. “Some of the worst cases [of
Alt-aholism] we have seen generally revolve around eleven 'Alts', sometimes
both heroes and villains, with a persona known as a 'Main'. All in all, its
very similar to the mundane mental illness called Multiple Personality
Disorder. The difference being that Alt-aholism is an addiction and not, as we
know it, a biological disorder.” It is warned that Alt-aholism should not be
confused with the phenomenon known as “re-rolling”, where a hero starts over,
in the ranks of his or her Hero Regulatory Agency, registering powers and,
sometimes, crime fighting styles.

As with other addictions, there is no know cure for Alt-aholism.
However, there are support groups, like Alt-aholics Anonymous, Alt-Anon, and
Altateen, which help in recovery and allowing the hero to focus on one persona
at a time. Much like the groups that focus on more mundane problems, such as
drug addiction and alcoholism, Alt-aholics Anonymous works on a series of
”Steps”. Following these steps is called ”Working the program”. As the first
step is always “Admitting you have a problem” Alt-aholics Anonymous has worked
up a few questions to ask yourself.

1) Have you every promised yourself that you would concentrate
on one persona for a week, only to lose interest with in a few days?

2) Have you every switched from one archetype to another in hopes of
maintaining interest?

3) Do you envy heroes and villains who can maintain a single persona to
Security/Threat level 50?

4) Have you ever backed out of a Supergroup raid to attend a Alt's Supergroup
raid?

5) Have you ever told yourself that you could stop creating Alt's at anytime,
only to create another?

If you have answered “yes” to any of these questions, you might
want to visit a local meeting. All meetings are anonymous, and all visitors are
encouraged not to attend in costume. To find your local meeting call
1-866-555-ALTS (2587) 24-7.

Paid for by the Altism Prevention Foundation

The City Scoop

June 8th, 2007

Vol.1 Issue.4

The Abyss and Monster Isle

by Creeping Crowley

This past weekend saw an influx of players head to
the test server for the PvPEC's first major event. The night started off with a
small hitch as the test server was shut down for an hour while a new patch was
introduced. Despite the delay much fun was had by all.

It all starte din Pocket D as special guest Ex
Libris and Darkhouse made thier apperance. They handed out special titles to
almost everyone in attendance. Some of the title handed out where:

FOTM yeah Baby!

Party Animal

Owner of the PWN Shop

Ph34r m3H

In addtion DJ Jester and DJ Mindscythe were there
for WooT radio to provide some good music and up to the minute updates for the
event. Though right before the party ended a very special guest made her
apperance. What she would do was unknown at the time.

Once things wound down most everyone headed to
Siren's Call to engage in a massive battle. The fighting was intense as the
heroes and the villains. Weird crys of "HAX" were heard when people tried to
fight Darkhouse as he just would not die, even with 20 heroes on him. Ghost
widow made herself known a few times in the fight as well. Though a squad had
to be formed to protect and keep Exlibris alive, she still has the bruises from
that fight.

On saturday two Lethal Lottery tournie were held at
different times. A mid level one was held at 3 pm and a high level one was held
at 10 pm. The fighting was hard and fast for this. Winners of the mid level
tournie were Lightsyde and -Dude. Winners of the High level tournie were
Inferno Complex1, Darkest' Night, Melita1, Angelic Vision, Crystalina3, Captian
Ugly. Sunday had a showcase of some of the best PvP groups in the arena.

Here's to hoping that the next event is just as fun
as this one.

POINT / COUNTERPOINT

by Bowfling

This is the third in a series of point-counterpoint
articles, which will review commonly requested player suggestions, and review
the pros and cons of those suggestions.

This week’s subject – Buffs

POINT:

There are certain advantages associated with
increasing the ease of use when it comes to buffs. Making buffs last longer
would reduce the micromanagement associated with buff sets, allowing players to
focus on other things. Changing the way buffs are applied (like making single
target buffs multi targeted) would also reduce the micromanagement. This would
make these sets more interesting for players who find placing buffs on
teammates to be less fun than using other critter targeted powers. This might
increase the frequency with which such sets are selected, or how often they are
played. If modifying existing powers would not work out, perhaps new power sets
could be developed around the idea of a more user friendly buffing concept.

COUNTERPOINT:

But there are also certain disadvantages associated
with increasing the ease of use when it comes to buffs. The balance of the game
would be in question. Part of the reason for the large effect of buffs is the
limited application time. If buff times were increased, buff amounts might have
to be reduced to compensate. Reapplying buffs is part of the tactical challenge
of the game associated with buffing sets. AoE powers tend to be weaker than
single target powers. Further, while buffs are beneficial, they are not always
necessary on all teammates at all times. Lastly, longer duration buffs might
encourage the buff selling and botting of buffing sets that might have a
negative impact on overall game play.

If you find buffing to be a distraction in your
game play, try buffing less often, either by selecting team members most in
need of the buff, or only during combats of significant difficulty. You can
also select the AoE buffs in such sets and use those more frequently. Finally,
if buffing is not interesting to you, consider selecting an AT or power sets
that do not include as many buffing powers.

Juggertha

(Click for full view)

Boudicia's Leather Weather Report

This week in Paragon City has seen the creeping
return of summertime! Clear skies, warm southern breezes and warm temperatures
in the 80's prevailed all week nearly everywhere! Two exceptions were Dark
Astoria, experiencing the 1000th day of heavy fog, a new record! Also, Croatoa
still has some cloudiness and temps hovering in the cool 50's.

Satellite imaging confirms The Rogue Isles are
still cloaked in thick smog, preventing any natural weather, but sources on the
ground report high humidity and very warm temperatures reaching the 90's during
the night.

Next week we'll see big changes on both sides of
the fence! A storm is brewing for Atlas Park and we may see flash flooding up
to the Atlas statue itself! Talos Island will be experiencing a sudden, intense
drought, so stock up on bottled water now!

The Rogue Islands will finally feel some relief
from the smog, with Lord Recluse rumored to be going "green"! Expect some
lowering of temperatures and some muc- needed winds blowing the clouds away.

That's all for now folks, and remember, you dont
need a weatherman to know which way the winds blow!

It has probably been said that the sneakiest most lowdown kind
of people around make the best explorers, because the way their minds work
leads them naturally to things normal folks would never think to look for.
Well, if it hasn't been said by anyone, it's been said by me. That's why they
tapped me to write about the ins and outs of the newest areas for the Destined
Ones to bash around in, the Abyss and Monster Isle. Before I begin, I just want
to make it clear exactly how much I hate riding around in these little
mini-subs. You have any idea what someone over seven feet tall needs to do to
get in one of those things? Call it a sign of
my dedication to you folks.

Monster Isle

The fact that you get to look at Paragon in the distance just
goes to show you the Heroes are a bunch of unobservant buffoons. It does my
black heart bad to know that such a juicy target is ripe for the plucking
someday. I have a confession to make though. I was sneaking in there for months
now, on a special job. Ever wonder how Joe Young gets those battling monkeys
for the Monkey Fight Club? Well someone had to cull out the strong ones. He
used Family connections to sneak me in there. You'd be surprised
how easy it is to get them to turn on each other. I still have scars
though, from before I got the hang of things.

Obviously,
the main reason Destined Ones are allowed to sneak in is the Devouring Earth
Monsters. They're in endless supply, and since the discovery of Essence of
Earth and its usefulness against Hamidon, it's an important spot. Any
fair-sized team of rogues will have no trouble taking them down. I have two
pieces of advice for people who want to monster hunt. They like to hang out in
pairs, so get some practice at pulling one away to fight them one at a time.
Second, take it from a Plant Control Dominator,
this is not a tree.

If you're so inclined, there's even a nice secluded spot to
relax. Don't worry about the "native"; he's harmless. Just nod and smile a lot
when he starts in talking about his best pal the ball.

The Abyss

Most assuredly the strangest Rogue Isle we've seen yet, it
almost makes me doubt Lord Recluse's policy of any science is good science,
even Mad Science. The place is shrouded in mystery, since no one seems willing
to talk about just who
DE Gen was and what they were doing. Marshal Brass told me as far as he
knew it wasn't a front for Dr Aeon, and none of the mad scientists I've dealt
with directly are talking either. Not even Vernon von Grun, the guy who
actually knows a thing or two about the Devouring Earth. We all know people
have been pulling Hamidon samples out of the main body ever since he first
manifested. Normally nothing happens, they either remain inert or die. This
time, someone found something or tried something, and it went seriously awry.

I've
spent a lot of time in that hole in the ground now, and I won't even begin to
claim I understand the place. The ecosystem at both Hamidon sites has become a
lot more complex than it used to be. Most of the things the Heroes used to do
to beat back the Hamidon just plain don't work. There have been a lot of
attempted attacks by different groups, and only a few successes. The good news
is, we don't have to listen to any more complainers that were trying to say
things are unfair, or that the Goo wasn't beatable. Firstly, no one in the
Rogue Isles should even use the word fair, considering who we are. Secondly,
there are a ton of ways that it's simpler and more direct for the Villains. I'm
not going to waste my time on tactics here, because the fact that every
successful group has done it differently shows there's more than one way to
skin a cat... or giant amoeboid as the case may be.

Dare I say it? I find the place, and fighting the Hamidon, a lot
of fun. I know none of the Cool Kid villains will admit to having fun, but
really it is. Even the working together with others part. It's a big
complicated wheeling mass of things to do all at once, and if any part fails
we're all taking a trip to the med bay. But when you're in there, you think to
yourself, "look at them all following and working hard. That's a sure sign that
even the biggest meanest Destined One will fall into line at some point. Now I
just have to assure that I'm the one they're all falling in behind." Funniest
part is, I know they're all thinking it too.

This Issue:

[*]
Ask Athy, Answers from the X, Rogue Islands Repast, Horoscopes

[/list] Arts and Entertainment


[*]
This Week in Art, Interviews with David Nakayama and Juggertha

[/list] Behind the Mask


[*]
Classic interviews with DJ MindScythe and Lady Dee

[/list] Crossword Puzzle










Upcoming Events:




June 9th


Champion:





• 
  Storm the Zone PvP
  

[/list]

Test Server:





• 
  Hardcore 2 v 2 Tournment
  

[/list]

June 10th


Victory:





• 
  Rainbow Prom 2007
  

[/list]

June 15th


Justice:





• 
  Super Team for Double XP Weekend
  

[/list]

Protector:





• 
  Double Exp Strikeforce Bonanza
  

[/list]

June 15th


Triumph:





• 
  2XP Praetorian Kill-a-thon
  

[/list]

Virtue:





• 
  The Dawn Patrol SG 3rd Year
  Anniversary
  

[/list]

June 22nd


Virtue:





• 
  Ravenfest '07
  

[/list]

Events are pulled from the
forum calendar.

Protea's Market Watch

While salvage values continue to drop in the middle price
ranges, high-priced salvage shows a surprising resilience. Heroes are still
lined up around the block for the likes of Numina's Convalescence and Luck of
the Gambler, and analysts predict this will support high valuations on rare
arcane salvage for some time to come.

The black market shows similar trends, although the vastly
reduced pricing has led to speculation that Recluse may have found some way to
reproduce certain highly-desired items. Child labor? Substitute materials? What
exactly is Recluse up to in the Fab, anyway? Our spies in the Rogue Isles have
been reluctant to delve too deeply, particularly following certain recent...
incidents there.

Highest cost salvage for each market as of the morning of 6/7:

View the full report
here.

- Protea

Behind the Mask

Behind the Mask's orgins are quite simple. At one time the drama
on Pinnacle was reaching a boiling point. Being well known there for being
(somewhat) neutral and for events that I ran, I decided to do something about
it. That being Behind the Mask. I started it up as a reminder that we are all
real people behind the mask. I felt that if we got to learn just a bit about
each other, maybe just maybe we could get along a bit better. It was a very
popular feature on the server but it fell by the wayside during i9 beta
testing. I tired to start it up again but other things kept me from it. Though
thanks to the City Scoop, I am able to bring it back. I hope you enjoy reading
one of my "classic" interviews I did while I work on improving the current
model.



-Teldon

State of the Archetype

Tankers

By Aett Thorn

Hello one and all, and welcome to the State of Tankers address.
I’m here to tell you that the state of Tankers is: well actually it’s pretty
darned good right now. This isn’t saying that everything is perfect, but we’re
going to take a bit of an in-depth look at the Tanker AT and explore where it’s
doing well, and where it could use some improvements.

We’ll start off with the good. Over the past few issues, some of
the Tanker primaries that were seen as lagging behind have gotten some
improvements. Ice Armor and Stone Armor (pre-Granite), being mainly defense
based, got a boon in the changes to the enemy ToHit formulas, making them a bit
tougher to take down. Fire Armor recently had a change to Healing Flames which
has made the set much tougher. Stone Armor is still doing as well as ever in
the Tanker world, and post level 32 is still one of the toughest tanking sets
out there.

With the release of Inventions, Tankers have found much to like.
Not only are our secondaries able to use a lot of the sets, our primaries can
too. Fire Armor no longer has to choose Acrobatics for Knockback protection,
and can instead slot a few KB resist enhancements into their shields. Tankers
can also shore up their other holes, like Psionic Resistance with various sets.
On top of that, most Tanker builds are flexible enough within the Inventions
system to be able to build for the bonuses that you want, which is always a
good thing.

However, like I mentioned earlier, not everything is great in
the world of Tankers. Invulnerability Tankers could probably use a few small
boosts to their passives to put them on par with the other primary sets.
Invulnerability’s graphics were also recently changed, and while some like it,
there is a significant portion of players who are not fans of the toned down
graphics. That being said, there were also a lot of people that complained
about the glowing nature of the old graphics. So it was probably lose/lose for
the Devs.

We’re still the kings of aggro, and can survive more incoming damage than any
other AT at base levels. Recently, there has been some issues with our Gauntlet
inherent. Currently, it is has been bugged, and the AoE (area of effect)
component hasn't been working correctly. However, this problem is
currently fixed on the Training Room Test Server and we can look
forward to this fix getting out to the Live servers soon. Once this is done, it
will be much easier for the team Tanker to get and maintain aggro without the
use of Taunt or taunt-auras.

In terms of balance, though, the Tanker secondaries are more the
problem spot. Several Tanker melee sets are commonly seen as underperforming,
namely /Mace and /Ice. From conversations with Dev and Community staff, it
seems as if they are
aware of these problems, and will be looking into them not too far down
the road.

Another common problem I see on the Tanker boards is that we’re
not needed on a team; that if the team is good, a tanker becomes useless. Far
from being a bad thing, I view this as a good thing. I’ve been on good teams
that haven’t needed a Blaster, or a Defender, etc. So not being ‘needed’ on a
good team is probably just where we want to be. It means we’re right about
where we should be, because it happens to all other ATs as well. On more
chaotic teams, we can usually still be found as the point man, leading the
charge into the fray and making sure our teammates are well protected.

Another thing that we’ve got going for us is that it looks like
we may be getting another primary/secondary or two. Tankers have had just four
primary powersets to choose from from game release. The news that a new set or
two might be coming down the pipeline fairly soon has definitely done a lot to
boost the morale of the Tanker community.

We’re Tankers. We’re going to take the hits so you don’t have
to. We’re going to put ourselves in harm's way for the greater good. We’re
going to insult that giant robot’s mother, for you, the squishy. And when all
is said and done, we’re going to discuss our exploits over a nice, tasty BBQ.
So, as I mentioned, we’re doing pretty well right now, and look to improve in
the future.