Ex_Libris
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Week 13 of "The City Scoop a publication for Supers by Supers!
This weeks edition has the contest winners and speeches from the Call To Arms, contest that was sponsored by the scoop. There are also some new articles and features including player tips for base creation and roleplaying. I think all can agree with me that this player created feature is a great addition to our community.
Discussion on the latest edition of "The City Scoop" is located here.
If you would like to do a feature article, have an event covered, or join "The City Scoop" team please PM Hertz or Marcian_Tobay
If you or someone you know should be considered for Behind The Mask please contact Teldon
If you need some Advice or would like to Ask The X contact Lady_Athyna or LiquidX
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Week 13 of "The City Scoop a publication for Supers by Supers!
This weeks edition has the contest winners and speeches from the Call To Arms, contest that was sponsored by the scoop. There are also some new articles and features including player tips for base creation and roleplaying. I think all can agree with me that this player created feature is a great addition to our community.
Discussion on this issue is found here!
If you would like to do a feature article, have an event covered, or join "The City Scoop" team please PM Hertz or Marcian_Tobay
If you or someone you know should be considered for Behind The Mask please contact Teldon
If you need some Advice or would like to Ask The X contact Lady_Athyna or LiquidX
-
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Classifieds
Selling: life-like mechanical Ravens useful for my tasks. Long
distance couriering, location, homing and rescue capable. Some units flight
capable, others glider-equipped, land rocket boosted or translocatable. Equiped
with a Virtue system. Contact @GFM for leasing and rental information.
Also seeking qualified mechaneers, effigiers, and assorted other helpers in
creation, production, and maintenance of the Iron Ravens.
http://www.steelravens.net/phpBB2/index.php
THE CITY SCOOP seeks staff writers to contribute articles,
columns, or HTML layout on a biweekly schedule. We want helpful, positive and
motivated people! Send a PM to
Marcian_Tobay or
Hertz.
The PvP Event Committee is looking for more experienced event
coordinators and planners to add to our current team. We are looking for
PvPer's with a general knowledge of tourney formats and PvP tactics. We are
looking for players with evening and weekend availability who are dedicated to
improving the PvP community on not just their server, but the whole of CoX. We
need dependable, hard-working members who will put in extra time when needed to
teach, promote, or host events game-wide. If we just described you, please
visit our website at
http://pvpec.guildportal.com, click "Join the PvPEC", and fill out our
short membership application to become a part of the driving force in PvP
game-wide.
Smiling Lemur's Kora Fruit Smoothie Stand is open for the Summer!
Fresh Kora Fruit shipped in daily. Come down and relax with some cool
refreshment that's out of this world! Located on Spanky's Boardwalk, Talos
Island.
NOW HIRING: Motivated vigilante types for immediate placement as
security, side kick, lackey, mentor and malificator. The Extemplary pays top
dollar, fax resume to 1-800-4-EXTEMP.
What's small friendly and gets the job done? Classifieds in The
City Scoop. Sell, find or buy anything. Send a PM to
LadyK today.
/em Smack
By
Dirtwolf
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Encounters
The Prelate:
Kindness in a strange place
Ok, I couldn't take it anymore. For weeks now I've been on the
front lines of the war zone. Fighting, getting tossed into the reclaimator,
fighting some more....getting beat to a bloody pulp, I needed A DRINK!
I cut out from one of the Rikti blitzkreigs that were going on in
Cap Au Diable and begged Dr. Aeon to do something for me. "Help me PLEASE" I
begged him, I need a drink or something but the local Pocket D is just too
close. Alpha-One will find me and drag me back to the front lines if I go
there. So, Aeon sat for a bit, and pondered my dilemma. Then he proceeded to
say "AAAH HAH!!!" and hurried off to his lab without another word.
He explained to me "There are parallel universes out there my
dear. Oh yes, many of them. I'll call them "Shards" from here on out. Dont get
lost now. Well, I can send you to a Paragon city that is in one of these other
shards, using THIS device!" He then held up a little tiny PDA looking thing. He
then proceeded to explain to me, "You wont be going in your current form, or
even have your current powers! They will be totally randomly determined at your
point of destination. To return, all you have to do is push this button here,
and you'll come back to this shard, the same as you are now! Aren't I an
absolute GENIUS!?!?!" I thank him, pay him *of course it wouldn't have been
free* and push the button. As the starburst started to form around me, I heard
Aeon's voice fading "You're going to FREEDOM. Look for the.... *static* Crew.
Their fort is located...*static*" BAMF And here I was.
I look down at myself, and I'm in catgirl form. I feel much more
resiliant than I felt in Guardian. And I look at my ID: "ittybittykittytank Ice
Armor/Fire Melee Tanker, security Level 6"
Interesting. So I walk around looking for this "fort" Dr. Aeon
mentioned before I zapped out of my home shard, and couldn't find it. So, I
figured, there has to be a Pocket D in THIS dimension, they're always good to
set a gal up for some drinks, so off I went.
I sat down at the Tiki bar and in pops this gentleman in green. He
looks rather friendly so I decided to chat him up. (After informing him of my
situation that is... that I am really a corruptor in Tank clothing)
Prelate: Hi!
ittybittykittytank: Hi!
Prelate: Methinks I am too tall for these bar
stools.
ittybittykittytank: So what brings you here?
Prelate: The need for a little reprieve. I've
been fighting the Rikti with Vanguard.
ittybittykittytank: Yeah so have I. Man
Alpha-One has been a slave driver during this. I had to go AWOL to get a drink.
I hope he doesn't find me here. I had to hop to a totally different shard to
avoid him.
Prelate: Well, I can't say that I would commend
such action, though I can understand the motive behind it.
ittybittykittytank: Well, when one's alcohol
system is getting a little too much blood in it, ya gotta do what ya gotta do.
And Rikti ships dont have booze to loot.
Prelate: I know many people who suffer many vices
in this world. I suspect many would empathize with your plight. Indeed, they
have some unusual technology, but I have not noticed any consumables, myself.
But then I only have a chance to examine them directly, or their ships, after
defeat. Perhaps their alcohol is lost in the heat of battle?
ittybittykittytank: Nah I doubt it. I heard those
priests are real sticklers for rules and regulations. And on top of that Rikti
are just TOO uptight to have anything fun related on their ships. You know
Battle: Commencing Death: Imminent Need: Drink Priests: Stupid
Prelate: Indeed. I can not begin to comprehend
what they would take pleasure in, other than conflict with mankind, though I
think I would be hard pressed to not laugh my bum off, if I ever heard one of
them say something along the lines of a colorful expletive.
ittybittykittytank: Me neither...*shakes head* so
what brings you to Paragon city in general?
Prelate: I was sent here on a mission by my
master.
ittybittykittytank: Master???
Prelate: He has long observed the struggles of
humanity, but the events of the last 100 years or so have given him reason to
believe this is a pivotal time for mankind. Well, perhaps teacher is a better
way to say it.
ittybittykittytank: Aaah. I was sent here by a
master as well Well he's sort of an evil emperor...
Prelate: My master is also the master of mystical
arts in our dimension of time and space. It is hard to really describe it
beyond that.
ittybittykittytank: Sounds interesting. My
"master" is hell-bent on taking over everything. He kinda lost his mind when he
tried to learn subtractive magic...
Prelate: Well, then it would appear that he is
not as much a master of his fate, than a victim of his actions.
ittybittykittytank: So who do you like to beat up
around here? Well "arrest" that is.
Prelate: I take personal pleasure in the Rikti,
obviously. However, my favorite would be the Circle of Thorns, I think, the
source of my power is also magic, and I take personal offense to their
perversion of it.
ittybittykittytank: Circle of Thorns? *shudder* I
can't stand them... They think they know magic but they mess up all the time.
Prelate: Indeed. Their mages are more dangerous
to themselves, than to any well prepared opponent. As evidenced by the fact so
many of them fall every day.
ittybittykittytank: Their pet chickenbutt
hordelings are funny to watch though.
Prelate: Their pets are truly despicable
abominations.
ittybittykittytank: But but the chickenbutts
are hilarious Their mages like to go kamikaze on you if you get them mad
enough. Not conducive to a long life
Prelate: Thankfully my master foresaw the
conflicts I would face in battle. I am able to wield the wind itself, to keep
them from their 'detonating' around my person.
ittybittykittytank: Nice. I just have to hope I
scourge them before the go boom.
Prelate: Judging by your gear, I would say you
are well equipped for such work.
ittybittykittytank: Usually they are so slowed
down that they cant get to me in time. Kinetics are awesome.
Prelate: And the fact you are here to tell of it.
I have had the pleasure of fighting alongside many kinetics. I would agree, it
is a fantastic gift. I myself control Weather and mystical forms of Radiation,
and some limited other abilities.
ittybittykittytank: Well Radiation is what I was
born with... That's what they call it here. In my home dimension it was
considered green lightning... That's what brought the Emperor's attention. He
taught me the way of the Mord Sith... to use others magic against them. That's
what's called "Kinetics" here.
Prelate: Interesting.
ittybittykittytank: Yes. I lost my Agiel in the
transfer over... I'm hoping to find a suitable replacement... but
Prelate: Is that the name of a friend or loved
one? Or perhaps a power or item of power?
ittybittykittytank: No. It's a tool, a weapon
that allows me to channel other people's magic more effectively to harm them.
Causes me extreme pain to use it. Only the Agiel that was used to train me in
the ways of the Mord Sith can be used by the Mord Sith herself.
Prelate: Ahh. We have a word for people with that
ability, though in the interest of remaining civil, I will not utter it here.
ittybittykittytank: It looks no more than a
leather covered rod. Yes, we are professional torturers in my dimension trained
by torture into the art of torture.
Prelate: Those of us who wield magic are not
inclined to break bread with those who would use our might against us. It is
like holding a childs fist and forcing them to punch themselves in the face
with it.
ittybittykittytank: Well I just do what my
Emperor tells me. He wants a person of magic captured for his own gain, we do
it. That's why we have the ability to turn their magic against them. We are
only used to capture magical enemies of the state... and get answers from them
or bend/break them to the Emperors will.
Prelate: Well, I guess it is a job. I can not
imagine walking such a path myself.
ittybittykittytank: But that is neither here nor
there, I'm not able to return to that dimension, so I guess that life is behind
me. I just take the Rikti's magic and use it against them, and sometimes, that
of heroes, in consensual combat.
Prelate: I whole heartedly support the theft of
the Rikti magic.
ittybittykittytank: Heheh Well that I do well.
It's rather... interesting to use it against them thats for sure.
Prelate: Do you find yourself with any residual
echo of power, or do you have to immediately use what you take?
ittybittykittytank: No. Once the victim has
perished, there is no residual power.
Prelate: Fair enough. Once the life force
departs, it can not be forced to give up that power any longer.
ittybittykittytank: That's about it. I can't use
something against an already defeated opponent.
Prelate: I can understand how that would work.
ittybittykittytank: So you control the weather?
That's a feat unto itself
Prelate: It is certainly handy.
ittybittykittytank: I bet it is.
Prelate: I am not so powerful that I could
control an entire hemisphere, but I have total control in the area around
myself. Well enough that I am able to protect myself and my companions from
nearly any threat.
ittybittykittytank: Nice.
Prelate: I can make a mist so thick that energy
blasts shot into it are nearly totally diffused. It is very useful against the
Rikti.
ittybittykittytank: Not their drones *shudder* I
tried ghosting past some once...
Prelate: Or hurl a tornado at an invading mob of
opponents to batter them senseless.
ittybittykittytank: wound up in the reclaimator.
Prelate: I am able to summon ice and sleet so
fast and hard that their drones are typically destroyed before they are able to
alert anyone to my presence. Or I just unleash a lightning storm on them. The
EM radiation keeps their communications devices from working while I take them
down.
ittybittykittytank: Wow. I coulda used you last
night when Lady Grey wanted me to take out the Honoree.
Prelate: Lady Grey has been very generous with
me, for my work with Vanguard.
ittybittykittytank: Ack my drink is empty
Prelate: She is a lovely lady.
ittybittykittytank: *pokes the mask* Gimme more.
ittybittykittytank: *poke*
Prelate: Allow me. *waves the mask bartender over
for a refill* We may face each other in battle someday, but that does not mean
we can not show manners now.
ittybittykittytank: That's for sure hehe
Prelate: And especially while the Rikti are a
threat, it seems healthy to treat all possible comrades-in-arms well.
ittybittykittytank: No kidding. It is strange
teaming with heroes.
Prelate: It is odd at times, to find myself
fighting alongside people I have had bitter fights with in the past. But so
far, everyone has remembered their manners.
ittybittykittytank: *BEEEEEP BEEEP BEEP! OMG HOW
did he find me here??? Alpha-One is paging me (I swear if Aeon gave him the way
to...)
Prelate: Well, with a master such as you serve, I
would not wish to detain you, and risk his harming you.
ittybittykittytank: Alpha-One isn't my Emperor,
he's just a guy who hired me on in his merc group.
Prelate: Ahh. One master for another. I hope this
one treats you with some respect. Or at least better
ittybittykittytank: He's pretty much a stickler
for protocol. He kinda lost his marbles when Nemesis wiped his family.
Prelate: Ahh. Nemesis. I've fought them too.
Ruthless.
ittybittykittytank: Oh yeah he treats me much
better. He can be a stickler at times, but he can be a great guy when he wants
to be. I just dont wanna be one of his personal mercs. Now those are truly
meat shields to him hehe.
Prelate: I know the type.
ittybittykittytank: But I should get going.
According to the page, Recluse wants us to go beat up Statesman again. Nice
chatting with you
Prelate: Well then. It was a pleasure. If you
ever find yourself rethinking which side of the 'cape' you serve, remember The
Prelate. My regards, my lady. Peace be upon you.
-
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Design
Base Showcase
This week we visit the base of the Supergroup "Power of Illusion"
on the Freedom Server, and talk with their base architect, Leandro.
Click on a non-greyed room to view details
Name of SG: Power of Illusion (Freedom Server)
When established: May of 2006 [/B]
How many members: 30 characters.
Estimate of base's worth: 4.5 million prestige.
Favorite Decorative/Functional base Item:
Telepads, they save so much travel time.
Least Favorite: Most Arcane/Sewers stuff. It
tends to be too big and look like you took it off the garbage.
What would you like to have changed about the base system,
what do you most like: I would like every issue to add a handful
of new decorative items, even if they have to be crafted. Boomboxes that
actually play music, pinball machines, pool tables, bar stools, soda
dispensers... we see those at Pocket D, so it's just a matter of allowing those
models to be placed with the base editor. Storage permissions on a per-table
basis would be wonderful, but even separate permissions for tech storage and
arcane storage would be enough for most uses. Also, allow us to remove the
floor and ceiling trims!
If you could give just one piece of advice to a new base
editor, what would it be? Don't think so big. I've seen too many
bases with extremely tall ceilings and huge decorations. White boards shouldn't
be six feet above the character's face!
Anything else you'd like to add about your SG, Base, the Base
system: Very powerful and fun system. Please give us more items to
play with!
E-Razor by Grabthars_hammer
How Do I Roleplay?
Character Creation, Part 2
Hi again, all! Sorry about my absence last week. I was having a
few unwanted Visitors issues. Now, lets start with a quick recap of what I
covered last time. We went over the first half of character creation, including
Archetype, Origin, Powers, and Body Sliders. Today well start with the costume
creator.
Now, the costume creator in City of X is one of the largest Ive
ever seen, personally. One could spend a long time on their costume to perfect
it. That, or just hit the random button. Yes, Im talking to you, you cheaters.
Ok, so we think about our basic concept, and see if anything begins to form in
our head. Even if its just a quick flash of an idea, build off that. Itll
solidify as you move along.
My concept of the dark swordsman will probably lead me to dim or
darker colors. Not necessarily blacks, but perhaps darker reds, or greens, or
even purples if I can manage it. Personally, with my costumes, I start by
choosing to colors to base it off of and set to the whole thing. Here Im going
with a very dark gray and green to start. Be sure to uncheck Copy Current
Colors once you start though to avoid unwanted changes to everything.. Next I
like to work from the top of the costume options down, with the occasional
exception of doing the Chest area first.
As this is an article about Roleplaying and not costume design,
and this is a guideline for you to build your own concept-fitting costumes, not
one of mine, I wont give you my every detail I chose.
Now, as you go through the options, choose things that fit your
basic concept. My mysterious character is currently wearing a shadow-casting
Duster and a bandana to obscure his face. Your Martial Artist may have a
headband, or your scientist a pair of work goggles. Be sure to play with colors
if you feel its a good place for it. Just avoid becoming one of those fancy
characters who are making Advils sales sky-rocket. My characters face is
angry, but not psychotic, nor glowing for no apparent reason. He is a hero, and
should look like one. Hes a mutant, but not a animal-man, so as much as Id
like to use the Reptile, I cannot.
Following my concept, I now have a Trenchcoat on. Whats more
mysterious than that? Following your own, you may find some form of lab coat or
worn armor. You might like some shoulder pieces as well. The gears are
especially interesting to me.
Dont forget the Chest Detail either. The symbols arent for
everyone, but be sure to go through the list and take a look at other things
such as the skulls and bandoliers available. Or even medals if youre going
with a Military type character. Gloves, you may also like to try out the
different arms and styles. Perhaps Spiked gloves are something you would use,
or small fingerless ones. Find a belt that matches what youve done so far, and
what youre thinking of for later, then move on.
Your lower body should in some way match with your upper. Make
sure you look at the upper body options. Sometimes Tights options dont all fit
quite right. Go through your pants and boots, finding what looks right with
what youve got. Those higher in level may also be making the decision of
capes, or in some cases Wings. But make sure you can explain why you have them.
Finally, go back through and see if youre happy with this costume
and how it relates to your basic concept. Tweak the bits that seem off to you
until youre satisfied. In some extreme cases you may even wipe the entire
thing and start over.
Next week we shall get to the most important part of a
Roleplayers character creation, the actual story to it! Stick around for next
weeks article on the City Scoop!
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Arts & Entertainment
Featured Artist:
John Becaro
This week, I was recommended an amazing artist named John Becaro.
He is very friendly and sociable, which made me feel very welcome. Hearing how
he discovered his artistic abilities was really interesting. It just goes to
show you can find your skill in almost anything you do!
John
Becaro's DeviantArt
John Becaro's blog
Hey Mr. Becaro! Can I call you John or do you prefer being formal?
Lolz; You can call me John in any way you can
You do a lot of art of charactors on City of Heroes. I understand
you do not play the game though. Do you play any video games?
Yes. I play a lot of Video game specially when I am bored.
When did you first discover you had an artistic talent? Did you
hone it or did it come naturally?
I first learn to draw when my father used to ask me to do drawing
in his back. I then ride to him and do sketches. My father then sleeps after a
couple of minutes while Im still drawing at his back. Since then my father and
mother was supportive on me until I realize I love to draw. That was when I was
5- six years old already. It just become naturally.
How much time a week would you say you spend hunkered down over a
piece of work?
Almost every night. Mostly 7 hours till up.
Whats your favorite and least favorite parts of being an artist?
My most favorite is when I finished doing an artwork that came
from what Im thinking. It's fulfilling.My least favorite is when people asks me
to do things I dont want to do
And when they start exploiting my kindness.
Who or what have been your biggest inspirations?
My biggest inspiration is my family. I love them so much.
If you could have one wish for anything -- Just one wish (no
wishing for more wishes!), what would it be?
I wish I could do the best thing I can to help my loved ones.
We've all had that one critic who really got under our skin -- What
was the nastiest thing someone has said about your art?
"It was just Nothing compared to someone else."
What is your next goal to accomplish that pertains to your artistic
abilities?
Avoid procrastination and so much overly social lifestyle and
reestablished discipline to myself again.
Whats the best piece of advice you've ever received and what advice
do you give to new artists?
My advise? Well, just be yourself. Never stop drawing and learning
new experiences. Focus on your goal on your life. Learn to appreciate what you
have and Enhance it in all the way you can. Be humble and always explore new
heights. Don't be intimidated to other artists, just do your thing and try to
be original when doing things Be simple, discover the basics and take
advancements. Lastly, learn to appreciate life.
Proper Screenshots for Commissions
I thought about my article a couple weeks ago about getting
commissions done and it hit me. I never gave them examples of the proper
screenshot -- D'oh! Below, I have links to proper screenshot-ting for
art requests!
Bad
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The Speech - While this is great for showing what you want a screenie
to look like, its horrible for costume reference.
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Sword Drawn... - How awesome! Look at that great charactor
expression!... What the heck kind of shoes is he wearing? Sorry, not going to
work.
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Charming. - Really great charactor design (in my opinion) but the angle
and aura are making it hard to distinguish his detail.
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True... - A great angle to have a picture at. Unless you are requesting
art. Too little information is contained in the picture, and the angle is too
awkward.
Good
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The Hover - Not bad. It's close enough to see detail, but still shows
expression and a position you'd like your charactor to be in (unless you
specify otherwise such as : artist's choice, action flight, etc)
By Statesman! - I think you've got it now! Great angle, great lighting.
Now, we'll need screenshots from a few more angles like this...
-
My brute... - Always seems so photogenic. The poses I catch her in,
etc. I'd be better to have an admittingly boring angle shot, but this gets her
whole body in the picture.
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My Main's Reference Picture - I am not an avid collector of art. As a
matter of fact, I've never had a fully drawn picture of Dirtwolf done, only a
few friends sketch her out. This is the reference picture I have up on my
deviantart for anyone who does want to draw her. Mine are kind of small --
bigger shots are better.
Basically, the angle pictures may be boring, and you may want your character to
be expressing themselves, but it is easiest for reference's sake to provide the
artist with them. You can, of course, provide pictures with a bit more
expression, but you'll want all the charactor in them that you can muster. Once
again, thanks to MrsAlphaOne's husband for letting her farm him for screenies,
and my friends SWA and Armorshot for happening to be in my screenshots folder
for previous work I've done for them.
SG Ladder now in action!
The Official PvP SG Ladder is now set up and in full swing. The
rankings right now are:
1. Justice for all League
2. Old School
3. Freak of Legend
4. Velocity
5. Esk
6. Hell Raisers
7. Statesman's Watch
Unranked:
Whirligig
The End
All official challenges will be placed in
this thread.
All Super Groups interested in joining this ladder may do so at
anytime. All rules and regulations may be found in the previously posted link.
-
Advice
State of the Archetype
Stalker
The Stalker by its very nature is an unseen assassin that delivers
little more than extremely high levels of single target damage in a short
period of time. Like most assassins in the real world, you are frail, and
easily slain when pinned down. However, a Stalker has many tricks up his-or-her
sleeve that makes pinning them down quite a challenge. Most Stalkers are
naturally evasive, and can easily dodge an opponent's attack before they do any
damage. Other Stalkers are noted for astounding regenerative abilities that can
heal a wound quicker than it was dealt. Still others are cloaked in shadowy
armour which reduces incoming damage.
As a Stalker, you will face many challenges. As stated, you are
very frail. Often times you can go from being fully healthy to being a
fearsome, evil, invisible grease spot on the carpet in a matter of a few
seconds. Your power lies in your ability to defeat an opponent before he can
harm you, through what is known as "burst damage". After all, if that pesky
Circle of Thorns Behemoth Lord is twitching and bleeding on the ground, it
isn't harming you.
Another obstacle to Stalkers is something I've come to term as
"Stalker Hate", which can make finding a team in the middle-and-late game very
difficult. Some people are bitter ex-PvPers who were slain by one of your kind,
and stereotype all Stalkers as "ganking cowards". Others have teamed with the
"Scouting Stalker", a type of Stalker who goes out of his way to utilize his
Stealth potential to scout out the end-boss, click all the glowies, and
generally be a useless and non-contributing member; this can often create
bitter memories in the unfortunate teammates of this breed, and they will
sometimes refrain from teaming with a Stalker. Yet more people find Stalkers to
be incapable of providing anything unique to a team. While there is some truth
to this claim, it does not mean that Stalkers are incapable of providing
anything at all. Together, this leads to Teams and Stalkers often giving up on
each other instead of trying to get past the problems.
Still another obstacle is the fact that you depend on being Hidden
for most of your damage. If your Hidden state is interrupted by incoming
damage, a large portion of your damage goes right out the window. And that's
not even speaking of the fact that our damage isn't superb even under the best
of conditions, as higher level enemies gain resistances to our damage types.
This can be partially overcome by teaming with a Dominator and scoring
Criticals on Held targets, but since Dominators aren't always common teammates,
that may not be a regular option either.
Recently, much of the Stalker community has been pushing for
Stalkers to be given the "buff treatment" that Dominators saw between issues
6-8, in order to address some of these problems, and help change the mentality
of non-Stalkers so that we are more accepted in teams. This silence from the
developers is frustrating, broken only by Castle's word that "Stalkers have
issues, but are generally at an acceptable performance level." Which sauses
some despair that our favorite Archetype may not become a priority in the short
term.
However, not all is bad for Stalkers. We are a frightfully
effective solo Archetype. Our burst damage allows us to quickly slay such
critters as Bosses in relatively short time, and our Hide allows us to stealth
our way through a solo mission, and fight only the bare minimum of foes, should
we choose to.
We are also a very decent PvP Archetype; the "Assassin" class
often times is, in most MMO's. This is through a combination of our burst
damage, our ability to go unseen, and our decent defenses. So, if PvP is your
thing, Stalkers are usually the Archetype to gravitate towards. Be warned,
however, that many think playing a Stalker is an "I Win!" button in PvP; I'd
like to tell you, quite emphatically, that nothing could be further from the
truth. It is a life full of hardship and difficulties, but this makes it all
the more satisfying when you do achieve your kill.
Stalkers are also an innately fun Archetype, in my opinion. Lets
face it; you're invisible. You can practically feel a critter's unbounded fear
and terror of you emanating through the pixels on your monitor. You are playing
the part of that scary, slimy monster that emerges from the shadows in a horror
flick accompanied by a loud sound, often giving the audience a shock.
Let us speak now of Inventions, that shiny new system that,
metaphorically speaking, tosses a wrench into conventional thinking. A Stalker
can now grant him-or-herself a good deal more defense, damage, accuracy,
recovery, regeneration, and a plethora of other attributes, all through the use
of "Invention Sets". This can greatly boost your own survivability, your
offensive potential, and add a degree of customization never before seen in
City of Villains. Some Stalker sets can, without much trouble, get to a global
20% boost in damage; I can tell you from personal experience that this can make
you much more deadly, since 20% more damage is quite a lot when you're dealing
with the insanely high damage numbers of Assassin's Strike. All in all, if you
have the Infamy for it, Inventions will make every bit of it worthwhile to you.
In conclusion, let me just say that, while things look slightly
bleak for Stalkers in the long term, life is very enjoyable, and very
rewarding. Though you will face challenges in your career, they aren't
insurmountable with a little forethought.
By Popular Request
This is the fourth in a series of By Popular Request articles,
which will review commonly requested player suggestions for which there is
strong positive support, and review the implications and considerations that
would need to be accounted for if these suggestions were to be implemented.
This weeks subject Supergroup bin access.
Presently, there are three different bins that supergroups can
maintain for storage and sharing of in-game items: enhancement, inspiration and
base salvage. Via the Supergroup permissions tab, you can set permission to
allow certain ranks access to pick items up from these bins. The problem is,
you cannot set these permissions separately. Instead, access to one grants
access to all. Typically, you might want everyone in the SG to have access to
the various inspirations stored, but limit, for instance, the access to the
base salvage rack to only the base architect. Or have the enhancement tables
with restricted access to protect rare or crafted enhancements.
This *all or nothing* rule results in supergroups having to make
the choice between denying access to all their bins except for only certain
supergroup ranks, despite wanting to give access to some; or allowing access to
all bins, but potentially exposing the supergroup to theft by unscrupulous
players.
Ideally, access to each bin type should be allowed individually,
so that you could adjust permission based on the bin type. For instance, access
to more valuable enhancements could be denied to low ranking members, while
access to inspirations need not be.
Further, if supergroup bins are ever given additional utility,
those additional options may further spark an interest in maintaining separate
access. Unless there is some coding issue where access can not possibly be
separated easily, allowing separate bin access rights would be a nice SG QoL
improvement.
To Our Loyal Readers,
Well, this is it. The week that we announce the winners to our
Call to Arms contest. Ive been asked how many entries we received, and let me
just say: Lots. Reading them all was a daunting task, but we did, and now we
present the results to you to discuss, revel in, and generally flame.
Each and every week, I find out more and more about this
community. We previously got a request to cover base construction and
decoration, so we scoured the boards for someone dedicated and knowledgeable
enough to do that aspect of our community justice. Bringing him in, the team
began to see just how beautiful and intricate your supergroups can get. Weve
seen some of the most mind blowing ideas, and I love it. If you have a great
base that you want the world to see, post it
here or
here for smaller bases. Who knows? With some luck, you might be
featured in an upcoming edition of the Scoop!
Where are we going next? Well, were never going to be content to
rest on our laurels, so its never an issue as to whether there will be new
ideas bubbling, its just a matter of which idea will happen next. While I hate
to ruin surprises, I will say two things. The first being Interview .
The second being Developer. What do I mean by these two words? Stick
around and find out!
Thats all I have to say for this week, but be sure to check in
next week. Until then, post in the discussions section! We absolutely love
hearing what you think about us, from the worst of it to the unfettered praise!
With all due respect,
Marcian
Tobay, Co-Editor in Chief
Marcian Tobey by LadyJudgement
Horoscopes
Sun is in Leo/Scrapper, Moon is in Cancer/Defender Julian Day
2454323.33
Heroscopes
Controller
Mars conjunct Mercury gives tremendous mental energy to you and inflates your
ego -- take care to avoid being temperamental and touchy. If you channel this
energy well, you can be very influential today.
Defender
Sun conjunct Venus confers a warm-heartedness to you today which makes you
very attractive. You are likely to reach out to a loved one (or one who you
would like to love) and may attract a new love interest. Avoid being
extravagant or indulgent.
Scrapper
Mercury conjunct Mars confers great intellectual energy and ability to
concentrate. You will feel intellectually competitive and may become irritated
by trivialities. If you remember your priorities, it can be a very productive
day.
Blaster
Sun conjunct Jupiter attracts good things to you today. Your experiences will
be out of the ordinary and you will likely feel generous. Great opportunities
may emerge in work or in spiritual affairs.
Tanker
- Mercury opposite Sun is a transit which favors communication with others and
boosts your ego. You may project yourself in an arrogant way today and alienate
others as a result.
Peacebringer
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. Your judgment is good today and leads to
successes.
Warshade
Neptune transiting the First House tunes you to the thoughts and feelings of
friends and family. You may be of tremendous help to an associate or stranger
because of your compassionate nature during this transit.
Villain Horrorscopes
Brute
Mercury opposite Neptune enhances your sensitivity to others and stimulates
your creativity. Communication with others, however, is not favored by this
transit so take extra care in listening to others and thinking before you
speak.
Mastermind
Mercury trine Pluto marks a turning point in a relationship (for good or
ill). Your power to effect positive change is greater than you imagine at this
time.
Corrupter
Sun trine Mercury marks a good time to relate intellectually and learn from
members of the opposite sex. You're able to express yourself well today.
Dominator
Venus in the Fifth House designates a time when romance is strong and the
opportunity to express affections is great. Additionally, this is a time when
your powers of creativity are great.
Stalker
Jupiter opposite Saturn may create many conflicts both at home and the
office. Your restless nature may make you strike out for more "freedom" in your
relations with friends and colleagues so try to loosen up now and not take
everything so seriously.
Megaglalactic Void - A collab by Scarf_Girl and Sayterra
~Handwritten page found laying atop the Horoscope submission~
Hello again my dears. I've looked over Little Miss
Heros predictions and they arent that bad this week. They just need a little
touching up.
Villainscopes
Brute
Communication with others is not favored by this transit so take extra care
in listening to others and thinking before you speak. Newsflash
Brutes, start paying attention.
Mastermind
Your power to effect change is greater than you imagine at this time.
Stop playing with your pets and put them to work for you.
Corrupter
Sun trine Mercury marks a good time to relate intellectually and learn from
members of the opposite sex. You're able to express yourself well today.
as long as you express yourself by annihilating your enemies.
Dominator
Venus in the Fifth House designates a time when romance is strong and the
opportunity to express affections is great. Additionally, this is a time when
your powers of creativity are great. Venus again, ugh. Creativity
is good, creative application of domination is better.
Stalker
Jupiter opposite Saturn may create many conflicts both at home and the
office. Your restless nature may make you strike out for more "freedom" in your
relations with friends and colleagues so try to loosen up now and not take
everything so seriously. Good grief, like we need more
clown-stalkers. Just follow the striking part of the advice, strike often and
strike to kill.
Heroes
Controller
Mars conjunct Mercury gives tremendous mental energy to you and inflates your
ego Snip it here. Oh my, look at that. We should aim for the
ego. Good news for those who like to postulate maniacally, distract them with
pointless speeches.
Defender
Sun conjunct Venus confers a warm-heartedness to you today which makes you
very attractive. You are likely to reach out to a loved one (or one who you
would like to love) and may attract a new love interest. Avoid being
extravagant or indulgent. Oh pish posh. Spend like theres no
tomorrow! What self respecting defender needs to keep enhancements up to date
anyway ?
Scrapper
Mercury conjunct Mars confers great intellectual energy and ability to
concentrate. You will feel intellectually competitive and may become irritated
by trivialities. Intellectual Scrappers? Oh really? I shall
arm myself with some Trivial Pursuit cards.
Blaster
Sun conjunct Jupiter attracts good things to you today. Your experiences will
be out of the ordinary and you will likely feel generous. Great opportunities
may emerge in work or in spiritual affairs. Spiritually
speaking, you spend far too long in the hospital dont you? Thats probably
where the spirits became so friendly with you after all.
Tanker
Mercury opposite Sun is a transit which favors communication with others and
boosts your ego. You may project yourself in an arrogant way today and alienate
others as a result. Separate the Tanker from the team and let
him take himself down! Oh I love these predictions .
Peacebringer
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. Your judgment is good today and leads to
successes. If Peacebringers are doing so well in the coming
week, I may decide to team with one in that horrid little cooperative area.
They can work for me.
Warshade
Neptune transiting the First House tunes you to the thoughts and feelings of
friends and family. You may be of tremendous help to an associate or stranger
because of your compassionate nature during this transit. More
victims err, team mates. Oh how yummy.
~Love and Kisses
~Scorn
-
The City Scoop
Call to Arms Winners
This Issue:
The City Scoop Staff
The City Scoop is always seeking comments, suggestions, and
articles from our readers. Just send them to the corresponding department or
one of our Editors-in-Chief.
To be e-mailed a printer friendly copy of this edition, send a
blank e-mail to: CityScoop13@the-swarm.org
(This is an automated service, no emails will be read)
Ladies and gentlemen, Heroes and Villains of all ages, I would
like to thank everyone who participated in the Call to Arms speech writing
contest. We received well over 90 entries, all worthy of mention. I was true to
my word, only reading the entries enough to name those that didn't already have
names. Honestly, I'm very glad I was spared the daunting task of even picking a
favorite. Without further ado, I present the winners of The City Scoop's A
Call to Arms contest.
Best Heroic Speech: Receiving a City of Heroes Cape
This is my home, by Stripling
Best Villainous Speech: Receiving a City of Villains Cape
A Path traveled lightly, by Carcinos
Best Combination or Overall Speech: Receiving a "Statesman" PVC Statue
The Saddest Day, By Popcorn123
Honorable Mentions
Most Creative Speech: the writer used the names of the European and
American servers as well as the names of Issues 2-10 in the course of his
speech.
True_Marksmen, Check Your Fear at the Door
Saddest speech: the writer invoked a mournful sense of purpose by
putting a human face on this alien war.
Kildair, To Arms, To Arms
The other finalists:
* Dr_Mantle, Silence You Fools
* DrKarlGerard, Crush Them Without Mercy
* PDXunder, For Every Age
* tom_is_a_bum, Many Paths, One Future
* Crimson_Nematode, We Cannot Do This By Ourselves
The winners, honorable mention and finalists should be receiving
their prizes within 4-6 weeks.
Upcoming Events:
August 11th
Chicago, IL
* Chicago
Meetup Weekend
Champion
* Bloody
Bay Bucs Plan *
Mayor Election, Nominations
Virtue
* Second
Virtueverse Raid *
Rikti Retreat Celebration
August 13th
Justice
*
Rush Week Begins!
* Rush
Week: College Costume Contest
August 14th
Justice
* Rush
Week: History 101(Heroes)
August 15th
All Servers
*
1st Badge Hunter Altits Awareness Contest
Justice
* Rush
Week: History 101(Villains)
August 17th
Justice
* Rush
Week: Scavenger Hunt
Pinnacle
* Pinnacle's
Night Out: Grey Lady TF Race
Triumph
* Open
Recruiting for Weekly SG
August 18th
Infinity
* Saving
Private Sirens
Justice
* Rush
Week: Amazing Race
* Rush
Week: Toga Party
August 25th
Freedom
*
Freedom Character Auction
Overall Winner:
The Saddest Day
Heroes, and the people of Paragon City. I send out this message on
the saddest day in recent memory. The Rikti have returned. And they have
returned more powerful, more dangerous, and with a vengeance.
I never thought much of the world-beaters, the heroes that would
save the world and pat themselves on the back while every minute in this city,
people, individual citizens, families, children, all were robbed, abused,
murdered. I didnt care about the big-picture of the Council, the Carnival,
or Nemesis. Not when the Freakz, the Family, the Skulls and all the other gangs
did much more damage, chipping away at the city little by little with each
robbery, abuse, and murder.
But today, the greater war and my own smaller battles are both
pieces of the same puzzle. I see children huddling in shelters in Talos Island,
hiding not from gangs but from the Rikti. Men and women cut down not by a
machine gun but by a bomb dropped on their street in Kings Row. I see hero,
Council, police, and Arachnos standing shoulder to shoulder, fighting for their
lives and depending on each other against a greater threat from the outside. We
have drawn the lines. We all stand on one side, the alien invaders on the
other. We have created a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts, a
united Earth, every person, hero or criminal, working to a single goal:
Survival.
I find myself no longer interesting in playing hero, and
deciding that it is time for me to become a soldier. Because this is nothing
less than war.
We have a choice to make. We will fight to win this war, and some
of us will fall. Or we will give up, surrender, and face extinction. I know the
citizens and the heroes of this city. I know they will fight. They will fight
because they must. They will fight because they can. They fight because they
simply do not know how to surrender.
I ask, please, remember that is not human versus alien on the
battle-field. There are many, many lifeforms that have come to this world, each
just as willing to fight for its survival as any human. Treat someone they way
their actions dictate, not the planet they were born on. The Rikti invade and
kill, and so we should fight them with righteous fury. Other aliens will stand
at our side and shed their own blood with ours, and so we should respect them,
cheer them, grieve for them if they fall.
To the men, women, and others that call the Rogue Isles their
home, I will not appeal to your better natures. I appeal to your instincts for
survival instead. This is an enemy that you and I share. Let us be a single
enemy to the invaders, let us be citizens of the planet before all else, past
grudges forgotten in the fog of war.
This is a war. This is a war that we did not choose. This is a war
we neither wanted nor expected. This is not a war for any country, god, or
wealth on the face of the Earth. This war is, in fact, over the face of the
Earth. We fight for our world. We fight to live. We fight to win.
Hero Winner:
This Is My Home
Yeah, you are right. Im not from Paragon City. I never saw what
the Rikti did in this place. I never faced the aliens or fought the ships when
they landed. I am not a powerful being or a great hero. I dont have a cape. I
dont wear a mask Perhaps I should run. There are places where I could go and
be safe, to hide and wait for the defeat of the Rikti. There are places where
they wouldnt know that I ran, places they would never realize I had left
others to fight in my place.
But when I came back, what would I find?
The citizens on that street, would they know me? Would they
welcome me back? Or will they say the names of those that stayed? This hero
saved my life. That hero disarmed a bomb when my child was trapped in school
bus. This hero fought the aliens to his last breath so that we could live.
They wont remember those that ran. Theyll remember the ones who stayed, who
put their lives on the line for others.
And there wont be new statutes fifty feet tall, no bronze
plaques telling the details. Not this time. The plaques will be small, brass
remembrances put up on shops and street corners by the citizens themselves.
Here, in the last Rikti invasion a hero stood his ground against the forces
that would have destroyed us. I doubt one will say Here this hero decided to
run and hide.
And if they win? The aliens themselves will remember our names!
Theyll say to you At first we were worried, but the real heroes stayed and
fought us! Theyll see the faces of those who ran. They will also remember.
So I will stay. And when the Rikti come, Ill stand as tall and
face them. I cant summon bolts of power or shoot flames. Ill shoot arrows
until they are gone, and after the quiver is empty, throw rocks at them! I will
shake my fist at the invading ships and call out, This is Paragon! This is MY
city! Every inch you take of it youll shed blood for!
Because I have shed blood for this city; Ive paved roads with
sweat, and painted the warehouses and office buildings with blood and tears!
Ive fought every 'would be' tyrant and threat they send, and no Rikti is any
different than a Hellion, Skulls, Freakshow, or Arachnos!
So go run and hide somewhere, let the aliens come! But when you
come back, know this; youll come back to OUR city! All of us who stay will
have bought this place with blood! Well raise a glass in the pubs to the
memory of this fight! Well know the names of those who fought beside us! And
yours, dear friends, we will forget!
I wear no mask. I have no cape. But Ive a bow and the will to
see that the Rikti are driven back to the hole they crawl out of! That makes me
a hero! That makes this city just as much mine as it is Statesmans or The War
Witch! That makes me, and everyone who stays the equal of those heroes of
yesterday! Forget Earth for Humans! Earth is for us! This tiny precious ball of
mud and stone is our home, and this little speck of it, Paragon City, is the
battlefield! I am standing my ground here and now! No Rikti takes what is mine!
This is Paragon City! This is my home!
Villain Winner:
Path Traveled Lightly
Ours was never a path to be travelled lightly. We have sought
intellectual and physical freedom, a true release from the outdated notions and
petty prejudices of the society that surrounds us- and for this, we have been
ostracized. We have made great strides forward in human knowledge,
understanding, and technology, raising ourselves to the stars with the glory of
our achievements and casting down those unworthy- and for this, they have made
us pariahs.
The self-proclaimed heroes of this world would have you believe
that theirs is the right way, that theirs is the good way, that somehow if one
does not toe the line as they decree, you do not merely disagree with them but
are in fact an abomination, some pestilential thing to be rooted out and
destroyed like a tumor. They would have believe that some nebulous greater
good- of whose flame, they assure us, they are the sole keepers- somehow
justifies them, makes every petty oppression and mindless tyranny of theirs
right, that it sanctifies their deeds no matter how shallow and empty.
They are nothing. A rabble of children with sticks, content to
play war in their brightly-colored costumes, secure in the knowledge that a
mediporter and brainless city that lauds their every act like some witless dog
are always there for them. The delusions in which they have steeped themselves
demand that they enforce the status quo, that those who take action on their
own prerogative and conscience must be viciously attacked for the heresy of
thinking differently than they. And to these senseless puppets we should
entrust our very survival?
This is what we hoped never to face: a foe with strength and
determination to rival ours. They have marshaled their strength, gathered
themselves with unity, purpose, and resolve, and even as I speak, mount an
attack the equal of which the world has never seen. And, even in the face of
the vast legions and single purpose arrayed against them, some among the
so-called heroes would sue for peace, would try to communicate, make a vain
attempt to block blades with words, to overthrow death with paper.
They will fail, they will fall, and they will die, mown down like
wheat before a scythe as they attempt to talk, as they behold their own navels
and contemplate the karma of their actions even unto the moment that their
heads are struck from their bodies.
We must lead them. We must show them the ways of the truly
powerful, the means by which we engineer greatness. Our devastating might, our
sure eye, our swift hand will reveal to them the strength of our ways, the
means by which we liberate ourselves both from the Rikti and the petty taboos
of a retrograde society, too frightened of the unknown to embrace the glory
right before them.
Those with eyes to see and minds to think will understand our
power, our superiority, our freedom from all who would oppress us, be they from
our world or another. Those mindless drones that remain, too timid to embrace
the liberation we offer, will not have the strength of will to be anything of
meaning.
When our day truly dawns, when the world takes on the shape that
is destined for it by our great designs, we will look back and know that these
so-called heroes were never a match for us. The same may not be true of the
Rikti.
Market Report
Special Focus: Honeypots
Trapping the Unwary Seller
Market critics often focus their attention on seller-initiated
manipulations such as short-term monopolies and arbitrage. In some cases
critics go so far as to claim the market unfairly advantages the seller, and
that unscrupulous sellers are therefore able to assume too much control over
pricing. Little attention is given to manipulation techniques that prey upon
naive sellers. In this report, we'll explore the most successful such technique
this reporter has encountered: honeypotting.
Honeypotting is a technique that uses control over the visible
market information to lure unwary sellers into letting items go below market
rates, in some cases far below market rates. In order to set up a honeypot, a
player must assume total, if temporary, control of all open bids for an item,
and also meet certain conditions in the last-5 transaction history. If the
right conditions are met, impatient sellers meet strong psychological pressure
to underprice their wares in the mistaken belief that the outstanding bids will
reward them at market rates.
Let's assume for example that a player is interested in obtaining
a Luck of the Gambler: Defense/+7.5% Recharge recipe. Let's further assume that
the player is able to locate a level of that recipe for which the price history
shows a 20M average sale price, and for which, for whatever reason, there are
currently no outstanding bids. The player sets up the honeypot by first
entering N 1-inf bids, where N is slightly higher than the average number of
bids at other levels, and then tops it off by entering a single lowball bid
which is intended to capture the impatient sale, say 2M.
Prospective buyers for the item, when looking through the levels
of recipe available, will see a slightly higher number of outstanding bids for
that Luck of the Gambler. Naively believing that competition must be fierce at
that level, they are likely to take their individual bids elsewhere, leaving
the honeypot intact. At the same time, prospective sellers will see a stable
price history and a large number of outstanding bids. This appeals to the
impatient urge to underprice and get the highest outstanding bid immediately,
especially given that postings, unlike bids, cannot be retracted without paying
a fee. The seller enters their item at 1 inf, and is astonished when the
transaction completes at 10% of the market rate.
Of course, not every seller lists for 1 inf. Even sellers wanting
an instant transaction can use "defensive pricing" to ensure that they are not
surprised by a collection of extremely low bids. However, the fact that posting
fees are non-refundable acts to keep defensive prices relatively low, and as
long as the honeypot's top lowball bid is above this defensive pricing level,
the technique can still work.
Let's explore the implications of this technique in a little more
depth.
Because honeypotting relies on assuming control over the bid pool
for an item, it is virtually impossible in the salvage market. The crafted
enhancement market is more vulnerable, but potential honeypotters are inhibited
by the inability to place more than one bid in a slot. In the recipe market,
however, honeypotting is not just possible, but highly effective. This reporter
has seen analogous situations to the above description carried out multiple
times across various types of recipe.
However, honeypotting tends to be self-limiting. As soon as the
lowball transaction occurs, the price of that transaction in the last-5 history
warns other sellers in that space. So once a honeypot has triggered, it tends
not to be usable on that same item for some time afterwards. Honeypots also
interfere with each other, so that it is unlikely for two honeypots to be set
up on the same item at the same time; this limits the amount of honeypotting
that can occur in the game at any given time.
Although it is a form of patient play, honeypotting serves to
destabilize rather than stabilize pricing: for one transaction, the cost of
that item has been driven down below the market consensus. Interestingly,
although the technique has been revealed on the forums, it did not engender the
same outcry that short-term monopolies created. For whatever reason, blocking
another player's access to goods by inhibiting their ability to sell profitably
appears to be less taboo than blocking that player's access by inhibiting their
ability to buy at low prices. Perhaps as a result, very few suggestions for
changing the market implementation have been directed at preventing honeypots.
Some visible metric of the outstanding bid and sell pools, such as average or
median, would be needed, and not just additional information about the sale
history as many have proposed.
So, how does a seller defend his or herself against a honeypot?
Simply put, sellers must avoid posting at prices at which they are unwilling to
execute. If this causes the instant sale to be lost, then the seller must
remember that that instant sale would have come at an unacceptably low price.
This reporter has been giving that advice since before the market
reports began, and it remains the best advice he knows to give.
Top sellers on each market as of the morning of 8/9:
WentWorth's
RHA
Prophecy
5,000,000
+6%
RHA
Pangean
Soil
5,000,000
+14%
RMA
Deific
Weapon
3,600,000
-7%
RHA
Magical
Conspiracy
3,360,000
+5%
RHA
Essence
of the Furies
2,900,000
-23%
RMA
Enchanted
Impervium
2,660,000
-33%
RMA
Empowered
Sigil
2,050,000
-28%
RHA
Hamidon
Goo
1,890,000
-27%
RMA
Soul
Trapped Gem
1,720,000
-11%
RMA
Mu
Vestment
1,720,000
-31%
Black Market
RHA
Pangean
Soil
3,600,000
+24%
RHA
Prophecy
3,160,000
-9%
RHA
Hamidon
Goo
1,960,000
+2%
RHA
Magical
Conspiracy
1,850,000
+180%
RHA
Essence
of the Furies
1,820,000
+82%
RHA
Deific
Weapon
1,440,000
+0%
RMA
Soul
Trapped Gem
500,000
+0%
RMA
Empowered
Sigil
462,000
+0%
RMA
Mu
Vestment
285,000
-35%
RMA
Enchanted
Impervium
255,000
-15%
Read the full salvage report
here.
Read about honeypots in other contexts: in computer security
here, and in espionage
here.
-
Protea
Adopt a n00b night on Freedom
By MrsAlphaOne
Being a new player in an MMORPG is very difficult. The tasks that
lie ahead of you are quite daunting.
Where do I go? How do I do this? Does anyone want to team with me?
What are "enhancements?" Sometimes, one can even get heckled and teased for
making honest mistakes any new player could make. City of Heroes/Villains is no
different. So, in an effort to soften the blow to new players for a few hours
at least, _Rose_ of Freedom server ran an "Adopt a n00b" night.
Before the event I asked _Rose_ a couple of questions that have been nagging at
me.
MrsAlphaOne: What was your inspiration behind
this event?
_Rose_: I stole the idea from someone on
Protector. Thought, Hey, with all the new people that keep coming into
Freedom, wouldn't it be nice to have their own events? Everything that I have
done for the community so far has been mostly for the higher levels.
MrsAlphaOne: Do you plan on making this a regular
event in the future?
_Rose_: As far as it being a regular event? I
dunno. I guess we have to see what kind of turnout we have tonight. I know a
couple of the Freedom populace fully support the event and even have given
donations for prizes. So hopefully, they roll a n00b and show up.
Players were enthusiastic about the event. "It was great!" said
Poison-Fly. A Tank elaborated: "I thought it was fun... and a good change in
pace." Opplik summed it up when (s?)he said simply, "Awesome!!!!"'
The rules of the event were pretty simple: To be adopted, a player
could not be higher than level 10. I'm not exactly a totally new player, yet I
hoped to tag along. All in the name of the press dontcha know. At first there
was a trickle of n00bs, then a stream, then a torrent. There were at least
three seperate full Sewer teams going at the same time, One badge hounding
team, and various others attempting to find Blazing bonkers in a game of hide
and seek. The general impression was positive and extremely well recieved.
There was one guy at the end of the night who had issues with one of the
"n00bs" being a peacebringer, but the event was open to all toons that were
under level 10, so she was allowed to be there, kheld or not.
So, true to my usual form, I showed up at the feet of Back Alley
Brawler about 30 minutes early. I let _Rose_ know I was there. I
sat down and waited. I rolled up an ice/fire tank named "ittybittykittytank"
for this event, and well let's just say, tanking isn't my thing, but that's
another story.
The list of events included sewer runs, Badge Hounding, costume
contests, and a party in Pocket D, which included tons of games. There was
something for everyone.
A whole slew of prizes were given away at the event as well. They
were:
4 pairs of wings
4 pairs of boots
6 Hamidon Origin Enhancments (including a Ribosome)
Countless invention recipes
and about 60 million in influence
Total "cost" for the prizes came to about 100 million influence!!
Winners from random drawings :
Stacy Steel
Ooplik
Tindude2
Triston Palemoon &
Master Shockwave
Costume Contest winners were :
Best Bio: Lil HotStuff
First Runner Up: Poison Fly
Grand Prize Winner: Robo Monkey Bubbles
and of course:
_Rose_'s Original "WTH were you thinking" category: Guardian Tengu.
We had a game of Simon Says as well to test our Emote knowledge.
The winner of that was A Tank.
The night ended with a power free race 3 times around the dance
floor in pocket D
The people who helped out with the various events were:
Blazing Bonkers- gamester
Deadly Orchid- badge hunting
Nurse Goodbody, Rx1, and Ramon were ghost healing in the sewer run
Scruffy Muffy took people out on a badge mission
Hamenpoi (of Darkhand) and Arch Angel Suriel did the town crying
and of course there were many others graciously helping out the n00bs.
Thank you to all those who held this wonderful event! We all were
n00bs once. We all wished we had *someone* to help us out at one point in time.
This event just goes to show, that yes, even on the gigantic server called
Freedom, there are those who are willing to help out the n00bs, and show them a
good time. Good job _Rose_ and company. I do hope you do it again.
-
[ QUOTE ]
Perhaps I'm just missing it, but I don't see anywhere on the PlayNC site to register for the Austin meetup. Am I just blind?
[/ QUOTE ]
It looks like both events are still open. Please go here www.plaync.com click on account, click on manage, log into your account manage screen. From there on the right hand side there is a text box with the two events showing, if one of the events aren't showing it means it is full.
If you have any questions send me a PM.
Ex -
[ QUOTE ]
I registered and got my confirmation for GenCon, but it says location and time TBD. Is there an official post somewhere stating where and when we're meeting up?
[/ QUOTE ]
We will be sending out a final confirmation email with all the details. It is Saturday night at Alcatraz. -
It looks like there is still room for the GenCon and Austin meet ups, space is limited so if you are going please make sure you have signed up, the more COH/COV people there the merrier.
If you have successfully registered and received confirmation then there is no need to do anything more than to show up to the specific event at the proper time.
Also if you are planning on bringing a guest they need to be registered through the Plaync site.
Any questions PM or email exlibris@ncsoft.com
Regards,
Ex -
In an effort to help tie our community players to resources for events and parties, we have started to create a reference index of services, sort of like a Paragon Yellow Pages if you will.
So the first area we have started is to gather in the Radio/Podcast stations and DJ's.
If you are interested in being listed on our forums please either send via PM or respond to this thread with the following information.
Radio/Podcast stations: Link your website or station information along with a brief description of your schedule and style of broadcast. Please also include a station contact email address where our events in the city group can email you weekly event updates to plug on your station.
DJ's please post your contact information preferably with forum name or link your email. Also include any stations which you are affiliated with as well as the music style that you are most likely to support.
If you prefer to cover a specific server please list this in your information.
If you have any suggestions on our Paragon Yellow Pages or would like to get more involved please send me a PM.
Regards,
Ex Libris -
[ QUOTE ]
Thanks, Ex. For verification sake, those that already signed up and received confirmation for an event don't need to do so again, correct?
[/ QUOTE ]
Correct, this is only for people who have not received confirmation of the event registration, I believe they are searching for duplicates but if you have already successfully registered then this announcement is not for you. -
GenCon & Austin Players interested in the Meet & Greets!
Starting tomorrow morning 9-10 AM CST there will be an update to the main PlayNC page where the registration will open again. If you happen to be one of the lucky ones to get in on the official registration then you have nothing to worry about further just show up on the day of the event.
If you dont get in this time go ahead and resubmit your information to me for the wait list.
We are looking forward to two great events, and we are also learning a lot about this process.
We thank you for your continued patience.
Regards,
Ex Libris -
The City Scoop, May 18, 2007
Inaugural Issue- Paragon University profile, Costume drop fix, everything is new! Behind the Mask, Horoscopes, Crossword.
The City Scoop, May 25, 2007
Whats New- Consignment House profile, Point/Counterpoint on Hot Topics, Advice columns.
The City Scoop, June 1, 2007
Whats New- Dark Astoria profile, new series: State of the Archetype, event listing, Player Art coverage.
The City Scoop, June 8, 2007
Whats New- Abyss/Monster Isle profile, Market Watch, Leather Weather Report, Rogue Islands Repast.
The City Scoop, June 15, 2007
Whats New- Double Experience previews, Rainbow Prom coverage, Talos Island profile, Hero Quiz.
The City Scoop, June 22, 2007
Whats New- Double Experience Weekend coverage, Cruelty of the Week, PvP coverage, Sudoku.
The City Scoop, June 29, 2007
Whats New- Issue 10 Closed Beta Test coverage, IMHO, all your regular favorites.
The City Scoop, July 6, 2007
Whats New- Steel 70 drop ship battle, Encounters in character interview, Where am I?, Classified Ads.
The City Scoop, July 13, 2007
Whats New- Call to Arms speechwriting contest, Robot Rampage, Heroes in Pink, Ingame Ads, City Scoop submission Guidelines.
The City Scoop, July 20, 2007
Whats New- Port Oakes profile, Letter from the editor, Hot Threads, and more.
The City Scoop, July 27, 2007
Whats New- Civil Defense Invasion primer, How do I role play, Fashion Forward.
The City Scoop, August 3, 2007
Whats New- Invasion! Player reactions, /em Smack is born!
The City Scoop, August 10, 2007
Whats New- Call to Arms Speech Contest Winners, Base Showcase.
The City Scoop, August 17, 2007
Whats New- Developer Interview: Castle, Call to Arms: highlights.
The City Scoop, August 24, 2007
Whats New- Ultimate Grats: player gets 1st 50 at GenCon, City of Zeroes: Scoop Edition.
The City Scoop, August 31, 2007
Whats New- In character interview with Developer Ghost Widow, regular favorites.
The City Scoop, September 14, 2007
Whats New- City Scoop attacked by Rikti (honest!), CoH player wins Who Wants to be a Superhero, Rumor Mill, Character Transfer Rename rundown, The City Traveler: Atlas Park.
The City Scoop, September 21, 2007
Whats New- Developer Interview: Matt Miller lead designer, Goodbye Arctic Sun.
The City Scoop, September 28, 2007
Whats New- Meet n Greet Austin, Texas! Myth Smashers
The City Scoop, October 5, 2007
Issue 11 Announcements, Tanker Tuesday.
The City Scoop, October 12, 2007
Go. Hunt. Get. Badge. City View, City Traveler.
The City Scoop, October 19, 2007
Collectors Corner, Go. Hunt. Get. Badge. City View, City Traveler.
-
Arctic Sun will be there as well.
I will be posting full details of the event after our final meeting to arrange all the planning. So a full announcement will be up this week.
Ex -
I fixed the email there was a parenthesis at the end, it should work properly now.
Thank you for letting me know.
Ex -
GenCon is just around the corner and we are getting really excited to see all our "City of" folks that will be there or that live in the area.
So far it is confirmed that CuppaJo and Ex Libris will be in attendance to the event. We have an official gathering scheduled for Saturday August 18th at the restaurant Alcatraz (more details to follow.)
This event is now full so if you missed the sign up, you can get on the wait list (email me at exlibris@ncsoft.com or you can try to get reservations to the restaurant on your own.
For any of our players that are planning to get together in a less formal venue please post here to share details and find out who else will be in attendance.
I am able to attend other gatherings as long as it doesn't interfere with my already scheduled duties, so let me know where the fun will be.
Regards,
Ex -
This is the twelfth weekly edition of "The City Scoop a publication for Supers by Supers.
This weeks edition is filled with some wonderful art done by our community members. I am incredibly impressed with the talents in art and writing that continue to be featured by this project. I for one always look forward to a new Scoop.
Discussion on "The City Scoop" is located here.
If you would like to do a feature article, have an event covered, or join "The City Scoop" team please PM Hertz or Marcian_Tobay
If you or someone you know should be considered for Behind The Mask please contact Teldon
If you need some Advice or would like to Ask The X contact Lady_Athyna or LiquidX
For a printable version of "The City Scoop" please send an email to the following
CityScoop12@the-swarm.org
If you have an event you would like covered by The City Scoop please post your events under the event forum located here: Event Forum -
This is the twelfth weekly edition of "The City Scoop" a publication for Supers by Supers.
This weeks edition is filled with some wonderful art done by our community members. I am incredibly impressed with the talents in art and writing that continue to be featured by this project. I for one always look forward to a new Scoop.
Discussion on the latest edition of "The City Scoop" is located here.
If you would like to do a feature article, have an event covered, or join "The City Scoop" team please PM Hertz or Marcian_Tobay
If you or someone you know should be considered for Behind The Mask please contact Teldon
If you need some Advice or would like to Ask The X contact Lady_Athyna or LiquidX
For a printable version of "The City Scoop" please send an email to the following
CityScoop12@the-swarm.org
If you have an event you would like covered by The City Scoop please post your events under the event forum located here: Event Forum -
-
Behind
the Mask
Biosphere
Justice Server
Where do you live?
I live in Gloversville, New York.
Do you have any pets?
More pets than I could want. I currently have two dogs and two
birds.
Most interesting place you have visited.
The most interesting place I've ever visited would have to be Fort
Lauderdale, Florida.
Your top three songs of all time
I don't have three top songs of all time. I'm the kind of guy that
doesn't listen to music.
What 5 TV shows could not live without?
I don't know if there's five I couldn't live without, but one of
my favorite TV shows is Dirty Jobs. I just like seeing people get dirty.
Best book you last read?
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. It was just one of those
books that kept me reading to the end.
What is your favorite pop culture qoute?
I don't know that many pop culture quotes, so I can't say.
What other hobbies do you have?
Most of my other hobbies include reading, writing, and drawing.
Some of my friends on City of Heroes asked me to draw there characters, so I
naturally got caught up in drawing. Writing is something I've always done as a
way to get my ideas out. It helps when I'm creating a character on the game.
Who is your real life hero?
My real life hero is Bear Grylls. Most people know him as the host
of "Man vs. Wild." Yet he's also a written a book, [u]The Kid Who Climbed Everest[u],
and some others I can't remember. He's also a motivational speaker. The way he
tackles his challenges both in his television show, and in his day to day life
is inspiring to me.
Pants?
Accepted, but not required.
What is your home server and why did you end up picking it as your home
server?
My home server is Justice. There was a stretch of time when I
didn't have City of Heroes, but was looking for videos on it on youtube. The
first video I saw of it on youtube showed the words "Justice" at the end. When
I got the game finally and I saw Justice as a server, I went right to it.
How did you get drawn to this game?
Out of luck really. I used to watch G4 and there I saw quite a bit
about City of Heroes. So I naturally wanted to try it out.
What is your favorite aspect of the game?
The best thing I think about this game is the people. You never
get tired of teaming with friends, or hanging out in Atlas and talking to
everybody. It's a very friendly game.
Who is your namesake character and what are they?
Biosphere, and he's a Invulnerability, Super strength Tanker. I
made Biosphere to be me if I had super powers.
Which type of character would you say is your favorite to play and why.
The Tanker archtype is my favorite hands down. There's something
to me about always heading into a group of enemies first that makes the set
cool to me. I guess I just like playing characters that can take a beating.
How do you normally handle new challenges in the game?
I normally try to figure them out myself. I don't use guides or
anything, so when something new is there for me to solve, I try and do it on my
own.
What zone is your favorite?
Atlas Park hands down. The statues of the heroes and the great
scenery really pull me in. Plus I love relaxing under the Atlas statue and
talking with friends.
What is your favorite Storyline in the game?
The Unity Plauge from the contact Jenny Firkins. It was so
rewarding for me to read the clues and advance in the story. One of the last
missions in the Story Arch really made me happy. The mission where you have to
run around Paragon giving the Unity cure to the trainers. It was a very cool
thing to me that made the Story Arch my favorite.
It has been a busy year for the game so far. Do you feel that I9 and I10
really added anything to the game and
why?
Well of course I9 and I10 added a whole lot to the game. New
things to buy, craft, find, and missions to do. It's a whole new experiance of
the game that's really different than when I started playing. The new systems
of both the auction house and the Rikti invasions just make the game a whole
lot more appealing.
What advice do you have for any new players to the game?
Never give up. The game gets good when it gets challenging. Never
give up trying to make it to the next level, or trying to make friends though.
Any closing comments?
Just that I'll see everybody in game, and to continue to have fun
on the game.
Rocket Boy and Green Radiance by FunkyAlien
Neo
Champion Server
Where do you live?
Austin, Texas
Do you have any pets?
Does my wife count? Just joking. I have a black and white cat
named Sasha
Most interesting place you have visited.
My honeymoon last year was in Paris, France. It's impossible for
me to put into words how beautiful that city is. Of course like everywhere you
have your "dirty" parts of town, but the history and the sites in Paris are
overwhelming. We spent a week there and could have easily spent a month seeing
all that Paris had to offer. Seeing the Louvre, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe,
Sacre Couer, and Eiffel Tower up close and personal was simply amazing. I am
hoping to go back for more within the next few years.
Your top three songs of all time.
1) The Dance - Garth Brooks
2) Let's Get it On - Marvin Gaye
3) Sweet Child of Mine - Guns N Roses
What 5 TV shows could not live without?
1) Hell's Kitchen
2) Iron Chef America
3) Heroes
4) So You Think You Can Dance (lolz I know)
5) CSI Miami
Best book you last read?
Deception Point - Dan Brown
What is your favorite pop culture qoute?
"To Alcohol: the cause of - and solution to - all of life's
problems!" - Homer J. Simpson
What other hobbies do you have?
Weightlifting, Biking, Camping, Men's Softball A League,
Traveling, Collecting DVDs
Who is your real life hero?
My Father, for never giving up no matter how hard life gets at
times
Pants?
Well, I prefer to take them off as much as possible, but I do put
them on like everyone else.....too tight and bulging at the seams.
What is your home server and why did you end up picking it as
your home server?
Champion - During my 14-day trial a buddy gave me I chose it
because it sounded like the best name at the time, had no real rhyme or reason
for it. I didn't even know about the forums yet.
How did you get drawn to this game?
My wife actually introduced me into this game through a friend of
hers that was playing at the time. He gave me a 14-day trial code and my wife
and I played for a week before I signed up. I had no clue after that week my
wife would never play again and would end up hating the game more than anything
else imaginable.
What is your favorite aspect of the game?
I like the customization of the characters and the way no matter
how you build it, it will be 100% unique and your own. Even in Hardcore PVP,
which is what I am in to, your toon is unique still in many ways, especially
now that I9 and IOs are here. The way people can enhance and build their toon
is staggering.
Who is your namesake character and what are they?
Neo Dark Guardian was my first "Neo" toon and was the beginning of
a long line of them. He is an EM/EA Brute.
Which type of character would you say is your favorite to play
and why.
As mainly a villain player, I prefer to play corrupters overall,
but I like my dominator the best of all my toons. I think corrupters are really
the jacks of all trades. A fire/kin can be an extreme damage dealer in addition
to a great buffer/debuffer and decent healer. A sonic/thermal is an
unbelievable debuffer and buffer but can also do damage when needed. An
ice/dark can almost out-hold a dominator while doing great damage and debuffing
as well. So, while I prefer to play my dominator due to PVP reasons, I think my
corrupter toons get the most work.
How do you normally handle new challenges in the game?
Having the privilege to lead one of the most awesome villain
groups in the game helps out tremendously with that. There isn't a challenge we
don't tackle together. Whether it be 3-4 full teams of Dark Revolution mates
going after the challenge or or 3-4 full teams of coalition mates taking it on,
we do it in force and almost always come up successful.
What zone is your favorite?
Personally, I like Port Oaks the best of all the zones visually.
What is your favorite Storyline in the game?
The TV arc in Grandville is a lot of fun, also the Viridian Arc in
Grandville as well.
It has been a busy year for the game so far. Do you feel that
I9 and I10 really added anything to the game and why?
I think they have added a ton of stuff to do in game, however, I
have my reservations about whether they were good for the game or not. While
IOs give people the ability to customize and enhance their characters well
beyond what was previously capable, the market itself is not what I would
consider stable still. More and more players and most noticeable, my members,
are complaining about not being "rich" enough to do anything worthwhile on
their alts. The KH quickie and other quick TF/SFs are being run consistently
while normal teams are on the decline, at least from my perspective. It seems
all people are doing now is farming/grinding solo for their IO stuff rather
than team and have fun before I9. I10 offered more in the way of getting teams
going again, in a fresh new way too, being able to team heroes and villains
together for major battles. The zone itself is pretty nice and so far, the
contacts/arcs have been fun. I am not sure, but my feeling is once people have
all the merits they need for the costume pieces and they get the new accolades,
the zone will die down tremendously. I hope it continues to be a place where
hero/villain friends can team together and have some fun.
What advice do you have for any new players to the game?
Try and find a really good group of people to play with. The only
reason I have stuck around this long is because my villain group is extremely
active, like-minded, and very friendly. If you can find some players who play
on your schedule and meet the some general guidelines you determine to be
worthwhile, then you will have much more fun in this game and be able to get
advice/knowledge from those that have been around the block. Enter into the
community of the game, don't just play it. You will find it to be a more
fulfilling way to spend time in the game.
McCaffrey
Virtue Server
Where do you live?
I currently live in Bridgeport Connecticut, about one hour north
of New York City. I grew up in California and have slowly moved my way east
(AZ, IN, NH, & CT).
Do you have any pets?
I have two cats, brothers from the same litter. They are 12 years old, and
while I love them boy can they be a pain. All the jokes about cat independence
are dead on, and dont you let anyone tell you otherwise.
Most interesting place you have visited.
Probably the most interesting place I have been would be Ellis Island. The
magnitude of history there is unfathomable if you have never visited. The fact
that thousands of immigrants passed through the island on their way to the
United States (many being separated from their loved ones) is amazing. If you
are ever in NYC, it is one place you really should go!
Your top three songs of all time
Safety Dance- Men Without Hats, Synchronicity- Police, Imperial
March- John Williams
What 5 TV shows could not live without?
Currently: Doctor Who, Amazing Race, Survivor (really these are
the only two reality shows I watch well there IS Who wants to be a
superhero..but that doesnt count does it?), Battlestar Galactica (new)
Best book you last read?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- J.K. Rowling It was well worth the wait,
and pain to blast through to insure a Spoiler Free Read. My head hurt for two
days after I finished the book.
What is your favorite pop culture qoute?
Well its note really a pop culture quote .but the one I like at the moment is:
First things first .but not necessarily in that order. -Doctor Who
But if I have to go with pop culture it would be:
Aziz LIGHT!
What other hobbies do you have?
Pretty much I read, write stories when I have time, and play with
my two girls.
Who is your real life hero?
Real life hero? That is a tough one, but if I was to pick, it would have to be
my wife. Anyone who can give birth to two girls and keep an even temperament
when both are screaming their heads off, is a true hero!
Pants?
Button then zip
What is your home server and why did you end up picking it as your home
server?
Well I started on Victory, but all of my friends moved to Virtue, so now its
Virtue LCMSs and all.
How did you get drawn to this game?
With the exception of two breaks during the births of both my daughters, I have
been with CoH since Beta. I was drawn in from the get-go. I was a member of the
pre beta forums, and even created our super group with friends met on that
board. A friend and I wrote many a story about CoH before we even had a CoH to
play.
I have seen some great things (free expansions, new costume pieces, and CoV),
and I have seen some bad things (ED, removal of the 5th Column, and significant
nerfs in the beginning [even if they WERE warented.].
What is your favorite aspect of the game?
The ability to run with an idea and create a hero. Even with a set number of
powers (oh I wish they had kept the original idea of picking any powersets
rather than set ones!) I love with coming up with a concept character on the
drive home, and then loading up the Character Creator and getting to business
designing the hero or heroine.
And yes I am an Altaholic
Who is your namesake character and what are they?
My namesake character is Guardian Knight, a lvl 32 Broadsword / Invulnerable
scrapper on Victory. Unfortunately he is stuck on Victory while I am primarily
playing on Virtue. I am looking forward to server transfers so I can bring him
over and get him up to 50. I have written the most stories about him and have a
quite funny set of origin stories about his travels around the world looking
for information about his sword and armor.
Which type of character would you say is your favorite to play and why.
I used to be a scrapper kind of guy. Head into the fray and kick some butt. But
over the last year I have branched out and tried a Defender Healer...which are
actually a lot of fun. Making that last second life save on a Tanker or
Scrapper is a blast.
But currently my favorite and getting all of my time is my Grav / Storm
Controller. I love her and all her holds. The ability to lock down a entire
group of villains is just great. Thrown in some Freezing Rain, a Wormhole toss,
and you have yourself a nicely packed, stunned, and held group for the rest of
your team.
How do you normally handle new challenges in the game?
My first stop would be my SG.
The Order is a great team, I cant say enough about the teamwork,
camaraderie, willingness to help and give suggestions, and overall maturity
& fun we have.
When I cant get an answer there, I hit the CoH forums. You can always get some
great help, ideas, and assistance there.
What zone is your favorite?
Crotoa. I like the look, feel, stories, one of the faster TFs, and heck it even
has a cute monster in the water! What more could you ask.
What is your favorite Storyline in the game?
Unfortunately, I gave up on story arcs awhile ago. Since my time to play is
limited, I tend to focus on just playing in groups and going on other heroes
missions.
It has been a busy year for the game so far. Do you feel that I9 and I10
really added anything to the game and
why?
Yes, with Veteran Rewards we got some great costume pieces, which have been
great. And while I never would have considered myself a crafter by any stretch,
I am finding that with inventions, crafted enhancements, and salvage, I am able
to slot some great enhancements AND stay ahead in influence, which is a first
in all the years I have been playing.
What advice do you have for any new players to the game?
Relax and enjoy the game. When you are ready, search the forums and find a
Super Group that is right for you. Dont just join one when offered. Many out
there flounder and die, or just are not conductive to playing.
Also, try to cut the Role Players some slack. Some of the best playing
experiences have been in an all RP group.
Any closing comments?
I have been around for every incarnation of DOOOOOMMMMM that has been voice in
CoH since the beginning. And every time it has worked out just fine and the
game moves on and becomes even better. With the invasion under way, I think we
will have more good things to come.
Dollhouse
Triumph Server
Where do you live?
On a ranch on the banks of the Rogue River, out in the middle of
nowhere in Southern Oregon. Amazingly, I actually have a decently fast wireless
internet connection out here!
Do you have any pets?
A cat named Spookie. She's actually named after my beloved
Dark/Dark Defender (and not the other way around).
Most interesting place you have visited.
Touch call, but I'd say the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose.
I love that era of architecture in general, and add that to the product of a
deliciously deranged mind, and the results are amazing. I visit most every time
I get down there.
Your top three songs of all time
Even tougher call...I'm a musician and a bit of an audiophile.
With the caveat that this is subject to change at any time, and in no
particular order:
VNV Nation "Beloved"
Peter Murphy "Cuts You Up"
Nicolo Paganini "24th Caprice for Violin"
What 5 TV shows could not live without?
None. I don't watch television. Seriously.
Best book you last read?
Recently, "Warped Passages" by Lisa Randall, a fantastic
exploration of the latest advances in theoretical physics by one of the leaders
in the field. Oh, and "Harry Potter and the Death ly Hallows" because I like
having multiple aspects to my utter geekishness.
What is your favorite pop culture quote?
"The more you drive, the less intelligent you are."
What other hobbies do you have?
As mentioned, I'm a musician, which since I no longer do it for a
living makes it a hobby, I suppose. I play violin, guitar, and keyboards fairly
competently, and a bunch of other instruments to varying stages of
unintentional comedy. I'm also an avid motorcyclist and flyfisher.
Who is your real life hero?
Valentino Rossi!
Pants?
I refuse to answer on grounds of possible self-incrimination (and
possible expulsion from every SG I'm in...).
What is your home server and why did you end up picking it as your home
server?
Triumph! I have managed to fill it up on two accounts - yes, I
have a terrible case of altitis. I picked it partly because some RL friends
were gravitating there back when CoH went live, and partly because I was riding
a Triumph bike at the time.
How did you get drawn to this game?
As mentioned, some RL friends were looking at it, people I'd
played on a superhero MUSH with a few years back. I was playing FPS games
almost exclusively at the time, since the majority of MMOs were fantasy-based,
a genre I'd become thoroughly bored with. City of Heroes was something
different and original. Still is.
What is your favorite aspect of the game?
I've always been impressed with how well CoH combined two things I
desire in an MMO: the ability to become deeply immersed in characters,
storyline, and relationships between characters...and a fast-paced,
smoothly-functioning gameplay. I'm a committed RP'er, but I like to get my game
on, too! CoH accommodates whatever gaming mood I happen to be in, from quiet RP
to intense Arena PvP.
Who is your namesake character and what are they?
My forum and global chat name is "Dollhouse," and that's the name
of the first character I got to level 50. She's a Fire/Fire Tanker, and I still
play her. I've respec'd her a time or two to reflect changes in the game, and
these days she's really more of a "skranker" than a traditional Tank. She's
pretty duragble for her AT, but she specializes in bringing the pain! I often
team her with a hardcore Invul/SS Tanker (T K O), and as a duo, they're huge
fun.
Which type of character would you say is your favorite to play and why.
I've become a bit of a Defender specialist over the last three and
a half years, and my favorites are Dark/Dark Defenders. They can get
complicated to play, since they are perhaps the ultimate "Swiss Army Hero,"
with a wide range of capabilities: debuffing, control, damage, healing, etc.
But that complexity is the real attraction for me!
How do you normally handle new challenges in the game?
It will surprise no one who teams with me to know that it all
depends on the character I'm playing. I guess I'm kind of a "method gamer,"
because the character's personality will determine how that sort of thing is
handled. With, say, Calliope Kate (a caution-to-the-wind Scrapper) I just jump
in and let the chips fall where they may. Debt is fleeting, and guys dig scars!
With Festival (Kinetecist Ring Mistress of the Carnival of Light SG), I'll take
a far more cautious and analytica approach.
What zone is your favorite?
Maybe it's because it's all shiny and new, but I'm loving the
Rikti War Zone. The Vanguard base is great, and the missions from the new
contacts are really well scripted and fun, There's a sense of desperation that
comes through and infuses the gameplay.
What is your favorite Storyline in the game?
A couple come to mind: the Westin Phipps arc in CoV. More than any
other, it makes you feel _evil_! I also really enjoy the entire backstory in
Croatoa, in particular the rather ambivalent status of the Cabal.
It has been a busy year for the game so far. Do you feel that I9 and I10
really added anything to the game and why?
Oh, absolutely, on both counts! I was skeptical about crafting,
and expected to be pretty "meh" about the Invention system. I was wrong. It's
been a huge amount of fun, both in playing the consignment market and in
tweaking my characters with the IOs. I10 has been simply amazing so far, adding
a palpable note of urgency to the game. It's hard to get more serious than an
alien invasion! I'd been hoping for more opportunities to form "crossover"
alliances between hero and villain. The devs knocked one out of the park with
that one, IMO.
What advice do you have for any new players to the game?
Take time to smell the flowers (but don't smell the Rikti
monkeys...).
Any closing comments?
Almost three and a half years and I still play this game more than
all the other games I have installed, combined. What more can I say?
Jungle by Spinomania
-
Arts & Entertainment
Artist Spotlight
Douglas Shuler, AKA Darkjedi
A couple weeks ago I began my stalk.. I mean. Curiosity about a
few particular artists that contribute to City of Heroes/Villains. I noticed a
particular artist named Darkjedi and began my obsess.. I mean... decision to
interview him. His history with art was amazing. He's worked with major
companies like Lucas Films, Paramount Pictures, etc. It's no wonder -- His
artwork is spectacular and detailed. You can tell theres passion in each piece.
I started to plot... Err, set up an interview with Mr. Shuler, and here it is.
It was a pleasure to work with you Doug!
http://douglasshuler.com
- Douglas Shuler's Official Site
Q. Hey Darkjedi! Or should I call you Douglas Shuler?
A. Doug is fine. No need to be formal.
Q. How and when did you start drawing/creating art? Was it a talent
that came naturally, or did you take time honing your talent?
A. I've always had an ability to create images and I can't
remember a time when I wasn't drawing, but I've never been happy with my art.
I'm always looking to the *next* piece to be the one that makes me happy
because my images so rarely turn out like I envision them. It's frustrating at
times, but I'm driven to achieve more with my art.
Q. What are your cures for lack of inspiration or artist's block?
A. Whenever I'm at a lack of ideas for a piece, I'll either
read some comics or surf the net (gotta love YouTube). That usually gets me
back on track. I like to have something distracting going on while I work so
I'm not really paying attention to the art itself, and usually have the
Discovery channel or a DVD playing in the background. I actually do my best
work when I don't remember doing it...which is wierd because a movie will end
and I'll look at what I'm doing and be pleased.
Q. What are your other hobbies?
A. Computer gaming, of course - I've been playing MMORPGs
since the late '90's, but sitll enjoy solid strategy games too, such as
Starcraft and Age Of Empires. I'm also a big fan of wargamming and have a
particular preference for Warhammer 40k. I've been painting miniatures for over
20 years, and find it very relaxing. I have somewhere in the neighborhood of
10,000 figures... but maybe a quarter of those are painted.
Q. What accomplishments are you most proud of in your life?
A. I'm still very fond of my 'Magic' years; that is to say,
my contributions to the card game, Magic; The Gathering. I painted somewhere in
the neighborhood of 160 cards over the course of 10 years and have had a good
relationship with Wizards Of The Coast... but it's becoming time to take my
art in a new direction.
Q. What are your least favorite parts about being an artist?
A. Deadlines. Oh, and deadlines. Art is an inherently
creative pursuit, while schedules and deadlines are counter to that same
creativity. It can be difficult to 'create on demand', and fulfilling creative
committments can be hard sometimes. But keeping the client happy is vital to
getting future works and it's important to remain on time.
Q. Who are some people you admire and why?
A. There are so many, but Alex Ross is certainly near the
top. He pioneered a style that has redefined a genre, and to this day no one
has met his level in the comics field. His blend of fantasy and reality make it
easier to believe the stories he illustrates. Others that I strongly admire are
Jim Lee, Adam Hughes, and Joe Chiodo.
Q. Which piece of art would you consider your best?
A. That's a particularly difficult question because I'm
constantly pushing to make each piece better than the last. I suppose one that
has demonstrated to myself that 3D art is a viable medium for me might be the
'Crimson Storm' piece I did for Brandon McKinney.
Crimson Storm
However, despite my recent and growing interest in 3D art, I've always had a
particular passion for plain old pencils. In that area, I think a piece called
'Cerridwyn' is my favorite.
Cerridwyn
Q. What are your future goals? Any big events or anything planned
in the near future?
A. I'd LOVE to do some of my 3D works for the larger
publishers, such as DC, Marvel, or Top Cow. I'm working towards that goal by
assembling some of my best works and 'gathering my forces' for my eventual
push. More than anything, I need to convince myself that my works are ready.
Q. What do you tell people who admire you?
A. I try to be very encouraging of all artists, regardless
of their level of development. One of my personal mantras is to find one flaw
with every piece I create so the next one is better. I also try to encourage
people to never stop drawing; so often I've heard stories of people that
stopped and wish they hadn't... but like any skill, drawing requires constant
replenishment to stay fresh.
Q. Do you have any advice for up and coming artists?
A. So often, the advice told to up and coming artists is to
'never give up' or 'stick with it'. That advice is repeated over and over
because IT'S TRUE; the more you draw, the better you get.
Beyond that, there's great value in anatomy books and drawing from life. Look
at how things REALLY are, and how they're REALLY shaped... don't copy someone
else's distortion. I don't recommend starting artists to learn to draw by
copying comics, or Manga, or cartoons, because those art forms are distortions
of reality. Learning to draw from real life enables an artist to distort their
works into any form they want, but learning to draw the distortion first
doesn't teach the artist to draw realistically.
I want to thank Douglas Shuler for doing this interview with me
again, and fulfilling my art-fan-girl needs. I need to go have a cigarette now.
Correction
*I'd like to apologize to Sixty for making an error and giving
credit of her Gwen Snow piece to Grae Knight. It was Sixty's wonderful work!
Art Jam
A reminder that the art jam is being continued through this coming
Wednesday (August 8th). I want to see some submissions. City of Heroes/Villains
has an awesome art community, show off your talent! The subject of the art jam
is "What do you feel makes you a hero?". I want to see drawings, sketches,
doodles, etc of things that you feel are heroic. It can be your character,
someone you made up, a real life hero, someone who is special to you, anything.
Submit them to me by PM by next Wednesday at 10am Eastern, please!
Jenna Seidel's Rogue Islands Repast
Greeting Villains, Vigilantes, Heroes and other general pains in
the neck. Jenna Seidel here with anther installment of the Infamous, Rogue Isle
Repast. I hope that our Guests:Uninvited aren't putting too much of a dent in
your good or bad natures. Rikti speak, get it? Ah, I kill me.
Never mind... OK I was hanging out in Port Oaks, the other day,
trying to keep my trademark duster attached to my head, when I got a hankering
for some food. I thought to myself, Self, if we make it out of this Invasion
wave alive, I'm treating us to lunch at The White Elephant Restaurant and Bar.
Well, I guess that Jenna Seidel still knows how to look out for number one,
'cause, half an hour after the fighting started, I was sipping Bombay Sunrises
in this sweet little eatery. You walk in and your senses are assaulted by the
sweet and pungent smells of spices. Not just cinnamon and mint, but anise,
cardamon, nutmeg, and curries. The White Elephant Bar and Grill, according to
the menu, is a Colonial Fusion. My waiter explained that means the food is a
mix of all the flavors of the British colonies. So basically they have taken
the flavors of the native dishes of India, the British West Indies, Hong Kong,
central Africa and the Americas and blended it into unique dishes. All it means
to me is good food.
From their signature iced tea, featuring cinnamon and mint, to
their mango sundaes, everything at the Elephant is creative. The appetizer menu
offers unusual combinations like a thin crust pizza with tandoori cooked
chicken and vegetables and a peanut-yellow curry sauce and pot stickers served
with mango-cilantro dipping sauce. Traditional appetizers and snacks include
samosa, a potato and meat filled dumpling, and a jerked chicken. Entrees
include Curried chicken salad lettuce wraps, Jerk spiced vegetarian burgers,
and authentic Hong Kong pan fried noodles. One thing that is missing from the
Elephants menu is cow. The owner's wife is a strict Hindi and refuses to serve
the sacred animal, even if the customers might want it. They seem to do OK,
even without the beef.
The White Elephant is in the higher end of costs, but not so
prohibitive that you couldn't eat there once a week. They accept cash and
credit.
Well, it looks like those mind bending alien pests are back. I'm
going to join the fray.
Curried Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
1 pound chicken, grilled or tandoori (if you know how) or 2 8 oz
cans of chicken well drained
1 6 oz can of pineapple chunks drained
1/2 cup of shredded coconut, sweetened
1 5 oz can of sliced water chestnuts, almonds, peanuts, or
chashews to taste
1/2 cup of mayonnaise or salad dressing
1 tablespoon of curry powder (curry comes in different colors and
flavors, pick a mild curry, yellow or green)
1 head of lettuce, iceberg or butter is best but any broad-leaf
lettuce will do.
[/list]Mix the mayo and the curry powder in a small dish. If using your
own cooked chicken cut into 1 inch cubes, if you are using canned chicken drain
well. Mix the chicken, pineapple, coconut, nuts and curry dressing until
chicken is coated. Remove, wash and pat dry the lettuce leaves. Serve with 2-3
lettuce leaves and a small dish of the salad, to eat place a spoon full of the
chicken salad on a lettuce leaf and roll up.
Classifieds
Come Dodge with The Artful Dodgers! RP on Virtue!
Are you an at-risk super-powered teen living on the streets? Do
you need shelter, protection, help?
Then contact QuietAmerican
Become a hero! The first life you save may be your own!
Alt-A-Holics Anonymous is looking for chapter leaders in these
following shards:
Guardian, Protector, Triumph and Victory
Please send a /tell to @Ihavealtitis with your application
THE CITY SCOOP seeks staff writers to contribute articles,
columns, or HTML layout on a biweekly schedule. We want helpful, positive and
motivated people! Send a PM to Marcian_Tobay or Hertz.
LOOKING FOR FUN SR Scrapper, daring, likes mad XPs, prefers to
zerg, seeking cntl or def for partner, healr pref, willing to sk, no TA
Established SG Looking for active players.
The Moonlight Kingdom is a light/RP friendly SG on Virtue. We have a
well-established base, and an active circle coalition. We also offer a free
dental plan! Please contact Moonlyte Shadow or Silver Tooth by ingame
email/tell for info.
LOOK, there on the page, ITs small, ITs black and white, ITs
classifieds in the Scoop. Buy, sell, trade, find missing loved ones or
missions. Contact LadyK to advertise.
The Arena
Resistance PvPEC Results
Mixed Pentad Results.
Team Triumph winners were:
Avid - Controller
Energy Fr0st - Blaster
Demonic Destiny - Corruptor
Squints Trow Fire - Dominator
Mr. Minmax - Defender
Deadly Duo results.
28 teams (56 PvPers) participated, but in the end it came down to
two undefeated teams, Fly Like Hekishi and lol Pinnacle. Fly Like Hekishi was
-Ownage and Not Putzing, and lol Pinnacle was Lyter Fluid and Silver Charm. In
their final match Fly Like Hekishi pulled out the win, 7-0.
Gladiator results - The Gladiator event was won
by Killa Ant with Betamax coming in second.
Percy by Aerones
/em Smack
By Dirtwolf
Aurora 
Luminara
![[B&W verson]](http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g151/vg-mmorpg/Scoop/ParagonCW11ps.jpg){kind=link}