Ex_Libris

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  1. Servers are spinning up now, please enjoy your invasion experience.

    Also please note it may take some time before the invasion kicks in again on your server please see the forums for more details on how the invasion works.

    We would love to hear your feedback on how this patch affected your play and optimization.

    Thanks again for your support.

    Ex
  2. Starting at 1 PM PST/3 PM CST/4 PM EST the servers will start the spin down process to have an unscheduled patch applied to all live servers.

    The patch will begin at 1:30 PST 3:30 CST & 4:30 EST.

    This patch is to address lag specifically in the Rikti War Zone but should also improve results across all areas of the invasion.

    We will continue to track the outcome of this patch over the next few days to see if more tuning is necessary.

    Please feel free to use this thread to discuss your experience with optimization and lag in relation to the invasion specifically.

    The estimated downtime is approximately one hour.

    We appreciate your patience, feedback and continued support of City of Heroes/City of Villains.

    Regards,

    Ex
  3. [ QUOTE ]
    Here you go!

    [/ QUOTE ]

    Did you mean to link her to the July 6th?

    All Scoops are located in the Announcement section, they are stickied up by date.

    Ex
  4. /agree with your statements.

    I think the gist of this poll though would allow people to make a pro active attempt to building up characters in already healthy PvP environments and not having to rely on the transfer service except in the case of that one or two main toons.

    The further you push out the decisions while still leveling up toons on less vital pvp servers the less options you may have in the future other than server transfers.

    If people want to start toons on Freedom they can do that. Transferring over, not likely to happen in the beginning.

    If people want to start toons on Infinity, Champion, or Liberty they can do that, with the likely chance they can move other toons over later as well.

    It comes down to giving you all options to increase your ability to PvP on a live server with an already healthy PvP community.

    I think this poll is more about what you will choose to do today instead of what you will choose to do when transfers are available.

    At least that is how I would be approaching that situation, unless I consider myself part of the Hardcore Test population in which case it doesn't matter, I just have to deal with the 3x's a year when my server of choice will be closed for a few weeks.

    Nothing new here, the data has just been quantified that is all.

    Ex
  5. For anyone from the PvE community that wishes to see the results of this poll all you need to do is answer one question and it will pull the results for you.

    The last question is fairly harmless if you want to answer that one, you can then see the posted results.

    I do appreciate people withholding from taking the poll out of respect to the PvP community.

    Ex
  6. We will be posting updates as we know more information at this time there appears to still be room at both the GenCon and Austin events.

    At this time I am taking emails of those wishing to attend GenCon since that is right around the corner. As we get closer to Austin if no updates have been made I will do the same.

    Ex
  7. We would love to hear your feedback of Issue 10 Invasion.

    The skies over Paragon City are filled with dark grey thunderheads. It is the same in the Rogue Isles, Europe, and across the globe. Small ships dart through the heavy weather … and there are so very many of them.

    The Rikti™ have returned.
    Rikti World Invasion

    Issue 10 begins with a World Event that spans across numerous zones in both Paragon City and the Rogue Isles, as the Rikti return in devastating waves. They are armed with new, brutal weapons and seek to establish a beachhead on Earth, presumably to save their lost brethren and to finish what they started the first time … the destruction of Earth!
    Rikti War Zone (Levels 35 – 50)

    The site of the crashed Rikti mother ship has become a hot War Zone. Pylons of unknown purpose have appeared around the mother ship, and Rikti presence is extremely heavy. In an attempt to contain the Rikti from breaking out of the area or launching their ship, the government has cordoned off the zone, allowing only select agents access. Government officials have turned the region over to Vanguard, and given them the authority to recruit forces from across the world. This zone is open to both Heroes and Villains, in their combined, desperate struggle to hold the front lines against the second Rikti Invasion.

    New Threats

    Rikti Pylons are multi-purpose warning and attack devices that surround the crashed mother ship. It takes a concerted effort to take one of these pylons down, but once enough of these are destroyed, access to the ship may be granted. UXBs, “unexploded bombs” that arm, power up, and detonate if not stopped in time, provide a constant threat. Rikti destroyers zip through zones dropping troops, UXB’s, and Rikti Assault Suits.
    New Inventions

    The Vanguard base contains a special Vanguard Workbench that will allow for special costume pieces (tied to Rikti War Zone recipes). Vanguard Support Machines (“Heavies”) can be requisitioned using Special Salvage (unique to the War Zone). These Heavies function as powerful pets.
    New Missions

    The first missions in the Rikti War Zone are for characters level 35+. The characters meet a new contact, Levantera, who introduces them to the U.N. security force, Vanguard. They’ll also meet Borea, who sends them on several repeatable missions in the zone. From there, characters meet contact Serpent Drummer, Gaussian, and also talk to the Dark Watcher and learn one of the darkest secrets of Paragon City.

    Rikti Co-op Task Force

    The Rikti Co-Op Task Force is available for both Heroes and Villains. It is for 6 to 8 players, level 45 – 50. The mission is given out by Lady Grey, leader of the Vanguard. Co-operative missions create a new layer of depth and story as heroes and villains work toward a common goal.

    What is your experience so far with Issue 10? What would you change? What do you love?

    Please keep feedback constructive.

    Thank you,

    Ex Libris
  8. Updating to clarify my lack of clarity on this issue!

    Free repecs (GM or gifted from Issue releases) do not stack, if you have one you may want to use it before next week... Official Announcement coming soon.

    Vet respecs & earned respecs (trial rewards) are part of their own pool and are not affected by free respecs.

    typing the command /respec will bring up the respec page, once this command has been entered you can back out of the menu without losing your respec.

    See this guide page for more details.


    edited "cannot" to can.
  9. [ QUOTE ]
    I keep getting page can not be displayed I can't get to the site

    [/ QUOTE ]

    Looks like that is happening for the whole gamespot.com site. Give it some time, it will clear.

    Ex
  10. Bumping this announcement.

    This week will be the prime time for you all to use any respecs you have saved up. When the new respec is granted they do not stack.

    Enjoy the Invasion!

    Ex
  11. *Disclaimer* This poll is for the active PvP Community to determine where the most active PvP community already exists so they can mobilize their efforts during server transfers to help establish and build a stronger PvP community.

    If you do not PvP or are not interested in learning how to PvP please do not participate in this poll.

    Thank you,

    Ex Libris

    (Note, some servers may not be available during server transfers, these servers will be determined by Cryptic Studios and NCsoft.)
  12. Make sure you email me at exlibris@ncsoft.com if you are planning on being at GenCon in Indy. We found the registration for the Indy event was prematurely closed and I will be emailing updates as we know further details.

    So if you are planning on being in Indy during that time and would like updates on any official or unofficial gatherings please contact me with your email address.

    Also please let me know of any unofficial COH/COV gatherings that I can update the community about or plan to attend when I am there.

    Thanks,

    Ex
  13. [ QUOTE ]
    <QR>

    Alcatraz eh? Ok, the Bay Area can have some lovin'.

    Just come back to Howie's Game Shack in Orange County the next time California comes up on the list.

    [/ QUOTE ]

    Alcatraz is the name of a restaurant in Indy.

    Ex
  14. All of you planning on attending something for Indy, please email me your contact information to exlibris@ncsoft.com

    I am working with our folks in Austin to see what happened to the registration site, I believe we have more room but for some reason it appears to have capped out. So there will be updates to the Indy event.

    Don't worry we will get together some how.

    Ex
  15. [ QUOTE ]
    Anyone from Cryptic and/or NCSoft coming to San Diego ComicCon next week? All the cool kids will be there....

    -Buxley

    [/ QUOTE ]

    Lighthouse will be in attendance at both Comicon (San Diego) and PAX (Seattle) so rattle his cage or make suggestions on a place where you all can get together and talk about trowing tings.

    Ex
  16. [ QUOTE ]
    But the PlayNC site does not have registration/sign-ups for Indy.

    [/ QUOTE ]

    Looks like we have hit capacity for the Indy event, I am working on this or we can discuss an alternate "unofficial" greeting place where I can meet all of you.

    Stay tuned for further updates. We are currently looking at Alcatraz but there are still some details to be arranged, I am mentioning this so that we (COH) community can start scouting other locations to meet up.

    Ex
  17. Meet & Greet Announcement!

    This thread is to discuss the the NCsoft summer player events.

    Ex
  18. NCsoft North America will be hosting meet-ups for players at both GenCon Indy on August 18th and in Austin, Texas on September 22nd. Both events will feature NCsoft staff, food, players from across all games, NCsoft swag and chances to win great prizes! This is your chance to meet fellow players, ask questions, and find new teammates. Registration is required and tickets for each event are free but limited so sign up now!


    GenCon Indy Meet-Up

    Indianapolis, Indiana

    August 18th from 6pm – 10pm Eastern Time

    Location: TBA (close to the convention center)

    *Space is limited please only sign up if you are certain to be at the event!*

    Please Note: Minors under 16 must be accompanied by a Parent or Guardian over 21 for the GenCon Meet-up. The guardian/parent must also register for the event via PlayNC. You must bring a photo-ID or a copy of your event registration e-mail to enter the event. A copy of your event registration will be e-mailed to you at the email address listed on your PlayNC account.


    PlayNC Meetup Austin

    Austin, Texas

    September 22nd from 6pm – 10 pm Central Time

    Location: Dave and Busters

    http://www.daveandbusters.com/


    Please Note: Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a Parent or Guardian over 21 for the Austin Meet-up. The guardian/parent must also register for the event via PlayNC. You must bring a photo-ID or a copy of your event registration e-mail to enter the event. A copy of your event registration will be e-mailed to you at the email address listed on your PlayNC account.


    You can register for these events via your PlayNC account. Simply visit http://www.plaync.com/us/account/ and login to your account to register for one or both of these events. We look forward to meeting you!

    Discussion on this announcement!

    Any questions please PM me or email me at exlibris@ncsoft.com
  19. Here is the tenth weekly edition of "The City Scoop" a publication for Supers by Supers.

    Thank you for helping to make City of Heroes/City of Villains one of the best player communities out there in the virtual world.

    Discussion on the latest edition of "The City Scoop" is located here.

    If you would like to do a feature article, 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

    For a printable version of "The City Scoop" please send an email to the following
    CityScoop10@the-swarm.org
  20. Here is the tenth weekly edition of "The City Scoop" a publication for Supers by Supers.

    Thank you for helping to make City of Heroes/City of Villains one of the best player communities out there in the virtual world.

    Discussion on the latest edition of "The City Scoop" is located here.

    If you would like to do a feature article, 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

    For a printable version of "The City Scoop" please send an email to the following
    CityScoop10@the-swarm.org




















  21. Puzzles
    and Games






    Steel Canyon Maze


    A day in Snow_Globe's life








    Rules:

    Follow the hints to trace the path taken.

    Use only steets (grey lines).

    Do not use any section of a street twice (no backtracking).

    Use the shortest route.


    Note: Some of the clues are obscure. Really obscure.


    Day plan:


    • After getting off the Yellow Line, I made my way to meet my old friend Wes Schnabel. (Start)


    • After talking to him for a while, I headed west, then around the south end of the Vault Reserve to deposit some salvage.


    • I then met with a former gang member behind Wentworth's Fine Consignments.


    • I passed War Witch's old apartment on my way to talk to a dedicated physician's assistant.


    • After that, I met Colleen Saramago for lunch at a Mexican restaurant and I walked with her back to her duty station.


    • A short walk later I came upon a plaque commemorating the first Superdine drug bust.


    • I took a right turn just past the tunnel to Independence Port.


    • I bought some electronics, and then talked to another Hero Corps representative.


    • I went to see the corner near the place that the first Luminary used her light-based powers to disrupt the formation of a large portal to the Rikti home world.


    • Heading east, I made a quick stop at Subgenetics before heading north.


    • I stopped at Orion Labs to get a gift for a friend.


    • I then made my way to the Junk Depot store, where I found nothing of interest.


    • I turned west just before the information terminal.


    • After looking at a plaque about a hero named Crimson Fist, I took another right.


    • A quick stop at Icon to see if Serge had any new designs in.


    • I then battled some clockwork where Synapse began training Mynx.


    • Finally I reached the Green Line. (End)

      [/list]






















  • Encounters






    Robojesus


    The Robotic Saviour


    I was sitting at the bar, at my usual spot, when I hear this *clank clank clank* approach the bar. I look over and I see this saintly looking android looking at me with wizened optical receptors. I greet him nicely, as he sits down next to me. The conversation after that was rather interesting.


    RoboJesus: Greetings. I am RoboJesus, the messiah for the new Millennium.


    Kahlan D'Rane: Interesting...So who built you? Sorry if I seem a little blunt, that's just my nature. Has to do with my former occupation as a professional torturer and all..


    RoboJesus: The same guy who built you, this bar and everything else you encounter. God.


    Kahlan D'Rane: I thought God worked in organic matter only..that robots were a human invention...at least in this dimension,..


    RoboJesus: Check your Bible. He created everything.


    Kahlan D'Rane: I have never seen a robot until I came here. I am not from this dimension. My Emperor sent me here on a whim...from another dimension. He opened the rift with his magic and sent me here to do, well I have no idea he never told me before shoving me through the portal


    RoboJesus: The organic things came after everything else. Well we live in a technological age. I never said i would return as a human.


    Kahlan D'Rane: you were here before? that is interesting...


    RoboJesus: Roughly 2000 years ago. You can look it up on Wikipedia or something after. Pretty common knowledge round this dimension.


    Kahlan D'Rane: aah the glorious wikipedia, that "website" has helped me learn much about your world...it's sad, there is no magic here..what ever happened to it's magic?


    RoboJesus: Children stopped believing, so they say.


    Kahlan D'Rane: well that's depressing. Where I come from magic is just..well it just IS. it always has existed. I've run into some wierdos called the Circle of Thorns..they try to bring it back..but their attempts are so feeble...compared to where I'm from anyway . It is fun turning their spells of pain back onto them that's for sure. Who is the group you find the most "interesting" around these parts?


    RoboJesus: Well a few still practice it. Some people have confused my miracles for magic, but Ii'm just channeling the power of the lord. Rikti, for sure. They're all atheists. I don't know how that works though since I hear they killed their God. I mean if they killed him they have pretty definitive proof that he existed. And since they are stepping up their operations I've been looking into them.


    Kahlan D'Rane: Yeah those rikti sure are pests...those monkeys though...have a charm that's for sure . So other than "Prime Directive" what brings you to Paragon city?


    RoboJesus: This city has had a lot of bad stuff happen to it over the last few years, alien invasions, Lord Recluse with his little schemes and all the other villain groups. The city needs a hero, one who helps the weak and wounded, not someone who fights violence.


    Kahlan D'Rane: So that's why you chose to "come back" to Paragon, and not anywhere else...like lets say Guatamala


    RoboJesus: God has a plan.


    Kahlan D'Rane: Interesting.


    RoboJesus: Err, yeah. Nobody falls for that.


    Kahlan D'Rane: hehehe


    RoboJesus: Paragon City is in a unique position with some magic lines or something, I'm not clear on the details.


    Kahlan D'Rane: "God has a plan" I've heard that so many times.. never understood it. It's always said when real crappy things happen..


    RoboJesus: Whatever happens here echoes across the globe, the most good can be done here.


    Kahlan D'Rane: Must be, The Rogue Isles have a pretty strong ley line. That's why my Agiel still works. Everywhere else though...So umm Want an apple?


    RoboJesus: That's not my primary energy source but sure. Also, the forbidden fruit wasn't an apple if that was a trick.


    Kahlan D'Rane: darn it...I thought it was...Silly Wiki


    RoboJesus: I don't know where that started.


    Kahlan D'Rane: meh who knows. that book's been around for a few years..


    RoboJesus: It's a bestseller.


    Kahlan D'Rane: Yeah, I heard.


    RoboJesus: I'm proud to be a part of it.


    Kahlan D'Rane: Anyway, what's up with the fact there are so many other religions in this world that also claim to be the real deal anyway? Like can't this silly dimension stick with ONE? Where I'm from, we have one religion, that is it..nothing else. It isn't even really a religion...


    RoboJesus: Well the 3 main monotheistic religions are all sort of the same, just interpreted the details a bit differently. The others i would guess might have to do with heroes of the past.


    Kahlan D'Rane: aah I see. This world just boggles my mind at times...


    Kahlan D'Rane: *looks at watch* Oh dear....I have an appointment with Ghost Widow...I really can't be late....*sigh* she'll make me wash Wretch's feet again...It's been nice chatting with you!


    RoboJesus: No problem. Have a vision miracle. This thing can make the blind see. Blessing Complete


    Kahlan D'Rane: See ya round some time.




    DJ Shecky


    The Disk Jockey from out of this world.


    Man, I come to this place WAY too often. The Bartender knows me by my first name now. He even knows what I like to drink and has it ready before I even have a chance to sit down. Oh well. The Pocket D, is the place for me! Where else can I cool my heels stress freebetween jobs? Where else can I meet such interesting people aswell??


    So I'm drinking away...and this guy in a kilt walks up to the bar and offers to top up my drink:


    DJ Shecky: So, I take it you work for The City Scoop.


    Kahlan D'Rane: Yeah It's part of my parole.. I guess because I tortured ONE too many people I got picked up by what you would call, the police


    DJ Shecky: I see, well there are worse things they could have made you do.


    Kahlan D'Rane: That's true. I could be doing cleanup in here *shudder* Scraping vomit off of the floor isn't my idea of fun..I usually made my slaves do that..


    DJ Shecky chuckles


    Kahlan D'Rane: So anyway, what brings you to this place?


    DJ Shecky: So shall I keep calling you Ma'am or do you have a name? I forgot my device that tells me peoples names.


    Kahlan D'Rane: Just keep calling me Ma'am. you haven't earned the honour of calling me by my name


    DJ Shecky: To Paragon, or Pocket D? Paragon, I sort of just drifted here, Pocket D well, it tends to be a very interesting place, and I do most of my Radio shows from here.


    Kahlan D'Rane: What brings you around, other than, well people like me


    DJ Shecky: Paragon, Well, I had a friend who lived here who took me in at one point, came back after I had merged with a Kheldian to help out around the place.


    Kahlan D'Rane: Merging with a Kheldian..sounds painful, what's the process?


    DJ Shecky: I really don't recall much of it, wasn't painful, just sort of happened. My time before the merger is somewhat hazy at best. I was injured at the time of the merger.


    Kahlan D'Rane: Ah what happened?


    DJ Shecky: Well from the little I can remember, I think I got caught in the middle of a battle somewhere.


    Kahlan D'Rane: oooh yeah that would do it. I noticed there are many colourful villain groups around, which ones are your favorites to deal with?


    DJ Shecky: The one I tend to deal with the most are The Council since they tend to work with The Nictus quite often. Outside of them I would say The Crey would be one of my more favorite ones.


    Kahlan D'Rane: hehe Crey...they just have more money than brains half the time


    DJ Shecky: That they do Ma'am.


    Kahlan D'Rane: Sooo....What do you do around here for fun anyway?


    DJ Shecky: Me, well I am a DJ for The Cape radio. I do 2 shows a week, and help out around the station. It is a lot of fun to me to entertain people and make their day's a little bit better.


    Kahlan D'Rane: Sounds like fun. where do I go to tune in?


    DJ Shecky: Well you can reach it at www.thecaperadio.com or put www.thecaperadio.com:8000 as the url in your media player.


    DJ Shecky: I also find people watching in Pocket D a lot of fun, but since getting married, I don't do that as often.


    Kahlan D'Rane: yeah, I have yet to find a mate worthy enough of me. They all die during courtship...Mord-sith aren't very umm gentle on our mates..


    DJ Shecky: I am sure someone of your caliber will eventually come along for you.


    Kahlan D'Rane: Well they have to be extremely strong in constitution...must be able to sit at the brink of death for extended periods of time..


    DJ Shecky: I also am in charge of The Cape's Super Group Advertising service.


    Kahlan D'Rane: Oooh. Well I know the Rogue Isles Marine Corps on Guardian is hiring...


    DJ Shecky: Ahh unfortunately, we concentrate on The Virtue server. I"m sure there are stations over on Guardian.


    Kahlan D'Rane: not sure...I'll have to poke around. Well anyway, I MUST be off...Ghost Widow will make me wash Wretch's feet if I don't attend this meeting...do you know how bad Wretch's feet smell?? *gags a little*


    DJ Shecky: Well be well, Tell Ghost Widow I said hello. She is an interesting person. No, I don't know how bad his feet smell, I've only talked with Ghost Widow from time to time, like when she kidnapped me during my bachelor party.


    Kahlan D'Rane: That she is. I'll see you around some time.


    DJ Shecky: Be seeing you. .























  • The
    Arena




    Guardian: The Little Server that Could





    If you think of PVP, and Servers in the same thought process, you usually think of Freedom, correct? Well, the little West Coast server that is known for giving away cookies, instead of smackdowns, had an admirable showing in their preliminary PVPEC's Super Pentad Tournament qualification round with 4 teams showing up.


    The Lineup for this event was:


    Team RIMC

    Alpha-One: Mastermind @Alpha-One

    Kahlan D'Rane: Corruptor @MrsAlphaOne

    Instigator XIV: Controller @Botley

    Radical Radish: Defender @Lucifers Hammer

    G-Maulisher Tank @G-Maulisher


    Team Weapon

    Freezer Toy: Tank @R-Weapon

    Walk of Death: Master Mind @Grinnz

    La De Da: Scrapper @Khin the mage

    Suzi Lawless: Defender @Max1

    Dee's Desire: Corruptor @daddy dee


    Team LATE

    Psicana: Controller @Havoc ll

    Joliet Jake Blues: Brute @Gutterboy

    Toxic Baby: corruptor @Super Cronic

    RaPid Wolf: blaster @Botosai

    Souther Hottie: Tank @Southern Hottie


    Team Steel

    Betty Sizzle: Blaster @StratoNexus

    Iron Axis: Brute @SteelWrangler

    Paradoxic: Tanker @Paradoxic

    Little Penguin: Corruptor @Sgt. Ladybird

    Nurse Blue: defender @Wine Mistress


    The competition was fierce. Matches were fought well.


    Match 1: Team RIMC vs Team Weapon

    Winner was Team RIMC with a score of 15-2


    Match 2: Team Steel vs Team LATE

    Winner was Team Steel with a score of 25-9


    Match 3: Team RIMC vs Team LATE

    Winner was Team RIMC with a score of 20-14


    Match 4: Team Steel vs Team Weapon

    Winner was Team Steel with a score of 12-10


    Match 5: Team Weapon vs Team LATE

    Winner was Team Weapon with a score of 14-4


    Match 6: Team RIMC vs Team Steel

    Winner was Team RIMC with a score of...14-4


    Final match was in the Troll Cave map. Alpha-One isolated and cornered with his force bubble, while the G-Maulisher mowed them down. Kahlan D'rane flew on the outskirts picking off the stragglers, Instigator XIV maintained crowd control while Radish tossed debuffs left right and center.


    Everyone fought very well, and had a grand old time. They all went in to it expecting to have fun, and have fun they did. So, what does the Mixed Pentad Finals on Saturday the 21'st hold for these rising stars? Will they be the underdogs? Who knows, the only way to find out is to hop on over to Test at 7pm PST/ 10PM EST and find out for yourselves!


    Guardian Results


    1st Place: Team RIMC

    2nd Place: Team Steel

    3rd Place: Team Weapon

    4th Place: Team LATE


    Final Results of the Qualification round for Champion and Infinity servers:


    Champion


    Champion First Place:


    Team The Vills are Inert!


    @Talent Agent- troller

    @Unholy Weapon- blaster

    @Imperial Weapon- defender

    @SinisterFlamez- corr

    @PrimeKaizer- stalker


    Champion Second Place:


    Here is Team VORI


    @Silver Wing - Blaster

    @DL - Defender

    @Public Enemy No 1 - Brute

    @Johnny Wildfire - Corrupter

    @The Rich Tapestry - Controller


    Infinity


    Infinity First Place:


    The 13th


    Flechita

    Magno.

    Mad Bot

    Ms. Chiff

    Sex Deception


    Infinity Second Place:


    The lolocaust


    Kraftgeist

    Dreamality

    Phersephone - Fire/Thermal Corr

    Legion Noire - Em/Elec Brute

    Incredible Jerk - BS/Regen Scrapper







    PvP On Justice




    Justice may not be known for PvP but you'd be surprised if you visited Pocket D on Monday nights there. Anywhere from 10-30 players routinely show up to battle in a variety of matches.


    One of the most interesting things about Justice Monday Night Arena, is that there are considerably less "FotM" builds participating. In the recent past there has been Kheldians, Trick Arrow Defenders, Electric Blasters and Claws Scrappers just to name a few.


    The general feeling one gets from Justice Monday Arena Night is that having a good time is more important than winning.


    Test may be known as the "Elite PvP" server, Freedom as the "Most PvP", Liberty as the "SG/VG PvP" server but Justice looks to be establishing itself as the "Fun PvP" server.




    Correction on last weeks Justice League Finals article



    Frau Holle participated in the 2nd and 3rd matches.

    Digital Thunder participated in all 3 matches.


    Covering their actions was nearly impossible due to the fast paced combat and the stealth powers involved.


    I personally apologize for omitting Frau Holle's and Digital Thunder's efforts in the 2nd and 3rd match.







    Classifieds


    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.




    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.




    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




    NOW HIRING: Motivated vigilante types for immediate placement as security, side kick, lackey, mentor and maleficator. The Extemplary pays top dollar, fax resume to 1-800-4-EXTEMP.




    Are you an at-risk Teen? One step away from joining a gang or villain group just to get by?

    Do you wish there was a place that understood you?

    Then Come Dodge with The Artful Dodgers on Virtue!

    Contact @Quiet American on Global in game or QuietAmerican here on the forums!

    Become a hero! The first life you save may be your own!




    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.




    WANTED: Stalkers, Corruptors, Blasters, Defenders, to write State of the Archetype articles for the City Scoop. Please contact Lemur_Lad




    Adverb - "We're all over the Action!"

    This is Courageous Lee. My brother Dangerous and I are descendants of Original Lee. We are positively sure there are other Heroic Lee's out there! And we absolutely want to hear from you! Infinity Server. Contact @KidKourage



























  • Arts & Entertainment





    So You want Some Art:

    A Tutorial



    This weeks tutorial is brought to you by one of Paragon's pillars of art : Juggertha. A few months ago, he wrote up a comprehensive and honest guide on how to request art. It may seem like a simple concept to many, but its undertaking is almost always incorrect. I'm not saying a botched inquiry will nullify your chances of getting said art, but in order to improve your chances, following the steps he listed always helps. A precursor to Juggertha's list also pointed out some common issues with requesting art : If not done correctly, you could get ignored or - even worse - flamed. So here is Juggertha's advice, heed his words! (As an artist on occasion, I share his sentiments)


    1. Be polite: that means that if you are asking someone for someting, you might want to include a "please" in there somewhere.


    2. Make it easy on the artist: post up screenies that are easy to look at. If you post up shots from far away, or ones taken in a CoT storm, I'll have no idea what your character looks like.


    3. Respect the time it takes: each piece of art takes a certain amount of time. A sketch can take anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour. A finished piece can take weeks! Don't expect things to get done asap all the time.


    4. We do not all need the experience: This one sounds kind of harsh, but it's true. While I love to better my skills, and working on different characters sometimes helps in that, it bothers me when people say "ah, do this for me and you'll get exposure in my comic", "you can practice on my character". Honestly, there are some fine characters on these boards... but just to remind some people; artists can create characters too.


    5. Time is money: Wow, this one sounds even worse. I really don't want it to sound so crass but I have to say, when someone does work for me, I pay them. If someone programs my computer or designs a page for me, I believe in compensating them for their time, skills and effort. To me, art is no different. If someone is working on a pic for me for 10 hours, they need to be compensated. That is why I love to draw for others here, and why I love having artists draw for me.


    6. Have an interesting character: This one is subjective of course, but having an interesting character helps out so much when hunting for an artist. Each artist will have their own opinion though, so...


    7. Note that every artist is different: Each one will draw/paint in their own way. Look at previous works to get a feel for the artist that is right for you.


    A big thanks to Juggertha for writing such an awesomely accurate and comprehensive list -- And letting me post it here.




    So You want some Art: Sources



    Okay, okay, okay. You've had the tutorial and now you want to give your newly studied skills a try? Are you crazy?! I'm only kidding. It's only appropriate I give you a list of some artists that accept commissions. Now, this _isn't_ as comprehensive as it could be. I am listing only people who do commissions that I can vouch for, or people I know can vouch for. I'm not saying there aren't any more credible artists out there, but as this is my article, I am only listing a few for now. I will more than likely continue to list them as each scoop comes out. If you are starting to take commissions and want some airtime, feel free to send a PM my way with a link to your portfolio and prices!


    A few notes :

    1. If/when you encounter an artist that you really like and they say their "queue is full/closed" that means that they have too many in line to do to take any more commissions. Your best bet at this time is to keep an eye on them until they open again.

    2. Depending on the artist, the payments may be handled differently. Some give you a rough draft, then you pay, then they finish. Some show you a fully finished piece with a large, obstructive watermark and won't remove it until you pay. Some make you pay fully in advance. This is entirely up to the artist.

    3. PAYPAL IS YOUR FRIEND. It is the safest and easiest way to pay an artist, in my humble opinion.

    4. The price of a commission varies on how much detail work you want done, the artist, and sometimes even the background/colours.

    5. ALWAYS look at different artists' portfolios before deciding on one.


    Here are a few listings. I have their commission status stated next to the link.


    http://fuzzywuzzywombat.deviantart.com/ - Fuzzy Wuzzy Wombat - Currently NOT Accepting Commissions

    http://hugohugo.deviantart.com/ - HugoHugo - Currently Accepting Commissions

    http://www.dementedhero.com/ - Sayterra - Currently Accepting Commissions

    http://baquitania.deviantart.com/ - Lady Judgement - Currently Accepting Commissions

    http://www.guildhelper.com/ - Guildhelper - Currently Accepting Commissions

    http://mmoart.com/ - MMOArt - Currently Accepting Commissions

    http://graver13.deviantart.com/ - Graver - Currently Accepting Commissions

    http://battlewraith.deviantart.com - BattleWraith - Currently NOT Accepting Commissions (Thanks again for the lineart!)

    http://www.mckinneyart.com/ - Brandon McKinney - Currently Accepting Commissions

    http://celticbolt.deviantart.com/ - Celtic Bolt - Currently NOT Accepting Commissions




    Color Me Excited



    This article is empty! You see this? This is emptiness! Its a void! An existentialist void! I got NO submission colourings for the lineart. However, do remember the Art Jam continues until next Wednesday (July 25th). Don't break my heart.


    I'd like to close this week's Art section with a quote from my favourite poet : Charles Bukowski :


    "An intellectual says a simple thing in a hard way. An artist says a hard thing in a simple way."



    Sampling Paragons Culinary Delights... For great justice!




    Hail, heroes and those with a less-than-heroic bent, Preternatural here yet again as we continue our ongoing exploration of the dining delights of our fair city! This week we're stopping by a favorite of yours truly, the Dirty Duck pub. Run by Seamus Mulligan, who you might remember from days of yore as the Four Leaf Cleaver, a hero (or was it villain?) of no small reputation before he hung up his cape to pay closer attention to his true love: small, dingy bars with dark wood paneling, tucked-away booths, a roaring fireplace and no questions asked when a fellow man enough to wear spandex strides in looking for a pint.


    A tiny pub, as fine a place as it may be for having a cool one and considering the many smitings delivered unto evil/good over the course of a long day, isn't exactly where one expects to find the finer side of the flatware, no?


    But Seamus, ah, Seamus - he brings a little piece of County Cork with him from the shamrock shore; recipes from his grandmother, traditional fare in the family since before the bogs became peat. Seamus may wish you the top o' the mornin', but soon enough you'll be considering the bottom o' your empty plate.


    Now I've shared many a conversation with Seamus over the top of a highball of a smooth single malt, worth every minute of the fifteen years it spent in the oak barrel. We've gotten as close as two fellows accustomed to living under secret identities by day and patrol the streets by night can be. As such, I leaned on Seamus a little to divulge some of the secrets of his grandmother's rarebit or the melt-in-your mouth brisket he serves up now and again on a Sunday.


    No dice, he keeps those recipes closer to his heart than his chest hair. He threatened to get out his old shillelagh and pummel me for even asking. I persevered, though, and told him it was for a worthy cause: the denizens of Paragon need something that sticks to their ribs, and look at all these high-handed California cuisine restaurants taking over the scene, serving a sprig of parsley and a small withered bean sprout and calling it "dinner" - didn't Seamus want to strike a blow for high cholesterol? If we can't stop crime, can't we at least stop a heart or two? If everyone were to eat responsibly, what would cardiologists do with themselves? Was or was not Seamus disheartened by the prospect of rows of unemployed cardiologists looking for handouts underneath the statue in Atlas, offering discount bypass in the back alleys for drinking money?


    He was, and shared with me a "For the Public" version of his grandmother's Poor Man's Shepherd's Pie. No need for clay ovens or peat fires, folks, this will take minutes to throw together and just a few more to bake!






    Poor Man's Shepherd's Pie (Serves 2 - halve amounts for single serving)


    1 1/2 cups carrots, chopped

    1 large yellow onion, chopped

    3/4 lb ground beef

    1 lb large potatoes, chopped

    1 Tspn salt

    Fresh ground pepper to taste

    1 Tbsp. flour

    1 fresh garlic clove, diced

    Roll of standard tin foil


    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.


    Season ground beef with salt and pepper to taste, add diced garlic and flour, mix well. Place two sheets of tin foil, around 1x1 ft, atop one another on a flat surface. In the center, place half your ground spiced ground beef. Next place enough chopped carrots, potatoes and onions to suit you. Lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper. Fold the tin foil over the mixture, then fold it back towards the center, creating a folded seal on the top of the wrap. Next, twist or fold the ends of the tin foil upward, creating a bowl-shape which will prevent leakage during cooking. Make sure the wrap doesn't have any gaping holes: it should not be air tight, but it should be firmly closed on all sides and unable to leak.


    Place the wrap in the oven and cook for 20-25 minutes. Remove wrap, open and serve. Enjoy!


    Talk about easy... and talk about tasty. The beef stews in its own broth (or spews broth forth all over your oven if you didn't fold it right), the vegetables steam atop it while still maintaining their fresh flavor - the combination once it's all done is enough to make a grown man cry over the cost of rare arcane salvage. I make this regularly at home, it's perfect for the hero or villain on the go and it has all a growing mutant needs to keep your head in the game and your fists on the enemy's solar plexus.


    Serve it with a nice room-temperature stout (poured proper!) and you'll be having visions of the green fields of Cork in no time.