Freitag
-
Posts
589 -
Joined
-
Quote:I certainly understand the desire to make money, and have consistent cash flow coming in. This is a consistent issue across various forms of entertainment. I will have to courteously disagree with you on the Mission Impossible seriesOriginally Posted by BrandX
Because remakes and sequals are more about brand recognition and continuing to make a profit on properties they own rights to.
I'd say a lot of sequals aren't done as well because they're usually made to bank of the first movies success, rather than be good. Though I think many are learning they can't get away with that easily.
Bourne series for instance, I'd say is about equal quality amongst all it's sequals. Mission Impossible (imo of course) has only gotten better with every sequal.
But then you get those sequals that arent being put out because of a great story, but because they think they can get some money out of it.
But I also wouldn't put all the blame on hollywood for it. Sometimes it is the directors/actors fault. The greatest script int he world can't be saved by directors who can't direct and actors who just aren't that good or just phone it in.
, but the Bourne series is a pretty good example. Terminator 2 vs Terminator 1 is also a pretty classic example of a series that got better with the second film.
But I think that we the viewers are at fault to some extent as well. We keep going to sequels (like Resident Evil), and so the films keep making money, and the studios keep making more of the same. I'm probably just being grouchy. Ultimately people should watch what they want, and if it makes money, why shouldn't the producer make more? I just wish that those budgets went into making films with newly acquired IP's, but I understand that those are risky.
~Freitag -
Quote:I haven't read much Lovecraft myself, but I am a fan of older fiction, from "Science" Fiction stuff like the Mars books by Edgar Rice Burroughs, to Tarzan, and even Jane Austen. What I like about them is that reading them is like a window into the way people used to think and what they used to believe. Particularly Edgar Rice Burroughs said some really unacceptable things, and I think it's good to remember what people used to believe, and how far we've come.Originally Posted by Aurora_Girl
Am I the only nerd in the nerdverse who isn't well-versed in Lovecraft?
I know Cthulu from the Internet and Wikipedia...I just have a general distaste for 18th and 19th-century fiction of *any* kind, with the "takes eighteen pages to describe a door" method of storytelling.
EDIT: Yes, I realize now that The Call of Cthulu was originally published in 1928, and is therefore 20th-century, but it still "feels" the same to me. If anyone would like to donate the works for me to read, or point me to a site where I can read them for free (and if you say the library, I'll come through your monitor and punch you), I'd be eternally grateful.
Jane Austen I'm fond of, less because of her plots, but more because of the way she writes. The better known authors of those times write SO WELL that it's just a joy to see them turn a phrase. There are other authors, even in the 20th Century who write as well (Nabokov and, whatever you may think of her philosophy, Ayn Rand come to mind immediately). It's always a pleasure to see authors write exactly what they mean, with the precise word and all its connotations, instead of using what George Orwell might term words lacking in precision.
Anyway, I can understand frustration at older texts, but I recommend giving them a shot either way.
~Freitag -
Quote:Lulz? :-POriginally Posted by Yogi_Bare
[What, exactly, are Television's general motives?]
I have no idea. I guess we'll have to wait until the next story!
~Freitag -
Quote:Fixed. Sorry that got through :-).Originally Posted by Emberly
Eurgh. It's one thing to end a sentence with a preposition, and quite another to make clumsy attempts to avoid same. Somehow the author of this piece manages to do both simultaneously. Hats off, I suppose.
~Freitag -
Grandville
It was in the inner sanctum of the Generals that Kelli Forston, known to the world as Barracuda, stood. Before her loomed Lord Recluse, leader of Arachnos. It had been than 24 hours since her benefactor and mentor Captain Mako had seemingly gone berserk for inexplicable reasons. She glanced to his right, where Red Widow stood, the chilling presence of the grave still on her recently resurrected form. Although she was expecting his anger, when he spoke it still startled her.
"Your Patron and Mentor has..." he paused and crossed his arms, "acted in a way unbecoming Arachnos."
Barracuda bowed, she knew the recent attacks on the shores of the Rogue Isles were bad.
"My Lord," she stated, matter-of-factly, "Gideon has harmed many, these past few hours, but surely his victims..." She was cut off by Recluse.
"In many ways Gideon Ray was the first victim of Captain Mako, if there is one thing I know it's how a rise to power can create someone anew. As such, like with many cold-blooded killers, he keeps trophies, sentiments. In the case of Gideon Ray, Mako keeps a few mannerisms and habits of his former life." He looked to his side, to Red Widow. "If his killing instinct can't be reined in, then I will see to it that he is stopped." Red Widow nodded.
Barracuda took in a breath, speaking sternly. Recluse might not like someone standing up to him, but she knew he had enough respect for those willing to have the chutzpah to try. "My Lord, there are reports that he has taken ships, and has set course for Paragon. Surely they are still reeling from the loss of Statesman, if he can sharpen his teeth on the Freedom Phalanx..." she paused, seeing how he took this.
"Very well, but you have until the end of the week to get to the bottom of this. He isn't responding, and reports show he destroyed his private hub. This doesn't bode well for him."
Barracuda nodded and bowed, then headed toward the elevators. Black Scorpion blocked her path. He leered at her.
"'Ey, why you helping that guy anyways? He makes like a tuna fish and yer up for a promotion." He chuckled under his breath, looming as he let her pass. She stepped in and hit the button for the lobby.
"Yer a better fit anyways, have you been watchin' the TV lately, sharks ain't nothing but smilin' fluffy dolphins."
Barracuda stopped short, blinking. "Excus-" She was cut off by the door closing, hearing Black Scorpion's laughter.
Independence Port
The news reports rang in his mind, over and over again. "Sharks are sweet, loving, happy creatures." "Just when you thought manatees were the most huggable beasts of the sea." "We have a 4 hour marathon of Jibberjowls! Oh, those silly sharks!"
Mako swam in his native waters, every attempt at taking back the image he clung to being torn away from him with edited video. He attacked a group of people playing volleyball, and was painted as the best spiker in St. Martial. He rampaged through the docks, and was labeled as playful and happy around people.
The 'Jumping the Shark' comments when he went after the skiers would haunt him for months to come.
He swam and sped through the waves. Trying to clear his mind of this attack on his person, he looked around, letting the inner beast out.
Hungry. Hungry. Bite. Chew. If he were a primal beast these words would mean nothing. He surfaced near the shallows.
"Oh look honey, I think it's a shark!" said a giggling ladies voice.
"Did you see the news reports, they're, like, the kittens of the sea!" The lady leaned against her male companion, with whom she was having a seaside picnic.
"Why yes my dear! Oh look, he's coming towards us, he's smiling! Oh how adorable, I think he wants to give us a hug with how his arms are out towards us like that."
Mako had not had a meal like that in weeks.
Then again, he wasn't one to let a perfectly good picnic go to waste after savaging those who would call him a kitten.
In homes across the Rogue Isles and in Paragon, television sets were turned to many channels, all detailing the happy, joyful lives of sharks everywhere. People tuned in, in droves. How rarely did the broadcasts get so many coming in flocks on a nightly basis. Ratings skyrocketed, and deep within the electronic viewing world, The Television purred in joy of his achievement.
Captain Mako Week continues throughout the week with in-game invasions and more! Join us in Paragon City and show Captain Mako who tops the food chain!
Join the Community Discussion here! -
Grandville
It was in the inner sanctum of the Generals that Kelli Forston, known to the world as Barracuda, stood. Before her loomed Lord Recluse, leader of Arachnos. It had been than 24 hours since her benefactor and mentor Captain Mako had seemingly gone berserk for inexplicable reasons. She glanced to his right, where Red Widow stood, the chilling presence of the grave still on her recently resurrected form. Although she was expecting his anger, when he spoke it still startled her.
"Your Patron and Mentor has..." he paused and crossed his arms, "acted in a way unbecoming Arachnos."
Barracuda bowed, she knew the recent attacks on the shores of the Rogue Isles were bad.
"My Lord," she stated, matter-of-factly, "Gideon has harmed many, these past few hours, but surely his victims..." She was cut off by Recluse.
"In many ways Gideon Ray was the first victim of Captain Mako, if there is one thing I know it's how a rise to power can create someone anew. As such, like with many cold-blooded killers, he keeps trophies, sentiments. In the case of Gideon Ray, Mako keeps a few mannerisms and habits of his former life." He looked to his side, to Red Widow. "If his killing instinct can't be reined in, then I will see to it that he is stopped." Red Widow nodded.
Barracuda took in a breath, speaking sternly. Recluse might not like someone standing up to him, but she knew he had enough respect for those willing to have the chutzpah to try. "My Lord, there are reports that he has taken ships, and has set course for Paragon. Surely they are still reeling from the loss of Statesman, if he can sharpen his teeth on the Freedom Phalanx..." she paused, seeing how he took this.
"Very well, but you have until the end of the week to get to the bottom of this. He isn't responding, and reports show he destroyed his private hub. This doesn't bode well for him."
Barracuda nodded and bowed, then headed toward the elevators. Black Scorpion blocked her path. He leered at her.
"'Ey, why you helping that guy anyways? He makes like a tuna fish and yer up for a promotion." He chuckled under his breath, looming as he let her pass. She stepped in and hit the button for the lobby.
"Yer a better fit anyways, have you been watchin' the TV lately, sharks ain't nothing but smilin' fluffy dolphins."
Barracuda stopped short, blinking. "Excus-" She was cut off by the door closing, hearing Black Scorpion's laughter.
Independence Port
The news reports rang in his mind, over and over again. "Sharks are sweet, loving, happy creatures." "Just when you thought manatees were the most huggable beasts of the sea." "We have a 4 hour marathon of Jibberjowls! Oh, those silly sharks!"
Mako swam in his native waters, every attempt at taking back the image he clung to being torn away from him with edited video. He attacked a group of people playing volleyball, and was painted as the best spiker in St. Martial. He rampaged through the docks, and was labeled as playful and happy around people.
The 'Jumping the Shark' comments when he went after the skiers would haunt him for months to come.
He swam and sped through the waves. Trying to clear his mind of this attack on his person, he looked around, letting the inner beast out.
Hungry. Hungry. Bite. Chew. If he were a primal beast these words would mean nothing. He surfaced near the shallows.
"Oh look honey, I think it's a shark!" said a giggling ladies voice.
"Did you see the news reports, they're, like, the kittens of the sea!" The lady leaned against her male companion, with whom she was having a seaside picnic.
"Why yes my dear! Oh look, he's coming towards us, he's smiling! Oh how adorable, I think he wants to give us a hug with how his arms are out towards us like that."
Mako had not had a meal like that in weeks.
Then again, he wasn't one to let a perfectly good picnic go to waste after savaging those who would call him a kitten.
In homes across the Rogue Isles and in Paragon, television sets were turned to many channels, all detailing the happy, joyful lives of sharks everywhere. People tuned in, in droves. How rarely did the broadcasts get so many coming in flocks on a nightly basis. Ratings skyrocketed, and deep within the electronic viewing world, The Television purred in joy of his achievement.
Captain Mako Week continues throughout the week with in-game invasions and more! Join us in Paragon City and show Captain Mako who tops the food chain! -
The Guardian Powers #10
How Bad Can Your Day Get?
Even superheroes can have bad days.
Only theirs end up being REALLY bad ones!
Galatea Powers is about to find out just how bad her day can get when several of her previous enemies come out of the woodwork looking for some payback. But they end up being the least of her worries, as she encounters someone that she will never expect!
Special appearances by in-game characters Doctor Vahzilok and the City Representative!
For more information about The Guardian Powers, please visit the official website: http://guardiansofthedawn.wordpress.com -
I like Keanu Reeves a lot, but all this sequel & remake business is getting a bit frustrating. I feel like there are many interesting stories out there that could be told, and it's unnecessary to just regurgitate the same stuff over and over :-).
That being said, sequels can be done well, it just seems that they frequently, well, aren't. It surprises me that actors want to do sequels. I guess it's better to want to do one than to be contractually obligated, but not want to do one.
~Freitag -
Quote:I'm sure we don't know what you're talking about.Originally Posted by Blue_Centurion
Okay, anybody else hear Zwill doing a Cthuloid rant last night, or, er, do I need to adjust my medication?
What was he communicating, why was he talking about Ry'lyeh and what (if anything) does it mean to the game. Also, he teased about a costume set coming out, any word if it is Lovecraft themed and that was why all the HP innuendo, or not?
~Freitag -
Quote:Best comic book series ever!Originally Posted by Nos482
OK, how can I put this politely?
Good Lord man, please get some help!
Your way of playing (still) sounds more tiring than my workday
Also, Steelclaw is crazy, but the best kind of crazy!
~Freitag -
New featured items at the Paragon Market®!
Bundle: Imperial Defense Force Transformation Power Pack New!
Transform your character into the Ranger or an Olympian Guard from the Imperial Defense Force villain group! Includes 2 costume transformation powers at a cumulative discount. Each power does not grant any costume parts nor a stealth ability when near the Imperial Defense Force. Purchase of these powers permanently unlocks them in the Temporary Powers inventory for all characters on your account. Available until August 20, 2012.
- Paragon Picks > Featured
- Paragon Picks > New
- Paragon Picks > Bundles
- Powers > Permanent Powers > NPC Transformation
Price: 480 Paragon Points!
Additional fin-tastic featured items at the Paragon Market®!
SET: Mako's Bite (RARE)
Price: 900 Paragon Points - 50% Off! = 450 Paragon Points!
Piranha Head
Price: 60 Paragon Points!
Fish Monster Gloves
Price: 40 Paragon Points!
Fish Monster Boots
Price: 40 Paragon Points!
Did a shark eat your homework? If so, you'll be grateful for these shark-ingly jaw-some sales at the Paragon Market for the week of 8/14/2012 to 8/20/2012!
School Backpack
Price: 80 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 60 Paragon Points!
Time Manipulation Power Set
Price: 800 Paragon Points - 50% Off! = 400 Paragon Points!
Alignment System
Price: 1200 Paragon Points - 50% Off! = 600 Paragon Points!
BUNDLE: Chainmail and Leather Armor Costume Pieces
Price: 280 Paragon Points - 50% Off! = 140 Paragon Points!
Invention License (30 day)
Price: 160 Paragon Points - 50% Off! = 80 Paragon Points!
Auction House License (30 day)
Price: 160 Paragon Points - 50% Off! = 80 Paragon Points!
Location of these Sale Items:- Paragon Picks > Sales
Check out other offerings at the Paragon Market here! Join the community discussion here! -
New featured items at the Paragon Market®!
Bundle: Imperial Defense Force Transformation Power Pack <em>New!
Transform your character into the Ranger or an Olympian Guard from the Imperial Defense Force villain group! Includes 2 costume transformation powers at a cumulative discount. Each power does not grant any costume parts nor a stealth ability when near the Imperial Defense Force. Purchase of these powers permanently unlocks them in the Temporary Powers inventory for all characters on your account. Available until August 20, 2012.
- Paragon Picks > Featured
- Paragon Picks > New
- Paragon Picks > Bundles
- Powers > Permanent Powers > NPC Transformation
Price: 480 Paragon Points!
Additional fin-tastic featured items at the Paragon Market®!
SET: Mako's Bite (RARE)
Price: 900 Paragon Points - 50% Off! = 450 Paragon Points!
Piranha Head
Price: 60 Paragon Points!
Fish Monster Gloves
Price: 40 Paragon Points!
Fish Monster Boots
Price: 40 Paragon Points!
Did a shark eat your homework? If so, you'll be grateful for these shark-ingly jaw-some sales at the Paragon Market for the week of 8/14/2012 to 8/20/2012!
School Backpack
Price: 80 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 60 Paragon Points!
Time Manipulation Power Set
Price: 800 Paragon Points - 50% Off! = 400 Paragon Points!
Alignment System
Price: 1200 Paragon Points - 50% Off! = 600 Paragon Points!
BUNDLE: Chainmail and Leather Armor Costume Pieces
Price: 280 Paragon Points - 50% Off! = 140 Paragon Points!
Invention License (30 day)
Price: 160 Paragon Points - 50% Off! = 80 Paragon Points!
Auction House License (30 day)
Price: 160 Paragon Points - 50% Off! = 80 Paragon Points!
Location of these Sale Items:- Paragon Picks > Sales
Check out other offerings at the Paragon Market here! -
Quote:Sigh, I fail. Sorry for not noticing this earlier. It's fixed.Originally Posted by DarkGob
What about the confusing list of discounts on the Char Slots and Revival Temps, that was a test too right? Right???
EDIT: I guess it's "fixed" in this thread but not on the announcement thread. Also, your BBCode is borked here.
~Freitag -
I WAS JUST TESTING YOU GUYS TO SEE IF YOU WERE PAYING ATTENTION...
yeah ... *hides*.
~Freitag -
Double XP Weekend Sale at the Paragon Market®!
A different Power Set will be on sale each day of the Double XP Weekend, beginning at 10:00am PDT (1:00pm EDT; 6:00pm BST; 19:00 CEST), for that day only!
Friday, August 10th, 2012:
Darkness Control Power Set
Price: 800 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 600 Paragon Points!
Saturday, August 11th, 2012:
Street Justice Power Set
Price: 800 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 600 Paragon Points!
Sunday, August 12th, 2012:
Beam Rifle Power Set
Price: 800 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 600 Paragon Points!
Additional Items On Sale All Weekend!
Mastermind Archetype
Price: 1200 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 900 Paragon Points!
Controller Archetype
Price: 1200 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 900 Paragon Points!
Alignment Change Token
Price: 800 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 600 Paragon Points!
Character Rename Token
Price: 800 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 600 Paragon Points!
Character Respec Token
Price: 800 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 600 Paragon Points!
Character Server Transfer Token
Price: 800 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 600 Paragon Points!
Character Slots
Price:
1 Slot = 480 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 360 Paragon Points!
2 Slots = 800 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 600 Paragon Points!
5 Slots = 1600 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 1200 Paragon Points!
Revival Temporary Power
Price:
1 x = 60 Paragon Points - 50% Off! = 30 Paragon Points!
3 x = 150 Paragon Points - 50% Off! = 75 Paragon Points!
5 x = 200 Paragon Points - 50% Off! = 100 Paragon Points!
Location of these Sale Items:- Paragon Picks > Sales
Check out other offerings at the Paragon Market here! Join the community discussion here! -
Double XP Weekend Sale at the Paragon Market®!
A different Power Set will be on sale each day of the Double XP Weekend, beginning at 10:00am PDT (1:00pm EDT; 6:00pm BST; 19:00 CEST), for that day only!
Friday, August 10th, 2012:
Darkness Control Power Set
Price: 800 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 600 Paragon Points!
Saturday, August 11th, 2012:
Street Justice Power Set
Price: 800 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 600 Paragon Points!
Sunday, August 12th, 2012:
Beam Rifle Power Set
Price: 800 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 600 Paragon Points!
Additional Items On Sale All Weekend!
Mastermind Archetype
Price: 1200 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 900 Paragon Points!
Controller Archetype
Price: 1200 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 900 Paragon Points!
Alignment Change Token
Price: 800 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 600 Paragon Points!
Character Rename Token
Price: 800 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 600 Paragon Points!
Character Respec Token
Price: 800 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 600 Paragon Points!
Character Server Transfer Token
Price: 800 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 600 Paragon Points!
Character Slots
Price:
1 Slot = 480 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 360 Paragon Points!
2 Slots = 800 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 600 Paragon Points!
5 Slots = 1600 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 1200 Paragon Points!
Revival Temporary Power
Price:
1 x = 60 Paragon Points - 50% Off! = 30 Paragon Points!
3 x = 150 Paragon Points - 50% Off! = 75 Paragon Points!
5 x = 200 Paragon Points - 50% Off! = 100 Paragon Points!
Location of these Sale Items:- Paragon Picks > Sales
Check out other offerings at the Paragon Market here! -
Dawn Enterprises #25
Dorian and the others recover in space while on Earth O'Bannen confronts Hex and more!
The Dawn Academy was originally devised by Elizabeth Bloodmoon (now Shirako) as a center for the study of the healing arts; As the Academy expanded, so has its curriculum, and now it serves as a safe haven and center for instruction in a wide variety of fields, both technological and arcane - as well as home to very capable superheroes of academic bent.
However, Elizabeth soon realized the value of what she wryly refers to as 'pre-emptive care;' The Aegis of the Dawn was born soon after, a home for noble warriors and brave protectors. The Aegis operates openly and proudly, ready to raise their shield wherever needed.
Sometimes doing good means doing good in secret, however, and Dorian Summers created Fennec Enterprises - which is, depending on who you ask, a computer company, or a front for the secretive Rapid Response Team. Just because they stick to the shadows, however, does not mean they aren't ready for a fight.
The addition of Chelsea LaFitte and her group to the allies became soon a bliss. Acting as Fennec's Arcane Arm, by Chelsea's own suggestion, Paragon Gris Gris has always been a home to second chances and people who always had a hard time to fit, yet do all that they must to help.
The adventures of the Dawn Enterprises Coalition! http://dawnenterprises.guildportal.com/
For more information about this comic series, check out the official website: http://www.CoXComics.com/ -
Hi everyone!
Today, I visited our friends across the Pond on Defiant in order to run the arc "Rise of the Copper Legion" (Arc #60280 by @theHedoren)! In this arc, which is replete with easily distracted archaeologists and anthropolgists, we had to investigate mysterious goings-on that were threatening the world as we know it! This arc had some really cool custom NPC's, which are definitely worth running, as well as a challenge at the end! Take a look!
Joining me on Defiant were the following players! More were willing, but unfortunately, the group filled quickly!
Blast Burnout, Gravitron Darkmoor, Doc Dravon, Ms. Liberty Xion, Kim Blaze, Isala, and Hazard Granit
Thanks for reading, and be sure to check out "Rise of the Copper Legion"!
~Freitag -
Quote:I wonder who he'll kill off?Originally Posted by Starflier
Also creating a Marvel-based series for ABC...
I jest, I jest :-).
~Freitag -
Quote:Photoshop takes a while when you're as bad at it as Zwill.Originally Posted by Golden Girl
He's just making more meme images.
~Freitag
P.S. if you don't hear from me much in the next few weeks it's cuz I'm hiding from my boss. Don't worry! -
Introduction
Hello City of Heroes community! Today I'm going to be introducing a new support set: Nature Affinity! This power set is a Primary powerset choice for Defenders and a Secondary powerset choice for Controllers, Corruptors and Masterminds. Nature Affinity focuses on providing mid range support for both the user and their team mates. They even empower the healing power of everyone on their team. I'd like to go into greater detail with the powers found within the Nature Affinity set, but first I'd like to explain this set's new mechanic.
Bloom
Nature Affinity brings a new secondary buff to the table. All of Nature Affinity's buffs and heals put a stack (or stacks) of Bloom on the target. Each stack improves the effectiveness of healing powers on that target by 4% per stack. Bloom can stack up to 5 times (for a total of 20% additional healing). This means an Empathy Defender or Controller's heals are more powerful on targets affected by Bloom. Additionally, characters that rely on self healing (like Regeneration) can benefit from Bloom when they use self heals like Reconstruction and Dull Pain.
Bloom in a nutshell:- Buffs/Heals in the set grant affected targets a stack (or multiple stacks) of Bloom
- Bloom stacks up to 5 times
- Each stack improves healing on that target by 4% for 30 seconds
Powers
Below is a detailed list of all the powers contained within Nature Affinity along with their short and help descriptions as well as some designer comments for each of the powers within the set.
Nature Affinity
You have command over the forces of nature and are able to call forth primal energies to aid your allies and hinder your foes. Many of your powers place a Bloom effect on you and your allies. Each stack of Bloom boosts healing effects on the affected targets by a 4% for 30 seconds. Bloom can stack up to 5 times.
Corrosive Enzymes
Ranged, Foe -Res(All), -DMG(All)
You spray a target with toxic, corrosive Enzymes reducing the damage they deal as well as their damage resistance. Recharge: Slow
Designer's Comments: This power is a useful debuff for guaranteeing that your target will suffer additional damage and will deal less damage. It combined with the other damage mitigation tools can really add up.
Regrowth
Ranged Facing Cone, Minor Ally Heal, Ally Moderate Healing Over Time, +1 Bloom
By channeling the energies present in nature you are able to immediately heal yourself and allies in front of you for a small amount of health and cause them to recover a small amount of health over time. Regrowth places a stack of Bloom on its target. Recharge: Moderate
Designer's Comments: One of my goals with Nature Affinity was to make sure you could use nearly all the powers within this set when playing solo. Regrowth is an example of that. It allows you to heal allies within a broad cone in front of you and also heal yourself. It also grants a stack of Bloom.
Wild Growth
PBAoE, Team +Res(All), +Regen, +2 Bloom
You channel the power of nature into your allies allowing them to more easily shrug off damage and causing their wounds to heal more quickly. Wild Growth increases the damage resistance and boosts the regeneration rate of all affected allies. This power also grants 2 stacks of Bloom. Recharge: Very Long
Designer's Comments: Wild Growth is a survivability boosting power. It grants a significant boost to regeneration and a pretty hefty boost to damage resistance as well. Firing this off before a tough fight can guarantee some increased survivability over time.
Spore Cloud
Toggle (Targeted AoE), Foe -Dmg(All), -To Hit, -Regen
You create a large cloud of toxic spores around your targeted foe. The target and all nearby foes will have their damage output, chance to hit and regeneration rate reduced. Recharge: Long
Designer's Comments: Spore Cloud adds additional survivability to your team by causing the targeted foe and nearby foes to have their damage and to hit reduced, ultimately reducing incoming damage. As an added perk the targets' regeneration rate is decreased moderately.
Lifegiving Spores
Toggle (Location AoE), PBAoE +Minor Heal Over Time, +Endurance
When activating this power you cause all allies at a selected location to recover a small amount of health and endurance every few seconds as long as they remain within the Lifegiving Spores. Recharge: Very Fast
Designer's Comments: Lifegiving Spires is a pretty unique power. It allows the player to designate a location where players can stand to receive a small amount of healing over time and a boost to endurance every few seconds. What is especially nice is that this power's recharge is quick enough to make sure you can use it every encounter. Its endurance cost is also minimized or removed altogether provided the caster stands within it.
Wild Bastion
PBAoE, Team +Absorb, +Heal Over Time, +3 Bloom
You encase yourself and nearby allies in a protective barrier that will absorb a moderate amount of damage. Additionally, affected allies will heal for a portion of their health over time. Wild Bastion places 3 stacks of Bloom on all affected targets. Recharge: Very Long
Designer's Comments: This power is intended to help a team recover from a tricky situation. Your team will receive a good amount of damage absorption and a pretty sizeable heal over time.
Rebirth
Ranged, Ally Rez, +Heal Over Time, Special, +3 Bloom
Rebirth can either greatly heal a conscious ally for a large amount of health over time or it can revive a fallen ally with a large amount of health and endurance and cause them to recover health over time. This power also grants 3 stacks of Bloom. Recharge: Very Long
Designer's Comments: Rebirth is another unique power. It functions as both a mega heal and a revive power. Its recharge is fairly long though, so you should be thoughtful regarding its use. Rebirth is the only power in the set that cannot be used while solo.
Entangling Aura
Toggle, Foe Hold
While this power is active there is a high chance that entangling vines will grasp nearby foes and render them held for a short time. Recharge: Fast
Designer's Comments: Entangling Aura is intended to help mitigate damage when enemies inevitably come charging your way. Primarily Nature Affinity was designed to heal and buff from a distance, but if things go awry Entangling Aura can help prevent some damage from weaker enemies.
Overgrowth
PBAoE, Team +Damage, +To Hit, +Endurance Discount, +5 Bloom
Becoming a conduit of nature itself, you greatly boost the damage, to hit and endurance discount of nearby allies for a long period of time. Overgrowth also grants the affected targets 5 stacks of Bloom. Recharge: Very Long
Designer's Comments: Not only does Overgrowth make sure you give all affected targets 5 stacks of Bloom (which translates to +20% healing), but it also grants a sizeable damage and to hit buff as well as a good endurance discount to all nearby allies. Use it before a big fight to make sure team mates don't run out of endurance and deal plenty of damage.
Tips and Tricks
Below are some tips and tricks for Nature Affinity users that will hopefully get you started. As always this section isn't intended to be the definitive method for playing the power set, but will hopefully give you some insight into its design. I'm sure you'll find your own ideal way of playing this set over time.
- Mid Range Support!
- Nature Affinity was originally conceptualized as a mid range support set. This means you place your yourself within maximum range of Regrowth (45 feet) and your allies, and fire that heal off whenever you can. Meanwhile in between Regrowth you can blast or control (depending on your archetype), weaken enemies with Spore Cloud and Corrosive Sap and deploy Lifegiving Spores in the thick of combat.
- Know when to use your cooldowns
- Nature Affinity has a few incredible powers that have a very long recharge time. So, you'll need to know when to use Wild Growth, Wild Bastion and Overgrowth.
- Wild Growth is typically best to use before a dangerous encounter, but there may be situations where it is needed mid combat as well.
- Wild Bastion is great before and after combat. It can be used to prepare for an intense battle or used to recover from a large amount of sudden damage.
- Overgrowth is intended to be used before a fight where burst damage is key to victory.
- Tricky Powers
- Regrowth: This power is a little different than you're likely used to. It's a player facing cone, much like Vorpal Judgement, it will heal allies in the direction you're facing. As an added bonus, it also heals you! So make sure you're facing your intended allies before using it.
- Lifegiving Spores: This power can be used to make sure you are less likely to run out of endurance, or it can be placed in the thick of combat where your allies might need a little healing over time. Fortunately its recharge time is very short, so you can move it around as needed. Its healing over time and endurance healing effects might seem small, but over time its benefits can add up.
- Rebirth: Do you use it to revive a fallen ally? Or do you use it to heal a seriously wounded team mate? The choice is yours. Keep in mind though that is has a fairly long recharge time. Use it carefully.
- Entangling Aura: You might be thinking "What is a Choking Cloud-like power doing in a Mid Range Support set?" The answer to that is self preservation. Rarely do battles go exactly as planned. Sometimes enemies might slip past your stalwart Tanker or the controlling powers of your Dominator or Controller team mates. You might end up face to face with a horde of minions and lieutenants. That's where Entangling Aura comes into play. It can hold your foes long enough for you to withdraw to a safer location.
Conclusion
I had a lot of fun designing this power set. The goals here were to create something new and different, but not introduce an overwhelming amount of new mechanics. I also wanted to make sure you could play well solo or with a team. Also our FX team really outdid themselves on this powerset. The visuals are top notch and nothing like you'll currently see in game. On these points I feel Nature Affinity truly delivers. We've wanted to make a Nature themed support set for a long time now, and we're pleased we finally get to deliver it to you in the Paragon Market soon! As always I look forward to the new themes, character concepts and insane builds you're likely to come up with. See you in City of Heroes!
Phil "Synapse" Zeleski
Join the Community Discussion here! -
Introduction
Hello City of Heroes community! Today I'm going to be introducing a new support set: Nature Affinity! This power set is a Primary powerset choice for Defenders and a Secondary powerset choice for Controllers, Corruptors and Masterminds. Nature Affinity focuses on providing mid range support for both the user and their team mates. They even empower the healing power of everyone on their team. I'd like to go into greater detail with the powers found within the Nature Affinity set, but first I'd like to explain this set's new mechanic.
Bloom
Nature Affinity brings a new secondary buff to the table. All of Nature Affinity's buffs and heals put a stack (or stacks) of Bloom on the target. Each stack improves the effectiveness of healing powers on that target by 4% per stack. Bloom can stack up to 5 times (for a total of 20% additional healing). This means an Empathy Defender or Controller's heals are more powerful on targets affected by Bloom. Additionally, characters that rely on self healing (like Regeneration) can benefit from Bloom when they use self heals like Reconstruction and Dull Pain.
Bloom in a nutshell:- Buffs/Heals in the set grant affected targets a stack (or multiple stacks) of Bloom
- Bloom stacks up to 5 times
- Each stack improves healing on that target by 4% for 30 seconds
Powers
Below is a detailed list of all the powers contained within Nature Affinity along with their short and help descriptions as well as some designer comments for each of the powers within the set.
Nature Affinity
You have command over the forces of nature and are able to call forth primal energies to aid your allies and hinder your foes. Many of your powers place a Bloom effect on you and your allies. Each stack of Bloom boosts healing effects on the affected targets by a 4% for 30 seconds. Bloom can stack up to 5 times.
Corrosive Enzymes
Ranged, Foe -Res(All), -DMG(All)
You spray a target with toxic, corrosive Enzymes reducing the damage they deal as well as their damage resistance. Recharge: Slow
Designer's Comments: This power is a useful debuff for guaranteeing that your target will suffer additional damage and will deal less damage. It combined with the other damage mitigation tools can really add up.
Regrowth
Ranged Facing Cone, Minor Ally Heal, Ally Moderate Healing Over Time, +1 Bloom
By channeling the energies present in nature you are able to immediately heal yourself and allies in front of you for a small amount of health and cause them to recover a small amount of health over time. Regrowth places a stack of Bloom on its target. Recharge: Moderate
Designer's Comments: One of my goals with Nature Affinity was to make sure you could use nearly all the powers within this set when playing solo. Regrowth is an example of that. It allows you to heal allies within a broad cone in front of you and also heal yourself. It also grants a stack of Bloom.
Wild Growth
PBAoE, Team +Res(All), +Regen, +2 Bloom
You channel the power of nature into your allies allowing them to more easily shrug off damage and causing their wounds to heal more quickly. Wild Growth increases the damage resistance and boosts the regeneration rate of all affected allies. This power also grants 2 stacks of Bloom. Recharge: Very Long
Designer's Comments: Wild Growth is a survivability boosting power. It grants a significant boost to regeneration and a pretty hefty boost to damage resistance as well. Firing this off before a tough fight can guarantee some increased survivability over time.
Spore Cloud
Toggle (Targeted AoE), Foe -Dmg(All), -To Hit, -Regen
You create a large cloud of toxic spores around your targeted foe. The target and all nearby foes will have their damage output, chance to hit and regeneration rate reduced. Recharge: Long
Designer's Comments: Spore Cloud adds additional survivability to your team by causing the targeted foe and nearby foes to have their damage and to hit reduced, ultimately reducing incoming damage. As an added perk the targets' regeneration rate is decreased moderately.
Lifegiving Spores
Toggle (Location AoE), PBAoE +Minor Heal Over Time, +Endurance
When activating this power you cause all allies at a selected location to recover a small amount of health and endurance every few seconds as long as they remain within the Lifegiving Spores. Recharge: Very Fast
Designer's Comments: Lifegiving Spires is a pretty unique power. It allows the player to designate a location where players can stand to receive a small amount of healing over time and a boost to endurance every few seconds. What is especially nice is that this power's recharge is quick enough to make sure you can use it every encounter. Its endurance cost is also minimized or removed altogether provided the caster stands within it.
Wild Bastion
PBAoE, Team +Absorb, +Heal Over Time, +3 Bloom
You encase yourself and nearby allies in a protective barrier that will absorb a moderate amount of damage. Additionally, affected allies will heal for a portion of their health over time. Wild Bastion places 3 stacks of Bloom on all affected targets. Recharge: Very Long
Designer's Comments: This power is intended to help a team recover from a tricky situation. Your team will receive a good amount of damage absorption and a pretty sizeable heal over time.
Rebirth
Ranged, Ally Rez, +Heal Over Time, Special, +3 Bloom
Rebirth can either greatly heal a conscious ally for a large amount of health over time or it can revive a fallen ally with a large amount of health and endurance and cause them to recover health over time. This power also grants 3 stacks of Bloom. Recharge: Very Long
Designer's Comments: Rebirth is another unique power. It functions as both a mega heal and a revive power. Its recharge is fairly long though, so you should be thoughtful regarding its use. Rebirth is the only power in the set that cannot be used while solo.
Entangling Aura
Toggle, Foe Hold
While this power is active there is a high chance that entangling vines will grasp nearby foes and render them held for a short time. Recharge: Fast
Designer's Comments: Entangling Aura is intended to help mitigate damage when enemies inevitably come charging your way. Primarily Nature Affinity was designed to heal and buff from a distance, but if things go awry Entangling Aura can help prevent some damage from weaker enemies.
Overgrowth
PBAoE, Team +Damage, +To Hit, +Endurance Discount, +5 Bloom
Becoming a conduit of nature itself, you greatly boost the damage, to hit and endurance discount of nearby allies for a long period of time. Overgrowth also grants the affected targets 5 stacks of Bloom. Recharge: Very Long
Designer's Comments: Not only does Overgrowth make sure you give all affected targets 5 stacks of Bloom (which translates to +20% healing), but it also grants a sizeable damage and to hit buff as well as a good endurance discount to all nearby allies. Use it before a big fight to make sure team mates don't run out of endurance and deal plenty of damage.
Tips and Tricks
Below are some tips and tricks for Nature Affinity users that will hopefully get you started. As always this section isn't intended to be the definitive method for playing the power set, but will hopefully give you some insight into its design. I'm sure you'll find your own ideal way of playing this set over time.
- Mid Range Support!
- Nature Affinity was originally conceptualized as a mid range support set. This means you place your yourself within maximum range of Regrowth (45 feet) and your allies, and fire that heal off whenever you can. Meanwhile in between Regrowth you can blast or control (depending on your archetype), weaken enemies with Spore Cloud and Corrosive Sap and deploy Lifegiving Spores in the thick of combat.
- Know when to use your cooldowns
- Nature Affinity has a few incredible powers that have a very long recharge time. So, you'll need to know when to use Wild Growth, Wild Bastion and Overgrowth.
- Wild Growth is typically best to use before a dangerous encounter, but there may be situations where it is needed mid combat as well.
- Wild Bastion is great before and after combat. It can be used to prepare for an intense battle or used to recover from a large amount of sudden damage.
- Overgrowth is intended to be used before a fight where burst damage is key to victory.
- Tricky Powers
- Regrowth: This power is a little different than you're likely used to. It's a player facing cone, much like Vorpal Judgement, it will heal allies in the direction you're facing. As an added bonus, it also heals you! So make sure you're facing your intended allies before using it.
- Lifegiving Spores: This power can be used to make sure you are less likely to run out of endurance, or it can be placed in the thick of combat where your allies might need a little healing over time. Fortunately its recharge time is very short, so you can move it around as needed. Its healing over time and endurance healing effects might seem small, but over time its benefits can add up.
- Rebirth: Do you use it to revive a fallen ally? Or do you use it to heal a seriously wounded team mate? The choice is yours. Keep in mind though that is has a fairly long recharge time. Use it carefully.
- Entangling Aura: You might be thinking "What is a Choking Cloud-like power doing in a Mid Range Support set?" The answer to that is self preservation. Rarely do battles go exactly as planned. Sometimes enemies might slip past your stalwart Tanker or the controlling powers of your Dominator or Controller team mates. You might end up face to face with a horde of minions and lieutenants. That's where Entangling Aura comes into play. It can hold your foes long enough for you to withdraw to a safer location.
Conclusion
I had a lot of fun designing this power set. The goals here were to create something new and different, but not introduce an overwhelming amount of new mechanics. I also wanted to make sure you could play well solo or with a team. Also our FX team really outdid themselves on this powerset. The visuals are top notch and nothing like you'll currently see in game. On these points I feel Nature Affinity truly delivers. We've wanted to make a Nature themed support set for a long time now, and we're pleased we finally get to deliver it to you in the Paragon Market soon! As always I look forward to the new themes, character concepts and insane builds you're likely to come up with. See you in City of Heroes!
Phil "Synapse" Zeleski -
Issue 24: Resurgence is on the horizon! The Praetorian War has ended, and it's time to rebuild! With new stories, powers, enhancements, and more for all players, as well as more content for VIP players, the stage is set for an epic continuation of the story of Paragon City, the Rogue Isles and Praetoria!
Experience all new features like Power Pool Customization, a Blaster buff, and new Invention Origin enhancement sets, and enjoy the new (free for VIP) secondary Power Sets for Blasters and Dominators, as well as new Lore Incarnate Abilities, allowing you to summon the Banished Pantheon, Knives of Vengeance, and more to your side!
There's also a brand new Tier 9 VIP Reward to be had: the Tech Knight Costume Set, which fuses cosmic energy and high-tech power. Only you can decide whether to use this power for good or for your own nefarious purposes ... the choice is yours alone!
So go check out the Issue 24: Resurgence overview page, and read much more about these new features, as well as many others, and keep an eye out for the Issue 24: Resurgence beta!
Join the community discussion here! -
Issue 24: Resurgence is on the horizon! The Praetorian War has ended, and it's time to rebuild! With new stories, powers, enhancements, and more for all players, as well as more content for VIP players, the stage is set for an epic continuation of the story of Paragon City, the Rogue Isles and Praetoria!
Experience all new features like Power Pool Customization, a Blaster buff, and new Invention Origin enhancement sets, and enjoy the new (free for VIP) secondary Power Sets for Blasters and Dominators, as well as new Lore Incarnate Abilities, allowing you to summon the Banished Pantheon, Knives of Vengeance, and more to your side!
There's also a brand new Tier 9 VIP Reward to be had: the Tech Knight Costume Set, which fuses cosmic energy and high-tech power. Only you can decide whether to use this power for good or for your own nefarious purposes ... the choice is yours alone!
So go check out the Issue 24: Resurgence overview page, and read much more about these new features, as well as many others, and keep an eye out for the Issue 24: Resurgence beta! -
Featured items at the Paragon Market®!
Bundle: Pocket D Costume Pieces
Back by popular demand! The BUNDLE: Pocket D Costume Pieces, contains a collection of 14 casual-wear costume pieces for all your characters at a cumulative discount. This is a one-time purchase.
- Paragon Picks > Featured
- Paragon Picks > New
- Paragon Picks > Bundles
Price: 400 Paragon Points!
Bundle: Roman Costume Pieces
Greco-Roman is back in style! This BUNDLE: Roman Costume Pieces, contains a collection of 15 costume pieces for ALL characters PLUS 7 Shields for Shield characters at a cumulative discount.
- Paragon Picks > Featured
- Paragon Picks > New
- Paragon Picks > Bundles
Price: 400 Paragon Points!
XP Boosters
Please Note: XP Boosters stack with the double XP weekend effect!
Price:
1 x Booster = 120 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 90 Paragon Points![/Color]
3 x Booster = 300 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 225 Paragon Points![/Color]
5 x Booster = 450 Paragon Points - 25% Off! = 338 Paragon Points![/Color]
Location of these Sale Items:- Paragon Picks > Sales
Check out other offerings at the Paragon Market here! Join the community discussion here!
