HolyEvilAoD

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I had always assumed their sets were the same one used by their Praetorian counterparts.

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Some are/probably are. Infernal is most likely a Fire/Axe tank on both sides. Positron is a Rad/Rad like Anti-Matter. Luminary is Eng/Eng like Blackstar.

Others (like Swan) wouldn't make much sense with their Praetorian counterpart's powers.

RP Congress - Pinnacle RP Congress RPing channel
Hami Bound - Pinnacle Hamidon channel

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they shuld let you gamble xp or earn xp in the arena also let you bet influance...


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And then we can have Influence sharks! And blackjack! And hookers!

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In fact, forget the Influence sharks.

I would love to have some way to have SG specific missions. Ideally, the SG leaders would have some say in what these missions contain (IE, enemy groups [Crey, Nemesis, CoT, etc], general map lay out [lab, cave, outdoor forest, etc], and overall storyline), but that'd probably require a lot more than is feasible to code.

A pipe dream of mine would be to have fights vs a Bizarro SG, much like high level characters get to fight the Praetorian AVs. I would love to have missions where I could fight against the evil alternate reality AoDoJ where all of the characters have "gone bad". Again, that's a pipe dream I know. But I'd love it.

Of all the ones posted, I liked the Rikti one the best. This includes ones posted by other people. It is simple, the colors aren't glaring or annoying, it's not busy at all. It's simple and elegant. It also reminds me a bit of Tony DiTerlizzi's work at least in coloration.

The majority of the ones that people are claiming "should have won", I would never use as a wallpaper. Some are cool looking (like Bert's), but they're too cluttered to work as a wallpaper on the back of a computer screen. Maybe as a poster on the wall of my bedroom, but not a wallpaper.

*waves hand* I'm the friend he's talking about. I can tell you how I have them slotted... 1 run speed in Swift, one in Sprint, and one in Quickness. No run speeds in Elude, just 5 recharge reducers and 1 defense buff (no Hasten, so I need that extra recharge).

I personally agree with Geko. Hey, I have to take 3 powers to get this and didn't have it until level 40 (actually, level 42 for me, but I could have had it at 40 had I slotted right). Plus, if there's a 10 foot wall in front of me, I have to spend 20 minutes looking for a way around. Plus, I have that annoying [censored] backflip ever 2 minutes or so, which stops me dead in my tracks, and kills my Endurance so I have to wait a few seconds before I can Sprint again...

Plus, it's hard to turn it off whenever I need, so precision moving is nearly impossible.

Once everyone had quieted down, Holy Evil cleared his throat a second time and adjusted his tie. “Now that we’re all ready, let’s begin,” he said, staring out at the gathered group of reporters, businessmen, scientists, heroes, and ordinary people. “Paragon City has long been beset by trouble. Hordes of monsters, criminals, Nazis, and the like have harassed our citizens, damaged our property, and cost our businesses millions.”

There was murmuring acknowledgment from the crowd. Holy grinned slightly and continued. “Nothing is safe in Paragon City. People are kidnaped, labs are broken into, and no matter what the heroes of Paragon City do, the crime never seems to stop. Well enough is enough and it’s time for a change!

“AoD Corp has, for the past several months, put its top researchers and scientists into developing the solution to the city’s problems. And, unlike some other companies, none of them went rogue on us.” There was a chuckle from the crowd as Holy shot a snide glance at Countess Crey. Hopkins looked over at his boss, but she waved him off and he stood down. “I would like to introduce everyone to Dr. Arsenic, our chief scientist in Research and Development.”

Dr. Arsenic nodded his gasmasked head. “Dr. Arsenic has led the team responsible for developing what I am about to reveal. He consulted with the top minds in the field of robotics to create the next evolution in personal and industrial security and law enforcement. Ladies and gentlemen, I give to you the AoD Assault Robot!”

The AoD security forces standing next to the covered cart whipped the sheet off. There was a murmur of excitement from the crowd as the AoD Corp’s big project was finally revealed. A red and yellow robot standing around six feet tall. A red light swept back and forth across its visor as it scanned the crowd and powered up. Twin balls of energy formed around its hands.

“The AoD Assault Robot, or AoDAR for short, is the most advanced security robot in the world. It possesses a self-recharging battery capable of producing enough energy to punch through a foot of reinforced steel. The body is made of a special polymer of plastic and metal that allows it to withstand a direct hit from a tank shell and still function. Its systems are self repairing and it can generate a force field capable of deflecting energy attacks. In addition, it possesses a complex logic computer that allows it to differentiate between friends and enemies and act independently in a variety of high-pressure situations.

“The best part,” Holy Evil continued, “is that unlike regular heroes, it can function day and night for weeks without needing to rest. The AoDAR is capable of providing protection to any laboratory, factory, warehouse, art gallery, rich heir, diplomat, or corporate executive that the city’s normal heroes would not be able to provide. One thousand units have already been produced and are available for the low price of seventy thousand dollars per unit. The protection is worth every penny. But don’t just listen to me. Allow Dr. Arsenic to prove it to you.”

Holy Evil stepped back and offered the floor to Dr. Arsenic. The scientist stepped forward and gestured towards a security guard. “You, attack the AoDAR.” The security guard nodded confidently and walked forward. He crouched down into a martial arts stance and faced the AoDAR. “This agent here is a trained black belt in seven different martial arts. Three weeks ago, he protected an AoD Corp laboratory from a raid by the Trolls, personally defeating one of their Ogres in hand-to-hand combat. AoDAR, defeat this agent.”

“Affirmative,” was the AoDAR’s hollow reply. The robot took a step forward, right into a shattering kick from the agent. The AoDAR robot barely flinched, instead taking another step forward and swinging one of its energy charged fists at the agent. The agent leapt backwards, away from the punch, when a second swing from the robot connected with the side of his jaw. The agent went flying backwards, landing on the ground in a heap. The agent did not stand up as the AoDAR advanced on him.

Dr. Arsenic held up a hand. “Enough,” he said, before turning to the audience. “As you can see, the AoDAR is capable of extreme force. Would anyone else care to test it?” No one responded and Dr. Arsenic nodded his head. “You may have the floor, Mr. Sanders,” Dr. Arsenic said, stepping back.

A rush of AoD medical techs gathered around the fallen agent and carried him off as Holy Evil retook the floor. “That concludes our demonstration of the AoDAR,” he said. “Orders may be placed by calling our corporate offices. I expect that the initial run will move quickly, so act quickly. Soon, the AoDAR will clean up the streets of Paragon and protect its citizens from villainy. Now, are there any questions?” he asked.

One of the reporters present raised his hand. “Holy Evil, what do you have to say about reports that Vandal has been broken out of prison?”

Holy frowned briefly, but forced a smile on his face. “Vandal is a threat to everyone. But with the AoDAR patrolling, he won’t be free for long.” Holy’s smile vanished. “Next question?”

Another reporter raised his hand. “Holy Evil, do you fear Council reprisal at all? After all, you captured Vandal mere days before they secured control over the 5th Column!”

Holy frowned this time and the frown didn’t vanish. “I have nothing to worry about from the Council. Now, if we could move on from questions about Vandal and talk about the AoDAR, I would appreciate it.”

Holy Evil looked around at the gathered people, waiting for a question...

TBC...

The crowd was already beginning to assemble in front of Galaxy Girl’s statue. AoD Corp had called a press conference and Agent Johnson was working security for the event. He crossed his arms and stretched his neck. He’d been standing around for well over an hour, doing nothing but watch people pass by and look up Galaxy Girl’s stone skirt. He sighed and considered himself lucky; at least he wasn’t working security at one of the labs today. He usually worked in an AoD Corp lab in Skyway City, but he’d been reassigned for today’s special event.

“There are a lot of people showing up,” a stiff woman’s voice said. Agent Johnson looked over at Agent Takamura, his partner for the day. Her light brown hair was pulled up in a bun and tied back with chopsticks. She was a good looking woman, if a bit waifish.

Agent Johnson nodded. “Well, the press conference is getting a lot of buzz. People don’t know what it’s going to be. Plus, Mr. Sanders just captured Vandal not too long ago, so people are interested in seeing him.”

Agent Takamura’s brow crinkled. “Vandal?” she asked. “Who’s that?”

Agent Johnson didn’t reply at first, because he thought Agent Takamura must be joking. But after a minute, he realized she was serious. “Vandal. The 5th Column scientist. He was responsible for designing the Mek Men, Steel Valkyries, and Wolfpack robots that trash the city. I can’t believe you’ve never heard of him before.”

“I just transferred from the Tokyo branch,” she answered. “I don’t know much about American heroes and villains.”

Agent Johnson snorted. “Well, Vandal was a huge problem. Luckily, Mr. Sanders caught him a few weeks ago and it was front page news. Of course, he escaped last night. Probably those Council freaks that took over the 5th Column wanted him for their own.” He went back to scanning the crowd. He suddenly picked up a huge power surge on his tracer monocle.

The tracer monocle was one of the first things AoD Corp patented (number 6671978) after getting its government grant to study Rikti technology. The monocle could pick up a variety of energy signatures, from nuclear to mutant to psychic. The only thing it couldn’t detect was magic, though AoD Corp scientists were working on improving the device.

As Agent Johnson looked around for the source of the power, Agent Takamura let out a low whistle. “Who’s that?” she said, pointing at the large man striding through the crowd. The people reverently stepped out of his way as he walked to the front.

“Back Alley Brawler,” Agent Johnson said. “I can’t believe he’d show up here. Usually he’s too busy training the city’s young heroes to bother with something like this.” Agent Johnson shook his head. “This must be really big news.” Agent Johnson looked over at Agent Takamura and saw her blank stare. He rolled his eyes. “Back Alley Brawler is one of the Freedom Phalanx, the city’s most respected and idolized heroes. Maybe the only thing bigger would be if Statesman himself showed up here.”

Agent Takamura snorted. “Hero?” she said. “Where was he last night when those Skulls broke into our lab in King’s Row?” She pulled up the hem of her skirt, revealing what looked to be a metal garter circling her left calf. The skin underneath it was purple and yellow with bruising. A small green light blinked on the garter intermittently. “Broken leg. One of them got lucky. What do you call them? Bone Fathers?” she asked.

Agent Johnson smiled and rolled up the sleeve of his jacket. He has a similar device circling his wrist, from when he mistakenly tried to punch a Sky Raider jumpbot. They were magnetic casts (AoD Corp patent number 6671892), designed to hold bone in place during the healing process while still allowing a full range of motion for the injured limb.

“Yep, part of the hazards of the job here in Paragon. Almost seems like the villains outnumber the regular people,” he said as he rolled his sleeve back down. He looked down at his watch. 2:57 PM. Mr. Sanders was supposed to be arriving in three minutes to start his press conference.

He started scanning the crowd once again, looking for energy signatures and anyone that looked like a suspicious magician. There was the Back Alley Brawler, but he was unlikely to do anything. A few heroes floated in the air above the crowd and Agent Johnson dismissed them from his concern. They were probably young heroes that had just learned how to fly and were trying to show off; nothing that he would need to be worried about. An old man was leaning on a staff that had arcane carvings on it. He made a note to keep his eye on him.

“Who’s the lady with the body guards?” Agent Takamura asked, subtly pointing a finger towards the rear of the crowd. Agent Johnson casually looked over, acting as if he was continuing his scan of the crowd. A pair of similarly attired bodyguards met his glance, as did a hulk of a man dressed in a suit. The three were surrounding a small woman in a black dress and glasses.

“Countess Crey,” Agent Johnson said once he looked away. “And her personal bodyguard, Hopkins.”

“You mean Crey Industries’ Countess Crey?” Agent Takamura asked, her eyes wide in amazement. Agent Johnson nodded to her. “This must really be a big deal.”

Agent Johnson laughed. “Well, Crey doesn’t like competition and AoD Corp is growing pretty large. I’m not surprised they’d scope out the press conference, but I never expected Countess Crey to come herself.”

He was about to continue, when a commotion came from the crowd. He quickly looked around and saw what was causing it. A convoy was coming up the street, led by a limo with the AoD Corp logo on the hood. Several other vehicles, probably teeming with AoD Corp security agents, followed behind. At the end of the convoy was a huge armored car, probably carrying the subject of the press conference.

“Mr. Sanders is here,” Agent Johnson said to Agent Takamura. “Be ready for anything.” She nodded and put her hand on her hip, where a small gun was holstered.

The limo stopped a few yards from the base of the statue and the door opened. Two security agents exited, followed by Mr. Yoshito Sanders himself; the hero known as Holy Evil, leader of the Army of Darkness of Justice, and the owner of the AoD Corp. The business suit he wore was tight around his muscular frame. He adjusted the sunglasses on his face and walked towards the statue.

Holy patted one of Galaxy Girl’s massive shoes and nodded to Agents Johnson and Takamura as they passed. “Everything is clear, Mr. Sanders,” Agent Johnson called out.

One of the security agents that had accompanied Holy gave Agent Johnson a frown, but Holy nodded to him. “Good work Agent…” Holy peered at the ID tag on Agent Johnson’s chest, “Johnson. Keep a look out.” Holy then gestured to his other bodyguards, who fanned out and began cordoning off the area.

Agent Johnson glanced back at the convoy, where another cadre of security guards was hauling a large, sheet-covered cart out of the armored car. “Be careful, you idiots!” a shrill, muffled voice sounded. “Don’t drop it!”

The voice belonged to Dr. Arsenic, the AoD Corp’s lead scientist. Dr. Arsenic’s face was perpetually covered in a gasmask. Some said he needed it to breathe, others said it was to cover a horribly scarred visage, and others said he did it because it looked badass. Whatever the reason, every AoD Corp security agent knew that Dr. Arsenic was a total jerk, and dreaded the day they’d be assigned to one of his projects.

Luckily, Agent Johnson hadn’t had that privilege yet, and maintained a desperate balance between being good enough to stay employed, but bad enough to keep from being assigned to any truly dangerous projects. He smirked to himself as the beleaguered security guards struggled to get the cart onto the ground without angering Dr. Arsenic further. Finally, they had it on firm ground and started pushing it towards the conference area.

Agent Johnson wondered what it was. He cast a glance over at Agent Takamura, wondering if she’d heard anything, but she was giving him an equally inquisitive look. He shrugged his shoulders and looked back towards the crowd as Holy Evil cleared his voice.

“Ahem,” Holy said. “We’re about ready for the conference to begin. If everyone would quiet down, please…”

To be continued...

Pinnacle also has a growing RP community with (perhaps) one of the more famous RP Supergroups in the game, the CCCP.