Lighthouse_NA
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The looming threat of the Rikti Invasion Force still hangs like a dark pall over Earth. Despite the best efforts of humanity, aggressive Rikti incursions still plague the planet. Advance warning systems indicate the Rikti are massing for attacks on the following dates throughout the year:
August 1st through August 7th
Sept 26th through Oct 2nd
November 14th through November 20th
Prepare for a desperate battle to save Earth from the Rikti Invasion Force! Aggressive Rikti forces will attack Paragon City and Rogue Isle with increased frequency at any time during the above dates! Some important items to remember about Rikti Invasions:- [*] When Zones within the cities are under attack, a world-wide alert will be issued by Vanguard. This alert will show up in your Chat window on the Event channel, warning you in which zone attack is imminent. If you haven't already, be sure to add the Event channel to one of your chat tabs.
[*] While the invasion is occurring, players do not receive debt while outdoors in an invaded zone.
[*] Those in that zone that do not wish to be at risk of Rikti attack are asked to take shelter immediately. They can do so by leaving the zone, or moving inside buildings or under cover (overpasses, parking garages, etc.).
[*] The combative inhabitants in a zone will move off the streets and to safer locations when a Rikti Invasion takes place.
[*] Rikti bombs appear to be unstable and not 100% reliable. Some do not explode on impact and only embed themselves in the ground. These bombs have been noted to detonate after a time, so take caution when you see these. They can be disarmed or delayed by inflicting damage upon them.[/list]Click here to discuss this announcement. -
On Thursday, July 31st we will be doing a brief test of the 2008 Halloween Event on the Training Room Test Server at 1:30 PM Pacific and running approximately 2 hours. Along with previous years Trick or Treating we are also including a massive Zombie Apocalypse!
Zombie Apocalypse!
During the above testing time on the Training Room, be wary for the uneasy dead they may assault any region in the game at any time! For those familiar with the Rikti Invasions, the Zombie assaults function in much the same manner. After the Halloween event has concluded, there will still be a period of an hour or more of occasional Zombie activity.
Apocalypse Associated Badges
There are a number of badges associated with fighting off hordes of Zombies. These badges correspond to overcoming each different Zombie type (Minions, Lieutenants, Bosses and Elite Bosses) in certain numbers for each type.
Trick or Treating
Like the previous years Halloween Events, while the event is running players will be able to investigate various doors throughout zones that are level appropriate for their characters to either receive a naughty Trick (the spawning of a number of different critters) or a special Treat. The Trick or Treating aspect has changed slightly from previous years. Treats can be Inspirations, Event Salvage or Temporary Powers / Costumes. For more details (spoilers) about last years Halloween Event, visit the excellent player created resource Paragonwiki.
We have made some adjustments to Trick or Treating based on your feedback from previous years. For this test, we would like your feedback about how often Tricks or Treats are given out, as well as the frequency you can Trick or Treat, and the spawn sizes encountered when you get a Trick while part of a group. The current parameters are as follows: A person can only click on a door once every 5 minutes. When they click the door, their name is added to a list kept on the door. If their name is on the list, they can't use that door. That list is cleared every 5 minutes. There is a 10 second timer preventing you from clicking another door immediately. Spawns will spawn according to the team size of the player opening the door. If the spawns have no one to fight for a period of time, they move to a door and leave. If they can't get to a door, they will just fade out.
We invite everyone who is interested to join us on the Training Room for this playtest and to provide feedback based on your play experience in The Training Room Discussion Thread.
Edited to add - there has been a change of plans the Zombie Apocalypse will only last for 1 and a 1/2 hours -
Please use this thread to discuss the below announcement.
City of Heroes has expanded their suite of available purchasable services to include Character Respecs (short for Respecifications). Over the course of leveling up, there are many powers that a character can choose from. A Character Respec allows the character to re-select their powers from their chosen primary and secondary powers, along with any other pools of powers they have access to. To be clear, this optional purchasable Respec does not allow the primary or secondary powerset to be reselected; it functions like existing respecs currently available in game.
Optional Character Respecs are available via the in-game store found at the character select screen for the per transaction price of $9.99 USD.
There are already multiple in-game methods that players can obtain a Respec. Now, if the convenience of purchasing a Respec is desired, it is available. Having a purchasable option has been an often heard desire from the game's customers.
Once players purchase a Respec, they must then visit a Respec Contact in-game to use it, in the same manner as the in-game obtainable respecs are done. The Respec Contacts include: Jack Wolf in Galaxy City and Arbiter Lupin in Nerva. -
City of Heroes has expanded their suite of available purchasable services to include Character Respecs (short for Respecifications). Over the course of leveling up, there are many powers that a character can choose from. A Character Respec allows the character to re-select their powers from their chosen primary and secondary powers, along with any other pools of powers they have access to. To be clear, this optional purchasable Respec does not allow the primary or secondary powerset to be reselected; it functions like existing respecs currently available in game.
Optional Character Respecs are available via the in-game store found at the character select screen for the per transaction price of $9.99 USD.
There are already multiple in-game methods that players can obtain a Respec. Now, if the convenience of purchasing a Respec is desired, it is available. Having a purchasable option has been an often heard desire from the game's customers.
Once players purchase a Respec, they must then visit a Respec Contact in-game to use it, in the same manner as the in-game obtainable respecs are done. The Respec Contacts include: Jack Wolf in Galaxy City and Arbiter Lupin in Nerva.
To discuss this announcement, please join us here. -
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Here is the thing, Johnny there calls it "a new time card campaign". It's not, it's a game card. They are not trying to sell vets these cards, but NEW players.
Would there be this much upset if it was a box with the same stuff? I doubt it.
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I just wanted to chime in and reiterate this point. These point of sale cards are intended for new players and to acquire new customers. We understand the interest in the jet pack and/or additional ways to pay for existing customers, but that aside, please keep in mind the intent with these new cards. -
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We have passed on the feedback that people are interested in getting the jet pack outside of these cards and that is being looked into. But, to set expectations, there is no guarantee that an alternate method to otherwise get the jetpack power will be made available.
[/ QUOTE ]
Can you also ask about the hero gear kit stuff? Even if it doesn't include time, just a code to get the VIP badge and powerslide.
[/ QUOTE ]
I can always ask
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I just wish we could purchase the regular time card (code) from the NCSoft store. It would save the problem of running all over the place to try and find them, and I will bet that a LOT of people would buy them that way. Anyone else agree?
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Well, if you have a credit card to purchase something on the store, why not just use that to buy game time?
See, the problem is, there is rampant (or well something like that) use of stolen or otherwise fraudulent credit cards with game time. That's unfortunately why we have such stringent credit card usage practices and why we don't make the actual codes available on the website. It's a bummer that it has to be that way, but it is what it is. -
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OK I have seen the pack and am interested. Here's my problem. I pay in 6 months bundles right I'm 1/2 way through the 1st month of said 6 pack....
Grabbing the code hey thats no prblem adding it to my account and not losing 5 1/2 months of game time already paid for now that's a problem.
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You never lose game time on your account. If you did pick up one of these cards, you would gain the 30 days to your total accrual of time paid.
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Secondly why can't we just upgrade account pay 20 bucks a month and get said jetpack. Oh it appears that cool. Its not only the latest shiny but one can actually create a character around its look.
It appears making it a one time purchase like wedding pack is to late???
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We have passed on the feedback that people are interested in getting the jet pack outside of these cards and that is being looked into. But, to set expectations, there is no guarantee that an alternate method to otherwise get the jetpack power will be made available. -
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Mui gracias. Um, is the villainous one red, white, and blue too? Should it be?
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Yeah, the pack looks the same on Villains - so it might be a little off that way, depending on your character concept. I've already passed that feedback along. -
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Is this jet pack for every character you play that month or do you have to choose the ONE character who gets 30 day use of it?
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As I understand it, it's like a veteran reward in that it pushes the power out to any character on your account. The power expires after 30 days. I just nabbed a test code and am going to try it out. If you see some nutball level 1 with the pack going WHEEEEEE!!! flying around Atlas, well, that might just be me
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Here's a picture of the Jet Pack you get 30 days of use from with these cards.
Click here to see the Jet Pack. -
Well, you could use these cards for time on your account. However, they are $20. In essence you get the game + the jetpack for $5 and 30 days of game time for $15 (if you want to look at it that way).
But yeah, if what you want is game time, then pick up a NCsoft game time card that works for any of our games. -
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"This is a great opportunity for NCsoft to grow its expanding portfolio of triple-A massively multiplayer games beyond traditional retail channels," said Lisa Bell-Cabrera, vice president of sales for NCsoft's North American business. "
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Okay, is this an admission that CoH is a minor league player (albeit the top tier of the minor leagues), or is there some other connotation I am missing beyond baseball terms here?
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Gotta love the executives and marketing types that use industry jargon in our press releases Triple A, or AAA, games are generally ones that shoot for the stars or to raise the bar in gaming. In other words: the very best.
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Great news, but when can we expect more then a 60 day time card, would love to be able to purchase a 6 month to a year time card.
[/ QUOTE ]
FYI... I'm not aware of any plans to offer different Game Time Cards in longer durations. -
Please use this thread to discuss the below announcement.
NCsoft Expands Retail Presence with New Game Cards in Stores across North America
Target, Best Buy and Rite Aid to sell cards for popular NCsoft online games
NCsoft®, the world's leading developer and publisher of online computer games, is teaming up with InComm, a technology firm that develops markets and distributes stored-value gift and prepaid products, to bring many of NCsoft's popular games to consumers on prepaid Game Cards.
Some of the top retailers in North America are participating in the new retail initiative that will include City of Heroes®, Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa® and Exteel. Target, Best Buy and Rite Aid will be the first stores to offer the NCsoft Game Cards.
"This is a great opportunity for NCsoft to grow its expanding portfolio of triple-A massively multiplayer games beyond traditional retail channels," said Lisa Bell-Cabrera, vice president of sales for NCsoft's North American business. "Of course, we think this is a huge value to our customers. The InComm cards provide an incredibly convenient way for our customers to access our games and by using the cards, they'll be getting some bonus items that will enhance their game play experience."
The City of Heroes cards will provide purchasers with an exclusive in-game jet pack in addition to a convenient way to download and play the comic-book inspired online computer game without requiring a credit card. The City of Heroes Game Cards will retail for US$20 and come with 30 days of game play.
Tabula Rasa Game Cards will retail for US$14.95 and will be available exclusively at Best Buy stores. Those who purchase the Tabula Rasa Game Card will get an exclusive in-game rocket. Like the City of Heroes card, the Tabula Rasa card provides a handy method for downloading the client and includes 30 days of game play.
Those who enjoy the fast-paced action of fighting robots on futuristic battlegrounds can purchase the new Exteel Game Cards at participating retailers. The cards will provide buyers with NCcoin, NCsoft's new micro-transaction system that allows customers to use real-world money to purchase in-game items and upgrades. The Exteel card will include 1,000 NCcoin, plus 200 bonus NCcoin, to purchase more powerful weapons, skills and parts for your fighting Mechanaught. Exteel is a free-to-download and free-to-play game. The Exteel Game Card retails for US$10.
"The prepaid card market continues to grow year over year," said Brooks Smith, InComm President and CEO. "We are thrilled to have one of the leading MMO publishers as an addition to our growing portfolio of prepaid game cards. With its limited packaging, the InComm card provides consumers with a 'green' alternative to their game purchases, plus it adds flexibility and other offerings that consumers can appreciate."
City of Heroes and Exteel Game Cards will be available at Target stores the weekend of July 26. City of Heroes, Exteel and Tabula Rasa cards will be available at Best Buy beginning August 3 and Rite Aid will begin offering City of Heroes cards on September 3. Other games and retailers are expected to be announced in the near future.
To activate their prepaid cards, NCsoft gamers simply purchase a Game Card, scratch off the serial number on the back of the card and activate their new game on http://www.PlayNC.com/us/gamecard/. -
NCsoft Expands Retail Presence with New Game Cards in Stores across North America
Target, Best Buy and Rite Aid to sell cards for popular NCsoft online games
NCsoft®, the world's leading developer and publisher of online computer games, is teaming up with InComm, a technology firm that develops markets and distributes stored-value gift and prepaid products, to bring many of NCsoft's popular games to consumers on prepaid Game Cards.
Some of the top retailers in North America are participating in the new retail initiative that will include City of Heroes®, Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa® and Exteel. Target, Best Buy and Rite Aid will be the first stores to offer the NCsoft Game Cards.
"This is a great opportunity for NCsoft to grow its expanding portfolio of triple-A massively multiplayer games beyond traditional retail channels," said Lisa Bell-Cabrera, vice president of sales for NCsoft's North American business. "Of course, we think this is a huge value to our customers. The InComm cards provide an incredibly convenient way for our customers to access our games and by using the cards, they'll be getting some bonus items that will enhance their game play experience."
The City of Heroes cards will provide purchasers with an exclusive in-game jet pack in addition to a convenient way to download and play the comic-book inspired online computer game without requiring a credit card. The City of Heroes Game Cards will retail for US$20 and come with 30 days of game play.
Tabula Rasa Game Cards will retail for US$14.95 and will be available exclusively at Best Buy stores. Those who purchase the Tabula Rasa Game Card will get an exclusive in-game rocket. Like the City of Heroes card, the Tabula Rasa card provides a handy method for downloading the client and includes 30 days of game play.
Those who enjoy the fast-paced action of fighting robots on futuristic battlegrounds can purchase the new Exteel Game Cards at participating retailers. The cards will provide buyers with NCcoin, NCsoft's new micro-transaction system that allows customers to use real-world money to purchase in-game items and upgrades. The Exteel card will include 1,000 NCcoin, plus 200 bonus NCcoin, to purchase more powerful weapons, skills and parts for your fighting Mechanaught. Exteel is a free-to-download and free-to-play game. The Exteel Game Card retails for US$10.
"The prepaid card market continues to grow year over year," said Brooks Smith, InComm President and CEO. "We are thrilled to have one of the leading MMO publishers as an addition to our growing portfolio of prepaid game cards. With its limited packaging, the InComm card provides consumers with a 'green' alternative to their game purchases, plus it adds flexibility and other offerings that consumers can appreciate."
City of Heroes and Exteel Game Cards will be available at Target stores the weekend of July 26. City of Heroes, Exteel and Tabula Rasa cards will be available at Best Buy beginning August 3 and Rite Aid will begin offering City of Heroes cards on September 3. Other games and retailers are expected to be announced in the near future.
To activate their prepaid cards, NCsoft gamers simply purchase a Game Card, scratch off the serial number on the back of the card and activate their new game on http://www.PlayNC.com/us/gamecard/.
To discuss this announcement, please join us here. -
Visit Massively.com now through 5PM Eastern on Wednesday, July 30th for the chance to win one of 10 Comic Con in-game costume codes.
For more details, visit Massively.com -
The good folks from KPBS stopped by the NCsoft booth at the San Diego Comic Con and captured some video of artist Dave Hamann doing a character sketch. Its a great speeded up action video of the sketch that we thought you would enjoy.
Click here to watch the video.
If you like Dave's artwork, be sure to swing by his Deviant Art Web Page and let him know! -
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Is page 3 supposed to be an exact copy of page 2?
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Sorry about that, my mistake.
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The City Scoop isn't showing up in the Community Digest.
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Posts can sometimes take an hour for the digest script to pull in.
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The Babes of War ad while graphically very nice doesn't say which server the festivities are going to be held on.
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As was mentioned, click on it for more details.
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I still haven't received any response to my attempts to submit my SG for consideration in the bases thread. It's been well over a month.
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Sorry, but the Scoop is made up players just like yourself. I'm sure if you contact them politely and inquire again they may be able to accommodate you.
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And finally, while I realize that this is just my opinion, my opinion is that this issue of the City Scoop is the most lackluster issue I've ever seen. Completely devoid of anything concrete or informative. I mention this because I've seen what the City Scoop staff can accomplish. I've been wowed by them before, more than once. A filler article here and there is one thing, but this entire issue seems like all filler to me.
[/ QUOTE ]
Constructive criticism is all fine and well, but rather than throwing stones, perhaps then you should offer to help with the Scoop? It is put together by players for players. -
To discuss this issue of the City Scoop, join us here!
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Vol. 2, Issue 9
July 27h, 2008
The City Scoop a publication for Supers by Supers! Our apologies for the late publish - the Comic Con Convention is to blame
Be sure to read this week's edition of the City Scoop and then post your comments here.
If you have concerns regarding the content of the Scoop please direct your comments via PM to Lighthouse or Ex Libris.
If you would like to do a feature article, have an event covered, or join "The City Scoop" team please PM Snow_Globe or Pants_Stealer
If you need some Advice contact Lady_Athyna or would like to Ask The X contact LiquidX
Finally if you have a Classified Ad or Recipe you would like included please contact: LadyK or MistressNoire -
The City Scoop Staff
-
Classifieds
TO: Everyone who posted comments about my "Incarnate"
video on the COH forums. Thank you all very, very much for the praise (and even
the occasional criticism). That you guys (generally) enjoy them as much as you
do, is all the more reason for Johanna Sinclair to keep running around like mad
with that videocamera of hers, and for me to keep making videos. Cheers! -
Michelle aka Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
ARTIST WANTED
Published author seeks superhero artist for politically
progressive comic book project. Speculative: no money up front, any profits to
be split 50/50. Character designs to start; full script pages will follow.
Interested parties should PM DoctorJ through the forums or @DoctorJ on the
game.
LOST
My pet Alpha Bomb has been lost. Last time I had him he
was on Protector. He has been last seen on Champion, but bounces to different
places. He is very sly and can go by different names, but he always responds to
Yo Gamma. If found please contact Crimson Betrayal.
WANTED
Fan Artist to draw my character. I cannot offer much
compensation other than any of the wares I would otherwise sell on the Auction
House. If you are interested, please contact Hakuro de Killer on the Virtue
Server.
Want to be part of the VEAT Army? Yes we are an
offshoot branch of the FUSION empire in the Protector dimension loyal only to
Ghost Widow. We are destined for greatness.
Ghost Widow has ordered my organization to form a new
sect in support of special operations. I will recruit within our ranks as well
as go outside of our known coalition. These chosen members will go to an
academy for training as various Arachnos soldiers. While I do not like to be
told how to run FUSION, Widow assures me that I will be rewarded for forming
this group.
My first order of business is to choose villains among
my organization that display some of the following qualities: Mind control,
knowledge of poisons, stealth, acrobatics, weapons fighting, and most
importantly do not display fear and that would die if I ordered them to do
such. I have at least 20 in mind from my 150 Villain organization that fit this
criteria. Over the next few weeks I will begin listing them in preparation for
training.
This training will consist of a series of trials and
strike forces ordered by Ghost Widow. More to follow soon.
Want to know more?
Please come to the Veat Army Project.
Want your character to be interviewed by Scoop Man?
Send a PM to HumanMiracle!
Want your character to be interviewed by Patty-Sue
Ivanova? Send a PM to Emperorsteele!
Need to sell something? Post it in The City Scoop
Classifieds. Send PM to EnnVee while LadyK is on Vacation.
Introducing Two-for-Tuesday at El Super Mexicano! All
regular quesadillas just 2 for $5 all day Tuesday!
The Cooperative Story project is in need of authors.
You can locate the current work
here. Support, commentary and introductions are located
here. The idea is simple: Find an author you know well and can work
with, and write a story together. At present, all styles are welcome. We look
forward to your contributions.
ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT RIBS
at InFront Steak house!
Thursday night is all-you-can-eat rib night at InFront
Steakhouse. Come in after 4 PM, mention this ad, and get endless plates of our
mouthwatering baby back ribs for only $14.99!
HELP WANTED
Writers for The City Scoop. Please contact Snow_Globe,
Pants_Stealer, or Marcian_Tobay for submission details.
Do you have an event coming up? Are you going to attend
an upcoming event? Do you want to see or even write an article for The City
Scoop? Drop a line to an Editor-in-Chief a week in advance, and you too could
be a guest writer for The City Scoop.
Click here for more information.
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The People On...
The Return of The Rikti
Hello loyal readers, Scoop Man here. Well from the overwhelming support and love
I received on my last two pieces on the Midnight Squad and Arachnos, Ive
decided I would give you more of what you want. Honest, raw opinions and news
from heroes AND villains. Today I ventured to lovely Atlas Park. Somewhat taken
aback by the cleanliness of the area, I wandered to Atlas Plaza in a daze,
occasionally bumped by the new would-be hero in training on his way to do
something or other. Yet when I was below the impressive statue of Atlas, I saw
something I was unprepared for. The hero, Foxy Ferret, was lounging casually on
Atlass foot, and conversing with young-heroes. Not telling them off, not
passing on fortune cookie wisdom, not rushing into battle, just chilling.
Interested and very impressed that a hero of her stature was doing this, I knew
I had found my next subject for interviewing
Scoop Man: Ahem. Foxy Ferret?
Foxy Ferret: Yes and how can I help you?
SM: Scoop Man, I work for the local fish wrapper around here. You ever hear of
me?
FF: Who hasnt?
SM: I see my reputation precedes me. Wondered if I could ask you some questions
about the Rikti. Would you mind?
FF: Sure, though I dont know much about the aliens, other than wiping 'em off.
SM: Well lets just see where we go, eh? As a noted figure here in Atlas Park
you see a lot of newbie heroes yes?
FF: Yes I do.
SM: And Atlas Park is a big old target for the Rikti wouldnt you agree?
FF: Oh yes, they come sometimes and the newbies are all scattered and we try to
keep them calm. Its our job as veteran heroes.
SM: Mhm. So as a veteran would you say that entrusting the newbies with the
safety of Atlas Park is a little too much for them? In your honest opinion of
course.
FF: Oh not at all, but sometimes they need a little guidance or a push in the
right direction. Most of the new heroes dont know what they are facing right
off the bat.
SM: Would you say they need some sort of course or teaching before they come
here? Especially now since the war has started up again?
FF: Training... hmmm. Well, no. They just need some help like anyone does at
times. I think finding your own path is the best way to go, but that doesnt
mean you ever have to do it alone.
SM: So you advocate crash courses in protecting the citizenry of Paragon City?
Not very safe sounding to me...
FF: Thats not what I meant.
SM: What did you mean?
FF: We just all need help sometimes and thats why I stay in Atlas. I answer
questions, talk with other heroes and make sure some of the new heroes stay out
of trouble.
SM: Doesnt that cut into your own missions or whatever? Taking time to help the
young heroes while tasks that need YOUR attention go on without resolution?
FF: If things do get too chaotic I can just put my force fields round them. Oh,
I make sure my own tasks are taken care of - nothing to worry about there. I
have a team to help me with that.
SM: Really? What team is this?
FF : The Havok Brothers help me when I am out here in Atlas. Also the Rangers
help me out as well.
SM: The Galacto Rangers? Hmm Ive heard of them somewhat. As for the Havok
Brothers, well, I try to avoid them.
FF: Avoid them?
SM: Not good press. Not yet anyway. As a hero do you feel more at odds with the
Rikti than at an advantage with all their weaponry?
FF: No, Ill take on those things with just my bow if I have to.
SM: I see. Have you joined Vanguard?
FF: Yes, anything to get rid of that alien scum.
SM: Right. Well how do you feel about villains joining or working with
Vanguard?
FF: Well I think a lot of them are misunderstood really Some of them do what
they must for their own reasons.
SM: Youre alright with their crimes?
FF: Dont get me wrong, there are some that need to be put away. I think there
are some here in Paragon that could be put away as well, but thats just my
opinion.
SM: OK. I recently spoke with the hero Night Wonder, here in Atlas. He said that
the villains and the Rikti were not having an effect on each other. The
villains actions would occur anyway without the Rikti and vice versa. What do
you think as a veteran?
FF: Well you know, the Rikti are invading their homes as well. We all have a
reason to join together and fight them.
SM: True, but they still attack the city here, and many of them are none too
happy about working with the heroes here.
FF: Well you know, with the Longbow going in as they have in the Isles I dont
blame them. I didnt agree with that. I want us to try and come to terms that
we could both live with...
SM: Why do you want the two sides merged? Guilt? Regret? Lover on the other side
perhaps?
FF: Well... I dont really talk about it, but I guess its as good a time as
any...
SM: Excellent!
FF: Im from the Isles. I was an orphan there.
SM: Tragic. Living there has given you a perspective you feel your fellows dont
posses?
FF: I know for a fact there are good people out there. I dont agree with
Arachnos though. I think the Isles would be better off without them.
SM: I see. Is that the hero talking or the woman?
FF: Both. Ive seen what they do behind the scenes. Im not pleased.
SM: Many would agree with you on that. Well it looks like I got all I need here.
Any parting thoughts for us?
FF: Sure. There is always trouble where I wander, so beware the ferret.
SM: I like it. He chuckles. Thanks for your time.
FF: Thank you.
Well, personally I was not as fulfilled as I have been in the past with my
interviews with this one. No scandals, no deep-seated hatreds, no celebrity
blow-ups, just a down to earth hero. While this is a good thing in my mind, my
career may suffer. Finding a hero like Foxy Ferret is sometimes difficult in
this day and age. While she did share her opinions with us, and gave some
insight into the veteran heros thoughts, I still feel we need another side of
the story. Looks like Im taking at trip to the Isles to get the SCOOP!
-
Community
Fan Fiction Spotlight
Survivors
By
BlueBattler
He hates moments like these.
The young heroes stand before him battered, weary, but triumphant. In spite of
incredible odds, they have thwarted Lord Recluses latest scheme for world
domination. They look to him to vindicate their pain, their suffering. They
want him to tell them they have made a lasting difference in the world. He is
Statesman, and they look to him for meaning.
He doesnt tell them that within a matter of days Recluse will be free and as
strong as ever, working on yet another scheme to destroy Paragon City and all
those who oppose him. He doesnt tell them it will never end. He doesnt tell
them these things because he is Statesman, and that is his burden to bear.
He praises their courage instead. He thanks them for their bravery. He salutes
them for their dedication, their heroism. He tells them they are an example of
the best and bravest that Paragon City has to offer. The words come easily to
him because it is the truth.
He doesnt tell them it never ends. He cant. He is Statesman...
One of the first stories I reviewed was
The Conscious of a King, a story that touched many hearts across the
forum. BlueBattler returns with another story that touches at the core of some
of the main characters of the game's backdrop.
There is a pathological belief throughout much of the City of Heroes/Villains
community. Typically, it revolves around Statesman being a jerk, but the actual
description used by most commentators is often blipped out by the forum's
profanity filter.
That's why I liked this story. Statesman still lacks any redeeming human
qualities, but we're finally introduced to the reasons why. He's immortal and
he's starting to see the effects of it. His wife is dead, his daughter's
gray-haired and wrinkled, and his granddaughter is "sass-talking" him all the
time. He's a curmudgeonly, bitter old man in a young man's body, and he doesn't
really know if he'll ever truly know the peace of the grave. He's miserable and
it's been damaging his personality.
Thank goodness he's still on our side. However, there is a catalytic moment on
the horizon. There's always a catalytic moment on the horizon for heroes like
this - a time when he'll make a pivotal choice that will determine whether he
remains a leader of heroes, or just another monstrous enemy that we have to
stop.
Perhaps that's why Sister Psyche has this conversation with him. Perhaps she's
trying to salvage his humanity before he risks losing it. He certainly needs
the help, and there are very few people willing or able to provide it.
Multi-Media Showroom
Hey readers! Welcome to another animated edition of MMS! Once youve
recovered from the epileptic shock brought on by such a horrible pun, we can
get started.
First, a reminder: The Show your dark side Mechanima contest deadline
is only a few weeks away! August 10th is the cut-off date, so get crackin!
Now, with that out of the way
A few weeks ago, to commemorate the anniversary of the back-story event of
Statesman and Lord Recluse getting their powers, and subsequently unleashing
super-powers in individuals across the world, the ever-talented Dark_Respite
(aka Samuraiko Productions) made a
deliciously awesome video of these events. And wow, that was a long
sentence. If for some reason you missed the announcement (yes, a red-name made
an announcement!), nows a good time to go check it out. In fact, check out her
other videos
too, theyre all top-notch!
A forum newbie, Feminoid, put up their first video, The
Problem with Hammers, for everyone to see. Once you get past the
pre-teen british kids doing the narration (apologies if this isnt the case!),
a funny exposition between the hero and villain unfolds. Definitely amusing.
Also this week, Im going to give props to a rather famous (though somewhat
absent recently) member of our community, Ubie. His
YouTube account is full of CoH goodness. Hes done several trailer
style videos, but has the occasional one-off, such as my favorite, Kronos
Titan Battle. Its worth it to spend about a half hour watching his
stuff, which shows just how epic our game of choice can be. And if you ever
know anyone who is considering starting to play CoH, but says theyre not quite
sure? Show them Ubies videos. Theyre better than any commercial could do.
And lastly, another reminder for the creatively inclined who may not be too good
at making videos or comics: You can always submit ideas for loading screen tips
(gameplay hints and back-story tidbits that appear when youre going between
zones or missions), or images for the new in-game ad feature. So if you
have an idea, go for it! The more player-created content, the better! If you
have any questions, try PMing Ex Libris or Lighthouse for
details.
Multi-Media Showroom is a biweekly column. If you have any work you would like
featured, give Emperorsteele a holler. Please note that all work submitted
might not be featured, due to space constrictions and other limitations.
Soul Train by Jesse
