Niviene

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  1. The Redeemers





    Upon hitting the ground, Redshadow rolled, keeping his arms wrapped around the
    poor young woman in a desperate attempt to take the brunt of the impact. They
    tumbled across the debris for a few seconds before finally coming to a stop,
    the girl rolling away just a few feet from the hero due to the last bits of
    momentum left. They lied there, breathing heavily as their bodies and minds
    attempted to fight through the shock of what they'd just survived.


    The sound of the car crashing into a pile of debris further away brought Thomas
    to his senses and he sat up. Looking to the north, he could see the twisted
    machine smoldering in the pile of cinder blocks, rebar and support beams at the
    base of the War Wall. Clockwork robots were already converging on the mess to
    recover salvageable parts for their ramshackle horde. A group of Outcasts were
    watching from a safe distance away.


    "Please don't look this way," the scrapper grunted as he started checking
    himself for injuries, "Please don't look this way..."


    "What is it?" the girl asked as she cradled her arm, "Where are we?"


    "We're not far from Steel Canyon. Are you hurt?"



    "It doesn't feel broken, but it really hurts to move my arm..."


    The woman looked to her would-be savior and grinned weakly. With her free hand,
    she brushed her brown hair out of her eyes and Redshadow winced. She had some
    nasty cuts and scrapes from the fall.


    "I'm so sorry," he said, "We should get you out of here and to a doctor
    immediately!"


    Placing an arm around her protectively, he started guiding her to the south.
    Gingerly, they picked their way through the debris that used to be Baumton.
    Taking stock, Redshadow realized they weren't actually in the region
    known as Boomtown, but really the area between Steel Canyon and the blasted
    city zone. To the north and south, the monolithic War Walls loomed, barring
    passage to all unless you were allowed through the select few access points or
    somehow knew the few methods to shut the massive energy fields down.


    Thomas didn't know the methods, but hoped that he and this young woman would be
    able to access the secure tunnel that linked the ruins with Steel Canyon. As he
    pondered this, he realized he didn't know the girl's name.



    "Claire," she replied when he asked, "What's yours?"


    "Tom," he replied.


    "That's an odd name for a hero... I was expecting Red Blade or something..."


    "My last name's close enough to that. Redshadow."


    "You should stick with that," she chirped before stepping wrong and jostling her
    injured arm.


    "Don't worry," the scrapper comforted, "We'll get you to a hospital and get you
    all fixed up in no time..."



    "I know, it still hurts, though."




    They reached the secure
    tunnel and found a side access hatch. It was fortified in much the same way as
    the gates in Steel Canyon and Boomtown, only with more police guarding them.
    The officer in charge, one Captain Rafferty, balked as they approached.


    "What are a pair of civilians doing out here?" he asked as Thomas fished for his
    identification, "I'm afraid you'll have to wait here until-"


    "FBSA, Freedom Corps, and all that jazz," the scrapper wheezed, "I must insist
    that you provide us with some way to get to Steel Canyon... This woman needs
    medical attention!"


    "Okay, okay," the captain replied as he started waving to a nearby tent, "No
    need to get in a panic. Douglas! Get over here! Ma'am, this officer is our
    examiner. She'll be able to check on you and provide assistance until the
    ambulance arrives."



    As the officer escorted Claire to the tent, Rafferty sized up Redshadow and
    examined the identification.


    "This area's a little low for your security level. What happened out there?"


    "It was a railcar accident," the scrapper replied, "Some criminals assaulted me,
    and the young lady was caught in the crossfire. The ensuing damage to the train
    caused an automated security system unlike any I've ever heard of that just
    jettisoned the wreck into the ruins back there."


    The cop's eyes widened at that. Returning the ID, he took a stack of papers from
    another officer and handed them to Redshadow.


    "I'm afraid you'll have to fill out a report..."




    "So, that is what I've learned," Mortiganen declared after informing the leaders
    of the various teams of his experiences in the Hollows, "Whatever this thing
    that wiped out Atta's base is, it's big, bigger than a Supa Troll, and its skin
    has metallic properties."


    "Well, Garm," a former Family hitman named Harold Danesti growled, "Looks like
    your buddies have-"


    "They're not my buddies," the Caliban retorted, "And this is as much the fault
    of your old friends, if not more."


    "I say we let the thing wipe out the Hollows," the former Tsoo Swift Steel
    practitioner, Steel Blaze, rasped, "Let an army of heroes deal with it
    afterward."


    "Which heroes?" Mortiganen countered, "The fresh faces that wander in there
    every other day? Yes, I'm sure they, with their novice skills and comparatively
    weak powers will be able to succeed where Atta and almost an army of Trolls
    failed."


    Sensing the sarcasm, Steel Blaze was about to say something when Garm spoke up
    again.



    "Listen, guys, the fact remains that we know something's out there. Something
    the rest of the city isn't aware of yet. Our purpose in this matter is to
    inform the rest of the heroic populace about this new threat and try to amass a
    force to take it down."


    "Yeah, a lot of people are gonna listen to a bunch of ex-cons like us," Harold
    grumbled into his collar, "And I might magically sprout bat wings and fly
    around to drink the blood of the wicked..."


    "Be careful with words like that," Mortiganen growled as he gestured to the
    Italian, "It might come true..."


    Danesti looked back in shock, thinking the old man had cast some kind of curse
    on him. Instead, what he found was a pair of glowing bat wings imprinted on his
    chair.


    "Cute."


    "We've got a plan," the leader of the group growled, "It's the best we can do
    with what we know. Martin, I trust you and Agent Wild will be able to help us
    with this?"



    "I'll see what I can do," the gruff man replied.












  2. City Fiction



    Fan Fiction Spotlight




    Justice
    Knights





    Sin Stalker usually asks us to feature his comic whenever he updates, and
    frankly, I don’t mind obliging him. The group collaborates well in making the
    comic, and this one actually comes with a nifty twist.


    In order to make this comic, Sin Stalker, Biosphere, and Back Alley Brawler
    (playing under the Manticore persona) collaborated, along with numerous players
    that responded to Sin Stalker’s casting call for extras, to generate what looks
    to be a rather exceptional piece.


    We open with Sin Stalker dealing with a personal issue (or possibly several,
    it’s unclear at the moment) that seem to be wracking his mind. Recently
    co-aligned hero Biosphere then informs him that Manticore is delivering a
    speech to Paragon’s heroes who seem to be remaining for the holidays.



    However, the speech turns out to be unusual. Who or what is Cycorp? Why is
    Manticore suddenly so interested in their activities? Why is he publicly
    assaulting its character? What hand does the Crey Corporation have in all of
    this? Why doesn’t Sin Stalker think that this is Manticore, and, more
    importantly, how does he know?


    It’s actually pretty riveting. It makes me wish I’d recovered from the holidays
    faster to present it to you for last week’s Scoop. For that transgression, I
    apologize, and hope you find this presented work of fan fiction as entertaining
    as I did. Also, many thanks to the extras who adorned the group shots of this
    comic. Without your help, this comic would be like an orange without taste, as
    it would seem to be a city without people.



    Writer's Block







    Hey all! Last week we talked about dialogue and how, as a writer, you can fit
    the speech to character and add accents. It was rather short compared to other
    Writer's Blocks, but that is because I plan on doing one, if not two, more of
    these dialogue articles over the course of the next few weeks. Why? Well if you
    read the last article I said that I pride myself on my dialogue and I feel that
    I have a pretty good handle on how to write it. However, I am by no means
    calling myself a master. If any of you prose-paragons out there feel the need
    to share your technique with us then by all means contact me in game at @Human
    Miracle or here on the forums.



    This week we're going to look at making speech natural. For those who don't
    know what that means or have heard the phrase vaguely, I will explain. Natural
    speech is a term used to describe speech that sounds more like human
    conversation rather than dialogue. The subtle addition or subtraction of
    certain punctuation marks, the pacing of the words, and the overall syntax are
    taken into account to make natural speech. This is the spell-checking program's
    worst nightmare so be sure to watch it. If you want to make natural speech you
    will need to get used to seeing a lot of green underlines and a lot of red.



    Let's look at how we talk to other people face to face. It is clear that some
    people don't use complete sentences or full words. Due to cultural and social
    evolution, words have been shortened, created, or given different meanings.
    "Sick" no longer refers to someone who is stricken with a sickness or disease;
    it now can be used to describe something cool. With that in mind, let's get an
    example to see.



    "Nah. I was gonna go to the store. Why? Did you need something?"




    First try an pick out all the imperfections in the speech. All you
    grammar-gurus, I'm looking at you for this. The first sentence is a fragment,
    one word. Frankly, people do that all the time. They respond "No," or "Yes," or
    "Why," but here we are continuing on after that initial sentence. Obviously
    that means the person is still talking and there could have been a pause in the
    conversation or the person is speaking rapidly. "Gonna" is not a word but we
    sure as heck use it a lot don't we? The last two sentences could technically be
    combined to make one through "Why, did you need something?" But since we are
    making this natural we can separate them to make it appear the person is again
    speaking fast or there is a break after he or she speaks. Sadly, bad grammar is
    almost the key to making your dialogue sound "natural."



    But you don't need to omit grammar rules and regulations to have natural
    writing necessarily. By using common words or phrases, like "gonna" and such,
    you can still make the sentence correct grammatically but make the spelling
    more akin to speech today. The sentence above could be changed into:



    "Nah, I was gonna go to the store. Why, did you need something?"




    No green lines this time, but we left in "gonna." It has the same affect really
    but it makes your writing look more professional. That is not to say that
    making natural writing is unprofessional. If you make a habit of presenting
    your dialogue as natural, your readers and will understand and pick it up as
    your style. For those who want to write professionally, you may have to tell
    your editor and readers that before hand or after the critics get you.



    Well that wraps this section up for now. I will be coming back with more my
    friends so if you are eagerly waiting on baited breath, please, breathe
    normally. Once again, please PM me if you have any suggestions or topics you
    want covered here. If you want to share your techniques with all of us here,
    feel free to PM me as well. Keep up the creativity people and write on!







  3. Freaks and Geeks 2008 Winter Costume Contest






    On December 27th, Freaks and Geeks held their annual Winter Costume Contest in
    Pinnacle's Pocket D. The event was a great success, with over 50 heroes and
    villains attending and competing for over 100 million influence/infamy.


    With the festivities of the chalet as a backdrop, the first contest was for Best
    Hero/Villain Costume. From the 9 finalists, the winners were:



    1st place: Olaf

    2nd place: Double Dam

    3rd place: Holy Panties


    After prizes were awarded, the second contest, for Best Winter Costume, got
    rolling. Once everyone changed into their winter best, 9 finalists were again
    chosen. The winners were:




    1st place: Huggles of Death

    2nd place: Gorilla Jack

    3rd place: Lil Miss Jingle


    After the awarding of all the prizes, I sat down with one of the organizers,
    Ruby Deathstrike.



    How long has Freaks and Geeks been established?

    Our Super Group has been open for 2 years now. In that time we have climbed up
    to the #8 spot in the top 100 Super Groups on the Pinnacle server.



    Who from your Super Group was in charge of the contest?

    Our fearless leader, Kira's Son, and myself were in charge of the event. We did
    have assistance during the event from within our Super Group, so thanks again
    guys!


    Is this a regular event? If not, it is going to be?

    Yes, this will be a regular event for our server, along with an event in the
    Spring and something for the end of Summer.










    How long were you planning for this event?

    We began planning this event about a month prior to it. We are already planning
    our next event for this Spring.


    What was your favorite part of the event?

    Our favorite part of the event was seeing all the happy smiling faces of all
    the good little heroes and evil little villains, and being able to give back to
    all those that have helped us get to where we are today.


    (click picture for large view)




    P.E.R.C. Presents Dress Your Badge Contest!





    Saturday, January 31st, 2009

    Pockt D @ 9:00PM EST.


    Hosted By Miz Nibbles & Dazz Marvelous


    Details:


    Take one of the over 600 badges available in CoX and use it as inspiration for
    a costume. Pick the badge and dress the part! A male winner and a female winner
    will be chosen based on whichever hero / villain the judging panel believes
    makes the best attempt to dress / interpret the selected badge.



    Time Schedule:

    Please begin gathering @ 9:00PM EST.



    Male judging will begin @ 9:15PM EST.

    Female judging will begin @ 9:45PM EST.


    Rules:

    -Only One Badge May Be Selected. That Badge Must Be On Display During Judging.

    -Costume Must Match Badge Title In Order To Be Judged.

    -One Entry Per Global.


    -Heroes & Villains Welcome.

    -No late entries accepted.


    Examples:


    -Toothbreaker: Dress as a boxer.

    -Superstar: Dress like a movie star.


    -Restrained: Dress in chains.

    -Faithful: Dress like a nun or worshiper.

    -Man In Black: Well that's quite obvious.


    Judging Details:

    A panel of players will be compiled to judge this event. Judges will be voting
    on how best the badge is interpreted into costume. All costume parts should
    relate to the chosen badge.


    Prizes:



    1st Place Male: 10 Million & Respec Recipe

    2nd Place Male: 5 Million

    3rd Place Male: 2 Million


    1st Place Female: 10 Million & Respec Recipe

    2nd Place Female: 5 Million


    3rd Place Female: 2 Million








  4. Get Involved! By Becoming an Expert





    This is one of the most difficult ways to get involved, and I will tell you why:
    it takes a lot of guts to call yourself an expert, and you have to have the
    knowledge to back it up.


    "Wait, wait, wait," you may be saying right now. "What do you mean by expert,
    exactly? And what does that have to do with getting involved?"


    Well, what I mean by expert is a person who knows absolutely everything there is
    to know about one particular aspect of the game, or else comes extremely close
    to that. For example, if you really love the PvP content or the Maria Jenkins
    arc or the Positron Task Force, become an expert! Learn everything you can-how
    long does it take? What level? What are the best (and worst!) builds and IO
    sets? What's the best team build? Are there any shortcuts? Do you get any
    badges or accolades from it? Find out the answer to every question that could
    possibly be asked about that aspect of the game and you will be considered an
    expert.


    Now, what does that have to do with getting involved? Well, what gave me the
    idea for this article was a thread on the Protector forums wherein veteran
    players who are familiar with the Lord Recluse Strike Force do a Master run
    every week or so and teach players who are not as familiar with that particular
    strike force the ins and outs of it. I've also seen it done with the Positron
    Task Force, the Imperious Task Force, and other task forces. One of the most
    interesting ideas I've seen was a player who was a die-hard "badger" showing
    other players where to get the badges in each zone and helping them increase
    their collections. PvP experts get involved in the PvPEC to share their
    knowledge, and people who know everything there is to know about running events
    join PERC. People who love to write and are expert researchers and interviewers
    help out with the Scoop.


    Once you become an expert, the people you will meet and help become limitless.
    Join the forums and offer to start a weekly task force or badge run or monster
    hunt, or join a global channel and offer your knowledge when people ask
    questions. It's a badge of honor to have someone come to you and ask you
    questions about the thing you are an expert at-so yes, this is the way to get
    involved if you consider yourself to be just a touch self-centered (not that
    that's a bad thing!).



    Of course, it's not easy to become an expert. You may have to repeat the same
    missions over and over and over again, do extensive reading on
    ParagonWiki
    and on the guide threads in the forums, and question
    veteran players until they're sick of hearing from you. It takes a lot of time,
    and sometimes people end up disliking you for being an expert. If you show off
    your knowledge too much when it isn't asked for, you may become known as a
    know-it-all. Like I said, it's not easy to become an expert, and it isn't
    always fun to be an expert either!


    How do you know when you've become an expert? Well, if you've noticed that
    people seem to gravitate towards you with questions about one specific topic,
    that's probably your best sign right there. For example, everyone knows to look
    to the Scoop's own Crime of Fashion and Equation for fashion advice! If people
    ask you a lot of questions about how to slot IOs in a Trick Arrow Defender or
    what the job of a scrapper is or how to takedown Lusca, you're probably an
    expert!









    "Why do I want to be an expert? If it's so much work, why bother? I mean, what's
    the point?" I know. You're asking yourself this right now. You want the reward,
    the reason behind this method of getting involved. Here it is: pride. It is all
    about pride-the pride you feel in yourself for having mastered part of the
    game, the pride you feel in the people you teach about that aspect, and the
    pride you inspire in them when they learn. You can become an inspiration to
    others, a legend! And yes, this goes back to the "self-centered" bit I
    mentioned before. Come on, who among us isn't just a wee bit self-centered?


    This may be one of the most difficult ways to get involved, but it's also one of
    the most rewarding on a personal level-and hey, in the end, you might learn
    some stuff! As long as you're doing something you really love anyhow, you're
    not losing a thing-so go on, become an expert, and get involved!




    A Note From The Author: I'm not running out of ways to get involved yet, but I
    might be soon, so let me know how you get involved by sending me a tell @
    Kyo-chan or
    PMing me
    here on the forums! Thanks in advance!



    Guardian's Christmas Costume Contest






    Hey folks, came to give you a update on the Christmas costume contest on
    Guardian over the holidays, I wanna give a BIG GRATZ to........


























    Swift Shock Christmas Carol Icy.Killz
    AND!!!
    Evil Candy Cane!!!!



    Gratz again to the winners!




















  5. The City Scoop



    Under the Hood: Attack Slotting






    It's time for the next article on slotting powers. Last week I did Pets, so this
    week I'll do general attack powers. I'll go over the basics of what you want to
    slot, add some extra info about what you can slot, and sprinkle with a few
    examples.


    What do you want to slot? Before Inventions, the "gold standard" for slotting
    was 1 Accuracy, 3 Damage, 1 END Reduction, and 1 Recharge. Of course attack
    powers often have secondary effects, and some of those are worth slotting for
    effect. So time to break it down...


    Everyone wants to hit, and you need Accuracy to do that. Base ToHit is 75%, and
    you multiply that by (1+Accuracy Enhancements) to get your final ToHit
    (ignoring level and lots of other things). Since the maximum chance ToHit is
    95%, you really only need a 27% Accuracy bonus to hit even level mobs as often
    as possible. 75*(1+0.27)=95.25 But usually people want more. When fighting
    higher-level mobs, mobs with ToHit debuffs (most things with Dark powers), or
    mobs with Defense buffs, more Accuracy is always better. So it's always
    worthwhile to slot 1 Accuracy SO or equivalent, and you may want more. Note
    that if you're really into slotting set IOs, you can get decent Accuracy just
    from set bonuses.


    Damage is usually the big thing you want to slot, so slot a lot. Due to
    Enhancement Diversification (ED), you'll want to slot about 100% worth of
    Damage (3 Damage SOs), but you'll end up getting about 95%. That nearly doubles
    the amount of damage that an attack can do. Slotting more that that will have
    very little effect.



    Next is Endurance. The END cost of a power is divided by (1+END Reduction
    Enhancements), which means you get diminishing returns. A single END Reduction
    SO will significantly reduce the END cost of an attack, and is always a good
    idea. A second one will have a lesser effect, so you'll have to decide if it's
    worthwhile. A third will have little effect so don't bother.


    You may want Recharge Reduction in your attacks as well. Hopefully you've read
    some of my previous articles on attack chains. Try to figure out what your
    better attacks are, then slot as much Recharge Reduction as you need to get a
    decent chain. If that's too much work, then just look at the in-game stats for
    your attacks, and slot Recharge Reduction at the ones with the highest Damage
    per Activation Time.


    Most attacks have some sort of secondary effect. Lethal attacks often have
    Defense debuffs, Energy attacks can stun, Dark attacks have ToHit debuffs, and
    strong attacks can do knockback. As a general rule, I only slot for Healing
    (Siphon Life), Defense (Parry or equivalent), and 100% chance Mezz effects
    (Total Focus).


    Your AT also makes a difference. Brutes can get a large Damage bonus from Fury,
    enough that slotting for damage at lower levels isn't very important. Slot for
    Accuracy and plenty of END Reduction instead. Tankers can survive combat with
    large groups, so they're usually better off slotting their AoE attacks.
    Stalkers are all about front loaded damage, so they should heavily slot their 2
    best attacks before significantly slotting other attacks.


    The advice for Stalkers applies to most everyone; concentrate your slots. If you
    lightly slot all of your attacks, on average you will do slightly better than
    base damage for slightly less than full END. If you concentrate your slots on
    your best attacks, you can do roughly double damage for less END, and you'll be
    using those attacks frequently. With lightly slotted attacks, it may take 10
    attacks and 60 END to take out a Lieutenant, and he'll be hitting you during
    that time. With concentrated slotting, it may take 7 attacks and 35 END, and he
    won't have as much time to attack. That's a REALLY BIG DIFFERENCE!!! Blasters
    can heavily slot their level 1 powers and have a solid attack chain even while
    mezzed.


    That's the basics of what you want to slot. Now let's look at what you can slot.
    Obviously there are TOs, DO, SOs, and common IOs. You can certainly start with
    those, but eventually you'll want to work up to IO sets because they provide
    higher total Enhancement bonuses. These include various combinations of
    Accuracy, Damage, Endurance, and Recharge. There are also "proc" IOs in these
    sets that have a chance to do extra damage or other effects. I recommend you
    start with "frankenslotting", which means just taking the highest combined
    bonuses you can find. With SOs you can slot about 200% worth of bonuses total.
    With set IOs, you can get over 300%. Once you've got enough slots to play with,
    start considering Set bonuses or procs.



    For the wealthy high-level char, Hamidon Origin Enhancements are worth
    considering. Nucleolus (Acc/Dam) Enhancements improve Accuracy and Damage by
    33% for a single slot. You can improve a Mezz effect by using Endoplasm
    (Acc/Mezz) or Peroxisome (Dam/Mezz) HOs. Membranes (Defense and ToHit
    Buff/Rech) and Cytoplasms (Defense and ToHit Buff/End) can be used in Follow Up
    and Parry attacks. Lysomes (Acc/ToHit & Defense Debuff) and Enzymes (ToHit
    and Defense Debuff/END) are fairly cheap and easy to get, and are useful in
    most Dark Melee or Lethal attacks. But there aren't many cases where HOs beat
    IO Sets.


    Filthy rich level 50 chars can slot ultra-rare purple IO sets. They're expensive
    if you want to get them at the Market, but you get what you pay for. They have
    nice set bonuses which work even when you exemp, and high Enhancement values.


    Time for a few more examples... Total Focus does great damage but also has a
    solid mezz. I like to use HOs in it to improve both aspects (one Nuc, one Endo,
    and two Peros), plus one each END and Recharge IO. The same applies to Cosmic
    Burst, Seismic Smash, and similar attacks. If you like to solo hard targets
    (bosses, Elite Bosses, or even Arch-Villains), I recommend the Achilles Heel:
    Chance for Resistance Debuff in every power than can take it (Defense Debuff).
    I slot Siphon Life with 3 Crushing Impacts (Acc/Dam/Rech, Acc/Dam/End, and
    Dam/End/Rech), a Nuc HO (Acc/Dam), and 2 Healing IOs. Parry gets the same, but
    with Defense IOs rather than Healing IOs.



    What have I missed? Nothing! Everything you need to know about slotting melee
    powers is right here! And if you believe that, I'm selling that big long bridge
    in Independence Port. Cheap. Next week, more and more examples!







    Fan Fiction




    Base Showcase Special: CoH Clue




    Masthead




    Lego Cataphract




































































































































































  6. The City Scoop Staff




































































































































































  7. Base Showcase





    The Infinity Legion





    Q) Who is your base designer and who are your super group leaders?


    A) I am the designer (@Dr. Feedback) and co-leader. The other leaders are
    @Flamerator and @Lady Cleo. We have a large base but few members. It is mostly
    mine and Flamerator's many alts.



    Q) What server is your base on?


    A) Freedom hero side




    Q) When was your super group established?


    A) We started at the beginning of June 2005 as a "play once a week only
    together on these toons" experiment. Once bases went live, I moved my alts into
    the group so I could work on prestige earning fulltime.



    Q) What is the approximate value of your base?


    A) Close to 42 million prestige.



    Q) How much time do you spend working on your base?



    A) After Issue 13 went live, I spent probably 50 hours updating it. We went
    from the 20x20 hidden plot to the 24x28 secure plot and added several rooms.
    The bulk of that time was spent on my "Temple" room that contains several
    floors.



    Q) How much time have you invested in your base so far?


    A) Since 2005, I would say probably 150-200 hours. Maybe more. I don't know
    really, but it has been a lot of time.



    Q) What is your favorite base item? Least favorite?



    A) I love the Auto-Doc/Tree of Wonders. It is great for selling recipes and
    salvage when I get overloaded. I really wish it sold the other inspirations
    besides Respites and CABs. Least favorite would be some of those huge arcane
    items that are almost unusable. I also really hate the look of the large
    vertical files that everyone uses for walls out of necessity. They look nothing
    like their name and the coloring is so weird.



    Q) What is your favorite thing about base editing? Least favorite?


    A) Lately the ability to merge items has been great for creating some
    interesting items. I like that we are able to stack and make additional floors
    despite the clunky means by which we have to do it. Hopefully future base
    editor improvements will make such things better. I hate that we have no "undo"
    button or means to place items in a "clipboard" sort of area. I also dislike
    the spacing between rooms, the 1x1 doorways, and the lack of thinner dividing
    walls. The editor is not the most user-friendly interface I have used, and
    would benefit greatly from some attention.



    Q) If you could give just one piece of advice to a new base editor, what
    would it be?



    A) The best way to learn is to visit the Base Construction forum and to join
    BaseBuildersInc. global channel in-game. Both contain great, helpful folks that
    will bend over backwards to help people get up to speed. Once you have the
    basics down, the best way to learn is just to experiment with the editor and
    see what it will do and not do. It can be frustrating at times, but it is one
    of those things that will give back what you put into it. If you are willing to
    spend the time, you can create some really interesting bases.
















  8. Fashion



    Because I have to look at you..






    Sorry Poodles if this seems a bit lackluster compared to most, but you see for
    this week and next I'm going to be in Monte Carlo at a Fashion Premiere!



    However, I realized that with the turning of the new year, in the middle of
    winter and Spring fast approaching, fashion weeks will be soon upon us, but
    what is it that you, the riff raff that I design for, want.. ? For this
    journey, I did the unthinkable and actually left my cozy condo to mingle among
    the grubby denizens who nibble at the scraps I throw them.



    I was joined in a little soiree at the Jolly Roger bar in Pocket D by some very
    dear friends, as well as a few members of a secondary Arachnos group that I am
    affiliated with, the Wraith Spiders. The Wraith Spiders are a lovely group who
    answer only to the beck and call of Ghost Widow - we're kind of like GHOST
    WIDOW'S PERSONAL CHEERLEADERS!!! It's so wonderful to assist them whenever I
    can! Alas, as discussions go I was not able to capture EVERYTHING I wanted to,
    but I grabbed what I could and got it out there for you all, my little poodles!


    Here are bits of our transcript...


    Arbiter Fabulous: Well hello, welcome to this little coffee talk about Winter
    Fashion!


    Clinique: Oh Coffee Talk! I love that show, it’s on Cable right?



    Arbiter Fabulous: I applaud you ALL.. especially Clinique.. I mean.. if *I* had
    to be dressed by Filthy Serge every day, I'd not even GO in public.. Seriously,
    are you the only Paragonian willing to discuss this topic? If so KUDOS on YOU!


    Clinique: Thanks! Uhhh.. Who's Serge?


    Arbiter Fabulous: I *KNEW* I'd like you!


    Arbiter Fabulous: I've summoned you all here because, frankly.. I'm seeing a lot
    of suits about these days.. and rumors of a new line of Valkyrie inspired
    things coming down the runways.. ((SIDENOTE: I love being right!))


    Rhk'Zhsi: .....Ssoundsss... odd.


    Arbiter Fabulous: So.. I want to know, what do YOU all want to see?



    Rhk'Zhsi: Winter-isssh, or in general?


    Arbiter Fabulous: Both, I mean, with the winter, one should try and..
    accommodate it.. but still, we are coming into spring..



    Galeocerdo: Something that would improve my power armor's functionality... The
    wings are not doing it. I need something like a permanent rocket booster, like
    those Sky Raiders wear...


    Dark Erudin: For costumes,...I wouldn’t mind some Kheldian robes for
    Peacebringers and Warshades.


    Fortunata Plague: Definitely, definitely clothing designed with people with
    tendrils in mind.((Tentacles/tendrils as a wing set. ))


    Clovie: And fish people too! ((Fish parts!))



    Rhk'Zhsi: Well, for the Winter theme... perhapsss those blinking lightsss
    adorned on trees wrapped around your chessst.. like the barbed wire ssstuff...


    Clovie: ...I would wear that /all/ the time...


    Arbiter Fabulous: Those are very interesting ideas.. so, mainly.. to branch out
    on what COSTUMES should tailor to.. the box needs to be redesigned?


    Clinique: Oh Sweet Mary Yes I would love to see some eveningwear! I mean don’t
    you think it’s a travesty that in both the city and the isles no one can get a
    decent prom dress? And why is it that only girls get Kittens?


    Dark Erudin: Something that players would love to wear when they get rewarded
    from task forces like in Imperious' Task Force!


    Arbiter Fabulous: All right.. what THEMES do you see happening in the future...
    ?



    Rhk'Zhsi: Themes...


    Clinique: Carnival!


    Rhk'Zhsi: Being able to dress like some of the tougher villain groups would be
    nice!


    Arbiter Fabulous: But surely the Jester Set.. are you suggesting parts for say..
    badges you've attained?


    Clovie: That would be awesome!!


    Rhk'Zhsi: And tailsss and beltsss separate...



    Dark Erudin: Something like that yeah


    Arbiter Fabulous: Now.. with the technological advancements allowing for Combat
    Auras, what kind would you like to see.. or other Auras.. I mean all that
    energy is showing itself in new ways everyday!


    Rhk'Zhsi: Inssstead of Body Aurassss only... like on the Tendrilsss ssset


    Galeocerdo: Hmmm...


    Clovie: Leafy! Like the flies...but leafs.


    Clinique: Hats with Hair, Corsets, Carnival, Kitties for male people, a Nurses
    Cap for my Boss Nurse White, and Dresses or Robes.



    Galeocerdo: A dripping would be nice, too. Like the rock crumble, for slimy and
    wet creatures.


    Xilla.: well, like maybe different kind of auras for different parts of the body
    - flaming hands and electrical eyes or the like at the same time!


    Rhk'Zhsi: Have Aurasss ssset to the entire body, asssss well asss sspecific
    partssss.


    Rhk'Zhsi: Yesss, watery Aurasss.


    Clovie: Yes!


    Rhk'Zhsi: Two Aurassss at once!




    Clovie: The Plant controller/dominatorsss need leafy effectssss.


    Galeocerdo: Leaves, or rose petals... for the dramatic samurai types.


    It was at this point I brought out my mother's famed Cheesecake a la Ambrosia.


    Arbiter Fabulous: Now then.. Emblems have always been a part of our collective
    culture, what do you see for that.. chest and lapel.. shields now as well..
    where next.. and what sort of symbols say the new year?


    Rhk'Zhsi: How about Emblemsss placed upon the back of a jacket?


    Fortunata Plague: Oh, that'd rock. I'd so have an Arachnos leather jacket like
    that.



    Rhk'Zhsi: Ahh, that isss interesssting.


    Clovie: Back emblems would be great! My friends and I could have matching
    jackets!


    Paenitia: Oh yes, or if you could put the badges as emblems.


    Arbiter Fabulous: Personally, I want to see more than just LEATHER for trench
    coats myself..


    Rhk'Zhsi: Jacketsss and trenchcoatsss sseeem to be very bare on the backsss...


    Galeocerdo: What about emblems for everything? Then like, cape emblems?



    Rhk'Zhsi: Cape emblemsss!


    Fortunata Plague: Cape emblems!


    Galeocerdo: Yes, Leather is not good... there should be more on the fabric of
    trench coats. Capes should have a texture, though, I think.


    Rhk'Zhsi: Not jussst leather jacketsss, too. Sssome varying materialsss.


    Galeocerdo: So you can have a furry cape, or a leather cape.


    Rhk'Zhsi: Yesss.



    Xilla.: I'd also love to see more types of trench coats.....and some that can
    accommodate wings....that'd be sweet


    Rhk'Zhsi: Wingsss ssshould be worn with trench coatsss


    Paenitia: I was thinking it'd be nice if there was an 'earless' option, for
    ears, so it wouldn't interfere with the cat/bunny pieces. Also more monster
    heads, something canine/wolf/fox/muzzle would be great.






    Galeocerdo: Jetpacks as permanent pieces... Thrusters of some sort for hands and
    feet. So flying characters don't have to be just flying magically or using
    wings.


    Rhk'Zhsi: They have sssemi-canine headssss, but various thingsss work.


    Rhk'Zhsi: Aye, Jetpacks for 'wings'



    Fortunata Plague: A more dinosaur like monster head would be good.


    Clovie: More realistic animal heads would be awesome. Alligator and Lion and
    like... Birds.


    Paenitia: Random 'techy' backpacks, yes.


    Clovie: Dinosaur head would be the best thing ever! But on Emblems... still
    trying to come up with ideas.


    Galeocerdo: The Raptor Packs as a permanent piece, for example. Perhaps for
    getting the Sky Raiders badge.


    Rhk'Zhsi: Don't forget the tailsss!



    Fortunata Plague: ...Scorpion tails.


    Clovie: Bigger tails that aren't belts!


    Paenitia: I would love a moving tail that was a costume recipe.


    Rhk'Zhsi: Yes, larger, more realisstic, doesssn't look oddd on usss giant
    people. As for emblem desssignsss... Archetype emblemsss do sssound nice, and
    Elemental emblemsss


    Fortunata Plague: Yeah! I know someone who's /love/ to wear that sweet
    crosshairs.


    Paenitia: Oh! And a bandaged/half bandaged that shows skin, set. For making
    mummies.



    Galeocerdo: I think Legs should have as many options as Arms.


    Rhk'Zhsi: OH! Designssss for Monssstrousss legsss! Like the ssstripesss and
    ssspotsss and sssuch.


    Arbiter Fabulous: Helmet Designs.. Ever since the Midnighters, there has been
    this retro look for the Roman period.. what ELSE do you want to see?


    Paenitia: I want a hat with a feather in it, like a musketeer's hat.


    Xilla.: ..


    Paenitia: And proper hair.



    Rhk'Zhsi: More technological ssstuff. The Full Helmetsss don't have many
    Accesssoriesss optionssss.


    Xilla.: More tech stuff


    Defiler Rohesia: hrmm...


    Rhk'Zhsi: I couldn't put the Enforcer ssset on thisss helmet.. Or any helmet.


    Paenitia: a 50's sci-fi bubble helmet would be neat.


    Fortunata Plague: VERY neat.



    Rhk'Zhsi: Indeed.


    Arbiter Fabulous: Now then.. one thing I want to put out there and it's just
    myself.. but I remember when the Rikti re-invaded they did so with a WHOLE new
    look! Amazing, terrifying, but amazing.. what other groups and factions do you
    think could do with a similar makeover?


    Rhk'Zhsi: Nemesssisss, possibly..


    Clovie: Vahzilok!


    Paenitia: Nemesis is pretty awesome I think.


    Rhk'Zhsi: They look a bit drab, but perhapsss that'ss jussst their sstyle.



    Xilla.: Yeah......Nemi has a lot of potential but it’s just not living up to it
    right now..


    Paenitia: Actually, a Rikti head, or semi-rikti head would be cool for people
    that want to be partial ones.


    Rhk'Zhsi: Aye


    Xilla.: Vahz also has a lot of potential but they just aren’t seen enough...


    Arbiter Fabulous: So.. Dr. Vahzilok you think should get inspired and start
    creating his creatures in new ways.. and Nemesis should upgrade his automatons?


    Dark Erudin: yeah



    Rhk'Zhsi: Yessss.


    Arbiter Fabulous: Now then.. gossip time.. who is the WORST dressed in Paragon
    and the Rogue Isles?


    Paenitia: Ohhhh.....


    Defiler Rohesia: that’s a long list.


    Rhk'Zhsi: Black Sssscorpion....


    Arbiter Fabulous: Above and beyond anyone else though..



    Rhk'Zhsi: Ssssuch plain armor.


    Arbiter Fabulous: *giggles!*


    Defiler Rohesia: Blue Steel...


    Xilla.: I'd say the Gold Brickers.


    Defiler Rohesia: simply awful.


    Paenitia: Technician Naylor looks pretty bad, but then the dorky scientist look
    is necessary for him.



    Clovie: ...The Lost?...all of them.


    Defiler Rohesia: that goes without question.


    Rhk'Zhsi: They're sssuposssed to look like hoboss.


    Arbiter Fabulous: Luddites.. I mean.. they look like the afterbirth of an Amish
    man and a Hot Topic clerk.


    Xilla.: ....yeah..


    Clovie: Ewwww.



    Fortunata Plague: ...Re-Arm the Homeless.


    Rhk'Zhsi: Now, the Ludditesss... yesss... ew.


    Paenitia: Yess... it would be hard to do worse...


    Arbiter Fabulous: Now.. Best Dressed?


    Rhk'Zhsi: Alsssso, on a ssside note.. sssome charactersss may be left-handed....


    Clovie: ARACHNOS!



    Paenitia: Maybe Warriors or Tsoo... but yeah, even Puritans would get a better
    look.


    Defiler Rohesia: I think the widows have style.


    Rhk'Zhsi: Rikti!


    Fortunata Plague: ARACHNOS!


    Xilla.: Fir Bolg are up there


    Rhk'Zhsi: Fir Bolg don't wear clothing.



    Clovie: ...I love the pumpkinheads too.


    Xilla.: ...they still look awesome...


    Defiler Rohesia: the Knives of Artemis too...


    Arbiter Fabulous: Well.. I think I have more than enough for this party!


    Paenitia: Awesome!


    Clovie: Yay!



    Dark Erudin: Cool


    Rhk'Zhsi: Glad to be of ssservice.


    Arbiter Fabulous: I would like this time to simply thank you *looks over at the
    dance floor, seeing DJ Zero talking with a few well-to-do types* Oh look!
    Better people! *runs off!*


    If you have any questions on fashion, needing tips or what have you, write to me
    at Equation on the COH forums! See you on the Runway!


    Next Week: THE RETURN OF LETTERS TO ARBITER FABULOUS, including a special one
    from his very own Villain Group leader!








  9. Fan Fiction


    The Redeemers






    "What happened to you?" Mider Caid asked Redshadow as the scrapper lurched past
    him into the base, "You look like you got hit by a train car!"


    "That’s a good guess," Thomas rasped, "Is Mortiganen in? Or… Wait… You know how
    to heal, right?"


    "Some," the wizard replied, extending his finger and emitting some green flames
    to mystically seal the wounds shut, "But you might want to see Olive… I think
    she can do a better job of making you look hale and healthy… Olive!"


    The green girl looked up from where she was sitting next to McBain’s van and her
    eyes widened once she realized the man her team leader was talking to was
    grievously injured. In an instant, she was up and running over to them.



    "I ran into some Protectors," Tom explained, "They… They seemed to know me. It
    didn’t end well. I got the civilian to a hospital after the train we wrecked
    was jettisoned into the wastes between Steel Canyon and Baumton."


    "How is she?" Olive asked as small vines started extending from her fingertips
    and wrists to wrap about the injured man, "These will squeeze your injuries
    shut and I’ll start delivering a serum that will spur your body to regenerate
    itself."


    The blade wielder looked intently at her for a moment, and she seemed to wilt a
    little.


    "Look, I don’t know how the process works, I can just do it, okay? I can use the
    tendrils to set bones, even thighbones, and the serum does the rest. I don’t
    know how I make it, but… It’s in my tears, too, so…"


    "I was just wondering how long this would take," Thomas chuckled, "I kind of
    want to take a shower and get to sleep."


    "That second one might not be an option," Mortiganen announced as he seemingly
    appeared from the shadow of a nearby girder.



    "Don’t do that!" Mider Caid shouted, "I’m too young to be having a heart
    attack…"


    The elder wizard seemed to ignore the younger and focused intently on the
    scrapper.


    "Something’s come up," Mort’s mouth quirked a little into a grin, "I need you to
    suspend your investigation. I need every able-bodied Redeemer on hand to scour
    this city for a monstrosity unlike anything we’ve ever seen. The team leaders
    know what to look for; I’ll brief you after you’re refreshed."


    Mider looked worriedly to Thomas and shook his head. The former Paragon
    Protector would be searching alone while the rest of the Redeemers were in
    groups. It struck him as a dangerous plan, but there was the possibility that
    whatever the thing was, it would go after a lone hero quicker than a team.



    "That’s what it looks like," Garm explained to the spandex-clad, ridiculously
    tall and muscled man that snorted back at him in derision.



    "Trolls askin’ for help fightin’ trolls. I guess that’s ironing for you."


    "The word you’re looking for is ‘irony,’" Ashen growled, "And it’s not a troll
    that’s asking for help, but a fellow hero in service to this city!"


    "You’re just a pack o’ punks that got tired of us knockin’ you around."



    Another hero, one in a black trench coat with a sword resting lazily on his
    shoulders, casually lit his cigarette on Ashen’s aura as he walked past and
    took his place resting against the wall of the apartment building they were
    standing outside. The big man smiled to his friend before turning back to Garm
    and jabbing him hard in the shoulder with his sausage-like finger.






    "I ain’t goin’ on no wild goose chase just ‘cause some sissy green man is too
    scared to look for himself," he growled, "Now get out o’ my sight ‘fore I start
    thinkin’ my radio’s tellin’ me you’re a ‘friend’ ‘cause it’s busted."


    The former Caliban shook his head sadly and walked back to the van. Ashen
    followed and entered through the back hatch, using hushed whispers to the rest
    of the team to explain what happened. Briggs was mangling the wheel in his
    hands as he shook with rage and Garm squeezed the burly man’s shoulder to calm
    him down.


    "Get us out of here," he muttered grimly, "These morons aren’t here to help
    people. They’re just thugs on the blue side."



    Radio reports flooded in and the other teams were having varying degrees of
    success. Some, with mostly human-appearing heroes, were having success getting
    the message across about the thing the Trolls called Grendel. Others,
    especially the ones with heavily mixed groups, predominately aggressive
    attitudes, or still utilized outfits from their old days as criminals, were
    getting laughed at or into fights. Most wondered if Freedom Corps or the
    Surviving Eight had anything to do with the request, and others thought it was
    some kind of joke, but there were more than just the one hundred and five
    former criminals and low-class heroes on the lookout.


    "Well, it’s better than we expected," Garm grunted as he shut the radio down
    after reporting in, "At least some people out there are looking. I’m a little
    more concerned with the inquiries about whether or not the Phalanx know about
    this. Do you think they’ll put in an effort if they find out?"


    "I don’t care," Briggs growled as he pulled the van into the main overpass
    through Skyway City, "One pass through the city and call it a day?"


    "Sounds good," his friend muttered before settling into the passenger seat and
    trying to pass out, "God, this whole Grendel thing has me in knots. What if it
    really is him?"


    "Doubtful. He died in the Hollowing, that’s all there is to it."


    They passed over a bright flash and Briggs glanced into the mirror. Garm
    remained unconvinced, though, and sat up straight again to continue the debate.



    "Maybe he was just wrecking Atta’s crew, you know? If it really is him, he’s
    probably just trying to take over again."


    "If it really is him," McBain’s face screwed up into a mask of worry and he
    started applying the brakes, "You’re gonna wind up being on the opposite side
    of the fence from your friend. You tellin’ me you might think of goin’ back if
    Grendel takes control?"


    "No…"


    "Alright, then."


    Briggs brought the van to a stop at the edge of the road and turned to look
    intensely at his team leader. When Garm looked at him in confusion, he spoke.


    "Get out."



    "What?"


    "NOW!"









  10. Fan Fiction Spotlight



    Rose
    Black


    By:

    Sooner





    In the light of day, the line between the reality of my life and the nightmare
    is unclear. At night, it vanishes entirely. Things I wish forgotten are
    remembered, experiences relived, feelings endured over and over. I turn off the
    light, and it begins.



    The girl that was Bonnie lay in the dim light of what could charitably be called
    a hospital. The door to her room was locked, of course, but on that day, Bonnie
    was too hurt to even try leaving. On this day, all she could do was stare at
    the swollen, suppurative mass that was her left arm. This Bonnie couldn’t even
    remember the life that had been stolen from her. She could only feel her own
    flesh dying, and could only remember what they had done.


    The girl that was Bonnie, the girl that still had her life, waited offstage,
    while the Dean of the College of Engineering of Paragon City University
    introduced her. She nervously clutched her papers, and determinedly did not
    look at the audience. Who would have dreamed that so many people would be
    interested in the theory of robotics engineering?



    That girl, that Bonnie, had no plans for her life beyond living forever in her
    academic ivory tower and playing with robotic design. She had hopes of creating
    new and sophisticated prosthetics that would help people live better lives. She
    even dreamed, quietly, of creating prosthetic organs. There would be no need
    for organ donation, she thought, if she could build a robot heart that would
    never fail, and never be rejected.



    her ivory tower. Her life
    is nearly over, and she stands there dreaming of prosthetic hearts. But
    Bonnie-that-was never hears me. She only hears the Dean, "And now, please
    welcome Bonnie Rose.">




    Sooner spins an excellent yarn here about a woman pushed over the edge the steps
    she takes for her revenge. She works with some of the most unsavory individuals
    and bargains with heroes she feels have wronged her, all in the aim of
    achieving her own personal vendetta. A capable woman with a devious mind, it's
    sad to think that at one point she could have been called a heroine in another
    life.


    This is but a part in a series of Sooner's stories. Each one takes place at
    different times or focuses on different characters, telling us the motivations
    of the most virtuous and the most heinous of her gallery. Numerous characters
    throughout the story are also the in-game avatars of some of Sooner's friends,
    with their mentalities skillfully translated into the story with no compromise
    of the original concepts.


    It's a satisfying read, and I look forward to more. Hopefully, you'll feel the
    same way.





    The Players of PvP





    Though things have quieted down considerably on the Arena front, I've been lucky
    enough to track down the legendary ELF STALKER from Champion Server. He agreed
    to take a few minutes of his time for this interview.


    What can you tell us about yourself? Natural Habitat, age, job, etc.

    I'm 26 and I live in Sacramento, California. My jobs include being a business
    owner and law enforcement.




    What is your favorite movie or music?

    Many, but when I was kid it had to be Ghostbusters. Hip Hop/ R&B and any
    other music that sounds good.



    When did you find out about City of Heroes/PvP in City of Heroes?

    I was looking for an online game. The only online game I can remember playing
    before COH was the Diablo series. I first went to EB games in mind of buying
    Matrix Online but I decided to ask the guy at the counter what good online game
    were out and he suggested City Of Heroes. I bought the game and have enjoyed it
    since.



    As for my PvP experience, I can say it's very high. I was PvPing Bloody Bay when
    it was real active... I miss defending the beach. The good Siren's days...and
    even Warburg days.



    Are you involved in any PvP or other SGs?


    Well, when I first got COV I joined this SG...can't recall their name. I earned
    a lot prestige and recruited new members and the guys there didn't want to
    promote me. I made my VG called ELITE LEGENDS. I took some of his members with
    me and surpassed him in Prestige rank which was real joyful. Hero side I joined
    Protectors of Neverland, Scott's Heroes and Sons of Atlas, which is now my SG.



    As for PVP SG...I was in Team Tanzie which was fun. We became champions. I am
    also the creator and leader of EXILE which never went through due to i13.



    ELITE LEGENDS' rivalries include the Blackguards, VORI, Shadow Kings,
    Stryke-Force, Protectors of Neverland, and many more.



    What are your impressions of I13 PvP?

    I was hoping for the new pvp options...such as more zones for PvP. They should
    have kept the I12 content but with some little changes.



    What are some of your most memorable PvP Moments?


    Great moment for 2008 was when that dude from Freedom challenged me to an Arena
    match on the forums. He transferred this toon over to Champions and got
    slaughtered. Poor guy didn't even want a rematch. It was a big win for
    Champion...



    Author's note: Having had the pleasure to compete with and against Elf in the
    Arena, he is nothing if not a ton of fun. Make sure to say "hi" if you're on
    Champion server!


    PvPEC Note: Make sure to check your server forums for the Throwdown to Issue 13!
    Massive free-for-all at your local Arena terminals, capped at level 40. Check
    with your server's PvPEC rep for more information.









  11. Pacted and Loving It






    I will say right now that this is probably one of the greatest additions in
    Issue 13. I was excited about it before the issue came out, and the more I use
    it, the more I enjoy it. However, in the forums, I see many people having
    trouble with the feature or difficulty making use of it. I will cover the
    basics of using the level pact and show how I've used it to expand my gaming.


    Two characters level 5 or less can start a leveling pact. They have to be on the
    same server and the same side of the game (2 heroes, 2 villains, no mixing). It
    is a good idea to have a rough plan for the characters. "Hey let's have a level
    pact" works about as well as "I've never seen Hamidon, let’s go do a raid." You
    don't need to be iron clad, sign contracts or schedule every session from 1-50
    but agree on what you want. Remember, if you're not a couple who lives together
    or talks every day, it helps to have a rough plan for getting to 50. That's the
    hook for leveling pacts - you're doing it together. Pacting with the intent to
    make the other person do all the work is unfair unless you both agree ahead of
    time.


    The biggest issue people seem to have with the pact is the experience delay. I
    will say it is most noticeable in the early levels and bothers people because
    they feel like they're losing the level-up bonus. To my knowledge, the issue
    with XP delay is something they're working on improving. In my experience, it's
    intermittent, unpredictable, and has a lot to do with how long the servers have
    been up since last maintenance (but even that isn't a hard rule). Two things to
    remember about the delay: First, while under an experience delay, you get
    experience as if you were that level, even if you've "leveled up" but don't
    actually have the experience yet. So while leveling up mid-mission can be nice,
    you get more experience playing through without leveling. Secondly, regular
    enhancers can fade when you level and leave you less powerful. Not leveling
    until the end avoids that. I'm not trying to say the delay is a good thing and
    I hope they get it fixed too. However, I played for over two years without
    level up bonuses and can live without them. A little practice has made it easy
    to judge experience even without the bar moving. For me, the added experience
    and the lack of fading are both worth losing the 60 seconds of awesome.


    Playing without your pact mate can feel slow and frustrates some players. One
    way I get around that is by playing on teams or playing with several bars of
    Patrol Experience. Even with that, I have to remind myself that two characters
    are advancing when I'm soloing. I get as much pleasure out of being there when
    my pact mate logs in and has "present levels" as I do leveling up myself.
    Leveling up together is where it's at though. It's just as fast as or faster
    than playing unpacted. Keeping the same level without having to think or plan
    for it is a constant comfort. No need to stay within regular experience range.
    No worrying about someone getting to the mission first. No worrying about
    getting into debt. No need to die just because your partner died. No worrying
    if one partner has to go to bed early for work or just wants to get something
    done solo when the other person is busy. It eliminates so many little
    frustrations that I never even consciously noticed before.


    So now to the meat of the matter. Here are several ways that my favorite
    partner, my friends, and I have been using the Level Pact feature.


    Two for the price of one- The early levels fly by, even if you're playing
    without your pact partner. Many people get bored leveling up character after
    character through the same content. My girlfriend and I avoid that by making
    two pact pairs with different concepts then choosing a character from each pair
    to play together so that we level 4 characters through the early level content
    at the same time. (A-A are in a pact and B-B are in a pact, then we play A-B,
    in case I didn't explain that well). We've been basically playing whichever
    character we feel like, switching back and forth as we wish, and knowing
    they're all going to be close to the same levels.



    Sixteen for the price of Eight- I'm sure folks have been doing this across the
    servers but I heard the idea first from my friends in BSOD chat on Pinnacle and
    we've been enjoying it. Take your typical Superteam (ours is mixed Rad
    Controller/Defender). Have everyone in the team make their team character and
    then another character they've always wanted to try but have had trouble
    leveling or don't enjoy in the early levels. Experience and levels flow like
    water on a superteam. Even pacting hasn't slowed us down. We've played one
    night a week for the last 4 weeks and everyone is level 20 or so. That's 24 or
    more characters all leveled up to 20 in under twenty hours.


    Friends with benefits - She made a Mastermind, which she had never tried. I have
    a Mastermind in the mid forties. I made a new Mace/Shield Brute but wasn't
    pumped about doing low levels since I had done so on Test during closed beta.
    It's far easier to teach someone to use an MM when you have an MM's controls in
    front of you. So I play my MM and she lackies. Both her MM and my Brute get
    levels. My MM gets levels. Her MM gets bonus pets as my lackey. Sometimes she
    goes back to normal zones and plays the MM with my Brute. On the whole, it
    works out very smoothly.


    I freely admit that each of these plans are somewhat the same when you get down
    to brass tacks. However, the differences in effect for the players involved are
    all different than most of the ways I've heard people using the pact so far.
    With a little thinking outside the box, more people will come up with ways to
    use and enjoy the pact beyond "how can I get someone to level for me." I don't
    use the pact to skip large chunks of the game, I use them to expand my choices
    at any level.



    Get Involved! Form a Supergroup (or Villaingroup)!







    Are you level 10, have a decent understanding of the game, and constantly either
    looking for people to play with or playing with the same people? Well, why not
    start a super group or villain group?


    A super group is a collection of heroes or villains who share a base and
    occasionally work together. Some groups are more structured than others - for
    example, there are groups that require a uniform or that group members team
    with each other whenever possible, and then there are other groups that only
    require that you play in supergroup mode. You can create a supergroup by
    talking to the representative in City Hall if you play City of Heroes, or by
    talking to a similar contact in Port Oakes if you play City of Villains.
    Remember, you must be level ten, and you will need to come up with a unique
    name for your group!


    Once you create your supergroup, you will notice that there is a button for
    settings on the roster. If you click it, you can change all kinds of things,
    such as who gets access to what, your group motto, and your group colors and
    logo. If it’s your first time starting a supergroup, I recommend leaving the
    "Permissions" settings set to default.



    Before you do anything else, you’ll need members! To recruit people to your
    supergroup, try inviting the people you team with, or sending tells to people
    who don’t have a supergroup and asking them if they’d be interested. Remember
    to be polite, not pushy! If someone says no, then don’t invite them! You can
    also advertise in the Requests and Broadcast channels, but not too often - more
    than once every twenty minutes to a half hour is spamming, which is annoying
    and could get you petitioned. Most of the server forum sections have a place to
    list your new group for people to find, and you can also list it in the
    Supergroup Recruitment section. To invite people to the group, type /sgi [name]
    in your chat window, with [name] being the name of the person you’re inviting.
    For example, if you wanted to invite SuperBlueGuy2010 to your group, you’d type
    /sgi SuperBlueGuy2010. You should always inform people who are interested about
    any special rules there might be before you invite them to make sure they
    agree! You get a prestige bonus for every member until you hit fifteen members.


    Once you get a few members, make sure everyone plays in supergroup mode, or SG
    mode for short. Players in SG mode earn prestige for their supergroup. Prestige
    is used to build the base, add rooms and equipment, and pay base rent each
    month. Base rent is based on certain items in your base, so it’s pretty cheap
    to have a base. SG mode costs a player nothing until they reach level 25, but
    between level 25 and level 29, the amount of influence/infamy earned by a
    player will decrease to about half of what it would normally be. At this point,
    some players choose to stay in SG mode only while grinding and turn SG mode off
    on task forces and missions. When in SG mode, the group’s color and logo may be
    applied to a player’s costume. To change this, open the supergroup roster and
    go to Settings, then Accept on the first page and it will bring you to a page
    where you can edit your colors and turn the supergroup logo on or off. Players
    can also earn badges for their supergroup when they play in SG mode by
    accomplishing certain tasks or getting all the exploration badges in a certain
    zone.


    Once you build up enough prestige, it’s time to work on your base! Go to the
    base portal (on your map, the green circle with a white P in it) and click
    "Your Base." You will likely be in a big empty room. Go to Edit Base on the
    menu and go for it! You may need to add rooms for Control and Power sources,
    which you will need if you are going to add any kind of weaponry to make your
    base raid-capable and for telepads, medical equipment, and some storage. There
    are many great guides on the forums that can help you build a base, and you can
    also ask friends who have their own supergroups for help. Supergroup leaders
    are usually the only people with base editing permissions!


    Now you know how to start a supergroup, how to recruit members, and how to build
    a base. Those are the basics. The challenge in this is that now you have to
    lead it! You need to be able to help your supergroup by advising members,
    resolving conflicts, and fostering an atmosphere of teamwork and cooperation
    for the good of the whole group. Try scheduling PvP Fight Nights or task forces
    on certain nights, and team with your members as regularly as possible. Take a
    few minutes out of your schedule to praise members who have gained a few levels
    since you last saw them and notice when people earn badges for the group. If
    you show your group members that you respect them and value their
    contributions, they will respect you and listen when you voice an opinion, and
    they will be less likely to leave your group for another. They will also be
    more likely to recruit their friends for your group, resulting in a group that
    keeps on growing without having to spam the broadcast channel in the
    lower-level zones like Atlas Park and Mercy Island!


    If you’ve got the time, a supergroup can be a wonderful way to get involved in
    the game in a creative and meaningful way. You can really make a difference to
    new players by inviting them to a group and giving them a base to call home and
    people to answer their questions. Think you’ve got what it takes to be a great
    supergroup or villaingroup leader? Then get involved!













  12. The City Scoop



    Behind the Walls




    4. Disciplinary Measures





    I sometimes tell non-gamers that I ban online players for a living, but that’s
    not really true. I’m less concerned about what those folks think about my job
    than what City of Heroes players think, but still…



    I’d rather players not think all GMs do is ban people!



    This is a broad subject, and I’ll be leaving out a lot this time. Some things I
    might get back to in another entry, but a few things seem important enough to
    clarify early on, so please bear with me on this one.


    First of all, account terminations are rare. Account suspensions, which aren’t
    really "bans" but are referred to as such, are more common. Most common are
    warnings, including explanations of what happened, an excerpt of the User
    Agreement terms, and stern language warning said user not to do what they did,
    again, or else stricter action could be taken.


    Usually that’s all we send. Sometimes we’ll get a reply asking us in so many
    words to explain something, maybe why such an action was bad or to ask if we
    didn’t have anything better to do at that moment. Sometimes the reply will be
    an explanation for what happened, often with embarrassment attached, sometimes
    with anger attached. While we always reserve the right to go further, we
    usually don’t have to, as players involved heed the warning.


    At least, that’s what we think happens. Many will act up again, but usually much
    later in their City of Heroes careers, and earn another warning. Some will miss
    the point of the warning, and decide that nothing worse than the warning will
    come their way. Sometimes they’re proven wrong when they try to log in and
    can’t.


    Account suspensions are 72 hours long and are known internally as "penalty
    boxes." Generally, these are the most severe penalty we will administer. Might
    ruin someone’s weekend plans, if we take action on a Friday, but we never
    schedule them out of spite. There are some circumstances where a "PB" is
    immediate – the most common of these is racism, followed by intentional
    griefing (I will definitely have to come back to that subject.)


    Some players already know about this. Often I’ll read some variation of, "Enjoy
    your three-day ban!" in the logs. We wish players wouldn’t do that. Actually,
    I’d rather players didn’t announce that a petition had been made at all. (I’ll
    have to get back to that idea in a later note, too, because it’s a big one.)



    There are many chances to become frustrated when playing City of Heroes. It’s
    not always clear whether a misunderstanding is intentional. We’ll do our
    absolute best to gather and understand the context of the argument before we
    take any sort of action.



    There are also is a prevailing attitude amongst some players that disrespectful,
    inflammatory, racist or obscene comments or behavior are "OK" in City of Heroes
    in certain circumstances, or in certain areas of the game world.


    They are not, and not ever.



    Any such comment or behavior could result in action by Game Services, up to and
    including termination in the most severe circumstances.



    Of course, while we reserve the right to take whatever action we think is
    proper, we never do more than we think we have to. We still operate under the
    notion that most players just want to have fun and are able to respect and be
    civil to one another.



    We don’t want players to behave because they’re afraid of what the GMs will do.
    We’d rather they "play nice" (and some veteran MMO players might wince to read
    those words together) because it’s better for City of Heroes and everyone
    playing in it.


    It’s pretty close to that, believe it or not. Just be on your guard, but be
    courteous, and if something goes wrong, let us know. We’ll take care of it, or
    at least we'll try.


    Oh, and one other thing. If you wonder what you’re not supposed to do, take a
    minute to read the User Agreement terms again. It’s right there on the
    launcher, every time you start City of Heroes (or you can read the online
    End-User Agreement
    and the
    City of Heroes Rules of Conduct
    ).



    Take a look, but don’t dwell on it too much. We’d rather you just enjoy
    yourselves.










    This Issue:




    Fashion



    Base Showcase




    Masthead




    Jan 16th Issue






    Upcoming Events:



    January 24th







    January 26th





    January 29th




    January 31st









    February 1st




    February 7th





  13. URGENT! - Do NOT Use Witch Leather Top Costume Piece


    It has come to our attention that the Witch Leather Top - a costume piece from the upcoming Super Booster II-- has inadvertently made its way to the live servers as part of the latest patch. Because this piece comes from what will be a paid Super Booster pack, we will be forced to revert it out of any character that has had it placed on their costume. This reversion is to keep the integrity of the Super Booster intact for those players who wish to purchase it when it becomes available.


    Please DO NOT utilize the Witch Leather Top for any of your characters!!! If you do so, no refund of Influence or Infamy will be given to your character when the reversion occurs.


    We greatly appreciate your cooperation and understanding regarding this matter.
  14. Niviene

    Free Drawings!!!

    [ QUOTE ]
    Couldnt make Nin wait too long and I tend to do better with females, but i need to branch out so ill do a guy next. (Maybe ill finish the first one I started haha). I also think I need to fix Firebrandi's legs, she looks like she is about to do the splits... So much to do! But its fun... Anyway, Here Niviene!

    Niviene

    [/ QUOTE ]

    WOOT she's fantabulous! Thanks so much. Printing her off now and adding her to my cube wall
  15. Niviene

    Free Drawings!!!

    If you are still going by the time you get to this post..

    Niviene
  16. I will leave the constructive criticism to the pros. I just wanted to tell you that I LOVE that last pic and the way her hands and arms are running through her hair and the swagger of her walk.
    That is the perfect description without words of my main and the type of character she is. *jealous*
    Nice work!
  17. Niviene

    Wherlwynd

    [ QUOTE ]
    Wherlwind shadow test... question: how to make a Dark Melee/Dark Armor toon appear in shadow?

    Anyway just a quick 20 minute sketch... have more to add tomorrow, this is no way near the final, just a study for me... that I wanted to share with you Heri.

    LJ

    [/ QUOTE ]

    20 mins? You did Wherlwind shadow test in 20 mins?

    She's fantastic and I LOVE her hair.
  18. Vol. 2, Issues 29
    January 9, 2009


    The City Scoop a publication for Supers by Supers! Read the latest publication and then join in on the community discussion!

    If you have concerns regarding the content of the Scoop please direct your comments via PM to Ex Libris. or Niviene

    If you would like to do a feature article, have an event covered, or join "The City Scoop" team please PM Snow_Globe

    If you need some “Advice” contact Lady_Athyna or would like to “Ask The X” contact LiquidX

    If you have a base you would like featured, please contact EnnVee

    Finally if you have a Classified Ad or Recipe you would like included please contact: MistressNoire
  19. Vol. 2, Issues 29
    January 9, 2009


    The City Scoop a publication for Supers by Supers! Read the latest publication and then join in on the community discussion!

    If you have concerns regarding the content of the Scoop please direct your comments via PM to 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

    If you need some “Advice” contact Lady_Athyna or would like to “Ask The X” contact LiquidX

    If you have a base you would like featured, please contact EnnVee

    Finally if you have a Classified Ad or Recipe you would like included please contact: MistressNoire














  20. Thank you everyone who has read and enjoyed my comic strip over the last year. I've had a great time poking fun at the game, the community and the dev team that we've all grown so fond of over the years.



    In 2009, I'm going back to full-time work in game development, and will not be able to continue creating my comic strip for 2 or 3 (or more) months as I get settled in and get through some crunch time at work.



    If you'd like to see my entire CoX comic gallery (including a few made before I joined up with The City Scoop), you can see those here.


    Lattice


















































































































































    The City Scoop Staff



































































































































  21. Base Showcase





    The Pack





    Q) Who is your base designer and who are your supergroup leaders?



    A) Our Base Designer is myself Shadow Rouge @shadow rouge who is also the SG leader. Second in command is Offline and his global is @Offline


    Q) What server is your base on?


    A) Virtue Server


    Q) When was your supergroup established?


    A) I would say probably late May in 2004


    Q) What is the approximate value of your base?


    A) Our Super group is currently number 7 in the top 100 SG's on Virtue and climbing with over 73 million prestige


    Q) How much time do you spend working on your base?


    A) I would have to say that many hours were spent working on this base. An SG member said that the base was too bare for his taste so I just went to work one week and probably spent at least 14 hours during that week completely redoing everything and decorated everywhere.


    I can't take all of the credit for decorating though. The pack is also set up to have what I call "base housing" which allows members of the SG to decorate their own rooms after they have made it past a 30 day probation period and they have earned at least 150k of prestige between their main and any alts they might have in the Super Group.


    Q) How much time have you invested in your base so far?


    A) I spend a lot of time in the base and I have been a member of the pack for over 4 years so I'm not really sure how much time I have really spent in there. I like to keep our enhancement tables with IO's so I spend my influence crafting them for my SG members to use. I also use it frequently for traveling. The Pack is equipped with telepads for every zone that a beacon is available at which is why we have two large rooms with teleporters in them.


    Q) What is your favorite base item? Least favorite?


    A) Wow favorite base item... I really can't pick a specific item. I love everything arcane really, which is why most of the Pack base is in an arcane style.


    My least favorite thing right now would have to be the new version of storage units for salvage. The Pack members were awesome about pooling everything together for the SG members to use so now that we can't store as much salvage for the base and buffing machines I thought that the devs really gypped us and other SG's out there for the use of that base salvage. If they would give us the same amount of storage capacity that we used to have I would be happier about it.



    Q) What is your favorite thing about base editing? Least favorite?


    A) My favorite thing about base editing is seeing how to take something and make it look different. Like the pool of water design that is in the hospital room. Very different look and it was fun to do as well.


    My least favorite thing about editing is the extremely limited amount of things I can put on top of other things. I think they should add things like pop bottles and heck maybe even a vending machine or something. The technology is there because you see similar stuff at pocket D. Windows would be a cool thing to add with maybe a scene of steel canyon or atlas park to make a base seem like its in a building instead of under ground. I have felt for years that bases have been ignored for too long and they could really use some love via decorative items as well as getting the cathedral of pain fixed or replaced all together. We would love to get an item of power in our base if that option ever works again


    Q) If you could give just one piece of advice to a new base editor, what would it be?


    A) Have fun with it. I can't tell you how many times over the years I have completely redone the base and started over. You won't lose any of your prestige except for maybe salvage on some items and that you can always get back!


















































































  22. Fashion



    Because I have to

    look at you





    Friends, Poodles, Runway Models... lend me your ears...



    With the holidays past, I wanted to just give a little shout out to all those people who wished me a happy Holidays...


    ...


    Note the silence? Yeah... thanks... I see what I mean to you... you all need your delightful Arbiter Fabulous when you need help picking out clothing for your loved ones... or what to wear to your company Holiday Parties... but do I get cookies in the mail, no...


    All I have to say is... come next year... I hope you like Crocs and pantyhose, cuz ladies that's ALL I'll be giving out unless Fabulous gets a little love and maybe a gift card to his favorite restaurants.


    One thing though, as the spirits ran high and emotions flared, I heard something over and over again... My ear on the community encountered one thing repeatedly, a dark warning of an atrocity, a being of darkness from the darkest pits of the abyss, come up to destroy the season with a vision most terrible...


    I speak of my dear friend Trina the Seamstress' outfit.


    I have made it a gift to myself, to her, and to the world in general to repair my dear friend!













    As you can see, I went with the lovely "Always a Bridesmaid" line from last February, keeping with the tone she loves so very much... As well as a similar color scheme... but honey that hair and headband had to go! Jem and the Holograms might sue, you know! Anyways, a nice dye job and cut is far batter than merely being truly, truly, truly outrageous!


    Sweety-sweety, I think if you merely wore THAT in Pocket D, folks wouldn't be so cruel... Unlike the blue and white suits of Icon that scream "Please Serge, not in the kneecaps!"


    I certainly hope you all had a happy whatever-it-is-called...


    If you have any questions on fashion, needing tips or what have you, write to my at Equation on the COH forums! See you on the Runway!


    *A Note About The Author: Arbiter Reginald Fabulous lives in the Etoile Islands, St. Martial in particular, with his loving girlfriend and several pets. He enjoys reading fanmail, recieving Christmas presents, and compliments from passers-by in nightclubs, however, due to recent events he doesn't seem to like the holidays too terribly much... Also, he's beginning to suffer from split ends, which is doing NOTHING positive to his mood, much to his underlings lamentations.*


    **A Note About The Author Of The Author: Equation is a guy who likes making folks laugh, crafting costumes, and has nothing but the most sincere respect for the makers of City of Heroes and Villains. He loves snarky humor and satire, and hopes that the catty remarks are not taken personally by any that may receive them, he loves you all, after all! He also hopes his design of Trina may get looked at by Sexy Jay... He loves Jay to peices, but was actually getting called out to post a redesign. Forgive me, Sexy Jay, crafter of all that is good and wholesome?**







  • Under the Hood: Pet Slotting





    Time for a new series of articles, this time on slotting powers. Today I'll be discussing how to slot Pet powers. Now the game internally treats LOTS of effects like pets, but I'll be sticking to the traditional pets that follow you around and attack your enemies. This includes Controller and Dominator pets (Animate Stone, Fire Imps, Singularity, Jack Frost, Phantom Army, Phantasm, and Fly Trap), Mastermind Henchmen (lots), special Henchmen (Gang War and Soul Extraction), Villain Patron Pets (Arachnos and Coralax), Peacebringer Photon Seekers, Warshade Dark Extraction, and Arachnos Soldier pets (Spiderlings and Disruptors). I'll go over the basics of what you want to slot, add some extra tricks about what you can slot, and I'll put it all together with a few examples.


    One of the biggest differences between pets is how often you summon them. Most Controller and Dominator pets are persistent pets, so they'll stay around forever. You only need to re-summon them when you go to another zone. For them, you generally don't need to slot them for Recharge, though you can in case you're particularly rough on them. Slotting for Recharge will not improve the recharge on the powers that your pet uses. Mastermind Henchmen are in the middle. You'd often like to slot them for Recharge, but you can't directly. They don't allow Recharge Reduction Enhancements, and the normal Pet IO sets don't include Recharge. For the rest of the pets, you usually want a lot of Recharge Reduction. They're balanced by being strong but having a long Recharge compared to their duration, so they are more effective if you have them around more often. Phantom Army falls into this class because it has a short duration.


    Next is Accuracy. Controller and Dominator pets are summoned at the level of the caster except for Fire Imps which are one level below. Mastermind Henchmen are even level, -1, or -2 depending on whether you summon 1, 2, or 3 of them. If you regularly fight higher level mobs, you'll need to take that into account. Pets have a 75% base chance ToHit, just like characters. Slot even level pets like you would your own attacks, and add a bit more Accuracy if you have -1 or -2 pets.


    Most pets exist to do damage, so you usually want to slot them around the ED damage soft cap of 95%. But there are many other effects that you may want to balance with damage. Singularity uses lots of Control powers, so it may be worthwhile to slot it for those. The middle tier Mastermind Henchmen usually have powers worth slotting for other effects, like heals, buffs, or debuffs.


    The last general concern is Endurance. Slotting for END Reduction will reduce both the cost to summon a pet and the cost of the powers that the pet uses. Only Masterminds tend to worry about the END cost to summon pets, as they summon and upgrade all of their pets at the start of a mission. Pets usually don't run out of END just by using their powers, but I hear Protector Bots from Robotics Masterminds are an exception.


    That's the basics of what you want to slot. Now let's look at what you can slot. Obviously there are TOs, DO, SOs, and common IOs. You can certainly start with those, but eventually you'll want to work up to Pet IO sets because they provide higher total Enhancement bonuses. These include various combinations of Accuracy, Damage, and Endurance. There are also unique IOs in these sets to grant pets Taunt and Placate Resistance (fairly useless), Defense (5% within 20 feet), and Damage Resistance (10% within 20 feet). The set IO bonuses on the regular Pet sets are underwhelming, so you're better off picking IOs based on their Enhancement values.



    There are two new Recharge Intensive Pet IO sets that contain combinations of Accuracy, Damage, Recharge, and a little END Reduction, with their own Defense and Resistance IOs. Most of the set IO bonuses for these are underwhelming as well, except the 6.25% Recharge Reduction they both provide for having 4 IOs in a set.


    Finally there is the purple Pet set that looks like the Recharge Intensive ones, though it has a Chance for Build Up proc. You can slot all of these wherever you want except that the recharge Intensive IOs can't go in regular Mastermind Henchman powers. Note that the purple Build Up proc only affects the pet it is slotted into, but all of the other unique Enhancements count as set bonuses for you that affect all of your pets. As set bonuses, the unique IOs should still work when you exemp if the IOs are low level as well.


    You can slot other set IOs in pets as well, though mainly the regular Mastermind Henchmen. They often accept Knockback or various Debuff sets. What about the procs in those sets, like Force Feedback: Chance for +Recharge, or Achilles Heal: Chance for Res Debuff? From what I understand, those IOs work for the pet they are slotted in, but they can have some strange effects. I heard that Phantasms slotted with the Force Feedback proc love to go into melee range. If anyone ever tests Force Feedback: Chance for +Recharge or damage procs on various pets, I'd love to hear the results.


    For the wealthy high level char, Hamidon Origin Enhancements are worth considering. Nucleolus (Acc/Dam) Enhancements improve Accuracy and Damage by a decent amount for a single slot. You can improve all of the Mezz effects of Pets by using Endoplasm (Acc/Mezz) or Peroxisome (Dam/Mezz) HOs. Membranes (Defense and ToHit Buff/Rech) can be used on Thug Enforcers and Protector Bots to improve their Recharge. Lysomes (Acc/ToHit & Defense Debuff) are fairly cheap and easy to get, and useful on Necromancy or similar pets with ToHit debuffs.


    Now let's see what we can do... A Thugs/Traps Mastermind can slot their Enforcer with 2 Defense IOs at level 50, and the Maneuvers from two Enforcers will give all of the Thugs 25% Defense. Add a Force Field Generator for another 15% Defense. Top it off with one of the unique Defense IOs and the Thugs will have soft capped Defense of 45%. As long as they all stay close together, those Thugs are VERY hard to hurt. The same strategy likely works with Ninjas, Force Fields, and even Dark Miasma with ToHit debuffs.


    A Singularity with a Nucleolus, Endoplasm, and two Peroxisome HOs has a solid Accuracy bonus, plus ED capped Damage and Mezz Enhancements. Three Nucleolus HOs give ED capped Accuracy and Damage in just 3 slots to any pet, leaving 3 slots for anything else you want to squeeze in.


    Slot both unique Resistance IOs from the regular and Recharge Intensive IO sets to pets with high Resistance (Singularity or Animate Stone), and those pets will be even harder to kill.


    What have I missed? Probably a lot. Dark Servant from the Dark Miasma set seems like a regular pet, except that you can't slot it with any pet IO sets or even damage. Gun Drone from Blaster Devices only accepts Ranged IO sets, but otherwise it acts like a pet. If you know of any other interesting pet slotting tactics, let me know!







  • The People On...
    Secret Identities: Part 2





    Scoop Man here with good news for you truth seekers. I have received some interesting mail as of late with regards to my last article. After the discussion of secret identities with a noted hero, Steampunk Charlie, I found that there is some sort of government hold on the lives of heroes. Granted there are heroes whose identities are known to the public and who are comfortable with this, however, is it necessary for them to give up their lives to the institution and hope that no one breaks in and steals the information? Seriously? If I was saving the world on a daily basis, I would not want Nemesis to know who my family is, let alone who is in my Fav 5. Yet I can't help but feeling there are some heroes in Paragon who are registered under false names, or not registered at all. You all know who I'm talking about. Those way sketchy people who stalk the gang-bangers in the night, violating the Geneva Convention in ways we're not aware of for the sake of justice. I'm exaggerating of course, but I'm sure half of you could name someone who you are sure is not registered. Now, true to my formula and my solemn vow to bring varying perspectives so that my lovely readers will have a cultured point of view, I have gone to the Rogue Isles again to seek the opinion of a "villain." Because I love you all so much, except that guy who stole my car (yes it is still out there and yes I have now issued a reward), I have gone to the Arachnos elite to see what their opinion is since they resemble a government to a certain degree.


    Scoop Man: Excuse me, sir?


    Project ELEMENTAL: What? I'm busy.


    SM: I have a couple of questions, I'm Scoop Man. Have you heard of me?


    PE: Yes, sadly. What do you need?


    SM: Um, I was wondering what your thoughts are on the whole secret identity issue.


    PE: Frankly, it's a lot of for nothing.


    SM: How do you mean?


    PE: Having two identities just complicates things really. First you have to establish the civilian life, then the hero life. You have to watch yourself so you don't mix up by accident and you're always thinking of excuses for getting out of work to save the world.


    SM: Sounds like you have some experience.


    PE: You kidding? You'd be surprised what heroes will complain about when you have them captive.


    SM: So the heroes complain about having two identities?


    PE: Didn't I just say that?


    SM: Oh, yes. How do you feel about the government forcing the heroes to register, eliminating their privacy and putting their loved ones in danger?


    PE: Well, as for the first question the government has no right to do that. It's the hero's choice to do what they want with their life and live it however they want. They obviously have a reason for having two identities so why punish them for it? Those who want to be known should have the option of doing so but those who don't, well, they should be left alone.


    SM: You sound like you sympathize with them.


    PE: Not so much as sympathize as pity. Their lives are controlled for them and they have to be labeled "vigilantes" or "heroes" depending on their method of saving the world. I don't hear about the civilians complaining one way or another as long as they're saved, right? I don't care what they do as long as I get to beat them up frankly.



    SM: So is the government in the wrong?


    PE: The government should calm down and not be so paranoid. They're worried that if they don't have someone on file they have no control over them. If a hero blows up a building because there's a bomb in it, they need to know who to blame. If that person is a "vigilante" then they can blame them and label them a villain, all the while claiming Longbow or some licensed hero saved the civilians. If the government could police crime, they wouldn't need heroes. They should be thanking them, not slapping rules on them.


    SM: I'm kind of surprised you think this way as an Arachnos soldier.


    PE: Look, I'm practically in an army. I chose this. The only reason we're registered in the Isles is because we go to jail. No one cares about our loved ones or family unless they have a vendetta. We want to be known so we can get credit. Just because I live in this environment doesn't mean I don't have opinions about my enemies.


    SM: I see. That's a very interesting point of view there.


    PE: I calls'em as I sees'em.


    SM: Thank you for speaking with me.


    PE: Whatever.


    I hate to admit it, but I think our Arachnos friend here is right. The government shouldn't put restrictions on the people who save them for free out of the kindness of their hearts. Unless the person does something genuinely bad or unwholesome, they shouldn't be punished for it. His comment about more government involvement in the first place also brings up a good point. Why does the government want them to register other than having someone to blame and punish? What is the point? I'll keep digging to get the scoop!


    A Villain Christmas




    Hey all, Hostile V here. Sorry for dodging the last few issues; I've been learning from ancient monks to hone my focus and ideas. And I sincerely hope to post more in the New Year. Until then, please enjoy this little holiday poem.


    Christmas in Etoile


    There's rubble's lying in the street,

    The people look dog-tired and beat,

    But it's a special time of year,

    A time for fun and joy, not fear.


    Now everyone from Snake to Tsoo,

    Crey, Family, Spiders, Rikti too,

    Can't help feeling different in these days.

    (Alas, it just ain't here to stay)


    Just think: this time of year is fleeting,

    You've a bigger mission that needs completing,

    By honoring all of those you love,

    Or hate, or loathe (All of the above?)


    So get a tree from the DE,

    Tape holiday films from the TV,

    Sling Arachnoid webbing 'round the tree,

    Plug in new lights from Dr. Æ.


    Hang up the masks and capes and cowls,

    Tuck away the sneers and scowls,

    Relax with family, minions, friends,

    And enjoy it 'til the season ends.


    Let's celebrate and deck the halls,

    Find a hero, make him bawl,

    Loot everything from house to mall,

    It's Christmas in Etoile.















  • Get Involved!


    Events and You!





    At this point, we've talked about community groups and global chat channels. Hopefully, by now, you're aware that the forums are a wonderful resource to turn to when you're looking for ways to get involved! Also, you should have at least a few friends, whether they're people you chat with on a regular basis or people you team with every night or members of your super group or villain group. Well, that's all you need! This time we're talking about events!



    That's right, events! You know the Player Events section on the forums? Well, this is what it's for! An event can be anything, anything at all! If you want to give out prizes (and have the wherewithal to do so!) you might want to do a costume contest or PvP tournament or a trivia contest; if you don't want to give out prizes, what about hosting a themed Task Force or a dance party to show off your super group's awesome base?



    To host an event by yourself, first you need to decide what kind of event you want to do. Do you want to run one specific event or multiple events? You could combine events, like costume contests, relay races, and trivia contests, and have a party in Atlas or Pocket D, or you could decide to do an All-Scrapper Sister Psyche Task Force or an All-Blaster Positron Task Force or a Cartoon Character-themed Imperious Task Force and make the Task Force itself the whole event! You'll want to be as familiar as possible with the event or events you choose, and if you do choose multiple events, you may want to ask your friends for some help. The possibilities for in game events are nearly limitless. Once you decide what kind of event you want to do, you'll need to figure out if you need prizes or not, and where you'll get the prizes from. If you're in a super group or villain group, you can approach your group leader with your event idea and ask if it can be sponsored by the group. This is a great way to get a few extra hands to help, and to get assistance with prizes.



    When choosing a date and time for your event, there are a few things to keep in mind. You want to plan the event with enough time in advance to get the word out to people, and you also want to choose a day and time when people will be in game and looking for something to do. Weekends are better than weekdays, most of the time, and after 7 is usually the most active time. You also want to make sure no other big events are going on on your server on the date and time you want-not only can other events draw attention away from yours, you don't want to be rude and try to steal someone else's spotlight. Unless it's an event where people will be getting experience points, never run an event on double experience weekend!




    Once you know exactly what you'll be doing-what kind of event you want, what prizes will be distributed, and a date and time-you can post it in the Player Events section of the forums! Make sure you post the server and location of the event so that people can find you, and if you're doing a Task Force, it's a good idea to ask people to sign up in advance with their global name, toon name, level, archetype, etc. Post in the thread and let everyone know when the team is full or keep an updated list of people on the team in the thread, and make sure to sign on a few alternate players in case someone doesn't make it. Post the event in the Events section and in your server section for maximum exposure, and keep people updated on any changes by posting them in the same thread! Read the stickied thread on posting events in the Events section-it is extremely informative and invaluable to people who are just starting out as hosts/hostesses. For more free publicity (yes that's right, free publicity!) try contacting CoH/CoV fan sites or online radio stations. Sometimes they'll post your event on their site or allow you to record a brief commercial about it to play on the air. The more people who know about your event, the better the chances that you'll get a great turnout!



    When the day comes for your event, you'll want to log on and be in position early-really early. It's never good for a host or hostess to be late to their own party! If the event is in a zone, you may want to announce it on broadcast several times prior to the event's start, and keep people updated on what is going on-for example, twenty minutes before a costume contest, broadcast something like "Costume Contest under Atlas in 20 minutes! The theme is Silver Age Costumes! First Prize is 3 million influence!" You may want to repeat the broadcast at 10 minutes to start and 5 minutes to start, as well as use the broadcast channel to announce the winners so that there can be no doubt. If your event is a Task Force, be ready at the contact to start inviting people who have signed up to your team, and make sure everyone is clear on the length of time the Task Force requires. You may also want to make sure (if it's not an All-Specific-Archetype Task Force) that you don't get four tanks and three blasters and a scrapper. Sometimes people will switch to alts if you ask nicely and if they understand the need. Remember to be friendly and polite to the players who come to your events, and be prepared to answer questions about any rules you may have and about the prizes.



    The best way to learn how to host an event is to do it! Trust me, with patience and a willingness to learn, any player can host wonderful, fun events! Just make sure to remember the advice people give you, to respect the people who come to your events, and to give yourself plenty of time to prepare and get the word out, and don't forget to ask your friends for help if you need it! This is one of the absolute easiest ways there will ever be to get involved-so do it! Go on, get involved!