OminousVoice

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On a more serious note, this has been suggested many times in many different guises. It would probably be too much work and a complete nightmare to balance, although it would be rather nice to have your own signature power... until someone found the "best" one and everyone took it.

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Even if if everyone did have the 'best' one, it still work differently for almost every player, since almost everyone's build is different.

Alright, fair enough. I just made that up for arguments sake. But my point still stands - to create a hefty, but ultimately balanced power.

As many of you have heard, plans are in place to implement a custom mission creator for I13 or thereabouts. Perhaps this customisation can go even further.

All the signature heroes an villains have signature powers unique to them. Why can't we?

Here's what I propose - A Signature Power creator.

It would work like this:-

You take your level 50 character (In this case my DM/DA Brute) to your first contact (Ms. Liberty, Kalina etc.) and they give some spiel about your power growing blah blah. They then give you an arc/TF/SF to do. Once thats done you go back and your taken to the Custom Power screen.

Now these custom powers are meant to be big. A hypothetical tier 10 power that can really put the hurt on. You only get the one, and it only has one slot.

You are given a certain number of 'points' to spend on creating this power. Lets say 10000.

First you choose whether you want an offensive or defensive power. For the sake of argument we'll choose offensive.

Next you choose the type of attack you want: Ranged or melee (certain points penalties would be imposed for selecting a type of power that's not inherehent to your archetype, i.e. Blasters creating a melee power or Brute creating ranged.) We'll pick Melee.

Then you choose the secondary type: Single target, Cone, PBAoE. We'll pick PBAoE for my Brute.

Next we choose the radius of the PBAoE. The larger the radius, the more points it costs. We'll give this a nice large radius of 30 feet.

Now we come to the effects of the power.

You can pick the damage type (Lethal, Energy, Negative, etc). How much damage it does and how it is dealt (Burst, DoT, Both) The higher the damage you choose, the more points it costs. We'll pick Psionic, 30 seconds DoT, with Superior Damage

Then there are secondary effects also. This could be a second damage type OR a mez effect. With the Mez you are able to select the magnitude. Higher magnitudes cost more points. We'll pick Fear with a mag of 20

Next we can choose the base accuracy of the power. By default this would be 1.X, however you can increase this at the cost of points.

Next we come to selecting animations and graphical effects. Graphical effects cost nothing and are customisable with a simillar two colour layout to costumes, but animations will incur a cost because they tie with activation and interrupt time. The longer the animation, the less it will cost. The animations available will be those relating to the type of power you selected (Ranged or Melee)

Recharge time and Endurance cost would be calculated automatically based upon the effects and magnitudes you've selected. However you can spend any remaining points you have on discounts for both.

So by the end of all that we should have a 30 foot PBAoE mag 20 Fear attack which causes Superior Psionic DoT, with default accuracy, an activation/interrupt time of 3.5 secs, and endurance cost of 40 points and a recharge time of 90 seconds.

Now we get to name it. I call this little beauty 'Phobic Devastation'

Now, this power will only have one slot. But you'll be able to slot it with any enhancement you wish, as long as the power has those effects to enhance.

If it turns out you don't like what you've created you can respec and redo it.

The reason I suggest this is because many of us want our characters to have a greater sense of uniqueness, one that goes beyond our appearance. I want my character to have an ability that only he has.

The Eastern Mountains - Liberty Isles

He could not enter the village openly. 12 millenia as a drinker of blood had taken their toll on his appearance. He was exceptionally tall, with an alabaster complexion and hair just as pallid. The Primogen remembered his hair used to be a rich black, back in the days when he was known as Jarekan'khemma the diviner in Lythanna. He could not remember when it changed. Those ancient memories that were the only things that escaped him. He still remembered many details of his mortal life, but it was the little things that he failed to recall. He could not remember changing so much. The memory of his transformation into the first vampire would be forever burned into his mind, but for many years after he still regarded himself as human. But time moved ever on and Jarekan'khemma the diviner slowly diminished. He could not remember Jarekan'khemma becoming The Primogen. Was there ever a turning point? It was a question he had asked himself for thousands of years.

He had set himself up in a small cave situated in a cliff face overlooking the village. It was unreachable by any normal means, but the Primogen was not a normal being. The caves position provided optimal visual, aural and psychic surveillance.

He had been monitoring the gossip of the village for two days now. The overall mood seemed apprehensious, but jovial. The village had a population of approximately 1100 people, and the Primogen could hear every one. One of the village elders was celebrating his 63rd birthday. There was a huge party and everyone in the village was invited to join the festivities. He could smell the multitude of food being cooked an prepared. Even after 12 thousand years he still salivated at the scent of good food. The pleasure of tasting it would forever be denied to him.

As he watched the village, he felt a sudden affinity with a communications satellite. Always watching, never taking part. The thought made him chuckle.

Occasionally he would whisper telepathically to people in their own voice, guiding their thoughts. He had a little fun with it, affecting simple trivial decisions like what colour dress someone might wear, or what they wanted to eat. He would do this with everyone, getting them used to his manipulation. Preparing them for when their decisions might affect the LoRDs.

The Primogen's pale eyes peeked over the top of his glasses. He almost scoffed at the inference that he would waste his blood on them or that he would anything less than invisible. The people of the mountains were as the Countess stated - proud and stubborn. He focused for a moment, concentrating on their voices. He could sway their beliefs and bend their wills. That wouldn't be difficult. But to what end?

"What would you have them do? I can have them fall in line but some sort of direction will be needed."

The Primogen peered over Elizabeth's shoulder, looking out across the island. His eyes saw through darkness as easily as light. He stared at a tree situated almost a mile away. He could see the tiny movements of leaves as they rustled in the faint breeze. He could see a small nest wedged between the branches. He saw the mosquitoes buzzing amongst the foliage.

He had traveled the islands extensively since he arrived. He knew them as intimately as the locals. In fact it was because of the locals that his orientation was so frighteningly acute. He had plucked information from their unguarded minds, their voices amongst the billions that rushed through his head.

"Yes, I know them." He swilled the blood in his glass, ensuring the cells remained sprightly among the plasma.

The Primogen leaned over to sit. As he did so, he telekinetically pulled the chair under him. He paused for a moment, peering at his glass, allowing the delicate sanguine aroma to play on his nostrils. He took a sip and savoured its taste before swallowing.

"Did you ever consider why?" He fixed his gaze upon the Countess. "Did you consider why I did what I did? I am not a puppet, Countess. Quite frankly I'm a little insulted you chose to treat me as such. I lived more than long enough to know when I'm being played.

"I know I am valuable to you. I'm valuable to a lot of people. I'm aware of that. I'm also aware that you want to keep me close in order to exploit my knowledge and abilities. Prudent. I would expect nothing less of you. But I would also expect you to recognise that I am not a fool. No doubt you've done your research. There isn't much to find is there. That fact alone should give hint as to what I can do. What you know of me is what I want you to know. I was playing puppetmaster while your ancestors were still herding goats.

"I affiliate myself with you out of choice, not obligation. I'm quite content to be member of the Court. I'm quite happy to assist you in whatever you wish. I am even willing to tolerate Romanov's indignation. However, if I feel I'm being treated unfairly or if detect the faintest whiff of deceit, I will simply pull the same trick I've pulled for millennia and drop off the face of the earth, taking my knowledge and my power with me. I suspect you wouldn't want to risk that. So if I am to be of service to you I ask that you be a little more honest with me."

He leaned back in his chair, taking another sip of his glass. Again he let the crimson liquid settle on his pallette, enjoying its flavour.

Her voice punched through the cacophany of voices in his head like a jackhammer. The Countess was summoning him. No doubt to deliver a tongue lashing over his actions. Still, it would provide a suitable opportunity to deliver a lashing of his own. He had always been aware of her machinations regarding him. Indeed, he was even a little disappointed at the vulgarity of it all. The strange resonance he felt would have to wait.

He headed back to the villa, still maintaining his obsfucation. No-one would know he was there unless he wished it.

"Good evening Countess." he said, as he stepped into the Countess' view.

He felt it. A odd shift. A slight disruption of balance. It was new, different. Not like the fluctuations he had gotten used to on the island.
The ancient vampire known as the Primogen stirred amongst the dank stone and oppressive shadow. This shift was minor, almost impercievable... almost. He considered ignoring it, but prudence and curiosity held sway.

He emerged from the crypt beneath Villa Báthory. He could still sense the resonance. He focused for a moment and pinpointed its origin. He moved with frightening celerity toward this location. He would not be seen. He would not be heard. His presence would remain undetected by anyone or anything.

Audacious is the right word. The only way I can see this working is having an innocuous alt actually form the group then link the other LoRDs by way of coalition. That way no-one sacrfices the control they have over the various SG's they maintain.

At the moment I'm at a bit of loss for what to do with my next play. Romanov hasn't got back to me about the things we discussed. The Primogen is in a somewhat subordinate position and needs some direction. Plus Liz, could we arrange the reprimand for Primo's actions? Perhaps either a full RP or at least sort out details which I can refer to in my next play.

It is sterling work. You have a great cinematic eye. And I'll be honest, it looks more polished than my own animation, but I guess that's the advantage of CG.

Essentially the animation is a trailer for a movie that'll never happen. I've finished a version of the animation that I intend to submit to uni, but for you guys I'm gonna continue to work on it because there are things about it I'm not happy with.

My most recent Uni assignment requires me to create an animation. The brief was pretty open so I decided to do one featuring a couple of my toons. I'm still in the process of animating at the moment, but another requirement of the brief was to produce a poster to accompany the animation.

Hopefully you'll enjoy.

Animation Poster

A small smirk struggled to contain itself on the Primogens face. The smirk gave way to a fit of laughter that seemed to come from everywhere.

"Young Romanov, you're not a very good judge of character are you. I have no interest in supplanting the Countess. Like so many before you, you have made the mistake of underestimating me. Any threats you make are profoundly meaningless." He said, chuckling intermittently.

"As for the fledglings, they're in the crypt beneath this villa. I'm sure you'll have as much fun with them as you did with this one." he said tapping the corpse of the dead vampire with his foot.

He continued to laugh. He knew he was untouchable. He hadn't survived twelve millenia without good reason. He was the first vampire to walk the earth. His power was immeasureable. As a fellow progenitor, he respected the Countess. He didn't know how much she actually knew of him. She was one of the few courteous enough to keep thier mind closed. One less voice in his head. If he wanted he could find out, but the resepect he held for her prevented such an intrusion.
He looked upon her as a father would an estranged daughter. She had forged a mighty power base within the Rogue Isles. He wanted to ensure her survival. Her indiscriminate approach to siring offspring had ensured her bloodline permeated the entire planet. She had what was denied to him. He wouldn't begrudge it her. In fact he would ensure what happened to his own bloodline, didn't happen to hers. If this meant assisting in the LoRDs plans then so be it. For the briefest of moments he let her, and only her, know of his affection.

He viewed Romanov with amusement. He had encountered so many like him in his time. Indeed Romanov had great power at his disposal but with great power comes great ego. He foresaw that Romanov would eventually be taken down a peg or two. By his hand or someone elses, it didn't matter.

Whatever motives the Primogen had were not particularly detrimental to the LoRDs. However, whatever they were they would remain unknown to all but the Primogen.

He turned toward the door, still chuckling maniacally.

"Fly in a thunderstorm. That's a good one." His laughter continued to echo after he left.


((EDIT: Corrected a few typos))

You're right. I made a mistake and I apologise. I guess I just got a little carried away.

A slow knock at the door preceded the Primogen's entrance. He would not stay long as he was intruding on a private meeting. He had heard Romanov's heated words from the crypt beneath the villa, the Primogen felt small obligation to correct this oversight.

"It would seem there is a slight disapproval toward my actions." Said the Primogen, before offering Romanov and the Countess a nod in greeting.

"However, before you attempt to chastise me for my actions, I will tell you that only eight of Barzini's men have been turned. No more. Indeed any more, as the esteemed Romanov has pointed out, and the island would become a nation of 'parasites'. These eight were to be part of a spy network dotted about the Liberty Isles. A little psychic link makes them my eyes and ears. Whatever they see is known to me and thus anything of note would be reported to you. You see? A little initiative goes along way." The Primogen smiled almost sadonically.

"So Countess, you wanted an expansion of your power base, now you have it. In fact, the only reason I am here at this meeting at all is because of this little chap." He said, patting the caged vampire on the shoulder. He smiled at Izumi. The caged vampire let out yelp before dropping dead.

"The 'One-point-psychic-exploding-heart-technique'. No mess. No fuss" He said peering at the dead vampire, before returning his grinning gaze to Romanov and the Countess.

"Meh, he was of no use to me after such a playful mutilation." The grin dropped off his face, leaving his expression cold. "The rest of Barzini's men are interred, unharmed, at a nearby crypt. Do with them as you wish."

I have a DM/DA Brute. Thus far I've got it to 43 with very few problems. True, pre-Stamina it ate endurance faster than a bee in springtime. However, I feel it's all about end management. All my attacks bar brawl have at least 1 endredux. All the toggles are given at least one. Dark Embrace, Murky Cloud and Obsidian Shield have 2.

DA can give you incredible survivability if you use it wisely. I tend to use toggles selectively, using the one that would be most useful for the mobs I'm fighting. Of course, that being said I have managed to hold down a Hero level Citadel solo, with all toggles up, lackeyed. The rest of the team was either recovering or fighting mobs (I'm not sure, I was rather busy at the time). Surprisingly my endurance fared pretty well. He did manage to kill me as I failed to hit Dark Regen in time, but not before I knocked off just over half his HP. See, when used right you'll often be the last one left standing.

DA not only fits thematically with DM but it provides a very good companion to it. Dark Consumption helps counteract the end drain enormously. Of course the DM/DA combo isn't everyones cup of tea. It can be a difficult set to use if you're not prepared to do the work. Sometimes you have to forego fury generation in order to survive. This is were the soft control powers come in. They're great in keeping the pressure off others as well as yourself. You effectively become a Brutroller. Whilst this may be counterintuitive to the Brute play style, foregoing damage output for survivability, it keeps you alive longer. As long as you don't mind being knocked on your [censored] every once in a while.

And yes. Cloak of Darkness is useless in PvP. To be honest */DA is probably about the worst PvP set you can have.

The Primogen had vanished before Romanov had finished his sentence. He was already hurtling toward the Countess' villa.

He arrived within minutes of leaving Romanov. He made his way into the crypt beneath the villa. Waiting for him amongst the stone walls and dusty cobwebs were two men. One was a vampire, one of the Countess's neophytes. The other was one of Pistols former henchmen. The young vampire greeted the Primogen with appropriate reverence. The henchman was chained to the wall. There were several bite marks adorning his wrists and neck. The Primogen gave the slightest of nods, signaling the younger vampire to sink his teeth in once more.

In the hours following Pistols death, the Primogen had ordered Pistols men rounded up and turned. Several had been turned already and were sleeping in various crypts dotted about the Isles. The Primogen himself did not sully himself with such a task. The Countess may sire her own minions, but the Primogen was far far older. His 12,000 year old blood was far too precious and potent to waste on mere foot soldiers.

The young vampire bit into his own wrist and put it to the mouth of the henchman. The Primogen issued a subtle mental command to the henchman, urging him to drink. The young vampire winced slightly as his blood was drawn from him. Satisfied, the Primogen headed deeper into the crypt.

He found the coffin he had chosen for himself. He was unable to bring his sarcophagus from Cap Au Diable. He hated this holiday coffin. It was too small and uncomfortable. Begrudgingly he lay down in its tatty lining. He would not sleep, just relax for an hour or two.

It was too quiet for him. The silence only made the endless voices rushing though his mind seem even louder. Occasionally he would pick out an individual voice among the billions and listen for hours to their thoughts, hopes, dreams and despairs.

He pondered the events of the last night. The way events were unfolding may prove highly entertaining. Pieces were in place, moves being planned. The Primogen was seen as just a pawn, but this pawn would make it to the other side of the board.

"The Countess already knows." The Primogen's rich otherworldly voice seemed to come from everywhere and yet nowhere. "I have shown her what I have seen."

He rose into Romanov's view, hovering like a spectre. He was no longer in his winged form. The warm rays of the waning sun bathed his marble skin in a vibrant ochre glow. His eyes were hidden behind a pair of dark, round rimmed glasses. His long red leather coat flapped gently in the light breeze. He gave a respectful nod to Romanov.

"The battle was disappointingly short, like watching a toddler tease a rottweiler." he said, his voice still seeming to come from nowhere in particular. "The Priest fled. However I expect we shall see him again. Miss Barzini's last words to him were... unwise."

Hovering just over a mile away from the battle, the Primogen's vampiric eyes watched the exorcised body of Pistol fall into the ocean. This outcome had not surprised him in the least. His gift of prophecy, though diminished, was not gone entirely. He had foreseen Pistols failure.

He pondered whether or not to pursue the Priest. He decided not to. There was little point. He expected the Priest would return sooner or later. With a flap of his vast wings, the chiropteran behemoth form of the Primogen headed back to the Countess's villa. Romanov's zombie horde had not yet caught up with Pistol, and it would be some time before they discovered her fate. Someone had to report this news to the LoRDs.

As he soared thought the darkness he thought to himself 'Romanov will be pleased.'

Sounds like a plan.

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I should just note here for future reference: Erebus doesn't have any minions at the villa. In fact, no-one has seen his minions just yet. One could suppose he has some at the temple perhaps.

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"Zombies, thousands of 'em..."

Sorry about that. Tis fixed.

Soaring high above the villa, shrouded by the nights embrace, the chiropteran behemoth form of the ancient Primogen circled like a vulture. Peering down upon the commotion with sight that cut through the darkness like a razor, he couldn't help but chuckle at the prospect of a handful of thugs taking on a small horde of creatures that will get back up no matter what you throw at them. Though he did admire their fortitude in the face of those little horrors.
The Countess had requested the Primogen's presence in the Liberty Isles. He had brought with him a handful of the Courts neophytes. These vampires were young but their enthusiasm to gain favour in the Court would prove useful. 'Officially' the Primogen and the others were on bodyguard duty. This may well have been true for the fledglings, however the Primogen suspected his presence may be required for another reason.
He watched amused as the servants of Romanov, Báthory and Alicia goaded eachother. His merriment was halted by the mention of the Priests name. The emergence of the Priest would be a highly interesting development. He pondered to himself. It appeared his presence was justified.

((EDIT: Corrected the zombie ownership))

I PM'd Liz a while back about getting in on this. Is there any chance we can weave the Primogen into the plot somehow? I'm open to ideas.