Primrose

In a word, Yes.

Galaxy City was my first zone. First hellion taken down, Galaxy City. First time recovering the Jewel of Hera from the Circle of Thorns, Galaxy City. First Plaque clicked, Galaxy City. First Ralaruu Portal found and freaked out over, Galaxy City. Galaxy Girl became the first bit of City of Heroes lore I actually became interested in knowing about. It was in the cosmically themed streets of Galaxy City I first heard a call requesting the location of the tailor (which let me know that such a thing existed in game). First level 50 trained up by Back Alley Brawler, Galaxy City. Our SG's base was said to exist in a warehouse in Galaxy City (From Twinshot's mission I know it survived). Our SG also had a "right of passage" which required you to get the Tank badge without using any travel powers, not even sprint.
Yes. I will miss Galaxy City, in many ways it was my first taste of City of Heroes, and much of the affection I have for the game is shared by the zone. I know this is for the advancement of the game, but I feel it is somewhat heartless not to feel some sense of loss or tragedy at this passing. After all isn't that what the story writers were aiming for?

Well after 51 months Primrose has finally hit 50, while arresting Dreck. Sorry Daniel, but thanks for the ding.

This is pure speculation, but I imagine it is due to either overtime laws, or having to get extra help, related to the time constraints regarding the creation of these costume parts/ emotes/ event. Remember the dev's are just comming off of I 11, I 11.5 and the Christmas Events. Considering that most people take some time off for the Holidays that gives very little time even with planning to get everything prepared, and still be on schedule, it's not like the can push back Valentine's Day.
That said... I do wish more could have been done with the costume peices. It would not really offend me to see a full tights version of the bridal top so we could change the color of the pattern. ((That's a hint for you Jay.)) I would go into more detail, but InfamousBrad covered everything else I would say earlier in the discussion. In my opinion just the ability to have the tux jackets with wings is worth the ten dollars.

Hey don't go knocking sushi now. I mean I know raw fish isn't for everyone, but some of it is quite nice. Plus do you want to bring the "I want a big red (beach ) ball" fans down on you? I sure wouldn't.

Another nice one Teldon. Lemur lad, you and I do the same thing to keep missions from getting old. As a plus for me I normally play with a group of real life friends from all over the country. With some missions we have done over and over we develop running gags which keep popping up no matter what characters we are playing, a personal favorite is one involving Mimi Van Horn. Do you and those you play with also develop such running gags, and if so which is your personal favorite?

I had to go with Costumes from the choices listed. The base storylines are interesting... but I really enjoy roleplaying and writeing my own as I play. As others have expressed the Storylines have limits especially Heroes side. On Villians side some of my friends and I have taken all the same missions and contacts and share them so we only do them once. It is much easier to get the story and still group that way! Plus we add our own little twists.

PvP is not my personal favorite aspect of the game and though I go there it is usually more for the badges, and temp powers. Though if I am there for that I am also looking out for a fight. After all I can get badges for that too!

Speaking of that, badges would have to come as a close second in the options listed for me. I can always set myself a goal with them, and they make nice milestones.

Bases... I really wish I could say I was happier with the way bases work. Perhaps if you could actually put a phone on the table instead of having to put it on the floor? Let some of the objects overlay each other and then I might be more interested.

I really do like the villian groups. I don't really have a favorite one. Many of them are nicely done in different ways. And they all seem to fit with the overall story.

So why did I chose costumes? Because that is where I really have the most control and the most choice. It is where I can show off my creativity. Is it perfect? No I don't think it ever will be. But can you have too many clothes?!?

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I was simply pointing out it's not the addition of such terms to the vernacular, but rather it's inaccuracy that bothers people.

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People call Blizzard a "nuke", but I don't hear anyone jumping on the glaring technical inaccuracy of calling a snowstorm an atomic explosion, since we all know what the word means locally...

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Run it up the flagpole, see if anyone salutes.

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/em salute

Yes, that would be an example of what I was calling and thinking of as a gamer term for something that is very out of character.

I would take the same offense over someone calling a Shivan a pet, but Kyra brought that one back to the base and... *sigh* at least she cleans up after it.

Well most of the posts I saw in defense of the pro-toon stance that gave any sort of history on it came with refrences to the games where they first saw it's use. It is true I may have drifted from the core of the debate while giving my own thoughts on this matter.

The issue for me is not whether or not "toon" is an term that is appropriate for our heroes and villians. It irks some people and that is more than enough of a clue for me not to use it at all, not that I normally would anyway. I do not seek out to offend people for kicks. I have never seen the point of that sort of behavior, or attitude.

Thinking about my views, perhaps "free use of gamer terms" does not really express my ideas. It is those who never take on the role, that I was refering to. My friend Kyra refers to such as "roll" players, as they are more concerned with mechanics than flavor. After all any word can be used for roleplay. It is just the manner in which it is presented, if it is "in character" or not.

I can easily believe this is a multipage thread. I think the debate my have once again brushed against two competing game world views. I think it is important to remember that people have different goals and thoughts on things.

The way I wish to play may not be the way someone else wishes to play. Does that make me right and them wrong? No. Does it mean we might have problems if we played together? I would doubt it. I would be far more inclined to just leave than to argue, or try to change someone.

That said, I also want what I want from the game. I want my time in game to be enjoyable to me. Is that wrong? Does it make me a snob? Better than others? No, I do not think so.

Does it make me different from those who freely use gamer terms in game? Different from those who think of this as nothing more than a game? Yes.

When I play I perform a mental trick. It is one I first started useing when I joined an amature theater group in Junior High. I seperate from myself. When I am playing I am watching the story of my heroes and villians unfold. For me the game is not just a game, I don't approach it in that way.

I am fully aware that not everyone does approach it that way. I know there are those who will not enjoy playing with me when I play in such manner. The words we choose to use tell others a great deal about ourselves. I think it also says something about how we like to play.

Personally I am somewhat with Dr Zues on this. He seems to have the right of the debate at hand. At the very least he has caught my attitude on the issue. I have never once said one thing to anyone for useing the term "toon", nor would I in game.

At best I see it as out of character slang that tells me two things. First, that the person is refering to their character model (hero or villian). Second that I do not wish to play with them as we have a different game world view.

I will not say anything harsh to them or malign them. I am not doing so here. I would say something to someone useing what I consider to be offensive language, vulgarity or a racist/sexist slur. The term "toon" does not fit any of those.

Now you can think of me as you will, but I have very specific goals with each of my many heroes and villians. I often times do not team, or team only with my real life friends and family. I generally find when I do join a pick up group I do not enjoy myself as much. I find this is mostly realated to views, and goals. How we as players view the game, what we want from it.

Sure "toon" is just a word, a term used to refer to something in a game. I am only saying that for me, and from what I have read here others as well, you may want to consider that it says something about your views as well.

Just to provide something you may not have thought of. Magic origin apprentice charms also reduce damage resistance. Just saying... Oh and yes I know from personal experince that the Shivans do scale up with you! Mine was a great help in soloing the EB version of the Madame of Mystery.

1 2 Duet? I play B flat clarinet myself... Oh and thanks for the invite Taser.

While the article was well written, good work there. Consistancy would be appreciated. I can't forget Dauntless, Galaxy Girl's sidekick who died saving her, due to a funny incedient when I was showing the statue to a friend. There we were in Skyway standing on top the badge, with me giving the whole tour guide routine. Me: "This is Dauntless"...blah blah blah. My Friend: Rustier than I thought he would be.
Me: "What?" I turn to see that she is looking away from the statue and instead at the clockwork prince that is standing next to her. "No no. Shoo shoo, you pesky thing." /em begone. I know his statue is in Skyway, but not even a mention! He and Ms. Liberty deserve a little better I think. No need to sully Kelly's memory with mention of her connection to Crey either, thank you for that at least.

A very large thank you to the entire development team for the recent changes/proposed changes not just these three. The costume crossover is nice if only for some of the new capes and chest symbols alone. As for the second change, it's not the way my Stalkers sneak so I think it will be an "invisable" change to me. I am happy for those who are happy about it though.
As for the third announcment, this means different things to different characters of mine. Coupled with the news from "Defense Scaleing", it means that I will be putting Primrose on a little vacation. Antimatter, and most importatly Countess Crey can wait.
Primrose has very important story reasons to take on the Countess in character, which I find confuses pick up group teammates at best. Primrose also has the problem of being nearly twice the level of most of my friends who I have managed to introduce to the game.
I don't even want to go into details about the disasterous first attempt at the Envoy of Shadows with Kyra sidekicked to me. Most of my other characters are still on level with their characters, and I most likely will be faceing AV's with them.
Lothart, while I disagree with you on favoring the change, I can agree that it should also include clearer indications that a possible Arch rank opponent can appear. This has been done for the multiperson click missions, and PvP. I see no practicle reason why it can't been done for AV's. I don't feel it would break the mood either, I can give examples if asked, but as this post is getting rather long. Thanks again for the great news in this and other places.

Pheadra sat comfortably on the luxurious couch, inside the laboratory office Colleen had led her to. She kicked her legs back and forth as she slurped up the last drops of soda, through the straw she had slipped under her mask to keep her mouthparts covered. Setting the empty can down beside the 5 others she had just consumed, Pheadra let out a sigh of relief, and said a brief thanks to her ancestors, for guiding her to aid.

“So did you enjoy those?” Colleen asked charitably. “I could get you something to eat if you’re hungry.” She offered again.

“No, that was quite sufficient.” Pheadra replied. “Again I must thank you for your gracious hospitality. There is much more to you humans than I thought.”

“Then you are not human?” Colleen asked, folding up her cell phone, and sitting down beside the tiny moth woman.

“I thought that was apparent. Are all humans not the same?”

Colleen let out a short laugh. “Oh not around here they aren’t. I have seen all sorts of different humans. You seem to know a lot about us though for not being a human yourself.”

“Well a team of humans visited my people once when I was very young. I still remember that they were kind, but very interested in my people. There was some trouble over that… I don’t really remember what though and your people went away. My cousin Moghra worked as a guide for them for a while, and she said they were very fun to be around. So when I saw the same shiny light again, I thought perhaps your people had returned. I was a little excited and perhaps I got too close…” Pheadra’s antennae dropped a little, a sure sign that she was worried.

“So that’s how you got here. Well don’t worry; I’m sure you’ll be able to get home again someday. Until then though what do you plan to do?

“I really don’t know. I had just been wandering the streets, I was starving until you offered me this fine meal.”

“I see, and healing that child. You were just trying to help?”

“Yes, I am a fully trained shaman. It is my duty to help others in need. I have to because I am able to you see.”

“I see so you are a mage, that’s interesting as well. Well I have very good news. That was a colleague of mine; he forwarded me immediately to the Countess herself. If your willing to sign a contract for H.E.R.O Corps and become one of our registered corporate heroes, then we can provide you with a place to live, training and even more of those sodas you seem to enjoy so much.”

“That sounds agreeable.” Pheadra was getting excited again. She saw her worries fluttering out the window.

“Very good I’ll see that the contract information, and your I.D. gets taken care of immediately. You will of course be under the direct supervision of Nova-X. He’s new to the position, but I’ve done some research with him before. He’s a competent team leader and a very nice person; you’ll meet him and the rest of the team shortly…”

Colleen paused to answer her cell phone. “What? Yes. Yes. I see. All right. All right, but she doesn’t even have her I.D. yet. No, I’m not questioning you. I was just informing you. All right. Yes, I suppose that would work.” Colleen hung up the phone a slight frown on her otherwise pleasant face.

“Well it seems meeting the team will have to wait… Right now there’s something I need you to do for me.”

Pheadra walked cautiously along the shadowy streets. She had grown too tired to flutter along, and now prowled among the humans. “Yes there is evil in this city.” She thought to herself. As she paused to consider a human male, in a brightly colored shirt with a strange symbol on the front, run out of an alleyway to grab at the satchel of a human female. Pheadra’s multifaceted eyes caught sight of another fellow.

His costume was even more garish than the first, and he was very large in Pheadra’s estimation. The human had to be over 7 feet tall! His massive muscles strained at the tight suit he wore. With a single graceful leap, which Pheadra would have thought impossible for someone of his obvious weight, he closed the distance between himself and the other humans landing a crushing blow with his fist to the first fellow’s head. “Will they fight over the bag? Over the woman?” Pheadra’s tired thought’s raced.

The first male was quickly defeated, and fell face first, before the victor. Pheadra looked on anxious to see what would happen next, and if she might need to intervene. To her surprise the massive fellow reached down, and gently plucked up the dropped bag. He then turned and opened his mouth wide. The human female ran up completely unafraid and retrieved her belongings from the man, with many profuse thanks. “And there is good, in this city as well. A comforting thought.”

Pheadra trudged on. She tried to think on what she should do next but she kept being distracted by how her mask was rubbing uncomfortably against her mouthparts. She noticed some people taking sideways glances at her. It was then that she saw a sign that made her shiver, and wish she had never cast the spell, which allowed her to understand the human language. “Earth for humans…” Pheadra felt very cold now, in a way that had nothing to do with the temperature on her carapace, nor the senses she was receiving through her antennae.

Pheadra walked a little faster now. Soon she came to a large building; there were many humans around, and Pheadra was more than slightly apprehensive. She did not wish a fight if she could avoid it. Having not eaten since she arrived in this dimension Pheadra was hungry, and knew she was not at her peak. As she came closer a scent wafted toward Pheadra from the building, the scent of blood. Pheadra proceeded carefully if she could find the source of the scent it might tell her the situation better.

Pheadra forgot all caution though when she did see the source. A young human male had somehow opened a long wound in his leg. Many other humans where around, and they seemed to be trying to help the wounded human into the building.

“Stand aside let me through!” Pheadra shouted. Pheadra noted that the people did move out of her way, but she was more concerned with the injured and the incantation she was about to perform. As a shaman of her tribe, she knew this spell by heart, still it never hurt to be sure before casting a spell.

With a flash of light, Pheadra loosed the spell, and sent out healing waves of magic into the wounded human’s body. Pheadra nodded to herself, as the gaping cut promptly closed, knitting back together without even a scar. The boy thanked her, a few people even applauded. Pheadra moved to leave, her job accomplished. Casting the healing spells had made her even hungrier.

She needed to find a way home. She needed to find a way to get some food and shelter. A young human female with dark skin, and long dark hair ran up to her.

“Excuse me”, she said. “I couldn’t help, but see what you did back there.”

“Did I do something wrong? By healing the child I mean?” Pheadra asked.

“Oh no. You did nothing wrong, at all. I’m Colleen Saramago by the way. I was just wondering if I could talk to you for a bit about H.E.R.O. Corps…”