Sandolphan

[ QUOTE ]
Would the only way to command Tier 1+2 for thugs be by pet name and if so how is that done?

[/ QUOTE ]

From the answer I wrote to another post on the topic:

She will have to use the /petcom_name command, since the powernames for the tier 1 and 2 thugs do not share a letter that isn't also in the tier 3.

Have her name the pets such that the tier 1 and 2 pet names all share a letter, but the tier 3 name does not contain it. Just as an example:

tier 1
John
Joe
Jim

tier 2
Jason
Justin

tier 3
Harry

Now she can bind a key (or set of binds) to the 'J' in the name, and only the tier 1 and 2 will respond. Like so:

[ QUOTE ]

/bind decimal "bind numpad4 petcomname J agg$$bind numpad5 petcomname J def$$bind numpad6 petcomname J pass$$bind numpad7 petcomname J att$$bind numpad8 petcomname J fol$$bind numpad9 petcomname J goto"


[/ QUOTE ]

This binds the J'names to the Decimal key (as requested), and uses the same layout for commands as the basic numpad guide (ie 456 for stance, 789 for command). You can add that bindset to your setup if you like, it won't alter the rest of the basic numpad setup if you're already using it.

Use any names you like, just follow the rule though of sharing letters between tier 1 and 2, but not tier 3.

Hope that helps!

-sandolphan

Wow Bay, really nice write-up. If I were an artist, I think I'd appreciate how you recommend everyone to be polite, professional and prepared. I'm sure it will save at least a few headaches.

-Sandolphan

Dark's Twilight Grasp and Howling Twilight most definitely have -regen components (check the green torso ring).

HT seems to have about a 15 sec duration and cuts the regen rate about in half.

Both Twilight Grasp and Transfusion have -regen, but I have not been able to tell either duration or rate. I think something is bugged about these two, as even spamming them has not seemed to have a solid impact. HT's -regen works, but the recharge on it prevents it from having more than a small effect on a fight.

So far, to defeat any AV/GM's, we have always had to get a Rad with Lingering Radiation. LR lasts 30 secs. and cuts the regen rate in half (ie twice as long between when their regen 'ticks'). Because LR's recharge can be boosted to under it's duration, LR can be kept on a target indefinitely. This is key to being able to shut down the buffed regen rate and allow a team to win.

Just an example: On an Eden trial, 2 darks and a kinetic controller could not allow their team to even put a dent in the first Quarry.

Something is not working right with -regen powers (aside from LR).

-Sandolphan

Line of sight. Line of sight. Line of sight. Line of sight. Line of sight. Line of sight. Line of sight. Line of sight. Line of sight.

Block the @#$% line of sight people!!!

(sorry, just get so sick of gawkers standing around in the open in a firefight, wondering why they die and get everyone else killed as well)

-Sandolphan

As requested, here's a bind-chain for controlling Heavies in RV; the first one is for Heroes (Freedom Corps Cataphract) and the second one is for Villains (Arachnos Heavy Blaster):

[ QUOTE ]

/bind lalt+numpad3 "bind numpad4 petcomname free agg$$bind numpad5 petcomname free def$$bind numpad6 petcomname free pass$$bind numpad7 petcomname free att$$bind numpad8 petcomname free fol$$bind numpad9 petcomname free goto"
.
/bind lalt+numpad3 "bind numpad4 petcomname arac agg$$bind numpad5 petcomname arac def$$bind numpad6 petcomname arac pass$$bind numpad7 petcomname arac att$$bind numpad8 petcomname arac fol$$bind numpad9 petcomname arac goto"


[/ QUOTE ]

I have them both set up to use the left alt key with numpad3 (they're like alternate boss pets ). Change the activation key to whatever you like. Oh, and make sure "free" or "arac" are not part of one of your pet's names...otherwise you'll need to select something else unique from the Heavies' names as I listed them above.

I'm not really sure you need to bother with a text file version, since customizing the Heavies is lacking. Those who are using the text files I'm sure can easily figure out what to add to their MM root file and make a text file to control the Heavy. Have fun!

-Sandolphan

[ QUOTE ]
QWE ASD are my movement keys

[/ QUOTE ]

Use them with shift, alt or control for the pet controls...I experimented with the setups a bit and found lalt the best, with a 'thumb-under' approach. There are many ways to remap the binds; the numpad was just an easy mnemonic layout and under-utilized by most people.

-Sandolphan

[ QUOTE ]
Can I use the numpad binds without overwriting the numpad for my power tray? For instance could I set it up so the command binds are for with numlocck off?

[/ QUOTE ]

I've never played around with whatever the keys become with numlock off (in fact I often don't know why there's even a numlock key...it's like "toggle this to make part of your keyboard not work!"). I assume that whatever the numpad keys 'become' with numlock disengaged, you could simply address the names of the keys in that mode and assign the binds to them.

Alternatively, you could remap the numpad binds as described in the thread, for example to QWE ASD ZXCV with a shift, alt, or control pressed in tandem.

-Sandolphan

You are correct, 8. The basic 0-3 binds use the petcomall and petcompow commands. Changing the pet names will not affect these binds. There are additional instructions beyond the group selections to set up control by name binds using the petcomname command.

Also, as of 5/27, people were still posting to the thread, and I usually try to respond to questions there when I spot them.

-Sandolphan

[ QUOTE ]
I know how to target the pets, but I'm wondering if it's possible to make a bind which affects the pet you're targetting (no matter which pet it is).

[/ QUOTE ]

The simple form command /petcom command by itself will issue a command to the currently targeted pet.

/petcomall is for all pets at once
/petcompow is for specific power tiers
/petcomname is for named pets.

/petsay follows this same convention.

-Sandolphan

Oh yes, this should happen immediately! Just put it in the zones, let the players figure out what to do with it

But remember Tankers...Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball(tm)!

-------------------------------------------------------------
Happy Fun Ball

(kids)
It's Happy!
It's Fun!
It's Happy Fun Ball!

(announcer)
Yes, it's Happy Fun Ball, the toy sensation that's sweeping the nation. Only 14.95 at participating stores! Get one Today!

(background voice)
Warning: Pregnant women, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exposure to Happy Fun Ball.

Caution: Happy Fun Ball may suddenly accelerate to dangerous speeds.

Happy Fun Ball contains a liquid core, which if exposed due to rupture should not be touched, inhaled, or looked at. Do not use Happy Fun Ball on concrete. Discontinue use of Happy Fun Ball if any of the following occurs:

* Itching
* Vertigo
* Dizziness
* Tingling in extremities
* Loss of balance or coordination
* Slurred speech
* Temporary blindness
* Profuse Sweating
* Heart palpitations

If Happy Fun Ball begins to smoke, get away immediately. Seek shelter and cover head. Happy Fun Ball may stick to certain types of skin.

When not in use, Happy Fun Ball should be returned to its special container and kept under refrigeration. Failure to do so relieves the makers of Happy Fun Ball, Wacky Products Incorporated, and its parent company, Global Chemical Unlimited, of any and all liability.

Ingredients of Happy Fun Ball include an unknown glowing substance which fell to Earth, presumably from outer space.

Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball.

Happy Fun Ball comes with a lifetime guarantee.

(announcer)
Happy Fun Ball! Accept no substitutes!
-------------------------------------------------------------

-Sandolphan

Oh, just realized something...

I'm not sure if you meant you wanted a key to cycle through the tier pets for purposes of commanding or selecting. Commanding is obviously for issuing orders to pets/groups. Selecting is choosing a specific pet as the target for buffs, etc.

If you meant commanding, then the toggle bind for tiers is a bit more complicated to insert into the numpad setup like I said above. If you meant just selecting for target, then I've already posted in another thread some instructions on it, that I'll repeat below:

[ QUOTE ]

Commands:
--------------

1. /target_custom_next mypet will simply select the next closest pet not targeted.
2. /petselect # where # is typically 0-5 selecting the pets as they are currently listed in the pet window (0 = first pet listed).
3. /petselectname name where name is the specific name (or unique part of the name) you wish to choose.


Those are the basic commands. Now to set up binds to address them, here are three methods you could choose.
.
.
Setups (three examples):
-------------------------------

A. One key (for example 'T') cycles through the pets by proximity, the closest non-targeted pet is selected:
/bind T targetcustomnext mypet
.
.
B. Choose six keys and assign them each to one of the pets. For example, this setup uses the bank of keys just above the arrows on most keyboards, lower three for minions, upper three for lts. and boss (replace the NAMES with your pet names):
/bind delete petselectname MINION1
/bind end petselectname MINION2
/bind pagedown petselectname MINION3
/bind insert petselectname LIEUTENANT1
/bind home petselectname LIEUTENANT1
/bind pageup petselectname BOSS
.
.
C. Combining these two ideas, use one key but cycle through the pets in a specific order (again change NAME to your specific pet name).
.
First make a starter bind:
/bind T petselectname MINION1$$bindloadfile c:\covbinds\petselect2.txt
.
Now create six small one-line text files in a new directory c:\covbinds like this:
c:\covbinds\petselect1.txt
T "petselectname MINION1$$bindloadfile c:\covbinds\petselect2.txt"
.
c:\covbinds\petselect2.txt
T "petselectname MINION2$$bindloadfile c:\covbinds\petselect3.txt"
.
c:\covbinds\petselect3.txt
T "petselectname MINION3$$bindloadfile c:\covbinds\petselect4.txt"
.
c:\covbinds\petselect4.txt
T "petselectname LIEUTENANT1$$bindloadfile c:\covbinds\petselect5.txt"
.
c:\covbinds\petselect5.txt
T "petselectname LIEUTENANT2$$bindloadfile c:\covbinds\petselect6.txt"
.
c:\covbinds\petselect6.txt
T "petselectname BOSS$$bindloadfile c:\covbinds\petselect1.txt"
.
When you press the pet select key, it will target a pet, then rebind the same key (by loading the next textfile) to target the next pet in the series when pressed again. Cumbersome, but you can count on targeting in order with one key.
.
.
I might add that the guide in my sig uses the second method, using instead the operation keys on the numpad to select the specific pets, for individual orders and targeting. Good luck!


[/ QUOTE ]

Hope that helps!

-Sandolphan

[ QUOTE ]
First: How do i add a confirmitation to all the commands.
I want the pets to say in petchannel (cuz i dont wanna spam local) that they are ready!ed.
For instance when i press numpad2 i want my protector bots to say "Protectors at your service"
or something like that. And the same for the assault bot and the drones.
.
Then i'd like Subtract, divide and multiply to act as cycles for the different bots. Instead of having all of then bound to seperate buttons (wich in total is another 6 buttons), Id like so that divide cycles between my Drones, multiply between my protectors and subtract targets the assault.

[/ QUOTE ]


Having the pets speak when selected is as simple as adding a $$petsay to the command lines. Here is how to modify the Robot numpad text files to the ROOT file (include the quote marks):

ROOT FILE ROBOT:
c:\covbinds\Robot.txt
[ QUOTE ]

numpad0 "bind_load_file c:\covbinds\All.txt$$petsayall All Robots ready"
numpad1 "bind_load_file c:\covbinds\Battle.txt$$petsaypow batt Battle Drones ready."
numpad2 "bind_load_file c:\covbinds\Protector.txt$$petsaypow prot Protector Bots ready."
numpad3 "bind_load_file c:\covbinds\Assault.txt$$petsaypow assa Assault Bot ready."


[/ QUOTE ]


As for having a key cycle through the command settings for each tier 1 or 2 in sequence, it would really only require two keys (one for the tier 1's and one for the tier 2's). The boss would be accessed directly through numpad3 like normal.

However, it would require a fair bit of revamping the system around a toggle bind using the name scheme...something at the moment I just don't have time to type up.

-Sandolphan

[ QUOTE ]

Just one thing though - could you not use 'H' to command Necro 2+3 (Grave Knights and Lich)?

[/ QUOTE ]

Unfortunately no, the powername is Zombie Horde...the 'H' is shared among the powers.

It would be beneficial if the devs took into consideration the name command and 'best fit' matching when deciding on the names for powers.

(any devs listening? )

-Sandolphan

[ QUOTE ]
If I have renamed all my bots, will I still be able to use the normal setup that is listed on the front page?

Also, how would I make a macro for a pet named The Fonz to do a thumbs up emote (if one exists, if not throw in any emote) and say Aaaaaaye! in local?

[/ QUOTE ]


Yes. Pet names only factor in when using the petcomname <name>, not petcompow <powername>.

For the pet emote, use petsayname Fonz <em yes> Aaaayy!!.

-Sandolphan

ADDENDUM: BODYGUARD MODE
---------------------------------
I thought having a fast hotkey to activate Bodyguard mode for a specific subset of pets that also sets up command over the non-bodyguard groups might be handy. Which pets should be chosen will probably vary alot among the MM sets, so you will have to edit and select as you see fit.

This example will show a Robot Mastermind with the Protector bots as the bodyguard, and the Battle and Assault bots as the active attackers being commanded. The hotkey to select the Bodyguard mode is the numpad decimal.


HOW TO USE:
Pressing the numpad decimal key will put a chosen subset of pets into Bodyguard mode (Follow Defensive). It will also change the command and stance keys (numpad4-9) to control all pets other than the bodyguard.


SETUP INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Add a line to the ROOT file of your Mastermind's binds, creating a Bodyguard mode hotkey. Here is an example of the added line for Robots:

ROOT FILE ROBOT:
c:\covbinds\ROBOT.txt
[ QUOTE ]

decimal "bind_load_file d:\covbinds\RobotGuard.txt$$petcompow Protector Follow Defensive"


[/ QUOTE ]

The additional line will bind the decimal key on the numpad to select and command the all the pets except the bodyguard, and set the bodyguard pets to Follow Defensive. You'll need to change the filename (RobotGuard.txt) and the bodyguard group (Protector) to whatever you need for your own mastermind. Set any pets you like, by name or power, to Follow and Defensive to make them the bodyguard. Keep in mind you'll need to command all the other pets in the next step.


2. Create the file to command the non-bodyguard pets. Here is an example of a Guard file for Robots that sends orders just to the Battle and Assault bots.

GUARD ROBOT:
c:\covbinds\RobotGuard.txt
[ QUOTE ]

numpad4 petcom_pow a Aggressive
numpad5 petcom_pow a Defensive
numpad6 petcom_pow a Passive
numpad7 petcom_pow a Attack
numpad8 petcom_pow a Follow
numpad9 petcom_pow a Goto
lctrl+decimal petcom_pow a Dismiss


[/ QUOTE ]

Note the letter 'a' in the commands. This allows a command to be issued for the Battle and Assault bots, leaving the Protectors behind. I posted how to command combinations of tiers a bit further back in the thread, but I'll reiterate it here. The following chart shows the letter(s) that will command the pets by pairs of tiers (1,2,3):

[ QUOTE ]

Mercs:
1+2: S,E
2+3: C
1+3: D

Necro:
1+2: R,E
2+3: (none)
1+3: I

Ninja:
1+2: C,A,L
2+3: O
1+3: (none)

Robot:
1+2: E,R
2+3: BO,BOT,BOTS, OT, OTS, TS
1+3: A,L

Thugs:
1+2: (none)
2+3: E,R
1+3: U,S


[/ QUOTE ]


If instead you'd like to command certain pets to be bodyguards and others attackers by their names, you'll need to find letters in common among the desired pets, and use the petcom_name <letters> command. Also, if there are no combinations from the power chart above for what you want, you will need to issue the command by common letter names.


3. Don't forget to re-initialize the system by loading the new ROOT file:
/bindloadfile c:\covbinds\Robot.txt


-Sandolphan

ADDENDUM: THUGS MASTERMIND PRIMARY
--------------------------------------------
With the addition of the Thugs primary set, we'll need to add them to the control system.
For full instructions on how to use these, see the beginning of the thread.


VERSION ONE: Bind Chains

THUGS (MINION, LIEUTENANT, BOSS):
[ QUOTE ]

/bind numpad1 "bind numpad4 petcompow thug agg$$bind numpad5 petcompow thug def$$bind numpad6 petcompow thug pass$$bind numpad7 petcompow thug att$$bind numpad8 petcompow thug fol$$bind numpad9 petcompow thug goto"
.
/bind numpad2 "bind numpad4 petcompow enf agg$$bind numpad5 petcompow enf def$$bind numpad6 petcompow enf pass$$bind numpad7 petcompow enf att$$bind numpad8 petcompow enf fol$$bind numpad9 petcompow enf goto"
.
/bind numpad3 "bind numpad4 petcompow bru agg$$bind numpad5 petcompow bru def$$bind numpad6 petcompow bru pass$$bind numpad7 petcompow bru att$$bind numpad8 petcompow bru fol$$bind numpad9 petcompow bru goto"


[/ QUOTE ]


VERSION TWO: Text Files

GROUP FILES FOR THUGS:
--------------------------
ROOT FILE THUGSET:
c:\covbinds\THUGSET.txt
[ QUOTE ]

numpad0 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\All.txt
numpad1 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\Thugs.txt
numpad2 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\Enforcer.txt
numpad3 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\Bruiser.txt


[/ QUOTE ]

MINIONS THUGS:
c:\covbinds\Thugs.txt
[ QUOTE ]

numpad4 petcom_pow Thugs Aggressive
numpad5 petcom_pow Thugs Defensive
numpad6 petcom_pow Thugs Passive
numpad7 petcom_pow Thugs Attack
numpad8 petcom_pow Thugs Follow
numpad9 petcom_pow Thugs Goto
lctrl+decimal petcom_pow Thugs Dismiss


[/ QUOTE ]

LIEUTENANTS THUGS:
c:\covbinds\Enforcer.txt
[ QUOTE ]

numpad4 petcom_pow Enforcer Aggressive
numpad5 petcom_pow Enforcer Defensive
numpad6 petcom_pow Enforcer Passive
numpad7 petcom_pow Enforcer Attack
numpad8 petcom_pow Enforcer Follow
numpad9 petcom_pow Enforcer Goto
lctrl+decimal petcom_pow Enforcer Dismiss


[/ QUOTE ]

BOSS THUGS:
c:\covbinds\Bruiser.txt
[ QUOTE ]

numpad4 petcom_pow Bruiser Aggressive
numpad5 petcom_pow Bruiser Defensive
numpad6 petcom_pow Bruiser Passive
numpad7 petcom_pow Bruiser Attack
numpad8 petcom_pow Bruiser Follow
numpad9 petcom_pow Bruiser Goto
lctrl+decimal petcom_pow Bruiser Dismiss


[/ QUOTE ]


-Sandolphan

Ocean_born:
In addition to being in Supremacy range, you will need to set the bodyguard pets to both Follow command and Defensive stance. A command is an instruction you want the pet to do, a stance is a general behavior the pet will perform while not actively following a command. They are separate functions that combine to control how the pets perform. In this case, while in Supremacy range, Follow+Defensive=Bodyguard.

Dr_Corvus:
I kinda doubt the pets shifting to Bodyguard mode will be instantaneous. Speculation of course, but given that it seems pets will complete a certain part of their current orders before acknowledging new ones, I am guessing that same delay will be in effect for bodyguard if the pets are currently carrying out a command.

Example, send a pet to attack a target, then issue a follow to it. The pet will continue to carry out the attack command for a time before returning. It seems like a 'program checks for command cycle' delay, not a 'must complete one command before doing another' thing.

Although come to think of it, I haven't actually looked at the little icons in the pet window to see if they switch before the pet gets around to following the orders.

Edit: just checked, the icons switch instantly, the pets' response time is still delayed of course.

-Sandolphan

People are fond of pointing out that PvP is anything goes, that there are no rules. No "leave us alone we're dueling", no "let's not use any inspirations", and therefore no "come out and let me collect my bounty".

How someone chooses to spend their time in the game (that they are paying for) is strictly their choice, within the confines of the EULA. If it inconveniences others, then the social aspect of the game should kick in and the community can shun them from larger participation.

-Sandolphan

Check about 1/3 through the thread for my post:

V. OPTIONAL: ADDENDUM TO CONTROLLING SINGLE PETS BY NAME, TARGETING PETS

It explains how to easily add pet targeting.

-Sandolphan

They don't approve of running programs to keep you logged in. Standing in the hospital, while you're sitting there watching TV or talking on the phone or chatting with friends, and periodically pressing spacebar isn't a violation. I did it for my 5-hour badge.

Best solution is to put the bounty on a 15-min timer. Then an AFK'er won't lock up people's bounty and it will automatically switch to someone else. It's the system that needs changed, not peoples' behaviors.

-Sandolphan

Maybe they're taking so long on the toggle balancing because they're implementing a system of toggle suppression instead of detoggling.

(well, I can hope at least)

-Sandolphan

[ QUOTE ]
I am hoping Issue 7 brings a free respec. I want to enable my toons for PVP. It is kind of crazy to have to respec out of my favorite powers in PVE just so I can prevent one attack from one AT. Since I have pretty much quit playing PVE, I don't mind so much.

[/ QUOTE ]

It would be rather nice if the devs somehow engineered the game so that you could have a PvE build, and a PvP build that you could swap to in a PvP zone as easily, as a costume swap..especially considering how very different many AT's need to be between the two.

-Sandolphan

There is no random command feature as you want, however I suggest you read this Bind Guide, search specifically for Toggle Binds.

Setting up a series of bind files that each load the next in the series will entail a lot of complication. Good luck!

-Sandolphan

[ QUOTE ]
She's just pining for the fjords.

[/ QUOTE ]

She does 'ave beautiful plummage.

-Sandolphan

I make mention (apparently too briefly) of customizing the key layout to suit the user's taste. The system is an underlying structure of binds, not a specific interface layout. There is no reason why the binds must be associated with the numpad. However, since the numpad layout was a natural fit to pet group selection and commands, and it was probably under-utilized by most players, it seemed the best example to use for the bind system.

Just for fun, I have tried binding the controls to lshift+ ZXCV ASD QWE and found this to be an equally intuitive setup. Anyone who is concerned about the "hand off the mouse" issue I would urge to try this setup...or one of your own choosing.

Finally, taking the hand off the mouse is not really that big a deal (to me at least), probably because I chat constantly, even in the heat of battle, and obviously this involves both hands at the keys. I can't say how anyone else will perform at this, but can only urge you to simply try it. Most people are highly adaptive.

-Sandolphan