Sandolphan

Ok just had to do this...

***My 500th Forum post and the 100th reply to the guide!***

-Sandolphan

Commanding pairs of pet groups (ie Genin and Jounin, but not Lich, with one command)

Thanks to Pacster for bringing this up again as a solution some people have been seeking.

I'd forgotten that the game parses /petcom_pow in a similar fashion to /petcom_name. Thus, in addition to Monorail's earlier suggestion of commanding specific pet groupings by selective naming, you can also command pet group pairs by power.

Back in beta I had a post showing the various combos you could use to command different pairs of pet groups. Some people have expressed an interest in it again, so here are some instructions for doing this.

Use the command /petcom_pow <letter> <command>, where the <letter> is unique to the groups you wish to issue a <command>. Here is a chart showing the pair combinations of pet groups and associated unique letters you can use in the command:


(format)
Mastermind Type:
Pet groups 1 and 2: unique letter(s) for command
Pet groups 2 and 3: unique letter(s) for command
Pet groups 1 and 3: unique letter(s) for command

[ 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


[/ QUOTE ]

In each case, a single letter can be used in the command and the game will 'best fit' the command to the power names (similar to how it parses /petcom_name <name&gt. For example, to command the Robot pet groups Battle Drones and Protector Bots, you could issue the command:

/petcom_pow e goto

This would send only those two groups to the targeted location. Single letters work fine. By the chart above, some combinations are not possible, and the Robot tiers 2 and 3 have to use some combination of the word 'bots' consisting of more than one letter.

If you wanted to append these functions onto the numpad system, you could assign a modifier key (alt, ctrl, shift) to the numpad1-3 and make files/binds to select groups 1+2, 2+3, 1+3 for commands. Something like this (using left-control):


MERC (Minion+Lieutenant, Lieutenant+Boss, Minion+Boss):
[ QUOTE ]

/bind lctrl+numpad1 "bind numpad4 petcompow s agg$$bind numpad5 petcompow s def$$bind numpad6 petcompow s pass$$bind numpad7 petcompow s att$$bind numpad8 petcompow s fol$$bind numpad9 petcompow s goto"
.
/bind lctrl+numpad2 "bind numpad4 petcompow c agg$$bind numpad5 petcompow c def$$bind numpad6 petcompow c pass$$bind numpad7 petcompow c att$$bind numpad8 petcompow c fol$$bind numpad9 petcompow c goto"
.
/bind lctrl+numpad3 "bind numpad4 petcompow d agg$$bind numpad5 petcompow d def$$bind numpad6 petcompow d pass$$bind numpad7 petcompow d att$$bind numpad8 petcompow d fol$$bind numpad9 petcompow d goto"


[/ QUOTE ]


As Monorail previously pointed out, it's also possible to do this using /petcom_name <letter> <command> to command specific combinations of pets of any tier, but you have to set up the names to share letters carefully. This might be useful for commanding All pets except the Medic in Mercs (make an All pets bind on lctrl+numpad0) for example.

Hope someone finds that useful!

-Sandolphan

[ QUOTE ]
Ok, I must be blind as a bat because I looked in my COV folder and there is no folder called COVBINDS, so what do I do? I mean not everyone is a scripter. I understand how to do it but since there is no folder....do I just create one?


[/ QUOTE ]

Hmmm...you are not alone in confusion over my wording it seems. I guess I'll send a slight correction to the publishers for the next revision:

[ QUOTE ]

II. SETUP INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Make and save each of the textfiles for your type of Mastermind, and put them into a new directory called c:\covbinds (files are listed in Part III).


[/ QUOTE ]

It's sometimes hard to anticipate every place of difficulty, but real-world experience will in time reveal any remaining rough spots. Hope that helps!

-Sandolphan

You got that blasted pony, Craban. Remember? You blasted it...

-Sandolphan

Sorry yes, you need to make the folder c:/covbinds in which to place the text files.

-Sandolphan

[ QUOTE ]

Used the binds to do my first "bot pull" on a team yesterday. Something I do alot solo, but never tried it in a crowded team setting. The keypad binds are a must for this sort of manuever:

[/ QUOTE ]

Great job showing the varied skills of the Mastermind! I would only recommend some slight alterations to the steps:

--After moving all the pets to their Goto spot, set them to Passive stance.

--After the chosen pet attacks (actually as he is firing), click his Goto spot, just ordering him alone. You don't need to use All when bringing him back. It can lead to some confusion if you or your team suddenly see all your pet jumping around as the pull is incoming.

--Don't forget to shift their stance again when battle begins, depending upon how you like them set during a fight. I often will set Aggressive and let them choose targets in an open melee, as I am busy with my secondary supporting the team.

I don't like using the boss pet for pulling. It's too likely he'll end up taking an alpha if the pull goes wrong. When using one of the other pets, one of the control by name setups is invaluable.

Also, depending upon which pet set your are using, you'll want to choose a puller that uses a long range attack as a first choice, and make sure the pet has that attack cued up.

Finally, remember there is no real substitute for a stealthy, skilled, human pull.

Good luck!

-Sandolphan

oops, almost forgot...

Wheeeeeeee!

-Sandolphan

Positron (bobbing): "Ooo! Ooo! Statesman...can I send Synapse to 'scout the building' this time?"

-Sandolphan

Just a quick note that's a bit off-topic, but I wanted to put to rest what I keep getting asked:

Yes, I'm the original author. Sandolphan is my CoH handle. Khaiba was my CoV Beta handle. Perhaps it sounded like I was taking credit for someone else's beta-post when I wrote this version for Live, but I'm one and the same person (most days )

And thanks for the compliments and PM's. It really makes me feel like I helped out in a small way.

Personally, I'd like to thank all the people who helped *me* out along the way. We can all play better and have more fun because of the great support of the players and the openness of the devs with their game.

Ok, back to regularly scheduled bind discussions...

-Sandolphan

Did some testing of issuing a chain of goto commands. Basically it doesn't work right. Only the last goto command is followed (probably something to do with replacing the targeting recticle).

You'll either have to issue goto commands to the separate power groups (ie numpad1 and numpad2 groups, leaving the boss lich behind) or use the naming workaround suggested above. Of course, that would constrain you in your pet names, but sacrifices all around I guess.

-Sandolphan

[ QUOTE ]
Well, you may be able to change the line in your all.txt file that reads "numpad9 petcom_all goto" to this instead: "petcom_pow zombie goto$$petcom_pow grave goto". I haven't tested this though, so I don't know if it works.

[/ QUOTE ]

That should work although two things:

1. Binds being so dodgy, I'd want to test it in game first...and the game is currently down for maintenance.

2. I would actually try this instead:
numpad 9 petcom_all goto$$petcom_pow lich fol

This is the least amount of change from the All commands, and issues a specific to your lich to follow you. As I said though, chains of commands issued, especially to pets, don't always seem to work nicely. Sometimes it's a matter of the order of the commands, sometimes it's the parsing of the command by the pets. They seem to want to complete one command before starting another. The lich might try to finish 'going to' before following. Again, I usually test things before posting them, but can't at the moment and I'm leaving shortly for the day.

-Sandolphan

I can't imagine why it wouldn't work with an add-on keypad. The code sent for the keys would need to be the same to be recognized by the computer. It's not like CoH is doing something arcane, it's just reading the input like any other program.

Of course, as stated you could just remap the system any way you like!

-Sandolphan

[ QUOTE ]
this my be off topic but how can you command invidual pets when they have names longer than 6 letters or have spaces in them like my ninja master mind called mr dumas, who has tow genin called "right hand of" (mr dumas) and "left hand of" (mr dumas)

[/ QUOTE ]

To command individuals named "right hand of" and "left hand of", simply set up the commands to use "right" and "left". Any unique portion of the name is allowed, and the game will find a 'best fit' to use.

Further, if you have two additional pets named "right foot of" and "left foot of", and use the "left" suggestion above, then you will end up commanding all pets having "left" in their name. In this case, two pets matching "left" would follow the orders.


[ QUOTE ]
PS: thinking of name for 3 rd pet in 2 and a bit levels :P

[/ QUOTE ]

Name suggestions:
Tier 2 pet names: "right eye of" and "left eye of"
Tier 3 pet name: "will of"

Hmmm...third Tier 1 name: "middle hand of"

-Sandolphan

KHAIBA'S ARENA GLADIATOR PET CONTROLS (modified from MASTERMIND NUMERIC KEYPAD CONTROLS - Bind Chains):

This is a modified version of my Mastermind Numpad Control system for use in the Gladiator Arena matches.
The system uses the numeric keypad, selecting group, setting stance, and issuing commands to pet groups.
The setup is a series of long /binds manually entered into the game at the command prompt (chat box).
You need to edit the placeholder names (GLADIATORx) with the Gladiator type you wish to command.


I. HOW TO USE:

1. Select a pet group using the numeric keypad: 0=All, 1 thru 3=Gladiator group
2. Choose a stance for that group: 4=aggressive, 5=defensive, 6=passive
3. Give a command to that group: 7=attack, 8=follow, 9=goto

The current group you select will remain active, as will their stance and command, until you change it.
The Goto command will bring up the target recticle.


II. SETUP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Make and save a text file from the /binds listed below in Part III. You need the ALL PETS /bind assigned to numpad0, plus a set of GLADIATOR GROUP /binds for your Gladiators which will be assigned to numpad 1-3.

2. Open your text file in notepad and run the game. Once you have your character loaded in the game, switch back to Notepad (press ALT+TAB). Copy each /bind command one at a time and paste it into the game at the command prompt.

3. When all /binds are entered, the system is ready to use as described in HOW TO USE above.

Note: /bind commands cannot exceed 255 characters in length. These are very near the limit!


III. THE GLADIATOR BINDS:

Listed here are the templates for the binds. Each of the /binds must be one continuous line typed exactly as shown to work, especially the quote marks!. The periods in the listing are just spacers for readability.

Remember to edit in the names of your Gladiators. Names can be any set of letters or numbers unique to the group you want to command.

Examples of names:
Change 'GLADIATOR1' to 'Tank'. This will command all Tank Busters on your team using numpad1.
Change 'GLADIATOR3' to '1'. This will select all gladiators with a '1' in their name using numpad3. Use this method to command a mixed team.

Although the setup shown uses numpad0 to command Allpets, and numpad1 thru 3 to command three groups by name, you can increase the number of groups you command by adding modifier keys (shift, control, alt, etc.) with more pet names in the same way. For instance, use lshift+numpad1 thru 3 to define more groups to the setup using the shift key with the numpad1 thru 3 keys.


ALL PETS:
[ QUOTE ]

/bind numpad0 "bind numpad4 petcomall agg$$bind numpad5 petcomall def$$bind numpad6 petcomall pass$$bind numpad7 petcomall att$$bind numpad8 petcomall fol$$bind numpad9 petcomall goto"


[/ QUOTE ]


GLADIATOR GROUPS (note: change GLADIATOR1, GLADIATOR2, GLADIATOR3 to the Gladiator names):
Note: Recommend keeping pet names under six characters long (use any unique portion of the names)
[ QUOTE ]

/bind numpad1 "bind numpad4 petcomname GLADIATOR1 agg$$bind numpad5 petcomname GLADIATOR1 def$$bind numpad6 petcomname GLADIATOR1 pass$$bind numpad7 petcomname GLADIATOR1 att$$bind numpad8 petcomname GLADIATOR1 fol$$bind numpad9 petcomname GLADIATOR1 goto"
.
/bind numpad2 "bind numpad4 petcomname GLADIATOR2 agg$$bind numpad5 petcomname GLADIATOR2 def$$bind numpad6 petcomname GLADIATOR2 pass$$bind numpad7 petcomname GLADIATOR2 att$$bind numpad8 petcomname GLADIATOR2 fol$$bind numpad9 petcomname GLADIATOR2 goto"
.
/bind numpad3 "bind numpad4 petcomname GLADIATOR3 agg$$bind numpad5 petcomname GLADIATOR3 def$$bind numpad6 petcomname GLADIATOR3 pass$$bind numpad7 petcomname GLADIATOR3 att$$bind numpad8 petcomname GLADIATOR3 fol$$bind numpad9 petcomname GLADIATOR3 goto"


[/ QUOTE ]


IV. LIST OF GLADIATOR NAMES:

Here is a list of the known Gladiator names, as of posting date, to be used in the binds (thanks Astartus).
Names can be any set of letters or numbers unique to the group you want to command.

[ QUOTE ]

City of Heroes:
Abomination
Anathema
Parian Anchorite
Arch-Mage of Agony
Avalanche Shaman
Behemoth Overlord
Bladegrass
Boulder
Button Man Gunner
Caliban
Cog
Crane Enforcer
Fire Thorn Caster
Fungoid
Serpent Red Ink Man
Longbow Warden 2
Meson
Mob Specialist
Nebula Elite Buckshot
Nemesis Soldier
Omega Wolf
7th Generation Paragon Protector
Penumbra Elite Adjutant
Crey Power Tank
Hydra Protean
Raider Engineer
Rikti Drone
Outcast Slugger
Steel Strongman
Swift Steel
Chief Swiper
Tank Smasher
Warhulk
Wraith
Longbow Nullifier
Fortunata Seer
Zenith Warcry Mk I
Research Assistant
Mu Guardian


[/ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]

City of Villains:
Mook
Mook Capo
Cobra
Nebula Elite Buckshot
Button Man Gunner
Fire Thorn Caster
Longbow Warden 2
Longbow Rifleman
Juicer Sniper
Night Haunt
Red Hand
Wailer
Longbow Nullifier
Arachnobot
Gremlin
Fortunata Seer
Ember Legacy of Flame
Slag Pile
Night Widow
Crab Spider Longfang
Tarantula
Coralax Blue Hybrid
Mu Guardian
Longbow Warden 1
Wolf Spider Enforcer
Wailer Queen
Hordling Lasher
Hellfrost
Lucient Legacy of Light
Kaolin Legacy of Earth
Longbow Spec Ops
Serpent Red Ink Man
Sorcerer
Hercules Titan
Tellus Legacy of Earth
Shivan Destroyer
Arachnoid
Wolf Spider Tac Ops


[/ QUOTE ]


-Sandolphan (aka CoVBeta Khaiba)

Excellent, and very timely! Thank you.

One thing, it may take a bit longer than normal to get this tested thoroughly. Most MM's are lower level (<30), don't have their powers well-slotted with enhancers, and going to Test server won't have any funds with which to slot them up to try differing configurations.

Still, I'll be heading there soon as possible.

-Sandolphan

My Mastermind Numeric Keypad Pet Controls from Beta is posted in the Player Guides Forum.

I've kept the original form of it, but added some suggestions on customizing. Many people have taken the basic idea and made it their own, as was always intended.

Good luck and please share any additions or insights you have with the Mastermind community!

-Sandolphan (aka CoVBeta Khaiba)

(I'd like to post an Addendum to Part IV of Version 2 of the Keypad System, the text files version. Thanks Othello for bringing the command to my attention.)

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

This will add an additional function to allow you to select (target) the specific pet by name. It is helpful when targeting pets for buffing or other needs, since targeting and petcom selection are independent. Again, this section and Part IV are completely optional.

To use the new command, press left control and the numpad pet select key you wish (/ * - + enter or numpad3) to make that pet your target.

To add the function, alter the your Mastermind's ROOT file (Robot.txt, Merc.txt, Necro.txt, Ninja.txt) to include six more lines, one for each of the three minions, two lieutenants, and the boss. Here is my sample root file for Robot.txt:

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

numpad0 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\All.txt
numpad1 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\Battle.txt
numpad2 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\Protector.txt
numpad3 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\Assault.txt

divide bind_load_file c:\covbinds\MINIONA.txt
multiply bind_load_file c:\covbinds\MINIONB.txt
subtract bind_load_file c:\covbinds\MINIONC.txt
add bind_load_file c:\covbinds\LIEUTENANTA.txt
numpadenter bind_load_file c:\covbinds\LIEUTENANTB.txt

lctrl+divide pet_select_name MINIONA
lctrl+multiply pet_select_name MINIONB
lctrl+subtract pet_select_name MINIONC
lctrl+add pet_select_name LIEUTENANTA
lctrl+numpadenter pet_select_name LIEUTENANTB
lctrl+numpad3 pet_select_name BOSSNAME


[/ QUOTE ]

All done! I've found this makes buffing very easy.

Note: While I could have moved the commands into the specific pet name files, it would have then required two commands to use (activating the pet file, and issuing the command). Due to the nature of this command, I wanted it as a simple one-key press. Thus its inclusion in the Root file. When adding other commands, I would recommend not cluttering the Root file any more than necessary, and put commands in the specific selectable pet group/name files.

-Sandolphan (aka CoVBeta Khaiba)

Thank you very much for hosting the files, Heatstreaker. As I said in a reply post, I don't have any place to host them myself. I'm sure many people will also thank you for doing so!

-Sandolphan

[ QUOTE ]

Is there a trick to pasting the bind onto the game?

[/ QUOTE ]

Here is one simple way:

1. Run Notepad and open your text file with the binds.
2. Run CoV and load up your character.
3. Alt-Tab out to the Notepad (can also press the 'windows key').
4. Highlight and Copy one of the binds (ctrl-c is copy).
5. Go back into CoV.
6. Put your cursor in the chat box line and hit ctrl-v to Paste the bind in.
7. Press Enter to enter the command.
8. Repeat steps 3-7 for each bind you want to enter.

It's really not at all as complicated as the eight (!) steps above. Some people don't know key commands though, so it helps to go step by step. Good luck!

-Sandolphan

[ QUOTE ]
I think my project for the weekend might be downloadable versions of these files

*snip*

(Assuming I find a reliable file-host)

[/ QUOTE ]

Having no place to host the files of course is the reason they are presented here in quotes. Master Z had a zip of them in Beta he was hosting, but if anyone cares to host one feel free.

BTW: The dialogue additions (especially the sequentially loading text files for variety) are very much the kind of thing I was thinking of adding, but thought it would complicate an already complicated guide. This was all about control; flavor would come later. I don't anticipate writing the flavor guide right now, especially since you've already accomplished much of the groundwork. Much better to make them the subject of their own guide anyway!

-Sandolphan

KHAIBA'S MASTERMIND NUMERIC KEYPAD PET CONTROLS, Version 2 (Text Files):
This setup uses a set of text files dynamically loaded whenever a group of henchmen are selected. Essentially, every time you select a group, the command keys are re-mapped to that group.

Editing the commands in this version is easier than the /bind setup of version 1, since once the file system is in place, any changes you make to the files are updated automatically simply by using the system.

It is quite easy to add additional commands for a group (including emotes, dialogue, etc.), or alter the keys used to different keysets as the user prefers. Also, consider using key modifiers to increase the commands available on the keypad (control, shift, alt with the numpad to do additional commands). You can see I did this with the Dismiss command in the files.


I. HOW TO USE:
1. Select a pet group using the numeric keypad: 0=All, 1=Minions, 2=Lts., 3=Boss
2. Choose a stance for that group: 4=Aggressive, 5=Defensive, 6=Passive
3. Give a command to that group: 7=Attack, 8=Follow, 9=Goto

The current group you select will remain active, as will the command and stance given that group, until you change it.
The Goto command will bring up the target recticle.

Note: Added a Dismiss command to the files. Press left control+numpad decimal to dismiss the CURRENT group.


II. SETUP INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Make and save each of the textfiles for your type of Mastermind into directory c:\covbinds (files are listed in Part III).
You need the ALL PETS File, and a set of the four GROUP Files for your Mastermind type (Robot, Merc, Necro, or Ninja).
If you prefer a different directory, just edit the files accordingly.

2. In the game, activate the system one time by manually issuing ONE of the following commands:
(For ROBOTS) /bindloadfile c:\covbinds\Robot.txt
(For MERCS) /bindloadfile c:\covbinds\Mercs.txt
(For NECROS) /bindloadfile c:\covbinds\Necro.txt
(For NINJAS) /bindloadfile c:\covbinds\Ninja.txt

3. Once the root file is activated by Step 2, the system is ready to use as described in HOW TO USE above.


III. FILES TO BE SAVED IN DIRECTORY C:\covbinds:
These are the files to be created and saved. Filenames are in italics, actual file contents follow after in the quote box.
A full set of GROUP files for a Mastermind type consists of the ROOT, MINION, LIEUTENANT and BOSS files (plus the ALL PETS file).
ROOT files are four lines long, the others are seven lines long. Customize the setup by adding commands to the non-ROOT files.

Optional: If you wish to add the ability to control each separate henchman BY NAME, see the special changes needed in Part IV at the end.


ALL PETS:
c:\covbinds\All.txt
[ QUOTE ]

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


[/ QUOTE ]


GROUP FILES FOR ROBOT:
--------------------------
ROOT FILE ROBOT:
c:\covbinds\Robot.txt
[ QUOTE ]

numpad0 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\All.txt
numpad1 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\Battle.txt
numpad2 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\Protector.txt
numpad3 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\Assault.txt


[/ QUOTE ]

MINIONS ROBOT:
c:\covbinds\Battle.txt
[ QUOTE ]

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


[/ QUOTE ]

LIEUTENANTS ROBOT:
c:\covbinds\Protector.txt
[ QUOTE ]

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


[/ QUOTE ]

BOSS ROBOT:
c:\covbinds\Assault.txt
[ QUOTE ]

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


[/ QUOTE ]


GROUP FILES FOR MERC:
--------------------------
ROOT FILE MERC:
c:\covbinds\Merc.txt
[ QUOTE ]

numpad0 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\All.txt
numpad1 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\Soldier.txt
numpad2 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\Spec.txt
numpad3 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\Commando.txt


[/ QUOTE ]

MINIONS MERC:
c:\covbinds\Soldier.txt
[ QUOTE ]

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


[/ QUOTE ]

LIEUTENANTS MERC:
c:\covbinds\Spec.txt
[ QUOTE ]

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


[/ QUOTE ]

BOSS MERC:
c:\covbinds\Commando.txt
[ QUOTE ]

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


[/ QUOTE ]


GROUP FILES FOR NECRO:
--------------------------
ROOT FILE NECRO:
c:\covbinds\Necro.txt
[ QUOTE ]

numpad0 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\All.txt
numpad1 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\Zombie.txt
numpad2 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\Grave.txt
numpad3 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\Lich.txt


[/ QUOTE ]

MINIONS NECRO:
c:\covbinds\Zombie.txt
[ QUOTE ]

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


[/ QUOTE ]

LIEUTENANTS NECRO:
c:\covbinds\Grave.txt
[ QUOTE ]

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


[/ QUOTE ]

BOSS NECRO:
c:\covbinds\Lich.txt
[ QUOTE ]

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


[/ QUOTE ]


GROUP FILES FOR NINJA:
--------------------------
ROOT FILE NINJA:
c:\covbinds\Ninja.txt
[ QUOTE ]

numpad0 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\All.txt
numpad1 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\Genin.txt
numpad2 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\Jounin.txt
numpad3 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\Oni.txt


[/ QUOTE ]

MINIONS NINJA:
c:\covbinds\Genin.txt
[ QUOTE ]

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


[/ QUOTE ]

LIEUTENANTS NINJA:
c:\covbinds\Jounin.txt
[ QUOTE ]

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


[/ QUOTE ]

BOSS NINJA:
c:\covbinds\Oni.txt
[ QUOTE ]

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


[/ QUOTE ]



IV. OPTIOINAL: CONTROLLING SINGLE PETS BY NAME USING THE KEYPAD SYSTEM

Let me state there is no need to implement the ideas that follow...the basic system already shown above will cover probably 99% of your entire MM career.

To command individual henchmen, I have assigned the keypad divide (/), multiply (*), subtract (-) keys to each minion, and the keypad add (+), <enter> keys to each lieutenant.

Make sure when you edit the files, you substitute MINIONA, MINIONB, MINIONC, LIEUTENANTA, LIEUTENANTB with your henchmen names. Note: The boss is already controlled using the basic system.


Now, the changes needed to make to the files are:

1. Alter the your Mastermind's ROOT file to include five more lines, one for each of the three minions and two lieutenants. Here is my sample root file for Robot.txt:

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

numpad0 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\All.txt
numpad1 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\Battle.txt
numpad2 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\Protector.txt
numpad3 bind_load_file c:\covbinds\Assault.txt

divide bind_load_file c:\covbinds\MINIONA.txt
multiply bind_load_file c:\covbinds\MINIONB.txt
subtract bind_load_file c:\covbinds\MINIONC.txt
add bind_load_file c:\covbinds\LIEUTENANTA.txt
numpadenter bind_load_file c:\covbinds\LIEUTENANTB.txt


[/ QUOTE ]


2. Now create five new text files, one for each of the named minions and lieutenants. The contents of these files mimic the Group files, except use petcom_name <name>. Here is the example of my minion file MINIONA.txt:

MINIONA:
c:\covbinds\miniona.txt
[ QUOTE ]

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


[/ QUOTE ]


I hope you see the pattern here. Wherever you see 'MINION' or 'LIEUTENANT' you should substitute your own pets' names.


-Sandolphan (aka CoVBeta Khaiba)

KHAIBA'S MASTERMIND NUMERIC KEYPAD PET CONTROLS, Version 1 (Bind Chains):
This setup uses a series of long /bind commands manually entered into the game at the command prompt (chat box). It is an easier system to get working, but must be entirely re-issued if any changes wish to be done later.


I. HOW TO USE:
1. Select a pet group using the numeric keypad: 0=All, 1=Minions, 2=Lts., 3=Boss
2. Choose a stance for that group: 4=aggressive, 5=defensive, 6=passive
3. Give a command to that group: 7=attack, 8=follow, 9=goto

The current group you select will remain active, as will the command and stance given that group, until you change it.
The Goto command will bring up the target recticle.
Choose individual pets by name with /, *, - for the three minions and +, <enter> for the two lieutenants.


II. SETUP INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Make and save a text file from the /binds listed below in Part III for your type of Mastermind. You need the ALL PETS /bind, plus a set of the three GROUP /binds for your Mastermind type (Robot, Merc, Necro, or Ninja). The BY NAME /binds are optional, but if you use them be sure to edit in the names of your pets. Saving a text file of these /binds will make it easier should you wish to make changes.

2. Open your text file in notepad and run the game. Once you have your character loaded in the game, switch back to Notepad (press ALT+TAB). Copy each /bind command one at a time and paste it into the game at the command prompt.

3. When all /binds are entered (the ALL PETS, a MINION, a LIEUTENANT, a BOSS, and optionally the BY NAMES /binds if desired), the system is ready to use as described in HOW TO USE above.

Note: /bind commands cannot exceed 255 characters in length. Some of these are very near the limit!


III. COMPLETE FILE SETS OF MASTERMIND BINDS:
Listed here are the complete sets of /binds for all Masterminds. For any one type of Mastermind, you will need: the ALL PETS, MINION, LIEUTENANT, and BOSS /bind for your Mastermind type (plus the five BY NAME /binds if using them).

Each of the /binds must be one continuous line typed exactly as shown to work, especially the quote marks!. The periods in the listing are just spacers for readability.

Optional: If you are using them, remember to edit the BY NAMES /binds to use your own pet names (try to use just four or five unique letters of the pet name, as the binds might exceed their length limit).


ALL PETS:
[ QUOTE ]

/bind numpad0 "bind numpad4 petcomall agg$$bind numpad5 petcomall def$$bind numpad6 petcomall pass$$bind numpad7 petcomall att$$bind numpad8 petcomall fol$$bind numpad9 petcomall goto"


[/ QUOTE ]


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

/bind numpad1 "bind numpad4 petcompow batt agg$$bind numpad5 petcompow batt def$$bind numpad6 petcompow batt pass$$bind numpad7 petcompow batt att$$bind numpad8 petcompow batt fol$$bind numpad9 petcompow batt goto"
.
/bind numpad2 "bind numpad4 petcompow prot agg$$bind numpad5 petcompow prot def$$bind numpad6 petcompow prot pass$$bind numpad7 petcompow prot att$$bind numpad8 petcompow prot fol$$bind numpad9 petcompow prot goto"
.
/bind numpad3 "bind numpad4 petcompow assa agg$$bind numpad5 petcompow assa def$$bind numpad6 petcompow assa pass$$bind numpad7 petcompow assa att$$bind numpad8 petcompow assa fol$$bind numpad9 petcompow assa goto"


[/ QUOTE ]


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

/bind numpad1 "bind numpad4 petcompow sold agg$$bind numpad5 petcompow sold def$$bind numpad6 petcompow sold pass$$bind numpad7 petcompow sold att$$bind numpad8 petcompow sold fol$$bind numpad9 petcompow sold goto"
.
/bind numpad2 "bind numpad4 petcompow spec agg$$bind numpad5 petcompow spec def$$bind numpad6 petcompow spec pass$$bind numpad7 petcompow spec att$$bind numpad8 petcompow spec fol$$bind numpad9 petcompow spec goto"
.
/bind numpad3 "bind numpad4 petcompow comm agg$$bind numpad5 petcompow comm def$$bind numpad6 petcompow comm pass$$bind numpad7 petcompow comm att$$bind numpad8 petcompow comm fol$$bind numpad9 petcompow comm goto"


[/ QUOTE ]


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

/bind numpad1 "bind numpad4 petcompow zomb agg$$bind numpad5 petcompow zomb def$$bind numpad6 petcompow zomb pass$$bind numpad7 petcompow zomb att$$bind numpad8 petcompow zomb fol$$bind numpad9 petcompow zomb goto"
.
/bind numpad2 "bind numpad4 petcompow grav agg$$bind numpad5 petcompow grav def$$bind numpad6 petcompow grav pass$$bind numpad7 petcompow grav att$$bind numpad8 petcompow grav fol$$bind numpad9 petcompow grav goto"
.
/bind numpad3 "bind numpad4 petcompow lich agg$$bind numpad5 petcompow lich def$$bind numpad6 petcompow lich pass$$bind numpad7 petcompow lich att$$bind numpad8 petcompow lich fol$$bind numpad9 petcompow lich goto"


[/ QUOTE ]


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

/bind numpad1 "bind numpad4 petcompow gen agg$$bind numpad5 petcompow gen def$$bind numpad6 petcompow gen pass$$bind numpad7 petcompow gen att$$bind numpad8 petcompow gen fol$$bind numpad9 petcompow gen goto"
.
/bind numpad2 "bind numpad4 petcompow jou agg$$bind numpad5 petcompow jou def$$bind numpad6 petcompow jou pass$$bind numpad7 petcompow jou att$$bind numpad8 petcompow jou fol$$bind numpad9 petcompow jou goto"
.
/bind numpad3 "bind numpad4 petcompow oni agg$$bind numpad5 petcompow oni def$$bind numpad6 petcompow oni pass$$bind numpad7 petcompow oni att$$bind numpad8 petcompow oni fol$$bind numpad9 petcompow oni goto"


[/ QUOTE ]


BY NAME (note: change MinionA, MinionB, MinionC, LieutenantA, LieutenantB to your names):
Note:Keep pet names under six characters long in the /bind (you can use any unique portion of the name)
[ QUOTE ]

/bind divide "bind numpad4 petcomname MinionA agg$$bind numpad5 petcomname MinionA def$$bind numpad6 petcomname MinionA pass$$bind numpad7 petcomname MinionA att$$bind numpad8 petcomname MinionA fol$$bind numpad9 petcomname MinionA goto"
.
/bind multiply "bind numpad4 petcomname MinionB agg$$bind numpad5 petcomname MinionB def$$bind numpad6 petcomname MinionB pass$$bind numpad7 petcomname MinionB att$$bind numpad8 petcomname MinionB fol$$bind numpad9 petcomname MinionB goto"
.
/bind subtract "bind numpad4 petcomname MinionC agg$$bind numpad5 petcomname MinionC def$$bind numpad6 petcomname MinionC pass$$bind numpad7 petcomname MinionC att$$bind numpad8 petcomname MinionC fol$$bind numpad9 petcomname MinionC goto"
.
/bind add "bind numpad4 petcomname LieutenantA agg$$bind numpad5 petcomname LieutenantA def$$bind numpad6 petcomname LieutenantA pass$$bind numpad7 petcomname LieutenantA att$$bind numpad8 petcomname LieutenantA fol$$bind numpad9 petcomname LieutenantA goto"
.
/bind numpadenter "bind numpad4 petcomname LieutenantB agg$$bind numpad5 petcomname LieutenantB def$$bind numpad6 petcomname LieutenantB pass$$bind numpad7 petcomname LieutenantB att$$bind numpad8 petcomname LieutenantB fol$$bind numpad9 petcomname LieutenantB goto"


[/ QUOTE ]


-Sandolphan (aka CoVBeta Khaiba)

KHAIBA'S MASTERMIND NUMERIC KEYPAD PET CONTROLS, OVERVIEW:
The Mastermind Numeric Keypad Pet Controls system uses the numeric keypad to select a group of henchmen, choose a stance for them, and issue a command to the group. Stances and commands are issued separately, and can be combined in any way desired. Henchmen will retain their stance and command unless changed.


KEYPAD LAYOUT:
Group selection: 0=All, 1=Minions, 2=Lieutenants, 3=Boss
Stances: 4=Aggressive, 5=Defensive, 6=Passive
Commands: 7=Attack, 8=Follow, 9=Goto (brings up target recticle)


EXAMPLE OF USE:
Select the group of henchmen you wish to command, then give that group a stance and command.
For example:
a. press numpad0 to select All henchmen.
b. press numpad5 to set them to Defensive stance.
c. press numpad8 to command them to Follow you.

Shortly, you spot a target you want to attack, but you only want to send the Minions to attack.
d. press numpad1 to select only the Minion henchmen.
e. press numpad7 to command them to Attack your target.

The Lieutenants/Boss will remain behind still Following you Defensively.


After just a few minutes using the system, I think you’ll find it completely intuitive. If you need to, make a little template and stick it above the keypad showing which numbers do what. If you already use the keypad for other things, just edit the binds/files to map onto different blocks of keys (ZXCV ASD QWE for example).

Personal Note: I can't emphasize enough how important the GOTO command is...please learn it and use it constantly!


TWO VERSIONS OF THE SYSTEM:
There are two versions of the system in this post. The first system (borrowing an idea by Samuel-Tow in which the binds create other binds...a neat trick!) consists of a set of /bind commands to be typed directly into the game from the command prompt (chat box). The binds are rather long and must be done exactly, so I would recommend opening them as a text file in Notepad, and copying and pasting them into the game one at a time. This only needs to be done once per character and you’re set; unless you want to alter the /binds, in which case you’d need to copy/paste them into the game again. Binds cannot exceed 256 characters in length, and some of these are already very near max!

The second version of the system (with key help from Dying_Breath) consists of a series of small text files, which get loaded dynamically as the system is used. It’s a little more complicated, but it is also much more flexible. You can make changes and add a lot of functions to this version very easily (such as complicated emotes, dialogues, situationals, etc.), simply by altering or expanding the contents of the text files. Changes made in the files are implemented automatically any time the system gets used. This system is very useful for Masterminds who want to really get the most out of their class.

I would recommend trying the first version if you are not comfortable with making text files. Either system works fine, and should make your Mastermind career far easier and more fun!


-Sandolphan (aka CoVBeta Khaiba)

[ QUOTE ]
I feel that giving any toggle less than 5% defense is pretty much not worth it, and giving it less than 7.5% is not worth slotting. IMO, you should be able to feel the difference between the power unslotted and the power six-slotted. As it stands on test, that's simply not possible.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree completely, but wouldn't limit it to just toggles. Any power that is enhanceable should have these lower limits, for the exact reason you gave.

-Sandolphan

Wasn't it shown that it's the combination of DEF and RES that are necessary for properly balanced (survivable) tanking? If so, why are we even discussing all-or-nothing DEF or RES?

Seems to me all tanks should have a mix of BOTH...and the nature of the primary is the balance decided between the aspects. For just a wild off-the-cuff example,

Invuln= 80% res, 10% def, 10% regen
Fire= 70% res, 10% def, 20% regen
Stone= 50% res, 30% def, 20% regen
Ice= 10% res, 80% def, 10% regen

If I remember (probably somewhat inaccurately), Havok pointed this out as far as the aspects of defensive abilities. It's more than just DEF and RES, but it's definitely the mix of all that is important. Making a set that's all one and none of the other is doomed to fail. You MUST have at least some amount of each aspect. This is why Ice fails...it has no 'basic' RES component and thus is prone to AV one-shotting. (Note 'basic' RES as in RES-all, with a hole for a weakness like cold or fire or...)

Invuln should not be quite so quick to give up all DEF, just most of it. All of the sets should have a bare minimum in the other aspects, along with a smattering of healing. What is the bare minimum? I don't know, I just put 10% as the example; but certainly for Ice it should be just enough RES to prevent insta-death.

Wherever the balance lies in the percentages, I think the principle behind this point should be clearly refined and espoused, and all adhere to it as a basic principle. Assuming that is you don't all think I'm full of it

-Sandolphan


EDIT: I just realized some possible confusion. By giving sample percentages, I do not mean that resistance should be 80%...I mean that the powerset is skewed 80% IN FAVOR OF resists, with the remaining percent divided among defense and healing.