Seniara

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"Hello. My name is Varon Volt, and these are my two teammates, Crystal Cold and Samantha Spark. Pleased to meet you." The three Heroes extended their hands to Micaela in friendship.

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"Uhm . . . hello. . ."

Somewhat unsure, she cautiously extended her hand toward Varon's, followed the lady on the left, then the one on the right.

I'm glad I'm not going to be the weirdo of the household . . .

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With a curious smile, he started munching down on the miniature orange. "This is very tasty, what is it?"

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Looking over to see what he was referring to, a bemused smile appeared on her face. "That would be a clementine. Of course, as far as you'd probably care, it's just a tiny orange," Then, actually getting a good look at the person attached to the orange, " . . . Have we met before?"

Micaela was practically a blur of whiteas she ran toward the house, significantly mroe than fashionably late. Her appearance was so sudden and her pace so rapid that the announcer didn't even have a chance to call out her name before she had vanished into the house.

"Sorry I'm late, you would not believe the number of waivers I had to sign. They take you very seriosuly if you comment that you can buold a trans-dimensional radio out of chewing gum and duct tape. I didn't forget anything, did I?"

She was clearly flustered, as her rapid speech and disoriented manner evinced. Catching herself, she stopped, took a deep breath, and stood silent and still for a moment. She was short, standing under 5 feet tall, with white skin, white hair, pink eyes, a white hat, a long white coat, a deep green dress, and matching shoes. Placing her knapsack, also white, on a nearby piece of furniture, she took in all of her housemates.

"Sorry about that. I'm Micaela. Nice to meet all of you."

(OOC: Any word on what time frame this is running in? I ask particularly becasue two of these roomates are involved in Paragon University as well. I can always come up with some sort of technobabble explanation, but I think Ash is a bit more limited. )

Prof Allister (Guardian server)

A short young woman enters the both. She stands a little under 5 feet tall, with white skin and hair, and pale blue eyes. Her attire is simple and straightforward: a modest black dress, simple black shoes, and a pair of glasses.

“Welcome and thank you for auditioning for Big Brother: Heroes. We will answer you a series of questions. Please answer them truthfully.

1) Please state your name and security level.

"Micaela Allister. I have no hero name as of yet, and my highest security level is fourty-four."

2) Can you please tell us about your origin and powers?

"Origin? You mean my tragic history and swearing revenge on the criminals who did this to me? Or how I was an ostracised mutant, and have dedicated my life to protecting those who scorned me? Or perhaps the freak accident which left me with laser eyes and the ability to salt food perfectly? Nope, none of that for me. Simply a magnanimous individual with more than a little technological know-how. As for powers, that's more determined by my toys than me. If MacGuyver were a short albino chick, he'd be me. Or something . . ."

3) Please tell us about any hobbies or interests you might have?

"Well, I've spent a little time studying magic and its interactions with technology - from a totally analytic perspective, mind you. Other than that, most of my time is spentdeveloping devices right out of a sci-fi novel or fighting crime. Or killing time on one pet project or another . . ."

4) How would you describe yourself?

"Well, I'm guessing you don't mean appearance-wise, so . . . I'm basically your standard run-of-the-mill child prodigy, only grown up a little. I generally keep to myself, but don't mind company. I have a tendency towards biting sarcasm, but some people have told me that I get rather venomous at times. And, yeah, that's pretty much me in a nutshell.

5) Do you think you are easy to get along with?

"I like to think so. It's pretty hard to get on my nerves, and my temper is usully brief when it flares up. My . . . unique . . . brand of humor might make it difficult for tohers to get along with me, however . . ."

6) Please tell us a little about one of your recent missions?

"Well, let's see . . . classified, classified, classified, classified . . . no, that one's classified, too . . . yeah, that'll have to do. Not too long ago, myself and some fellow members of the Twilight Crusaders made an excursion into the Shadow Shard. I can't tell yuo much, but suffice to say, it was some nasty business with the Nemesis and Circle of Thorns. I guess what they say is true: 'If you've done something right, it's hard to tell if you've done anything at all.'"

7) Why do you wish to appear on Big Brother: Heroes?

"Frankly? Because I have nothing better to do. things are relatively quiet, even on the interdimensional level, and, if I win, the money that goes to charity will be more than anything I could proably do in the same amount of time elsewhere."

8) What do you think you will be able to bring to the Big Brother house?

"A smile, witty banter, the ability to make a transdimensional radio with some chewing gum and duct tape . . . you know, the usual."

9) What would you do if you win Big Brother Heroes?

"Uhm . . . what kind of a question is that? I don't know, donate the money tot he charity of my choice, like the ads said? Give myself a pat on the back? I think I'd pretty much get back to living my life. I dunno . . . "

10) ((OOC question: How regularly can/do you post?))

((I can post once a day or more, as I visit the boards that often. I have a tendency to lurk at times, but I'm perfectly able to post.))

11) ((OOC question: Do you wish to be picked?))

((Sure. This could be amusing.))

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The Ancient Doctor smiled gently. “(in Germanic) The only guarantee I can give you is the word of an old healer. As a merchant, you have a good sense of people, or else your shop would fail. Trust your internal guide, and decide whether you think I will use these for ill.”

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(Still in the casual Germanic)"You misunderstand. These are sensitive agents. Improper application could lead to ... unfortunate results. One might wonder why questioning of your abilities elicits a defense of your intentions, but I am sure that that was simply a detail lost in the translation. I sincerely hope that your mistress pulls through. I would enjoy meeting her."

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“I am afraid I must be going today, but I will most assuredly return tomorrow to make some purchases. You have such a selection of wonderful items, there is much that has my interest.”

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"Certe." A nod of the head, and a smile of the eyes.

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"We are ready to pay when you are finished."

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(OOC: Was this directed at me? If so, I'll respond in due time.)

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He switched to the Germanic tongue again. “Did you keep up with all of that?” he said with the impish tone of a much younger man.

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Her eyes show a hint of amusement as she speaks a single word, "Ja."

Seeing that the nobles are still preoccupied, she unlocks an oaken chest and removes a few small bundles, then, reclosing and locking the chest, places them in front of the elderly man.

In a relaxed and conversational tone, perfectly masking the veiled accusation to the bystanders, she confronts the old man, "(In Germanic)These herbs are . . . unusual. What guarantee do I have that you will not . . . misuse them?"

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“For now I am just surveying your impressive wares. The elder appears to have a clear idea of what he requires, please assist him first, it could be some time before I make up my mind.” She then looked over towards the old man with a warm smile before returning to examining the exotic items within the shop.

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A slight bow of the head, "Certe."* Seeing her closer, one notices that even ehr hands and face are covered, so that only her eyes are revealed, and even those lie within the shadows of the hood of the robe. Turning to the old man, she awaits his response.

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In lightly accented Latin, the old man asked ‘What language are you most comfortable in? I have a lengthy list, and I speak many languages.” The Doctor smiled through the bushy beard. ‘I don’t even know the Latin word for some of the herbs and concoctions I hope you have.”

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"Loque quamcumque linguam ut eligeres. Intelligam."** Her accent was somewhat thicker than his, but of an entirely different character.

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“You have wealthy customers entering,” the Ancient Doctor said in the northern Germanic tongue. “I will browse and shop as you serve them.” His dialect was archaic, but still understandable.

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A nod of understanding, then she focuses her attention on the newcomers. Seeing the larger engage in conversation with the ladies, she remains in the background, taking note of what they wish to buy, so that she might be prepared to address their needs, while, at the same time, keeping an eye on the smaller of the two.

* Yes/Certainly
** Speak whichever language you may choose. I will understand.

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A slight smile came to Lucilla’s face as she focused back on the shop. “Is that so, all the more reason to have a closer look at what they have to offer then.” With that she made her way into the shop, followed closely by Velius.

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The interior of the shop is well-lit and warm, with the slighest hint of incense. Bolts of vibrant fabrics, in a wide range of color and quality, line the walls. Further inside, there is a table, bearing jars, bowls, and vials, each appearing to contain some sort of powder or liquid, and, finally, along the back wall, the various pieces of jewelry are displayed.

As the old man and the younger pair enter, the robed figure steps forward from beside the table. She appears to diminish in height, bowing her head while she spreads the skirts of her robes.* Rising to her normal height, her head still slightly bowed, she speaks to them, "Salvete. Appetisne auxiliatum meum?"**

*Put simply, she curtsies
**Roughly: "Good Morning. Do you desire my help?"

As the sun rises over the Campus Martius, the various shops begin to come to life, preparing for the business of the coming day. One particular shop stands out, as it is inhabited by but a single person, and an unusual one at that. The figure is covered in robes of a delicate pale blue, adorned with intricate designs in a bright, bold orange. The wares of the shop are equally unique, displaying fabrics of brilliant colors, containers holding strange liquids and powders, and a very small selection of jewelry that resembles lace, were it fashioned of crystal.

This individual, apparently a woman, had come from the barbarian regions in the company of an older man, presumably her father. They gained entrance to the Roman Empire, achieved citizenship with surprising ease, and, through the sale of their exotic wares, quickly ascended to a position among the wealthy members of society.

The unusual circumstances of their entry into the empire, their quick rise in wealth, their seclusive nature, even their unusual wares, has led to many dark rumors about the pair. It is suggested that, late at night, sorcerous rituals are performed, that the young woman wears the robes to hide scars from blood offerings while communing with demons or worshipping dark gods, and other unsavory speculations.

On the surface, however, they are paid a healthy amount of respect becasue of their financial status, with a slight distaste because of their Barbarian origin. Whether the rumors are true or not, there is rarely a lack of demand for the strange and beautiful wares in which they specialize.

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I actually had to tell a teammate yesterday to NOT AM a tanker so that transference would work. He died twice from toggle drops from endurance loss even though I sapped the boss 2 times for him at point blank range.

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I've got you beat. We had to choose between Transference and Insulation Shield when fighting Nightstar. It was . . . painful . . .

Through testing and a consensus from just about everyone, I'd say it's safe to mark end drain resist as the culprit.

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Well, two things:

First, I'm well aware that the "Dark-Darkity-Darkness" is going to strike a chord with fans of the old comic, and I can understand why. CoH, (as I've said MANY times before) is based on the Golden and Silver Age Comics (i.e. no one dies, Heroes fight people like "The EVIL Dr. INSANO!" and "Captain Communist!", and above all, GOOD ALWAYS WINS IN THE END). The old comic was based around the same principle the game was, which is why many people now say this new comic isn't "true" to the game.
However, what Top Cow is OBVIOUSLY trying to do with CoH is bring the Golden and Silver Age tale into the "modern" comic era. And, as we all know, realism plays a large role in the "modern" comic. Even I have to admit that the "modern" feel that is in today's comics (and that will be coming to THIS comic) is much more "real" in the sense that there are ACTUALLY consequences to the Hero's actions! Fighting Villains isn't the "cakewalk" that was shown in the Golden and Silver Age; Hero's aren't "invincible" as was depicted in that age; and, most importantly, fighting evil isn't "fun" nor "enjoyable", as is STILL sometimes depicted today in children's TV shows. If you want "realism", today's comics are INFINITELY superior to Golden and Silver Age comics.
Of course, I ALSO understand that many people who play this game don't WANT that "realism". They WANT the "fluff", they WANT a comic game that is like the Golden and Silver Age days, one where "good is good", "evil is evil", and no one REALLY gets hurt. And, since those comics are VERY rare today, I can't blame them.
However, I think this is a GOOD thing. Not because it's TRUE to this game we all know and love, but because it's NOT true to the game.
Think about it: The comic DOESN'T change the game. Those who play this game because they love the Golden and Silver Age days STILL can enjoy that experience everytime they log on. The comic WON'T change that.
And those who wanted to see a "darker" version of Paragon City just got their wish. Here, we have a "modern" comic book intertwined with a "Golden and Silver Age" comic GAME. It should be interesting, seeing the difference between the Paragon City we all know and love and the "Dark" Paragon City the writers of Top Cow have created (though I STILL prefer my OWN "dark" story based on CoH [looks down at signature])

And the second thing (something I just noticed)...
I don't think this was a PREVIEW. I think this was the ENTIRE FIRST COMIC.
Look at the last panel. Notice the "Disconnecting in 5... 4...")?
That's the same message we get when we log out of CoH.

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Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against dark-darkity-darkness. The premise seems like a pretty cool idea, actually. I take issue with the execution of such. It seems. . . forced . . .

When I look at this preview, this is my impression:

"I'm Manticore. I'm the narrator because I'm a ninja, and I always seem pissed about something. We live in a modern-day Valhalla, or did, until Spider pulled Operation: Nerfbat. Then everyone started dying left and right, because those Spider guys, they've really got inconvenient timing. We lost all our powers, and I haven't the slightest idea how, even now. And then Statesman died. Or did he?"

In short, it's not the darkness that bugs me. It's how artificial the darkness feels, along with far too many plotholes, and the ridiculously hyper-exaggerated body structure which turn me off from the comic.

I'll still read it. I may even enjoy it, but, for me, this preview doesn't bode well to my future enjoyment of the comic.

Well, on a point-by point basis. . .

Art: Certainly more detailed. Something about the people doesn't sit right with me, though . . . And, of course, nitpickings like Sister Psyche, the War Walls, and toher things that I feel could ahev been done better . . .

Story: Narraration's decent, basic concept seems solid, but it really feels like it's trying, reaching, to be, well, dark . . . And the stretch shows. The dark in the Blue King comics seems more natural. This feels more like a "Once upon a time, we kicked butt and chewed bubblegum. Then Spider pulled out Operation: Nerfbat. Then everyone died. :/

Immersion: Say what you will about the Blue King comic. At least that author knew what the hell he was talking about. This author knows little to nothing about CoH, and it shows. Painfully so.

A little harsh, and this is our first look, but, frankly, I'm not impressed.

Well, I can give you a basic run-down of the colors.

The top row is Black(left) to White(right).
The other rows go from really dark, with a hint of the color(left) to really bright, with a hint of the color(second to last right) and a desaturated version(greyish) of the median brightness on the far right.

The colors, from top to bottom, are Grey, Red, Orange, Yellow-Orange, Yellow, Yellow-Green, Green, Green with a hint of blue, Blue with a hint of green, Pale Blue, Blue, Deep Blue, Violet, Lavender, Pink, and Reddish Pink.

Does that help?

(Edit: I'll cover skintone once I can find a screenshot/access the hero creator)

More expanded permissions/Ranks; The ability to set an individual/rank with specific Cans and Can nots. This could prevent unwanted abuse of administrative powers, make recruitment more convenient, allowcertain ranks to only kick ranks below them, etc.

A supergroup costume as a Fifth slot. Simple enough, in theory. One costume for male/huge, one for female. Perhaps the ability to allow modification of certain elements, to personalize their SG costume.

Ability to edit supergroup emblem, colors, and (if added) costume.

Access to more emblems for supergroups.

And, as everyone else has stated, Alliances of some sort would be nice as well. Similarly, Rank-restricted supergroup channels could be useful for private discussions among the administration.