Shrowd

Can't believe no one's mentioned Spanky's Boardwalk in Talos.

As usual, the real issue gets overlooked.

It's not that they are going to the east coast for the second time this year. It's that they asked /us/ to pick the 5th stop and then ignored us.

What, like...5 people...said New York? At most?

And how many said midwest?

So, really, they /don't/ want us to have any say in where they go. Seems to me they had already decided and they just hoped that we'd all say, "Hey, go to New York" and then they could be all like, "See? We're listening to you!"

Hogwash.

They only look good the 10% of the time that what they have already decided and what the majority of the playerbase wants is the same.

Anwyay...I'd rather be playing...

Then why do they bother saying that they have a two-hour window slated for maintenance? Not to mention, that window is supposed to be weekly, not daily. On Thursday, not Wednesday.

As was said, I can understand why they would do it /today/, but why now? And, Crimson Vanquisher, apparently it is /not/ up...still.

And yes, we should all just shut up and be good lemmings.

I've always tried to get my toons in an SG, but mostly because I RP and it's nice having someone to regularly RP with.

However, I have learned that people who complain about PuGs really have it right. Here's my story.

I have a really nice tank I've been building. She doesn't do a lot of damage, but she's great at taking a hit (as tanks should be). As a consequence, I try to team her as much as possible.

For her first Posi, I joined one her SG was running. It went pretty smoothly, as most of us had run the new Posi before and knew what to do without saying much.

For her second Posi, I stupidly joined a PuG instead of asking SG and Coalie mates. It was a disaster.

On the first mission, I noticed that the one defender we had on the team seemed to be taking charge, which was fine with me. Someone has to and as long as they know what they're doing, that's great.

Well, he didn't. He never told them to follow the tank. And I just didn't instinctively follow behind a squishy defender. So, at one point, we got split. I could see from the team roster that they were getting mauled, but I couldn't do anything about it because we had already aggro'd a mob and I didn't want to abandon the ones who actually did the right thing and followed the tank.

They managed to survive (most of them, anyway) and when our split got done with the mob we had, I ran to where the defender was and we continued on from there (though I was trying to take the most direct path, but whatever).

Second mission, the defender and I are the first ones in the mish. As most of you probably know, it's in a warehouse, so when you come in the door, you're facing a wall that you have to go around before you're actually "in the mission." The defender and I did so and I figured we'd wait for the rest of the team to get inside. Not so.

The defender uses his weak blast to aggro what he /thought/ was a single minion. Uh huh. You guessed it. He brought the whole mob on us. I survived. He didn't. It wouldn't have been so bad, except that when the rest of the team got there, they tried to back us up, but the Clockwork picked them off as they got in. The defender laughed about it, saying something along the lines of, "HUh. That was weird. I just hit one and the they all came running."

Once everyone got rezzed, I started to suggest that they let me go first, but while I was typing, the defender pulled AGAIN! I played gimpy scrapper and helped clear the mob he pulled, not without difficulty.

The next mob in the mish is around a corner, so I started to tell them to stay where they were and that I would go and aggro them to that spot. Before I could get it out, the defender ran out AGAIN and by that time, I had had enough and simply quit the TF.

Now, I've been on bad TFs before where there was more than one team wipe. I /never/ quit TFs. Ever. But I did that one.

The sad part is, no one from the team asked for an explanation or anything. I can't imagine what they must have thought was the reason for me quitting the team. They may not have even realized I did, since they obviously didn't recognize me as a tank.

The even sadder part is, they probably finished the TF...eventually...and patted themselves on the back, thinking they'd done a great job.

Now, I've been on some PuGs that were awesome. But those are the exception, not the rule.

That doesn't explain why they didn't do it at their normal time.

Besides, if they did that, I can almost guarantee that only /one/ of those servers would get picked and would become the new Virtue. I mean...they can do that now. Just go to another server. What's basically being suggested is a server rename. I don't see the advantage.

And devs don't work on servers. Devs = software developers. I can almost guarantee it's a hardware issue (for the simple fact that all the servers /should/ have the same software).

Solution: replace the hardware.

Oooor....if we're going for that server rename thing...swap out. Put the Virtue toons on a different (more reliable) server and put /that/ server's toons on Virtue, then rename both.

Voila. It's someone else's problem.

I agree 100% with xeaon. People who are unable to separate RL from the game need help. Seriously.

I play both genders. I play various orientations, beliefs, etc. They are characters - nothing more, nothing less. Ultimately, it's for entertainment.

A mature (as opposed to immature) RPer won't care who or what the player is. Oh, I want to get to know you, sure. But it won't matter to me if you're a 35-year old bald guy living in his mother's basement playing a smokin' hot red-headed lesbian catgirl. The only thing that matters to me is can my lesbian demon girl have her number? lol

(Before you start judging, remember...dockworkers need love too.)

(Oh, and I was kidding...I don't have a lesbian demon girl...yet.)

This may have been mentioned before and if so, I apologize. I searched the forum and found nothing, so I'll assume it hasn't.

One of the big things that's always been tossed around, but never really changed, is the fact that the beginning storylines for heroes mean very little. All they do is introduce you to a new enemy group that you may not have known before. Of course, after making a character from each origin, you start to get the gist of who's who on the other side of the cape and those opening stories start to bore you. So, what do you do?

You form a sewer team, or you street sweep, or some other thing that I'm not aware of. But ultimately, you're still just grinding through the levels.

Another problem that's been brought up is the lack of variety in mission. Go here, kill this, rescue this, click this. Rinse and repeat.

A third problem is the difficulty in finding a good team. Players either aren't sure how to play their archetype properly, but team anyway, or are absolutely certain they don't know how and avoid teams altogether. Why is this a problem? You ever try to solo a lowbie emp defender? Yes, it can be done, but it's much easier to solo a scrapper.

So here's a potential solution to all of these problems.

Instead of making the initial storylines only origin-based, make them origin and archetype based. How?

Okay, so let's say you roll a defender. You're really going to tell me that you should have the same mission as that scrapper? Or that tank? Come on, let's see some variety here.

No wonder it's hard to find a good defender or controller or even tank! They don't know how to play the archetype unless they immediately team up. And if they've never played the archetype? Oh boy... "Hey guys, we got an emp defender!" "Awesome!" ... "Guys, I've never played an emp defender before. What do I do?" Yeah...you're gonna wipe.

Instead, let's make the starting missions appropriate to the archetype. You're a defender? Great! Your job is to keep this (NPC) team alive while they infiltrate an enemy base and retrieve some records. You're a tank? Awesome! Hold the aggro from this enemy group while the (NPC) team escorts the hostage to safety. Etc.

Now, I admit, I haven't thought it completely through for all archetypes. However, I'm sure people who play the various archetypes regularly will know EXACTLY what kind of job would be best suited for that archetype and can contribute accordingly.

(In my opinion, the normal CoX mission is based around damage-dealers like scrappers or blasters, so they're opening storylines will probably be much like they are now.)

So, where does origin fit into this? Well, from what I can tell, origin really only determines the enemy group you fight first. So, easy enough, you're a magic origin tank? Hold aggro on these Hellions while the (NPC) team escorts the hostage to safety. You're a tech origin defender? Keep this (NPC) team alive while they infiltrate a Clockwork base and retrieve some records.

Ta da! We've introduced the various enemy groups AND trained newbies how to play their archetype...or at least, we've done our best. Now, that team's level 6 kinetics defender can actually ACT like one.

I also feel like this will end the whole "make defenders more soloable" issue because - instead - we're teaching them HOW to be defenders.

Thoughts?

(Oh and if it seemed like I was using defenders a lot there, I have a level 50 emp defender, so I'm very familiar with the soloing problem.)

Name: Legionnaires

Currently Recruiting: We are always looking for new members, new coalitions, etc.

RP Level: I hate the word "require." We RP because we choose to. However, we consider ourselves an RPSG. Most (99%) of our chat is IC, though we also engage in OOC conversation - always properly marked to avoid confusion. We occasionally host RP training and any of us are willing to help non-RPers learn the ropes.

PvP Level: I guess you could call us PvP-friendly. I'm sure there are those in our group who wouldn't mind sparring with you.

Theme/Concept: We prefer "classic" heroes, but turn no one away who is willing to take the RP at least semi-seriously. What I mean is, no "goofy" characters or characters whose only intention is to grief RPers.

Activity: We are extremely active. We have a core group of around 6-10 who play a LOT, mostly in the evenings through late night (from around 9pm until 3am eastern).

Requirements for Membership: We have a 30-day inactivity rule, but characters are always welcome back. We are forming an "academy" for alts. At this point, however, we ask that your main character to be at least level 40 before bringing in an alt (exceptions are made for those who show they can handle multiple characters). We have a uniform requirement at level 30, but it mainly consists of using the SG colors during SG events.

Leadership: Patience Lee (Lady General), Fiona Fletcher (Commander), False Impressions (Commander), Brianna Lee (Captain), Arkady Deshanov (Captain), Lt. Joshua Stone (Captain), Pink Poetry (Teen Division Captain)

In-Game Contact(s): @Patience Lee

Out-of-Game Contact(s): Shrowd (me)

URL: http://legionnairesofvirtue.guildportal.com/

Coalition(s): Many, including The American Legion, The Justice Girls, Nocturne Divison, and many others

Other Details: All recruitment is done IC as much as possible. New recruits will undergo an interview to receive their first promotion. We hold weekly meetings every Wednesday night at 9pm eastern, but attendance is not mandatory. We have a fully-functional base that is always growing. Please play in SG mode to help pay for base modifications.

I have personally run the Midnighter's arc many times solo and twice now with a team. Every time solo, she is very predictable and easy to protect.

However, on a team (whether 2 or 8), she seems to just run all over the place. What gives?

My wife and I were teaming - I as a scrapper, she as an emp defender - and I told my wife to keep heals on Lady Jane because she may decide to fight. Of course, she did. And at first, it was fine.

But then she runs off from one mob to another! I mean...what the? So I told my wife, "Keep her healed!" So she stayed with LJ while I tried to hold a bunch of aggro. Finally, I couldn't anymore and decided to assist LJ and SHE RAN OFF AGAIN!

Needless to say, we all died and I got frustrated and came here to vent about it.

Come on, people! There's no way to keep her from it so I say either fix her AI or I'm just going to start playing the arc for the mere joy of watching her die.

Now, I figure this will probably get ignored like most things of this nature, but at least I feel better for getting it out.

I tried to look for this, but couldn't find it anywhere.

Why aren't any costume options available so that the weapon used is actually visible on the hero/villain when not in use?

Make a "back" piece for scabbards, axes, rifles, etc. It could easily change when the weapon is pulled.

Make a "belt" piece for the same thing as well as something for dual pistols. (The police belt with the night stick just doesn't make sense if the night stick isn't usable. Plus it only has one pistol holster.)

I'm not saying to add it to the powerset, as this would require everyone with the powerset to have it. I'm saying to make it an available costume piece so that those heroes/villains CAN use it.

Okay, I'd like to voice the other side of this.

You level 50s who are so "into" the game that you can't bring yourself to realize it's just a game should also realize that some of us actually use those mobs for XP. It frustrates me to see level 50s running around Atlas Park beating up mobs because they can't pass up a computer program's cry for help. I have to wonder, are they really trying to "save the day" or are they just trying to show off for the noobs?

/rant

That being said, I do like the idea of making them less "criminal" out in the open. Oddly enough, hazard zones like the Hollows and Perez Park have gangs doing just that sort of thing (mainly because there are no/few citizens to harass, but still).

So I'm working on a story arc in AE and I decide to title it "The Gambit" because there are some twists and turns, schemes, etc. that seem to be the general theme of the arc. I wasn't even thinking about the Marvel character at the time. But the game won't let me use that name because it says it's copyrighted.

Well, I understand that Marvel has a character named Gambit, but the word itself is not copyrighted! If it were, think of how many books, stories, even opening chess moves, would be a violation of that copyright!

In addition, words like "wolverine," "cyclops," and yes, even "recluse" are NOT copyrighted words. They are simply words. You can find them in the dictionary with definitions OTHER than fictional characters.

Now, I understand that if I make a character in COH and name that character Gambit, I am at least in a gray area, if not an actual violation of copyright law. However, to simply use the word "gambit" is not and using that word in a story arc name is not either.

I'm not sure if this has ever been brought up (I searched but found nothing), but I think it should be addressed. I realize that this forum is intended to allow players to help other players and, thus, may not be the right venue for my post, but perhaps it can at least get the attention of other players who agree with me, if not get the attention of the powers-that-be to change this oversight.

I also remember a post on the CoV beta boards about City of Masterminds.

And Stalkers own PvP.

You get the idea.

Summary: All of the CoV ATs are quite powerful in their own right. We're in the Brutes forum here, so obviously there are a lot of fan posts. I'd say you can probably find just as many in the other CoV AT forums.

[ QUOTE ]
ALl that is important is that all important moment, when you realized you are truly one with the concept of SMASH!

[/ QUOTE ]

For me, it was yesterday. I had been a SMASH! addict for a while, but...well, let me give you the background...

My Brute is a level 29 Invul/SS big bad wolf, right? Okay, so in the SG, we got this level 23 corruptor with the Sea Witch mission and she can't find anyone to help. She says she doesn't care about the XP. Neither do I, really. I had been leveling pretty steadily and was in the mood to be a good SG neighbor. So, I joined her.

Oh...my...lord. I conned Sea Witch at white. I laughed out loud. I knew it was going to be fun.

What I didn't realize was how much HP she had, and what that meant for me. See, she couldn't hit me. At least, not badly. The worst part was getting tossed around and stunned occassionally, but no big problem.

However, it never occurred to me that since she didn't go down that quickly - and I had plenty of blues for end - my Fury was about to max.

I did my usual KOB to start the fight and just kept the Brawl-Punch-Jab-Punch with an occassional Haymaker for good measure. She was getting slaughtered, but her HP bar barely moved. KOB recharged and I hit it again. Still, not much movement on her HP bar.

Until it recharged again.

Words cannot describe the feeling I got when - SMASH! - 496 points of oh-so-yummy damage. I was ecstatic. I had to yell it out in SG chat...lol. They probably thought I was nuts. (I am, actually, but that's beside the point.) But it just felt so good to do that kind of destruction.

Oh, and I just realized...all my damage SOs were red at the time. Okay, now I'm getting goosebumps.

Thank you, devs, for the glory of SMASH!

(For the record, in another 10 levels I'm probably going to look back on this one and laugh at that puny damage. And that makes the addiction all the more prevalent.)

Huh? I said that at the end-of-beta event (as Doppler)...lol.

If that is an NPC thing, that's kind of cool.

ROFL!!!

I can't believe that made it into the game. Do they not get the double entendre? lol

This thread is great. I keep laughing out loud and my wife is starting to think I'm crazy. Heh.

A few of my favorites (paraphrased as I didn't get a chance to jot them down)...

"[Villain_Name]! What the crap are you doing here?" (It will actually censor it with the profanity filter on! Hilarious!)

"We're not recruiting or anything if that's what you're...oof!"

Mission text:
"You idiots deserve everything I'm going to do to you! You didn't even lock the front door!" (Isn't it amazing how these "secret hideouts" are so easily gotten into? lol)

And, of course, the whole "Jake Emmet" mission is plain-out funny.

Edit: Forgot one. It's a Goldbrickers thing where they're playing dice (I guess) and one says to the other, "That's eleventy billion you owe me now!" Haha!

ROFLMAO!!!!

This is the absolute best!

Seriously, that's some funny stuff.

Commie-girl?

Or, here's one a little more "geeky"...

Hgygvhnzm

(Don't ask me how to pronounce it...lol.)

It's the whole "Dr. Drakken / Shego" dynamic (from Kim Possible for those post-children / pre-parents). At least, that's what I hear when I read the dialogues.

"Tell me the truth, Ghost Widow. Does this suit make me look fat?"

---

LORD RECLUSE: "Well, it seems my plans for world domination have been squashed by that meddling Statesman."

*** The phone rings. ***

LORD RECLUSE: "Hello? Yes? Really? Well, that is good news." ** Hangs up. **
GHOST WIDOW: "What? What is it?"
LORD RECLUSE: "I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance by switching to Geico."

---

** Recluse stands over a beaten Statesman. **

LORD RECLUSE: "And now, my old adversary, it seems we-"

** Recluse starts snickering. **

DIRECTOR: "Cut!"
STATESMAN: "Oh for-!"
LORD RECLUSE: "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! He has something hanging out of his nose. It made me laugh. I'm sorry. Let's do it again."
DIRECTOR: "From the top!"

---

"I really had you going with that whole 'world domination' thing didn't I, States?"

I would like to second Wintersetcoyote's comments and add the following...

[ QUOTE ]
I used to play this game to have fun...repeat, USED... I didnt know I had to be a mathematician to play..repeat..PLAY..a game.


[/ QUOTE ]

This is what Subduer1 stated, to which I responded that it is possible (note, POSSIBLE) to play the game without all the math involved.

To be perfectly honest, you simply can't have it both ways. Either you play and don't worry about the numbers, or you have to be a mathematician.

As for your style of play, fine. You apparently are concerned with the numbers and - therefore - you would see that my statement is correct that the Endurance Discount has, in effect, increased the effectiveness of endurance enhancements.

You do not need to be a mathematician to play the game. I don't worry about any of it. I just play. I mean, seriously, if nothing was ever announced about ED, some players wouldn't even notice. No one said you had to figure it all up to play. This information is provided for those who DO figure it all up to try to optimize their character build. If you're only coming on to play, then there is no "building" involved, except for concept (i.e. costume, bio, power selection). If that's the case, then there's no problem.

As for the rest of your post, it's rather off-topic and should probably be addressed elsewhere.

The best way to figure this is by times launched, rather than end cost.

With 100 total end - and not taking end recovery into consideration - a power which uses 13 end per launch can be launched a little over 7.69 times. With a 20% end red enhancement, it can be launched approximately 9.61 times.

With the discount, the power now uses 10 end per launch and can be launched 10 times. With a 20% end red enhancement, it can be launched 12.5 times.

So, in that case, the end discount actually makes your end reduction enhancements 130% more effective.