TheShattered

AERIAL ASSAULT - LOG

I met an old member, Max aka Civil Servant at Pocket D. I'm not going to disclose what was said, as it is a personal matter.

But he did remind me of something I shall put forward to the group, and I will lay out the BETA version here:

For a while now, we have been operating under a 'Three leader' structure. Though this has and is serving us well, there are still gaps that need to be addressed.

Members are often confused as who to follow, as sometimes we give conflicting or stressing orders.

I am proposing that the three leaders, which are unofficially recognized as myself, Sol and Athena, be split into certain areas of command.

Athena I believe is well-suited for the role of Battle Leader. Undoubtedly one of our most powerful and oldest (in age) members, she would be more suited to leading our members in large conflicts.

Sol is also a good combatant, but I believe to be more suited with conversing with people than myself and Athena. Which is why I believe he should be in charge of, basically, the new people. This will be built upon in deliberations.

As for me, well. It's paperwork, basically, but also intelligence and anything that falls into these categories.

Like I said, I wish to discuss this both with Sol and Athena and with the rest of the group before it's even considered being put to use.

END LOG

For my ultimate favorite, it would definitely be Task Force Commander, since it goes so well with my main character, Aerial Assault.

I've noticed the ragdolls acting ... odd, recently.

Anyways, on the particles physics, mainly bullets, I've noticed a distinct change.

Back when I first started playing, a fight would usually end with a carpet of bullets on the floor. Now though, that doesn't seem to be the case. I'll be lucky if there's two or three on the floor.

Any idea why this is? My drivers are always updated and my graphics is cranked up quite high .. though I may need to go and check again, I often still have to turn it down when going on Incarnate Trials.

EDIT: Yep, Max Particle Count is cranked as high as it can go. Still lucky if there are one or two bullets on the floor. A shame, it made playing a Thugs or Mercenaries Mastermind good fun

Funny, I teamed with someone recently who was saying pretty much the same thing ...

Anyway, if the OP is that person, then they'll know my stance already, but consider this.

I am a Tier 9 VIP, and a 3 year veteran. I payed out of every orifice to obtain that status. There is very little in the Paragon Store I do not own.

If a FREE player got even a fraction of what I BOUGHT for FREE, I would demand an instant refund.

This seems harsh? Well, it's not. I've payed about £600 overall for this game. You already get enough for being a free player. Hell, be thankful you can even GET to max level. In a certain World where War is considered a Craft, you can only get to level 20 out of 85, which will soon be a higher cap!

The idea itself is good at heart, but for a business it'd be the equivalent of shooting themselves in the foot, as i'm sure many VIP's like myself would be pretty peeved if Free players got for free what we have to pay for.

AERIAL ASSAULT - MISSION REPORT

Today, Liberty Force acted on intel gained from a False Man of the Forged Conclave.

The Conclave were to meet an unknown organization at a warehouse in the Rikti War Zone. Once clearance had been granted by Vanguard, we moved in.

The operation went smoothly. Some injuries were sustained, but nothing serious. We encountered the unknown organization and fought some of their personell, but not enough were fielded for us to properly analyze them.

However, once the lead False Man had been defeated, we were ambushed by an Arachnos Strike Team lead by Executioner Cyrus. We dealt with the Strike Team quickly and efficiently, then confiscated what cybernetics we could.

Determined to find out Arachnos' involvement, we took the Liberty Force Submarine to the Etoile Isles, to a remote Arachnos base.

As it turned out, it was not so remote, so we fought through several groups of Arachnos combatants until we got to an access terminal.

There, using the access codes I had swiped from the defeated base commander, I quickly gleamed the relation between Arachnos, the False Men and the other party.

They turned out to be called the 'Darkmane Conglomeration'

Their relationship was that Arachnos had been paid, whether in money, items or services, to allow the usage of several warehouses and a guarantee of protection.

Following on this, we quickly made our way to a Darkmane controlled warehouse.

Inside, we found the Darkmane militants ready for us, and used a wide variety of attacks, namely, radiation, poisons, high-tech weaponry and otherwise brute force. They were also backed up by several Arachnos groups.

We located the militant in charge and defeated him, but he activated a medi-porter before we could properly apprehend him.

The Darkmane militants seem well-trained and armed, and operate much like the Malta Group. We would be wise to stay wary.

When we returned to base, the debriefing was very long.

We discussed legal issues, and agreed that we acted with good justification, should the issue rise that the Darkmane wish to pursue legal action.

We also discussed on Arachnos' involvement, especially their deployment of one of their Krimzon Guard operatives, indicating their interest in the False Men and the Darkmane.

Then we discussed our next courses of action:

• Marcus shall investigate the Darkmane Conglomeration, to gain leverage on them should we face legal issues
• Enara shall collaborate with her contacts to protect us from legal issues both in Paragon and the Isles, as well as helping us act covertly in the Isles
• Sam will attempt to 'possess' a False Man and try and extract what infomation she can. Should the test be successfull, she will attempt to work as espionage, giving us inside info on the False Men
• Sol and Kate will be availiable when the time inevitably comes when we must fight.
• I will pursue the issue pertaining to the Conclave's cybernetic classes, and attempt to uncover the connection between the Conclave and a unknown member of Congress

With that, the debriefing was drawn to a close and we went our seperate ways.

PERSONAL NOTE

It makes me proud to be a long time member of Liberty Force. From seeing it form under the leadership of the Rogue Manipulator, we have evolved to become one of the premier groups in Paragon City.

It has been a long journey. There have been fights, quarrels, tears and even bloodshed. We have suffered greatly sometimes, but we have never backed down in the face of evil. We may sometimes have disagreements, but when the time to fight arrives, we stand unified.

I've seen our base of operations change from a few large open rooms into a sprawling complex.

It is a great honour to serve alongside some of Paragon's finest.

So it is with great pleasure that I add the following:

When we eventually succeed in dismantling the Forged Conclave, because we will, the Chief of Police has made us eligible for medals of service each.

Whilst for some of us who have tons of medals this may seem as 'just another medal', for some of our newer members this stands as one of the highest awards they can get, as well as being recognized as one of the best heroes the world has to offer.

It will also put Liberty Force into the spotlight. Shown as the best heroes in the fight for justice and freedom.

The Chief of Police has also organized for a front page on the Paragon Times when our operation is complete. Once again, it goes without saying that this is good for Liberty Force. Those with issues relating to identity, can contact me on this.

All in all, I am very happy to serve with Liberty Force. We have our disagreements and our sulks, but we're the best there is.

So, from me, Harold Simmons ...

Good work, Liberty Force.

You make me proud.

Even with -Resistance, a rock should barely scratch even the meekest hero/villain, considering that every hero/villain there is probably pumped up on the Well Juice.

It just makes zero sense. Now, if they glowed purple and spat lightning from every orifice, sure, that could pass for a "dangerous civilian"

Instead, we get killer pet rocks.

As others have said, at about level 20 the XP gain is very, very poor that really, anyone that carries on after this point .. well ..

Perhaps there should be some pointers after a certain level is reached in the Trial? Or after it's completed? Of course, said pointer would be once per account, but overall would inform players of the other things to do in City of Heroes such as:

• Task Forces/Strike Forces
• Repeatable Radio/Newspaper missions
• Story Arcs from contacts
• Exploring zones and street sweeping
• Zone Events

I'm not quite sure how it would be worded, but if new players knew where to go to do this other stuff which, overall, rewards better, i'm sure they'd waste no time in checking them out.

Of course, they can grind DFB if they want .. it's their loss

I know what we need to do, send all the Primal civilians in there.

The Immovable Object meets The Unstoppable Force.

Who wins?

NO ONE

Who loses?

EXISTENCE AS WE KNOW IT




In all seriousness, it seems only SLIGHTLY odd that a character can take several lasers, plasma blasts and rockets to the face, but Gods above forbid if an angry civilian throws a rock at him! WE'RE NOT TRAINED FOR THIS!

What's funny is that a common reply seems to be "It's the -Def debuffs"

... Well, yeah but .. that doesn't change the fact that it's a ROCK

Not a grenade, or missile or even a nuke. It's a rock. And no amount of Well Juice will make it anything other than a rock (Unless they could throw them at supersonic speeds)

Ignorance - You refuse to believe in the existence of your opponent so hard they simply disappear!

Blamethrower - You can quickly cause entire groups to attack each other as they hurry to blame one another for trivial mistakes, old and new.

Paperwork Control - You bog your opponents down in copious amounts of paperwork. Expect paper cuts to happen as well.

Origami Attack - Take to your foes with a variety of paper-based weaponry!

Lecture Control - You set out to talk your way to victory, either by showing them the error of their ways, or by boring them to de- .. unconsciousness

Thats all I have for the mean time

When I read the title, I thought:

"You know what would be a good Judgement Nuke? An actual nuke"

Only people who are REALLY passionate about killing zombies would buy this, I think.



Also, shouldn't something like this have been released at the START of the event, as opposed to the end? Unless of course they're thinking about extending it >_>

EDIT: ALSO, you can get these items from doing some of the relatively easy missions in Striga Isle, and the hammer you can craft for near to nothing. Perhaps the Devs are trying to catch out some of the new Freebies? <_<

((Although not a log, this ties in to the fight with the Daemoncade))

The Felsmith appeared on the pad, still wreathed in his protective bubble

"They attempted to kill you? How amusing."

The Felsmith instantly bowed before his master.

"The heroes are fighting the Daemoncade. Everything went as planned."

"Yes, I know Felsmith. Come, let us watch."

The fight begins, the Daemoncade raining down blow after blow on the enraged Crawford, to no real effect

"They will not die, my lord."

"That was never the intention, Felsmith. The Daemoncade is a weapon of terror. You should know this."

"Of course, my lord. I apologize."

The fight rages on. The Daemoncade spends much of its time either uselessly swinging at Albedo or attacking Crawford

"My lord, it will not achieve the desi-"

"I am aware of this, Felsmith. A moment."

The red hooded master leans over the scrying well, and utters some commands into the Daemoncade's mind.

The Daemoncade proceeds to attack the incorrect target!

"Uh .. my lord?"

"Utterly intended Felsmith. You see .. our 'allies' think us to be fools. Provided, this may not be the best example. But I will not be ridiculed forever."

"Why do you not simply launch the armies upon them?"

"And ruin what I called home? I think not."

The fight begins to end

The red hooded master leans to the scrying well again and orders his minion to destroy their ally. The Daemoncade resists!

"Perhaps the bonds were-"

No, the bonds are sufficent. They will fear a loose beast more than they will fear a directed weapon. It will be even worse when it is a directed beast, no?

"I admit, I do not follow this plan, but you are my master and I your servant, your word is law."

"Good. Mindless obedience. Exactly what I need from my minions."

"It cannot stay loose forever, master.

"Can it not? I think it can. And it will keep being loose until I decide otherwise. Now, get back to your anvil."

"I obey, master!"

The Felsmith bows and leaves his master to his scryings.

The red hooded master looks at the well. The Daemoncade emerges from the ruins unscathed. Just as planned. Or just about.

AERIAL ASSAULT THREAT REPORT; FOR LIBERTY FORCE MEMBERS ONLY

Case number one

THE DECK


Identified main leadership structure; not unlike a deck of cards.

KINGS OF SUIT
The Kings follow a primarily "lead through example" manner. They are first and foremost warriors and should not be tackled alone.

QUEENS OF SUIT
The Queens are more vocal orators, providing 'moral' support if such a thing exists for The Deck. They are still competent fighters however, so do not underestimate their abilities.

JACKS OF SUIT
The Jacks appear to be the information gatherers of The Deck. They are very smart and have a surprising amount of guile about them. These targets are priority, however, they aren't as insane as their comrades and will flee if given the chance.

Case number two

The Clan Eclipse; Eastern Faction

Members of the Eastern Clan Eclipse have been sighted in and around Paragon City and the Rogue Isles. These are confirmed but not very meaningful reports. Advised to keep vigilant. They do not wear any sort of uniform, but stick mostly to purples and blacks.

Case number three

Gathering of known Liberty Force enemies

Through numerous sources, we have become aware of a gathering of some of our previous and current opponents:

Monica (Bombardment)
Scarlet (The Legion)
Pseudonym (Independent)
The Felsmith (House of Dread)

As well as some other different faces. Heroes are advised to exercize caution when acting alone in the field.

END REPORT

Questioning Log: Suspect - Jack Diamonds

Alright, 'Jack' .. you've got thirty minutes. Spill it.

You'll get nothing out of me! Hah hah! I'm already dead! See! ALREADY DEAD. YOU CAN'T SEE ME I'M ALREADY DEAD. HAH HAH.

Well, okay if you'd -prefer- we'll just hand you over to the real Jack right now.

Please don't! He'll ... he'll ... do something! A-a-and it'll be BAD!

Right, right. Okay. Let's start with square one. You're an imposter because clearly, Jack isn't stupid enough to appear in person to an entire team of meta humans. What do you think would make him force his hand?

Diamonds. Yes. Diamonds, those'll get him. Get him DEAD.

We know that diamonds placate him, but even then I doubt he'll just stand and accept his beating. Now, how do we get to Jack Diamonds.

Luck. That's all there is to it. A game of chance, you know!

You all keep saying that. "A game of chance" .. what does it mean?

It's exactly what it means! A game of chance! I mean like, you flip a coin, heads I tell you what you want to hear, tails I tell you the truth!

No, we're not playing any more of those games. You're just going to tell me everything, right now, or we'll tie you to a lampost and let Jack get you.

You can't not play the game of chance! Life is a game of chance! Everything we do, CHANCE. WHY DO YOU DENY CHANCE?

Because i'm a sane, rational person. And before you become any more cryptic, i'll just stop you there. So, the only way to make you guys play our way is through a game of chance?

Yup! You wanna get to Jack, you gotta play his game!

Right, and i'm going to trust the word of a known criminal, because?

You don't trust Jack, you just gotta be lucky! WHY DON'T YOU GET THIS SIMPLE FACT?

Because frankly, it's embarrasing. We have more than enough tools at our disposal to find him on our own. But if you co-operate, that'll save us all a major headache.

Well I told you everything, that's all we get to know. You wanna talk to Jack, you play his game. But eh .. talk can mean different things.

Yes, we know. As slippery as he is, we're gunna get him on our own terms, okay? You decide whether you wanna be a part of it or not, because lets face it, you're dead either way.

Well ... I should ask for a coin flip but you got a strong point. I can tell you things I know, hideouts and stuff, but after that i'm just going to curl up and wait for Jack to cut my throat.

Good. You thugs are more co-operative than most. Now start talking ..

Okay, see, we got places in each part of Paragon. One in each. I can't tell you where all of them are, but look for the diamond, the club, the spade or the heart. That's the hideout. No guarantee that there'll be anything in there when you check though! Hee hee haa haa hoo hoo!

That's ... helpful. Nothing else then? Names of leaders and so on?

No no, nothing like that no. Not unless you count .. you know .. that woman.

Yes, we know. We found your friend, No Dice, with his think pan sizzled. Her work?

That's what she does .. that's what she does .. if Jack doesn't get 'em first ... OKAY. I've said enough. Can I curl up and weep for a clean death now?

Once you're in your cell, knock yourself out.

Questioning Log ends.

Questioning Log: Suspect - "No Dice"

Alright, 'No Dice' .. start talking. Tell us everything we want to know.

GRAH! What am I?! PSYCHIC?!

Cool your open think pan bud. You'll be going for a long time for this. So you best tell us what you and your oddballs were doing bombing an ordinary office.

Hee hee hee, AH HAH HAH! Oh if only you knew ..

*sounds of a slap*

Don't think you get any rights here bud, you're less than a scum. Now i'm not gunna ask again. What were you doing there and what else have you got planned?

What I'VE got planned?! Oh nononono, you guys .. you're just so STUPID!

That's right, your boss is Jack Diamonds, isn't it?

Wh- ... what do you know?

A lot, bud. You're not as subtle as you think.

GRAH! Diamonds just told us where to go and what to do, you don't ask questions, ya see? You'd have ta ask the man himself.

Right, now where do we find him?

Ah hah hah hah! Like i'm gunna talk that easy? .... I don't know where he is NOW, or where he'll BE, but ... you just gotta be .. lucky ..

That's right, all you nutjobs are about is luck. But yours has ran out, hasn't it? Hm. Okay, i'll humour you ... I draw 4 cards. You pick Hearts, you tell me everything. Anything else, you go straight back to your cell until tomorrow, right?

A game of chance? A GAME OF CHANCE?! HOW CAN I REFUSE?! That one!

Hearts. Start talking. Or you gunna go back on your word?

FF- ..right, you want Jack Diamonds? I'll tell you how to get to him, but do me a favour and set this thing off when I'm done. 'Cause he'll find me and .. well ...

Right, I understand. What do we have to do to find Jack Diamonds?

It's still luck, man. But i'll tell ya this: You make a name of yourself, keep poking your nose into our beeswax and you'll find him soon enough.

Yeah yeah, we get that all the time bub. But you're not telling me everything, are you?

I'M NOT FINISHED YET. See, Jack's kinda .. well .. he IS violent, but he's not SUPER violent. But what ya could do is put something in code .. you know?

What would you suggest?

Card based stuff. Erm, off tha top of me head, "Avid cards player lookin' fer suitable partner. Favorite suit must be diamonds." Okay that's pretty rubbish but you get the gist?

I think I do. Alright. We'll still need you and your brain to tell us what we want to know bucko, but don't worry, if you're so eager for the death penalty i'm sure a court would oblige.

No man! You gotta off me now! NOW! GET BACK HERE AND KILL ME YOU WUSS! YOU KILL ME RIGHT THIS INST-

Questioning log ends

Threat Report - "The Deck"

Threat priority - Low (Note, this may increase, but unlikely to explode rapidly)

Background

The Deck were formed after a villain known as Jack Diamonds (Alias) rose to prominence. Jack Diamonds has been subject to an unusual psychic indoctrination. Basically, if he were to lay eyes upon a symbol other than a Diamond, it would send him into a rage. Seeing a Diamond would have the opposite effect. As well, he has been physically enhanced and wields two daggers, making him more than a match for a meta human.

The Deck was formed at an unknown date, but what is known is that each 'inductee' is subjected to the same process. It is, apparently, random as to what their 'key symbol' would be but it would determine their place. The following documents these 'factions'

Clubs

Clubs always bare a club symbol on them and carry a blunt instrument around. They are always aggressive in nature and should not be underestimated. Known Clubs ranks are Clubber and Clubbing Order.

Spades

Spades are have a morbid fascination with chopping something up with a shovel (Or as they would say, a Spade) They wear a spade symbol on them at all times. Known Spades ranks are Spadesman, Spade Sniper and Spade Slicer.

Hearts

Often wearing outlandish clothing in mismatching patterns, their jovial nature disguises their murderous habits. They sometimes use a bow, but often they resort to a blade of some sort. Known Hearts ranks are Heart Render, Heart Piercer and Heart Stopper.

Diamonds

Taking the place at the top of the hierarchy, Diamonds are slightly less unhinged than their counter-parts, but their sanity advantage makes them incredibly deadly foes. They are not as numerous as the other factions, due to the fact that Jack Diamonds cannot attack them, and they cannot attack him. Known Diamonds ranks are Diamond Cutter and Diamond Smasher.

Discarded

Those that fail in any sort of sense are outcasted to the Discarded. Given over-charged immolation collars, they seek a fiery death. It is important to note that a Discarded may survive their immolation. Usually they do, but it is a grave mistake for one to survive, for they will be culled after the battle.


Notable Deck members

Jack Diamonds - Leader

Jack Diamonds, as detailed before, is their leader. He is said to be sinister and cunning and more than willing to deal with cutthroat business. He is not to be engaged alone, unless by a hero with high enough clearance.

Queen of Minds - Co-Leader

Being one of the few (Or only) females in The Deck, there is often allusion to three other Queens. She is the Queen of Diamonds, but is better known by her Queen of Minds title, due to her unlocked psychic abilities. Apparently, intel suggests that females who survive the process are either driven insane or develop minor psychic powers. Approach with extreme caution.

The Game of Chance - Prodigy(?)

The Game of Chance is spoken only in hushed tones. It is theorized that they are either a traitor or some great martyr. Either way, most, if not all members picked up their 'Game', in that an incapacitated victim would be given a chance to live if they could draw the right card from a choice of four. There is no image profile on this individual, if they are even an individual at all.

Boss-class Faction Members

Though too numerous to name individually, they deserve mention. Inevitably, should a member survive long enouh, they may opt (Or be chosen for) technological and scientific augmentation. If they are lucky, they will have the strength and toughness of many men, at the cost of any semblance to a human being.

Notes on Deck equipment

The Deck seem to arm themselves with what is appropriate and easiest to aquire. Thus they tend to carry average or worse melee weapons and Spade Snipers tend to stick with one kind of rifle.

All Deck members are given Immolation Collars (Given isn't the right term, more like 'forced upon') These have a chance to activate when the wearer is finally knocked unconcious, or remotely, though most members have no idea how to use them.

Notes on Deck training

Deck members have no specialist training and swing their weapons with wild abandon. However, they are adept at soaking up pain and even getting up when beaten to the ground. They also function well when the Deck is in a mixed battle group, as they will go through lulls of boiling rage and more calm, collected thoughts; One moment being an effective squad, a glance later turning into a frothing, mad horde.

SUMMARY

The Deck are not a large group yet. Their numbers barely surpass triple figures. They are a threat and should be dealt with, but there isn't any need to rush yet.

So far the Deck have been establishing temporary strongholds, but have no set 'base'. They are often in conflict with the gangs of the Isles and Paragon City, and more interestingly the Carnival of Shadows. This may be worth investigating.

END REPORT

Harold Simmons' personal log


There seems to be much activity within the Force recently, for better and worse.

Andrew has returned and is under some sort of spell, which is turning him into some sort of depressive sop, much like Max then.

Concerning Psuedonym, I'm surprised that no one seems to be on board for simply dropping a Cataphract on them. Nevermind.

End log.

((On a side note, sent this from my iPhone ^_^)

Well, I finally got transport sorted. Looks like i'm being driven around

Now ... for the other details ...

He just wants to hang out with the cool and rich people

So, there I was, on my way to Pocket D for a nice glass of Cider when I noticed an odd individual at the bar.



And why was Lord Recluse dancing? Apparently, that's what he came here to do.

So, a short time passed and I theorized that it was a Nemesis Automaton. Not the one to be question, he strode over to me and struck me across the face! I was filled with a multitude of emotions, but wow! Recluse had slapped me! I was thankful to be in Pocket D, for I fear my head my have popped off otherwise.

He eventually made it up to me by gracing me with a picture of myself stood next to him.



He's such a caring person. After that, he had to return to Grandville.

(All credit goes to Freitag )

A letter arrives at Liberty Force HQ in the main meeting room. The message which follows is written on what appears to be parchment rather than paper and signed with a skull at the bottom.

This just in: A police car was seen at the Hero Bar in Pocket D requesting donuts, before driving off. This reporter was too late to aquire a photo, but fear not, for the next event was captured!

A large PPD Enforcer showed up shortly afterwards, instructing people to phone a certain number if they had seen the police car. Here's the pic: