The City Scoop! ~Front Page~ August 3, 2007
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State of the Archetype:DefendersIf one archetype causes confusion, discussion and reflection, it Blasters and Scrappers make things fall down, Tankers can hold the Defenders currently are in a very good place. They act as force Is there room for improvement with Defenders? Certainly there is. To begin with, the inherent is rather Trick Arrow is also an understated and underplayed set. Its An important quality of life change has occurred with Issue 10: The graphical representations of Sonic Resonance shields have Issue 9: Breakthrough added the versatile and immersive Invention Invention Origins (IOs) are a mixed bag for Defenders. While sets On the PvP side of things, Defenders are never without options. There is some debate whether an Empathy Defender with a Stealth IO Some of you may be wondering whether a Defender can hold its own On the solo front, the lower damage output of our secondary can Quiet dignity is a good phrase to cap this column. In the face of Defenders are in a great position now: from early blooming sets | HoroscopesSun is in Leo/Scrapper, Moon is in Aries/Brute Heroscopes
Villain Horrorscopes
~Handwritten page found lying atop the Horoscope submission~ Oh dear me, what is with all this emotional, lovey dovey flotsam? Villainscopes
Heroes
~Love and Kisses |
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Artist SpotlightDouglas Shuler, AKA DarkjediA couple weeks ago I began my stalk.. I mean. Curiosity about a http://douglasshuler.com Q. Hey Darkjedi! Or should I call you Douglas Shuler? A. Doug is fine. No need to be formal. Q. How and when did you start drawing/creating art? Was it a talent A. I've always had an ability to create images and I can't Q. What are your cures for lack of inspiration or artist's block? A. Whenever I'm at a lack of ideas for a piece, I'll either Q. What are your other hobbies? A. Computer gaming, of course - I've been playing MMORPGs Q. What accomplishments are you most proud of in your life? A. I'm still very fond of my 'Magic' years; that is to say, Q. What are your least favorite parts about being an artist? A. Deadlines. Oh, and deadlines. Art is an inherently Q. Who are some people you admire and why? A. There are so many, but Alex Ross is certainly near the Q. Which piece of art would you consider your best? A. That's a particularly difficult question because I'm Q. What are your future goals? Any big events or anything planned A. I'd LOVE to do some of my 3D works for the larger Q. What do you tell people who admire you? A. I try to be very encouraging of all artists, regardless Q. Do you have any advice for up and coming artists? A. So often, the advice told to up and coming artists is to I want to thank Douglas Shuler for doing this interview with me Correction*I'd like to apologize to Sixty for making an error and giving | Art JamA reminder that the art jam is being continued through this coming Jenna Seidel's Rogue Islands RepastGreeting Villains, Vigilantes, Heroes and other general pains in Never mind... OK I was hanging out in Port Oaks, the other day, From their signature iced tea, featuring cinnamon and mint, to The White Elephant is in the higher end of costs, but not so Well, it looks like those mind bending alien pests are back. I'm
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This is the twelfth weekly edition of "The City Scoop a publication for Supers by Supers.
This weeks edition is filled with some wonderful art done by our community members. I am incredibly impressed with the talents in art and writing that continue to be featured by this project. I for one always look forward to a new Scoop.
Discussion on "The City Scoop" is located here.
If you would like to do a feature article, have an event covered, or join "The City Scoop" team please PM Hertz or Marcian_Tobay
If you or someone you know should be considered for Behind The Mask please contact Teldon
If you need some Advice or would like to Ask The X contact Lady_Athyna or LiquidX
For a printable version of "The City Scoop" please send an email to the following
CityScoop12@the-swarm.org
If you have an event you would like covered by The City Scoop please post your events under the event forum located here: Event Forum
The City Scoop
Rikti Reactions
Vol I, Issue XI!
August 3rd, 2007
This Issue:
Advice
State of the Archetype, Advice from the X,
Horoscopes
Arts
Artist Spotlight,
Art Jam, Rogue Islands Repast,
/em Smack
Behind the Mask
Biosphere,
Neo, McCaffrey,
Dollhouse
The Arena
Classifieds
Puzzles & Games
The City Scoop Staff
Editors-in-Chief
Tobay
Lemur
Lad - Assistant
Editors
Teldon
Behind the Mask
LadyK
Food and Restaurant, Classifieds
Protea
Business and Market
Snow
Globe
Puzzles
Burning_Brawler
Roleplaying
MrsAlphaOne
Encounters
Advice
Athyna
Arts
Assassin
PvP Correspondents
Layout
Additional Staff
Dark
Perfect
Amazing
Advocate
The City Scoop is always seeking comments, suggestions, and
articles from our readers. Just send them to the corresponding department or
one of our Editors-in-Chief.
To be e-mailed a printer friendly copy of this edition, send a
blank e-mail to: CityScoop12@the-swarm.org
(This is an automated service, no emails will be read)
Draven Dresden by Sixty
By Teldon
As the clouds of war darken the worlds' skies, men and women all over the world have united to drive back the Rikti. We now know that no corner of the world is safe, especially our homes in Paragon City and the Rogue Isles. Almost hourly, it seems, various parts of the cities are attacked by the Rikti. Hourly brave men and women answer the call to battle against the invaders. I went out to various battle sites and asked those that had been fighting what they thought of all that had been gong on.
Reactions to the invasion have been varied. While some are hopeful for the future.
Princess Kiko
Reactions to the invasion have been varied. While some are hopeful
for the future.
Princess Kiko (31 Controller Justice):
"I think that it is horrible that we are being invaded and that so many lives are in danger. However, I believe that the citizens of Paragon City should see a glimmer of hope for the future as both heroes and villains are showing that they have
the ability to work together for the greater good."
Mal Violetino (25 Peacebringer Liberty):
"The invasion itself, is of course, horrible. That this wonderful world of ours has found itself in such peril again. In a strange sort of way, it's also brought out something wonderful as a result. The way everyone bands together at a moment's notice and fights back-to-back is honestly, very remarkable and heartfelt. I think this has created a greater sense of community"
Bomb removal
Soul of the Shadows (44 Warshade Protector):
"Well since I came to this world originally to help fight the Rikti it feels like I have a purpose again."
Allistarr (30 Defender Freedom):
"Interesting times indeed. I have seen many people I thought retired come back to active duty. Surprisingly, working for a greater good with the villains shows that there is hope for us all!"
Others worry for the future and their safety
Ol' Man Core (50 blaster Pinnacle):
"The rikti have been tough and this common alliance with these villains has been unnerving. At anytime the constant fights against the ship, I am waiting for a stalker to settle the score."
Ol' Man Core
Ms. Demeanor (40 Scrapper Infinty):
"Frankly this has shaken me, It seems like no matter how many we fight back they keep coming. Honestly what do we plan to do if we lose?"
Richter Scale (50 Tanker Virtue):
"I'm concerned about the seemingly unprovoked attacks against us. It seems like we where so close to putting the first rikti invasion behind us, only to have it explode in a wave of violence. I just hope we can keep the general populace safe."
Others reactions have been mixed.
Cap'n Crossbones (43 MM Triumph):
"These new Rikti look different and I like it. To me it seems that when the Rikti hit a zone time slows down horridly. From what my comrades tell me it happens at the Mother ship as well. The constant air raids warnings are enough to make me want to go back to the zig."
Cap'n Crossbones
shakara. (47 Brute Triumph):
"Fighting alongside the heroes is an interesting occurance. I am learning a few new tricks from them."
Miss Insidious (36 Stalker Champion):
"Bah I could care less. While the pathetic heroes and the misguided villains are off fighting their silly little war, my actions will go unnoticed."
Nanna Hail (20 Corrupter Victory):
"Hahaha!!! To think I was worried about those alien freaks. My ice powers were more then a match for those weaklings, that and my team mates."
While some reactions are just plain out there.
Dark Willing (8 Dominator Guardian):
"I think this invasion is a real shame. I mean these weird aliens get defeated,
and now they're back for more. It is the citizens of this fine town who are
taking the brunt of it. They can't stand up to these things and now they run
screaming in fear. I mean just the other day I was helping a lil old lady
across the street. A lil monkey laid some wierd mental thingy on her and she
thinks I am stealing her purse. Now we can't even help the elderly because of
dem."
Upcoming Events:
August 4th
Freedom
*
Adopt-a-n00b Nite
Infinity
* The
Guns Of Paragon 3rd Anniversary Bash!
Virtue
* Virtueverse
RP Raid
August 5th
Champion
* Lady
Grey TF
Guardian
* Bikini
Bottoms 3rd Anniversy Beach Party
August 7th
Champion
* Tanker
Tuesday #34
Guardian
* Tuesday
Night Fights!
August 13th
Justice
*
Rush Week Begins!
* Rush
Week: College Costume Contest
August 14th
Justice
* Rush
Week: History 101(Heroes)
August 15th
All Servers
*
1st Badge Hunter Altits Awareness Contest
Justice
* Rush
Week: History 101(Villains)
August 17th
Justice
* Rush
Week: Scavenger Hunt
Triumph
* Open
Recruiting for Weekly SG
August 18th
Infinity
* Saving
Private Sirens
Justice
* Rush
Week: Amazing Race
* Rush
Week: Toga Party
Make sure to list your event threads in the
forum calendar to be listed in the Scoop!
Boudicia's Leather Weather Report
Wow, I've been so busy fighting back the Rikti invasion I haven't
had even one minute to look at meterological reports. Who cares about weather,
get out there and repel those alien scum!
To our loyal readers,
I write this letter as a break from reading all the entries into
our Call to Arms Contest. Weve been looking at a wide variety from you people.
Although I wont give my specific opinions, I will say that weve seen
everything from Salsa dancers to tuna casserole mentioned in these articles. I
love the variety were getting, and the majority of these are high quality
things! Whether you entered, you need to read our August 10th issue, when we
announce the winners to our first contest.
This weeks issue is coming down from the release of Issue 10, an
issue that has been mostly well received (unlike the great controversies that
were Enhancement Diversification or the addition of a Market) Its good to see,
and weve gone ahead and included ChaseArcanums guide to I10 in the Hot
Threads section. That should help you get a footing in all the new content if
you havent already. Am I silly for having opened that and instantly gone to
the new costumes?
Anyway, next week weve added new staff to this team, and their
contributions are going to start appearing soon. As per fan request, weve gone
ahead and brought a new staff member in to do tips on Super Group base
construction and design, born2luz. Born2luz is well known for the vast
knowledge of the intricacies of bases, and were very excited to finally be
able to represent that aspect of the community. Also joining the team is Derek
Sweet, creator of City of Zeroes, a comic strip that can be seen at
cityofzeroes.net. If youre not familiar with him, I suggest you check it out.
Its good stuff.
We hope that you like these new additions, but more importantly,
we hope that we continue to capture your attention and imaginations. Well keep
adding more each week as we get feedback from you all. So, until next time,
whether villain or hero, keep the fight to the Rikti!
~Marcian
Tobay, Co-Editor in Chief
P.S. Check out the totally wicked watermarks. What do you think
mine should be? I need ideas...
Point / Counterpoint
By Bowfling
This is the eighth in a series of point-counterpoint articles,
which will review commonly requested player suggestions, and review the pros
and cons of those suggestions.
This weeks subject Market Merger
POINT:
There are potential advantages to merging the Hero and Villain
markets into a single market. Allowing both sides to access a single market
increases the flow of items being bought and sold on the markets individually.
If one side or the other had an imbalance in one particular kind of item that
was not present in the other side, such imbalance could be counteracted by the
other side having access to those items. For instance, the ease with which Pool
C recipes could be obtained heroside(due to the Katie Hannon Task Force) could
be balanced by villains being able to buy those recipes. While costs may
generally approach heroside prices due to a large fraction of players playing
heroes instead of villains, the increased inf sums villains could obtain may
offset this price increase. Overall, given normal market forces, more supply
and demand leads to a more stable economy. It would also potentially balance
out PvP, as both sides would have reasonable access to recipes that presently
may not be true.
COUNTERPOINT:
But there are also potential disadvantages to merging the Hero and
Villain markets into a single market. Unlike the current situation, where
content availability is generally the same regardless of which server you are
on, the content in Heroes is necessarily different from that in Villains. Thus,
there will always be some inequity of supply generation. In addition, the
different ATs in each game may lend themselves to favoring one side or another
at supply generation. There is also the immersion breaking aspect of heroes and
villains supporting one another via a merged market. There would potentially be
a longer lag time between accessing a CH NPC and when the CH User interface
finishes populating. Perhaps most importantly, such a merger may result in long
term instability, if normal market forces end up not working. It is generally
accepted that heroes have more inf, character to character, than their villain
counterparts, due to the longer existence of CoH, and the general lack of
things to use that inf on in earlier issues. If market forces fail to
stabilize, the long term imbalance could be a disincentive to play villainside.
And there is no way to undo a merger once it happens, any problems would have
to be rectified with a new solution.
You can add your thoughts to this suggestion in any of the Market
threads in this forum
Market Report
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the auction
A massive shortage of arcane salvage hit just after publication of
last week's report, as weekend supers flocked to the RWZ and away from battles
with arcane enemies. Prices spiked analogously to the earlier crunch the
previous Tuesday: high- and mid-level commons saw the highest spikes and
wildest swings, while pricing pressure mounted on arcanes at all levels and
types.
The supply shortage and resulting increases in price brought out
the worst backlash against profiteering this reporter has yet seen. If the
Freedom Phalanx stocked pitchforks and torches, Wentworths would be reduced to
rubble, the Black Market trucks burned out husks.
Of course, none of the reactionaries have suggested any reasonable
alternative to the free market. City officials have so far remained mum on the
idea of rationing, and salvage tokens or recipe stamps would no doubt be just
as unpopular among crusaders as the current wealth hierarchy. For the moment
then the choices are all clear, and none appealing: pay higher prices for
scarce goods, hunt arcane enemies to harvest them personally, or do without.
Meanwhile, as expected, costume pieces steadily fell in price
throughout the week, while heroside pool C recipes steadily climbed. Though
both developments were expected (and nearly drowned in other noise), the
long-term implications may be just as significant as the shift in arcane
salvage.
Breaking news : The Consignment markets on both sides
were shut down shortly after I compiled the 8/2 salvage data. As far as this
reporter can tell, a days' worth of transactions had been erased by a patch to
the software. Therefore the following information may be inaccurate; I present
it as-is with this disclaimer in the hopes that it is at least somewhat more
useful than no data at all.
Top sellers on each market as of the morning of 8/2:
WentWorth's
RHA
4,700,000
+23%
RHA
Soil
4,360,000
-12%
RMA
Impervium
4,000,000
+5%
RMA
Weapon
3,880,000
+2%
RHA
of the Furies
3,800,000
+20%
RHA
Conspiracy
3,180,000
+8%
RMA
Sigil
2,860,000
+17%
RHA
Goo
2,600,000
+30%
RMA
Vestment
2,528,000
+26%
RMA
Trapped Gem
1,940,000
+0%
Black Market
RHA
3,480,000
+51%
RHA
Soil
2,890,000
+1%
RHA
Goo
1,920,000
+1%
RHA
Weapon
1,440,000
+21%
RHA
of the Furies
1,000,000
+42%
RHA
Conspiracy
660,000
+57%
RMA
Trapped Gem
500,000
-7%
RMA
Sigil
460,000
-19%
RMA
Vestment
440,000
+29%
RMA
Impervium
300,000
+11%
See the full report
here
- Protea
Ms. Frost by Douglas Shuler