The City Scoop ~Front Page~ February 22, 2008
By
Lighthouse_NA,
Posted on: 2008-02-22 16:31 in Announcements
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Mouseion at Alexandria | |
Who is your base designer and who are your supergroup leaders? Ms. Hypatia fills both roles. Which server is your base on, and is it a Hero or Villain SG/VG? Virtue and Heroes.  When was your supergroup established? 09/12/07 How many players are in your supergroup? 3 players, many alts, and we are recruiting. What is the approximate value of your base? Approximately 6.5 million influence. How much time do you spend working on your base?  Establishing a new layout/design has been an average of 10-20 total hours each, so far. How much time have you invested so far? Through several designs/redesigns/upgrades I've spent probably well over 200 hours, and the current design has taken around 40 so far. What is your favorite base item? Mystic Advisor. Least favorite? Any item that has a bounding box bigger than the boundaries of that item.   |
What is your favorite thing about base editing? Seeing the completed creation and playing in it. Least favorite? Raid/door pathing in non-raid bases. What is the highest thing on your wish-list for new base items? 8 foot stairs. If you could give just one piece of advice to a new base editor, what would it be? Be patient and don't hesitate to ask seemingly silly questions. Anything else you'd like to add about your SG, your base or the base system in general? The Mouseion started as a solo SG, but has recently (thanks to the prestige grant) become functional enough that I feel comfortable recruiting new members. We currently have three active members that are on very sporadically, but I am hoping that changes soon. This last incarnation of the base is fairly set in stone. I have approximately 40 hours worth of work in on it. Upgrades will exist solely of additional equipment (TPs, storage, etc). If there is ever enough to expand again, I will be keeping the current base as the core. I've too much time and effort into it, and really enjoy it, to ever scrap it again. I do not feel I can comment on the base system as I have too many requests and not enough suggestions. *smile* |
Lighthouse
Community Relations Manager
If you have a specific in game, account, tech or billing problem please contact our Customer Support team via The Knowledge Base "Ask A Question" page.
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Calling All Hungry Gamers!This issue is for you! Ever have a weekend to yourself but you don't feel like cooking? Wife, kids, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend or just you wanting to sit and play all weekend? At first you think about ordering pizza or running out to some fast food place... STOP! Don't do it! I know this would have come in handy for double XP weekend, but I already had my articles done for that week. So, it's a bit too late, but here it is none the less! I have a couple recipes that you can make ahead of time and just heat up that will taste BETTER then that fast food you want to eat!
| My last recipe comes from Azure Noir of the SOLUS Foundation supergroup on Liberty and Pinnacle servers. Thanks, Azure Noir. Here is your recipe!
Sounds yummy. Thanks again! See you all again next week! ~MistressNoire | |||
Lighthouse
Community Relations Manager
If you have a specific in game, account, tech or billing problem please contact our Customer Support team via The Knowledge Base "Ask A Question" page.
| |
 Blaster (Aquarius) Transiting Venus Sextile Natal Mars Boosted by the relentless drive and energy of Mars, you are likely to be in a positive and fun-loving mood. This is a great time for parties and any type of social gathering, a time for attracting new friends and new loves. Business and financial negotiations could prove extremely lucrative, particularly if setting up new and original deals.  Brute (Virgo) Transiting Sun Opposite Natal Sun Conflicts may arise if you feel the need to blame others rather than yourself for certain situations, which have failed or not worked to your advantage. If you are honest and value your friendships, then concede defeat and if necessary, make apologies.  Controller (Pisces) Transiting Sun Trine Natal Jupiter A pleasant week awaits you. Just sit back and enjoy all of lifes pleasures. You will now be willing to take a few calculated risks and the results should prove lucrative. As travel may be linked with work, you could find yourself mixing business with pleasure.  Corrupter (Libra) Transiting Mars Conjunct Natal Saturn You are either going to be capable of extremely hard work, with a determination and energy to drive you onwards and upwards, or you will simply feel that no matter how hard you are trying you are getting nowhere fast. Patience will not be your strongest virtue in the coming week. Watch your temper and possible clashes with authority figures.  Defender (Aries) Transiting Venus Conjunct Natal Neptune With your head in the clouds for a few days, postpone making major decisions whilst in this vague and dreamy state. Love will be of the most pure, selfless kind, with your own ego being temporarily forfeited to the devotion of others. But beware putting loved ones on a pedestal, in times to come they may not live up to your expectations. Creativity could be exceptionally inspired.  Dominator (Scorpio) Transiting Venus Trine Natal Mars Full of energy and raring to go, nothing will be able to stop you or get in your way during this time. There are mountains to be climbed and battles to be conquered. Passionate emotions may overwhelm you. |  Mastermind (Sagittarius) Transiting Uranus Square Natal Mercury Your mind will be like quicksilver during this period, restless and constantly flitting back and forth between dozens of different ideas and projects. It is no wonder that this could cause mental confusion and exhaustion. Be careful, too, that you do not jump to conclusions, accusing others without enough evidence.  Peacebringer (Taurus) Transiting Venus Square Natal Sun Lacking energy, you will be more inclined to sit around and do as little as you can during this time. It would be just as well to postpone major tasks or decisions until your energy increases and you are in a more positive frame of mind. Personal relationships could also feel the strain, especially if you have been choosing to hide or ignore pressing problems.  Scrapper (Gemini) Transiting Mars Trine Natal Uranus This could be a time of tremendous achievements, a time when you are not prepared to settle for second best. Others will now look to you for leadership. Your aggression and sheer determination will enable you to do things that you have only dreamed of in the past.  Stalker (Capricorn) Start of a new 11-12 year period of believing in life Transiting Jupiter Conjunct Natal Sun You will be feeling out-going, optimistic and your health may be improving. Armed with more energy and enthusiasm, you will be ready to tackle any obstacle head on. Despite all this, be wary of over-exerting yourself. Try to exercise some restraint.  Tanker (Cancer) Transiting Mercury Conjunct Natal Neptune Thrown off balance by feelings of confusion and insecurity, it may seem that whatever you do and say at the moment will leave you totally baffled and bewildered. Previously held ideas and actions may no longer seem relevant or significant. Misunderstandings are likely to occur over the next day or so.  Warshade (Leo) Transiting Mercury Opposite Natal Mars No one will know when they hurt your feelings when you hide them so well. Feeling so irritable and bad tempered, you are likely to verbally strike back against anyone and everyone near you, often being contrary just for the sake of it. Take particular care when traveling or handling sharp instruments. |
Lighthouse
Community Relations Manager
If you have a specific in game, account, tech or billing problem please contact our Customer Support team via The Knowledge Base "Ask A Question" page.
Top Ten Lesser Known AcronymsSure, we all know LOL, OMG, BRB, WTF, AFK, ROTFLMAO. But every now and then even the most grizzled internet veterans see a jumble of letters and have to go, "WTF does ____ mean?" Well, here is a handy guide for some of the less common acronyms you might see floating around. And srsly, wtf does tl,dr mean? No ones told me... Number 10: ONOOC! = Oh no! Out of Cheetos! Number 9: KOFMFAM = Keyboard on fire, my fingers are melting! Number 8: HBTYHBTYHBD?HBTY = Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear (friends name). Happy Birthday to you. Number 7: PTBBP = Pass the boysenberry please. (Best used at IHOP.) Number 6: NITF! = Not in the face! Number 5: NPATD? = Nice pants. Are those Dockers? Number 4: LOLROTFOITIROA4SD = Laughing out loud rolling on the floor. Ouch, I think I rolled over a four-sided die. Number 3: TPAMMT = These pretzels are making me thristy! Number 2: WTTTD = Welcome to the Terror Dome! And the Number one lesser known acronym is: YBWDTHTDWTPOGIU = Yeah, but what does that have to do with the price of gold in Uzbekistan. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Lighthouse
Community Relations Manager
If you have a specific in game, account, tech or billing problem please contact our Customer Support team via The Knowledge Base "Ask A Question" page.
Edition 37 of The City Scoop a publication for Supers by Supers!
While the City Scoop is made by the creative player staff, if you have any concerns regarding the content of the Scoop please feel free to direct your comments via PM to Lighthouse or Ex Libris.
If you would like to do a feature article, have an event covered, or join "The City Scoop" team please PM Dirtwolf, Snow_Globe, or Pants_Stealer
If you or someone you know should be considered for Behind the Mask Teldon or Encounters please contact MrsAlphaOne
If you need some Advice contact Lady_Athyna or would like to Ask The X contact LiquidX
Click here to discuss this issue.
Lighthouse
Community Relations Manager
If you have a specific in game, account, tech or billing problem please contact our Customer Support team via The Knowledge Base "Ask A Question" page.
The City Scoop
Welcome to the Big League
By
Azrhiaz
Kilotonnage by J Veit
PvP Leagues are nothing new to the game. Infinity is well known for their fun
and challenging IPVPL (developed by Kitten of Chaos and Psoma). However, one as
far-reaching and as large in scope as the Test PvP League has definitely raised
the bar on the event. JimmayDean, a PvPEC member who also belongs to the SG
Ladder team Old School, pioneered the event. "Originally, I wanted to do a PvP
League on Freedom. I posted in the arena forums to see if there would be any
interest and got immediate feedback that we should do it on Test. I thought it
would be a great way to get PvPers from individual servers involved on Test and
interact with the Test SGs there." And so it started! Rules were laid out
(based on the IPVPL's with a bit of tweaking) and sign-ups began!
The PvPEC promoted the League across the server boards and in the game.
Lighthouse gave an amazing assist by giving the TPVPL some face-time on the
game loader. The League sign-up sheet quickly swelled to an amazing 218 people,
making this PvP event the largest Test has ever hosted. Then came the draft.
For the captains, many choices were easy because they knew the players from
Test PvP already, but with so many new people of varying skills and AT types,
the task was daunting. It took captains two long hours on Ventrilo with
JimmayDean to sort through reams of players and their toons but at last, twelve
teams and two divisions were had.
The League was designed with the idea of bringing new PvPers from Live to mix
and mingle with Test PvPers, known for being the best in the game. Alarys of
Justice for All says, "I really think that the new people got the benefit of a
lot of build work, how to play their specific role in an organized team, and
exposure to overall team strategy that they would most likely not have gotten
otherwise. I think that it's the perfect introduction to organized PvP in this
game."
"I enjoy playing with people who are having their first arena PvP experiences.
It's so different from what they expect or may have even seen in the zones,"
relates Thorizdin_LoTD of Lords of the Dead while Hobo Fruitsalad thinks,
"Well, for people who maybe didn't join, or have preconceived notions about
what happens in the arena on Test, I think seeing the multitude of thought that
goes into a match before it even starts is very interesting. From determining
what player on the opposite team has in regards to hit points, what characters
they are going to bring, how are we going to match up, what do we need to
bring, who is getting caged, siphoned, farmed, etc. I think these are aspects
that are often overlooked by people unfamiliar with Test PvP. It is more than
just jumping around and throwing fire."
And for the pros on Test? Our Ladder PvPers got to impart their knowledge,
mingle with people they normally played against, meet new players, freshen up
their rosters for the Ladder, and be challenged to play as effectively as
possible with ATs and power sets often shunned in high-end Arena play. Cinder
Viper of Old School and captain of Team Serious Business says, "My team had a
lot of new people. I was very impressed with how we performed. We did not have
one of the 'uber' team rosters. We had depth and people who had 'FoTM' builds
but not a huge amount of experience in the beginning. I remember at our first
practice I was actually pretty worried because I felt we'd have tons of work to
get both our support and damage ready to be competitive. Everyone on my team
worked hard though and I couldn't ask for a better finish than what we had,
second in our division."
Newcomer Mandog2 explains why he joined the League; "I had tried PvP in the
zones, but never in the arena, so I really didn't have much of an opinion. I
went into this totally blank ready to learn. I LOVED IT." With an oftentimes
maligned build of an AR/dev blaster, Mandog2 went on to learn and develop his
skills anyway. He continues, "I will admit that going into the event I had a
bad opinion about people that PvP. I have since changed my mind about the
PvPers though. All of the people on my team were nice, and when a team would
win there was not a lot of the grind it in your face antics that you hear about
so much on the forums. Since I was in this mainly to learn and grow, I even
offered Spain and the other members of my team that I wouldn't come to the
League night (since I suck and might cause the team to lose). The response was
an immediate NO! Even though I was as green to PvP as the day is long, they
still wanted me there on League night to participate. Some are now helping me
with builds and advice after the League is done."
Labattadm who is also new to Test PvP said, "I had no idea how supportive
members of the PvP community would be. I learned quite a bit about team arena
play. It's very fast paced." Labattadm used a kin/rad defender during the
League. "Being in the League really did change my view on PvP. I used to shrug
when I heard stories of PvPers PLing toons to 50 so they could play. It seemed
in many cases that they had a disdain for the PvE aspect of the game. Now I
understand why. There are very few moments in my PvE game where it's even close
to being as intense and as exciting as any of my 8v8 matches during the TPVPL
season."
Rejoicer brought his tank, Phoenix Elf, to the table for Team Haterade. Their
captain, Labrynth, says, "This was Rejoicer's first time ever setting foot into
the arena on Test with very little PvP experience on Live either, and he has
been an awesome member of our team!" 8v8 Arena teams normally don't waste a
spot for a tank, but with the Presence pool, Labrynth was able to utilize
Phoenix Elf creatively "I think one of the most memorable moments for me was
chasing a couple of blasters all over the place and so overawing them with my
Presence (fear/taunt) that they got frustrated enough to try a double nuke on
me (which didn't work)," laughs Rejoicer.
The League progressed relatively smoothly, despite wonky power changes and the
sometimes unreliable availability of the Test server . "The biggest problem
though, was the loss of people," muses JimmayDean, "Some teams lost a lot of
players, some not many at all. It was great that fillers wanted to participate
but it's hard to do an apple for apple swap and not have other teams feel a bit
cheated some times." But the first night of the TPVPL spawned two Pocket Ds and
as the weeks flew by, the competition and excitement for matches was palpable.
In the end Team Haterade and Team Strange were the tops of their divisions and
would face-off to determine a final winner.
"The biggest success of the League was seeing the results spill over to Test in
general. We saw new SG members and a whole new SG has joined the Ladder,"
relates JimmayDean, "We plan on doing a Season Two in the summer and the fact
that people want us to do it again is the biggest success of all!" Psyrene of
the new Ladder team Paragon Elite thinks, "The League did great. It got a lot
of new people into Test PvP groups and kept some people from quitting the
game."
The PvPEC would like to thank the entire PvP community for coming out and
making this event a great success. Please stay tuned for our March events such
as the Super Mixed Pentad tournament and our Intro to Base Raids series.
Vol. I, Issue XXXVII
February 22nd, 2008
This Issue:
Content Watch
Base Showcase
Food & Recipes
Horoscopes
The Top Ten
Electronigirl 2.0 by DrGraham_SFWR
Upcoming Events:
February 23rd
Justice:
Villain PvP Arena Event
Victory:
Mother [censored] Quarterfield
February 24th
Justice:
Master of Statesman's TF attempt
Saturday Matinee ENCORE!!
March 1st
Liberty:
Hami Raid
March 2nd
Protector:
Robot Rampage V!
Retail Retali8r by The_Speedy
Content Watch
Villainside 11-20
By
Plater
Because you missed your chance with your lover.
Because you were stuck at work during Double XP.
Because you got pushed out of the devs wedding event.
~Dr Egon Chronoport.
Available everywhere at your favorite secret store.
Its that time again, CoX fans. This is Plater doing another article on the
available game content. This time its about villain-side, levels 11 to 20.
Weve been off to a slow start this year and I hope more posters will post
their opinions in the next thread of the Content Watch.
As usual, you can read the present discussion
here and feel free to post any comments.
For this level range, Villains have 3 zones to choose from (Sharkhead Isle
excluded): Port Oakes, Cap au Diable and Bloody Bay. There isnt much to say
about Bloody Bay, except that its the level 15-25 PvP zone and the contact
offers repeatable missions that will give out a better XP completion bonus once
every 30 minutes. The patrol mission is worth doing once for the Stealth temp
power reward if your AT does not have any stealth powers.
Now unto the main dish. As level 10-20 villains you have 10 contacts that will
offer you missions. Three of them will give out badge missions: The Radio
(Plague Carrier), Dr. Shelly Percey (Mask Maker) and Willy Wheeler (Paragon of
Vice, needed for accolade). One of the problems is that you will most likely
out-level some of the 10-14 contacts if you try to do them all on a single run,
especially with the new changes to the XP curve.
Port Oakes offers 2 contacts for the 11-20 level range: The Radio and Veluta
Lunata. Veluta is often missed because players do not know about this
unlockable contact and the badge requirement (the Pirate badge for capturing 10
ghosts in Fort Hades) is passed over in favor of running the three level 10-14
Cap au Diable contacts or farming the Outbreak mission. I feel that the
northern section of Port Oakes is underused since there are no contacts there
and the only explored point is the sub that serves as a door to the Kings Row
mayhem and other missions. Some extra content, related to the Family/Mooks war
for example, could be added to make this zone more lively.
ImpulseKing wrote: "Getting around in Cap can be VERY hazardous to the unwary
until about level 14 and up. This is because the whoever planned the street
layout in Haven was 3 bottles past drunk and screaming at their anger
management therapist while on the job." I think this description fits the
layout of the Cap Au Diable zone well. It can be a real pain to get to your
door mission if you dont have a vertical movement travel (even worse if you
dont have a travel power). This portion is only the entrance section, though.
The upper section and back section (next to the university) dont suffer from
such a bad layout.
Cap au Diable also has some unique villains groups that you will not find in
other zones: The anti-tech hippies known as Luddites and the high-tech thieves
known as Gold Brickers. You can get some of the back story of the Gold Brickers
by doing Dr. Shelly Percey's story arc, but the Luddites are under used and
really do nothing in the zone except protesting against Dr. Aeon. I would like
to see one of these two groups make a comeback in high level content. Dmitri
Krylov (level 10-14) also has some unique villains group in his missions: The
Spetsnaz and the Vahzilok. While the Vazhilok are present around Cap au Diable,
Krylov is the only contact to feature them in a story arc. The Spetsnaz are
more or less interesting, although too similar to the Council in my opinion.
Villains get their first Strike Force contact in Cap au Diable, Virgil
Tarikoss, who will give you a chance to see what is really behind the Power
Transfer System. This Strike Force was also one of the main sources of Pool C
recipes for the villain market. However, since the fix in the last patch to
prevent soft loading, prices have risen to the roof. But thats another issue.
For a better understanding of the Cap au Diable backstory, I would recommend to
everyone to run the arcs of Marshall Brass and Dr. Shelly Percey. Take the time
to read all the clues and dialogue and you will learn more about Cap au Diable.
The last contact, Operative Wellman (introduced by Marshall Brass), gives out a
mission to villains to destroy the supplies that are used to rebuild Boomtown,
which explains why this zone isn't be revamped yet.
Lets not forget the Black Market and the only villain University in Cap au
Diable, which make this zone a cornerstone of the red side.
That concludes this article for the level 11-20 content. As usual, I would like
to thank everyone that took some of their time to post their opinion in the
Content Watch thread, especially those who I would like to call the Content
Watch regulars (Memphis_Bill, Mr_Grey, Beldoman and Neuronia). Thank you for
posting and I hope to get more replies next time for the level 20-30
villainside Content Watch.
Lighthouse
Community Relations Manager
If you have a specific in game, account, tech or billing problem please contact our Customer Support team via The Knowledge Base "Ask A Question" page.