Justice Story Arc Discussion

Welcome to the official Justice Server Mission Architect discussion thread.


This thread can be used to discuss/recommend story arcs that you think should be played by others.

Orange Info = Manditory to post, so we can try it
Bolded Info = Optional misc info

Arc Name:
Arc ID:
Morality: Hero, Villain or Neutral
Creator: Global/Forum Name
Difficulty Level:
-Solo or Group Orientated
-Easy Medium or Hard
Arc Description:
Arc Length:
-Short: Less than 30 minutes to complete.
-Average: Around 30 to 40 minutes to complete.
-Long: Between 30 minutes to an Hour to complete.
Very Long: Over an Hour to complete.
Why you think it deserves to be played/discussed:

Good thread to sticky but I think someone else already posted this idea here:
http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showflat....=0#Post13296875

But Talia said that hers is the official one.

Now I'm all confused.

Its a race now, which thread can get the most arcs archived?

Nivienne posted in the other one.

I smell doom for Talia.

[ QUOTE ]
Nivienne posted in the other one.

I smell doom for Talia.

[/ QUOTE ]

But... but...

Tal's has purty colors & bolding & stuffs...

purty colors & bolding & stuffs > Being first.

Tal wins

Thread changed to a MA Arc Discussion thread

[ QUOTE ]
Thread changed to a MA Arc Discussion thread

[/ QUOTE ]

Well played madame. Well played.

[ QUOTE ]
Well played madame. Well played.

[/ QUOTE ]
I know right

I'll put my arcs up first I suppose.


Arc Name: Fall of the White Plains
Arc ID: 2248
Morality: Hero
Creator: @talia rayvyn
Difficulty Level: Solo/Medium but Group play works too (Medium)
Arc Description: In the final days of the First War, the city of White Plains is under attack by the invaders known as 'the Rikti'. It is up to you to aid Tessa Rayvyn in rescuing her family.
Arc Length:
-Long: Between 30 minutes to an Hour to complete.


And

Arc Name: The Rose in the Web
Arc ID: 3677
Morality: Villain
Creator: @talia rayvyn
Difficulty Level: Solo/Medium but Group play works too (Medium)
Arc Description: Set shortly after the Arachnos breakout of the Ziggurat. You find yourself aboard a Flier hjiacked by the Black Rose. They present you with an offer of membership with them rather than Arachnos.
Arc Length:
-Long: Between 30 minutes to an Hour to complete.

Why you think it deserves to be played: Well for one I made it Also it is a story arc set during the Rikti War so players get an experience of what it was like for the heroes before the Paragon we know and live from when CoH went live and a visit to a place that is familiar and yet not.

Also I reallyreally like feedback on my arcs whether you liked it or not. Though if you don't like it I would like you to tell me what aspects of it you did not like, because that allows me to make changes to my works.

I'm in the middle of making a big one that I'd been planning for quite a while...it ties in to two of my alts(one hero, one villain). I was doing quite well on it earlier this evening...but I lost all my info for one mission and all my custom enemies I had made because I forgot to save...so I left.

I'll get back on it tomorrow...after I turn Auto Save on. >_>

By the way. I finally changed my global thanks to that rename token. Thank you devs!

oooo spiffy let me know when it's out!

Ok my first night was...hectic i played a LOT of arcs, so I'm going to post my thoughts of them in small clumps at a time.

First up!

Arc Name: In the Shadow of the Towers
Arc ID: 1402
Morality: Hero
Creator: @TheDeepBlue
Why you think it deserves to be played: Ok this story arc is everything I always wanted in City of Heroes. Basically you are working WITH that's right, with not for, the Paragon Police Department. And the reason it was instantly likeable was the part where the chief says "I know this is low level stuff but we are overbooked on crime and honestly one hero can do what a squad of my best people can do".
That is the kind of stuff I like to here in CoH because superheroes ARE supposed to be better than a normal police member but yet we pretty much end up getting stuck working for them like we're an average citizen. Despite being exemplar'd to 15 this is one of those really well written arcs that makes me ignore that I just lost a buncha my powers.


Arc Name: Last Dead Standing
Arc ID: 5671
Morality: Neutral
Creator: @Docam
Why you think it deserves to be played: Ok the premise of this one was a fun one. A city is overrun by zombies and you need to stop them. When you load inside it is filled with PlayNC zombies, Cyborg zombies, Police Zombies, etc.
The only initial problem with it was that the objective was to defeat Lady Docam and it was set in a city map. So while in theory I -could- have punched my way to the zombies I can also just as easily hit fly + tab my way around till I find her. Now granted she hit hard but still the fight lasted less than five minutes.

Which brings me to my MA tip of the day! When making a city map it's always best to give people more than one assignment to do if you put them in an outside mission. Usually you should try to put something in the mission that fits the theme. So in this case you should go with, rescues and maybe another boss battle.

I am happy to say that the new version that is up of this mission requries you to rescue citizens from the zombalalies and you have to fight an additional boss battle, which lets you stick around longer and enjoy the doomed atmosphere!

Arc Name: A Little RnR
Arc ID: to come soon
Morality: Hero (lvl 1-53)
Creator: @Thornster
Why you think it deserves to be played: This started with an idea of simply fitting a villain I created into a story arc. From things weren't turning out the way I wanted with existing mobs so I created a custom group. My idea was to have mobs with powers completly in very different combinations than we are used to ... and I used energy/electricity as a theme. Anyway these are bored rich kids ... they deserve your attention!
The text is coming along but comments are more than welcomed.

Arc Name: Fall of the White Plains
Arc ID: 2248
Morality: Hero
Creator: @talia rayvyn
Difficulty Level: There are some EBs/AVs, but it's easily soloable, and is even a bit too easy on heroic (as most arcs currently are).
Arc Description: In the final days of the First War, the city of White Plains is under attack by the invaders known as 'the Rikti'. It is up to you to aid Tessa Rayvyn in rescuing her family.
Arc Length: 5 missions
Why you think it deserves to be played/discussed: In "The Fall of White Plains," Talia has done exactly what I wanted from the MA - she is telling a story using the canon story line, but with characters that are all her own and in a way that doesn't make any of them Mary Sues. Tessa Rayvyn and her family fit seamlessly into the story of the Rikti War in a story that is engaging and interesting. Talia's writing gives you a real sense of urgency to help do your part to save the people of White Plains, and uncover some other nefarious plots. She weaves together the plot lines beautifully while reminding us of the full impact of the Rikti War.

Arc Name: Blitzkrieg
Arc ID: 3416
Morality: Hero
Creator: @Mekkanos
Difficulty Level: There are a few EB/AV fights, but nothing over the top. Mekk also makes sure you have some help. It's entirely soloable on heroic, and a good challenge at higher difficulty levels with a team.
Arc Description: A simple investigation into Malta Group activity turns into a fight for the freedom of heroes everywhere as you uncover the sinister Project: Blitzkrieg
Arc Length: 5 missions
Why you think it deserves to be played/discussed: Mekk takes a canon villain group, Malta, and expands on the story we already have in game in a way that is intriguing and interesting. Mekk does an excellent job of capturing the voice of Crimson, the starting contact, as well as capturing the spirit of the Malta Group. I normally avoid Malta like white shoes after Labor Day, but "Blitzkrieg" made me a fan.

LOL Mary Sue! Ok back to some of the other arcs I did last night.

Arc Name: The Perfect Brew
Arc ID: 2007
Morality: Neutral
Creator: @Green Dwarf
Arc Length: 5 missions
Why you think it deserves to be played/discussed: So the overall story is very straight to the point. You're helping Green Dwarf collect 4 items for his perfect brew, then in the last mission you are to brew it. Though it's only 5 missions long the maps are all outdoors and usually only have 1 objective so you can finish the arc fairly quickly if you don't want to spend a lot of time playing.
The thing that completely won me over was the surprise in the 4th mission.
** SPOILER **
I almost fell out of my chair and started yelling in my global channels about it, which also caught them by surprise. Having the ability to put something like [spoiler] in missions defenately adds a brand new element to the creator.


Discussion
Has anyone else noticed that objectives sometimes simply disappear from a mission?
When I placed a Boss spawn on the condition of a rescue being completed. When I would play solo it would spawn just fine, but then when I tried it on a team of 4 on Setting 2 the Boss never spawned.
On two Story Arcs that I tried last night (and I'll post up my review of them in another post). The boss did not properly spawn in the first mission. It was a freakshow Tank and the only objective on a city map and I was solo on Level 1, which was very odd. Fortunately it was the first mission so i just reset it and taa-daa he appeared that time.
The second one was a bit more troublesome, as it was in the 4th mission. That time there was a full team and the Boss was to appear upon the defeat of a boss.

Has this particular bug happened to anyone else?

Arc Name: Papal Supremacy
Arc ID: 1174
Morality: Neutral
Creator: Borts
Difficulty Level: Some EB/AV fights. It's difficult and a nice challenge, but it's not overdone. Not easily soloable, but it's possible. If you're tired of cakewalk arcs, this is a great change of pace.
Arc Description: Borts has a thing for popes, especially those that cause trouble.
Arc Length: 4 missions
Why you think it deserves to be played/discussed: The writing and dialog in this arc had me laughing the entire time I was doing it. It's quite funny, but not pointlessly so. Borts did a great job making custom enemies. They look great, and have interesting power combinations.

Arc Name: Plastics Revenge
Arc ID: 16692
Morality: Neutral
Creator: Abraxxus
Difficulty Level: Could be easily soloed. No EB/AV fight
Arc Description: Little Steven seems to have a very big problem.
Arc Length: 1 mission (sadly - I want more!)
Why you think it deserves to be played/discussed: Brax has a custom enemy group in his mission that I find really adorable. I don't want to spoil anything, but the combination of the enemies, their dialog, and the plot brought back a lot of crazy childhood memories. Apparently there is more coming, and for that I'm excited.

Arc Name: To Hell and Back
Arc ID: 1026
Creator Pohsyb
Why you think it deserves to be played/discussed: The first charming thing about is the spastic imp that serves as your contact. It reminds me of Gollum for some reason. Anyways he wants you to do some work to help prevent something bad from happening to his Demonic Lord.
But the real gem in this arc comes when you visit Mission #2. I won't spoil it for you but you'll bust out into laughter and declare Poh a genious between what you see on the screen and the zone-in dialogue.




Arc Name: What Happens in Cyberspace Stays in the Recycle Bin
Arc ID: 17030
Creator @FallenFantom
Why you think it deserves to be played/discussed: Ok I kept hearing people talk about this arc on my global channel all evening. So at the end of the night I was going over my To-Play list and remembered I had yet to do it.
The general idea is that you are going into FallenFantom's computer and ridding it of viruses, spyware and adult content before his wife gets home.
So you enter and are fighting the likes of Pop-Ups that appropriately come back to life after they are killed, and MrMcAfee who likes to attack the Mature Websites you 'rescue'. Then you can top it off with the dialogue here is a sample:
[NPC] Doctor: CHEiAP VIf,AGkRA CLixk BwELoO
[NPC] Mature Websites: My hero!

Im Kor so i dont have to follow the rules. here is my arc id 19688

i tryed to make it kinda silly and vary hard so try it

also i did not test the last 3 missions so meh lets hope they work out alright

Arc Name: A Clone in the Dark
Arc ID: 13396
Morality: Hero
Creator: @Plasma Warrior
Difficulty Level: Well, I soloed it easily enough, but I'd love to see it run with a team.
And if I can solo it on my blaster, it can't be all that difficult, either. Then again, I knew what to expect - and there was that one time I was taken by surprise by one of my spawns and was summarily dispatched, so... um... medium?
Arc Description: The plot: Crey scientists have clandestinely obtained DNA from Plasma Warrior, a fire/fire blaster, and have begun creating clones of him in a bid to undermine the hero's credibility and generally run amok in Paragon City. Crey's genetic manipulations, however, have caused abberations in the powers of the clones. Nonetheless, they all must be stopped without fail.
Arc Length: I'd have to guess it falls under "Long" - between 30 and 60 mins to complete. 4 medium-sized mission maps, one escort, 3 defeat alls (EB/AV at the end of mish 4).
Why you think it deserves to be played/discussed: This is an opportunity to fight the many iterations of Plasma characters that I've created over the years, not to mention an opportunity to fight alongside my main character (who, oddly enough, is one of the lesser-known alts I have) and help him take down some fairly unique enemy types. Please bear in mind that this was a moderately half-baked idea when I thought of making it originally, in light of the fact that my original plan for an MA arc fell through completely. Also, I have a humorous arc idea in the works at present, so I'll be sure to post that in this thread when it's ready to go.

Slow-day I was doing normal TFs all day so I didn't get to any new story arcs.. so I have few to catch-up on over the weekend..

Arc Name: Head Above Water
Arc ID: 1291
Creator: @Cassie
Why you think it deserves to be played/discussed: This was a story arc that could almost be a Positron Taskforce 2.0. Actually if they took out the old Positron TF and put this one in instead, I'd definately be ok with that lol. The quick synposis is that Posi recruits you to help him find out why the Freakshow are in Steel Canyon and that leads you to into a much bigger plot against Positron himself.

My only two complaints with the arc were that the Freakshow Tank boss didn't spawn in the first map. Which is totally not anyone's fault and goes back to a bug in the MA system with spawning things. With a quick restart the Boss was back and the problem was solved.
The other is that halfway through you end up with Synapse as an ally to help you. Normally I don't think anything about that, but at the beginning of the arc you are called in by Positron because he said all of the Phalanx were busy elsewhere. I think hat would have been a spot for the creator to insert maybe their character or someone else to assist you other than Synapse. But that is a very minor previously established story plot nitpick. The rest is very solid, good pacing, good dialogue and good map layouts.

Also in the L.O.L. category... Synapse got 'lost' when he was with me because he couldn't keep up. The levels of humor in that is BOUNDLESS!

Today was mostly spent running arcs with people to help them debug it... BUT I did end up running a pair of new ones.

Arc Name: Red Capps dont take napps
Arc ID: 39546
Why you think it deserves to be played/discussed: The contact, which is just the standard hologram guy, tells me in my briefing "kill all recaps".
I zone into the mission (city map) and the navigational text has:
kill everyone
1 the bomb

So I fly around, see a glowing barrel and click it. MISSION COMPLETE. I go talk to my contact again and the arc is over with an encouraging, "lol you did it".

Total play time: 45 seconds.


Next up!

Arc Name: Stop the evil gang group
Arc ID: 39874
Why you think it deserves to be played/discussed: Super duber girl is my contact and informs me that "Not a mission to take lightly" and sends me on mah way. I zone into the mission (1 room map) and the navigational text has "All Consuming Hatred" as my mission objective.

So I'm wondering what in the world that is when suddenly a tiny-sized fire/kin controller comes zipping in and starts attacking. It's name is, of course, All Consuming Hatred (or the ACH as I call it).

After a quick beat down the mission completes and I get my briefing message of: WOW!!!!! you have returned.

Total Playtime: About a minute because ACH got off one heal.

[ QUOTE ]
Arc Name: Stop the evil gang group
Arc ID: 39874
Why you think it deserves to be played/discussed: Super duber girl is my contact and informs me that "Not a mission to take lightly" and sends me on mah way. I zone into the mission (1 room map) and the navigational text has "All Consuming Hatred" as my mission objective.

So I'm wondering what in the world that is when suddenly a tiny-sized fire/kin controller comes zipping in and starts attacking. It's name is, of course, All Consuming Hatred (or the ACH as I call it).

After a quick beat down the mission completes and I get my briefing message of: WOW!!!!! you have returned.

Total Playtime: About a minute because ACH got off one heal.

[/ QUOTE ]
If I may.

Many of you might think, at first, that this one mission arc is a prime example of the laziness and ineptitude that can be found riddled throughout the Mission Architect in its present form. I'm going to ask you to stop that train of thought right there.

Bear with me.

Everyone understands that the purpose of the Mission Architect isn't just to allow us to collect a bunch of badges or grind experience through new content, it's a way for players to express their feelings, opinions, and creativity in a unique and contemporary way that other people can experience firsthand. Consider the synopsis of the arc that Talia has provided above: the player enters the map, easily finds a villain named All Consuming Hatred, and defeats it just as easily.

On the surface this appears to be nothing more than a simple and unelegant throw-away mission created by the author. A message, however, must be clear enough for the intended observer to understand and appreciate. The message that the author wishes to convey, obviously, is that hatred is easy to find, be it on a one room map, outside of that map, or even within ourselves if one only chooses to look for it, and with even a minimal amount of effort this hatred can be defeated.

I expect the Mission Architect to provide more of this deep, thoughtful content in the future, and anticipate further releases by this author.

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Arc Name: Stop the evil gang group
Arc ID: 39874
Why you think it deserves to be played/discussed: Super duber girl is my contact and informs me that "Not a mission to take lightly" and sends me on mah way. I zone into the mission (1 room map) and the navigational text has "All Consuming Hatred" as my mission objective.

So I'm wondering what in the world that is when suddenly a tiny-sized fire/kin controller comes zipping in and starts attacking. It's name is, of course, All Consuming Hatred (or the ACH as I call it).

After a quick beat down the mission completes and I get my briefing message of: WOW!!!!! you have returned.

Total Playtime: About a minute because ACH got off one heal.

[/ QUOTE ]
If I may.

Many of you might think, at first, that this one mission arc is a prime example of the laziness and ineptitude that can be found riddled throughout the Mission Architect in its present form. I'm going to ask you to stop that train of thought right there.

Bear with me.

Everyone understands that the purpose of the Mission Architect isn't just to allow us to collect a bunch of badges or grind experience through new content, it's a way for players to express their feelings, opinions, and creativity in a unique and contemporary way that other people can experience firsthand. Consider the synopsis of the arc that Talia has provided above: the player enters the map, easily finds a villain named All Consuming Hatred, and defeats it just as easily.

On the surface this appears to be nothing more than a simple and unelegant throw-away mission created by the author. A message, however, must be clear enough for the intended observer to understand and appreciate. The message that the author wishes to convey, obviously, is that hatred is easy to find, be it on a one room map, outside of that map, or even within ourselves if one only chooses to look for it, and with even a minimal amount of effort this hatred can be defeated.

I expect the Mission Architect to provide more of this deep, thoughtful content in the future, and anticipate further releases by this author.

[/ QUOTE ]

Blue, you just blew my mind. Mind you, I find your ideas silly and their thought process to be flawed and terrible like your braincase, but that is an insightful observation, and for it I will opt to not eat your brain. Case.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Venture I'd never use a nuke in a superhero universe. You nuke a city, you kill 1.5 million people minus one. The last guy not only gets superpowers from the explosion, but ones that let him survive a nuke...and wow, is he torqued off