'Cuda SF story (Spoilers)
By
Bringer_NA,
Posted on: 2009-06-24 12:29 in CoH and CoV General Discussions
Wow, excellent work.
Again, as mentioned in many threads, the SF dialogue points to an Axis America dimension filled with AA troop, not 5th. <sigh>
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...what the <@#$%>
One of the ARBITERS?
What shall claim a Sky Kings' Ransom?
PPD & Resistance Epic Archetypes
[ QUOTE ]
...what the <@#$%>
One of the ARBITERS?
[/ QUOTE ]
That's what he said.
And the badge is "Arbiter."
Head of TRICK, the all Trick Arrow and Traps SG
Part of the Repeat Offenders
Still waiting for his Official BackAlleyBrawler No-Prize
One of the ARBITERS?
I had the same reaction. Arbiter status is supposed to be granted to those whose loyalty to Recluse, personally, is beyond reproach. Completing this SF isn't even close.
Current Blog Post: "Why I am an Atheist..."
"And I say now these kittens, they do not get trained/As we did in the days when Victoria reigned!" -- T. S. Eliot, "Gus, the Theatre Cat"
I'm going to try to tone down the outrage.
Destined Ones shouldn't ever be Arbiters. That's completely different. That shouldn't be possible. Arbiters are the highest Arachnos officials. They don't run around the isles pulling odd jobs under a umbrella of Arachnos' protection.
What shall claim a Sky Kings' Ransom?
PPD & Resistance Epic Archetypes
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
...what the <@#$%>
One of the ARBITERS?
[/ QUOTE ]
That's what he said.
And the badge is "Arbiter."
[/ QUOTE ]
You aren't so much one of the Arbiter Corp as sharing the privileges thereof. You are granted that level of status/respect due to showing you are an effective go-to person for anti-States-a-like tasks. I, speaking personally, like that bit of the story quite a bit.
[ QUOTE ]
You aren't so much one of the Arbiter Corp as sharing the privileges thereof. You are granted that level of status/respect due to showing you are an effective go-to person for anti-States-a-like tasks. I, speaking personally, like that bit of the story quite a bit.
[/ QUOTE ]
Oh cool. So I can order any Destined One's death, and subsequent annihilation by Arbiter Drone and character deletion? Mmm, the grief potential...
What shall claim a Sky Kings' Ransom?
PPD & Resistance Epic Archetypes
[ QUOTE ]
Oh cool. So I can order any Destined One's death, and subsequent annihilation by Arbiter Drone and character deletion? Mmm, the grief potential...
[/ QUOTE ]
Sure. That's exactly what you can do.
Head of TRICK, the all Trick Arrow and Traps SG
Part of the Repeat Offenders
Still waiting for his Official BackAlleyBrawler No-Prize
You just used (defeated and exploited) the chiefs of the four major factions for a mission directly on behalf of LR. First, that pretty much puts you into Arbiter-land. Second, you'll need the title to keep all four lieutenants from ganging up on you after pulling that stunt.
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[ QUOTE ]
You just used (defeated and exploited) the chiefs of the four major factions for a mission directly on behalf of LR. First, that pretty much puts you into Arbiter-land. Second, you'll need the title to keep all four lieutenants from ganging up on you after pulling that stunt.
[/ QUOTE ]
Exactly, its Recluse's way of clearly showing he approves of what you did. That he won't approve of any of his Lieutenants being caught seeking revenge against you.
Think of it as the Totalitarian version of an Honorary Doctorate with a side order of License to Kill. Your protected, but aren't actually given any responsibilities. Other than being Recluse's go-to people when something huge needs to be taken down. 
Sorry, not buying it. The characters in the SF stop Reichsmann for their own reasons, not for Arachnos and Recluse, and you certainly don't need the title to be safe from retribution. Most characters who run this will have already betrayed the patrons and they're still breathing.
Current Blog Post: "Why I am an Atheist..."
"And I say now these kittens, they do not get trained/As we did in the days when Victoria reigned!" -- T. S. Eliot, "Gus, the Theatre Cat"
Hm, the story is much improved over its initial form when beta first started. This version seems to give players a lot more credit than the initial story, where we seemed to be fighting the 5th because we didn't want Recluse to get mad. Now we have two more satisfying motivations: revenge and desire for a reward.
I suppose I'll have to run it again to get an idea of how the gameplay changed but from a storyline perspective, it looks like it's almost ready for prime-time. The only MAJOR storyline problems would be a few issues with Mueller (The 5th seem to act like he's one of them like before even though it sounds like the Reichsman flattens him in the cutscene this time) and Reichsman himself (He wasn't the leader of the 5th before, although I can understand why they'd rush to his banner). I suppose the Arbiter thing is somewhat of an issue too, since it really doesn't make sense to make people who have fought Recluse into Arbiters. Personally, I think that the concept is cool enough to overlook that for now but I know some people won't let it slide.
My arcs:
Title: Blitzkrieg
Arc ID: 3416
Title: Soldiers of Fortune
Arc ID: 4431
Title: The Rikti Accession
Arc ID: 278757
Come up with a stronger reason to hold the Arbiter title for something else and suggest an alternative badge title then.
Off the top of my head:
Arbiters are supposed to be above the Arachnos hierarchy, their loyalty to the organization beyond reproach. Giving away the title, even in what amounts to an honorary version, cheapens the role. Arbiter should be saved for a more meaningful use. If Going Rogue uses the idea that Villains who never change sides gain a special status (as was suggested in the Marketing survey last year), Arbiter could instead be used as an Accolade, granted for remaining a villain and gaining several hard won badges that show repeated loyalty to Arachnos.
Instead the badge for "Thus Spoke the Reichsman" could be Tyrant's Fist, Bane of the Reich, or something else appropriate for defeating this powerful foe.
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Most characters who run this will have already betrayed the patrons and they're still breathing.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yes, but not all of them at once.
You may not need the protection that the Arbiter title gives, but why turn it down?
Besides, by definition, if Recluse declares you are an Arbiter, you are such henceforth, even if you deny it yourself. It's like Emperor Caligula making his horse a Roman Senator.
I just wish the Arbiter badge carried an 'Aura of Repect' buff that affected Arachnos minions and an extra costume slot.
Story Arcs I created:
Every Rose: (#17702) Villainous vs Legacy Chain. Forget Arachnos, join the CoT!
Cosplay Madness!: (#3643) Neutral vs Custom Foes. Heroes at a pop culture convention!
Kiss Hello Goodbye: (#156389) Heroic vs Custom Foes. Film Noir/Hardboiled detective adventure!
[ QUOTE ]
One of the ARBITERS?
I had the same reaction. Arbiter status is supposed to be granted to those whose loyalty to Recluse, personally, is beyond reproach. Completing this SF isn't even close.
[/ QUOTE ]
Technicly he doesn't make you an Arbiter, he just lets you claim to be one.
<QR>
Yes, but not all of them at once.
Pfft. We have more friends than they do.
It's like Emperor Caligula making his horse a Roman Senator.
Yes, and we all know how that turned out....
Current Blog Post: "Why I am an Atheist..."
"And I say now these kittens, they do not get trained/As we did in the days when Victoria reigned!" -- T. S. Eliot, "Gus, the Theatre Cat"
Apt parallel, no? 
Story Arcs I created:
Every Rose: (#17702) Villainous vs Legacy Chain. Forget Arachnos, join the CoT!
Cosplay Madness!: (#3643) Neutral vs Custom Foes. Heroes at a pop culture convention!
Kiss Hello Goodbye: (#156389) Heroic vs Custom Foes. Film Noir/Hardboiled detective adventure!
The first step to becoming an Arbiter is renouncing your Destined One status. If you don't have the status of a Destined One, you're not a player character in City of Villains. Ergo, player characters may only ever gain Arbiter status after they retire.
What shall claim a Sky Kings' Ransom?
PPD & Resistance Epic Archetypes
This badge makes me think this was the SF they had wanted to create to unlock an AT. Becoming an Arbiter, could have possibly been a way your player made his way into the ranks of Arachnos and became a Arachnos Soldier/Widow.
In my opinion, Barracuda needs a rewrite. There's no trace of her accent in there, and she's way, way too peppy. Contrasts badly with the Temple of the Waters strike force and with her appearances in the official comic book.
Well deserved kudos to the devs and writers for rewriting the SF.
Many objected to how it made the villain become a lackey. I vocally joined that discussion to try to get some sort of adjustment or even less lackeyism in later TFs, but I did not expect you guys to do anything in the neighborhood of such a massive rewrite. The whole plot is different and it is quite a testament to the accessibility of this dev team.
A game is not supposed to be some kind of... place where people enjoy themselves!
[ QUOTE ]
Come up with a stronger reason to hold the Arbiter title for something else and suggest an alternative badge title then.
Off the top of my head:
Arbiters are supposed to be above the Arachnos hierarchy, their loyalty to the organization beyond reproach. Giving away the title, even in what amounts to an honorary version, cheapens the role. Arbiter should be saved for a more meaningful use. If Going Rogue uses the idea that Villains who never change sides gain a special status (as was suggested in the Marketing survey last year), Arbiter could instead be used as an Accolade, granted for remaining a villain and gaining several hard won badges that show repeated loyalty to Arachnos.
Instead the badge for "Thus Spoke the Reichsman" could be Tyrant's Fist, Bane of the Reich, or something else appropriate for defeating this powerful foe.
[/ QUOTE ]
One of the Arbiters! I can feel the flames and they are warm, but donÂ’t torch me for having this opinionÂ…
I think it would be cool as a title for Vett class Arachnos who stay loyal.
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I think it would be cool as a title for Vett class Arachnos who stay loyal.
[/ QUOTE ]
IE exactly 0% of the playerbase, since Brutes, Stalkers, Dominators, Corruptors and Masterminds never were part of Arachnos, and Soldiers and Widows quit first thing they do.
What shall claim a Sky Kings' Ransom?
PPD & Resistance Epic Archetypes
SPOILERS AHOY! You have been warned!
Much of the text of the new SF is only visible to the team leader, so here are screenshots of all the text for your reading enjoyment. I'm missing the initial mission briefing, as I goofed and forgot to hit printscreen.
'Cuda sends us off on a simple job to pay her rent in city hall.
We get a security code right off.
Holo Man has something to say.
Ms. Liberty isn't pleased either.
Time to talk to Barracuda.
We're off to the next job.
And we get to baby sit too, how nice
Mueller isn't hard to find at least.
Numina seems to think this is a bad idea.
A little more talking.
We decide to see what happens when someone isn't there for the cutscene.
Apparently nothing.
The 5th seem confused as to the nature of Mueller and the Reichsman.
Reporting back to Barracuda.
I'm ticked too 'Cuda. After all, its your fault!
She escalates the call to her manager. Recluse doesn't want to start a war it seems.
Its nice to get some respect.
Do you think I scare him?
Time to rumble in Boomtown. Sadly, no one will notice if we trash the place.
Der Unterfurher shows up.
But isn't very successful. Nor is the Oberst.
Time for round two with Reichsman.
While it went far better than our first meeting, I still wind up lying down on the job.
Calling 'Cuda to report in.
At least she knows who to talk to for tech support.
Time to go to Axis Amerika and kick some behind.
While we relax by beating up fascists, the real work gets done.
Time for a recap.
Thats a whole lot of text.
Some things you have to explain in person.
Using small words and drawings, I start to explain.
Egads! She actually does have a brain!
Crazy Smart, and stunningly handsome I might add!
I hope it works too, fishy.
Back to talking to the upper management.
She knows she's not in our league!
Lets see what Recluse has to say.
Like all good masterminds, Recluse lets his you come up with the plan. So he can blame you if it fails.
We'll take very good care of them, honest!
Herr Krogh isn't much of a speedbump.
Black Scorpion isn't very bright.
Sirocco and Mako "join" us.
Pity for Mako, we don't need him there to use his idea.
Ghost Widow is no one's fool.
But she sure has a funny way of helping Arachnos.
In all the chaos, I forgot to break out my camera. We lasted a long time against the 5th.
Reichsman isn't very pithy.
We take the big cheater down, despite Black Scorpion's power being worthless.
Lets recap again.
Not a whole lot has changed.
One last conversation with Recluse.
Dibs on the Machine! Aw, poopie!
I wonder if he's mad?
Wherein we all get our reward...
And thumb our noses at the less than useful Barracuda.
I also took screenshots of some of the temporary powers available to brutes. With all the names being the same, I missed some. If you still have temps from the fight active at the end, you still get a second set upon completion. Some of which even have different effects.
Ghost widow's Click power for Brutes.
Gost Widow's passive 1
Ghost Widow's Passive 2
Sirocco's Passive 1
Black Scorpion's Passive 1
Black Scorpion's Passive 2
Mako's Passive 1
Well that's the whole load of them. Nothing left to do but thank Arbiter Prefontaine, Chaos Ex Machina, Tangent Requiem, Radium, Nisstyre1, War Spyder1, and Angel of the Isles for running the SF with me and spending the extra time testing it. I hope you all enjoy reading the SF's story!