Play My Arc & Earn a Chance for Free Art!
By
airhead,
Posted on: 2009-07-09 11:58 in Mission Architect
I started the arc last night and will finish it tomorrow. This is from someone who usually never reads dialogue, I like the arc. It was not too lon and not too short. The custom enemies are really interested and well thought out. I should complete it this evening and get to rate it.
Paragonian Knights
Justice Company
I just wanted to throw a general warning out to anyone thinking about playing this arc. Although it's set in the range 35-54, the second mission uses a boss that only spawns 40+, rendering the arc uncompletable for teams unable to kill a 40+ boss.
I was sorely disappointed when this happened to our team running this arc. How could something so simple that should have been painfully obvious during thorough test runs be overlooked? The frustration factor of being forced to quit the arc because of this error demolished the good score the author had earned to that point.
Well, before you took it, it was set to 40-54. Some other folks who were playtesting the arc for me wanted to try it at a lower level so I made it possible for them at level 35 and didn't switch it back to 40-54 before I went away on vacation for the weekend. *shrugs*
This arc has already received many excellent critical reviews, so I hope you don't mind if I play this a bit differently. I was once challenged to write one of my "Airheaded Editorials" in character. So here we go. Airhead is a bit of an odd superhero. Subtle laws of physics change in his vicinity: solid objects gain superelasticity. This provides protection ("forcefields"); it also creates a womb-like sense of safety and resilience that numbs survival instincts ("mind control"). That's the scientific explanation. In a nut-shell, Airhead's own gullible personality is infectious. I hope this works...
Airhead wandered wide-eyed into the Architect Entertainment Center. It never ceased to amaze him how they fit so many adventures into this one building. No wonder the roof is so high! On the way in, Airhead recognized his friend, Brown-Haired-Guy, the Architect Entertainment Greeter, and waved gleefully at him. Today was extra-special already!
The coming adventure was advertised on a poster that Airhead had seen outside the building. Airhead had stared at that incredible poster for hours, in awe of every little detail. One fellow wore a hat just like Airhead's foster-father. The words meant nothing in particular, but Airhead was a natural at keeping an open mind. Although it took him several attempts to type Pagkagising into the console, nothing could keep him away from all those big, brightly-colored martial artists.
The contact for today's adventure would be Red Moran. Red was once an instructor for a martial arts academy in the Philippines, and he had a ticket for Airhead!
"Sure, it couldn't hurt to give it a go", our hero blurted.
Red almost smiled at Airhead's youthful eagerness, but held him back for a moment to relate some of the history of his academy, called the Limang Paaralan. The title of that poster outside referred to a test used at the academy, and Airhead was going to give this test a try! Airhead would fight four instructors and their students. Duplicating the events faced by an earlier challenger, two of these instructors would seek to stage a coup. One of these "splinter" instructors would be first. Something in the back of Airhead's mind suggested this Rikti War scenario took place some time ago, but with a Rikti Invasion Weekend going on outside, and Airhead's lack of critical thinking, the whole scenario felt very real.
The adventure began with Airhead "becoming the storm". He would be an 'Airstorm'! Airhead drifted (moonwalked) menacingly through the corridors, which were surprisingly empty. He soon came upon a crate, that took a little effort to open. While he was doing this, he was interrupted by a Baguhan wielding an escrima.
Crate needs an interruption message
Airhead was surprised, more than hurt, by the first blow. The Baguhan looked quizzically at his weapon, and slapped it into his other hand. It didnt seem to hurt him much either. He hit himself harder, and then in the head, but something definitely wasnt working. He shrugged, and headed off to try fire-hardening his rattan stick again. Hed barely gotten around the corner when Airhead heard the thud and cry that indicated hed knocked himself out.
The next encounter was with two warriors called Sundalo ng Bato and Sundalo ng Tubig, of the Stone and Water clans respectively. The Sundalo ng Bato waved his arms, and the ground rose to encase Airhead's legs. It was definitely a little annoying, and Airhead rolled his eyes. The two Sundalo looked sheepish, and, bowing a quick apology, headed off to find something else to do.
Airhead ('Airstorm!') emptied the crate, and two more, finding sufficient parts to build something. The unusual alloy did not immediately suggest what it should be to our hero.
Crate needs Singular Nav text, I see "1 Crates to Discover", could be "Discover last crate"
In any case, six warriors appeared to take offence at Airhead's curiosity, and rushed to stop him. "Get away from those!", cried Sundalo ng Asero, of the Metal clan. Airhead felt that was a good idea, and promised to steer clear of the unwieldy, and now empty, wooden boxes. The ambush thanked Airhead for his compliance and departed with a quick bow.
A few more Sundalo and Baguhan stopped to provide helpful directions, and Airhead was soon on his way upstairs. A whiteboard caught his eye, depicting the assembly of a mace. While another hero may have determined that the pieces resembled the parts from the crates, Airhead was more interested in a sound he thought he heard, and hurried along to see who it might be.
The sound seemed to come from a Kapitan Remalante. Kulog! Youre behind schedule! Dahon wants the shipment now. It sounded like a real life bladesmith, perhaps he was making a blade. Yet he didnt seem as thrilled to see Airhead.
Hey! Youre not supposed to be here!, cried Remalante.
Im not?, asked Airhead.
Walang hiya ka! He sounded almost angry.
Hiya too, returned Airhead, holding out a hand.
Remalante glowered. You will pay for this insult...
Okay. But hasnt anyone taught you to say please?
No, I will not fail Guru Dahon! Guro? Remalante hurried off through a concealed door, leaving it open. If only hed said please, he wouldnt be in this much trouble with his teacher. Airhead nodded to the Baguhan standing around. This was a lesson they all could learn.
One more escalator to go, and Airhead met Reynaldo Locsin, also known as Guro Kulog, a warrior of Olympic-boxer proportions. His clothing seemed slightly worn. Perhaps Reynaldo really liked that outfit, thought Airhead, overlooking the possibility that he might have financial difficulties. Reynaldo spoke in a thunderous voice. Pack up the rest of the crates and get ready for the Pagkagising.
Airhead oohed at the size of the crates. Hey, could I fit in one of them?
It was a strange request. Reynaldo sized up the crate. Did Airhead think it was a coffin? Ah, youve arrived early for your funeral, challenger.
A young Baguhan broke out into fits of laughter. Crate Coffin he got it! He gave the Guro a congratulatory slap on the back. With Airhead nearby, Reynaldo barely felt it. Youll have to hit me harder than that, fool., said the Guro. NAKAMPUTA!
The Baguhan and Airhead looked quizzically at each other. Guro Kulog rolled his eyes. Did nobody speak Tagalog around here? Not even the Baguhan? Shameful...
Nobody thought to ask for a translation, and nobody translated, so Airhead bid his farewells and headed back down to Remalantes concealed exit. There, in a hallway, he met his contact, Red Moran. Red marvelled at the pieces of Arachnos War Mace in Airheads hands. Apparently this was evidence of shady activities within Guro Dahons organization! It wasnt entirely clear to Airhead what hed done, but hed done it good!
* * *
I am really enjoying playing this arc a second time. Im just taking a break for a system reboot. I dont want to spam this thread any more than I have with my ridiculous hero, so Ill keep the tale of the next three missions for requesters. Assuming anyone even cares about Airhead the Superhero and his Pagkagising. To experience the Pagkagising for yourself, play this arc! Airhead also appears in one of my arcs below 
Cheers, airhead
Arc: 379017: Outbroken See all your old friends in the Outbreak Tutorial sequel!
Arc: Coming Soon: The Incarnate Shadow Shard of Fire and Ice Mender Rednem needs you!
Massively.com opinion poll: Please Help Save CoH!
[ QUOTE ]
Well, before you took it, it was set to 40-54. Some other folks who were playtesting the arc for me wanted to try it at a lower level so I made it possible for them at level 35 and didn't switch it back to 40-54 before I went away on vacation for the weekend. *shrugs*
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Some guy took a whole team of his friends to spend their time playing YOUR arc, ran into a severe problem that ruined the experience for them and you respond with "*shrugs*."
So this is how you really wanna advertise your arc?
Honestly, I was curious how you went through and changed it and was thinking of running it myself but after this I've lost my interest.
Don't be rude to people who spend their time playing your arc.
Wow, ok. I think you're reading a little too much into a shrug. I merely offered an explanation as to why the level range was lowered to 35+ from 40+. Was it a severe problem? Well, I don't think it was. The arc is still a work in progress, and I have been tweaking things as I receive feedback. As it's still a work in progress, I think it's to be expected that there may be some problems in the arc. I did take a few seconds to re-adjust the arc back to 40+. Problem solved.
While it's unfortunate that over the weekend who played the arc were frustrated about the experience, its not like I can wave a magic wand to turn back time and erase that. The best I can do is say "Sorry. But thanks for bringing the issue to my attention" and move on. There are plenty of arcs I've encountered that I've been forced into quitting before completion because it was too difficult. It happens and I personally don't see it as an uber big issue, especially in the case of this arc because it was an unintended side-effect from giving another group of players an opportunity to play the arc under different conditions. Again it was unintentional and really I'm not trying to dwell on what was a relatively minor mistake. Did the arc deserve a "one-star" and several rude comments targeted at me and my mother? Well, I personally don't think so. *shrugs* But it's what was dealt to me while I was away at Otakon and it's what I'll have to work with moving forward. (Not sure if those other commenters were with the prior player's party, but I did receive them). And if your going to read into my comments as being rude, then stand on a virtual soapbox in this thread and say "no I won't play your arc because you're being rude" well, ok. That's your prerogative. But I think you're assuming/reading a little too much into a rather short comment.
So my apologies to folks who had problems finishing the arc over the weekend and thanks for letting me know that the Fortunata didn't spawn at 35.
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So my apologies to folks who had problems finishing the arc over the weekend and thanks for letting me know that the Fortunata didn't spawn at 35.
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This is all you needed.
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I was sorely disappointed when this happened to our team running this arc. How could something so simple that should have been painfully obvious during thorough test runs be overlooked?
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Very easily. I didn't know about the bug where Carnies do not spawn below level 40 for heroes until a friend stumbled upon it. Why didn't I see it in testing? Because 1) it was a villainous arc so most of the time I tested it with villain characters and 2) I didn't have a hero character who was below level 40 who would have seen the bug anyway.
A lot of these spawning bugs never happen unless you happen to fall under the exact conditions for them to occur. I had over 50 ratings on that arc before anyone stumbled upon that bug and reported it to me.
There is also the issue where the code that should allow a critter to spawn up to 5 levels below their minimum level (and be reduced to that level) is not working. Example is my level 20-25 arc, where a level 20 player got a level 25 Totem because apparently that scaling code did not apply to that critter at all. Didn't notice it myself because once again I didn't have any characters low enough to see that bug occur.
When you see this kind of thing happen in an arc, just don't rate it and let the author know politely. Chances are he/she is not trying to gank you and being rude to them and 1-starring the arc over a bug is just uncalled for and makes you the [censored] in such a case.
For the record, I was not rude in my feedback. I do not know who that was.
I looked up the Arachnos group and I found two Fortunata bosses. One labeled 30-39, the other 40-54. Repeat: They are labeled! The arc's range gave the impression that it was for level 35, yet the architect placed a level 40 boss. I did not know at the time the change was only temporary. As far as I knew, it was simply never tested at the low end of the range. I am certain that it was not a bug. I don't rate arcs on bugs.
But this was a sloppy error, easily avoidable, and it broke the arc. It counts toward the rating.
If an arc is published, be prepared to accept the rating it deserves at the time it is played, which can be anytime. If it needs more testing, don't publish it.
It's a stupid accident and the author not only fixed it but apologized. This isn't the Mars Climate Orbiter burning up in the atmosphere of Mars over a unit error, that was inexcusable idiocy. This was a simple oversight in a video game. Even the Devs make these sort of dumb mistakes, anyone remember that level 35 VEAT mission with a level 40 boss? At least this got fixed within days rather than weeks/months.
Authors are human as well and the MA interface is very buggy. Yes, they have labeled level ranges yet have the same damn name. When that detail is minimized it will show the name but not the level range. Sometimes I have had things get messed up because MA will often register you clicking on a menu that was supposed to be hidden or minimized and you won't notice the accidental change unless an error is thrown up on the screen or there is no error and then you play it and see this sort of thing.
Well, let's try to move on. Like I said, in my view it's a minor mistake, but really if he wants to harp on it and make it the focal point of his overall impression of the arc, it's certainly within his right to do so.
As for not publishing the arc until it undergoes further testing...well I did mark the arc "looking for feedback" and my initial post in the thread did mention that I was looking for thoughtful constructive feedback and willing to exchange character art for it. As far as I know, the only way i can test the arc without publishing it is by inviting people to a team and letting them run through it. In my opinion, that's not a terribly time-effective.
The rating doesn't appear to have done any "damage" really, after checking in on the stats. In the end really, it's more about thoughtful feedback more than anything as I work towards finalizing it.
Since the feedback requests and volume of play for the arc has fallen wayside, I've gone ahead and selected four people to receive character sketches and contacted them privately. Thanks to everyone who took the time to play the arc. The constructive and relevant feedback has been very helpful.
This is from the perspective of a Fire/Dark corruptor, so I have a lot of tools at my disposal to complete missions, but I'm very much a squishy still. As I'm not particularly a competent writer I cannot offer much advice in that regard, but I do have a strong grasp of the game mechanics and the AE, so I can give you feedback on the pure performance of your missions.
I'd have made the title for each mission description a different color to separate it from the rest of the text.
Baguhan shouldn't have SR defenses, IMO. Defense sets are the most annoying for players to work with, because it not only frustrates them to lose end whiffing attacks, but it also denies people the use of their mez and debuffs which is too strong to have on minions. They also do lots of stuns already, which makes them plenty difficult as is.
Sundalo ng Asero are good support enemies and I didn't have any issues with them aside from their Flash arrow. When I was hit, I didn't lose track of everything so I'm not sure if it's functioning correctly anymore, but Blinded is the WORST thing to be inflicted with as a player. Essentially nothing works against that and if you're out of yellow inspirations, you're just screwed. It's worse than being held, because you can't even see why you died.
Sundalo ng Bato didn't do anything aside from spam a hold on me. It's highly annoying to a squishy to be held like that, but worse yet he didn't follow it up with anything. No attacks in his AI at all aside from Fossilize, so he was simply annoying and a time waster. I'd much rather see him have quicksand, as that's effective on both squishies and meat alike. It's not completely binary in function. If you still want a mez, then give him Stalactites, which has a much longer recharge and lower accuracy.
Sundalo ng Tubig seemed to work fine. Aside from custom MA's Eagle's Claw which is a bit strong from a player melee set, she was a good balance.
Sundalo ng Hangin was good as well. Attack chain worked fine, good mix of damage and sleep. I liked his higher perception.
Guro Kulog was threatening. For a boss, I expected as much. He's not too hard, but he has good flavor in his Elec and Storm.
Kapitan Remalante hits HARD. Broadsword on a custom NPC is just brutal. But he didn't really seem to have many other defenses so taking him down or suppressing him wasn't that big of an issue. Seems like a balanced fight on my end.
Espada are nice melee combatants. I still dislike SR on them, but since they're not as common, it's much more acceptable. It gives them flavor instead of just being a widespread problem with the entire group.
Guro Dahon has too many defenses to be an acceptable NPC, as she resists not only damage, but mez as well, and has an auto damage toggle and pets to aid her. I agree with the mez toggle, because otherwise, it's too easy for someone to perma mez her into not summoning her pets at all. But also having damage reduction means that the fight gets drawn out too long, where her pets start to overwhelm you. I'd drop the damage resist shield and instead maybe give her Dark Regeneration. That'd do roughly the same thing, but allow for people to interrupt it with defenses or debuffs.
Niyebe didn't seem to attack or do anything at all. I was totally expecting her to help kill things, but she just stood around watching me while Arachnos attacked me. It feels very out of character for a good natured martial artist. It also makes the return trip to the mission door laughable, as she's never in danger.
The second fight with Guro Dahon is better balanced, because DualBlades doesn't do much damage and she doesn't summon pets. She actually feels a lot less dangerous than the first version, honestly.
Guro Magsasaka seems well balanced. He hits hard, he has some defense, some self buffing via Against All Odds. I'd actually like to see him be a little harder, since he's the end fight. Perhaps give him Shield Charge as well, so he avoids getting hung up on the environment.
Overall, the missions are straightforward and make good use of the trigger spawning without being annoying. The enemy group is overall pretty easy and they're designed well. I have my nitpicks, because I'm quite familiar with mob balance and gameplay but they're much more well designed than about 90% of everything else in AE. Overall I would rate this about 5 out of 10 on the difficulty scale. Nothing is particularly difficult and it's possible to separate the support mobs away from the enforcers, so it's not unstoppable. If you wanted to make it harder, there's plenty of room for increase but it's at a level where it matches most of the other content in the game. That's something that's hard to achieve, so it's nice to see.
Good show, Bayani.
http://www.virtueverse.net/wiki/Massacre_Melanie -the original Fire/Dark Corruptor -
http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showthread.php?t=115217
The Guide to BURN
((Warning. Spoilers ahead.))
Hm. Not much info in the initial broadcast. But the lure of tangible reward is enough to set me on this path...
My contact is "Red Moron". Well, at least he's honest about it. Odd... He seems reasonably intelligent... Oh, wait, my mistake - that's "Moran," with an 'a'. Sad; I was hoping for truth in advertising.
Anyway, he wants me to complete a simulated trial of some sort. I've seen the AE work before - simulated it may be, but they've got virtual blood real enough to feed my magic, so it should be fun regardless.
Step one: Defeat Guro Kulog. Now that name sounds like it belongs to a moron. ...No, I don't believe in "political correctness" - why do you ask?
I find some crates. Unfortunately, some stinging nettles - a quick check of the power analyzer informs me that it's a three stack of "Stone Prison," keeps interrupting my concentration. Presumably from that earth-based fighter I just killed. Man, does this stuff ever go away? Ah, not until I find the second such warrior hiding at the far end of the room. I'm not used to people noticing me from quite that far off. Now, about those crates...
Odd bits of metal. How dull. Still, must be worth something if a whole pack of these fighters feels obliged to attempt to stop my perusal. I take the time to carefully critique their combat style before ripping their throats out and moving on. It seems only polite to let them know why they're dying.
I find Guro Kulog. I've arrived early for my funeral? No, he must be mistaking me for someone else. Amazingly, he actually has a little bit of talent; I am slightly out of breath by the time I put him down. Now then... there must be something else informative in this dump.
Hm. War mace with a spider motif? Meh. Boring. I hear movement further on, though - more people to kill. Yay! Ooh, and this one has the key to a secret door? Fun, fun. ((I get *two* clues saying I found a key and a secret door. Err, right then? Is that two doors? Two keys to one door? Honestly, I think one of these clues should just be removed.))
* * * * *
So! Onwards! A hologram of Moran shows up. Yammers something about what's coming. Alas, the simulation doesn't let me attack him, so I just keep going. He yells some parting poetry at me - something about hitting cats with lightning? I ignore it.
Guro Dahon! Just ahead! I hope this fight is interesting. What? Armor piercing round? My only weakness!
I jest - Dahon falls in no time flat. ((I'd make this boss goal complete after just killing the boss instead of the boss plus group - I had an enemy who was apparently supposed to be part of the spawn who was, in actual fact, hiding some distance off.))
And a rescue. How embarrassing - someone I have to leave standing? Oh, well; the simulation won't let me attack her so I suppose I'll play along. And hey, Arachnos! Clearly here to complain about someone copying their mace designs. I help them find the complaints department - a.k.a. the floor.
...And more arachnos, and yet more arachnos. Where are they coming from? They're like roaches, crawling into all the places I've cleared. Oh, well. Kill them all, ignore the threats of dire repercussions, and move on.
* * * * *
I ignore Moran again; I need no visions of the future to help me figure out the present. And my present objective: Destroy all in my path! Fun, right?
Dahon again? Didn't I kill you once already? ...That was just a flesh wound. I see. Well, I won't make the same mistake twice. You're going down!
...Arachnos will kill you? What do you think I'm doing, lady? Geez, no respect.
One last Guro. This one actually makes me work for my kill. Well... So really it's all his buddies - once I get him on his own, it's pretty smooth sailing.
More nattering from Moran. Wait. What was that about rebuilding Paragon City? I check the AE listing again - and there it is. This was supposed to be for heros. Oh, well. Not a bad workout, regardless, though I hope this doesn't ruin my chances at that reward...
* * * * *
((Fun arc. Well built, though with a few peculiarities I mentioned above. Text is all well written, and flows nicely, even if Vardra wasn't overly impressed.))