Some of the higher arcs which i do enjoy flashbacking to (RWZ/midnight arcs) are now going to get flashbacked even more for my mains.
Noticed one or two arcs in there too that can be much highly exploited (let you know after iv exploited them 
).
@Damz Find me on the global channel Union Chat. One of the best "chat channels" ingame!
Not read the whole thread, but it's somewhat sloppy that Synapse's list is being published with rounding errors.
Examples:
<font class="small">Code:[/color]<hr /><pre>
Task Name New Total Old Total Difference
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sister Psyche Taskforce 50 40 9
Shadow Science 8 6 1
Synapse Taskforce 57 45 13
The Vahzilok Pollutant Plot 13 7 7
The Strange Case of Benjamin A. Decker 2 2 1
</pre><hr />
Since difference should be the difference between the old and new merit rewards the 1st column should be the total of the last two columns... but last I looked 40+9 was 49 and not 50 (e.g. for Sister P TF).
Why the heck didn't they just drop the difference column, or output the difference as the difference between the 2 integer values.
Note that the above are a mere handful of apparently inconsistent differences for example - glancing at the full list it seems almost harder to find examples where New = (Old + Difference) than to find the ones where it doesn't!
BTW - interesting to notice that not all respec trials are equal:
<font class="small">Code:[/color]<hr /><pre>
Task Name New Total Old Total Difference
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Terra Volta Respec Trial 1 27 25 2
Terra Volta Respec Trial 2 20 25 -5
Terra Volta Respec Trial 3 20 25 -5
</pre><hr />
EDIT:
Interesting to note that this updated list gives us the approximate median average time to complete the various trials/TFs/SFS, as the rewards are calculated from the median average with a points/hr rate of 24 for trials and 20 for TFs.
So we now know that the median average time for Positron (64 merits) is something like 3hrs 12 minutes (being 64/20 hours).
By my mohawk shall ye know me!
my toons
Funny: Ee-Ai-Ee-Ai-Oh! #3662 * The foul-mouthed Handyman! #1076 * City of Norms #132944
Serious: To Save A Single World (#83744) * Marketing Opportunity (#83747)
[ QUOTE ]
<font class="small">Code:[/color]<hr /><pre>
Task Name New Total Old Total Difference
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sister Psyche Taskforce 50 40 9
Shadow Science 8 6 1
Synapse Taskforce 57 45 13
The Vahzilok Pollutant Plot 13 7 7
The Strange Case of Benjamin A. Decker 2 2 1
</pre><hr />
[/ QUOTE ]It's roundoff error, for anyone else who didn't read Synapse's post.
[ QUOTE ]
BTW - interesting to notice that not all respec trials are equal:
<font class="small">Code:[/color]<hr /><pre>
Task Name New Total Old Total Difference
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Terra Volta Respec Trial 1 27 25 2
Terra Volta Respec Trial 2 20 25 -5
Terra Volta Respec Trial 3 20 25 -5
</pre><hr />
[/ QUOTE ]
Which is logical when you consider that the first respec is often done by inexperienced players with bad builds.
However this will change fast because from now on everybody will want to respec 1.
[ QUOTE ]
EDIT:
Interesting to note that this updated list gives us the approximate median average time to complete the various trials/TFs/SFS, as the rewards are calculated from the median average with a points/hr rate of 24 for trials and 20 for TFs.
So we now know that the median average time for Positron (64 merits) is something like 3hrs 12 minutes (being 64/20 hours).
[/ QUOTE ]
I think it a pity that they only look at the time it takes and not at the difficulty of the TF/SF. There are some that offer a good challenge and those should be worth a bit more.
I love that the trials aren't actually enough to cover the trial pool
"Well, they found my diary today.
They were appropriately appalled
at the discovery of the eight victims
They're now putting it all together.
Women wrapped in silk
with one leg missing
Eight legs, one body, silk,
spider, brilliant!"
[ QUOTE ]
I think it a pity that they only look at the time it takes and not at the difficulty of the TF/SF. There are some that offer a good challenge and those should be worth a bit more.
[/ QUOTE ]
The original information from the devs about the merit awards stated that they do account for the difficulty of the foes being fought (a fudge-factor is applied depending on the difficulty faced), so while the awards presented give an indication of the median times to run the task, that is not necessarily the case. The devs know that time =/= difficulty.
The wisdom of Shadowe: Ghostraptor: The Shadowe is wise ...; FFM: Shadowe is no longer wise.
; Techbot_Alpha: Also, what Shadowe said. It seems he is still somewhat wise 
; Bull Throttle: Shadowe was unwise in this instance...; Rock_Powerfist: in this instance Shadowe is wise.; Techbot_Alpha: Shadowe is very wise *nods*; Zortel: *Quotable line about Shadowe being wise goes here.* Maybe it's early morning and caffeine levels are nowhere near nominal operating point, but I couldn't see the Imperious/Cimerora TF on there at all?
Is it time for the dance of joy yet?
[ QUOTE ]
Maybe it's early morning and caffeine levels are nowhere near nominal operating point, but I couldn't see the Imperious/Cimerora TF on there at all?
[/ QUOTE ]
<font class="small">Code:[/color]<hr /><pre>
Task Name New Total Old Total Difference
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Time's Arrow 28 25 3
</pre><hr />
[ QUOTE ]
It's roundoff error, for anyone else who didn't read Synapse's post.
[/ QUOTE ]
I trust that you're referring to yourself given that the first line of my post stated it's somewhat sloppy that Synapse's list is being published with rounding errors.
What I mildly object to is putting the 3 columns of numerical data with rounding errors so that at a glance things appear amiss. It would have been just as easy to omit the difference column or to display the difference between the (already rounded) integer values.
So I did read Synapse's post... though I'm guessing that you didn't read mine before replying.
By my mohawk shall ye know me!
my toons
Funny: Ee-Ai-Ee-Ai-Oh! #3662 * The foul-mouthed Handyman! #1076 * City of Norms #132944
Serious: To Save A Single World (#83744) * Marketing Opportunity (#83747)
Anyone has any ideas (or wishful thoughts) on what I14 changes Synapse hinted at would be? From the sound of it they would be more than another datamine update...
What I'd personally like would be some rewards for non-owners of arcs and something that would stop INFlation. (although it's fun to think that my puny ~3 mil pre-I13 build is now 25 mil, it's... Well, you all know...)
[ QUOTE ]
I think it a pity that they only look at the time it takes and not at the difficulty of the TF/SF. There are some that offer a good challenge and those should be worth a bit more.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah, why Statesman TF gives 30ish Merits but LRSF gives 25? Both are end game TF/SF. From what i've heard in game and read on this boards LRSF ain't half easier than Statesman TF. 
Don't get me wrong my problem is not how much merits they both give, it is about rewarding the effort put into that TFs. If one is giving 30 other must be giving same ammount, or vice versa.
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I think it a pity that they only look at the time it takes and not at the difficulty of the TF/SF. There are some that offer a good challenge and those should be worth a bit more.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah, why Statesman TF gives 30ish Merits but LRSF gives 25? Both are end game TF/SF. From what i've heard in game and read on this boards LRSF ain't half easier than Statesman TF.
Don't get me wrong my problem is not how much merits they both give, it is about rewarding the effort put into that TFs. If one is giving 30 other must be giving same ammount, or vice versa.
[/ QUOTE ]
Try reading the thread on the US forums linked in the first post. Synapse responds specifically to a question about this disparity.
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I think it a pity that they only look at the time it takes and not at the difficulty of the TF/SF. There are some that offer a good challenge and those should be worth a bit more.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah, why Statesman TF gives 30ish Merits but LRSF gives 25? Both are end game TF/SF. From what i've heard in game and read on this boards LRSF ain't half easier than Statesman TF.
Don't get me wrong my problem is not how much merits they both give, it is about rewarding the effort put into that TFs. If one is giving 30 other must be giving same ammount, or vice versa.
[/ QUOTE ]
Try reading the thread on the US forums linked in the first post. Synapse responds specifically to a question about this disparity.
[/ QUOTE ]
Heh didn't read the post just checked list. Will look into it now.
Thanks for heads up, FFM. 
All I got from that was a desire to find out what the Dr Quarterfield task force was, and after I read it, I was utterly unable to suspend disbelief in any way at how Crey has not been convicted and forcibly shut down by the US Government. Even if they were shielding the various infractions of Crey for their own benefit, attacking UN soldiers in a quarantine zone in order to perform illegal dimensional travel and research is something "oh it was a rogue group" simply won't cover in any way. Crey was amusing in its parody of modern 'legal immunity', now it's just annoying because it doesn't even make sense anymore.
Chairman of the Charity of Pain; accepting donations of blood and guts.
Prophet of the Creamy Truth; "If it's empty, fill it with cream."
[ QUOTE ]
All I got from that was a desire to find out what the Dr Quarterfield task force was, and after I read it, I was utterly unable to suspend disbelief in any way at how Crey has not been convicted and forcibly shut down by the US Government. Even if they were shielding the various infractions of Crey for their own benefit, attacking UN soldiers in a quarantine zone in order to perform illegal dimensional travel and research is something "oh it was a rogue group" simply won't cover in any way. Crey was amusing in its parody of modern 'legal immunity', now it's just annoying because it doesn't even make sense anymore.
[/ QUOTE ]You do realise that TF has been in the game since I2, right?
[ QUOTE ]
You do realise that TF has been in the game since I2, right?
[/ QUOTE ]
And I've never done it. Do you have a point?
Chairman of the Charity of Pain; accepting donations of blood and guts.
Prophet of the Creamy Truth; "If it's empty, fill it with cream."
[ QUOTE ]
Do you have a point?
[/ QUOTE ]No?
I know one thing for sure. It will be hard to get a good IO'ed villain build. Good thing I don't do leet builds and SO's are cheap.
Lets hope we can sell those useless merits in i14. Then at least they will be worth something for me.
I wonder if the fact that villains have less merits overall contribue to the fact that recepeies villain side are alot more expensive than hero side.
[ QUOTE ]
Anyone has any ideas (or wishful thoughts) on what I14 changes Synapse hinted at would be? From the sound of it they would be more than another datamine update...
[/ QUOTE ]
No sure what Synapse is thinking, but here's what I'd try if I was only allowed to adjust the Merit system and not drops, or other stuff:
Scale up the merit reward for each arc and SF redside proportionally so that total number of merits (if you did everything non-patron once, and did one patron arc) redside is equal to the total number merits blueside. That should help the immediate 'villains are getting shafted!' angst.
Slash merit costs for the recipes of anything that isn't a proc or proc type recipe by something huge, I'm talking about the 2 aspect and 3 aspect recipes. I'm thinking really big cuts with 50 merits being the absolute upper end for 3 aspect recipes.
Reduce random roll cost to 10 merits.
Split up the pools for random rolls more sensibly including removing the TF/Trial distinction from the random roll pools. Attack, Defense, Buff, Debuff, Mez pools or something.
Make it so that random rolls give recipes at the level you selected rather than the highest level of the recipe at or below your security/combat level.
The fixes I'd really want (make all TF/Trial recipes also drop from enemies at a low drop rate and/or add them as mission complete drops, more SF's for villains, clean up the stupidly long blueside TF's -- Dr.Q, Positron, I'm looking at you! -- to make them shorter and give fewer merts, fix the Eden Trial, make the Shadow Shard co-op tho' ideally with dedicated villain arcs, revamp the sharing of missions so you can share arcs properly with everyone doing it getting an appropriate Merit reward) are outside the scope of the merit system per se and are probably three issues worth of work.
I wish they'd take into account challenge levels as well for these rewards, not only average time.
Lol @ Temple of the Waters being downgraded, and Villain Respecs giving less reward than Hero Respecs. And the LRSF versus the STF. Sigh.
3 Vill respecs lets you buy an amazing 1 and a half respec rewards! WOW!
Supoosedly the toughest challenge for Vills in the game (cept Hami) gives less rewards than the laughably easy with a vaguely decent team ITF! YAY!
No sigle Villain SF giving you enough rewards for 2 random rolls! Yipee!
The incredible shortage of villain SFs meanining vills are even more dumped on! WOOT!
Villains being punished for being very good at the limited amout of thigs the Devs have given them to do in comparison to the massive amount of stuff heroes have never bothered to try let alone get good at. WOOP DE DOO!
/em sarcasm off
I knew changes were comin, I just din't realise that the Devs hated the villain community this much.
The LRSF thing is a total joke, and posi even said he would look at it cos it's supposed to be 'harder' going against everything they have tried to do so far of basing the numbers solely on how quickly teams do things.
What moron overlooked the fact that vills have so much less to do compared to villains that its no wonder they do it faster. Basing the merits on time spent was stupid and lazy at best, applying the same formula to villains as heroes just screams of incredible lazyness and or just plain total lack of care for the villain community and total disregard for the villain market system which has been horrendous since it was introduced.
Devs - Give villains more SFs NOW! This is no longer going to be a request, but a simple demand. And no, don't just fob us off with more 'co-op' TFs.
Also, sort out the massive disparity between Heroes and Villains in terms of rewards given for difficulty, and the you might just gain a smidgeon of faith back from the Villain community you seem to intent on alienating.
/rant mode off.
Oh don't worry, once we get the much-anticipated Side Switching everyone can just play their Masterminds, Brutes, Doms, Corrs and Stalkers heroside anyway. Heck, VEATs can come too. Can just shut CoV down then.
(Gosh, what an unusually pessimistic post from me... But I'm moody for other reasons, so nyah.)
[ QUOTE ]
I know one thing for sure. It will be hard to get a good IO'ed villain build. Good thing I don't do leet builds and SO's are cheap.
Lets hope we can sell those useless merits in i14. Then at least they will be worth something for me.
[/ QUOTE ]
You can do that now, sort of, just do a trial random roll.
@True Metal
Co-leader of Callous Crew SG. Based on Union server.
This is from Synapse on the US Forums
Synapse's Merit Change Post