Ideas for new EATs

Ok, so we have the HEATs and VEATs... And they couldn't be more different. The game mechanics around the Kheldians versus the game mechanics around the Arachnos Soldiers/Widows are just completely different. I understand that fact that I could take a VEAT to hero side with new alignment system and all but how much more awesome would it be to instead of make a Arachnos soldier to make a PPD officer and have a choice down the road to become a Super Cop like a PPD Hardsuit or something? Likewise, on villain side, we could bring PB's or WS's over there but I would like the idea of something similar to the Kheldians that would allow for a villain specific EAT that isn't necessarily enlisted in Lord Recluse's army.

That just my two cents, but I'm curious if any of you feel the same way.

I still would love to play a PPD Shell or Hardsuit character...

Except the PPD aren't exactly unique. Hard Suits are pretty much energy blasters, and Psi cops and the others are pretty much just other blaster primaries as well. And while some Arachnos powers are just like assault rifle and the like, a lot of them are pretty unique.

As for PB's and WS's villain side, we're going to be getting a new tutorial soon that will let us choose a side from the beginning, so there's no sense in making alternate versions of those.

I'm going to say no; this has been suggested many times before and it's not really worth it.

I have to say, I'm still curious what they would have done for a Coralax EAT and just what the heck the idea behind the Blood of the Black Stream was (aside from it relating to Egypt, shapechanging and oil).

I also have to admit that I've always wondered just what they would have done to build an entire AT around the idea of flying and wings since that was the plan before they eventually developed the current wings for characters.

Here's the thing. EATs (V or H or whatever else) aren't necessarily designed around some mechanic. The "E" indicates them tying the AT to a storyline - and personally I just don't see much of one with most PPD or the like.

*points down to the guide section* - have one on EATs there. Poke through. There are two that aren't in game that were mentioned, quite some time ago, that I'd still love to see. Coralax and the Blood of the Black Stream. (I'd also made up a Mastermind-ish Nictus - just to see the "other side" of the Kheldian war. Not in that guide, though.)

The hard suit... again, not so much, but it does remind me of a proposal some time ago for a "Mecha EAT." Unfortunately it died in a forum purge long ago...

See my Guides and Tutorials

I would have loved to have had Longbow as heroic EAT. If you look to the Gold then there are a few options there as well. One o' dem dere rocket-backpack dudes. That'd be sweet.

But yeah... I would like a Longbow option. Vanguard as well.

And no one has even mentioned the possibility of Praetorian EATs?

Having new skins for the VEATs would be great, and having access to a Nictus storyline in the Rogue Isles would be awesome, especially when i21 comes online.

Well, if the E in EATS means it ties into the storyline then it's about time we get some Rikti AT's.

Actually since the unlocks occure at 20, and Praet has two very distinct AT types

Resistance
Infultrator path
DPS Path
Stealth, Ranged Defense, Assault version, Like in the Praet Arc Maria J gives.


PPD
Hard Suit: Defense/Blast
Investigator: DPS/Ranged Like a blaster
Suppressor: DPS/Debuffs and CC's

We could have each one of those open up as Praet Epics.

Or PEAPS for short.

Second options might be

Clockwork as an epic.

Mender (Heal/DPS)
Builder (Tank, Melee with some ranged attacks which debuff defense)

Those are some ideas.

I personally would love to see a well done PPD EAT. I wrote up a concept shortly after the PPD were introduced to the game, that got mostly positive feedback, but it has long been purged.

A praetorian EAT based around the Devouring Earth would be sweet. I've seen people post about humans infused with the power of Hamidon or just some kinda DE "creature".

Housecat elemental.
Puppy Control.

Make it happen.

I'd Love to see some new EATs. The PPD one I find the most interesting. I would skip over the psi cops since that would wind up being a copy of the fortunas. Storyline wise it would be AWSOME to see crime fighting from the PPD's point of view, how officers deal with problems on a daily basis.

Offensive:


Officer Training

• It could have moves that the PPD use like how cops have the Riot baton accolade or the Heavy Pistol power. Probably a Control/Assault set. The control fits nicely with the police's non-lethal takedowns.
• It would also be the start of your police career, you would be a beat cop dealing with groups like the Hellions and the Trolls and goes to a detective dealing with groups like the Council and the Family.
• At 20 you would pick between operating a Hardsuit or joining the SWAT.

• Harsuits would be focused on resistance protection and AoE death dealing. We should get access to the Shell's chainguns along with missiles and energy based moves. Something like a Blast/Defense set.
• Storywise, Hardsuits would be the guys who go after supervillains. You would begin fighting enemy groups for the PPD and around level 40, you get accepted into the US Army. This would help explain why PPD hardsuits are fighting in places like the Shadow Shard or Praetoria.

• SWAT attacks would be single target and debuff/buff heavy. Since SWAT units work as a team they should be giving team bonuses. I'd say their sets would have attacks would be assault rifle moves with a few NPC moves like flashbang mixed in. Something like Assault/Buff/Debuff.
• Their storyline would be similar to the hardsuits but join the Marines instead and has more emphasis on fighting enemy groups as a whole and not just their most wanted members.

Here is my *OLD* suggestion for PPD EATs. That was originally created when the PPD were first introduced (way back in '07). The HU is still outside the boundaries of the current system, and I think I would do it differently today, but I left everything as it was back then.


Epic Archetype: Paragon Police Officer

Requirements:
Warden (Defeat 500 Prisoners)
Untouchable (Defeat 100 Family Consiglieri and Underbosses)
Bomb Squad (Prevent 10 Bombings in Safeguard Mission)
Fire Marshal (Prevent 10 Arsons in Safeguard Missions)
Interceptor (Prevent 10 Weapons Deals in Safeguard Missions)
PPD Deputy (Rescue 25 PPD Hostages during a Jailbreak in Safeguard Missions)
Security Expert (Prevent 10 Vaul Break-ins in Safeguard Missions)
Villain Disruptor (Defeat 25 Villains from Jailbreak/Bank Heist in Safeguard Missions)
All Safeguard Exploration Badges (Heart of the City, King's Righteousness, Freedom's Defender, Courage Driven, Honorable Captain, Talos' Might, Cornerstone, Founders' Protector, Gatekeeper)

Progression:
L1: Paragon Police Officer
L1: Paragon SWAT
L1: Paragon Ghost
L30: Paragon Hard Unit

Officer, SWAT and Ghost are available at Level 1*. Progression through those trees are like any normal character. At level 30, you get access to the Hard Unit (HU), at which point you build the HU you wish to use*. When you do a Respec, it only affects your character, not your HU. To do a Repsec on your HU, you must speak to a Hard Unit-Cybernetics and Advanced Research Division (CARD) Technician. For a moderate fee (100K), you can Reslot your HU, for a very high fee (1 mil) you can Respec your HU.

*Changing Departments (forms) must be done within a Paragon Police Department at the 'Power Stations'.
*HU customization details below (in HU section)

Origin:
Natural (Officer) and Technology (Hard Unit)

Stats:
Health: Medium (Defender Level)
Damage: Medium (Defender Level)
Defense: Variable (Low for all Departments, Medium for HU)

Bonuses:
Special Police Band Missions:
* Prevent Robbery
* Search Warrant
* Assist in Prison Riot
Special Story Arcs:
* Hellions vs Skulls: Gang war, from a Police perspective
* Trolls: Expand on Superadine, Supa Trolls, and the Paragon Police Troll Task Force
* Family: Extended story dealing with the Marcone Family and the Mooks
* Prisoners: How can so amy Prisoners escape, and what role does Arachnos play in it
Security Chielf Missions:
* Security Chiefs hand out 'Hunt' missions, with a random chance of an 'instanced' mission (if their Zone permits it)
* Security Chiefs are not Contacts, but will appear on the Map once spoken to
Special Stores in PPDs
* Special Stores that sell Inspirations, Temp Powers, and maybe even Enhancements
XP Bonus for assisting citizens in non-Mission Zones
* It is the duty for an Officer to assist the citizens of Paragon, no matter the threat (very minor bonus)
Unique HU Customization
* Player selectable powers
Unique Costume choices
* Custom costume options for the variety of Paragon Police Officers
* Custom costume options for the HU depending on the powers selected

Drawbacks:
Travel Pools and Concealment Pool unavailable
* While Heroes, the Police of Paragon are not Supers
Limited Costume choices
* Even when undercover, the Police have an image to uphold
* At the end of the day, the Police are still 'only human'

Inherent Power:
Emergency Police Transporter: This interruptible power, on a 30 minute timer, allows you to request a recall to any of the Police Stations in which the Contact is to a certain point.


Powers:

Primary: Assault: Offensive attacks that are available to all Departments of the Paragon Police.

01: Quick Shot: 60', Single Target, Minor Lethal Damage
01: Knock Out: Melee, Single Target, Moderate Smashing Damage, 30% Chance to Disorient
02: Steady Shot: 60', Single Target, Moderate Lethal Damage
06: Suppression Fire: 40', Cone, Moderate Lethal Damage
08: Aimed Shot: 60', Single Target, High Lethal Damage
12: Aim: Self +Acc, +Dam
18: Fragmentation: 25', Targeted 15' AoE, High Lethal Damage
26: Take Down: Melee, Single Target, High Smashing Damage, 30% Chance to Knockdown
32: Gun Kata: 10' Radius, High Lethal Damage, 30% Chance to Knockback


Secondary: PPF (Paragon Police Force): Abilities tied to the different Departments.

Paragon Police Officer:
*Police Officers are equipped with a Handgun for ranged attacks and a Riot Baton for melee attacks.

01: Undercover: Self Special
02: Caltrops: 25', Location 15' AoE, -80% Run Speed, -Jump, Minor Lethal Damage
04: Taser: 20', Single Target, Mag 3 Disorient
10: K-9: Minion (Calls for a K-9 Unit to assist the Officer)
16: Kevlar: Self, Auto, 8.5% Smashing Resist, 8.5% Lethal Resist
20: Authority: 50', Targeted 15' AoE, Foe Avoid, 35% Chance of Terrorize
28: Pepper Spray: 20', Single Target, Mag 3 Hold
35: Superior Tactics: 60' Radius, Toggle, 10% To Hit, 35% Perception Resist, 45% Confuse Resist, 45% Terrify Resist
38: Radio Backup: Timed Minion, 90 seconds (An Officer assists for a duration)

*Undercover (Costume Slot 1): Placate Aura, 20' minimum radius, 30 second supression after attacking or being attacked by an enemy. Partial suppression when interacting.
*Superior Tactics does not stack with Tactics from the same caster.
*Authority can Critical if performed from Undercover, and as such has a 45% Chance of Terrorize.
*K-9 Abilities: Bite (melee, lethal), Bark (10', Terrorize), Snare (melee, Foe Immobilize, Self Immobilize), Take Down (melee, knockdown, only usable on man-seized enemies)
*If canine model cannot be done, change to Police Drone
*Police Drone Abilities: Laser Burst (ranged, energy), heavy laser burst (ranged, energy), Snare (ranged, Immobilize)


SWAT:
*SWAT Officers are equipped with an M4 Rifle (with M203) for ranged attacks and the stock of the rifle for melee attacks.

01: Web Grenade: 50', Single Target, Mag 3 Immobilize, -50% Run Speed. -50% Fly Speed, -50% Recharge, -Fly
02: Body Armor: Self, Auto, 8.5% Smashing Resist, 8.5% Lethal Resist, 5% Fire Resist
04: Flashbang: 50', Location 15' AoE, -35% ToHit, -35% Defense
10: Tear Gas: 50', Location 15' AoE, Mag 3 Sleep, -10% Endurance, Avoid
16: Incendiary Grenade: 50', Targeted 15' AoE, Moderate Fire Damage, 5 Second Burn Patch
20: Stinger: 50', Location 15' AoE. Knockdown, Mag 3 Disorient
28: Glue Grenade: 50', Location 15' AoE, -50% Run Speed, -50% Recharge, -Jump
35: Sniper Rifle: 150', Single Target, Superior Lethal Damage
38: Shield: Self, Toggle, 14% Defense [all but Psionic], -50% Movement, -25% Recharge


Ghost:
*Ghosts are equipped with a supressed MP5A4 for ranged attacks and use the stock of the gun for melee attacks.

01: Hide: Self, Stealth (10 second suppression when attacking/attacked or interaction)
02: Focused: Self, Auto, 5% Defense
04: Tranq Dart: 20', Single Target, Mag 3 Sleep
10: Quick: Self, Auto, 15% +Recharge, 30% +Run Speed, 40% -Run Speed Resist
16: Placate: 50', Single Target, Mag 4 -Taunt
20: Night Vision: Self, Toggle, 15% Perception Resistance, 5% To Hit, +Perception
28: Smoke Grenade: Targeted 70', AoE, -90% Perception -3.5% ToHit DeBuff
35: Psychological Training: Self, Auto, Fear Protection, Confuse Protection
38: Psionic Shielding: Self, Auto, 10.5% Psionic Resistance

*Attacks from Hide get a Sneak Attack bonus.


Hard Unit (Special):

Inherent:
Armored Battle Unit: Self, 15% Res [all except Toxic or Psionic], Unenhancable

The Hard Unit is customizable by the player, allowing them to choose one of many upgrades instead of a specific power. Upon recieving the HU, the player builds out the HU up to Tier 8, and gets 16 slots to place wherever they choose. Every 5 levels afterwards, until level 45, the player unlocks the next Tier. Every level in between, the player gets 1 addition slot to place:

30: Tier 8
31-34: 1 slot per level (4 total)
35: Tier 9
36-39: 1 slot per level (4 total)
40: Tier 10
41-44: 1 slot per level (4 total)
45: Tier 11
46-50: 1 slot per level (4 total)

When the player creates the HU they wish to use, they build it in this order:

01: Armor
02: Arm (Right)
03: Arm (Left)
04: Head
05: Legs
06: Back
07: Accessory 1
08: Accessory 2
09: Accessory 3
10: Shoulder (Right)
11: Shoulder (Left)

Armor:
Reinforced Plating: Self, Auto, 7.5% Smashing Resist, 7.5% Lethal Resist
Thermal Plating: Self, Auto, 10% Fire Resist, 10% Cold Resist
Insulated Plating: Self, Auto, 10% Energy Resist, 10% Negative Resist
Increased Reflexes: Self, Auto, 5% Defense [all except Toxic or Psionic]

Arm (Right):
Solid Slug: 70', Single Target, High Lethal Damage, Knockback
Shotgun Punch: Melee, Single Target, Moderate Smashing Damage, Moderate Lethal Damage, Knockback
Shocking Bolt: 40', Single Target, Mag 3 Hold
Shield: Self, Auto, 2.5% Smashing Resist, 2.5% Lethal Resist, 2.5% Smashing Defense, 2.5% Lethal Defense

Arm (Left):
Minigun: 40', Cone, Moderate Lethal Damage
Energy Blade: Melee, Single Target, High Energy Damage
Shield: Self, Auto, 2.5% Smashing Resist, 2.5% Lethal Resist, 2.5% Smashing Defense, 2.5% Lethal Defense
Frozen Blast: 30', Cone, Mag 3 Sleep, Minor Damage, -20% Run Speed, -20% Recharge
Energy Shield: Self, Auto, 5% Energy Resist, 2.5% Energy Defense, 5% Negative Resist, 2.5% Negative Defense

Head:
Advanced Targeting Systems: Self, Toggle, 15% Perception Resistance, 5% To Hit, +Perception
Insulated Helmet: Self, Toggle, Sleep Protection, Disorient Protection
Long Range Radar: Self, Toggle, +30% Range
Exploit Weakness: 40', Single Target, Following Attack on Target is a Critical

Legs:
Rocket Slide: Self, Toggle, Super Speed
Rocket Boost: Self, Toggle, Super Jump
Movement Augmentors: Self, Toggle, Immobilize Protection, +Run Speed, 25% -Movement Resist
Freezing Aura: 10' Radius, Mag 3 Immobilize, Minor Damage, -20% Run Speed, -20% Recharge

Back:
Rocket Pack: Self, Toggle, Flight
Boosters: Self, Toggle, +Movement
Sonic Resonating Field: 10' Radius, Toggle, -20% Resist [All]
Thermal Barrier: Self, Auto, 5% Fire Resist, 5% Fire Defense, 5% Cold Resist, 5% Cold Defense

Accessory 1:
Personal Teleportation Device: Self, Click, Teleport
Gyro Stabilizer: Self, Toggle, Knockback Protection
Personal Force Field: 62.5% Defense, 34% Resist [all but Toxic], Only Affect Self
Light Refraction Unit: Self, Toggle, Cloak

Accessory 2:
Axillary Power: Self, Endurance Discount
Nano Repair Bots: Self, Click, Heal
Dimensional Quantifier: Self, Auto, Intangibility Protection, Teleport Protection, Self, Toggle, Phase Shift
Chrono-Particle System: Self, Click, +50% Recharge

Accessory 3:
Thermal Discharge: 10' Radius, Click, -25% Damage, -10% Endurance, -100% Recovery, -250% Regeneration
Power Sink: 10' Radius, Click, -35% Endurance, -100% Recovery 4 Seconds, Self +20 Endurance
Axillary Movement Servos: Self, Toggle, Hold Protection
Boost Power: Self, 'Power Boost', +25% Damage

Shoulder (Right):
Seeker Drone: Pet, Minor Energy Damage, Mag 2 Stun, -90% Perception, -5% To Hit, -20% Damage
Cannon: 80', Single Target, Superior Smashing Damage, Knockback (min range 20')
Disruptor: 50; Singe Target, Moderate Energy Damage (DoT), -5% End / tick, 5 ticks.
Hack: Melee, Single Target, Moderate Lethal Damage

Shoulder (Left):
Sentry Drone: Pet, Moderate Energy Damage
Swarmer Missiles: 80', Targeted 15' AoE, High Smashing Damage (min range 20')
Acid Mortar: 50' Range, Location 15' AoE, Moderate Toxic Damage, -20% Resist All, -20% Defense
Slice: Melee, Cone, Moderate Lethal Damage


Trainers:
Atlas Park: PPD Captain
Galaxy City: PPD Captain
King's Row: PPD Captain
Steel Canyon: PPD Sergeant
Skyway City: PPD Sergeant
Faultline: SWAT Sergeant
Talos Island: SWAT Sergeant
Independence Port: PPD Detective
Brickstown: PPD Detective
Founder's Falls: PPD Enforcer (Hard Unit)
Peregrine Island: PPD Enforcer (Hard Unit)

Primary Contacts:
Atlas Park: L1) Det. (Need to add one)
Galaxy City: L1) Det. (Need to add one)
King's Row: L5) Det. Freitag / L5) Det. Becktrees
Steel Canyon: L10) Det. Rogers / L15) Det. Martins
Skyway City: L10) Det. Sluggit / L15) Det. Westbrush
Faultline: L15) Det. Frazenbacker / L15) Det. Kowaccio
Talos Island: L20) Det. Basinns / L25) Det. Croquette
Inedpendence Port: L20) Det. Davids / L25) Det. Hutchinson
Brickstown: L30) Det. Miller / L35) Det. Fish
Founder's Falls: L35) Det. Junkers / L40) Det. Murwell
Peregrine Island: L40) Det. McLord / L45) Det. Selnum

Security Chiefs:
L1) Atlas Park
L1) Galaxy City
L5) Perez Park (located in Atlas Park)
L5) King's Row
L10) Steel Canyon
L10) Skyway City
L15) Boomtown (located in Steel Canyon)
L15) Faultline
L20) Talos Island
L20) Independence Port
L20) Dark Astoria (located in Talos Island)
L25) Terra Volta (located in Independence Port)
L30) Brickstown (added to the Zig entryway)
L30) Crey's Folly (located in Brickstown)
L30) Founder's Falls
L30) Eden (located in Founder's Falls)
L40) Abandoned Sewer Network (located in Steel Canyon)
L40) Peregrine Island

*Players can also get access to other Contacts as they go through Safeguard Missions.
*Galaxy City PPD Building needs to be accessible.
*Security Chiefs are not added to the Contact List, but are labeled on the Map. They will hand out 'Hunt' missions, with a random chance of an 'instanced' mission (if their Zone permits it).
*Hazard Zone Security Chiefs would suggest bringing backup along.