Discussion: The Issue 23: Where Shadows Lie Overview is Live!

I know I'll probably get a lot of flame for this, but I don't like the fact that Statesman and Sister Psyche are being replaced. Most of it is Sister Psyche, because I find it a bit of a jerk move that she can't be resurrected. (What was the explanation for that, anyway? I know that Statesman was "Resting in peace", but I have extremely high doubts that it's that way with SP).

Also, I always figured that the SSAs would be either A, in their own continuity so that free/Premium players don't feel so left out, or B, that they took place chronologically after Task Forces and such. If you want to add a Penny Yin TF...why not just add instead of replace?

I get it, the two capes ate the dust..but what about the Lord Recluse Strike Force? What's their new goal, huh? To defeat Back Alley Brawler? If anyone should have died, it should have been Brawler because Galaxy City was his pedestal..and now it's gone. What about the Mender Ramiel arc to unlock Alpha? Do we just talk to BABs now? What makes him an expert on Incarnates now? What about Statesman in Recluse's Victory? Is he BAB now? I wouldn't have such a big problem with this replacement of character if it wouldn't basically negate every other appearance Statesman was involved in the story.

As for Sister Psyche, it's a more personal gripe. I personally just feel for Manticore. The guy just lost his wife (whom he basically just married, mind you) and now the only representation of her in the game left will be the one that dies. (Or the one in the now-exploded Galaxy City that is only a one-time visit.).


It seems kind of petty, but I just have a problem with this. I'm not against change. You want Statesman to die? Fine...but there had better be a darn good explanation why Back Alley Brawler is suddenly telling new Incarnate heroes that the power of the Well will just turn them into another of his best friend, Stefan Richter.

Note that I am aware they haven't stated these incarnations of Statesman will be removed (AFAIK) and that Sister Psyche's TF is still accessible in Ouroboros. What I'm saying is that this seems like a first step in a sudden "purge" of the characters, and that the more there is a purge, the more story line from the nostalgic era of CoH gets shredded from inconsistency. It's not so much a /rage as it is a red flag.

/rant

Other than, I've got some things to look forward to in the next issue. I'm definitely looking forward to the new costume sets and iTrial. And I'm looking forward to trying the Penelope Yin arc, as it's a character I've always enjoyed. (Though I will note, I will find it extremely odd that I can just go to another zone and find her four years younger. (?????) )

I love Sister Psyche too, Black. But I wouldn't assume anything about her future. She could be mindriding somewhere. She may very well show up again.

And, dear Devs, I look forward to Issue 23! Thank you.

I'm guessing here, but I think BAB isn't replacing Statesman in every way. Most likely other characters will be stepping up to fill in niches other than the one single thing we know that BAB will start his TF. Also, I like that they're updating NPCs to reflect the story moving forward. The few players who will never ever play through the story where people have died but actually find themselves distressed and unable to find answers to the changes pale in comparison to the headaches leaving things be will cause for everyone else.

Also, Psyche not getting brought back makes perfect sense. Her power was stolen, but her power was her mind. Wherever her mind is *cough*PennyYin*cough* now that Wade's defeated, it's not available to be rejoined to her body.

I realize that "Who Will Die?" has been out a while now, but I still don't see the need to reveal the second major plot point of WWD in the overview. I'm bummed because I just happened to read the Issue 23 overview right before I was about to logon and play pt. 6 where the revealed plot point takes place. If spilling the beans isn't necessary, don't do it.

I personally will not consider the Praetorian arc DONE until there's a new statue erected SOMEWHERE in Praetoria (preferably what's left of Neutropolis, and better yet on the site of Neuron's Tower) of Neuron's hands and feet sticking from under a Goliath War Walker that bears the graffiti "AARON WALKER LIVES".

Michelle
aka
Samuraiko/Dark_Respite

And Mr. H.

Is there a praetorian epic ark type in the works. (a human/wolf/panther shapeshifter possibly?)

wonder if the replacement TF for Sister P will give the same rewards?

also I think they will put I23 around the time of the 8 year anniversary of this game. It would make a good marketing ploy.

So maybe 2 weeks or so?