InvaderStych

This might be my favorite change in the entire Page. 🤣

Taking a moment to echo an earlier suggestion that Athletic Run be present in the tray rather than buried in the powers menu. Tangentially, having the tray default to all three rows visible rather than collapsed would be a nice QoL change for new toons.

Thought of another thing that doesn't seem to be introduced to new players, or at least not that I can recall: Notoriety (difficulty) Settings. Tutorial mentions, as in my screenshot above, that players will encounter Bosses. By default this setting is switched off. Perhaps in that same dialog, or elsewhere in the Tutorial these settings should be referenced? As before, if I've forgotten where these are introduced elsewhere in a commonly accessed/intuitive delivery (early arcs, etc), then perhaps disregard. Edit: Oh, and Badges! Perhaps one of the Tutorial contacts in Outbreak could hint at "Extra Credit" for sticking around and helping to clear up the Contaminated. Either Parks or Hicks? Not sure how an equivalent introduction to Badges could be incorporated into the other two tutorial options.

As it has been quite a while since I've run any of the tutorials, I did a quick run through Outbreak and had a couple of thoughts. Is it worth mentioning Elite Bosses and AVs in this paragraph of the tutorial? Currently mentions Bosses as "the strongest," which isn't strictly true. Similarly, would it also be worth mentioning Monsters/Giant Monsters in there just to let new folks know about such things, or is that giving away too much? Enhancements Tutorial text seemed to lack mention of their relationship to Origins, would that information be useful, or is it doled out later and I've forgotten? Also, is it worth mentioning the Upgrade button as an alternative to Combining? Perhaps with a suggestion that using both methods to keep DO/SO enhancements "current" is a strategy worth considering? Apologies, and plz ignore this post if this info is handed out at a later time in the new character journey. Been quite a while since I've really read the lowbie text.

I mean, that line wasn't crossed when they basically fell in love with themselves? 🤣 Mostly kidding, while that was a great expression of the narcissism in the Loki variants, I do get what you mean. Loki "prime" had a clear arc -growth/change based on his experiences within the story line - while Sylvie was more of a static character throughout. I sort of think this was effective for the story being told though, she's not strictly a "foil" in the true sense of the trope, but the contrast between the way the two respond to the chain of events served to highlight the progression of Loki "prime" rather nicely, imo. I didn't develop a dislike for her, per se, but I can see how someone would.

Per City of Data, Stalker AAO isn't flagged to Taunt as the Scrapper/Tanker/Brute versions are flagged. https://cod.uberguy.net/html/power.html?power=scrapper_defense.shield_defense.against_all_odds&at=scrapper https://cod.uberguy.net/html/power.html?power=stalker_defense.shield_defense.against_all_odds&at=stalker Been a long time since I played my stalled Elec/SD stalker, but I do not recall any conflict with Hidden from AAO. That said, Notify is not the same thing as Taunt, but I am fairly sure that AAO isn't flagged with "Enemies are aware of this attack" either. Not certain about the others, but I want to say that they suppress their effects while Hidden.

https://homecoming.wiki/wiki/Doorman Talk to that guy before making the choice and walk through the spiraling portal. Edit: Err.. I think. It might just be as simple as walking through? Been a while, lol. It did? I've completely forgotten! I think I only know about it because someone mentioned it in the "switch sides every time" thread, or during some other conversation on taking a Praetorian to 50 without going Hero/Villain. (It can be done, but there are big limitations after FW/NW are complete).

On the subject of the 1-30 experience, or more specifically the 20-30 experience ... Is it worth mentioning that Praetorian characters can choose to delay their trip to the Paragon City or the Rogue Isles and continue to First Ward and Night Ward before specifically choosing Hero or Villain in the opening description text, or is that too esoteric of a path to promote at that point? Edited to Add: -- I concur with previous suggestions to color shade the "Not for New Players" line in the description of Praetoria so that it stands out more. -- The shading in "Earth" on "Praetorian Earth" looks off, like the gradient is too abrupt working towards the center letters. -- Massive thanks for adding this info, I recently posted a similar suggestion as we've had several new players take that path and post up that it was a less than ideal way to create their first character.

I would find this change frustrating. Here's an example as to why. (bearing in mind here that I get where you're coming from, just adding my thoughts) Burst of Speed currently uses the location reticle. When I use a bind to powexec_location target, I can select any target-able entity. I often use this ability to target through a friendly, say for instance the team's "tank" or whomever is gathering the scrum. Tank picks a spot, drops a Fold Space to gather a big, fat group, I BoS to the Tank's location via having them targeted, drop a nuke (or a dragon's tail, or whatever), joust out and commence blasting whatever is left. Tank moves on to setup the next scrum, rinse, and repeat. Changing BoS to a targeted power means that, as a power that does damage, I could no longer activate it with a friendly entity targeted. There are tons of ways this can be used. BoS has a huge range when +range bonuses from things like Clarion are accounted for; sometimes it is useful just to catch up to the ninja who's found the objective on the map. Regular Teleport, when bound, also works well for this application. Losing the ability to bind to powexec_location target is a non-starter for me in every instance where it is currently relevant. Call me dense, but I guess I am not seeing what needs to be changed here. Travel powers like Jaunt, Teleport, CT, etc cannot be changed to targeted powers without severely hampering their usability, so that's off the table. Changing the remaining powers like BoS, SC, and LR doesn't make any sense to me either as all that does is impose limitations on their usage and reduce creativity in their application. Folks don't want to use binds, cool with me, by all means don't. But I fail to see why anyone would insist that others who do want to use them should be stripped of that option by forcing location reticle powers to require an enemy target in the instance of powers that are attacks. There are also instances where certain target-able objectives cannot be the target of a teleport attack as a side effect of their "cannot be teleported" flag. In this case the location reticle makes it possible to damage these objects with SC, LR, or BoS where as a targeted teleport attack like Leap/Feral cannot.

New Thor comix series coming in April/May. https://www.comicsbeat.com/marvel-teases-the-age-of-roxxon-thor-in-may/ 🤣 "Chad Hammer"

At the risk of sounding adversarial, which is not even remotely my intent - the poll is based on a false dichotomy. Both methods of selection have their place, and tools are available to give the player access to those options in most cases. One cannot alter Savage Leap or Feral Charge to give it a targeting reticle, but the converse can be done with Lightning Rod, Shield Charge, Burst of Speed, Jaunt, and Combat Teleport (by extension also Teleport) so that the destination is a targeted entity (Friend, Foe, NPC, or target-able object with some exceptions on that last one). I'm not going to try to fathom why a set of simple key-binds causes such a kerfuffle, but I will say there is no reason to change any of the reticle based powers (or the two that require a target, imo). More options are better than fewer. Being able to *BAMF!* to a location as easily as I do to a target is one of the best mini-games in the Cities.

Sorry to say that when it comes to the swords in Fire Melee that various swords are the only option. IDK where the other poster got the idea they could be changed into punch based attacks. Ice Melee maybe? Haven't looked. The swords in Fire/ were altered a patch or three ago to apply a -def debuff to your target in line with both Broadsword and Katana. This also means they're likely to stay swords. As to your other questions: Not particularly, it helps if you are going to run solo missions at x8 (difficulty settings can be changed in this game, x8 represents mob size and is the size that would be normally faced by a full team), but any Scrapper with a solid build and a couple AoE attacks will do fine at this setting. I run my Psi/SD at x8 all the time and she only has two good AoE options to speak of. Recharge is key around here in a case like that; getting a couple good AoEs on fast cool-downs can be just as viable as having several AoE powers on slower cool-downs. Don't believe the hype. The resistance issue is over stated. Trash mobs like Council Robots and Pantheon Zombies have a high resistance to it. Praetorian Robots have zero resistance to it - all of them: IDF bots, Neuron's Clockwork, Generic Clockwork, Anti-Matter's Clockwork ... doesn't matter, if it is Praetorian and a Robot it has zero resistance to Psi. Some types of opponents are weak against it. Psi really shines when something like a Minotaur/Cyclops pops a defensive power called Unstoppable since Psi cuts right through it. Same for certain Paragon Protectors when they pop their heavy defense power. I am pretty sure that Circle of Thorn Spectrals are weak against it, for example. Psi isn't a top-tier set for other reasons, but it looks cool as all get-out paired with the energy skin of Shield. Also, there are not that many powers available that are as good of a Delete Target button as Greater Psi Blade, doubly so when Insight is up and you roll a critical hit. As a player who has used Psi Melee extensively I'm here to say that the "resistance" issue is overblown. The only time it is a real problem is when dealing with Praetorian Seers and their variants. Those are very dangerous mobs with decent resistance to Psi damage. Certain IDF can drop a drone that gives resistance to everything, but that's everything, not just Psi. Even Malta's robots are not really much of a threat for a well built Scrapper, Psi or otherwise. Also, Psi Melee is a mix of either Psi/Smashing (the fists) or Psi/Lethal (the swords). Smashing crushes bots, and lethal slices zombies. Far from a comprehensive list, but the point is that in terms of practical game play it just isn't the issue it is made out to be on the forums. Where it is resisted the high-damage capability compensates just fine. Psi/Nin would give you two sources of Confuse, which could make for an interesting play-style. I'm not the biggest fan of Boggle; I ended up re-rolling my Psi/Nin as a Psi/SD for example, but there are players who've definitely found ways to leverage it to good effect. Oh, and before I forget ... Welcome Home TM

Regen will be nerfed.

Just put a few variations of this on some billboards in Atlas, Mercy, and Nova. Job Done.

Combat Teleport.

Here is a handy button for opening the Incarnate Powers Window: /macro_image "Incarnate_Trial_MarkOfLeadership" "Incarnate" "toggle incarnate$$em calculate" I can add some more to thread later if anyone is interested in either a standardized Combat Teleport / Teleport bind set, or the method used (one of many) to alternate a couple of powers on the auto-ring.

Agreed. It was an awkward place to leave the story without another season to see it through. Ah, I must have not gotten that far, but the s2 reveal rings some bells.

Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

During character creation there should be some description of the Praetorian/"Going Rogue" option indicating the type of experience that it provides. Brand New players that head in that direction might mistakenly believe that the game is completely devoid of players. I don't remember if it says so, but the concept that the zones are a level 1-20 experience might be misleading: "Oh, these are low level zones, this must be a tutorial starting point!" which it very much is not. Even just a simple recommendation that the Praetorian starting zones are recommended for experienced players who are looking for a more story-driven experience, are comfortable with soloing through arcs, and are familiar with turning XP on and off to ensure arcs and contacts can be completed might be enough. We've already had at least one new player post about their experience starting there and how it wasn't great for them.

Nope, for a few reasons including the obvious "opens the door to a constant game of whack-a-mole with GMs closing down RMT trader accounts." Most of the Accolades are Window Dressing anyway, and the Core Set "worth getting" are easily gotten during the leveling process of any given toon. Anyone who wants the others can just go get them. It isn't that hard. If we're talking the "But Stych, I'm a completion-ist and I won't be satisfied without all of them on every toon!" objection then my question is "Is it really all that satisfying to just buy them? Is that really completion-ist-ism? Doesn't seem like it to me." Also ... Seriously? Sheesh. Show some class in your OP and your ideas might be more well received. Not this one, because it isn't a good idea, but in the future you might have more luck without such antagonistic nonsense in your initial suggestion.

Curious to hear what didn't work for you in s2. It certainly wasn't as strong as s1, particularly in the supporting performances, but I still enjoyed watching it. I don't remember the sister, maybe I didn't get that far. For me, it was just a general lack of quality in the writing and by s3 the performances felt very ... forced ... like even the actors weren't enjoying doing it anymore. On top of that the villain (at least the one I saw introduced) just wasn't remotely compelling and very poorly performed. I got what they were trying to do and kudos the them for trying, they just did a really poor job of pulling it off. 🤷‍♂️ YMMV, and all that. 🍻 FWIW: I am liking WandaVision so far, a little over-the-top in their performances with respect to homage to 1950s television, but humorous nonetheless. First couple of episodes ramped up the "something else is going on" a little fast, but the episodes are short and it is just a single season, so cutting them a little slack there.

It did? Huh, I stand corrected. 🤣 Somehow I thought they were other way around. Of course I also harbored an extreme dislike for Iron Fist, and sort of held that character against Defenders, so I might have watched them out of order. Bernthal was great as Punisher, but the series itself was pretty basic. Of the Netflix shows Luke Cage was my favorite, which isn't really the popular choice. Alfre Woodard's performance as Mariah was nothing short of fantastic and among many of what I thought were high marks in that series. IMO, s3 was unwatchable and I gave up a few episodes in. I didn't care much for s2 either. JJ took a hard nose dive after an incredibly excellent first season, but that's strictly one person's opinion.

Secret Cow Level: Confirmed! 🤣 Massive Thanks to everyone on the team; glad all of your hard work was rewarded with the license agreement, and looking forward to more good things to come!

Yeah, they did put a lot of work into setting this expectation with the interlinked movies leading up to Endgame. Personally, I think they could/should have let that achievement stand and taken a more disconnected approach instead of trying to keep the chain moving. Just because stories are happening in the larger story-scape doesn't mean they need to lead up to another big finish, imo. Having worked within the production industry for the last 14+ years, what they accomplished with the initial run is incredibly impressive in its scope and execution. Thinking they could do it again without running into massive issues an - most of all - failing to meet audience expectations is the very definition of hubris. I've not seen all of the post-Endgame movies or series yet, but as @ThaOGDreamWeaver pointed out, Black Widow, for example was basically a "paint by numbers" mess devoid of much impact outside of the stand-out performance by the sister. Dr. S: MoM was enjoyable, but had as many weaknesses as strengths. I very much enjoyed Loki but that, arguably, is somewhat closer to the "One Shot" style of story I've been seeking that just happens to slot within the larger multi-project narrative while focusing mainly on the journey of the main character instead of the "big bad thing coming soon." It also had much higher quality writing than the movies in this current phase that I've seen so far. To give you an idea how far behind I am, I am rolling through them on D+ in the "In Timeline Order" feature (which, imo has some errors in it like placing The Punisher after Defenders, but that is a different thread), and I'm just now up to WandaVision having recently finished both Loki and What If ...? (both seasons of each, I'm not being that neurotic about the order, lol)