Ukase

Thematically, it makes perfect sense the way you imagined it. Sadly, we're told frequently that some things are just baked in, and can't be changed without causing the servers to explode and the game no longer function. On my smattering of programming knowledge, it's hard to accept that. But I've never worked with a "game engine", so I'm certainly no authority. So, as unsavory as it is, I accept it. As for "balance", that's hard to pin down. From where I sit, if the game were "balanced", it wouldn't be very much fun to play.

Once I sort out how to drag a macro out of the custom window, I will add all of these to a custom window for nifty storage.

I'm having a strange problem with this. When I first made it, I could drag macros in (unless they had special icons, and then I'd have to rewrite them without the special images), and I could drag them out. But the next day, I could not drag the macros out of the custom window. When I'd click on the macro to drag it out of the window, my camera moves with the mouse cursor. A really strange behavior. It makes me think I either have a setting that's screwed up somehow, or I didn't set it up properly in first place, or - these things are just glitchy, as they are unsupported per the HC Wiki. If nobody else is having this issue, then I can only assume the problem is with one of my settings, because the set up (once you put it in the right data folder) is fairly straightforward. I just can't figure out which setting.

So, this is interesting to me. A lot depends on how you define toxic. Here's an example of a brief, yet meaningless exchange that happened during a labyrinth. (level 45-50 raid, introduced maybe 4-5 months ago) A player joins the league. Assumed new player (or at least new to the labyrinth): "Can I get a tp?" (they just joined the league) Me: To where? Click on a player you want to be teleported to, use [Follow through the Fog] (first black icon in your temp power tray) and poof, you're there. Assumed new player quits league. As if reading were too difficult. (I wasn't the league leader, but the leader appeared to be at half health fighting something. ) Was that toxic? I sure hope not. I explained as best I could how to get where they might want to go. It's not like I had incan or tp target on my character. I could have said nothing, but then they may not find out how to use Follow through Fog. As for your friends - were they new players? Or they just felt like other people were rude to other presumably new players? There's no shortage of jerks on any server, but for every jerk, there's probably a good 2 dozen folks that will stop what they're doing and help you if they can. As for toxicity to new players, I've seen some players mock certain ATs or powersets, but the words I see when someone says they're new are usually "welcome!". If people find themselves at the receiving end of toxic chat, then outside of some random jerk, I have to wonder what they might have done to deserve such treatment. In this community, someone being a deliberate jerk is more rare than one would think.

You know, I completely forgot about that sub. But I take that sub to the Abyss, never to IP. I did mention I used them for the day job. And you're off topic. My post is not about the lack of utility of the subs, but the store in the far corner of IP. And I did say it was a silly post, didn't I?

Yeah? For whatever reason, the smuggler sub is always a lot farther away than any train or base portal for my characters. In fact, other than the Noble Intentions arc, I have never had a reason to even look for the smuggler sub unless it was for a day job. Must be a red-side thing. My vigilantes never have need of the sub. The point is - this store is in the back of a zone that most people don't even run radios in because you might have to go 2 miles to the next mission. It really doesn't serve much purpose, if any.

I'd be curious to know if you have anything special with that GM Loc button. This custom window should be my solution to creating target macros on the fly, and also sharing which GM and the loc with something simple like /macro GMLoc "Say Here's $target at $loc" I think that would work. I could even get fancy and have it say it in lfg even if I'm not set at that channel at the moment. (but I don't have that memorized, would have to look that up)

I never did share mine; apologies. But I did have to add the custom window first! I do not recommend this set up for anyone. When I first started playing, During issue 3, I wasn't in the habit of teaming, as I was figuring things out. One thing I learned incorrectly was getting used to not having the map and the team list up at the same time. I never liked having the map drop right in the center of my screen, and I always moved it to the upper left. Just got used to it there. I should have moved it to the right or left it where it was - because when it covers the team or league list, I end up closing it, and then opening it...in any event, it is what it is. Kids - don't do what I did! I also play in windowed mode because I'm just as likely to be tabbed out as tabbed in. The stats in combat attributes kind of suck because my character is level 31, still working on getting the slots to slap the IOs in. It's part of my project to have a fire/natty corr on 3 accounts so I can have each on stand by to swoop into the abyss if there's room and still have a fairly useful character in the mix. It's also one of my 4 favorites AT/powerset combos to play.

This is a silly post. Be warned. Some of you will be familiar with this store. Perhaps, some of you have even used it. A consistent pricing policy across every store. That natural damage origin enhancement costs the same as the technology damage origin enhancement, provided they're at the same level. But this store here - you probably know there are several locations, but this one particular location is way back in the NW section of IP. This is where the Unlucky badge is located, roughly. I ask you - does it make sense that these prices are the same as in every other store? Does the badge have that much draw power for the store? Do you stop in here to conduct business since you're there already? With HC, I don't believe I ever have. Is it not time to either make the stores more relevant in some fashion? Should they not pay more for used (well, enhancements that you cannot use, or simply wouldn't use) than Mender Roebuck in Ouroboros? In retail, the physical stores paid more, and that was good because we needed the inf more. Now, we don't really need the influence if we're at all familiar with the market. So, I don't actually care if the stores paid more or not - I'd just like to think about what kind of place they could be, rather than the nostalgic reminder of the way things used to be. I'm sure some folks still use stores - but I don't think anyone will use this one. It's just too far out of the way! There should be something unique they offer, like a used SG empowerment buff station. I didn't put this in suggestions, because as suggestions go, this is too silly. But still, I'd love for them to do something with these stores - just no idea what.

Some people are motivated to do so. I am not. The XP, and the SOs, while they have their benefits, are all trash to me. I want to know what my character can do without those buffs, so I know if I should slot for more X, Y or Z as I level up.

So, the tough part is - sometimes it won't make sense to do that. It all depends on your "combat attributes", and the goals you have for them. In some cases, it can make perfect sense to slot 1 acc, 3 damage and 1 or 2 recharge. But, sometimes, it makes more sense to determine when diminishing returns kicks in. Diminishing returns is tough to explain. There are "rules of thumb", but we don't just play with our thumbs. The saying goes, any more than 3 SOs is a waste. Consider this particular power, Fire Blast: So, they're purples, they're supposed to be "Superior". The best thing they have going for them are the 10% global recharge. For others that may not be aware, Global recharge means EVERY power now has the recharge time boosted by 10%. (and that's not as fantastic as you might first think, given the way the game does the math) But, I've got 5/6 pieces in the set in the power now. What does it mean? Why use it? Well, for a corruptor, the secondaries are generally buffs or debuffs or a mix of both. Sometimes, it's advantageous to have certain powers recharged ASAP. Still, for this corruptor, why not just slot one acc, 2 dam and 2 recharge? There's so many options. And let's take a look at the boosts the apocs do for this attack: See the red numbers? This set is basically a poor design, other than the set bonuses which include: There's a lot there worth having on any character! And, because purple/very rare sets are automatically attuned, you get that recharge bonus and the rest of those bonuses when you're exemplared down, too. Now, if I find I need more slots for another power, I have options. I can forgo this set, and go this way: These are called respectively, a D-Sync and the other two are Hami-Os. (Hamidon Origin) Some are super expensive like this specific D-Sync. Acc/threat/recharge. It's the only "special" enhancement that boosts Accuracy and recharge BOTH in one enhancement. How much? 38.295%, rounded up 38.3. Mind you, I'd have to be super desperate to resort to this, because the acc/threat/recharge enhancement would cost me a patient bid of 300M. And to boost to 53 would cost me closer to 1.4 - 1.8M These are very rare. Most folks will put them in fold space, and not a blast. But it would save me two slots, and the resulting figures look pretty good: CAVEAT: I am trusting the numbers I see from this program called Mids Reborn. Generally, they're accurate, but sometimes, they make a mistake here or there and you can get super confused. But, the best thing about this tool, Mids, is you can experiment with different slotting strategies and see which gives you the best dps AND the best odds of surviving long enough to dish out that dps. 83.32 is better than the above - but look at the recharge. Not so good. In a power like Fire Blast that recharges fairly quickly anyway, the common IOs might be the better approach. Only YOU can answer what's best for your playstyle AND your budget. There are a lot of other players that know the math inside and out and can probably explain things much better, and certainly with fewer words than me, but I think this is enough to get the idea of why the set bonuses are worth pursuing.

I guess a big problem with changing how you get any badge is the ego of some players who collect badges. New players come in, and bring with them new thoughts, potentially different strategies, and then suddenly, Avoids the Green Stuff is now trivial. (on occasion, anyway) A good many badgers have suffered a lot of disappointment on that badge. A lot of frustration to go around, let me tell you. Eventually, if you know the right folks, you'll get it. If suddenly, certain temp powers were able to be used in iTrials when they weren't before, a lot of fairly challenging badges would become trivial. Now, the world is not a fair place. And it would be silly to expect everything to be fair in CoH. But I think changing a badge to try and reduce ill will...some folks are going to be grumpy no matter what. It's out of our hands. Just can't let them control how YOU feel.

So, I have a bit more to say than "minor bonuses add up.." Here's a level 50 common damage IO - 42.4%. I'm not at all clear where you're getting 25.5%. Your SO figure is spot on. For that schedule of enhancements. Huh? What? If you're in the habit of going "upgrade" on your SOs, all go to +3. But, it's not a case of no matter what level you are, the SO will boost the attribute 38.3%. There's this thing called "schedule", and there are 4 schedules for SOs. A, B, C and D. The visual on the HC Wiki breaks it down a lot more clearly than my many, many words. https://homecoming.wiki/wiki/Enhancements#Enhancement_Aspects_and_Schedules If you still have a question after taking a look, I am more than happy to answer.

This is a pretty useful thing. My problem is on my 50's...I don't really have any open slots for more macros. For example, if I stuff the BadgeSet pop menu in the custom window - and the Custom Window is on the right side, it's really tough to navigate the pop menu, so I have to drag it to the left side. None of this is a super big deal, and I'm delighted to have discovered it and been advised on how to set it up properly. I've been thinking of doing certain content that pop-menus will certainly aid in, and I think this tool is going to be super valuable to me.

It's a little weird. I find I'm able to move it flush to the right, but not to the left. It'll do for now. But I'm curious as to the why.

I knew it was something simple. I'm familiar with the data folder, but when I used that one command to ensure I put it in the "install directory", the reply from the error led me too far down the structure tree. So, I made a data folder that I didn't need. And now, thanks to correcting my feeble brain, it now works properly! Now to plot out which macros will be universally used across all characters... EDIT: So, while it does work, It doesn't seem to want to let me move it to the edge of my screen. It keeps jumping back out to what seems to be an imaginary border line it can't cross, about 1/2 inch from the top or the side, depending on where I want to put it. (I was thinking top left, between the target and the nav bar. But, it keeps moving down. It's always something, lol.

I'm sure more than few saw the little Custom Window set up that @TheMultiVitamin shared with us when he displayed his UI. He also shared the link, which is also here: https://homecoming.wiki/wiki/Custom_window_(Slash_Command) So, I was actually able to do this...well, sort of. My issue seems to be in reading comprehension, or in understanding file structures. The HC Wiki page instructs to type this in game to get the CoH Install Directory: /bindloadfile \ And I get this: c:/Games/Homecoming/settings/live/ So, when I lookin the live folder, I don't see a data folder or a custom windows folder. So, as instructed, I create the data folder within the live folder. And then create the customwindows folder within the data folder. But the custom window isn't permanent, and I'm at a loss as to what I'm doing incorrectly. The MacroWindow text is basically a copy of the file on the HC Wiki as a test. Figured I'd make sure it was permanent before I loaded up a zillion different things. And while it's super useful, if it goes away when I log off...that's not that useful. So I am figuring I have the MacroWindow in the wrong spot, despite following the instructions. It's bound to be something simple...but no idea what it could be. Anyone have a hint? Thanks

You may very well have changed my life if I can figure out how to make one.

Farm status? The XP on the DFB is only fair; and it drops if you stick around past level 12. What? They're selling the Single Origin enhancements for big stacks of inf? Sorry, I just do not see DFB as anything close to farm status. Sure, some folks like Snarky do it 4x for the various buffs, but odds are a lot of the folks doing these don't even slap in the Single Origins they do get. Because they're going to be trash by the time they get out. Recognize that if anything in game gives good rewards, there's always going to be people that do nothing but that. Before they nerfed the XP in DFB, there were some folks who used it to get to 50. No idea how many runs that took. Probably 12-15, maybe more. But calling it "farm status", that's a bit off in my opinion. It's like calling MSR or Hami Raids "farm status". And while we're here - what's your beef with farms? Haven't we talked that particular meat into the ground already? If the HC Devs had any issue with farms, (and they obviously did) they would address them. (and they did) DFB? Nah. Not even close to farm status. DFB is doing what they designed it to do. Giving players a chance to level up fairly quickly so they don't memorize Twinshot's ridiculous sense of humor just through sheer repetition. It's also the first chance new players get at dodging incoming damage. Those green bubbles can be the death of a new character - just like the green stuff in Keyes, and the pink stuff in MoM and Apex. It's excellent practice and frankly, I'd rather see more stuff like this in lower level content so players can get used to the various mechanics they'll encounter later.

I always had the understanding that the Tuatha would kill her. Someone, whose name escapes me at the moment, said it, and I know they were someone I respected as being in-game sharp and up on that kind of thing. But, as far as making Sally friendly, the best I'm hoping for is some dialogue from her, like "You again?"

Because I'm not terribly good at using the costume creator, I make this suggestion for my new character, "Naughty Zoot". There are no one piece garments that go from shoulder to ankle. There are robes - but all of the robes are nowhere near how this looks. As you can see below, she is showing way too much leg! Sadly the "cape" that makes the costume look more dress like limits the options for chest details and what not. I've no idea what I'm doing here, but a simple one piece tunic would be a good start.

Since I rarely run either of these, anything to incentivize running them has got to be a good thing. But can you tack on some reward merits?

more tiny animals to choose from ...for what? To use as an object to propel as a grav controller? For a character's head in the costume creator? For the costume toggles? I really don't grasp the intent of the question.

To me, the easiest solution is to simply make fly a pet inherent. Pets shouldn't need their "master" to have group fly. If the master can fly, the pet should also be able to fly. Why should an MM, who prefers fly to super speed, have to use a power pick just to get their pets with them? If you want to read about my thoughts, look in this spoiler.

So, may I share what I do when I am tired of the incompetence or willful ignorance of others? I just solo it. Really, it's super easy, but you will find it easier only be being a 50, with more than a few temp powers at your disposal. Mind you - I'm only talking about the Dr. Meinst part, not the entire trial. Tinder is a pushover for probably any exemplared 50. A few envenomed daggers and some reds, he's toast. You'll need some lucks, maybe. Depends on your AT/Build. There's just as many mobs in there as a team of 8, so you're going to have be resourceful. Sometimes that means inspirations in email, and sometimes it means just taking the defeat, retoggling and finishing up. Depends on your build. It is a pain, but you will know exactly what to do and more importantly, what not to do. You can kite Meinst if you have fly/hover or a jet pack, and heck, even if you just used Nem staff and black wand, you can probably get it done. All of that is a pain in the butt. It is much easier to recruit specifically for this badge. If your concern is MMs who haven't learned how to control their pets, or fire brutes who don't know how to turn off damage auras, simply explain to them you've been screwed over too many times, nothing personal, but kick 'em. You might make two enemies and still not get the badge, but you did the best you could. There's always the pain in the butt version I laid out.