cranebump

Well, the Caverns gave us a lesson in humility. Didn't try to stealth until we wiped twice, and came all the way back in. Just got the boss door open when we got splunched by ambush from one side, and Kaago's minions from another. Ran out of clock. We had a stealther, but weren't speeding. Next time, maybe. Thanks to Black.Talon for coming out, and to our non-Rider stalwarts, who hung in there on our team of 4. I did not screenshot the names, so I can only remember General Fire. NOTE TO SELF: Trials are freakin' serious bizness, yo.:-)

You magnificent bastard. Have a gold star.:-) Omega Fury's already done CoTrans, but we'll be seeing an alt in there, so...all good. The plan is to sweep the whole damned thing.:-)

Agreed. I hope we can get good people and keep them.

Noted. Apologies. You didn't say that. But it seems like you're assuming a current new player is going to be unaffected (or less affected) in their initial choices by current conditions, while I feel they are. And, let's be clear - assumptions, which form the bedrock of our views, are often unstated. In any case, I'll withdraw the verbiage above, and attempt to just reframe what I was saying. Not really looking to argue. Just want to be clear about my own reactions (and, yes, assumptions). I feel like, were I just coming to the game, and starting where a majority of players are (Excel), that my perception of the game's current default mode (which really does appear to be farms and TF's) is pretty much SOP. And it would seem like, since the typical rewards are easier to attain, I feel like it wouldn't be long before I embraced those procedures, thus skipping the default mode. Now, would I eventually tire of that, try other things? I honestly don't know. I knew the game from before. When returning via HC, I started on Indom, since it was less populated, but then moved to Excel because there was more teaming there. Having gotten a few 50s, doing a small amount of incarnating, as well as numerous TF's and even some small amount of farming, I've since returned to more trad play, and found there's a lot of game there that I'd been ignoring that is pretty damned good, despite its age. Part of my motivation to re-explore trad play was to experience a different mode and challenge. Another part was to educate myself on the lore and storylines, so that I could mine them for possible lore-related SFMA story arcs I could write. Along the way, I have developed a fondness for those stories, warts and all. To me, it's a pity that all that seems to be getting ignored. I understand why a vet player might do so, particularly if their goal is just pushing the numbers, building for endgame, or just feeling godlike (which has been a thing for gamers since the days of only tabletop). That's a thing, too. Not mine, but it's no issue for me if it's anyone else's. Basically, I feel it would be worth it for a new player to experience more of the basic game before deciding what's worth their time. I know we can accommodate all modes of play. And I don't care if a newb starts one place and ends another. I just perceive the story-focused approach is dying, and Iament that. CoX is more than just a build engine to me. I feel like a new player would see that, too, provided they get to it...sometime. But, well, you're right - I really don't know what the new player experience is like right now, whether they're actually exploring the game, or just grabbing quick levels. No one does. Perhaps it'd be best to just ask a newb. If I knew any, I would.

And you're assuming that, when a new player hits Excel, the most populated server, and all they see are farm requests, TF spams and the like, creating the impression that this is the default mode of play, that that has no effect on their initial choice. I'm all for people making up their own mind, shopping around, as it were. But, if someone goes to the store and 90% of the shelves feature the same or similar products, why should they bother exploring anything else? (especially if they can be rewarded for simply standing around) I'm not asking that my views or game mode become default. I'm saying that the default game has value, and I think it would be worth it for anyone just coming to the game to see that.

This is true. But, supposing we get more new players, how many of them will want to start out grinding along the story route, either soloing or on teams? Especially when they can just hop over, race up the levels, and, in doing so, bypass not only the content, but that playstyle? Bear in mind, I'm not advocating getting rid of AE farms, but I would like a new player to experience at least some of the game the way it was (semi) originally presented. I DO side with those who argue that there's a greater level (and feel) of achievement by making your way up the ladder without farming or buffing XP gains. At the same time, I'm not advocating it be the enforced norm for all players. But general observation seems to show that the default mode is speeding up the level ladder without seeing much of the overall game. For a vet who's seen it and done it all, no bigs. For someone who hasn't, it does bother me that their impression of the game might be that it's nothing but fast running to 50. No way to return to the past, of course, but some sort of bow to it would be nice somewhere. Honestly, I'm on the fence about things like this. I want the hobbies and pastimes I've loved to stay relevant and fresh. D&D, Star Trek, Baseball, Super Hero Comics [genre in general], and, of course, CoX. But I cringe at times at the impressions those new to them get, based on some of the changes chosen. Things must evolve, to be sure. But fixing what ain't always broken leads to...I dunno, a really weird machine? This is what happens as you age, I suppose.

Sure thing. We actually run close to the original game by running story arcs and taking it slow. In any case, I’m sure any of our members would be happy to team with you, whether you’re in the SG or not. You can find me under my global @cranebump. You’ll also find my sign on a lot of custom missions/stories in AE, should you ever do that (in a non-farm capacity). Best wishes and have have a great time.

What do they want? Hmmmm let’s ask them:

I write only SFMA arcs. I don’t recruit anyone to run through them (which is probably a marketing mistake on my part, but foolish pride spurs me to let them stand on their own in all their obscure non-glory). I like exploring the gaps in content, and exploring characters. it doesn’t bother me that people use AE to farm. I’ll just say that they’re missing some great (and not-so-great) content. Ease of travel is a great thing. But all that teleporting leaves narrow maps with dark, unexplored corners, begging for player footsteps. Something’s lost. Something’s gained. I prefer the gains of grabbing faster movement from the get go, of converting enhancers into seed money, then nabbing some temps for my squishy fresh toon (you know…for emergencies):-) Other people don’t dig that? No skin off my back. I’ll still do what I do, provided things don’t change to where I can’t. I don’t know how/if the abundance of farming (Excel’s stock in trade these days) will affect what I do when it comes to AE, or how I play. If it does, well…c’est la vie. Will say there’s great content there. Too bad more folks don’t take advantage of it.

REALLY depends on your goals. The obvious has already been ably covered, above (particularly when it comes to endgame play). If you're running the game in straight-up default mode, you should be able to handle most of the content (depending on many factors, including AT/powersets and so forth). I've been running "underpowered" chars on the basic content a great deal via our Long Riders SG. Schedules cause most of work to be solo. Most of the time, I can handle basic mishes with ease. Harder ones might require some Insps. There's the rare instance of meeting something that just whomps my ass, but one can always call for help (and get it pretty easily). No shame in what you run, really. Feeling worthless is often self-applied. Even on a team that's steamrolling, with a toon who is clearly not on par with the min-max gurus, you can always throw in something useful (a Team TP, an ATT, playing free safety on a speed run). It's your game, and it's a beautiful one, once you remove the unnecessary burden of expectation.

Okay, Riders. Since Arkangel now has the Karsis unlocked, I'll be running (or attempting to run) Caverns of Transcendence this SAT, 07/23, at approximately 4 PM EST. Hope to see some members there. H'YAH, ponies! H'YAH! https://homecoming.wiki/wiki/Cavern_of_Transcendence_Trial#Missions

The Long Riders always has room, if you'd like to work up a slow-play character.

Ran my latest slow-play toon through all the Twinshot arcs yesterday and today. Turned out to be great fun. It's actually a cleverly done tutorial, ending with a nice brawl versus Praets as capstone. Speaking of slow play, the Long Riders are always looking for members. We don't get to team nearly enough, unfortunately (damned adulting). We do have a base with all the TPs and other supports (not that these things are particularly needed these days). Could always use another base builder, if anyone wants to exercise their design chops to meet the aesthetic. Cheers, Crane

So, back to Twinshot. After working No Mind (i.e., learning the SK/Exemp system), I get this mish: And what better place to check this out than: Ahhhh...clever girl, tutorial... Finished all of Shining Stars. With the 3 merits I got there, plus 20 more from Talshak, Ark has over 100 merits. Haven't had to tap any for seed $$, but things are starting to get expensive. I've managed to slot DO's in everything, with a handful of SO's. Will probably need a deep into the pool to keep up at this point. Enjoying my little Sword/Shield dude. Bit slow on the attacks, but, now that he's gotten into the teens, his defenses are buffed up enough to stand tall against...most things (CoT...obviously a personal nemesis, considering BG...they be drainers, man). NOTE: In finishing last of Twinshot's 3 arcs, found nugget I didn't know - Det. Martins moonlights as an unregistered hero, Shadow Commando. No artwork available for him, and he doesn't seem to appear in any missions anywhere, so I may have my next AE mish idea.

So, Riders, Arkangel has Cavern of Transcendence unlocked, if anyone ever wants to give it a go.

It's time. Greeted with a sea of green. If it's like this all along, I'm gonna need to pull some YUUUUGE mobs. Ramping up to blues with some greens (doesn't that make yellow or something?) Pulling a little "guard duty:" I will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly- (THWAP!) ...relieved... Ramp up in diff continues: Oh...you MIGHT actually hurt...a little...just a little... So, once again... Timing is everything. One big room done. Can I hit the level before Atta hits me? And there's our boy. And there's our boy. And there's my merits... For unlocking this nice man: Now, now...don't get snippy... THAT was a nice little run. Now back to the Shining Stars, and the last of their big arc.

I have been running the shining stars arcs. Have to get to 15 before I can finish them. Other than the tutorial aspect I find I am liking them. UPDATE: ran Stockwell/Eagle Eye, and finished Julius the Troll. Might finish Hollows before co I guess back to Twinshot #3 (and final).

So, for this guy, decided to start tracking his "Rider History," dealing with high points. Here's Mark Angel (aka Arkangel), vibing on his fledgling career: What are the highlights of YOUR ride? NOTE: Just realized I picked Mutation. Magic woulda made more sense, but, as the bio sez, whaddaya gonna do?

In the end: So it's ADIOS to the Hollows. Well...less I want to take on Atta:

Newest member Arkangel (bio still to write), taking on a decided chilly arc today: Me chill out? How about you c-...never mind... Disneyland! Come to me! Okay, I'll come to you! Wait a minute, you-...oh, for CHRISSAKES! HOLD STILL! Hamstring? Don't mind if I do! Someone should "block of ice" that idiot in the background. Okay the real "key" to this is timing: Just need a few more willing sacrifices, er, I mean "arrests" for the BBBB (big buffs before boss). So, if you walk in, erm, "uncarefully," you slide right into...well, THIS. So, back we go: (Indiana Jones theme plays...but very quietly, 'cause...I got my ass kicked). Just to be safe: Bit of street sweeping to inch the bar a bit closer to lvling. I see my antithesis is lurking back there. Thaaaat's the ticket... You can guess how THIS went:

Wash day around here while on vacay. In between: Workin' on some Tina M stuff. Big robots. That's okay...I have a stick.:-)

Being a native Texan (who left years ago), would amend the statement to “anywhere in Texas outside Austin (because Austin isn’t Texas).:-) Btw, you’re observations about Excel=pretty much on the money. It’s very much TFs and farms now. I’ve been doing my story arcing on Torch lately. Thanks for the review. And I DO know what your character is thinking.:-)

After getting a big assist with Marauder, Acro runs through the rest of Tina Mac: Bet your ass, he is. My VG mates didn't fare so well, though they did help a great deal. Afterwards, we have a little beach party with Adamaster, and teach him to do the Limbo: How lowww can ya go? How lowww can ya go? (pretty low, it turns out).

Non-rider running here, Mr. Poe Kerr (cause Red Hot Poker was taken).:-) Gathered for easy disposal.

Thank YOU for being such an advocate of AE. You da Supe, TN!