cranebump

I had a different take on Battalion using AE. Spread it out over 50+ missions. Linked it to the 7-year gap. Had exactly one person play the whole thing (@Darmian). Still think it was a novel approach, but pulled down the arcs to use the slots for other things. Might try a much shorter version of the same premise. I can tell you I didn’t create “Battalion” at all. Battalion was a means to an end for a much more insidious cosmic entity, a thing that generated hostility and conflict among the world’s current denizens, then absorbed it (and them). The latter arcs had it basically devouring Incarnates, resulting in a world without them (obviously wish fulfillment—I’m on board with people who say the game is less fun at high levels). My 2 cents: bigger, buffer baddies is the least interesting thing you can do. There’s places players who want to push the math can go—they’re called AE farms. Hell, you can get “bigger, badder” by running TFs with the diff switches on. Good stories are about strong characters, twists, sacrifice, tough choices, strange bedfellows, hair-breadth ‘scapes i’ th’ imminent, deadly breach. THOSE things. I doubt the introduction of high level foes that will just get melted by increasingly tricked-out curbstompers is going to get you that.

As a scripter, spawns and objectives. Prefer one objective, followed by the next, and so on (to give a sense of progression). Also hope to avoid the back-n-forth running, which will more often than not necessitate a different map, or some culling of objectives. As for clues, I number mine, by mish/clue # (C1-1, C1-2, etc.). It's often an imperfect art. Totally onboard with @Sovera when it comes to dropping some hints in chatter (bosses or patrols). For my own mishes, I often choose themes for the mission titles (and sometimes related arcs). For the average player using AE, I assume the following preferences: *fewer/shorter clues is preferable. *Every glowie should count *Allies should be optional (where necessary--sometimes the ally is the point of the mish) *Small or medium maps (since most players run AE solo, I assume). *Custom critters, often with nebulous names (ex: a "Smasher" can be a variety of things--you won't know 'til you engage). For myself, concerning both AE and regular solos, I would add: *avoid outdoor maps when possible (since spawn points are tricky). *Strong NPCs *A twist of some kind *Humor (even in small doses, it's nice). (NOTE: As a story designer, I have made every single annoying mistake I've mentioned, above).:-)

Just FYI: I ran all of Darm’s arcs with a L50 with some IO sets, in default diff, that I know how to run pretty well, and still had some tough fights (especially the story capstone). I’d take one of your best ones in.

Ran a quick DFB. Enjoyed the guns. But the slow.....targeted.....heal....is.... (zzzzzzzzz)...

56, 37, 8 Mastermind, Mercs, Dark. Sheesh...okay. I do not know how I got here. But I have my mission. SKYNET MUST BE STOPPED! So vows...SCRAPP! Masterminds...gosh do I hate them. Oh, well...TO THE FRAY!

Same experience today with Yin and Citidel. Lots of brute rushing ahead, defeating end boss, stealthing, etc. not announced as a speed run. Come to think of it, had the same thing over the weekend, maybe a bit worse, because the leader thought everyone should have TEam Transport. I said I didn’t, not enough Inf. Someone was going to front me 10M to get it, which I was nice, but if I wanted one, I had multiple opportunities to get it. Chose to purchase attunes for my slots though. And had just spent to near 0. The unannounced bumrush experience IS real. It’s not fun, but not worth complaining about. I do feel like if someone wants to solo mods, the should get their butts to AE and play fire farms.

How'd you do it, if I may ask? I didn't think you could dupe arcs within a mish.

Save as a local file, as a different name. When you edit, load the second file. Make whatever changes you deem necessary. Why 2 arcs that are the same, if I may ask?

The saga continues! Once again, the intrepid (aka "clueless") Joshua Jones take on the various (and carefully selected) terrors of AE. What will his odyssey reveal today? (maybe...SATAN?) [apologies to Dana Carvey] First, the obligatory pose: Time to “get some!” Ever wonder where Warwolves come from. I haven’t! Until now… I’m a whole LEVEL 4, so this should be interesting (packing extra butt creme). My contact is...so white (I’ll bet he likes lawn boys and barbecues). FYI: Contact is named Ashley McKnight. Buuuuut… Obviously, Ash has moved to a colder clime. Like...Jupiter… (that does it--you're now Ashley "Mek"Knight).:-) I like how she thinks I’m busy...oh, Ash, you’re such a card. (keep your helm on--I’m going) Me vs. Council. In this base. At my level. What could possibly go wrong? Search 4 of these? Sure. Where are the drawers? NOTE: One thing I discover early on is that Josh is a slow reader. It takes him a looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong time to “sift through papers.” Hell, he’s not even reading. He’s just sorting! (better get that GED--fast!) My buckshot trumps your buckshot, Adolf. Yeah, I got company, but do I sift faster? No...no, I do not… Mish done. Clue found (FINALLY! Paper cuts from sifting. Not so secret now, are they? Hmmm…”pre-dating…” Man, that would’ve saved me so many first-date dinners… Mish 2: NOTE: Designer uses brackets for action: Color coding or italics might work better for this. In fact, all the text is in base white so far. I’d consider highlighting some things in bf or orange (why orange? No reason. Josh likes his Vitamin C). So, I’m going back in time for this one. And not, like, a few minutes, so I can rescue my burnt toast. What does Josh think of this?: Oh, Ash...you just don’t know me, do you? I’m buying ALL the horse racing results! SCRIPTING NOTE: Bit awkward with “as you walk around in the past.” Doesn’t feel conversational. Maybe just: “...much. It is in the past, after all.” Or “We can’t send you any help, since you’re time traveling.” Or: “Day-am, Josh! You one hunky-ass beeyotch!” (like that...yeah…) Mission entry: A+ for patrol dialogue!:-) Nazis...I hate these guys... Dude, a grenade launcher is a RANGED weapon! I cast FIST FTW! Jesus Kreis, it’s you! Obviously, my presence here negates your supposition…and OW! COMPLETE! End up digging up some data about “Offworld,” the place where Warwolves come from, I assume? Either that, or it’s a really fancy name for a doghouse. NOTE: Intriguiing development. Wolves are aliens maybe? Looking forward to the rest. After my spam & sardine sammie...yummmmmmm... Mish 3: So, things get alien, but Supernatural-y, since I’m off to find the “Alpha” dog (no, really...the original). I borrow Sam & Dean;s car...okay, I don’t. But wouldn’t it be great if I could? (They don’t need it. They’re dead.) Dude, I AM the source… 2 bars from level 5! WOOT! Soon, I’ll be slightly less “vincible!” MUSING: All these Council around, I keep thinking a PI radio team is going to pop up, any second... A DING for the ding-a-ling! And I find the Alpha: Your name is...Jimmy? Mish 4, Finale: Pet peeve time: Nobody speaks in semicolons. See Vonnegut’s verbiage on these things. (hint: they’re 99% useless; 100% if you’re emulating dialogue). Rant complete. Moving on. So time to take down the leader. I have Jimbo as an optional ally. Now, being LEVEL 5 do I need him? Mayyyyybe… NOTE: Gotta love getting hit in the face with slabs of stone (or not...owwwww…) I think you mean, “Intruderrrrrrrsssss!” (thunk) See what I mean about rocks to the face? (pant, pant) Well, see, Jim, what he means by that is you like deserts! Trainer: “Okay, boys, see--THIS is how you get back up after buckshot. Got that? Test tomorrow! Anybody got any Windex? Anybody…? You’re talking to Jimmy, right?...Jimmy, wanna take this one? A few well placed bullets and a Sands of Mu jousting flyby (plus Jimy did **something** I guess), we are WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER! So...we end up making it possible for Jimmy to start a new life (maybe ditch the chains and buy a dinner jacket.). And LEVEL F’IN! FIVE! BWAHAHAHAHAHA...aheam...yeah… SUMMARY: About a 4-star arc. It’s clean. Direct. Spawns really well. Worked at my low level. Has some customs and a twist on the Warwolves. Enjoyed fighting on the catwalks on that last map! Tweaks: NO SEMICOLONS! EVARRRRRRR!:-) Maybe use some colored text from time to time to indicate action or important text. Actually use Ashley McKnight as your contact (rather than Ashley “Mek-Knight”) Nice, tight arc. I would try this designer’s other work. Did I mention…? LEVEL 5 BEEEEYOTCHES! That’s it for now, folks. Happy Spring, Easter, Bratwurst Day (Yes, it was a thing for us this weekend--we’re German, so everyday is Brat day?). I’m OWT! Crane

When things spawn perfectly... Now, why is this perfect. Because I know one of them is the right console, and the other spawns an ambush.:-) Guess which one I got?

Death from above! Or rather, he is "dead from above." Definitely taking the timer off mish #1. No reason for it.

In the process of adding a 5th mish. Had an inspiration last night. ADDITIONS COMPLETE.

NOTE: I did this with a pretty strong blaster (AR/TA with IO sets and Procs on most powers). So, I was able to control with stuns, slows, immobs and holds. Vast majority of battles should be doable (there were 3 incidences where I had challenges in the tests, but one can make use of an ally. The last one? Dicey. Sorta like the Comrade ambush spawn in Leviathan Arc 1, Mish 1). That said, this is mostly about story. Experimenting with a different method of narration here. Hoping it's interesting for the player. Mostly small maps, so not a ton of bouncing around (Mish 2 the exception). FYI: There was a pretty tough boss in the last mish. It is skippable. ANYhoo, Arc will conclude with Leviathan 5 (title TBD). Let me know if you catch the easter egg in the titles.:-) Oh--there is an End Clue after arc complete. Worth looking at if you miss the ping. I have to redo that whole box to fit in "see your clues screen" after you're told you have a dossier you can refer to. Hoping that's my last big fix. Spawns were okay throughout, but intend to run with some other toons to make sure. Thanks in advance, Crane

The foolery is strong in this one...:-)

Acrobattle would be dealing with Daredevil a lot, and not always on good terms. I doubt he care much for Batman. He'd only hang with the big boys when they need his infiltration/hacking/demolition skills. He'd be an old school Defender, the non-team of supes.:-) Major Viktory would fit right in, since he's basically Captain America (without the shield). Whipsmart would provide the team "fabulous inventions!" in his alter ego (Fletcher Finley), but would be a bit insufferable as Whippie, as he enjoys updating his blog in mission, and saying annoying things like, "Hey, there, buddy-boo!"

The Row, bro’. It’s gritty. It’s tough. It’s real. Ain’t pretty, like the Falls, or Kallisti. It’s the rough and tumble of the Isles, but with a conscience. The gangs? We deal with ‘em. Clocks? Ain’t nuthin’ but a thang, man. The Row may seem down. But we’re still *&#@in’ standin’. Just like Blue Steel there. And Eagle Eye. And Joe freakin’ Freitag (yeah, we know he lives in Atlas, but the man’s heart is here). Yeah, we’ve been down. but we always get back up. Why? Heart, man. Heart. (side note: King’s Row is featured heavily in my AE arcs, and is home base for what I consider my mains. Don’t know why. I’ve just always liked it. Maybe because it seems like the place that the street level Supers I prefer would best fit in).

Thanks for attempting to explain how comic stories work, but I have read a LOT of comics. LOTS. Like, since I was 10 back in the 70s lots. So, I understand what a crossover is, thanks.* But here’s the deal: a crossover event or guest-starring role does not require your character to be in multiple super groups. Your character can “cross over” via coalition mode. You can “guest star” by showing up (every mission arc you run is a guest starring role, isn’t it?). Everything you want to do can be accomplished by other means, unless your goal is to have your toon walking around with multiple SG tags for everyone to see. I like the thinking here, but my character’s personal history isn’t a reason to modify the entire game for something not in demand, or which can be accomplished by other means. Means which others have already and readily provided. *if you’ll refer back to my original comment, it was about concurrent SG membership. For example, Luke Cage was a Defender and an Avenger. When was he both at the same time? While it was common to see members of various groups interact, concurrent membership wasn’t something I recall seeing a lot of. Guest appearances? All the time. But that’s a different thing.

I’m with @Darmian. Find a way to exploit the talent pool in AE. There are some entries better than what’s currently in game, and as good as the new Dev stuff (and this without their tools). I just ran an arc that is basically a Task Force, or as good as one you can do in game, in just 5 missions. Among other things, the author ran an infiltration mission without access to The infiltration tools (to dress character in disguise), and made that work. I just wrote one where I would’ve used branching threads if I’d had the tools, and made two different outcomes (or more). Darmian did a whole raft of content using the heroes you see standing around AP, post-meteor (But his real passion Is Gold material, and he needs some maps, damnit!). Haven’t even mentioned @Ankylosaur or @Take One or any from a long list who clearly have creative talent, and do more with less on a consistent basis. My point is, you see more creativity by introducing broader approaches and perspectives. We have our favorite comic authors. We could also have a stable of favorite creators. On the the subject at hand: Creating 5 more versions of the same TFs? I’ll pass. More stuff like the Dempsey arc in KR, though? That’d be cool. Yin is probably a good model for future TFs, but it’s so damned quick. Not sure it’s even much of a task anymore. I’d like to keep the small chunks and add to them for the full badge (like Pos 1 and 2). Not sure where “Yin 2” would go though.

I actually kinda miss the way SGs used to be done. Contributing to Prestige was a tangible method of gaining rank. Huge bases had to be earned. And since I suck at base design, it was nice to contribute to the project so the pros could shine (and I could take advantage of their shineyness). Anyhoo, all good. Its nice we we can have a storage facility (or “lair”), and these incredible bases for free. As for using the comics as a justification for being in multiple SGs, I can’t recall characters that were in several at once. Do recall characters who cycled through various ones at points in their careers. Seems like EVERYONE was an Avenger at least once. As far as being in multiples at the same time in our game? Doesn’t seem like a burning need, due to already mentioned socialization tools (Discord and so on).

Thanks, Kyks. Always a pleasure to read your reviews (even when I screw up, which is often).:-) P.S. Got my ass kicked on Comrade rescue, too. Like multiple times. With different toons. Only my incarnate managed it, because that ambush is always right there. After awhile, I just thought, "okay...considering what happens if you rescue him, I'll just slather on the butt cream and leave it." I think @Darmian somehow got out unscathed, but he's studly like that.

Alright one more for today: So, now we move on to longer stuff. I find a lvl 5-10 by a great designer: No, that’s not a club, and yes, I’m happy to see you.:-) Mish 1: Scenario: Pocket D is closed. Snaptooth is up to something. HE”S KEEPING US FROM PARTYING (and therefore, must die) Off to Salamanca to check the sit. Ah, spirits about (so to speak), so my trek through body, mind and now this is complete. I WIN! (oh, I still have to run the mish? okay…) Oh, Rascal. Must you crib from the Scottish play? KB is sooo nice when you’re a squishy lowbie. FYI: Forgot to mention I am running at +50% XP to offset any nerfs from running mishes in AE. Or maybe I am just ‘cuz. Josh doesn’t know why he does what he does. Well, here’s something I don’t do much in HC these days: Yes, I’m tired! And hurt! Deal with it! Uh-oh… Dude...you’re about to throw something at me. Need to work on your evil laughter, bro. Mish 2: Sister Psyche makes an appearance. Here, she reveals the insidious power that makes her, indeed, the most dangerous of all psychics: Damnit, I will NOT relive junior prom! Some people CHOOSE to go stag, okay? Caves, but the big, good kind. Another of Croatoa’s finest makes an appearance: Really, War Witch? You passed on spam and sardines? You again! Good. I HATE cauldrons! I used not to, but now I do! Who knew Rascals were so edgy? Why, thank you, Gonads. I mean, Ganymede. It was all me, by the way. War Witch...well, she did THIS a lot. (nice job standing there, WW). Quick hit and run. Freed 5 folks, and off we went. And WW DID help. Provided I led the perps to her. She’s efficient that way. Mish 3 So, last mish clue from Gonads tells me this: Off we go to scratch an itch...sporta… MY MISSION, MY JOKES, DAMNIT! NOTE: Titles in this arc are interesting. They all begin with a time indicator, like “Later…,” “Soon,” and so on: Trying to figure out if this is some sort of subtle clue, or if @TakeOne is just messing with me (He doesn’t approve of me killing off signature NPCs in my arcs, so this MIGHT be his way of...okay, kidding...but I AM wondering about the reasoning behind this). The burning Hellion lair map. Excellent! This what happens when you don’t completely rinse that hair dye. See, this sorta feels like a bad sign… Okay this place is seriously empty, which leads me to believe I’m gonna get a big ambush/patrol spawn and then have to run like hell to get out. Remember: it’s not paranoia when everyone is out to get you. SEE? Wailers show up. I have to lead Scratch out.I also have to defeat the “Blue Meanie” to get out. Interesting, as “Blue Meanie” is my pet name for my...gun… Well...he certainly talks mean… Receive clue sending us to Wailerville, aka Golden Giza for spell to fix DJ Zero. NOTE: Designer keeps clues to one a mish, which makes following the thread easier. Which I could do that. Well, no I don’t, but it’s a nice touch. I appreciate the brevity! And that’s that! Verdict: 5/5 We end up just short of lvl 4. Mish is simple, direct. Makes use of in-game NPCs and baddies. Works VERY well for this level range. Professionally created and presented. Time for Josh to get that smidgen of bar (yeah, I’m gonna cheat and street sweep--I’m 2 XP’s short) and take a rest. Adios, for the nonce, Crane

Been thinking about running a character up using nothing but AE for awhile. Today seemed as good a day as any to start. I figure I'll have quit the character history to share when this is done. So, without any further ado, may I introduce: Josh Jones. Your service. Maybe... No character bio. His experiences ARE his bio (other than picking up a gun and going out to do stuff. For now he's just: Guy with a gun (AR/WP; planning on grabbing Fighting so I can shoot and sock’em) And so we begin... After some rooting about, I find this: First Mish: Great little mish! I get TP’ed in accidentally (instead of Citadel). Break 3 devices, push a glowie, take out some floating electrical anomalies. Good start. (sorry, no pics; brain fartage) By the way, Cit's insides look like an Arachnos facility. Who knew? Anyhoo, gets us to lvl 2! Verdict: 5/5. Straightforward, and a nice way to begin if you’re doing what I’m doing. Missions searching, annnnd... THIS little gem is next: As Josh is not smart, this seems a logical next step. Cit=body. This one=mind. Spirit next? Hell no (maybe?). OFF WE GO! Right off the bat, I am loving the dialogue: Orc? (and I agree with you, vato) Yes, Orc. And Elves, too. Gun trumps arrows, cherie. Yes, that’s me taking (another) rock to the face. Orcs are bruisers. But...gun trumps rock. Shiny costumes. The designer must be from Miami. Ah--HERE’s a nugget: Goat girl...oookay...gun trumps...goatage? Freed my first pedant. Do I get a thank you? Sort of: Ah, so you thank me with advice. Nice...bite me, Arthur...Gun trumps...whatever this is. Damnit! I can't shoot you! (sigh) The GK is BIG, Gnome-sayin’? (hehehehe…{sigh}) I see you over there, horse (how can I miss you...those TOGS!) And Confucius gets to float. Soooo jelly... You should categorically not be lying down on the job, Immanuel. Find the philo’s, find the great books, now BOSS!: Oh, man. With PLEASURE! So I fumble the boss picture. Exited, and where is it? Josh doesn't know. He's Jush. FYI: Ayn has dark powers (of course). Verdict: I LOVED this little mish. Change of pace. Funny. And I got to smash Ayn “I just made some sh*t up” Rand. 5/5 And Lvl 3! Call that the Prologue. More to come!

.38 Specials. Nice.:-)

So, would we create charter characters, or port existing ones?

@Zeph, I have plenty of Excel chars. I’ll be looking for Star runs when you announce.:-)