cranebump

I no longer bother forming TFs these days. First, someone's always doing it, anyway, so I don't have to. When I do run with these teams, I find the current SOP=bumrushing to the end of everything (to include not waiting for others to even get to the mish door). It's seldom fun (though, to be fair, when you've run the same TFs a thousand times, it's hard to make it super fun again). So, maybe rush-rush get-it-over-with really is the best recourse. Still, I can't tell you how many TFs (and a few mission teams) I've jumped onto the last few months where it seems like 2 people want the rest of the party to stand there and shine spots & strobes on them. During one such run (Yin), I literally said aloud [well, my cat was there, so I guess he counts], "Why am I even here?" Then I remembered: "It's a TF. They all get bumrushed. You're here because you need 17 more merits to get the last enhancement in Blaster archetype set." Get over it.* In any case, having to rewrite the current SOP for TFs isn't something I want, or need, to do. It is what it is. I just hope new players don't feel completely left behind when the party tank-types (not always actual tanks these days) keep b-slapping mobs, then leaving a good portion of them for others to mop up, so they can go b-slap another mob.** Outside the TF's [which is where most of my current teaming is these days--I spend a lot of time AE scripting otherwise], I've run only a handful of mish groups since joining HC. Part of my reluctance is because I (perhaps wrongly) anticipate that the current TF mentality may be pervasive (and I don't want to herd impatient kittens). But the real reason is that teaming just isn't the same as it was before the "reboot." In these days of (relatively) easy power acquisition, it just doesn't feel like we all need each other as much as we used to. That was an aspect to teaming that I enjoyed the most (well, behind good team banter, which you can still get on any team, thankfully). I would imagine this aspect could be replicated simply by forming more lowbie teams. However, I recall the last 3 times I advertised for the first KR bank mish. Crickets. No reason to run it, I guess, when you can explore AP, exchange merits for enhancers, sell the enhancers, then buy a cheap jet pack, if you want one. When I advertised for Frostfire, though, no problem. So, there are ways to get what I'd personally like to see on a team I would run. I probably need to practice that patience I preach about about when I'm team forming. Hope this doesn't sound like a ton of complaining. I realize any issues with team style are simple fixes. Run my own teams. But I did want to address the issue of why someone who didn't formerly mind the star now more or less shuns it. As with all who do, it is really our own issues & expectations more than anything else. The game elements themselves are merely clay. *I actually had a fairly useful character, and actually did find a moment to shine during the end mish, when we got multi-mobbed (and some -Accs, Slows and multiple KD AoE's helped slow the tide). **Ever feel like you're playing free safety? Play a blaster tagging along with someone who does that. Every. Single. Mission. Every. Single. Mob.

Don’t think so. But, yeah, it’d be nice to exclude farms when lf SFMA mishes. Of course, I can type SFMA, but some of those marked that are thinly-disguised farms.

Can I quote you on that?:-) Yeah, I should ask about this, I guess. Speaking of that mega-arc, it did leave open the possibility (still) of "fissures," which would've justified various types of one shots, special events, etc.). That was one of the reasons I went that way. You can have displaced Vikings, for one thing.:-)

I wish. It was mainly because it always took a while to get them. And I felt nagging would have the opposite effect. That said, I think I can do Mobius in at least 10 fewer missions.:-) what I need is to get all the slots moved to one account. So I’d be asking for 9 slots (I think), plus extras for current stuff (I’d like at least 6 more). Feel like a lot to ask for someone who’s never won an award or anything.

This, no question.

I think you can insert "X" for "evolving world" and have some truth to this statement (because what the playerbase wants is not even close to uniform). Everything you recommended is in line with what I'm also saying ("change the game world"). I expect that's the route we’ll see. I'm just saying the Devs shouldn't be afraid of taking a risk for the health of the game, that's all. For the record, I'm good with the game as is, because I can tailor most of the experience to my own tastes. Just adding my opinion, is all.

Again, just my 2 cents, but, if it’s going to be a game changer, then it should actually change the game world. This would mean eliminating certain factions and developing new ones (or evolved versions of what we already have). I’d say change the game on the player end, but the trend has been to make things easier and easier for players (travel, Insp access, the marketplace, new/better power sets, etc.). So an evolving world seems the next logical thing.

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.