cranebump

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.:-)

I would be interested. I can easily port my issue 0 toon over. He should be near 35 right now. And I would certainly play another toon or two. Interesting. Last 3 arcs I have been scripting are 30-35.:-)

Oops. double post

There's what we think we know, and what is actually happening (or not). The breadth of what matters often depends on what the concerned actors can do about it. More specifically, the inconsistencies only seem so because we haven't been given all the information (or the right information). This is why "Nemesis plot" works so well as a rationale. Sow chaos, so that your real agenda can hardly be identified, much less resisted. Not related, I guess, but I enjoy Lore gaps, or Lore that hasn't been fully fleshed out. I can use it as creative grist in AE (EX: Mobius is all about what the Battalion threat really was/is; current Leviathan arcs focus on the Storm Korps).

Not sure what is meant by this? Agree with the first statement. As far as making teams more interesting, of the many suggestions offered, I really like the idea of "Star Configuration." You announce you're running SF Mishes, Star Fig" and do it enough times, and maybe it become a regular and viable option. Just have to get the word out that a "Star" team consists of 5 ppl.

I gotcha. Thanks for elaborating.

Well, that's not what I was trying to do. I wasn't saying I wanted a mandatory cap. On the subject of smaller teams, all I personally said was, "I'm in." What I was trying to figure out with my question up there was whether the preference for running 8 had any other motivation other than maxing out return. I've made it pretty clear I don't have an issue with how others play, and was not trying to imply otherwise. As for my other comment: Recognizing that the current game does feature many teams that are such in name only (i.e., 2-3 soloists giving the beatdown and a bunch of XP-bumping fillers) isn't taking a shot at anything. It's just recognizing an aspect of play that is , oh, we'll say somewhat prevalent, and part of the topic about what is considered a "boring" team. Full disclosure: On those types of teams, I'm usually one of the "filler" guys (or slightly above, depending on what I'm running), since I don't have anything close to a completely maxed-out toon. When Johnny Beatdown does their beatup thing, I just tag along and do what I can, because these are almost always TF's, and I'm just there for the merits. No biggy. It's a legit mode of play. But it would get pretty old if that's all there was. The issue, of course, is that to ensure it's not all there is, you can't just hop on any PuG. Well, above a certain level, I guess. You have to invoke some sort of restrictions, or fiddle with the switches, or both. Or play in "near classic" mode.:-)

Is that a personal preference or a mechanical one? I ask because I find smaller teams often to be more engaging because every members counts. My assumption is that most teams of 8 aren't formed for anything other than maximizing XP return. You grab 8 people, and half of them are superfluous, because player A,B,C & D are bumrushing the joint, and only want you there to bump up the mobs (sometimes it's only players A & B). It is then not so much super team as "Captain Beatdown and the Cyphers."

I'm for it! Call it a "Star Configuration" or something (like the Clan Stars in Battletech [there's somethin' I haven't thought of in ages]).

Heh...yeah... Y'know, in thinking about this, feels like it's not so much having a subpar build, but rather having a normal (and good) build being made subpar by by easy acquisition of goodies. Not saying we should all go back to grinding and such. Some people play just to rise up and max out, so that's part of the deal. But if I can belabor the whole "classic mode" a wee bit more, the game plays just fine in its near-original form. You just can't get that same type of teaming, though, unless you take dedicated steps. So maybe your subpar build threat idea ain't so far fetched.:-)

I’d be down for “classic lite,” meaning limiting to SO’s, doing a bit more traditional travel, focusing on story arcs more, etc. When we ran the ‘04 emulator, we were waiting to purchase travel until level 14 (iirc), and picking Powers we didn’t use to simulate picking the inherent fitness pool. There’s an in-between method for sure. I’d be down for it.

Sounds accurate, esp. on the IOs. When tricked-out incarnates come out to play at lower levels, they can make a mockery of default content. Unless I am misunderstanding now attuned IOs work? The comment about people soloing when we're ostensibly supposed to be teaming is apt. I've just accepted that as the current norm.

I feel like it's sorta up to me to determine my own level of entertainment. So, if "Teams that do X are boring," then the solution's simple--don't join those teams. On the other hand, if I'm saying, "Teams that do/are X are my favs!" then it's up to me to find or form those kind of teams. Getting exactly what you want from a PuG is just asking to be disappointed, especially if the criterion is, "I MUST be challenged!" That's why diff switches and certain AE mishes exist. That said, I must say I agree with the previous assertion that, after the 30s, things get pretty easy by default. Also agree that the ease of acquiring attuned IO sets (or simply IOs), changes the game fundamentally. However, I would use neither as an argument to change the game's default setting. Having played a character in "Classic" mode allows me to experience something close to the original mode of play (when I feel like doing that). As always, it's on me to shape the game to fit me, rather than the other way around. I'm just one person, after all.

First draft of last of the "Hollow" arcs is done. Feedback welcome.

No one's heritage is an excuse for a lack of manners. Nor is being on the other end of life's timeline (I'm 58, if that makes s difference). If anything, the more, ahem, "seasoned" among us should probably be trying to set a good example?

Maybe should be called Assault Weapons to cover the breadth of what you can do. I have an AR/TA toon with all the KBs proc’ed to KD. Pretty decent solo, great on teams, due to the soft controls. Damage is fair, but I don’t worry about it much. I figure I’m there to lay down glue, oil slick, Flash, etc. just straight up laying down bullets would make him less useful. I figure if I want to do that, I’ll just run Dual Pistols.