cranebump

EDITS to Arc #1: (1) Clarified some of the text, so that the role of the Cullinan and the Constellation are clear. (2) Added info on foes. (3) Simplified the enemy group. Now using "Skullion Initiates." (4) Reduced some patrols. Cleaned up patrol dialogue. (5) No longer have to exit map manually on mish 4. (6) Removed "Defeat All" from Mish 5. Added Boss spawns, and increased support from Allies (especially during Truck encounter). (7) Did some clue reduction, and added Clue numbers in the form of mish-clue (i.e., clue 1 from mish one should be marked "M1-1"). (8) Tweaked a few power selections on bad guys. (9) Name change "Darkfemme" to "Darkflame." I didn't think you could use the same name, but you can. I had wanted a female version of the Darkflame toon originally (which was the reason for the original name). (10) Changed lvl bandwidth to 15-20 for every mission. (11) Highlighted mission objectives within the intro text. No changes to basic Skullion Initiate costumes. They're supposed to be slightly more powerful versions of the original groups. The orange skull on the T-shirts represents the blending of the two. Enemies who don't look like Skullions are either mercenaries, or Skullions given advanced weaponry and training. Remember: this is the opening arc to a longer story. Seeds are planted here that return later on. A bit ambitious for a first real attempt at this. Hoping it will all eventually work.

“Demon vampire succubus...” that was pretty funny.:-) Thanks for the feedback on the diff. I was running tests with toons at the level cap, plus I had a scrapper. Most of the time it ran pretty easy, though the multiple ambushes were sometimes a challenge. Your experiences with an MM are therefore really valuable. Some commentary: 1) There’s supposed to be a segue from the dream of Willie Sullivan to your memory of her death, which begins with mission 2. This makes this arc, plus the 2 that follow, all about how she died, and what you did to redeem the situation. I’m hopIng the fact that it’s a memory didn’t get lost, but maybe it did. I’ll have to read it yet again. 3) Prince Nandelu probably needs a bio. He’s from “Kawanda” who supplies vibranium. The diamond, the Cullinan, is his heirloom. When you bash the truck later on, you end up finding the diamond on the truck. This averts a diplomatic dustup by showing the PPD (thanks to you) is actually competent. Of course, if that got lost, I need to fix it. 4) I don’t remember why it has a manual exit. I’ll have to look. 5) Mission should’ve ended without freeing anyone. I may just need to turn off the “required” switch. There should’ve been a few allies to help with this mish. Originally there were 5, but that seemed excessive. I think I dropped it to 2-3 recently. The allies are also good at spotting bad guys the player might miss. That was the idea anyway, considering that dry dock map. In some ways, I’m glad the mishes are hard because the game outside AE often feels like it has training wheels on it these days. On the other hand, a mass of face planting is just no bueno. Considering the level bandwidth, and the fact that AE is primarily a solo experience, I think nerfing the ambushes, either in number or in diff is likely going to be a “must fix.” I’m hoping the arcs get better as the story goes on. That said, I’m guessing I might end up having to do some major revisions in the end. As someone who writes a lot, I know it’s the editing that makes things work. So feedback like yours is very helpful. Thanks for taking the time to write a comprehensive review. Much appreciated.

That’s a good idea. I tried the basic Hellion type outfit with the Masher, and a couple others, but didn’t really consider the rest. That would show some augmentation, while retaining their basic identity. Great suggestion. It refocuses on the idea that the gangs are deadlier not so much because of the tech, but because of coordination and leadership (which allows greater rationalization of the MM characters as Lts and Bosses). Also homogenizes the look, which probably will be visually more appealing. I like it! On adding more tech: the Skullions get supplanted in Arc 2 by the Gatling Gang. So, any gain would be small, I think, because the arcs follow each other closely in time. But, as above indicates, a makeover would probably add some overall coherence to the arc. One thing I did after Arc 1: created the bad guy rosters first, so I coulda pick and choose for patrols and such. Sounds like I need to make another pass at that, as well.

Thanks so much for the constructive feedback. I’ll respond to a few things, just to give a sense of what I was going for. The first mission map is echoed in the very last mission of the 3-arc story. I agree it does not work as welll as a stand-alone. It does work if you play all 3 missions. It was the very last thing I added, after designing all three missions. Creatively, it works, but only if you play all 3. That’s a good and bad thing. I think it probably needs to be woven into the basic story of each arc to work optimally. Patrol dialogue: I’ll fix this. Just got lazy, and didn’t want to place each patrol individually. I’ll have to do this in other arcs, too. Skullions: you make a good point in that they aren’t a very accurate hybrid. I think some of the dark/flame toons are, but I assume you mean the mercenary looking ones. I think that’s a valid point, though I was also trying to mix powersets to broaden the challenges. As for costumes, I wanted it to appear they’d gotten advanced training. The suspicion that there’s a hand pulling the strings is inherent in that. Of course, if someone doesn’t play through, then I may have wasted the design. Glad you liked the X-Tactics toons. When they drop gang war, it makes for a fun combat. Anyway, I’ll reconsider the hybrid idea, or find some better explanation. Clues: thanks for the tip. I kept seeing them out of order when I playtested, not realizing that they drop according to the mission goals list. I agree that fewer and more robust clues would be better. The Constellation: that’s a MAJOR error on my part. It’s inherent in all 3 arcs. I’ll have to fix that. I plan to give all the mission text another pass, this time putting it all on a doc where I can see everything. I think this being my first shot at authoring since reboot, I may have gone overboard on text. Loss of clarity is a huge thing. Being clear is much more important than being “fancy.” So, definitely another pass on all that. Now that it’s set for a bit, I can look at it again with clear eyes. Thanks for taking the time to run the mission, and to provide the feedback. Let me know if you continue through. I appreciate it very much.

Deleted. I have removed arcs temporarily to tweak.

I inadvertently spawned boss ambushes on a big boss battle map I tested today. Assigned the wrong group. I guess it worked because group was “hard,” and only entry was boss level baddies. My poor little test toon got hammered.

The epic tale of intrigue and sacrifice, centered on King's Row, is open for play-throughs and suggestions. Ordinary People features 3 complete story arcs (of 5-4-5 missions respectively). Full text, custom baddie, and allies, new and familiar. Here are some details: #1: Standard Operating Procedure (Heroic lvls 10-20) [Arc ID: 24691] You’ve been having these dreams. They’re about Willie Sullivan, and what happened six months ago. A time when you failed, and she died. You keep seeing her. She speaks of the “storm” in your heart. The one raging. The one that won’t go away... And then, you remember. That day--a “20-alarm chili” Freitag called it. The whole Row lit up. Portal Co did as well. The Hellions. The Skulls. But...not the usual suspects. Working with Freitag, you pursue what appears to be the theft of an invaluable heirloom--the Cullinan diamond of Kawanda. It’s gone, as are nearly all the diamonds in the Row. Including a necklace with a fragment of the meteor that destroyed Galaxy City, inset in a pendant. They call it, “The Constellation.” You’re tasked to get back the goods, and deal with a new threat to the Row. A hybrid of the typical thugs unironically called “The Skullions.” These guys are different. They don’t just snatch purses. They engage in “projects.” This one’s called “Equinox,” and you’re about to take it down. #2: Hope and Bullets (Heroic lvls 10-20) [Arc ID: 24554] The “Skullion” threat turns out to be just the beginning. The “Constellation” is still missing, and now, it seems the diamond thieves are after more than diamonds. Or rather, their overseers are. Call themselves “The Gatling Gang,” cowboys with high tech weaponry. Stymied in his investigation by Powers Division, Joe Freitag looks into it himself, accompanied off the books by a brilliant young cadet, Willie Sullivan. Of course, they stumble right into trouble, which causes Pep Becktrees to give you a call to bail them out. In doing so, however, you get pulled right back in. Seems you’re not the only interested party, either. Arachnos has their eye on the situation. Something called, “Project Orion.” Arachnos. “Skullions.” The Gatlings. And Project Orion. All in a week’s work for you. But for others, the consequences are more tragic. #3: The Last Full Measure (Heroic lvls 15-25) [Arc ID: 24707] Your heroic tale rounds out with your friends taken prisoner by Powers Division. You’ve gone to ground, where, the pieces put together now, you learn the terrible secret behind all the strange events that have occurred in the Row. Events that lead you into the heart of Project Orion, then out into deep space to face the threat of “Galaxian!”* It's time to save Paragon City. And to put and end to the storm in your soul. Most missions include Allies, so it's soloable. You might need some insps for the bad guys, depending on build and archetype. Several timed missions of the shorter variety. Anyway, I'd love some feedback. I've been pretty diligent about editing and playtesting, but, well, you just never know with these things. Thanks in advance, Crane * (no, it's not a Galactius ripoff)

Acrobattle (staff.ninjutsu) former SPOPS who walked out of his tour with some high tech body armor and that staff. I bought all sorts of temp powers, grenades, taser, etc. He’s a street level, neighborhood-based hero, a lot like a certain blind dude in red who patrols Hell’s Kitchen. Major Viktory (SJ/WP) fell on a grenade to save his WWII comrades. His powers manifested then. He’s been a part of the supe scene ever since. Red costume base with white star in blue field on his chest. Wanna guess his comic book analogue? Glogre (Rad/SS) is the result of a Soviet experiment. He’s not green, and he’s a brilliant hacker, but otherwise, he’s your basic “me smash!” guy. Gym Beam (BR/SR) has an alien ship crash on his ranch in Texas. Recovered a weapon that also confers powers on its wielder whenever used (making him the only character I have that uses the slide sprint). Gym is based on the pun name, of course, but also an homage to my native state (which having moved away 3 years ago, I can honestly say I do not miss—hate the constant heat). I love Busiek’s Astro City, esp the Silver Agent and Blue Knight (I think it was). But I have never attempted homages (thus, I feel I can mention them by name here).

Well, I know my power selections diminish, as well as damage output. Not sure if set bonuses still count. even if they did, your base rates would dropdue to the exemplar, I imagine.

Heh. No alcohol but sometimes smoking cigars while I create lessons and grade papers. During “official” work hours, at least.

I’d rather have all story text accessible for whole teams.

Since everything in base builder is unlocked, and since you can cosmic TP everywhere, the logistical reasons for an SG no longer exist. Before all this, you could at least lock in SG mode and earn some points for your group. Since this isn’t not the case, I’ve done what others have. Make a warehouse for my alts. After the first on in Indom, didn’t even bother to pretty up my warehouse on Excelsior. Incentive wise, I guess I would only only run in SG with people with whom I socialize, in game or out.

Public school teacher. We’re trying to make it work with distance learning, with mixed results at present. My wife is support staff at a nursing home, so she’s still going in.

I’m not sure why a PUG would be less patient with a story arc, especially now that we can cosmic base so quickly from zone to zone. Maybe that’s part and parcel of the rush from one thing to another. That said, I agree that story content tends to be solo. I have this grand scheme to take my next toon from 1 to 50 solo, starting red, then running tips to get to hero status. Without the XP buff. I prefer teaming, though, so, it’s a tall order. I’ve never actually heard of anyone running a team from 1-50 all through story arcs. Considering that I’m quarantined till May, I’d be up for it, though.:-)

Correct. I was responding to an earlier observation about the lack of commensurate merits from story arcs redside v. Blue. I should have prefaced my statements with that. That said, if you run vigilante both sides, all the way through, you can cash in for over 200 merits. Gotta be lvl 40+ to run them all at once, though.

Citadel and Synapse at 1 and 1A. Quarterhell as well. My beard has 3 days growth by the time it’s done. That said, if you have a fun team, any of them can be okay. It’s those “put you’re head down and run like hell through every mission” teams that make the experience suck.

Regards the original topic... Today I ran with a good old-fashioned TP’ing Stone Tank. Haven’t seen many of these since reboot. For awhile, I thought Bio arrmor had replaced it entirely. On the flip side: lots of water slingers. The color combos make me feel like I’m teaming with a crazed Jackson Pollock.

I’ve always envisioned my main, Acrobattle, as being a denizen of King’s Row. Owns a bakery. Married, with a kid following in his footsteps (Acrobattery). His wife is an ex-villain turned Vig, turned Hero (I intend on playing her in the near future). Now, Gym Beam? Well, he ain’t from Paragon, but he got here as fast as he could. He’s based in Skyway, cause the rents cheap! Never got married, but came close a couple times. He’s mainly attached to his hat and his BFG these days. Glogre? He’s got a place in Faultline, sprucing up an entire floor of one of the abandoned buildings. He’s a loner who spends a lot of time patrolling the city. Friends with Acrobattle, so you’ll find him in Kings a lot. What about you? Where do your toons call home?

Red side signature WWD and Pandora’s Box give 4X merit rewards (or 20 merits) each.

Nothing about the game really irks me. It’s the speed buggies that fly through Task Forces who didn’t announce it was a speed run in the first place. A close second—teams where nobody ever chats with each other (but rattles off build discussion in other channels that pop up as bubbles during our mission). Not an irk, but makes me a bit sad-not enough story arc teams running. So much content skipped these days. It’s all Task Forces and farms. But, really, these are all pretty minor peeves in the grand scheme of things. Great game, still the greatest community.

Just wrapped up a first publication or 2 Arcs of a planned 3-Arc series called “Ordinary People.” The series are King’s Row centered and capped at level 20. Custom content, but uses well-known contacts Freitag and Becktrees. Full dialog, story-oriented, with foundation in established lore (it won’t seem so early on, but will definitely when all dots connect). Still polishing but hoping for some feedback on difficulty. Been soloing it with my capped 50, so not sure how accurate that is. In any case, have created an entirely new faction for the Arc 3 finale, which I hope to get first draft up next week. Will submit to scrapbot at some point. In the meantime, hope to get some reviews! Keep the torch burning, @cranebump Common toons: Acrobattle Major Viktory Gym Beam Glogre Acrobattery