Bayani

Yeah, that's because if you buy an entire set of Nikon lenses, then decide you want to switch to Canon, you'll have to buy an entirely new set of Canon lenses to replace the Nikon ones. Both Canon and Nikon have something in every pricing category. I picked up a Nikon myself, but that's because the guy in Chinatown who sells things out of the trunk of his car said the Canon ones don't fall off the trucks as much. >.>

Meh, the differences between a Mac and a PC are fairly apparent. From what I understand of DSLRs, the differences between Canon and Nikon are incredibly minute for an entry-level user. It's just that you can't put Nikon lenses on Canon bodies and vice versa. Those lenses are the bigger long-term investment. Just pick a camera body that's comfortable for your hands and roll with it.

Since the feedback requests and volume of play for the arc has fallen wayside, I've gone ahead and selected four people to receive character sketches and contacted them privately. Thanks to everyone who took the time to play the arc. The constructive and relevant feedback has been very helpful.

Well, I don't think you need highly-specific references like that. In chats with Nakayama and other artists who draw fluid character posing and design, the common theme has been their steady, meticulous practice of drawing muscles straight down to the skeleton.

The critique I've tossed here and there on dA on action pieces from stems from a background in extensive martial arts training and some stunt-work in movies. I'd advise delving into some kung-fu/wire-fu type flicks and studying how those folks move. The really really old kung-fu movies (classic Jackie Chan for instance) are great because the action is slower but the body structure is sound. These days, movies glam up action scenes excessive lighting, over-exaggerated camera angles, and the ilk.

Well, you kinda have to manage your expectations. The artists who can draw dynamic action AND really beautiful women are top-tier pros and aren't lacking for well-paying projects. (David Nakayama for instance, is very busy. Frank Cho does not do commissions as far as I know) Artists who can draw really dynamic action are rare. It's a difficult task for an artist to depict characters interacting and still look naturally fluid. I kinda wish more artists practiced that more rather than just pin-ups. There are plenty of artists in comic books who have great detailed work but composition/story-telling wise, look flat. I've offered my suggestion, it's up to you to decide whether or not to pull the trigger and give Farlow a go. I don't think it's terribly difficult to find artists who draw women very well; it's far more rare these days to find artists who can draw action/storytell very well.

Your best bet at the moment is probably Jeremy Farlow. Conventions and vacations are in full swing, so few of the pro artists available for side work at least until the NFL Season rolls around (that's the fall for you non-sports inclined folk, and "September" for you folks who live in regions sans seasonal weather ). His website says he's available for work during August. He's known for his attractive female pin-ups. I haven't really seen much action or story-telling artwork out of him, but he's familiar with City of Heroes/MMO characters and his prices are fair for his level of work.

Farlow Studios

*high-fives* Nice work.

Hm. Too bad I hired someone to do the free sketches for playing my arc already. Ah well.

*tosses a folding chair to Shecky* Catch!

*hits him with the Van Daminator*

Post deleted by Bayani

*yawns* ok. I think I'm sufficiently recovered from Otakon.

*flumps in a chair and plays Pokemon Platinum on his DS*

Well, let's try to move on. Like I said, in my view it's a minor mistake, but really if he wants to harp on it and make it the focal point of his overall impression of the arc, it's certainly within his right to do so.

As for not publishing the arc until it undergoes further testing...well I did mark the arc "looking for feedback" and my initial post in the thread did mention that I was looking for thoughtful constructive feedback and willing to exchange character art for it. As far as I know, the only way i can test the arc without publishing it is by inviting people to a team and letting them run through it. In my opinion, that's not a terribly time-effective.

The rating doesn't appear to have done any "damage" really, after checking in on the stats. In the end really, it's more about thoughtful feedback more than anything as I work towards finalizing it.

Wow, ok. I think you're reading a little too much into a shrug. I merely offered an explanation as to why the level range was lowered to 35+ from 40+. Was it a severe problem? Well, I don't think it was. The arc is still a work in progress, and I have been tweaking things as I receive feedback. As it's still a work in progress, I think it's to be expected that there may be some problems in the arc. I did take a few seconds to re-adjust the arc back to 40+. Problem solved.

While it's unfortunate that over the weekend who played the arc were frustrated about the experience, its not like I can wave a magic wand to turn back time and erase that. The best I can do is say "Sorry. But thanks for bringing the issue to my attention" and move on. There are plenty of arcs I've encountered that I've been forced into quitting before completion because it was too difficult. It happens and I personally don't see it as an uber big issue, especially in the case of this arc because it was an unintended side-effect from giving another group of players an opportunity to play the arc under different conditions. Again it was unintentional and really I'm not trying to dwell on what was a relatively minor mistake. Did the arc deserve a "one-star" and several rude comments targeted at me and my mother? Well, I personally don't think so. *shrugs* But it's what was dealt to me while I was away at Otakon and it's what I'll have to work with moving forward. (Not sure if those other commenters were with the prior player's party, but I did receive them). And if your going to read into my comments as being rude, then stand on a virtual soapbox in this thread and say "no I won't play your arc because you're being rude" well, ok. That's your prerogative. But I think you're assuming/reading a little too much into a rather short comment.

So my apologies to folks who had problems finishing the arc over the weekend and thanks for letting me know that the Fortunata didn't spawn at 35.

Nice work!

Well, before you took it, it was set to 40-54. Some other folks who were playtesting the arc for me wanted to try it at a lower level so I made it possible for them at level 35 and didn't switch it back to 40-54 before I went away on vacation for the weekend. *shrugs*

(pssst part two, I covered alot of this in a guide to commissioning art awhile back too. =P )

(pssst, It's Ron Lim. One "m." Don't mess up their names!)

Yeah. I'm tied to the rock concept of the final boss. In Bayani's origin story, it was his most difficult fight because Bayani's fire is pretty much in-effective against Rock Armor. In the story, Bayani uses a move called the Iron Palm (real martial arts move btw) which is effective because it's a penetrating strike; it doesn't chip/break the surface. Rather, you feel the Iron Palm strike inside...it leaves you with a sick to your gut feeling. Anyways, probably more than anyone would care to know.

I might end up switching him to Invincible defense. Or Willpower. I think Shield Defense is a bit too easy because if you're IO'd out or have powers like Build Up and Aim, it's easy to bust through. I didn't want the less offensive toons to struggle too much with him

Thanks for the offer, GK. That'll help me level up some of my newer toons on Victory. It'll have to wait til next week.

DeviousMe, I'm taking you out of the Mission Arc Sweepstakes I have going. I'll shop around for an artist to draw your character and get it done in full color, so it'll be an upgrade to what others will get. Just send me a PM with your screenshots.

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ANd, HEY!!! You guys have licenses for those proton packs???

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>.>

*shoots Pogo with his proton pack, slides the trap underneath him, and activates it*

I use facebook to network for business. No twitter for me. I deleted my myspace account since everyone migrated to Facebook.

I think you're suppose to pick someone and go.

I believe it's "tweeted". There's another word I'd use for Twitterers, but meh. I'd be censored. Some day, Youtube, Twitter and Facebook are going to combine into a mega time- wasting website called "YouTwitFace". And it will be a sad day.

*rushes back out of the room, and returns with a Venkman jumpsuit, proton pack, and a few traps*

Not too shabby. That's a nice gift. =)