Major Deej

If needed, add me to the list as one who wants to help the committee or fellow base builders in getting our information, desires and requests out to the devs and powers-that-be.

I've enjoyed building and/or designing over 30 bases (most for myself, some for other players) and with the moderate experiences I've had with doing that, I would definitely like to help.

I'm sure we all wish to get the word to the devs/powers-that-be what we see as necessary actions to perpetuate the game's current quality up-curve and the attention that needs to be brought to the bases and the incredible base building community at large.

I know it doesn't seem like there is a lot of interest from the devs in getting bases fixed/updated/revised, but, as we all know, if we work together, we can achieve more than what we have seperately.

Count me in to help where you need me.

/subscribes to Commander's crazy club (since Dec 2006)

Heroes=1st column
Villains=2nd column
Praetorians=3rd column

All sorted top to bottom from highest level to lowest level

Sent a PM with info!

Two seperate suggestions/ideas; two seperate discussions.

Wanted to consolidate them, for ease of posting, but figured it's better to seperate the suggestions, even though they both relate to bases.

I know this has been requested many times before, but here's the request with a bit of a twist...

Proposal:

Provide a SG/VG Base Item/Interface that allows for a link to Architect Entertainment (AE) functionality, potentially providing a new aspect of 'tagged' supergroup-created categorized missions to be selected/chosen in the actual base itself.

Proposal Details:

There are several options related to this request; the simplest and already highly suggested (by dozens of other players) option is:

• Add an AE Interface/Base Item (1 or 2 of the large AE Touchscreen Desk-sized Monitors, the AE Digital/Matrix Contact and the Green Portal) to the Bases (in a Control Room, for example) wherein SG/VG members can meet in one location and go off to do whatever AE missions they choose, thus, allowing the SGs/VGs to use their bases for what already exist in the AE Buildings.

HOWEVER...Let's ask for more!

• To make it a more UNIQUE aspect, instead of just placing an AE Interface as a Base Item, allow for either adding a new search category for "Supergroup Missions" or simply make the Mission Computer/AE Interface act as a conduit for SG/VG-CREATED or SPECIFICALLY SELECTED "Tagged" AE missions so as to whittle down from the expansive overload of published AE missions and choose only the ones the SG/VG want to have tagged for use in/for the SG/VG.
• The 'tagged' Supergroup missions can be selected only by SG/VG members given the permission to do so (as a new permission category under the 'SG/VG permissions' section, selectable by rank), much like we already have for coaltion chat permission or base editing permissions, for example.

Negatives:

• Already exists in game. We already have this feature available in the existing AE buildings.
• Learn to AE Mission search in the existing AE Buildings, or as I was once told, 'Use moar AE mission search skillz'
• Waste of Dev/Programmers time to make

Benefits:

• More SG/VG Interaction. We could use this new base item/interface to utilize specifially for SG/VG group activities, events, or even SG/VG mission contests or content ALL IN THE CURRENTLY 'HARDLY USED' BASES.
• Specifically created SG/VG AE missions can be easily accessed via a seperate 'supergroup missions' button/feature that highlights a list of ONLY those missions tagged by the SG's/VG's Lead Architect/Leader (chosen as one of the SG/VG permissions by rank).
• One stop shopping. AE access in the base, which already has/can have inspriation storage, salvage storage, autodoc, medical bays (hospital), enhancment storage, empowerment stations, vault, etc for easier access to the players.
• Ease of a single SG/VG AE Location. When was the last time you were able to organize a set of missions for the SG/AE Missions and everyone showed up at the same time or location? This way, ONE place to meet in, ONE AE Interface, ONE zone (Base).
• Team Building. This gives you the chances to do SG/VG Initiation missions for your new members; show members in the SG/VG how to chain their powers, or practice with macros. Your specific SG/VG lore-based AE missions can be done by your group from your base!
• Role Players having a more fluid manner of tranitioning from the base to AE/Supergroup-generated mission; less RP immersion-breaking.
• Easy to add to an Issue. OK, Im not a programmer, but AE does exist already, tagging and making a graphical base item interface for the bases? Seems simpler than a whole new feature.

Again, I know this is an idea that has been brought up before, but, since the Base Raids are broken, Base Editing updates not happen anytime soon (or at all), and other base features finding their way out into the PvE zones (Ourboros vs. Base Teleporters, Silver Mantis cloned from the Base Mission Computer to a contact in Sharkshead, (Issue 19) medical in each zone, (Issue 19) Inspriations available at hospitals, etc.); how about we get a PvE zone feature 'with an SG/VG twist' added to the bases?

Let's hear what you think about this! Comments? Suggestions?

Although I'm sure this has been broguht up before, I wouild like to propose something that I think will re-invigorate bases, allow for a little RP, and bolster Arena-type activities: Training Rooms in the bases.

NOTE:
I am NOT a guru in Arena/PvP play. I am a noob in that regard. If actual Arena functionalities differ from what I am mentioning here, it is due to my lack of experience with Arena; I've done Arena events, but am not a pro at it.

Background:

Supergroups in comics that have a base of operation almost always have some type of training/danger room. This 'Training Room' has a variety of purposes, in such that it helps build team dynamics, allows for powers/skills to be refined/enhanced, and is a gathering place for others to talk/emote/discuss things while working out.

Proposed CoH/V Concept of Training Rooms:

In an SG/VG base, the 'Training Room' can simply be a Control Room with an interfacing Base Item, using the functionality of the Arena Kiosks (with a new graphics upgrade to make the kiosk capability linked with a more superhero-base control panel/supercomputer-looking modification; think of the control panel/viewing room for the Danger Room in the X-Men's Mansion Basement). The new 'Training Room Console' base item/interface can be placed anywhere in any size of Control Room available in the base editor, and would cost 'X' amount of power and control to operate. The 'Training Room Console' base item size could take up 2x2 grids or 3x2 grids, for example.

Utilization and Features of the New Base 'Training Room'




The Interface would operate just as the Arena Interface (PvP) with a couple of unique additions:

• Utilize an additional feature allowing NPC spawns. I know this has "AE" written all over it, but here's the difference: this function basically enacts for the NPCs to be 'target/test dummies' for SG/VG characters to solo/team against when the SG/VG isn't doing active 'Training Room' group activities. This allows all SG/VG-mates to experience solo/team character training/functionality in the base, rather than just pure SG/VG team dynamics, drawing more people to want to join SGs/VGs just to do this unique function. NPC spawns would not earn PvP credit, but maybe instead, reduced XP with full prestige (not another currency like AE tickets, or Hero Points, or the such).
• Change-up the actual UI Interface Graphics and Text to make it a "Training Room" vice Arena Interface. The Arena Loading screen would change from the 'head-to-head' Arena loading screen to a more 'Training Room-esque' loading screen. The Arena settings interface screen can be changed and or customized to have have SG/VG colors for the borders/text, maybe with teh SG/VG logo in the corner of the interface screen.

Creative Possibilities:

Endless! You can use the 'Training Room Console' for solo (NPC feature) or SG (PvP) arena-type activities; SG/VG Training Nights; PvP training for the next big PvP Server Event, RPing, or get really creative with running a cross-over of custom made AE mishes in conjuction with the new 'Training Room Console' to roll a story through and/or adapt it to a new SG/VG recruit initiation. Again,endless creative possibilities.

Programming/Dev Involvement:

Guestimate: minimal to moderate effort.

Since I am NOT a programmer, I cannot state what effort would be required to accomplish this, HOWEVER, since we already have an existing Arena system, a few tweaks to a copied version of this functionality may be all it needs in regards to applying the PvP abilities to the "Training Room' use.

Now, tHe addition of soloing with NPC spawns, ok, there might be the rub. Again, we have AE tech, we have Arena tech, we have NPCs-in-PvP zones (Sirens Call) tech already as well; maybe I'm naive, but it seems that exisiting functionality already in the game can be converted to this application.

Negative Player effects with this new feature:

• We already have PvP functions available in the existing Arenas.
• We already have PvP in other zones; this would take away from existing PvP already being done on respective servers.
• If I wanted NPC interaction, I'd play the rest of the the PvE-portion of the game, doing missions, paper/radio mishes, flashbacks, or street sweeping.
• Another useless toy for RPers and SGs/VGs; what about more content?
• Another distraction for the devs and programmers from focusing on End Game and newer content (where's my 'Coming Storm'?)

Postive Player effects with this new feature:

• Greater base-centered functionality with the SGs/VGs. This would give the SGs/VGs something to actually DO in the bases. It would allow for a "reason" to go to the base.
• Greater interaction and involvement in the SG/VG, rather than just being a prestige-making tool. The revised CoP is a first step in getting SG/VG group and base interaction back. This would be another logical step in that direction.
• Role Players Rejoice - SG/VG Interaction! For our resident RPers that don't like mixing it up in the Arena, and feel disassociated with Arenas and Arena-type open interaction (and the combat attitudes of strong-worded, die-hard PvPers) , this might provide the safe haven for a more comfortable environment for them to finally interact with PvP, using RP as a tool to 'mix it up' with your own SG/VG mates, and create more drama, interaction and storylines for said SG/VG mates.
• One-Stop Shopping. You can get PvP, Arena, RPing, base functionality, SG/VG events, creativity, and even soloing all in one location. No having to run around to the Arenas, or having to build AE missions for your next SG/VG activity; it's all under one roof!
• SG/VG Recruiting. This will be a perfect tool to get more members to join the SGs/VGs, boosting community and personal interactions.
• Exposes soloers/PvEers to PvP - their way. Some folks are reluctant to PvP with strangers; some are fearful/disdainful that the guy/gal they team with in the arena may verbally talk smack about their '10z3r PvP 5k1llz' in Arena. With this new feature, the SG/VG has control of the environment and behavior of this utilization. If an SG/VG member starts talking smack in the 'Training Room', SG/VG rules may dicate that they would be kicked/removed from the SG/VG for thier attitude (maybe over time); as such the SG/VG members would have better control of the interactions available in this environment.
• It's new! It's different! Let's give it a try! New fun for a SGs/VGs! A new tool for the SG/VG experience - something they can do together.

Again, this is me throwing out an idea (long winded and obviously not new), but one that has been sparking across my synaptic paths for the last 3 years I've played this game.

Base Raids are broke. SG/VG base editing may not see an upgrade anytime soon (Issue 22? 23?). End Game and Lore Story seems to be focus of recent issues; instead of making something new from stratch for the SG/VG bases, howe about an amalgamation of existing features, made into a unique bundle that might breath some life into Arena/PvP and SG/VG Bases.

Comments? Additional suggestions? Let's hear from the community!

Double posted

While I understand the OP's point of view and irritation at seeing the same events over and over, I will disagree here.

Veterans of the game may be 'fatigued' with these same events, however, let's look at this from a different perspective - the new player.

The new player up to the Halloween Event, may yet have experienced (if lucky) 1 or more Zombie Apocalypse or Supernatural Event as a result of post-Halloween Salvage turn-ins or the such, and I'm sure that with the randomness of said experience, there was very little time to get anything organized enough to be of any valuable impact (i.e., they attempt to solo the event and are mystified by the lack of participation of other players).

As such, the current Halloween Event and forthcoming Ritki Invasion weekend is PERFECT for a chance to 'plan' to get teams focused on these events. Supergroups, teams of friends, and die-hard event (PERC as an example) coordinators can muster up some effort to focus a night or weekend set of activities rolled around these events, such as what my SGs/VGs have been doing.

Are the zombies annoying to me at this point? yes, they are, but where I am annoyed in one regard, I am, however, doing something about it by setting up SG/VG and team activities to get the newer members and even veteran players into an activity that uses these 'events' as a tool for team building, SG/VG energizing and of course overall fun!

Would I like to see theis changed up a bit? Yes. WOuld I like to see a Shadown Shard Invasion? Yes! WOuld I like to see a 5th Column Mass Zone Battle, blasting evil Nazi-like dudes like we do with the zombies? Hell yes! Changing it up a bit with different NPCs would be a lot more enticing, I think.

Again, I understand your position. The key question here is, rather than request LESS of these events, what can we do to make them better, so that even you may enjoy them more. We will always have new players, and as such, they shouild be allowed the same opportunity to experience these events just as we have. Will they get event fatigue? Maybe, unless perhaps, the events starting 'changing up' a bit more (hint: delvelopers).

DR,

In my sig (below or -->) for Major Deej Universe, is access to our core website.

In the nav bar are links for "Super Group Links" and "Villain Group Links"; in there are at least 11+ bases for each grouped link.

In each of the SG/VG websites, in their nav bar, is a link to "Photo Gallery"; in the photo gallery, I have one album for each base with pics of each room we have. Many of these are themed or have a unique style about them. In other words - variety of design.

If you are looking for a base/theme for filming, take a web-walk through the various SG/VG Photo Galleries of our bases. Many are small, but maybe the themed (sewer, tech, arcane, etc) shot you're looking for might only need one particular room, vice a whole base.

If you find any bases you are interested in, by all means, let me know where and when I can help.

Key bases you might be interested in:

Champions of Arachnos (expecially the Colloseum)

Knights of Arachnos

Civil Air Patrol of Paragon City

The Challengers

COMSUPSUBRON 1

Man, coulda used this pack this last weekend for the PERC Mr & Ms Paragon Universe Contest with my Infinity server character, Autumn Knight; the autumnal cape & aura would've completed the look perfectly.

Regardless, I have several other characters that these auras and capes will do well with.


Answer me these questions three (OCR and/or Black Pebble):

• WHAT is the exact date of the release? (better be no later than Nov 2nd! )
• WHAT is the price? (Marketing, don't sit there with that smug look and little dollar signs in your eyes *SMACK* Get us a true value price! $6-$9 would be within my personal, reasonable price median.)
• WHAT...is your favorite color? No, wait...

Definitely getting this!

Several of the auras and capes have been long in the 'want' department for me on a few of my characters!

So the question is: when is it available?

Icons?

Okay....for me, the 'icons' of Virtue are:

• The Cape Radio
• Virtueverse

Celebrities?

As far as that goes, from my point of view, EVERYONE on Virtue is a celebrity (some with a bit too much self-entitlement, but, notheless, still celebrities)!

Was pleasantly surprised watching this show last night.

I enjoyed the family (dys)functionality. Made it more enjoyable to relate to; had a taste of "The Incredibles" family feel to it, but not overblown.

The best part of the husband/wife interaction is that they didn't blame each other; they blamed themselves for their part in the family's shortcomings. It was refreshing to see that, and allows for a truer meaning of resolution to the dysfunction (i.e., they don't hate each other).

Aside from that, well done, well written, and well acted especially by my favorite "The Shield"/The Thing actor! Loved his expressions and excitement while learning about his powers. The "Lair..with WiFi" reaction was spot on for the character. Looking forward to more episodes.

Tuesday nights are now NOF; NCIS has run its course for me. Sorry Abbey (maybe Abbey can jump from the NCIS ship and be a super lab geek at the super-wife's Global Tech job?).

I have patiently waited since after the initial posting of information about the forthcoming 'party pack' to see if the forumites of CoH, or for that matter, common sense, would have 2x4'd some synaptic activity in those that intended to push out/publish this abomination of a paid-for pack.

Here it is, release day, and it's the same pathetic high price and the same minimalist content from the initial posting. Seems that all the yelling, stomping, logical discusssion, and value discussions that were provided on these forums fell on deaf ears.

I am truly disappointed in NCSoft and in particluar, those that pushed/published this pack. Whoever 'you' particular folks are, you have sold the veteran players of this game short, and simultaneously, potentially demotivated new players from buying booster packs altogether. Your insistance to push this out 'as is' has left a foul feeling in my love for this game, since, knowing standard business practices, this is going to trend to what we shall be getting for that particular (over)priced set of items.

I do not, in any way, feel the emotes are poorly done; quite the contrary - they are well done. The emotes simply should have been included in Going Rogue's Expansion Pack/Complete Collection. With the loss of the Alpha Slot, however small of an intro that would have been to the Incarnate System, a small peace offering of these emotes would have at least assuaged, in my mind, a small percentile of the feeling of a loss of material that would have/could have been introduced in Going Rogue.

But no.

'The powers that be' decided to rip some emotes already used by Going Rogue NPCs and add a couple more for flavor and instead slap an inflated price tag on it. For some of our players who are completionists or actually enjoy the emotes for their current value, I'm sure even as they toss their dollars at you, they are thinking 'they (NCSoft/Paragon Studios) could have done better for a pack'.

After the long wait, and now seeing that it is still the same pathetic pack initially introduced, I am teaming with the majority here and stating this pack has little to no value for me.

I'm sad that I have to write something like this to a game that I truly love, but enough is enough. The value of this pack is poor. You could have done better, as you always have in the past. My only wish is that this DOESN'T set a trend for smaller, crappier-content-ladened packs and booster packs down the line. I will not rage quit or the such; I have too much repsect for the game, but my extra dollars will not be applied to such a pitiful pack such as this.

/party pack fail

Bravo, Ash! BRAVO!

Here, Here!

100% completely agree with you!

I did the beta testing for GR, and was immediately shocked at how much different this new expansion could take a character.

I'm a big 'stories' guy. Aside from classic literature, as well as older Stephen King novels (The Dark Tower line, to mention). To seen the attention to detail they did, as well as the new mechanics of the storylines (mass ambushes, in-instanced choices, text choice options, disappearing contacts when 'defeated', etc.), I was immediately enthused by their efforts.

As such, I think you comments are dead on!

Thanks Devs!

Took today off from work just to get new/revised characters transferred into Prateoria. Since I have no available slots at all on any server, guess I'm screwed for any effort on that today.

Not the end of the world but damn, I've been patiently plotting to do this today.

Messes with my mojo.

Darn. Missed all the NA ones.

Took almost 5 minutes to get on the NCSoft account alone; once there, tried all NA codes and got 'this code is already used' or the such.

Ah, well, maybe next time...

My main character's name is a result of my time with the Civil Air Patrol in real life.

I had been with Civil Air Patrol (CAP) since I was a young lad (cadet). I started in California at age 13 and throughout the years (decades) in California, Hawaii, New Hamshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island doing exciting and important roles in Emergency Services, Disaster Relief, Search and Rescue, Counternarcotics, Aerospace Training, and Cadet Programs, I dedicated much of my spare time and effort always trying to 'make a difference'.

I eventually made the rank of 'Major' in that organization, where everyone already knew me and my first name as "Deej". The adult portion of the organization (Senior Members, as they are called), used my first name so much that everyone who knew me gave me the title as "Major Deej". Even our Wing Commander got confuzzeled when she saw my 'real' last name on my uniform's nameplate and stated, "You're not (last name); you're Major Deej!". That name stuck with me even AFTER I retired from Civil Air Patrol.

When I picked up the City of Heroes game, I didn't even know what an MMO was. As I was making my first character, I drew a blank of what to name/create him as. I'd created and drew dozens of superheroes when I was a kid, still remembering some of their names after all these years, but none of them seemed right as my new 'first' character name. After what seemed like hours of contemplation, sitting there looking at the costume design screen, I went completely original, and made a character I'd never designed before, and called him 'Major Deej".

Much to my surprise, I actually run into players in this game now and then that ask, "You're not the same Major Deej from Civil Air Patrol, are you?", and discover some senior members and cadets I hadn't seen/talked to in many years.

I'm glad I choose that name simply due to the personal association of my being in an organization (CAP) which I consider the greatest experience of my life and now associating it with what I consider the greatest game I've ever played in my life!