Nemo_Utopia

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1. Yes, each carriage return (the paragraphing effect you get from hitting the enter key) counts as 1 character as well.

2. We've been asking for more text space for our bios for ages now, but I suppose the devs feel that expanding current limits would only lead to overly verbose back stories.

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Frankly, I get over this by giving a teaser story, and then a link to the full one. It's definitely an imperfect solution, but it does work.

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Prima sucks.

Ironically, the other guide lists CoD as its source as well. I've posted on his (Tomax's) forums about it; if he responds, I'll update here. I'm thinking there may have been an error since corrected, or there may be an error in it now.

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Either one is a possiblity. Please let me know your findings!

1) Check the Prima Guide (yes, it's wrong on some things, such as the damage for LR)

2) Check Speqter's guide, also listed as 90% here

Unless the power has been changed since its introduction (and I will freely admit, I would have missed the posting/announcement of that change), the accuracy is/should be .9 instead of 1. If you can link me to such an announcement or actual testing that shows evidence to the contrary, my experience is consistent with the 0.9 number.

Alright, it's been a while, but I'm posting again, and glad to see all the input. I'm actually brushing up to get 1.2 out soon! My current favorite build (which is Staminaless, but Stamina builds work very well if you don't mind the loss of powers) will be included.

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You say there's an acc penalty for LR, but I don't see that in the CoD numbers. Where are you getting that?

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It is not a literal "-acc" debuff, I refer to the penalty based on how its base accuracy number is 0.9 instead of 1.0. This means that compared to "normal" 1.0 powers (most attacks), it is 90% as accurate...10% less accurate than standard...a penalty that really shows when facing mobs above your level. Put another way, most attacks work off of being 1.0 * base 0.75 accuracy. LR uses 0.9 instead, so instead of unslotted 0.75, it operates at base 0.675. As mentioned, one the best powers to counteract this is actually Build Up (which gives a +acc effect in addition to its +dmg). In fact, when you get access to dual enhancements (through IOs or SHOs), slotting +ToHit/Rch is worth your time. Yellow pills will certainly cover things, but slotting at LEAST one (I prefer 2) Acc SO(s) [or Acc/Dmg SHOs] is pretty essential.


As to micromanaging shields: until you get end mitigation powers (CP, Stamina, PS), turn off shields you don't need when you don't need them. There are plenty of spawns that don't require your elemental shield, and some that don't require your S/L shields. Use that to be a miser for your End bar.

Also, notes to low level (and highlevel staminaless builds) end management: Slotting Endurance is in many ways a higher priority than slotting for damage or damage resistance. At low levels, you need the Redux more than the power buff. At high levels, you have enough slots and other End management that you should be able to 2-3 slot shields and 1-2 slot attacks with End Redux. Trust me from experience, your attacks will work just fine, and your shields won't fail you. Again, notes on that in 1.2, where I'll post my favorite build.

Good luck to all of you, and keep comments coming!

I'm working on updating the guides I've written for minor tweaks and I8 notes, but am wondering why many of the actual guide LISTS are out of date! Many good guides are either not linked to in the Guide to Guides section or their own sub-section, or have an outdated guide linked to when an updated version has been made by the creator and posted!

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? 6 run/fly/jump ?? SOs? you realize I assume all of the travel powers cap out at some point, plus the rule of ED.....
Doc has documented which ones cap out when....iirc SS capped out with 2 SOs

edit - pasted from guide
Super Speed at level 50 is capped at 92.50 MPH with 2 SOs or HOs.
Super Jumping at level 50 is capped at 78 MPH with 3 SOs or HOs.

I am 100% certain the jumpjet improves flight speed - its especially noticable pre-SOs, with 1-2 SOs, or with a fly temp power....since fly is near cap with 3 SOs, and I would assume the jumpjet doesn't allow you to bypass the fly speed cap (but don't know for sure...) so you wouldn't see a very large increase then....

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Just confimring this. My main flys, and is JUST shy of the flight cap normally. When using the jump jet or Power Boost, he goes just that much faster (at the cap). Also, it's a VERY noticable boost pre-SOs.

((Sorry, I've been moving in to a new place. I'll be picking up with the glads, setting up an exhibition, and PMing other masters about setting up fights in the near future...))

((Very, very sorry to hear about things Plauge I hope things get better and everyone is taking things as best they can...))

Cuore blinked a few times, then cleared his throat. "Right, right, if you'll follow me I can take you to meet our bowman. I'm fairly sure Neimand would be willing to let each of you agree on match parameters and set it up yourselves."

Looking at Ian, the peacebringer chuckled, "You've got a lot to learn about women, kid. Try calming those hormones, and then maybe someone like me can give you some pointers about how to actually be nice to a lady."

Setting down on the ground lightly, Cuore composed himself and offered an arm to Elaine in an elegant bow ((prepared to either take her arm, or smoothly transition from bow to walking depending)), "If the lady would allow me to escort her to her opponent?"

(*looks over post*) ^_^; thingy says level 4, doesn't it? Definitely will be fixed in 1.2!

Yeah, the problem is that there are still people who don't. You addressed the psionics thing better, and got across what I was trying to say, which was something along the lines of "it depends on whether your concept bases on all humans having psionic potentical (or not)." And for this game, that's something the devs have also kind of left speculative...there seem to be people who have unlocked a deeper potential...but there is at least something to suggest each case is special or unique or gifted. The origin of the Rikti themselves and prevalance of psionics among them (unlocked through scientific mutation) as well as heroes like Sister Psyche (naturally psychic) suggests it's more common than in most comic universes but not widespread enough to truly be considered "natural." I'd say this line is the best summation:
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Which is, again, not to say that characters with some of the appeal of a natural concept character can't have them, and not to say that there aren't ordinary human abilities that resemble them.

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Which is true of any concept hero, in a sense: any can have certain of the "natural concept" appeals and not actually be "natural concept" simply due to being a little too fantastic/extraordinary/beyond-the-norm.

It depends on your interpretation of psionics, and how your character gains it. I, personally, use the following guide for that:

1) Psionic powers were clearly unlocked or accessed in some way (mutant gene, tech device, magic spell, whadevuh) and Origin is clearly dictated.

2) Natural human mind at maximum potential. This one is, for most people, "Natural Origin." I think most can agree it's fairly natural concept, depending on how you play. However, some might still play it as a mutant or magic, depending on how they see "natural" psionics.

3) Accessed through mental training such as Ki/Chi. This once more depends on your interpretation. It can still be natural concept, and I'd say it's Natural Origin. But others would say Magic (under the idea that accessing Chi/Ki is simply a subtle form of Magic) and a few might even go Mutant (under the logic that accessing Chi/Ki to such potential is not normally possible, and therefore an offshoot of humanity...a mutant).

In short, it's all about how you see it. And I've considered writing the "Armored Hero" concept guide myself...if I ever stop being lazy and get around to it

Cuore floated in about an inch above the ground and shrugged. "Well, I do need to get another hearing exam in soon, I've been told the left side isn't so great these days...anyway, my stable-head Neimand was interested in a 'Battle of the Bows', a true test of...your..."

Cuore stopped, talking with one hand raised and just floated there with his mouth open. Elaine was fuming her way back with Hyun-ki down the hall, and Cuore couldn't seem to gather his wits, as he continued to mumble mostly incoherently, "...absolutely stunning....archer...wow..."

Actually, I'd venture a guess it's NOT going to get looked at. Reason? It has no self heal. You do gain levels of resistance that people assosciate with tankers. But every actual tanker set heals and/or buffs HP in some way. The ONLY way you can get a self heal without insps is through the Medicine pool...and the devs seem to think this is balanced. If it wasn't, this would have never hit. Also, I can't exactly recall many people crying "electric armor brutes are too strong in PvP/PvE!" to an extent that would cry nerf. I could be wrong. There could end up being a minor reduction in the base self-buff value, resulting in slightly lower resistances. But I don't think you're going to find it getting hit like regen or anything.

Generic has the way of it. Also, since you cap at 90%, anything above that is just "over-capping" and therefore only good for combating -Res powers. Actually, I should include that as a PvP note, come to think of it...that running your toggles while PS is up is a good way to NOT get screwed by -Res. Noted for v1.2. Speaking of which, 1.1 is HERE.

Happens whenever Cuppa is afk/vacationing.

Just a quick question, what's the command that turns on the ability to take a screenshot in the tailor screen (which I assume is the same one that lets you take screenshots with all your ui). I used to know, but have forgotten, and can't find it. Any help is appreciated

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No, I'm saying you should be embarassed to be caught making such a wildly false report about what I've said. Whether it 'came across' to you that way, it canNOT be attributed to what I said. The perception arises solely out GROSS errors you made or worse-- for which you're responsible. Asserting that it's anything to do with what I said is blatantly dishonest in addition to (in this case) insulting and disruptive.

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I think herein lies the core of your own misunderstanding of others, Enant. That someone else interpreting the words (creation) of yourself (the creator/writer/artist) in the context it exists as different from your intended meaning somehow invalidates it. It doesn't make them wrong and you infallible, it makes their view of your own piecing together of words show an inherint error in the context matchup. If I said to you, "I need to go out back and burn a fa-ggot," but meant "I need to go out back and burn a bundle of wood" it wouldn't change the fact the someone else interpreted my words (because of context) to mean that I was bashing someone based on their orientation. Intent is well and good, and I personally think you did a good job of differentiating your meaning...but I appear to be a more discerning reader (I'm a "Herbert reader" as opposed to a "comic reader", in your own words). This simply means that the method of reaching the target audience didn't quite hit home with a portion of them...and would need clarification (clarity, the thing you yourself say aids creativity).

That said, the confusion which your meaning vs interpretation of your actual text has caused is (and something you've pointed out a few times, if I'm not mistaken):

Natural ORIGIN vs Natural CONCEPT. I'll try to lay this out. You are defending the natural CONCEPT. Others are arguing over the Natural ORIGIN. For clarity's sake: The Natural ORIGIN, despite its original oversight definition, has come to loosley mean those that are not within what is exluded. Meaning anything not a mutant, science origin, tech, or magic origin. Therefore it includes by necessity aliens from planets with non-Earth norms and certain people with access to otherwise advanced tech displaced by another through time. The Natural CONCEPT, however, is not completely included or excluded by the Natural Origin, however, as certain techs and magic types (those rely on skill but may perhaps use "high-tech" arrows or the like). This CONCEPT has been covered well in the guide, as well as covering the exact overlap I just described and making required allowances for things like chi and faith. Whether the character chooses their in-game ORIGIN as Magic, Tech, or Natural based on their own perception is their choice, and does not weaken their concept (something Enant has said repeatedly and people seem to keep ingnoring ) but is simply a different interpretation than his own of the CONCEPT.

A further elaboration, however. Enant refers to "guarded, mysterious [not "common"] tech" as the basis of difference. Instead of arguing the point, people need to refer back to my last tid-bit and their characters own time-frame of origin. Someone displaced from a future where things like nuclear fission is commonplace would be "natural" by above definitions...but this wouldn't change the fact that people would likely make the toon Sci/Tech in game. Someone displaced from the past would actually be a Tech toon for using technology that hasn't even been invented yet (for them)!! This would not change the choice to make this toon Nat/Mag in game. Origin and Concept are two completely seperate things, and there's a lot of overlap. I think both sides of the "argument" are at an impasse based on not seeing this simple fact when they should be in agreement (since all I've seen so far is semantics, not argument).

I hope that helps.

((Sorry, guys, I got sick Tuesday and have been either asleep or lurching like a zombie until this morning ^_^; waiting for our out-of-towner is fine, and sorry I haven't been able to try and move things along...))

((So sorry everyone, got sick on Tuesday and have been either asleep or [*lurches like a zombie and makes zombie grunting noises*] until this morning ^_^)

Quixotica picked her dazed self off the ground after feeling a ground-tremor. Dusting herself off, she began to fly forward...only to hear that the match was over! And she realized she was flying upside down. And the spin was rooming. Maybe she'd better go visit the medbay... With a flash of light, she was sent to the med room for Neimand's gladiators.

It was Star who stood over her port and operated the scanners. The robot's mechanical voice whirred, "You appear to be fine, Quix, you just need some sleep and asprin. Hopefully this taught you something about just flying into combat without thinking."

Mumbling as she sat up, sullen, Quixotica sulked, "Yeah, yeah, Star, I know. I'm gonna go practice deep breathing and meditation with Stinky...it helps me calm down."

Star's head bobbed an affirmative, a learned action for the robot. "Don't fret too much, you'll get another chance."

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Cuore was still drifting through the ballrooms, and had almost given up when he saw a collection of people who looked promising. Then he realized they were just another dancing party. Sighing, he realized he must have missed them, and flew back to Ryjuta's gladiator area. Nothing to do but go there and wait...

Todesfall responded, watching the fight around them come come more even as between their collective minions and support the energy beings were held as if by a solid beachfront, "Well, Nu was my first AI, I simply haven't had it in me to deactivate it. Normally, I would have been attempting to access the Rikti ship, but my satellites got glimpse of a strange energy signature, headed here. Thinking that perhpas there was technology to be had, here we are...we got a special reception. I figure, if Paragon City goes down, it'll be that much harder to hit Portal Corps or the Rikti in the future...and besides, Lord Recluse would be mighty something else to find that someone else felled Paragon first."

Rho spoke up, "Hey, boss, less talky, more shooty!"

Todesfall muttered under his breath, "Ingrate, that's my line..." as he fired another pulse blast and felled a charging energy warrior.

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The tall one and short one soon arrived in Grandville, and processed a mighty battle taking place. The short one buzzed, "Preliminary action: seek Nation. Purpose: aid."

"So that processor of yours does function. The master would be proud," replied the tall one. "This one is contacting Sinnius now, we will have our orders in less than one standard minute, KillSwitch."

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Nemo_Utopia:

A little tricky (your screenshots weren't the clearest), but I think these two designs are good starting points. Since I don't have the ability to do capes or auras normally, I'll just say that the second one would have the cape and probably an electricity aura. I also didn't scale down the physique on the first one, so it looks a little weird. >>

http://img424.imageshack.us/img424/3...suitguypw4.png

For sake of time, I just kept the default head.

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I can get cleaner screenshots later tonight, but those two do look like very good starting points! I'll play with them as options and see what I come up with. I'll post screens of the results, and see if they can't be improved

Todesfall's energy shields were being sorely pressed by the onslaught, and had compressed to half of its inital size since the fight had begun. His robots had all taken heavy damage when the necromancer arrived.

Watching the display as he fired his pulse rifle once more, Todesfall dead-panned: "So should I be calling you Wielder the Grey? I go by Professor Todesfall, but you can call me Todesfall the Blue if it suits your fancy. ((Yeah, yeah, I'm picking on LotR, what can I say )) Here, take this shielding," he continued, tossing field beacons to the necromancer and his squad of goons.

Nu chirped up, "Hey, boss, ignore the dead guys, right?"

Todesfall called again to the drone, "They're here to fight with us."

Nu immediately turned around to bring its pulse cannon to bear on Lurch, as Todesfall corrected the drone, "FOR us, you malfunctioning bucket of bolts, not AGAINST us!"

Pulling its cannon away and blasting an energy being as it tried to tackle Lurch, Nu replied, "Be more specific next time, boss!"

Lambda piped up before Todesfall could berate the drone, "Nu, you keep that up and all the nano-repair goes to Kappa, got it?"

Nu chirped and fizzled a bit, and then continued to fight in silence, glad that the zombies were here to take some of the damage for them...

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The tall one and the short one had just reach Paragon's War Walls when their transponders beeped. The Nation was calling, and apparantly it was the Isles they were supposed to go to, not Paragon. The short one turned and droned, "Course: corrected."

The tall one vocalized an imitation of a sigh, "Why don't tell us things BEFORE we travel, KillSwitch?"

The short one droned, "Irradience: silence. Function: carry out: immediately."

The tall one, still following the short one as they sped at sound breaking speeds towards the Isles, whirred, "Little ingrate, see if I initate repair protocols next time you're in trouble..."

Todesfall's robots followed him as he followed the others to Dark Astoria's gate. His voice boomed, "We'll hold the gate as long as we can. Go and do what you do best...heroes. If nothing else, we should be able to keep the ones here from spilling farther into the city and doing any damage to things that matter."

Turning back toward the oncoming tide of energy beings, Todesfall positioned himself so his bubble of force prevented any of them from advancing to the gate. Pulling out his pulse rifle once more, he gave the order: "OPEN FIRE! None shall pass!"

The drones gave a chirping, "Yes, boss!" as the energy beings hurled volleys of light, trying to break the line.

Things looked bleak, and Todesfall wasn't sure how long his technology could stem the tide...he only hoped that nothing sabatoged this temporary unity until the threat had passed, since any in-fighting could spell doom for all...

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In the depths of MechaNation's primary base, two AI units started up. One was short and powerfully build, emanating electric energy. The other was tall and slim, containing heat and radiation processors to prevent its internal power core from exploding.

The tall one turned to face the short, "The master wakes us both, KillSwitch. We should proceed now."

The short one nodded once and buzzed, "Assesment: affirmative."

The two robots activated the Nation teleporters to Todesfall's submersible, and sped towards Talos to compute why they were needed...

Star Scout had not expected Shinae to try and intercept its gauntlets...but then, it had taken a gamble. Unable to change its trajectory, Scout and Shinae collided in mid air, her agile strike connecting to the broad part of the robots energy gauntlets. This halted Scout's forward motion, landing the robot on the ground, crouched and ready as Shinae used the contact to springboard off of and land, still eyeing her three opponents warily...

Scout noticed the impact had dented the rim of its left gauntlet. Well, one more dent to hammer out later...

Computing that Shinae was phased, Star Scout registered that she was still actually standing on the ground...as if it supported her weight. With nary a second calculation, it lept skyward to come crashing down, energy fists first on Shinae's position. It knew it would phase through her, but the robot wasn't aiming for the woman...but the ground beneath her. Hoping the mighty impact would unbalance and possibly distract her enough to make her tangilbe, Scout knew it was "playing a deuce and hoping it was wild instead of a two" in gambler's parlance...but then, its comrades HAD been teaching it to gamble...