opprime28

Just so you all know, I updated the original post with the new ideas.


Got rid of touching "inherents" in any way, so no one would feel pushed into future choices or annoyed at past choices over origins.


Added the possibility of special enhancements as rewards for the origin contacts.


Added the possibility of upgrading inherent temps or getting new temps as rewards


Added the possibility of costume pieces/special weapon looks as rewards.

Discussed how the arcs could seem "tougher" to certain proper archetypes due to origin.

Discussed bonus XP/mish xp as a possible reward.

First, thanks for the feedback.

Wow. I gotta admit, Im really surprised I got more interest in my temporal defender than in this set. This set just begs to be made, to me, and I thought I came up with a pretty well rounded, but unique, armor set. :-)

*****Updated due to excellent discussion. New suggestions included to prevent possible problems*****************

*****Updated 2/11/11 with the possibility of zone events******************************************** ***



OK, so lets face it. For 90% of us, unless we're RPing in some way, our origin choice doesn't affect...well...anything in the game.

I mean sure, you have the rare situation where you choose an origin because you need the energy damage from the inherent attack to ignite your oil slick, but really, origins don't affect anything in the game.

And they should. I mean, they SHOULD be a major choice with effects to your character's story and development. So I have a couple of suggestions (updated via suggestions and inputs from this thread) on ways to increase their meaning that fit in line currently with the game, increase the -feeling- of their importance without affecting gameplay or penalizing someone for having chosen an origin before any of this was implemented.


Option #1: ORIGIN SPECIFIC CONTACTS
Lets face it...in comics, a character's "origin" largely dictates the entire path of their career. It is usually the source of their greatest strengths and weaknesses. Superman, for example, can stand toe to toe physically with almost anything in the universe, yet he becomes nearly helpless when it comes to magic. Why? Because his natural origin is entirely related to a physical process (how his body absorbs energy from the sun.)

In comics, a hero's origin also often is directly linked to their greatest arch nemesis, as well. It usually opens them up to the conflict and storyline that defines them, forcing them to improve their powers and skills over time.

The game KIND of has this, in that some contacts offer access to enhancements that are specific to one origin, but in reality, with so many sources of enhancements in the game, and with SOs now being the -second- best, this has become all but null. The only "difference" is the name of the enhancements and where you have to run to buy them.

The game already has a "representative" for each of the origins on both sides, as seen in the Origins of Powers arc, so you could just use those, or you could make some new ones, perhaps beginning with the only existing origin-specific "contacts" in GIFT, MAGI, etc. Regardless...here's how some have suggested this might work:


*The origin specific contact would offer a single storyline related to your character's origin type but like the special contacts for epic archetypes, this storyline comes in stages through out the character's career.

This storyline could be tailored to the archetype; for example, a mutant-hating politician slowly organizing an all out war to eliminate mutants, or a cult's attempt at destroying science from the world, or technological mastemind attempting to collect the specs on all known specialized technology in the world, or a Sorceror attempting to bind all magic users to his will. You get the idea.

*These missions could offer special bonuses to players of the correct origin, as well as specialized weaknesses.
The bonuses could be bonus mission XP for the correct origin, or bonus XP per enemy killed of the correct NPC group for the correct origin, etc, or any number of creative motivators. The weaknesses would likely be because these contacts and missions are meant to focus on five unique enemy groups not seen elsewhere in the game, tailored to that be the "best foe" of that origin. This could be difficult to code if you try and focus on giving the enemy group specific origin-based advantages, since nothing about origin dictates the types of powers or archetypes you play. One possible method might be a sort of temp power affect given during the missions like you have in some missions/zones/storylines. There's the lost mission arc where you become infected, or the -stealth in some missions, etc. Regardless, the idea would being that these foes are trained to fight a specific origin, and as such give that origin some sort of tougher challenge with greater reward, though the reward isn't really game-effecting outside of these missions. Minor on both counts, but enough to "feel" like for these special origin contacts/arcs your origin is actually playing a role.

Another reward given could be in the form of access to special temp powers or enhancements. The way in which you "unlock" and/or maintain these special rewards is by completing these arcs at certain levels ( I would argue level 5, level 20, 32, and 45.) They don't need to be long arcs, maybe 1-2 missions each time (for a total of only 16 missions created if you made red and blue storylines different.) Enough to continually make your origin "count" through out the game, but not be a massive draw on development resources. They would be something like a slightlt better version of Mr Yin's enhancements.

OPTION 2: ORIGIN LINKED ZONE EVENTS

One idea would be to have the origin-specific contacts trigger an "origin-specific" zone event linked to that storyline. So if the Tech origin contact's storyline deals with an alien entity attack earth that "absorbs" and merges technology and biology, perhaps when a character completes the next to the last mission of the final arc of that origin story(around level 40
?) it triggers an origin specific zone event in PI, where Science and Tech origin characters can go and help stop mobs of techno-organic slaves from breaking in to Portal Corp to absorb the advanced portal technology. They work together to protect Portal Corp (or some lesser populated region of PI) like all heroes would during a zombie or rikti raid. Likewise the Magic arc could trigger a Magic Origin Zone event where Magic origin characters fight a spiritual uprising in Dark Astoria trying to spread the darkness curse across the world, and at the end, break the fog in Dark Astoria for 1 "day." Mutant and Natural characters could have a zone event in Skyway where they have to protect NPCs from a rioting mob of villains intent on killing them for being suspected of being mutant terrorists. etc. Those storylines are just possible examples.

These zone vents could offer some sort of special drops, like unique costume pieces (unique to the zone events, not the origins) or special inspirations, or some sort of special "merits" used at a new "store" specializing in unique costume pieces, weaponry, etc. "inspired by" given origins (but not reserved for them.)

OPTION 3: SPECIAL ORIGIN ENHANCEMENTS:

The enhancements could function sort of like "True Origin Enhancements." They would offer a slightly higher percentage buff than an regular SO (where between the 33% of an SO and the 42.4% of a 50 IO), and would not expire like normal SOs. Note: ALL origins would gain access to these enhancements by completing their origin arcs. The same enhancements are available for each origin. A way to keep these from becoming any major game changer could be that, like rare enhancements, you can only have one True O enhancement of a given type on your toon, and can only recieve 1 True Origin enhancement at the completion of each arc. So you can't stock up at level 10 on damage or recharge Super SOs and run around with major damage on all your powers for the rest of the game. You could have one power that you slot with a True Origin Damage enhancement after completing the level 10 arc, and it buffs damage more than you normally would be able to at that level, but you can slot no other powers with another damage TO. You could enahncement four differnt powers with one TO each by the time you complete your fourth arc, or spend all 4 TOs you get on one power, giving it more buffs than normal under the SO system, but thats it. One suggestion made was to have the first four arcs offer the True Origin enhancments and have the final, culminating arc offer one special proc style enhancement as your final True Origin enhancemet, but that's just an idea.


OPTION 4: TEMP POWERS:

The temp powers idea was to branch off of existing origin-specific inherent temps. Upon completion of each arc in the overall storyline you origin-specific temp could be "upgraded" or you could be given access to all new temp powers.
The benefit to this is it's probably an easier addition than the enhancements, and fits with already existing origin-specific "content" like the current inherent powers based on origin. The draw back is that temp powers are already incredibly abundant and few of them are really very useful for most people, as well as the fact that unless each "upgraded" power does the same thing, people may feel shafted by some upgraded powers being more beneficial than others, but locked in to it because of their origin. Still it would accomplish the primary goal of making the origin arcs, and thus the origins, feel slightly more meaningful.


OPTION 5: UNLOCKABLE COSTUME PIECES/WEAPONS

The final idea was to have the arc completions open up "specific origin" costume pieces. These would fit in line with the chaarcter design aspect that origins play right now, but not affect game play in any way. This could be very cool, but would likely conflict with their ideas of origin packs for sale, and MANY users don't like the idea of not having access to costume pieces on all of thier characters. The idea of orign "merits" spendable at a unique story open to all origins for these pieces COULD solve this, still bringing origins into how and why they are aquired but opening them up to all players regardless of origin. This could also expand the ways current characters can unlock existing locked costume pieces, like rulaaru weapons, vanguard weapons, etc.





So, thoughts?

Then there's also the fact that the equivalent hero-side TF doesn't require ANY arcs being completed before you run it.

That's a little unbalanced and unfair, especially when you consider the overall higher level of difficulty of redside arcs versus blueside arcs and the higher degree of difficulty redside in forming teams.

I'd say either STF needs to be "locked" to anyone who hasn't done, say, the Maria Jenkins arc, or the LRSF needs to be "unlocked" just for fairness.

And no, I'm not whining that devs hate villains. I'm primarily a hero player, but I have levelled a few redside toons to fifty and found redside higher level arcs are, generally, harder (though also better written and more interesting) and forming redside tfs is more difficult. Combine both of those with a TF that requires having done some arcs to run as THE main level 50 redside TF and...well...I think it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

To be fair, you DO have to start toons in preatoria if you're making a Corruptor who has been "good" from the start, or vice versa.

Now if you could roll any archetype in the Rogues or Paragon like you can on preatoria, then that would be different.

My biggest problem with Preatoria is that it's almost impossible to find teams there, there are too few contacts and missions (I've already run them enough to begin being bored by them) and with no TFs or a wider range or contacts, I cant varying it up from one toon to the next enough for it to "feel" as new and fun as it is.

The zones rock. The missions and contacts rock. But right now there isn't enough there to draw enough people to make it as "fun" as normal content. Add a posi-level TF and a few more contacts and that might begin to change.

Toxic Aura:
Your body has been exposed to deadly energies, and you've become a walking environmental disaster. Through sheer will, you've mastered these energies and now use them to become a true force of power.

This set requires you to choose a "source" for your power. Each source offers different benefits to your powers. You may only choose one source per build. The sources are:

Chemical: Your body pulses with chemical toxins which can increase your own damage and weaken the attacks of nearby foes.

Biological: Your body has been exposed to various biological contagions. This can increase your healing and sicken the foes around you.

Radioactive: Your body is fueled by radioactive energies, making you a nearly exhaustless fighting machine.


Power choices:

Tier 1: Resistant skin: Self +Res (Smash, Lethal, Toxic, energy) (Toggle)
Your body has become hardened by exposure to toxic energies. Your tough skin protects against incoming physical attacks. You have gained strong resistances to Smashing, Lethal, and Toxic attacks, as well as some resistance to energy based attacks.

*This would have weaker resistances than some sets when it comes to s/l damage, more on par with fire and dark, due to other powers in this set. Toxic resistance would be high, however in this first power.

Tier 2: Toxic Emission: PBAoE Minor DoT, Toxic. (Foe -dmg if Chem, -Regen if Bio, Self +Rech. if radioactive) (Toggle)
Your body literally oozes with dangerous energies, damaging all nearby foes, and possibly aiding you. The secondary effect depends on your chosen power source.

*this toggle seems OP at first, due to it being both a damage AND secondary effect at the same time. The damage would need to be scaled properly, perhaps 65% of a normal damage aura, inexchange for the secondary effect.

Tier 3: Particle cloud: Self + Res (Fire, Cold, Energy, Negative Energy, slow) (Toggle)
You surround yourself with a cloud of toxic particles which protect you from the elements.

*fairly standard toggle +res power, again, similar in % to dark and fire as opposed to invul or Electric, etc.

Tier 4: Noxious fumes: PBAoE Foe choke, vomit, Self + Res Knockback, Sleep, Disorient, Hold, Immob., Psionic. (moderate rech.)
You release a noxious cloud around you. These vapors will stimulate your mind and body, leaving your resistant to status effects for a while, but can also cause weaker foes in melee range to choke and vomit.

* This mez resist is a click instead of toggle, but has the unique function of creating a localized patch of mitigation when clicked.

Tier 5: Phsyical Regeneration: Self heal, (if Chem +Dmg, if Bio +Regen, if radioactive + Recovery, for 20 seconds) (recharge 60 seconds)
You unlease the energies within your body, briefly healing you and boosting you physically for a short while. The boost depends on your chosen power source.

* This heal would be weaker that those of dark and fire, and instead leave a 20 second buff to the player after healing.

Tier 6: Biological infusion: Self +Perception for 40 seconds, (+DMG if Chem, + HP if Bio, +Recovery if radioactive) (Recharge 120 seconds)
Your body becomes fully infused with the toxic energies around you, exciting every molecule. You are given added perception, as well as a secondary boost depending on your chosen power source.

*This power can be used one of two ways: saved for fights with mobs like Arachnos or Knives for the +percept, or used primarily as a personal buff when desired.

Tier 7: Localized Infection: PBAoE Foe slow, (-tohit Chemical, -regen if Bio, -recharge if radioactive).
You release a localized infection which slows and weakens foes in very close range.

*This would have a very narrow range, small enough that it really only protects the user, not his team. It would likely be used primarily to help when suddenly overwhelmed.

Tier 8: Cesspool: Location PBAoE Moderate DoT (Toxic/energy if Chem/Bio, fire/Energy if Nuke)
You create a cesspool of raw toxic energy beath you, damaging all foes who enter the sludge. The types of damage depend on your chosen power source.

Tier 9: Meltdown: Self +Res all, + HP, +Regen, + Rec. (PBAoE moderate toxic damage, Self - Hp, -End, -Rec after 180s)
Your body goes in to meltdown, making you an enraged, unstoppable warrior. During meltdown, you become highly resistant to all forms of damage and gain incredible regeneration and recovery. As the energies wear off, you unlease a damaging burst of toxic energy, however, you are left powerless, unable to recover health or endurance for some time. This power is not affected by recharge rate boosts.
*fairly standard tier 9 but with a function similar to Electric Armor's stun at the end, only this is a fairly solid damage burst. In exchange, you get a -hard- crash on both end and HP, and it can't be recharged.


So that's it. This is designed primarily to fit those toons who want to be the toxic beast ripping through the city. It clearly wouldn't stand up to WP, Stone, or Invul for survivablity, nor would it surpass shielders in terms of damage buffing and output, but it has enough unique possibilities to make it a solid, fun, survivable set and offer something new. Its much more click heavy than most of the sets, only having 3 toggles.

I know it's been suggested before, but I think I've come up with what would be a very unique, fun, and original set for defender primaries, corruptor, controller, and mastermind secondaries. Give it a read and see what you think.


Temporal Protection:

Whether through magic, technology, or a freak of nature, you are a master of time, able to manipulate it to your own advantage. You adjust time to suit your needs, aiding yourself and your allies, or weakening your foes.

1. Time slow: Foe -spd, -rch, -def, -rgn, -special. 20 sec duraction.
You slow time around a single foe, lowering the speed of their movements and attacks. This weakens their ability to avoid damage, as well as lowering their rate of healing. Likewise, the damage of any smashing attacks they make is greatly reduced.


2. Fast regeneration: Ally heal, +Regeneration (20 seconds)
You are able to speed up time around a single allie, rapidly healing their wounds. Their regeneration rate is also boosted for a brief moment afterward.


3. Temporal drag: Location AoE, foe -spd, -rch, -def.
You can create a small drag in time at a targetted location. Any foes who enter this area
will suffer a reduction in their speed, their recharge rate, and their defense.


4. Temporal pull: Ally Rez, +spc.
You reach back to the moment right before an ally fell in battle, pulling them safely into the present. The ally will find themself still at the height of battle readiness, and as such will have a temporary boost to their damage and defense.


5. Chronal Acceleration: PBAoE, Ally +Spd, + Rch, +Rec.
You shift yourself and nearby teammates briefly out of normal time, increasing their speed, recharge, and recovery rates.


6. Future Glimpse Toggle PBAoE Ally + Def, +Res (hold, immob, slow)
While this power is active, yourself and all nearby allies are able to see a brief glimpse of the future, giving you a boost to their defense and increasing their resistance to some forms of attack.

7. Flashback: Location AoE, minor energy damage, Foe knockback, Disorient.
You are able to create a small rift that will throw any foes who pass through it back in time a few seconds. This sudden shift through time will disorient weaker foes, and knock most foes down briefly. All foes will suffer some damage from the shock to their systems.

8. Temporal lockdown: Ranged Hold, -def, -res, SELF -recovery, -rch.
You are able to hold a single foe in a partial temporal lock down. Held foes will be frozen in time from their point of view, unable to take action, while your allies ability to affect them will be increased. While powerful, splitting a single point in time like this is exhausting, costing massive endurance and slowing your own rate of attack.


9. Temporal Doubling: Summon Doppleganger, Ranged debuff special.
You are able to reach back in time and pull yourself to your own aid in the present. Like your present self, your double has an assortment of temporal powers to weaken your foes, but its attacks are weaker due to the shock to their system. Your double can be buffed and healed like other allies.
Double's powers:

Time slow: (Ranged -spd, -rch.) weakened vers. of tier 1
Fast Regeneration (PBAoE heal): PBAoE weaker vers. of tier 2
Temporal drag: (foe immob, -rch) Weakened vers of tier 3, targetted.
Temporal lock: (Foe hold) Weakened vers. of tier 8, no debuffs, lower mag
Temporal Aura: (+def, PBAoE foe -rch. in place of +resist for most pets)


Unique aspects/balancing issues:

This set is a balanced mix of buffing and debuffing, with some unique powers. Because this set does both buffing and debuffing, the buffs it offers are not over powered, avoiding buffs to damage, tohit, or resistance. Future Glimpse functions similarly to Force Field Generator or any of the stealth auras, only trading the stealth component for higher defense numbers and a few mez resists similar to sonic's aura. Chronal Accel is a weaker version of Accelerate metabolism, adding no damage or tohit, but instead buffing recovery and with higher buffs to speed and recharge. The set has two single target debuffs: the first similar to both Sonic and Ice's tier 1s, with one added feature to ice's (-regen) raded for lower -def and -spd numbers), and the second is very unique and powerful but has a very high end cost and a personal -recharge for several seconds, to keep it balanced. It then has 1 mob debuff similar to Freezing Rain, Tar Patch, or sleet. While many will find the tier 7 Flashback situational at best, it gives ranged protection for squishies, gives it a minor damage dealing power like traps, storm, ice, sonic, dark, and trick arrow all have, and a sofyt control with it's chance to stun.

The two most unique powers in the set, the tier 8 and 9 powers, are very unique. The debuffing hold may SEEM over powered at first. I mean, it is a mag 3 hold AND does -res and -def at decent numbers? What balances it is that, due to its massive end cost and -recharge, it would be VERY hard for someone to exploit this power because their rate of attacks would personally be so reduced. It would require a choice of playing, at that moment, the hard core "defender" holding the enemy and perhaps healing or buffing nearby allies without attacking or instead not casting it and continuing to attack. The Doppleganger is similar to Dark Servant in that it is a summoned, buffable pet who mimics some ofyour attacks. Its versions are all weaker, though ( I mean, you're younger self wasn't that good yet). Using the doppleganger tech we've seen lately, this could look like a differently colored clone of yourself.

Tell me that wouldn't be fun. :-)