The "old-timers" around here no doubt remember the New Year's Challenge stories I post every first-week-of-the-year, and the more recent omake that have started to show up around this time of year. Well, this year's omake challenge http://groups.google.ca/group/rec.arts. ... 597f64da13]has been posted, but I'm not quite sure what to do with it...

Quote:Okay, basic 3 anime character teams allowed, standard character rules apply here (i.e. NO BANNED CHARACTERS!)

During some experiments with the master device, I summoned Mirror-Lina and Mirror-Naga and the mirror itself as a third character/item in an attempt to see if summoning items would take up a slot for the upcoming New Year's Challenge. It did, which prevented me from summoning of the random civilians from that particular OAV story. My one regret is that I didn't unsummon the item and put my device in lockdown mode. After I left and went clothes shopping with the two ladies to find them outfits they felt comfortable in, my Challenge Lab video recorded a visitor, one who stepped out of a grandfather clock that appeared in my lab all of the sudden. The audio recorders picked up the following:

"Oh my, the havoc I could wreak with this device. Finally, I could once-and-for-all end that pitiful rival of mine, The Doctor... wait, no, that would only birth The Valeyard, I bet. Something more sinister, more devious, more... masterful... heh-heh. But first, a distraction for this poor fellow should he return too early..."

Upon my return after the shopping trip and dinner (the mirror ladies had the appetite of the regulars, so I was gone a while), I saw what had happened, and immediately unsummoned the mirror wherever it was, however I had not stopped the devious Gallifreyan from causing some chaos. Just like in the OAV, getting rid of the mirror did not get rid of the mirrored people. This time, The Master has let loose 3 individuals in your city, mirror-Chuck Norris, mirror-Bruce Lee, and mirror Mahatma Gandhi. You and your team are to deal with the mirror rampagers, my hands are full with Mirror-Lina and Mirror-Naga.

Deadline will be the end of November when I post the NYC official entry info.

Just a little idea I've had kicking around the back of my brain for the last few weeks. It's not really complete, but there's enough here to get
the idea across.

(reprinted from my blog)

Oh ye who love the rock, I beseech you...

...explain to me the need for concerts to be played so damn LOUD?

So, last night A* and I went to the local Uni's bar, where they had David Usher playing, with Crash Parallel covering.

Note: Tickets said 8PM on them. Apparently, that was the 'doors open' time, as the bloody show didn't start for an HOUR AND A HALF. *$(*@#&!!

The Crash Parallel lead singer was getting off a cold, so his voice was off. They were still good enough that I picked up their CD from the swag dude, anyway.
But to make up for the fact that his voice was off, the bloody sound guy turned up the effects and volume. And then didn't turn them down for David Usher.

I don't get it. I enjoy *music*. I like hearing it, being able to appreciate the guitar, the base, the drums, the accompanyment, and the singer. I do not
enjoy having to plug my ears to drown out a substantial amount of the meaningless, ear splitting, discordant NOISE being pumped out of the speakers because of
the insistance that I not only must hear the music, I must feel it in my cellular structure.

I wish someone would explain it to me. What's the point of having it that loud?

I swear to Fnord, next concert, I'm going to steal some of those yellow foam earplugs from work and wear them. I'll have a better time.

During a recent redside farm the topic swung around to Stalkers... and well much was said. Some of which I acree with, some of which is personal opinion. Regardless, Here is my planned build for a Sichtar. They have been mentioned elsewhere. I listed a basic generic IO slotting for /Nin powers in my response to Opmegs.
If anyone wants to copy/tweak/optimize this build, go ahead. That's why I'm posting it here.
In fact there are already some changes that I'm thinking of making on the live toon when compared to this build, namely Hurdle instead of Swift, and trying to 2 slot it somehow.
Oh yeah, Sichtar might be on the look out sometime for an invite... eventually.
Yes this writeup isn't anywhere near as in-depth as Jelidan's writeup or Raven... why? Is in a rush, and Sichtar is still only a lowbie.
Anyway....
Here's the planned build to 50 with IOs
Villain Plan by Mids' Villain Designer 1.4006
http://www.cohplanner.com/
Sichtar: Level 50 Natural Stalker
Primary Power Set: Ninja Blade
Secondary Power Set: Ninjitsu
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Concealment
Ancillary Pool: Soul Mastery
Villain Profile:
Level 1: Sting of the Wasp

• (A) Touch of Death - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance: Level 28
  
• (3) Touch of Death - Damage/Endurance/Recharge: Level 28
  
• (3) Touch of Death - Accuracy/Damage: Level 28
  
• (19) Touch of Death - Damage/Recharge: Level 28
  
• (21) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge: Level 50
  

• (A) Defense Buff IO: Level 35
  
• (50) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed: Level 50
  

• (A) Gift of the Ancients - Defense: Level 33
  
• (5) Gift of the Ancients - Run Speed +7.5%: Level 33
  
• (17) Gift of the Ancients - Defense/Endurance: Level 33
  
• (21) Gift of the Ancients - Defense/Recharge: Level 33
  

• (A) Gift of the Ancients - Defense: Level 28
  
• (5) Gift of the Ancients - Defense/Endurance: Level 33
  
• (19) Gift of the Ancients - Run Speed +7.5%: Level 33
  
• (25) Gift of the Ancients - Defense/Recharge: Level 33
  

• (A) Touch of Death - Damage/Endurance/Recharge: Level 28
  
• (7) Touch of Death - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance: Level 28
  
• (7) Touch of Death - Damage/Recharge: Level 28
  
• (9) Touch of Death - Chance of Damage(Negative): Level 28
  
• (9) Bruising Blow - Accuracy/Damage: Level 28
  
• (15) Bruising Blow - Damage/Recharge: Level 28
  

• (A) Gaussian's Synchronized Fire-Control - To Hit Buff: Level 28
  
• (11) Gaussian's Synchronized Fire-Control - To Hit Buff/Recharge: Level 28
  
• (11) Gaussian's Synchronized Fire-Control - To Hit Buff/Recharge/Endurance: Level 28
  
• (37) Gaussian's Synchronized Fire-Control - Recharge/Endurance: Level 28
  
• (40) Gaussian's Synchronized Fire-Control - To Hit Buff/Endurance: Level 28
  
• (40) Gaussian's Synchronized Fire-Control - Chance for Build Up: Level 28
  

• (A) Defense Buff IO: Level 35
  
• (15) Defense Buff IO: Level 35
  

• (A) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 30
  
• (13) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 30
  
• (13) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 30
  

• (A) Jumping IO: Level 30
  

• (A) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 30
  
• (17) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 30
  

• (A) Run Speed IO: Level 30
  

• (A) Healing IO: Level 30
  

• (A) Endurance Modification IO: Level 30
  
• (23) Endurance Modification IO: Level 30
  
• (23) Endurance Modification IO: Level 30
  

• (A) Harmonized Healing - Heal/Recharge: Level 28
  
• (25) Harmonized Healing - Heal/Endurance/Recharge: Level 28
  
• (34) Harmonized Healing - Heal: Level 28
  
• (36) Harmonized Healing - Heal/Endurance: Level 28
  
• (37) Harmonized Healing - Endurance/Recharge: Level 28
  
• (40) Miracle - Heal/Recharge: Level 40
  

• (A) Touch of Death - Accuracy/Damage: Level 29
  
• (27) Touch of Death - Damage/Endurance: Level 29
  
• (27) Touch of Death - Damage/Recharge: Level 29
  
• (29) Touch of Death - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance: Level 29
  
• (29) Touch of Death - Damage/Endurance/Recharge: Level 29
  
• (31) Touch of Death - Chance of Damage(Negative): Level 29
  

• (A) Scirocco's Dervish - Accuracy/Damage: Level 31
  
• (37) Scirocco's Dervish - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance: Level 31
  
• (43) Scirocco's Dervish - Damage/Endurance: Level 31
  
• (43) Scirocco's Dervish - Accuracy/Recharge: Level 31
  
• (43) Scirocco's Dervish - Damage/Recharge: Level 31
  
• (46) Multi Strike - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance: Level 50
  

• (A) Red Fortune - Defense: Level 33
  
• (31) Red Fortune - Defense/Endurance: Level 33
  
• (31) Red Fortune - Defense/Recharge: Level 33
  
• (36) Red Fortune - Endurance: Level 33
  
• (46) Red Fortune - Defense/Endurance/Recharge: Level 33
  
• (46) Red Fortune - Endurance/Recharge: Level 33
  

• (A) Scirocco's Dervish - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance: Level 35
  
• (33) Scirocco's Dervish - Accuracy/Recharge: Level 35
  
• (33) Scirocco's Dervish - Damage/Endurance: Level 35
  
• (33) Scirocco's Dervish - Accuracy/Damage: Level 35
  
• (34) Scirocco's Dervish - Damage/Recharge: Level 35
  
• (34) Multi Strike - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance: Level 35
  

• (A) Perplex - Accuracy/Recharge: Level 38
  
• (36) Perplex - Accuracy/Confused/Recharge: Level 38
  

• (A) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed: Level 50
  
• (39) Luck of the Gambler - Endurance/Recharge: Level 41
  
• (39) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 40
  
• (39) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 40
  

• (A) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance: Level 44
  
• (42) Thunderstrike - Damage/Endurance/Recharge: Level 44
  
• (42) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge: Level 44
  
• (42) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage: Level 44
  
• (50) Devastation - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge: Level 44
  

• (A) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance: Level 47
  
• (45) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge: Level 47
  
• (45) Thunderstrike - Damage/Endurance/Recharge: Level 47
  
• (45) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage: Level 47
  
• (50) Ghost Widow's Embrace - Accuracy/Hold/Recharge: Level 47
  

• (A) Blood Mandate - Accuracy: Level 50
  
• (48) Blood Mandate - Accuracy/Damage: Level 50
  
• (48) Blood Mandate - Damage: Level 50
  
• (48) Blood Mandate - Damage/Endurance: Level 50
  

• (A) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed: Level 50
  

• (A) Empty
  

• (A) Unbounded Leap - +Stealth: Level 28
  

• (A) Empty
  

• 12% DamageBuff(Smashing)
  
• 12% DamageBuff(Lethal)
  
• 12% DamageBuff(Fire)
  
• 12% DamageBuff(Cold)
  
• 12% DamageBuff(Energy)
  
• 12% DamageBuff(Negative)
  
• 12% DamageBuff(Toxic)
  
• 12% DamageBuff(Psionic)
  
• 0.95% Defense(Fire)
  
• 0.95% Defense(Cold)
  
• 5% Defense(Energy)
  
• 5.63% Defense(Melee)
  
• 5% Defense(Ranged)
  
• 10.6% Defense(AoE)
  
• 3.6% Max End
  
• 27.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
  
• 32% Enhancement(Accuracy)
  
• 3% Enhancement(Heal)
  
• 5% FlySpeed
  
• 76.8 HP (6.38%) HitPoints
  
• 5% JumpHeight
  
• 5% JumpSpeed
  
• MezResist(Confused) 1.65%
  
• MezResist(Held) 2.75%
  
• MezResist(Immobilize) 10.5%
  
• MezResist(Stun) 1.65%
  
• 14.5% (0.24 End/sec) Recovery
  
• 36% (1.81 HP/sec) Regeneration
  
• 6.26% Resistance(Fire)
  
• 1.26% Resistance(Cold)
  
• 6.25% Resistance(Negative)
  
• 20% RunSpeed
  

• 17.5% DamageBuff(Smashing)
  
• 17.5% DamageBuff(Lethal)
  
• 17.5% DamageBuff(Fire)
  
• 17.5% DamageBuff(Cold)
  
• 17.5% DamageBuff(Energy)
  
• 17.5% DamageBuff(Negative)
  
• 17.5% DamageBuff(Toxic)
  
• 17.5% DamageBuff(Psionic)
  
• 5.63% Defense(Melee)
  
• 5% Defense(Ranged)
  
• 7.5% Defense(AoE)
  
• 3.6% Max End
  
• 67.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
  
• 3% Enhancement(Heal)
  
• 54% Enhancement(Accuracy)
  
• 5% FlySpeed
  
• 131 HP (10.9%) HitPoints
  
• 5% JumpHeight
  
• 5% JumpSpeed
  
• MezResist(Confused) 1.65%
  
• MezResist(Held) 2.75%
  
• MezResist(Immobilize) 7.7%
  
• 24% (0.4 End/sec) Recovery
  
• 52% (2.61 HP/sec) Regeneration
  
• 13.8% Resistance(Fire)
  
• 8.82% Resistance(Cold)
  
• 3.13% Resistance(Negative)
  
• 20% RunSpeed
  

The Riot Force base, such as it was at the moment, was packed full.

Initially, Ifrit had planned on a small gathering of the core Riot Force members before shifting into the hustle and bustle that the Legendary base was bound
to be. And so the gathering had begun. Slowly, people had trickled in, from Sell-Sword in polished white armor that got several snickers from the more
geek-oriented members, to the rest of Ifrit's apartment mates, Sammy having been kept remarkably to a containable level of sugar. And, even though a
majority of the heroes, active and currently inactive off Riot Force's roster had shown up, some dressed up, others not, the base still had plenty of room
for everyone.

Naturally, when Ifrit commented on this to her girlfriend, she glanced over as the teleporter disgorged Rhea, Lisa, and Terrence, the former two in cat
costumes as Terrence was, amusingly, dressed up as an enormous mouse. Sammy's eyes went very, very wide as Ifrit slipped around Living Reactor and Mr. Grey
with Nene in tow to great the group.

"Well, as odd as it is to say it, I didn't expect to see you three here," Ifrit noted. "We expected you'd still be at the Legendary
party."

"And I see you talked him into costume idea number 2 behind the Mag costume," Nene noted with a conspiratorial smirk at Lisa, who merely smiled in
return as Terr tossed a suspicious look at the redhead.

"Well, we were, but then things got....complicated...." Terr started to explain.

"We got invaded by crazy hippies for cruelty to animals," Lisa added, causing Nene to almost do a spittake.

"Crazy hippies?"

"Yeah. Crazy super-powered hippies. Eventually we managed to explain to them that we didn't hurt animals. Mr. Whiskers had to do a lot before
they'd sit still, though. And by then, all of Eva's pretty decorations had gotten torn up by the cow lady and the evil trees," Rhea said with a
frown.

"Evil...trees," Ifrit echoed.

"Yeah, I know," Lisa said. "Anyway, they're still cleaning up over there, so I figured we'd come over this way, see you all. So, how
many of the women here are Sabres in disguise?" she smiled.

"...more than you'd think, but not as many as the rumors say," Nene chuckled. "Still, come in. We've got non-alcoholic punch enough for
everyone, and with Enynn's help, we even managed to bake enough cookies for everyone with a ton of extras."

Terr visibly cringed at the mention of the flaming redhead, but Rhea perked up at the mention of cookies, and Ifrit guided the trio over towards the dessert
table, grateful that not all these sweets would go to waste. Nene just laughed as she said as much. "Careful, you'll jynx it."

"How can I jynx non-attendance?" Ifrit blinked behind her genie's veil.

Nene just smiled slightly.

***

Naturally, that was hardly the end of it. They'd come in a few at a time. Solo or in clumps. But slowly, it seemed word had gotten out among the Legendary
that the Riot Force Base was hosting another Halloween party, and that their base, at least, did not have a giant cow woman shaped dent in one of the hosting
areas' walls. Ifrit was amused by the initial few arrivals, which slowly turned to surprise....then shock....then bewilderment as more and more and more
came through the base teleporter, seating space soon ending up at a premium unless one wanted to use the floor. Miranda and a few other teleporters were
dragooned into getting additional food, candy, and sweets for the party as the base began to fill, as the teleporter bay and invention areas were temporarily
shut down and repurposed into additional lounge space for the rapidly expanding party.

"You jynxed it," Nene noted with a smirk.

"Don't you start," Ifrit noted, looking a little more frazzled at the sudden surge in management of the growing party.

"So does this mean that if you wish for us to have little food, a banquet will suddenly appear?"

"Nene, I love you, but shut up, please."

"Hehehe."

***

Nene darted throughout the party, dodging people as she performed a dance that she thought on par with at least some of Linna's lesser routines to avoid
bumping into anyone while simultaneously keeping her plate of snacks upright. Thus, she was in a perfect position to observe as the new duo stepped out of the
teleporter. At which point she almost dropped her plate in surprise.

"Nene, you look so formal. Isn't this a costume party?" Sylia said with a slight quirk of her lips. The Silky Doll's proprietor and leader of
the Knight Sabres(even if almost none of the Sabres here would recognize her as such) was dressed from head to toe in an elaborate replica of a European
nobleman's fashion from some earlier century. A black tunic with gold embroidered edges extended down to mid thigh over black silk trousers that were
complemented by what Nene could swear were authentic leather boots with slight fur trim in the interior visible. A stark white neckerchief was tied about her
neck as a collar, hanging down elegantly with a single ruby stud in the middle. Over this was a dark black greatcoat, the interior trimmed in red, embroidered
with similarly red flowing patterns that were echoed by the long, forearm length red cuffs that came just short of Sylia's elbows. Completing the ensemble
was a long, flowing black cape with matching red interior, a length of golden cord holding it about her shoulders, the collar flaring up behind her head in a
very old West European manner. Sylia herself was impeccably groomed as ever, every hair in place, though her makeup was a touch more pale than Nene remembered.

But more startling was her companion for the evening. The gown was resplendent in white silk, its neck dipping daringly below the bustline as sheer fabric
interwove with the flower patterns to give tantalizingly clear yet brief glances at the skin beneath. Elegant, understated jewelery adorned her wrists as well
as a single white silk collar that extended about her neck, complemented by a slender golden necklace. As with Sylia, her skin was pale, but her lips were
vibrant red with lipstick and artful application of additional makeup drew attention to her piercing red eyes. It was those unique eyes, which Nene knew to be
natural rather than contacts, that clued the red Knight Sabre into the fact that she was looking at Priss, despite the long black wig that extended to her
midback.

"...did you lose a bet?" she wondered after a moment of staring, taking in every detail.

The calm, composed expression broke into slight embarassment, ruining the illusion as Priss blushed. "Well, Sylia thought it'd be interesting to wear
matching costumes. I didn't know she had something like this in mind," she said, her voice a touch off for some reason.

Nene blinked, looking at her. "...is there any particular reason you're lisping slightly, Priss?" she asked.

Priss smirked, as behind her, Sylia gave a slightly more open smile of amusement, a pair of subtle fangs making themselves visible to Nene, which had her eyes
widening slightly as she looked at Priss, who flashed her a smirk that revealed her own pair, which caused Nene to giggle.

"You're going to cause people's eyes to pop out of their heads."

Sylia stepped off the teleporter platform, helping Priss along with every nuance and step of a refined gentleman escorting his lady, flashing Nene another
small smile.

"That, Nene my dear, is the idea."
---
"Oh, silver blade, forged in the depths of the beyond. Heed my summons and purge those who stand in my way. Lay
waste."

I figured I would share my build since others expressed an interest in making a defender, possibly with rads.

I make no claims to the accuracy of the slotting levels or the exact level choices, it has been FAR to long since I made her to remember these things.

Gamma plays very much like a tank, with a little bit of prep. Choking Cloud and Acrobatics are always up and running. Before jumping into a mob I nail the
biggest one I can see with Radiation Infection and Enervating Field, while running in I will follow it up with Lingering Radiation. Those three mean that
almost every attack (including 90% of the alpha strike) miss me, and I can safely stand next to my anchor with little fear.

Once in position cycling Irradiate, Electron Haze, and Neutron Bomb become the standard fare as Minions are perma-held, Lts spend 80% of their time choking on
fumes. With Cosmic Burst (Lime cream puff of doom!) tossed in stun any pesky threats/bosses. You don't need to slot CB for stun, it's a mag 3 that
lasts for 10 seconds. I currently recharge in 5, so I can double stack it and perma-stun almost anything except EBs/AVs. Neutrino Bolt is used as needed for
range or to fill in untill something else recharges. It recharges faster than it animates. Heal as needed and marvel at the glowing mess your enemies have
turned into.

If things do go south (and if you are acting as the only tank for the team they will), EMP is your friend. Hopefully with everyone (or almost everyone) held by
CC you have time to chain the niceties before hand, but in a pinch EMP on it's own can buy you a minute of peace and quiet. If you know that you need to,
or can spare 5 seconds before you chew dirt, chaining Aim, Conserve Power, and Power Build Up before hitting the EMP will turn your OhCrap! into LOLStun. 90
seconds of absolutely everyone in the 60' radius wondering what just happened. And with Conserve power, I can keep on blasting; my end will last the 15
seconds of no recovery.

Things I'm planning to do:

Radiant Aura: swap out the Miracle pair for something else, as I've hit my cap on "Recovery +2.5%"

Electron Haze and Cosmic Burst: slot more purples as I find and/or can afford them

Stamina: swap out the Performance Shifter +end for a plain EndMod IO

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.4006

http://www.cohplanner.com/

Gamma Emission: Level 50 Science Defender

Primary Power Set: Radiation Emission

Secondary Power Set: Radiation Blast

Power Pool: Leaping

Power Pool: Fitness

Ancillary Pool: Power Mastery

Hero Profile:

Level 1: Radiant Aura

• (A) Miracle - Heal/Endurance: Level 35
  
• (3) Miracle - Heal: Level 37
  
• (3) Healing IO: Level 50
  
• (5) Healing IO: Level 50
  
• (5) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Touch of Lady Grey - Defense Debuff/Recharge: Level 37
  
• (7) Touch of Lady Grey - Defense Debuff/Recharge/Endurance: Level 40
  
• (7) Touch of Lady Grey - Recharge/Endurance: Level 39
  
• (9) Touch of Lady Grey - Chance for Negative Damage: Level 38
  
• (9) Accuracy IO: Level 50
  
• (11) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Dark Watcher's Despair - To Hit Debuff: Level 39
  
• (11) Dark Watcher's Despair - To Hit Debuff/Recharge: Level 39
  
• (13) Dark Watcher's Despair - To Hit Debuff/Recharge/Endurance: Level 40
  
• (13) Dark Watcher's Despair - Recharge/Endurance: Level 40
  
• (15) Dark Watcher's Despair - To Hit Debuff/Endurance: Level 40
  
• (15) To Hit Debuff IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Touch of Lady Grey - Defense Debuff/Recharge: Level 37
  
• (17) Touch of Lady Grey - Defense Debuff/Recharge/Endurance: Level 40
  
• (17) Touch of Lady Grey - Chance for Negative Damage: Level 38
  
• (19) Scirocco's Dervish - Chance of Damage(Lethal): Level 39
  
• (19) Scirocco's Dervish - Accuracy/Damage: Level 50
  
• (21) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Performance Shifter - EndMod: Level 49
  
• (21) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (23) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Accuracy/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (23) Performance Shifter - Chance for +End: Level 50
  
• (25) Endurance Modification IO: Level 50
  
• (25) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Endurance Reduction IO: Level 50
  
• (27) Endurance Reduction IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Ragnarok - Damage/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (27) Ragnarok - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (29) Detonation - Accuracy/Damage: Level 50
  
• (29) Detonation - Damage/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (31) Accuracy IO: Level 50
  
• (31) Endurance Reduction IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Accuracy IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Unbounded Leap - Jumping: Level 50
  
• (31) Unbounded Leap - +Stealth: Level 40
  
• (33) Jumping IO: Level 40
  

• (A) Tempered Readiness - Accuracy/Slow: Level 40
  
• (33) Tempered Readiness - Damage/Slow: Level 40
  
• (33) Tempered Readiness - Accuracy/Endurance: Level 41
  
• (34) Tempered Readiness - Range/Slow: Level 41
  
• (34) Tempered Readiness - Endurance/Recharge/Slow: Level 41
  

• (A) Run Speed IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Healing IO: Level 50
  
• (34) Healing IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Endurance Modification IO: Level 50
  
• (36) Endurance Modification IO: Level 50
  
• (36) Performance Shifter - Chance for +End: Level 30
  

• (A) Neuronic Shutdown - Endurance/Hold: Level 29
  
• (36) Neuronic Shutdown - Accuracy/Endurance: Level 28
  
• (37) Neuronic Shutdown - Hold/Range: Level 28
  
• (37) Neuronic Shutdown - Accuracy/Hold/Recharge: Level 28
  
• (37) Hold Duration IO: Level 50
  
• (39) Endurance Reduction IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Calibrated Accuracy - Accuracy/Interrupt: Level 45
  
• (39) Calibrated Accuracy - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge: Level 45
  
• (39) Extreme Measures - Damage/Interrupt/Recharge: Level 45
  
• (40) Extreme Measures - Damage/Endurance/Recharge: Level 45
  

• (A) Apocalypse - Accuracy/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (40) Apocalypse - Damage/Endurance: Level 50
  
• (40) Accuracy IO: Level 50
  
• (42) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
  
• (42) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
  
• (42) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
  
• (43) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Unbreakable Constraint - Hold: Level 50
  
• (43) Unbreakable Constraint - Hold/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (43) Unbreakable Constraint - Accuracy/Hold/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (45) Unbreakable Constraint - Accuracy/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (45) Unbreakable Constraint - Endurance/Hold: Level 50
  
• (45) Accuracy IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Positron's Blast - Accuracy/Damage: Level 50
  
• (46) Positron's Blast - Damage/Endurance: Level 45
  
• (46) Positron's Blast - Damage/Recharge: Level 47
  
• (46) Positron's Blast - Damage/Range: Level 47
  
• (48) Positron's Blast - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance: Level 47
  
• (48) Accuracy IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Endurance Reduction IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
  
• (48) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
  
• (50) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
  
• (50) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Accuracy IO: Level 50
  
• (50) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Accuracy IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Run Speed IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Endurance Modification IO: Level 50
  

• 2% DamageBuff(Smashing)
  
• 2% DamageBuff(Lethal)
  
• 2% DamageBuff(Fire)
  
• 2% DamageBuff(Cold)
  
• 2% DamageBuff(Energy)
  
• 2% DamageBuff(Negative)
  
• 2% DamageBuff(Toxic)
  
• 2% DamageBuff(Psionic)
  
• 0.9% Max End
  
• 1.5% Enhancement(FlySpeed)
  
• 1.5% Enhancement(JumpSpeed)
  
• 1.5% Enhancement(JumpHeight)
  
• 1.5% Enhancement(RunSpeed)
  
• 25% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
  
• 31% Enhancement(Accuracy)
  
• 5% FlySpeed
  
• 80.1 HP (7.88%) HitPoints
  
• 9% JumpHeight
  
• 9% JumpSpeed
  
• MezResist(Immobilize) 2.2%
  
• MezResist(Sleep) 1.65%
  
• 24.5% (0.41 End/sec) Recovery
  
• 34% (1.44 HP/sec) Regeneration
  
• 4.1% Resistance(Fire)
  
• 4.1% Resistance(Cold)
  
• 5% RunSpeed
  

• 2.5% (0.04 End/sec) Recovery
  

• 15.3 HP (1.5%) HitPoints
  
• 2.5% (0.04 End/sec) Recovery
  
• 8% (0.34 HP/sec) Regeneration
  

• 15.3 HP (1.5%) HitPoints
  
• 2.5% (0.04 End/sec) Recovery
  
• 5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
  
• 2% DamageBuff(All)
  

• 15.3 HP (1.5%) HitPoints
  
• 2.5% (0.04 End/sec) Recovery
  

• 10% (0.42 HP/sec) Regeneration
  

• 5% JumpSpeed, 5% JumpHeight, 5% FlySpeed, 5% RunSpeed
  
• 19.1 HP (1.88%) HitPoints
  
• 2.5% (0.04 End/sec) Recovery
  

• 4% (0.07 End/sec) Recovery
  

• MezResist(Sleep) 1.65%
  

• 4% JumpSpeed, 4% JumpHeight
  

• 1.5% (0.03 End/sec) Recovery
  
• 1.5% Enhancement(Slow)
  
• 0.9% Max End
  
• 3.75% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
  

• MezResist(Immobilize) 2.2%
  
• 15.3 HP (1.5%) HitPoints
  
• 7% Enhancement(Accuracy)
  

• 1% (0.02 End/sec) Recovery
  

• 1.5% (0.03 End/sec) Recovery
  

• 16% (0.68 HP/sec) Regeneration
  

• 4% (0.07 End/sec) Recovery
  
• 2.52% Resistance(Fire,Cold)
  
• 15% Enhancement(Accuracy)
  
• 10% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
  

• 2.5% (0.04 End/sec) Recovery (Exceeded 5 Bonus Cap)
  
• 1.58% Resistance(Fire,Cold)
  
• 9% Enhancement(Accuracy)
  
• 6.25% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
  

The Alexandria Archive began as a project that Fate was interested in: archiving as much of human culture - particularly Fen culture - as possible. By the
summer of 2014, it contained as many different items of music, movies and books that she could find, either through her own endeavors or with help of various
friends. However, members of the Yggdrasil crew grew interested in the project as well, and the scope began to grow exponentially. The stated goal
would probably be unattainable if not for honey-waved data storage and the extensive use of holotechnology that the Jason has started to employ.

The goal? A simple one - archiving the Earth and the Solar System.

Fate, Sherlock, James Burke, Master Li and Queen Iris are the primary movers behind the project, though the other AI members of the Lightning and the
Yggdrasil contribute as well. They hope to take over the asteroid 238 Hypatia and set it up as the central data core of the Archive. They plan on
sending out drones - holographically cloaked as necessary - and recording data on everything they can find. Literature. Art. Cities - with holotech, anything
should be able to be reproduced at least as an image on demand. Want to see what Times Square looks like? The archive would have the data necessary to
reproduce it holographically. The same with the Pyramids. Or Disney World. The Jason has asked for them to look at doing detailed medical tricorder scans of
the environment as well; if possible, he would like a record of the genomes of the Earth. If you record things in enough detail - even if it's not possible
right this moment, species could be recreated if they go extinct. Some space will be set aside for seed and cell banks aboard the asteroid as well, though most
of the genome storage will still be in the form of sensor data.

Needless to say, this is a long-term project. To get even a fairly comprehensive sample together will take decades at a minimum. Still, the AIs can afford to
take the long view.

Of all the things in the game, the *one* thing that I'm strict on trying to get on all my characters is
souveniers. Here's my guide through the first few levels, where it's tricky. Thing to note - unlike OpMegs leveling guide, often times you *don't*
want to level or get XP too fast. Soloing is your best friend.

First off: [/url][url=http://www.rjcyberware.com/CoH/ContactNotes.phtml]http://www.rjcyberware.com/CoH/ContactNotes.phtml Very old and
out of date, but really useful.

5-9: The only thing to get here is the first two Hollows arcs. Do them. If you're lucky, you can *sometimes* trigger the Frostfire mission before you hit
7, which makes doing him a cinch if you come back after a couple levels. If you end up with him at 7, it's no big. After triggering his mission, I tend to
go work on getting the Negotiator badge for giggles.

10-14: Here's where things get *tight* and awfully tricky. First off, you have three souveniers on the main contacts and a badge mission. You also have two
more contacts in the Hollows. Go try and get the Spelunker badge ASAP. Then work on Julius. Then finish the other main line contacts. Then finish off the
Hollows - if you're lucky you can get a CoT Trial team going.

15-19: I work on getting Plague Stopper and the final mission of the Vahz Plague arc ASAP, but that's because I'm cheap and like to overpower EBs. You
have two other mainline contacts, but I usually leave them until after I finish off the Faultline Arcs. By the time you're done the last of these you
should have barely jumped over the L20 mark. If not, there's two other untouched contacts for you to bug.

20-24: No kids, it doesn't get easier. Scurry over to Striga, and get Stephanie Peeble's Ring. You'll want it to finish off the Faultline arcs,
which you should do next. Then Do Long Jack. If you're diligent about only fighting when necessary, you should be able to then do all four main line
contact arcs *and* the two badge missions.

25-29: Whee, still tight. Personally, I do Striga to get it out of my hair, then Croatoa because it's always fun. Then I do the mainlines. At this point, I
sometimes run low on XP, so you can probably kill more guys on your way. Each contact should do about 2/3 to 3/4 of a level for you. You might also want to go
visit some Ouro arcs too.

30-34: Okay, first off, clear off Croatoa. You have FIVE main Arcs, and two badges. Do them. You can also run some more Ouro, and it migth be a good time to go
harrass the Midnighters.

35+: Motherload time. At this point, you not only have the mainlines, but you have a *lot* of alternates. There's PVP Zones, there's Cimerora,
there's Rikti War Zone, there's more Ouro at various points. Go run one of the alternates if you're low on XP. Also, at this point you can more or
less team/TF freely, because you'll want the XP.

So. Yeah. That's what I do. It's why it takes me so damn long to level.

When I'm not being distracted by other shiny games.

Edit: Why is my BG colour on all my posts so goofy?

According to this article, City of Heroes is coming to the Mac. Apparently it will
be out "before the holidays," although the article doesn't say which holidays. ;-)

David Tennant is stepping down as the Doctor. He basically says if he doesn't go now, he'll stay in the role until they pry the sonic screwdriver from his cold, dead fingers.

-- Bob
---------
Then the horns kicked in...
...and my shoes began to squeak.