Like the warning said.

I hate complaining about game changes. I really do. Change is supposed to be the nature of an MMO. I've been here since Issue 1. I was here for ED.
I've never felt that a change was so great that it'd force me to stop playing or enjoy the game any less. I've never felt the need to cry nerf and
let slip the dogs of doom.

But. The loss of Shocking Bolt might just do it.

If you've not heard yet, they're taking Shocking Bolt out of the Electric Mastery pool for Blasters, and replacing it with Conserve Power. I do not
like this. It might just ruin the game for me.

No, I'm serious. Let me explain. Is that an overreaction? Perhaps. But it was my favourite power on my Blaster, and absolutely critical to my playstyle. I
took great delight in being able to either constantly throw out hold/immob and light control powers, or do pure damage - making my Blaster great to solo, and
great in a team.

Let me make this clear. I have many characters whom I love to Roleplay. That's why I have so many alts.

But the hero I love most to play - as in, to just log in and treat CoH like a game and not just a glorified chatroom... was my 50 Blaster,
Glass Lass.

I say was.

I recognise that Blasters still have holds available in the Flame Mastery and Munitions Mastery lines. Neither of those will work for me. I hate redraw, so
Munitions is out - and either way, most importantly, neither Flame nor Munitions fit my character concept. And like many players, character concept is very
important to me.

And I think concept is important to many people. I'm sure everyone here will agree, but I think it's also true for the general player population. After
all, a selling point of this game is that ability to realise your creative vision.

I can't accept the argument that Shocking Bolt proved unpopular in datamining. I cannot accept that. The Hold-Blaster playstyle isn't that
uncommon, and most Electric Blasters I've seen liked to stack Tesla Cage and Shocking Bolt for the logical combination. I would imagine it's more that
the developers saw Conserve Power as popular, and wanted to put it in another pool. And they figured, well, Blasters already have a couple of hold
powers in other pools...

If that's their thinking...I can see it. Maybe. But I really, really, don't like it. Replacing an unpopular power with a popular one, sure. Replacing a
power that I'm certain many of us loved...

Well.

I've got a Blaster, here, who's my only hero to be IO'd and Hami'd. I've invested all my resources into Glass Lass. Come I13, if
this change goes live, I'm going to be missing a key power, and that really stings, since this is the ONE character I've bothered to equip like this.
Yes, you've probably heard me talk about IO'ing Syndesis or Space Mage, but that's just talk. Glass Lass is the only character for whom I actually
DID it. And let's be clear, I FINISHED her build. There is a LOT of effort and time here.

So when I13 comes, she's gonna be...a lot less fun. It isn't going to ruin her, not by any means. She's still got acceptable levels of control. But
it'll be less entertaining. Less fun.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do then. I'm not going anywhere for now; my subscription's good up to the end of the year. So I'll give it a
shot. Besides, I love you folks, and I love this community.

But if I can't find a new favourite hero to play, not just for concept and RP, but to play...I really don't know if this will do it
as a game, for me, anymore.

EDIT: Am I overstating my case? Possibly. Might I cool down later? Maybe. Am I pissed now? Yes.
-- Acyl

*Sigh*

As if this week wasn't bad enough already.

Michael Crichton, dead at 66

I don't even have the strength left to curse.

(Edit - Sorry! Didn't see the OTHER thread on this till I posted!)

I have a next door neighbor, Crystal. A smart 11 year old. She needed helped on a book report on what the Maya eat. So went to the PC and pulled up the
appropriate info. I reviewed the data and to me it looked factual. I gave the material to her and told her to write it up in her own words. I met up with her 2
days later. She told me her teacher gave her a good grade, an A. Would had been A+, if the report hadn't included dogs as one of the sources of
protein. Seems teach was upset over it. Go figure.
__________________
Into terror!,  Into valour!
Charge ahead! No! Never turn
Yes, it's into the fire we fly
And the devil will burn!
- Scarlett Pimpernell

The fight against ALPO continues!



You can download the whole comic from.

http://www.whatsupdark.com/3.html

Doooooom!!!!

Ahem.

As announced here: Click on link for details, Issue 13 Power and Responsibility
is now on Open Beta. They have opened the flood gates...

Details on how to get onto the Test Server are provided on the official announcement.

I predict a meltdown of the Test Server and the Forums...

Let the Chaos and Mayhem Begin!

To quote the movie Daredevil: Bring on the Pain! Bring on the Suffering!

Shader

... then you don't know as much about US politics as you think you do. Or you're under 40. Or both.

http://www.ottawasun.com/Comment/Dewar/ ... /dewar.jpg]Ottawa Sun editorial cartoon - the day after the election
--
Rob Kelk
"Governments have no right to question the loyalty of those who oppose
them. Adversaries remain citizens of the same state, common subjects of
the same sovereign, servants of the same law."

- Michael Ignatieff, addressing Stanford University in 2012

Michael Crichton (1942-2008)

This sucks, really. Had no idea he had cancer.

I'm going to have to go buy some of his books now. I've fond memories of reading them from the local library in high school.
---
"Oh, silver blade, forged in the depths of the beyond. Heed my summons and purge those who stand in my way. Lay
waste."

A very Damage Output oriented Mag build. Please advise.Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.4006

http://www.cohplanner.com/

Level 50 Technology Tanker

Primary Power Set: Ice Armor

Secondary Power Set: Ice Melee

Power Pool: Leaping

Power Pool: Fitness

Power Pool: Speed

Power Pool: Leadership

Ancillary Pool: Arctic Mastery

Hero Profile:

------------

Level 1: Frozen Armor

(A) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed: Level 53

(3) Luck of the Gambler - Defense: Level 53

(3) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Endurance: Level 53

(5) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Endurance/Recharge: Level 53

Level 1: Frozen Fists

(A) Crushing Impact - Damage/Recharge: Level 53

(5) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage: Level 53

(7) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge: Level 53

(7) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge: Level 53

(9) Mako's Bite - Damage/Recharge: Level 53

Level 2: Ice Sword

(A) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge: Level 53

(9) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge: Level 53

(11) Mako's Bite - Damage/Recharge: Level 53

(11) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage: Level 53

(13) Crushing Impact - Damage/Recharge: Level 53

Level 4: Frost

(A) Positron's Blast - Damage/Range: Level 53

(13) Positron's Blast - Damage/Endurance: Level 53

(15) Positron's Blast - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance: Level 53

(15) Positron's Blast - Damage/Recharge: Level 53

(17) Positron's Blast - Accuracy/Damage: Level 53

Level 6: Wet Ice

(A) Endurance Reduction IO: Level 50

Level 8: Chilling Embrace

(A) Pacing of the Turtle - Range/Slow: Level 53

(46) Pacing of the Turtle - Endurance/Recharge/Slow: Level 53

(48) Pacing of the Turtle - Accuracy/Endurance: Level 53

(48) Tempered Readiness - Endurance/Recharge/Slow: Level 53

Level 10: Jump Kick

(A) Crushing Impact - Damage/Recharge: Level 53

(17) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage: Level 53

(19) Mako's Bite - Damage/Recharge: Level 53

(19) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge: Level 53

(21) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge: Level 53

Level 12: Combat Jumping

(A) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed: Level 53

(50) Gift of the Ancients - Defense: Level 40

(50) Gift of the Ancients - Defense/Endurance: Level 40

Level 14: Super Jump

(A) Jumping IO: Level 50

Level 16: Hurdle

(A) Jumping IO: Level 50

(21) Jumping IO: Level 50

Level 18: Health

(A) Numina's Convalescence - +Regeneration/+Recovery: Level 53

(23) Numina's Convalescence - Heal: Level 53

(23) Miracle - +Recovery: Level 40

(25) Regenerative Tissue - +Regeneration: Level 30

Level 20: Stamina

(A) Performance Shifter - Chance for +End: Level 50

(25) Performance Shifter - EndMod: Level 50

(27) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Recharge: Level 50

(27) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Accuracy: Level 50

(29) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Accuracy/Recharge: Level 50

Level 22: Icicles

(A) Scirocco's Dervish - Accuracy/Damage: Level 53

(29) Scirocco's Dervish - Damage/Endurance: Level 53

(31) Scirocco's Dervish - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance: Level 53

(31) Scirocco's Dervish - Chance of Damage(Lethal): Level 53

Level 24: Glacial Armor

(A) Endurance Reduction IO: Level 50

Level 26: Build Up

(A) Adjusted Targeting - Recharge: Level 50

(31) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Endurance: Level 50

(33) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff: Level 50

(33) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Recharge: Level 50

(33) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Endurance/Recharge: Level 50

(34) Adjusted Targeting - Endurance/Recharge: Level 50

Level 28: Energy Absorption

(A) Efficacy Adaptor - EndMod: Level 50

(34) Efficacy Adaptor - EndMod/Recharge: Level 50

(34) Efficacy Adaptor - EndMod/Accuracy/Recharge: Level 50

(36) Efficacy Adaptor - Accuracy/Recharge: Level 50

(36) Efficacy Adaptor - EndMod/Endurance: Level 50

(36) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed: Level 53

Level 30: Freezing Touch

(A) Neuronic Shutdown - Accuracy/Hold/Recharge: Level 30

(37) Ghost Widow's Embrace - Accuracy/Hold/Recharge: Level 53

(37) Essence of Curare - Accuracy/Hold/Recharge: Level 53

Level 32: Hibernate

(A) Numina's Convalescence - Heal: Level 53

(37) Numina's Convalescence - Heal/Recharge: Level 53

(39) Doctored Wounds - Heal: Level 53

(39) Doctored Wounds - Heal/Recharge: Level 53

(39) Efficacy Adaptor - EndMod/Recharge: Level 50

(40) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Recharge: Level 50

Level 35: Greater Ice Sword

(A) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge: Level 53

(40) Mako's Bite - Damage/Endurance: Level 53

(40) Mako's Bite - Damage/Recharge: Level 53

(42) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge: Level 53

Level 38: Frozen Aura

(A) Scirocco's Dervish - Accuracy/Damage: Level 53

(42) Scirocco's Dervish - Damage/Endurance: Level 53

(42) Scirocco's Dervish - Damage/Recharge: Level 53

(43) Scirocco's Dervish - Accuracy/Recharge: Level 53

(43) Call of the Sandman - Accuracy/Sleep/Recharge: Level 53

Level 41: Block of Ice

(A) Devastation - Accuracy/Damage: Level 53

(43) Devastation - Damage/Recharge: Level 53

(45) Devastation - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge: Level 53

(45) Devastation - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge: Level 53

(45) Hold Duration IO: Level 50

Level 44: Hasten

(A) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50

(46) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50

(46) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50

Level 47: Maneuvers

(A) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed: Level 53

(48) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Endurance: Level 53

Level 49: Assault

(A) Endurance Reduction IO: Level 50

(50) Endurance Reduction IO: Level 50

------------

Level 1: Brawl

(A) Empty

Level 1: Sprint

(A) Empty

Level 2: Rest

(A) Empty

Level 1: Gauntlet

------------

Set Bonus Totals:

22% DamageBuff(Smashing)

22% DamageBuff(Lethal)

22% DamageBuff(Fire)

22% DamageBuff(Cold)

22% DamageBuff(Energy)

22% DamageBuff(Negative)

22% DamageBuff(Toxic)

22% DamageBuff(Psionic)

2.5% Enhancement(JumpSpeed)

2.5% Enhancement(FlySpeed)

2.5% Enhancement(JumpHeight)

45% Enhancement(Accuracy)

41.3% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

2.5% Enhancement(RunSpeed)

5% FlySpeed

231.9 HP (12.4%) HitPoints

5% JumpHeight

5% JumpSpeed

MezResist(Confused) 7.5%

MezResist(Held) 7.5%

MezResist(Immobilize) 20.7%

MezResist(Sleep) 10.3%

MezResist(Stun) 7.5%

MezResist(Terrorized) 9.7%

8.5% (0.14 End/sec) Recovery

86% (6.73 HP/sec) Regeneration

1.58% Resistance(Fire)

1.58% Resistance(Cold)

1.26% Resistance(Energy)

7.51% Resistance(Negative)

5% RunSpeed

------------

Set Bonuses:

Luck of the Gambler

(Frozen Armor)

10% (0.78 HP/sec) Regeneration

21.1 HP (1.13%) HitPoints

9% Enhancement(Accuracy)

7.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

Mako's Bite

(Frozen Fists)

MezResist(Immobilize) 3.3%

28.1 HP (1.5%) HitPoints

3% DamageBuff(All)

Mako's Bite

(Ice Sword)

MezResist(Immobilize) 3.3%

28.1 HP (1.5%) HitPoints

3% DamageBuff(All)

Positron's Blast

(Frost)

2.5% (0.04 End/sec) Recovery

1.58% Resistance(Fire,Cold)

9% Enhancement(Accuracy)

6.25% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

Pacing of the Turtle

(Chilling Embrace)

MezResist(Sleep) 2.75%

2.5% Enhancement(Slow)

Mako's Bite

(Jump Kick)

MezResist(Immobilize) 3.3%

28.1 HP (1.5%) HitPoints

3% DamageBuff(All)

Luck of the Gambler

(Combat Jumping)

7.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

Gift of the Ancients

(Combat Jumping)

2% (0.03 End/sec) Recovery

Numina's Convalescence

(Health)

12% (0.94 HP/sec) Regeneration

Performance Shifter

(Stamina)

5% JumpSpeed, 5% JumpHeight, 5% FlySpeed, 5% RunSpeed

35.1 HP (1.88%) HitPoints

2.5% (0.04 End/sec) Recovery

2.5% DamageBuff(All)

Scirocco's Dervish

(Icicles)

10% (0.78 HP/sec) Regeneration

3.13% Resistance(Negative)

9% Enhancement(Accuracy)

Adjusted Targeting

(Build Up)

2% DamageBuff(All)

1.26% Resistance(Energy,Negative)

9% Enhancement(Accuracy)

5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

Status Resistance 7.5%

Efficacy Adaptor

(Energy Absorption)

21.1 HP (1.13%) HitPoints

1.5% (0.03 End/sec) Recovery

10% (0.78 HP/sec) Regeneration

2.5% DamageBuff(All)

Luck of the Gambler

(Energy Absorption)

7.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

Numina's Convalescence

(Hibernate)

12% (0.94 HP/sec) Regeneration

Doctored Wounds

(Hibernate)

MezResist(Terrorized) 2.2%

Mako's Bite

(Greater Ice Sword)

MezResist(Immobilize) 3.3%

28.1 HP (1.5%) HitPoints

3% DamageBuff(All)

Scirocco's Dervish

(Frozen Aura)

10% (0.78 HP/sec) Regeneration

3.13% Resistance(Negative)

9% Enhancement(Accuracy)

Devastation

(Block of Ice)

12% (0.94 HP/sec) Regeneration

42.2 HP (2.25%) HitPoints

3% DamageBuff(All)

Luck of the Gambler

(Maneuvers)

10% (0.78 HP/sec) Regeneration

7.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

| Copy & Paste this data into Mids' Hero Designer to view the build |
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|-------------------------------------------------------------------|

Edit: Fixed - was over-5-ing some set bonusses.
"No can brain today. Want cheezeburger."
From NGE: Nobody Dies, by Gregg Landsman
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5579457/1/NGE_Nobody_Dies

While at the same time perfectly right.  Sadly, after watching it, I don't think I'm going to ever enjoy [link=//%[link=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIkCTGoE4DY]www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIkCTGoE4DY]"Maxwell's Silver Hammer"[/url] the same way again.
-- Bob
---------
Then the horns kicked in...
...and my shoes began to squeak.

per your reccomendation, I picked this up from our private source -

WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?!?!

who's the dude? Why's he ripping parts of bell out? Why's he look like Keiichi? Who's the goth chick with butterfly wings? where are my pants?

....wow.

what was this from? I need to get me this OVA/season...
"No can brain today. Want cheezeburger."
From NGE: Nobody Dies, by Gregg Landsman
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5579457/1/NGE_Nobody_Dies