# Wanted! City of Heroes Players!

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanted-city-of-heroes-players/284023>\
**Category:** The Game Room\
**Created:** [January 10, 2005, 10:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanted-city-of-heroes-players/284023 "2005-01-10T10:26:25Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 16

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**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\
**Post date:** [May 6, 2005, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanted-city-of-heroes-players/284023/301 "2005-05-06T14:03:20Z")

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Andrew, that’s bull, okay? It was planned from the start. It’s even in the Prima Guide which is a ripoff of the story bible.

Didn’t come off as well as they wanted, but that’s complete bullpuckey.

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**Author:** ![Mollie\_Magill](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mollie_magill/32/20882_2.png) [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\
**Post date:** [May 6, 2005, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanted-city-of-heroes-players/284023/302 "2005-05-06T14:27:23Z")

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> [@AndrewL](#):
>
> You’ve had the in-game explanation. Here’s the real reason.

I think this has been soundly debunked by now. From the get go, the creators wanted Paragon City to be a dynamic setting, which meant some things changing as they went along. The recent deal with Sister Psyche is a good example.

If the change had been made because they wanted to market the game in Europe, would it have not been easier to start with The Council, and not have to worry about the 5th Column at all?

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**Author:** ![AndrewL](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@AndrewL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AndrewL)\
**Post date:** [May 6, 2005, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanted-city-of-heroes-players/284023/303 "2005-05-06T15:01:44Z")

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It seems I stand corrected.

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**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\
**Post date:** [May 6, 2005, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanted-city-of-heroes-players/284023/304 "2005-05-06T17:35:42Z")

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> [@Licentious Ectomorph](#):
>
> I could not find a team last night, and I mean At. All. **Lute Skywatcher** thinks the interest in the arena will die down soon, but I’m not so optimistic. I think there’s a significant contingent of kids out there who think PvP is “kewl,” and they’d rather do that than run missions and do the stuff that the heroes are, you know, _supposed_ to be doing.

I think the problem is that, along with the newness of the arenas, the new Find Member dialog doesn’t work like it used to. Just clicking the button will only display a couple of names, if any. Even if there are several in the zone actively looking for a team. I suspect that most people aren’t aware that they have to use an expanded search in order for Find Member to be useful–they just click once, don’t see anyone LFT, and figure there’s nobody out there. I was in a team of three when Virtue crashed last night; found them by using an expanded search.

Another problem is that Champion appears to have an inordinate number of kiddies on, at least compared to Virtue. First time I logged in, I thought the number of people using 1337 and Netspeak was noticably higher.

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**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\
**Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanted-city-of-heroes-players/284023/305 "2005-05-11T19:31:48Z")

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I’m starting to see on other boards where people are saying they can’t find anyone for PvP. Sounds like it’s normalizing already.

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**Author:** ![lno](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a8b319/32.png) [@lno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lno)\
**Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanted-city-of-heroes-players/284023/306 "2005-05-11T19:38:14Z")

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Hey! You people!

I’ve started to play again, as some may have noticed. I’ve got a few questions given that I quit last year before Issue 2 came out, and now, well, time’s obviously passed.[ul][_]I see a bunch of broadcasts from various players(?) named Taxibot or a variant on that. Is it nothing more than people with Recall Friend who offer ports out of goodwill?[_]Did story arcs become much more rare? My new character on Virtue is level 12 and has only received one story arc (the Vahzilok chemicals in the sewer); Gassius Clay had over 30 souvs by the time he was level 38.[_]What are ‘Elite Bosses’? I’ve got a mission to kill Frostfire, and I’m used to seeing Minions, Lieutenants, Bosses, and Arch-Villains. I’m assuming an Elite Boss is between a Boss and an AV, but roughly how many people should it take to kill one? Frostfire was an orange con to me, and annihilated me before I could whack even a quarter of his health.[_]There seem to be two new archetypes, peacesomething and warsomething. Are these only available to high-level players, or can someone unlock them with a mission?[_]There’s still no way to transfer a character from one server to another, is there?[_]What are Kheldians? I’d never heard the word before.Are badges of any use other than collecting them for the sake of collecting, a la Star Wars: Galaxies?[/ul]So, help out a superhero, eh?

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**Author:** ![Licentious\_Ectomorph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/5e9695/32.png) [@Licentious\_Ectomorph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Licentious_Ectomorph)\
**Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanted-city-of-heroes-players/284023/307 "2005-05-11T19:52:45Z")

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> [@Lute Skywatcher](#):
>
> I’m starting to see on other boards where people are saying they can’t find anyone for PvP. Sounds like it’s normalizing already.

I do believe you’re right. Lately I’m having a much easier time finding teams, and most of the characters whose info I look at have no stats whatsoever in their arena tabs.

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**Author:** ![Mollie\_Magill](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mollie_magill/32/20882_2.png) [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\
**Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanted-city-of-heroes-players/284023/308 "2005-05-11T20:16:41Z")

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> [@lno](#):
>
> I see a bunch of broadcasts from various players(?) named Taxibot or a variant on that. Is it nothing more than people with Recall Friend who offer ports out of goodwill?

That’s basically what the taxibots are.

> [@](#):
>
> Did story arcs become much more rare? My new character on Virtue is level 12 and has only received one story arc (the Vahzilok chemicals in the sewer); Gassius Clay had over 30 souvs by the time he was level 38.

The story arcs are still there. Check out [www.cityofheroesonline.com](http://www.cityofheroesonline.com) for a list.

> [@](#):
>
> What are ‘Elite Bosses’? I’ve got a mission to kill Frostfire, and I’m used to seeing Minions, Lieutenants, Bosses, and Arch-Villains. I’m assuming an Elite Boss is between a Boss and an AV, but roughly how many people should it take to kill one? Frostfire was an orange con to me, and annihilated me before I could whack even a quarter of his health.

That’s it in a nutshell. The Elite Bosses are like bosses on steroids. I would suggest using at least three people to take one out.

> [@](#):
>
> There seem to be two new archetypes, peacesomething and warsomething. Are these only available to high-level players, or can someone unlock them with a mission?

Peacebringers and Warshades are the “epic Archetypes”. You need at least one character at 50 to unlock them. They are also the Kheldians of which you ask.

> [@](#):
>
> There’s still no way to transfer a character from one server to another, is there?

No.

> [@](#):
>
> Are badges of any use other than collecting them for the sake of collecting, a la Star Wars: Galaxies?

Certain collections of badges give certain “accolades” which could be a special weapon or permanent increases in Endurance or Hit Points.

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**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\
**Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanted-city-of-heroes-players/284023/309 "2005-05-11T21:52:22Z")

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> [@Maus Magill](#):
>
> > [@](#):
> >
> > Did story arcs become much more rare? My new character on Virtue is level 12 and has only received one story arc (the Vahzilok chemicals in the sewer); Gassius Clay had over 30 souvs by the time he was level 38.
> 
> The story arcs are still there. Check out [www.cityofheroesonline.com](http://www.cityofheroesonline.com) for a list.

IIRC, we’re only allowed one active story arc at a time, not counting ones started in The Hollows or on Striga Isle.

> [@](#):
>
> > [@](#):
> >
> > Are badges of any use other than collecting them for the sake of collecting, a la Star Wars: Galaxies?
> 
> Certain collections of badges give certain “accolades” which could be a special weapon or permanent increases in Endurance or Hit Points.

Details here: [http://www.vidiotmaps.com/coh/index.php?page=powerades](http://www.vidiotmaps.com/coh/index.php?page=powerades).

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**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\
**Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanted-city-of-heroes-players/284023/310 "2005-05-11T21:55:32Z")

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Oh yeah, and many (if not all) Taxibots belong to the [Paragon Taxi Service Super Group](http://www.taxibots.com/).

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**Author:** ![Kyyrewyyoae](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Kyyrewyyoae](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyyrewyyoae)\
**Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanted-city-of-heroes-players/284023/311 "2005-05-11T22:22:01Z")

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OK, I’m back into this game after being out for quite awhile. I have plenty of alts on Pinnacle, but if most Dopers hang around on Virtue then maybe I’ll start something there.

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**Author:** ![lno](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a8b319/32.png) [@lno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lno)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2005, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanted-city-of-heroes-players/284023/312 "2005-05-12T13:18:22Z")

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> [@Lute Skywatcher](#):
>
> Oh yeah, and many (if not all) Taxibots belong to the [Paragon Taxi Service Super Group](http://www.taxibots.com/).

That is so freakin’ cool.

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**Author:** ![Brainiac4](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brainiac4/32/3534_2.png) [@Brainiac4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brainiac4)\
**Post date:** [May 13, 2005, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanted-city-of-heroes-players/284023/313 "2005-05-13T01:47:16Z")

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Taxibots rule. They’re the best SG on Virtue (even better than our own dear CECIL), in my opinion.

I am tempted to make a taxibot from time to time. Then I remember that I have too many alts as it is.

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**Author:** ![diku](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4af34b/32.png) [@diku](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/diku)\
**Post date:** [May 13, 2005, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanted-city-of-heroes-players/284023/314 "2005-05-13T04:24:40Z")

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> [@Lute Skywatcher](#):
>
> IIRC, we’re only allowed one active story arc at a time, not counting ones started in The Hollows or on Striga Isle.

You’re actually allowed two story arcs at a time.

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**Author:** ![Licentious\_Ectomorph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/5e9695/32.png) [@Licentious\_Ectomorph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Licentious_Ectomorph)\
**Post date:** [May 13, 2005, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanted-city-of-heroes-players/284023/315 "2005-05-13T12:45:37Z")

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These days I’m mostly playing Coldzone, an ice blaster in Champion who just hit level 16 yesterday. I’ve seen characters with the power to freeze numerous foes at once in blocks of ice, but I can’t figure out what that power is. I don’t see it in any of the higher-level powers; none of the descriptions indicate they affect multiple targets. Any clue?

I’ve also made a few new characters to play in Virtue, so be on the lookout for Golden Bolt (empathy/elec defender), Astroblast (energy/energy blaster), and Forcefist (invul/energy melee tanker).

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**Author:** ![Balance](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ccd318/32.png) [@Balance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balance)\
**Post date:** [May 13, 2005, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanted-city-of-heroes-players/284023/316 "2005-05-13T15:12:35Z")

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> [@Licentious Ectomorph](#):
>
> These days I’m mostly playing Coldzone, an ice blaster in Champion who just hit level 16 yesterday. I’ve seen characters with the power to freeze numerous foes at once in blocks of ice, but I can’t figure out what that power is.

That sounds like Glacier. It’s a L26 Ice controller power that does a PBAoE hold and encases mobs in blocks of ice. Flash Freeze, the L18 ice control power, is a ranged AoE sleep that traps mobs in icicles. The only power available to blasters that has an effect anything like your description is Frozen Aura–it’s the nigh-worthless L38 Ice Manipulation power, and does a melee-range PBAoE sleep with the visual effect of a thin coating of ice on the mobs.

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**Author:** ![Licentious\_Ectomorph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/5e9695/32.png) [@Licentious\_Ectomorph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Licentious_Ectomorph)\
**Post date:** [May 13, 2005, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanted-city-of-heroes-players/284023/317 "2005-05-13T15:45:26Z")

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Shucks, it’s a Controller power? I was so looking forward to it. ☹ I’ve seen it in use and it’s very handy – it immobilizes entire mobs so the team can attack them unmolested.

Oh well, I still have Ice Patch to look forward to. 🙂

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**Author:** ![bouv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bc8723/32.png) [@bouv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bouv)\
**Post date:** [May 15, 2005, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanted-city-of-heroes-players/284023/318 "2005-05-15T20:27:39Z")

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Yeah, most uber-AoE powers are controller or defender, otherwise it would make the blaster too powerful (although right now that might be good, considering how uner-powered it is at higher levels.)

But I’m upset right now cause Virtue (and some other servers) are down, and I have no idea why. I see no mention of server maintainance on the website. :mad:

And it happened _right_ whenI began a new alt (fire/ice tanker, and my first woman character…it still feels weird playing a girl…)

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**Author:** ![Licentious\_Ectomorph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/5e9695/32.png) [@Licentious\_Ectomorph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Licentious_Ectomorph)\
**Post date:** [May 16, 2005, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanted-city-of-heroes-players/284023/319 "2005-05-16T13:35:57Z")

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I was playing in Champion when it crashed, so I “activated” a couple of my unplayed characters in the remaining servers: Synchrotron (rad/rad defender) and the Disciplinarian (S&M-themed tanker – I slay myself 😃 ) Heaven forbid I do something healthy like read or socialize when my preferred server is down. 😉

Anyway, the active servers were jam-packed with players; I’ve never seen so many people in Atlas Park. They were bitching and moaning endlessly about the crash, and arguing over which server is the “best”: “Virtue suXx, Pinnacle rulz!” etc. Um, hate to break it to you kiddies, but…they’re all exactly the same. :rolleyes:

Several of them had names like MyServerIsDown, which I thought was kinda cute.

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**Author:** ![bouv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bc8723/32.png) [@bouv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bouv)\
**Post date:** [May 16, 2005, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanted-city-of-heroes-players/284023/320 "2005-05-16T13:57:14Z")

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> [@Licentious Ectomorph](#):
>
> Anyway, the active servers were jam-packed with players; I’ve never seen so many people in Atlas Park. They were bitching and moaning endlessly about the crash, and arguing over which server is the “best”: “Virtue suXx, Pinnacle rulz!” etc. Um, hate to break it to you kiddies, but…they’re all exactly the same.

Which is why I love Virtue, ther’s seems to be almost none of thast kind of crap. No broadcast/request channel spamming, no leet speak, and more RPers in general (not that I RP, but the ones that do add a sense of realism and so forth.)

I was tempted to start an alt, but then realized that the servers that were up would be alggy, and I would never play it again, so I actually _gasp_ did something productive and unpacked some of my stuff from my recent move.

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