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City of Heroes Senior Designer , Lead Writer , Joe Morrissey, who writes this developer journal telling us about the Midnight Squad, a group of heroes that has appeared in past lore, but makes their first appearance in Issue 12.

"Whose idea was this anyway?"

It's pretty safe to say that if it's not Positron's fault… it's mine.

Hi. I don't think we've been formally introduced. I'm Joe Morrissey, some call me Hero 1. I'm a senior designer and the lead writer on City of Heroes. I've been on the team just over a year now, coming on during the craziness of Issue 10, helping guide the vision of Issue 11 and now laying the foundation for what is issue 12, "The Midnight Hour". But before I get into that, let me give you a little background about myself.

I've been a writer/designer for about 10 years now, starting at Blizzard North working on Diablo II, the expansion and anything else us "Northies" thought was a good idea at the time. From there I went over to Backbone and learned how to roll up my sleeves and get down and dirty in design. I worked on a number of handheld games the highlight of those being Death Jr. 2. About a year ago, my wife and I found out we were going to have our first kid and that meant a couple lifestyle changes needed to occur. The main one being a job much closer to home. I applied at Cryptic Studios and apparently I "interviewed well", a fact Positron is quick to point out anytime that I make his life difficult.

"So, why the Midnight Hour?"

The Midnight Squad takes the main focus of this issue. They've got some of the coolest history, yet hardly any of it has been opened up to the players. I choose the Midnight Squad because they were seriously crippled by the invasion and therefore were extremely motivated to take action against the Rikti. We did a lot with the Rikti story for Issue 10, but it was only through the single lens of the Vanguard. Now we see a second perspective, through the eyes of those hardest hit from the invasion, the Midnighters.

Rather than retreating further back into their libraries, they are stepping out of the shadows and throwing their pipes and monocles into the fight against the Rikti. The Squad has always been a group of intellects who research, discuss and analyze the world of the unknown, but now they have a purpose. They have an enemy – an enemy who thought them important enough to attack first. An intelligent man might believe there was something to that, something the Midnighters can use to their advantage. Now all that knowledge and hidden power is being turned against the Rikti.

... ...

Read full article here , And you can click here to see the six new screenshots related to this aritcle .

Some game players may have this problem that there are some random errors once in a while that no one knows what the problem is. So i collect this list of solution of that. Hope these can help some 9Dragons players.

Error 100 - Computer is infected with virus. Please update the anti-virus to the latest and scan the PC. If the error code 100 persists to appear even after scanning, it might be an undetectable virus.

Error 110 - This is indicating that GameGuard has already been loaded once and is still resident in memory. Please hit CONTROL-SHIFT-ESCAPE to bring up the task manager, click processes, and perform an end process on GameMon.des. If ending these processes does not resolve the error, please reboot your PC.

Error 114 - Unfortunately a specific solution to this error is unavailable. In general, it is indicating that some software on your PC is preventing GameGuard from loading. Please verify that you have administrative access to the PC you are using, and that you have shut down all nonessential software. Also, you may wish to end any unnecessary system services or processes if you feel comfortable doing so. You may also wish to try temporarily disabling any virus scanning, firewall, or security software on your PC.

Error 115 - Game has been executed multiple times, or GameGuard is already running. Close the game and restart.

Error 120 - Your installation of GameGuard is either incomplete or damaged. Please delete the GameGuard folder and repatch.

Error 124 - Same as Error 120

Error 141 - Same as Error 120

Error 142 - Same as Error 120

Error 150 - Same as Error 120

Error 153 - Same as Error 120

Error 155 - This error should not occur under Windows XP. If it is encountered, your PC may have a severe virus or be experiencing Operating System / Hard Disk corruption. Please visit http://www.microsoft.com/ for assistance in restoring this file for your particular OS version. If you are unable to restore it, we recommend contacting a qualified PC technician to examine your PC.

Error 170 - Due to a problem with the GameGuard INI, the program was unable to launch. We recommend deleting the GameGuard folder and re-running the patch program again in order to redownload the GameGuard files.

Error 340 - This is indicating that the GameGaurd patches failed to download, either due to an overly restrictive firewall or network issues leading to failed downloads [such as timeouts, corrupted packets, etc.] We recommend checking your firewall settings as well as your current connection stability, and trying again at a later time.

Error 350 - The GameGuard patcher was cancelled. Cancel the update and load the game anew.

Error 360 - The GameGuard patch process failed due to corrupted files, or an overly restrictive firewall. Please be sure to allow GameGuard and the game you are playing access through your firewall. If the problem persists, delete the GameGuard directory and run the patcher again. If you already allowed the things and still do not work. Try turning off your anti-virus. It may also be a corrupted file. Just deletle your gameguard folder and re-download.

Error 361 - GameGuard did not install well. Maybe you cancelled it or something. Re-download GameGuard. Also check if you need to get authorized to use the internet.

Error 380 - This is indicating that either there is a problem with your internet connection, security software on your PC is blocking NProtect from accessing its patch server, or the NProtect patch server is temporarily down. You may wish to wait a while and try again, and verify your firewall settings, as well.

Error 610 - This is an error resulting from an over restrictive firewall. You need to allow GameGuard and the game you are trying to play access through your firewall and router. If you have a cable or DSL modem and are connecting through a router, switch, or a hub, try disconnecting this device and connecting directly to your cable/DSL modem. If you are able to connect this way, then there is a chance you may need to update the firmware on the device that you are connecting through, which you can find on the manufacturer's website.

Do you want to use 9Dragons gold to buy items? OK, you can buy 9Dragons gold and buy 9Dragons power leveling at our website. Thepowerlevel is a official and reputable company. Welcome you..

This related article may is helpful for you: False Alarm to 9Dragons of AVG Software Solution

I find this article from official forum. The author is tihoa. Click here you can view the original topic.

OK, this is the 12Sky Jinong guide. Because we have posted the Guanyin guide, i think i should gather the Jinong guide. This guide is helpful for some new players. Enjoy that...

1.0 Choosing the weapon thats right for you

First of all keep in mind you can use any weapon you want, and more then one if you want, for example you might want to use bloody lightning for a ranged attack and banshee cry for an aoe, i really dont care

lets start with light blade, for each point of str you have it will = 5.39 damage with a light blade, this weapon is more defensive then offensive and does more damage then scepters but less then spears, although it IS faster then spears

Next is spears, spears are the strongest weapon with each point of str = 5.61 damage but they're also the slowest, they are much more offensive then defensive

and last but not least is the scepter although its the weakest at each str = 5.17 damage it's attack skills are ranged making it a mage or ranger type weapon

2.0 Skills

To get skills before level 30 you have to get them from the trainers in Hanma Palace, once you've optained a skill you can use other skill points in the skill window with the "Up Skill" button to raise it depending on how many skill points you need. after level 30 you can find skill books from monsters that give you other skills, also every level you gain 1 skill point to use.

If you know of any skill book skills (i forgot since CB and havn't gotten to 30 in OB yet ) please PM me so i can add them

General skills

General skills can be used by any weapon.

Dark Star Focus
Tired of using money on chi pills? well then this skills for you (even if your not you should get it ) It recharges you to full chi over 20 seconds at level 1 so it regenerates a different amount depending on your max chi.

Ghostly Feet
Another must skill, other then looking pretty cool in my opinion, after activation it makes you go to the area you've clicked at an increased speed, but it uses up chi as you go (every 7 distance?) and being that jinong are the slowest class, this is very important.

Warlocks Jump
This skills more of one that you mess around with, it lets you jump (15 distance?) if you use it right you can do things such as jump in lava or roof tops etc etc

Black Dagger
This is probably the most asked about skill, but do not fret for i have answers! this stuns your target. 'nuff said

White dagger
This skill is used to remove the effect from black dagger (or the equivalents of the other factions black dagger) this is pretty important if your gona be pvping i guess

Support Skills
Some support skills can be used by any weapon (these ones) and the rest which are in the respective skill place can only be used by that weapon

Thunder Orb (please post if that names wrong sorry)
This skills okay, what it does is when you hold down the hot key for it it'll charge up and once it full charges the next attack you hit (or miss) will do double damage

Dark Blizzard
This skill will increase your attack speed by 2% at level one, this doesnt seem like a substantial difference...and its not so if you plan on using it put more then 1 point in

Spirits recovery
Many people dont like to get this skill because it cant be used on yourself but it's actully pretty useful, for example after a duel u win u can heal your aponit, its also good in pvp

Lights Awakening
This is just like spirit recovery but with chi, which i dun think is very usful but its up to you

(note: the class specific suport skills will be in their weapon group)

Light Blade Skills

Iron Wall
a decent skill, this one gives you a 3% bonus defense at level one, so if you plan on using it put more points in (SUPPORT SKILL)

One-Hand Blast
Many people underestimate this skill and go for bloody assassin instead, which is all fine and dandy but this skill CAN be useful in that after 3 strikes with it it can do more damage then 1 hit of bloody assassin AND as an added bonus it costs less chi

Bloody assassin
Many sword-mens favorite skill this one gives 3 consecutive hits to your target each one doing a bit more then a regular attack

Bloody Whirlpool
the swords aoe skill, after selecting this skill it's like ghostly feet, click where you want to go and your character will spin with his sword to that area

Spear Skills

Mindless Rage
the support skill of spears it gives you extra damage forgot % though sorry it is a good skill though

ghostly Pierce
Like the one-hand blast for swords so go look at that if you want a description

BloodBath Swords
like bloody assassin for swords go there if you want a description

Banshees cry
Ahh, banshees cry, I <3 this skill, one of the best aoe moves the basic skill set has to offer, you'll stand in place and swing your spear around your head damaging everything in the way, a must have for spear users

Scepter Skills

Pegasus Feet
The scepters support skill gives you an added chance to dodge attacks and increased move speed, like the other skills its not a lot at first but when u up it it can get better

Spiritual Sink
A ranged but less powerful version of one-handed blast or ghostly pierce see those for descriptions

Bloody Lightning
A ranged but less powerful version of bloody assassin or bloodbath swords, see those for description

Deadly Blows
A less cool, less powerful, less ranged version of banshee cry...but for scepters

3.0 stats
lets start off with the formulas
- 1 Vitality Point -> 16.33 Hit Points

- 1 Chi Point -> 22.29 Chi

- 1 Dexterity -> 5.71 Chance to Hit

- 1 Dexterity -> 2.86 Chance to Dodge

- 1 Strength -> Using Light Blade : 5.39

- 1 Strength -> Using Long Spear : 5.61

- 1 Strength -> Using Scepter : 5.17

Every level you gain 5 stat points to use in the character window (C) untill 101 when you'll gain the title of master and untill 113 your stat points will be automatically distributed then after that you'll gain 20 (correct me if im wrong) stat points every level till the max lvl of 145

being that jinongs are the strong class, you'll want plenty of str, and as always dex is importint if you wanna be able to hit your enemys, then come vit and chi which it's your choice as to how many points you want in them
(str-damage dex-hit rate vit-health chi-chi)

4.0 Builds
first off let me say that if you have a build you'd like to submit just PM me and I'll probably put it on here

4.3 stat builds
remember, you want lots of str and dex, and some vit and chi

The first build i ever did was str +2 dex+1 chi+1 vit+1 every lvl, which is ok in the begining later i did, and am doing now have str 5 above dex and dex 5 above vit and chi so you'll look somthing like this
15 str 10 dex 5 vit/chi next lvl up 5 str after that 5 dex and after that and after this one 5 vit/5 chi and keep going in that cycle which ahs been working good for me

actually i lied...eventually that second build'll suck anyway heres PaulPools suggested stat build

My suggested build is this:

Level's 1-15: 2 STR, 1 VIT, 1 CHI, 1 DEX.

Level's 16-25: 2 STR, 2 DEX, Alternate 1 VIT/CHI.

Level's 26-35: 1 STR, 1 DEX, 2 CHI, 1 VIT.

If some of you are scratching you head, it might be because I'm not remembering the leveling needs from CB, or you don't understand my approach. I'll assume it's the latter.

LVL 1-15: In the early levels, you need to build up everything, and your remaining point in STR as that is your strongest stat. This will give you a nice base Jinong.

LVL 16-25: In the middle levels, you'll start to take on tougher enemies faster. If you focus on STR and DEX, you'll hit more often, and be able to kill an enemy before they can touch you. Thus, you won't need a lot of Hit points at this stage. You might be running a little low on CHI, but that's what Dark Star Focus is for, recovering CHI quickly.
Also, you'll be partying a lot, hence you will receive even less damage, and more DEX/STR will allow you to help finish the kill faster with your party mates.

LVL 26-35: By now you should have some pretty good gears; necklaces, rings, maybe some Unique armors or weapon. You can kill enemies in your level range without a problem. You'll have more points for skills now, and you probably have noticed that all those leveled up skills take a lot of CHI. You'll be relying primarily on your SKILLS for damage now.
Hence, in this section you'll be focusing on your CHI, so that you can continue to grind without a break longer, and in the meanwhile continuing to build up your other stats that you need to be balanced.

After level 35, you will know as you farm the next monsters what stats you'll need to focus on, be it DEX because you're missing too often or getting worn down, VIT because you're in the cave a lot, CHI if your moves are still sucking up a lot of Mana, and STR. Because STR is always a winner.

**NOTE** Also, this is important: You do not need to stick to this guide 100%. The beauty of the way I designed this guide is, if you need to, you can mix up your stats as needed. If you're read my entire post, you should understand how and why I set out my build like this, and be able to make an intelligent decision on how you need to variate from my guide, based on your circumstance.


4.6 skill builds
Also remember that these are just guidelines and the game hasnt been out very long so you don't have to fallow these builds

actually...im not great with skill builds since theres so many possibilitys...feel free to pm/post somthing and ill put it in

5.0 leveling places

coming soon...

6.0 FAQs

Q: whats the best weapon
A:....i hate you....but to answer your question there is none read the picking the weapon right for you section

Q:wheres [quest npc] / where do i get [quest item]
A:use your brain...but if you look around and still cant find them ask on clan chat or post on forums but please PLEASE use search button on the forums it gets really annoying answering these questions and dont just ask where something is as soon as you get the quest

Q:1 3/\/\ t3/-/ p\/\//\/z0rz
A:idc

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---- Source from aeriagames forum by Zyzzyva