Into the Shadow Shard
I’ve been talking off and on about getting the Shadow Shard task forces going for various Star Patrol characters (and other interested parties). In most respects, I’ve wanted to do all of these with Agent Sharpe since about lvl 45; the entire place was somewhat “pivotal” in his character development in the 45-50 range. I almost cried when they announced the “Dimensional Explorer” day job badge (along with the others): I’d already spent MORE than enough time there for it. 
Anyway, some information and thoughts on the four Shard tfs:
Dr Quaterfield Task Force – Team: 8, levels: 40-44, Merits: 111[!], Time: I have been quoted the rather broad range of 5-12 hours to complete this one. Positron, be not proud…
Sara Moore Task Force – Team: 8, levels: 40-50, Merits: 63, Time: Typically estimated at 3 hours. Did it (8-man team) in 2:20.
Justin Augustine Task Force – Team: 8, levels: 44-50, Merits: 24, Time: I’ve done this one (6-man team) in 2:03.
Faathim the Kind Task Force – Team: 8, levels: 44-50, Merits: 73, Time: Unknown, but estimating 2+ hours.
In general, ALL of these TFs are easier for flyers, but with practice and a lot of mapping, a superjumper can get around faster than anyone but a teleporter; the gravity fountains are EXTREMELY fast. The most reliable (IMO) way to get around in the Shard is to have at least 4 team members with Flight and Recall Friend, each with an assigned “teleportee” on the team, the one person they are responsible for teleporting to each mission site. Also a good idea for said “teleportees” to turn “prompt team teleport” OFF for the TF duration, with the understanding that, aside from mission-to-mission transport, NO ONE is to be teleported without their specific request.
Granted, if the non-flyers start parking in the Shard, they’ll build up their day job jetpack accolade; works just like the typical raptor pack. You can also buy a raptor pack from a vendor near Sara Moore for 10000 inf. This is still slower than an enhanced flyer teleporting you to each site, but can make getting around a bit easier for short-range trips.
Discuss. 
January 1st, 2009 at 2:12 pm
I would love to get n on this, but it might be a bit before I get my computer up and running.
January 1st, 2009 at 2:13 pm
My Shard character is capable of Flight and SJ, and has stealth (DA backset), but does not teleport. Upside… probably won’t need TP. Downside… won’t be able to drag somebody with either. I guess this is useful if we have an odd number on the TF; I’ll be unassigned.
For those curious who and what are all going along: Scrapper, Broadsword/Dark Armor. Level 40 or 41, I don’t recall which. I prefer to bring this character along on all 4 TFs, since the character is the one I planned on using to explore the Shard.
I don’t mind RPing, I don’t mind staying OOC, I don’t mind something in-between. For those who care… RP Concept: Living avatar of Cernunnos, in the spirit of JM Linsner’s character Darrian Ashoka. Figure the Shadow Shard is one of those places that “lies between realms” and would be the likeliest home for him once he “awakened”… originally he’s just from the Row. Not in SP as a member, but somebody who could have been met out in the Shard.
Looking forward to running the TFs! I’ve been wanting to ever since I discovered the place with my level 50 ‘troller… who teleports… and dies a lot out there.
January 1st, 2009 at 3:07 pm
These probably won’t be happening earlier than Feb, given the planning and the general holiday craziness.
RP I’d like to keep at knee level at least for the first ones we try; granted, there’s a LOT of open-sky, auto-pilot travel where we can, but we want to try to keep in-mission time minimized.
I would prefer NOT to start with the QTF; the time required is a bit brutal to be opening with that one. As such, we’ll probably start with the Sara Moore TF.
As for anyone in SP who’s spent enough time to encounter Cael, could easily have been Sharpe. He’d certainly have been looking for a “native guide” of some skill when he first got there.
We also, as a whole, need to make a group effort to help Agent Collins and Sgt Richardson to lvl 40+ so we can all do these together.
January 11th, 2009 at 7:34 am
Update to my original post, since doing the Sara Moore TF yesterday.
February 14th, 2009 at 9:36 am
I’ve updated the merit rewards associated with the Shard TFs. Most have seen sizeable increases, only Justin Augstine was reduced.
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