[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"

30 posts · 2008-06-11 21:45:06 to 2008-06-18 06:07:40

#36300466735 06/11/2008 21:45:06 [10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
Scheduled for tomorrow.

#36300466736 06/11/2008 21:47:05 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
Packets as in data packets, no doubt...
#36300466785 06/12/2008 03:29:31 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"

Interesting! 

No spoilers for you!   Just do it....DO IT LIVE!!

#36300466885 06/12/2008 08:43:12 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
That computer in the last phase was so friggin' annoying. First time I did the mission there were about a dozen or so baddies to fight, so naturally I couldn't tackle them on and get to the computer. Second attempt, only four, and still the compy mocks me. -_-

Interesting twist. I just wish I knew who those people were. :/ Research time.
#36300466897 06/12/2008 09:32:40 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"

...The only organization for which I don't have an alt.

And they seem to have the most interesting missions.

Once I'm done with the Machinist, it will be to the grindstone here. Of course, if anyone wanted to give me a mission summary, I'd appreciate that, too...

#36300467069 06/12/2008 20:16:21 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
SPOILERS BELOW

Here's the short version.
- Establish contact with The General
- Recieve data
- Deliver data to scientists/nightmares
- Meet Ookami to gather backup (2 lupines)
- Search area, attacked by 8 Ouroboros security guards. (They were pushovers)

All of the nightmares talk about how crazy the code is and that it reminds them of The Intruders. (Because it is foreign)  The lead scientist makes note that the headers from the data are circa 1999.  Flood does his usual job of hating on you and The General.  Ookami acts aggressive as usual. (It's always that time of the month with her.)

SPOILERS OVER
#36300467090 06/12/2008 21:10:06 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
Neoteny wrote:

Once I'm done with the Machinist, it will be to the grindstone here. Of course, if anyone wanted to give me a mission summary, I'd appreciate that, too...

Only took me about a week to grind all Zion rep on a new alt. Now that I have all three Orgs, I'm gonna see if I can't get Cloudwol(f) to put mission summaries on his website. So expect no more secrets come 10.3! I'm like Scanline, but sexier.. and more productive. *evil grin*

Edit: Oh, I see your spoilers, Zane. XD
#36300467100 06/12/2008 22:03:12 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
There are no secrets in missions anymore.
#36300467112 06/12/2008 23:17:59 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
ZaneZavin wrote:
There are no secrets in missions anymore.

Do it live!!!  DO IT LIVE!!!  Play us out...what does that mean???   This whole thing sucks!!!!!
#36300467692 06/15/2008 00:34:19 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
ZippyTheSquirrel wrote:
That computer in the last phase was so friggin' annoying. First time I did the mission there were about a dozen or so baddies to fight, so naturally I couldn't tackle them on and get to the computer. Second attempt, only four, and still the compy mocks me. -_-

Interesting twist. I just wish I knew who those people were. :/ Research time.


Didn't manage to get anywhere near the computer, but I'll send my brother with his AOE hacks to take a look...

I've always had a feeling there's more to the Ouroboros corporation than meets the eye... Seems there was an incident at their building back in the winter, on the Syntax instance, but I'll have to dig around...

#36300467705 06/15/2008 02:50:31 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
MatrixRefugee wrote:
ZippyTheSquirrel wrote:
That computer in the last phase was so friggin' annoying. First time I did the mission there were about a dozen or so baddies to fight, so naturally I couldn't tackle them on and get to the computer. Second attempt, only four, and still the compy mocks me. -_-

Interesting twist. I just wish I knew who those people were. :/ Research time.


Didn't manage to get anywhere near the computer, but I'll send my brother with his AOE hacks to take a look...

I've always had a feeling there's more to the Ouroboros corporation than meets the eye... Seems there was an incident at their building back in the winter, on the Syntax instance, but I'll have to dig around...

11.12.07 (Vector)
#36300467733 06/15/2008 07:08:51 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
MatrixRefugee wrote:
ZippyTheSquirrel wrote:
That computer in the last phase was so friggin' annoying. First time I did the mission there were about a dozen or so baddies to fight, so naturally I couldn't tackle them on and get to the computer. Second attempt, only four, and still the compy mocks me. -_-

Interesting twist. I just wish I knew who those people were. :/ Research time.


Didn't manage to get anywhere near the computer, but I'll send my brother with his AOE hacks to take a look...


No, I managed to get to it the second time, but there was nothing on it. I'm thinking if a guard spots you before you reach it they shut it off. Need someone with Disguise or other stealth move to get to it.

Edit: Ah, yes, thank you, Villemar, that... raises more questions. But at least now I know where to find them.
#36300467739 06/15/2008 08:00:44 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
Okay, after a bit more research, I've come up with the following:

  • Metacortex is a subsidiary of Ouroboros.
  • Wadsworth is a founder of Metacortex.
  • Wadsworth's absent partner has been described as to be similiar to the Merovingian.
  • Carylne reminds me an awful lot like the Merovingian.

I know, it's a stretch, but it's best to get all the theories out now. Other things of note - in the tour guide event on Vector, the Guide made every attempt to avoid answering a certain question, namely, who owned/founded Ouroboros.

Metacortex was founded over thirty years ago. Ouroboros, fifty.

This link provides quite a bit of information on Wadsworth, Metacortex, and Ouroboros, with a few theories that I find myself wondering, "Could it be?"

I still can't find anything on Wadsworth's partner, blegh.
#36300467740 06/15/2008 08:07:20 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
ZippyTheSquirrel wrote:
Okay, after a bit more research, I've come up with the following:

  • Metacortex is a subsidiary of Ouroboros.
  • Wadsworth is a founder of Metacortex.
  • Wadsworth's absent partner has been described as to be similiar to the Merovingian.
  • Carylne reminds me an awful lot like the Merovingian.

I know, it's a stretch, but it's best to get all the theories out now. Other things of note - in the tour guide event on Vector, the Guide made every attempt to avoid answering a certain question, namely, who owned/founded Ouroboros.

Metacortex was founded over thirty years ago. Ouroboros, fifty.

This link provides quite a bit of information on Wadsworth, Metacortex, and Ouroboros, with a few theories that I find myself wondering, "Could it be?"

I still can't find anything on Wadsworth's partner, blegh.

Worth noting that the tour guide actually states that Ouroboros has no affiliation with MetaCoretex.

Also worth nothing is that Malphus comments that Ouroboros does not have to inform the Machines of everything it does. This is similar back to when the Merv was looking for data on Halbron in the Machines networks but was coming up with nothing because they censored the information from themselves.


#36300467754 06/15/2008 09:36:45 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
Quick scouting out of the main building finds that the only floor of any real interest is the 27th. The building type is the second tallest in the City. The only local contact is the Landlord. His missions, while very interesting, do not give any info on Ouroboros, although some of them can get you inside the building's mission areas.

Then there's Binary Boy. He stands just a few yards away from the Ouroboros Monument, and he is pretty crafty at old school coding.

And the highest point you can get to on the building does have a nice view.
#36300467883 06/15/2008 20:03:44 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
When that sentinel came out it wasn't taken so literally.  I'm quite sure many believed not that Wadsworth was similar, but indeed an alias of The Merovingian. 
#36300467885 06/15/2008 20:13:43 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
ZaneZavin wrote:
When that sentinel came out it wasn't taken so literally.  I'm quite sure many believed not that Wadsworth was similar, but indeed an alias of The Merovingian. 
I'd thought that at the time it came out... but something just didn't fit right....
#36300467890 06/15/2008 20:22:15 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
MatrixRefugee wrote:
ZaneZavin wrote:
When that sentinel came out it wasn't taken so literally.  I'm quite sure many believed not that Wadsworth was similar, but indeed an alias of The Merovingian. 
I'd thought that at the time it came out... but something just didn't fit right....

Maybe its the fact that Wadsworth is/was dead at the time and was only being used and was just a ploy by the sleepwalkers which was not discovered until after everything went down. The Merv wasn't apart of it at all other then his ops helping take down the blue light guys.

That and it was his partner that sound similar to the Merv not Wadsworth. Also take into account that the Merv has his hand in underground organized crime, not in big business fronts. What there can't be two power hungry and business smart individuals in the city?


#36300467930 06/16/2008 00:01:39 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
I thought the Blue Sky stuff was specifically said to be non-canonical.
#36300467945 06/16/2008 02:35:44 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
Villemar_MxO wrote:
I thought the Blue Sky stuff was specifically said to be non-canonical.

Didn't you hear? The word canon isn't recognised in professional circles.

Oh wait.

heh, sorry, couldnt resist bringing that one back up ^_^
#36300467953 06/16/2008 03:04:45 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
cloudwolf wrote:
Villemar_MxO wrote:
I thought the Blue Sky stuff was specifically said to be non-canonical.

Didn't you hear? The word canon isn't recognised in professional circles.

Oh wait.

heh, sorry, couldnt resist bringing that one back up ^_^


I'll let you in on a little secret...heretical for fanboyism, but I've only seen the first 3 Star Wars films once, in theaters, when I was a wee tot.  I have not seen the following 3 nor do I have any intention of doing so.

Although, I did dowload a copy of the Star Wars Holiday Special from 1978 or thereabouts.  Is that canon?  I don't know, but it was hysterical, especially with the MST3K commentary!

#36300468102 06/16/2008 13:58:09 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
Villemar_MxO wrote:
I thought the Blue Sky stuff was specifically said to be non-canonical.

   Where does it say that?  Because they make a reference to it in at least three critical missions.

   The first is in the first Zion critical of chapter 4.2, where Tyndall learns of a Cypherite plan of forced reinsertion of all redpills.  Note that this set of criticals occurs shortly before the Blue Sky event, and if this isn't a reference to the Blue Sky event, then it's something that is never followed up upon.

   Then you have a hackable computer in the first Machine 4.2 mission ...

Computer: Logged in as user N30_LIVES
One message in mailbox
:: I don't buy it. A radical branch of Cypherites? Cryptos is just trying to take some heat off himself. You'll see.
-MKP
End of messages
>_



   Of course, if you want a much more direct reference, there's a Cypherite in the fourth Zion 4.3 mission who outright mentions the Sleepwalkers.

   Cypherite: I swear, some of those Sleepwalkers must have managed to
unplug before the feedback fried their hjacks. I’ve seen—Hey! What was
that.


   I'm not entirely sure why the Blue Sky event would not be considered canon.  Was there a problem with it?
#36300468222 06/16/2008 23:23:22 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
I think it just got lumped in with the Smith Event when people were arguing about the canon-ness of anniversary/halloween stuff. 
#36300468410 06/17/2008 13:43:34 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
Othinn1 wrote:
Villemar_MxO wrote:
I thought the Blue Sky stuff was specifically said to be non-canonical.

   Where does it say that?  Because they make a reference to it in at least three critical missions.

   I'm not entirely sure why the Blue Sky event would not be considered canon.  Was there a problem with it?
I'm not sure but I'm pretty sure I remember Rarebit inticating that this would be a one-off event with no further development.  Plus, it was PC's baby entirely.  (Personally I though the event was stupid, although I loved the deep blue sky and blue tint to everything).
#36300468415 06/17/2008 14:01:39 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
Villemar_MxO wrote:
Othinn1 wrote:
Villemar_MxO wrote:
I thought the Blue Sky stuff was specifically said to be non-canonical.

   Where does it say that?  Because they make a reference to it in at least three critical missions.

   I'm not entirely sure why the Blue Sky event would not be considered canon.  Was there a problem with it?
I'm not sure but I'm pretty sure I remember Rarebit inticating that this would be a one-off event with no further development.  Plus, it was PC's baby entirely.  (Personally I though the event was stupid, although I loved the deep blue sky and blue tint to everything).
LAck of later development doesnt mean it wasn't canon just that, that would be where it started and finshed. Also that PC writteing it just puts it in under his work that he did while he had the W Bro's Ok as all of the story up to chapter 6 was all him and 7-8 was him and Rarebit.

#36300468582 06/17/2008 20:49:27 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
Othinn1 wrote:
I'm not entirely sure why the Blue Sky event would not be considered canon.  Was there a problem with it?
Ah! I remember now, questions about the Sleepwalker storyline's validity were raised when Gray denied the existence of a Reinsertion process. 
#36300468648 06/18/2008 03:23:16 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
Cadsuane wrote:
Othinn1 wrote:
I'm not entirely sure why the Blue Sky event would not be considered canon.  Was there a problem with it?
Ah! I remember now, questions about the Sleepwalker storyline's validity were raised when Gray denied the existence of a Reinsertion process. 

Thats a very good point.
#36300468665 06/18/2008 04:47:17 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
Umm... Now, I may be remembering some of this wrong, but I think I may remember parts of it a little better than some of the speculation that's started in here.

I think the "canon" point about Sleepwalkers came up before the Blue Sky event, where we announced that we were doing a side story type of thing for fun for the anniversary, and that players shouldn't be expecting it to be part of the main story.

As far as Sleepwalker "reinsertion" goes, don't forget that Sleepwalkers were themselves victims of propaganda. They made claims of forcing everyone back into the pods, or some such, but it isn't as though that actually happened (although their spotlights were beginning to drain awakened abilities away--speed, regen for instance), or that they could have had any real notion of finding everyone's ships, hauling their bodies over to the Machine pods, and plugging them in.

Most of the Sleepwalkers died from feedback immediately in the Real. Some didn't die, but were basically stuck since their systems were fried, and probably died when their bodies starved to death. As for what the Architect announced just after the climax of the event, I think it was this (I pulled this quote from the server logs on hm I think Recursion, where a player had reproduced the system message--or what seems to my memory to be a reasonable fascimile thereof--in chat--the server logs I can see now don't actually have the world shout itself (or I'm not finding it right), which is too bad... And I didn't take good logs back then. I'm sure someone here has a screenshot at least.):

The Architect: Thank you, humans. The feedback effect caused by your simultaneous destruction of the Sleepwalkers' lights has wiped their system, effectively returning them to bluepill status. Pity that the irony of this will be lost on them.

"Effectively returning" did not mean actual reinsertion into the Machine pod system. Nowhere in the appearances afterwards by the org leaders, (Pace on Vector, for instance:

2006-04-03 00:08:02    23    Agent Pace    0    0    0    Greetings, tesoros!    03-Apr-2006 00:02:49                -5079    -705    14890
2006-04-03 00:08:02    23    Agent Pace    0    0    0    I am so pleased to meet you here.    03-Apr-2006 00:02:58                -5079    -705    14890
2006-04-03 00:08:02    23    Agent Pace    0    0    0    Very well, thank you.    03-Apr-2006 00:03:06                -5079    -705    14890
2006-04-03 00:08:02    23    Agent Pace    0    0    0    Oh my. There there, Aggie.    03-Apr-2006 00:03:21                -5079    -705    14890
2006-04-03 00:08:02    23    Agent Pace    0    0    0    You have done splendidly, rosapillore!    03-Apr-2006 00:04:11                -5079    -705    14890
2006-04-03 00:08:02    23    Agent Pace    0    0    0    Thanks to your efforts, the Sleepwalkers are banished from the System!    03-Apr-2006 00:04:39                -5079    -705    14890
2006-04-03 00:13:01    23    KingHazaa    45882    32476    3    AGENT PACE IS AT CLUB AVALON    03-Apr-2006 00:06:49                       
2006-04-03 00:13:02    23    Agent Pace    0    0    0    Their drain on the power supply of the simulation has come to an end. We are out of danger once again, thanks to you!    03-Apr-2006 00:05:10                -5079    -705    14890
2006-04-03 00:13:02    23    Agent Pace    0    0    0    Yes, they had managed to channel a significant amount of power into their spotlight generators.    03-Apr-2006 00:05:34                -5079    -705    14890
2006-04-03 00:13:02    23    Agent Pace    0    0    0    Ah, of course, Stuza! Good question!    03-Apr-2006 00:05:53                -5079    -705    14890
2006-04-03 00:13:02    23    Agent Pace    0    0    0    We have already found and patched the exploit they used to achieve this power drain.    03-Apr-2006 00:06:10                -5079    -705    14890
2006-04-03 00:13:02    23    Agent Pace    0    0    0    The Sleepwalkers will trouble us no more.    03-Apr-2006 00:06:35                -5079    -705    14890
2006-04-03 00:13:02    23    Agent Pace    0    0    0    There is not much more to know, it seems.    03-Apr-2006 00:06:45                -5079    -705    14890
2006-04-03 00:13:02    23    Agent Pace    0    0    0    They were redpills, once Cypherites.    03-Apr-2006 00:06:52                -5079    -705    14890
2006-04-03 00:13:02    23    Agent Pace    0    0    0    Programs? You mean, problems in the code?    03-Apr-2006 00:07:11                -5079    -705    14890
2006-04-03 00:13:02    23    Agent Pace    0    0    0    No, not like this, thank the Source!    03-Apr-2006 00:07:28                -5079    -705    14890
2006-04-03 00:13:02    23    Agent Pace    0    0    0    This was a very bad one, and we took it very seriously.    03-Apr-2006 00:07:41                -5079    -705    14890
2006-04-03 00:13:02    23    Agent Pace    0    0    0    Any unusual elements in the simulation should, of course, be reported.    03-Apr-2006 00:08:03                -5079    -705    14890
2006-04-03 00:13:02    23    Agent Pace    0    0    0    Something to do with their hacked jack-in devices, Kratos.    03-Apr-2006 00:08:29

 or in the "Requiescat in Pace" mission (where it describes how their power drain on the system was cut, their own systems fried, death and misery, etc), is reinsertion indicated. Probably all a moot point really, but I do so hate to see misinformation about the story being spread around without being challenged.

#36300468682 06/18/2008 06:07:40 Re:[10.2.5] Merv mission feedback thread: "Packet Rider"
Side stories can be fun.