_Elektro_

Deus this might be a stupid question, but I have a toon created in Praetoria that gets Hero Merits for completing Tips mission arcs (morality arcs), but my DM/Shield dude pre-dates Going Rogue, so does this explain why he doesn't get hero merits? Just curious about this.

Anyway, here is the build I'm working on. It doesn't include Hammi's, but I believe it would be challenging enough for me to get this 'discount' version together as it is.

The numbers on this cheapish build are:
Defense:
45.1% Melee
47.2% Ranged
42.4% AoE

Resists:
32.7% Smashing
32.7% Lethal

I'm not sure about Siphon Life. I pretty much depend on it to live and am thinking I may just Franken-slot it. I put hasten in this build but I want siphon life up ASAP. Also with a greater heal than perhaps this build allows for.

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.91
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Srixxon Base: Level 50 Mutation Scrapper
Primary Power Set: Dark Melee
Secondary Power Set: Shield Defense
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Body Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Smite -- T'Death-Acc/Dmg(A), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx(3), T'Death-Dmg/Rchg(9), T'Death-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(23), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(39), T'Death-Dam%(43)
Level 1: Deflection -- EndRdx-I(A), DefBuff-I(3), DefBuff-I(7), ResDam-I(13), ResDam-I(19)
Level 2: Shadow Maul -- Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(A), Oblit-Dmg(5), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(5), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(9), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(21), Oblit-%Dam(31)
Level 4: True Grit -- Heal-I(A), Heal-I(7), S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(17)
Level 6: Combat Jumping -- Zephyr-Travel(A), Zephyr-Travel/EndRdx(46)
Level 8: Siphon Life -- Theft-Heal(A), Theft-Acc/Heal(11), T'Death-Acc/Dmg(11), T'Death-Dmg/Rchg(21), T'Death-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(34), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx(34)
Level 10: Battle Agility -- LkGmblr-Def(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(13), LkGmblr-Rchg+(40)
Level 12: Active Defense -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(15)
Level 14: Boxing -- Mako-Acc/Dmg(A), Mako-Dmg/Rchg(15), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx(17), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(40), Mako-Dam%(48)
Level 16: Against All Odds -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 18: Dark Consumption -- P'Shift-Acc/Rchg(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc/Rchg(19), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg(29), P'Shift-EndMod(31), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc(48), P'Shift-End%(50)
Level 20: Phalanx Fighting -- DefBuff-I(A)
Level 22: Tough -- Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx(A), Aegis-EndRdx/Rchg(39), Aegis-ResDam(48)
Level 24: Weave -- RedFtn-EndRdx(A), RedFtn-Def(25), RedFtn-Def/Rchg(25), RedFtn-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(39), RedFtn-Def/EndRdx(40), RedFtn-EndRdx/Rchg(43)
Level 26: Soul Drain -- Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(A), Erad-Dmg(27), Erad-Acc/Rchg(27), Erad-Dmg/Rchg(31), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(37), Erad-%Dam(46)
Level 28: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(29)
Level 30: Super Jump -- Empty(A)
Level 32: Midnight Grasp -- Mako-Acc/Dmg(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx(33), Mako-Dmg/Rchg(33), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(33), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(42), Mako-Dam%(46)
Level 35: Shield Charge -- Oblit-Acc/Rchg(A), Oblit-Dmg(36), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(36), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(36), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(37), Oblit-%Dam(37)
Level 38: One with the Shield -- ResDam-I(A)
Level 41: Focused Accuracy -- GSFC-ToHit(A), GSFC-ToHit/Rchg(42), GSFC-ToHit/Rchg/EndRdx(42), GSFC-Rchg/EndRdx(43), GSFC-ToHit/EndRdx(45), GSFC-Build%(45)
Level 44: Physical Perfection -- EndMod-I(A), Heal-I(45)
Level 47: Conserve Power -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 49: Touch of Fear -- EndRdx-I(A)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Critical Hit
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Health -- Numna-Heal(A), Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(50), Numna-Heal/EndRdx(50)
Level 2: Stamina -- EndMod-I(A), EndMod-I(23)

So after getting a few scrappers up to 50, I decided to take one and really try to IO him up and give him all the treats I can afford.

And I actually thought for certain my Dark Melee/Shield guy was going to do it for me. But rather than make a hasty decision, I tested a few of my 50's, including a Dual Blade / Willpower.

Now I'm not so sure. Is there a clear cut winner between these two secondaries?

I find my shield is a situation where I'll get two shotted a lot at +3. I either go through mobs and stay relatively unharmed, or I'll notice a crit go off.... and it's time for Siphon Life, and hopefully I'm not trapped in an animation that doesn't fire off in time.

I also noticed with Shield, I recently decided to pick up OWTS, and found I had to use it earlier than the Willpower equivalent to compensate for getting hit too hard before it has a chance to fire off.

Conversely with Willpower there's a good chance you're always taking some damage. It might be light, but you're probably taking a few rocks off the melon from every +3 mob.

I know the Primary choices DO matter. Dark Melee has good synergy with Shield because it can compensate for those critical moments with siphon life.

And Dual Blades I find works well with Willpower because the resists (across a decent range) really do give you time to pull off those longer Dual Blade animations.


I guess at 50 what I'm finding in soloing some +3 missions is this kind of breakdown between the secondaries:

Shield is great for defense, not so hot for resists, but has a stunning offensive ability which really does rock. Picking a primary really should supplement the set though as you will probably need aid self otherwise.

Willpower seems reliant on most of the power choices but it comes together nicely in end game. Very complete feeling. There is really no 'fancy' stuff with this secondary other than a well rounded secondary that works really well.

So what do you guys think? Am I imagining things? Are both sets fairly equal in their own way? Or do you think one shines over the other in any particular area, if at all?

I've been doing Tip Missions simply because I enjoy them... but I"m not getting any Hero Merits. Is this what you're referring to?

I have some of the procs you mention. Right now my budget is low.... I don't even have 60 million, but I figure I can always work towards that high end stuff.

The build I threw up is basically what I think is attainable without too much grind. I just wanted to know if I was missing something in it for defense.

Right now I'm not locking anything up for good, because the way I look at it, I have about 3-4 level 50's that have 'some' stuff. I can free it up by using one of my vet respecs, and send it to my toon of 'choice'.

I figure I can only do this with one character. Right now it is a tight race between my Dark Melee/Shield Defense, and my Dual Blades/Willpower dude. And further down I have my Dual Pistols blaster whom I'm thinking won't make the cut.

If I decide on one of those scrappers, than I think I'd have some good sets to mix up. I'm assuming they don't all have to be level 50 IO's to be usable.

I just wanted some feedback on the build before I make a decision. Both characters have their strengths, but I don't think I could do this with both... so it's one or the other.

Well...

Here's the 'discount' build I'm working on. It's not quite done... I'm level 47 and probably respecing this week..... I didn't finish the last few slots as I'm not sure what I need. I think I'm nearly soft capped in Melee, Ranged, and AoE.

Level 50.... I didn't feel I needed to run Maneuvers so I took something else.

Thoughts?
Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.91
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Srixxon Base: Level 50 Mutation Scrapper
Primary Power Set: Dark Melee
Secondary Power Set: Shield Defense
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Body Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Smite -- T'Death-Acc/Dmg(A), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx(3), T'Death-Dmg/Rchg(9), T'Death-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(23), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(39), T'Death-Dam%(43)
Level 1: Deflection -- EndRdx-I(A), DefBuff-I(3), DefBuff-I(7), ResDam-I(13), ResDam-I(19)
Level 2: Shadow Maul -- Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(A), Oblit-Dmg(5), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(5), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(9), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(21), Oblit-%Dam(31)
Level 4: True Grit -- Heal-I(A), Heal-I(7), S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(17)
Level 6: Combat Jumping -- Zephyr-Travel(A), Zephyr-Travel/EndRdx(46)
Level 8: Siphon Life -- Theft-Heal(A), Theft-Acc/Heal(11), T'Death-Acc/Dmg(11), T'Death-Dmg/Rchg(21), T'Death-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(34), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx(34)
Level 10: Battle Agility -- LkGmblr-Def(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(13), LkGmblr-Rchg+(40)
Level 12: Active Defense -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(15)
Level 14: Boxing -- Mako-Acc/Dmg(A), Mako-Dmg/Rchg(15), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx(17), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(40), Mako-Dam%(48)
Level 16: Against All Odds -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 18: Dark Consumption -- P'Shift-Acc/Rchg(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc/Rchg(19), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg(29), P'Shift-EndMod(31), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc(48), P'Shift-End%(50)
Level 20: Phalanx Fighting -- DefBuff-I(A)
Level 22: Tough -- Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx(A), Aegis-EndRdx/Rchg(39), Aegis-ResDam(48)
Level 24: Weave -- RedFtn-EndRdx(A), RedFtn-Def(25), RedFtn-Def/Rchg(25), RedFtn-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(39), RedFtn-Def/EndRdx(40), RedFtn-EndRdx/Rchg(43)
Level 26: Soul Drain -- Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(A), Erad-Dmg(27), Erad-Acc/Rchg(27), Erad-Dmg/Rchg(31), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(37), Erad-%Dam(46)
Level 28: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(29)
Level 30: Super Jump -- Empty(A)
Level 32: Midnight Grasp -- Mako-Acc/Dmg(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx(33), Mako-Dmg/Rchg(33), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(33), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(42), Mako-Dam%(46)
Level 35: Shield Charge -- Oblit-Acc/Rchg(A), Oblit-Dmg(36), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(36), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(36), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(37), Oblit-%Dam(37)
Level 38: One with the Shield -- ResDam-I(A)
Level 41: Focused Accuracy -- GSFC-ToHit(A), GSFC-ToHit/Rchg(42), GSFC-ToHit/Rchg/EndRdx(42), GSFC-Rchg/EndRdx(43), GSFC-ToHit/EndRdx(45), GSFC-Build%(45)
Level 44: Physical Perfection -- EndMod-I(A), Heal-I(45)
Level 47: Conserve Power -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 49: Touch of Fear -- Empty(A)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Critical Hit
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Health -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- EndMod-I(A), EndMod-I(23)

Yea I've read the thread a few times.... I don't know that I'm in that league of uber slotting builds to be honest.

I remember when Shields first came out, and we used to have some 'discount' build conversations... you probably don't remember as that was nearly a year ago to the month.

Maybe I'll throw my build in there... I'm at work right now but I'll try to remember my slotting.... see what we can figure out.

I can see I'm going to have to come up with a build here..... I didn't lock in that Guassian's quite yet even though I'm pretty confident it will go in Focused Accuracy. (Don't have tactics).

Believe it or not I have my freespec and haven't used it since inherent fitness so I am definitely wanting to swap in Hasten for shield charge/Soul Drain.

But I notice I'm getting hit a lot more in melee than I should be... at +2 even I am getting a few crit deaths..... I guess I should start a new post. Iron this out.

Thanks PleaseRecycle. That's a lot of good stuff for me to chew on. I've been saving my influence, but as mentioned it won't be near enough for a great build. But that's ok.

I wasn't sure where to go with the slotting. I think out damaging (providing you can hit) is another form of defense. But as you mention getting chain held is nasty.

I have been playing large groups where you just can't play 'positional style' defense all the time because of mob size, stragglers, or what have you. Add that to the fact I think Dual Pistols is a bit of an 'in your face' blaster and I do get in over my head sometimes.. like Freakshow tanks are a good example.

Anyway it's getting rougher in the 30's and I probably won't get beyond procs until the 40's when I hopefully have more influence.

I'll have to give what you're saying consideration, but extra damage (to my point above) would be nice too..... I'm not too worried about recharge as I have Hasten now. I am probably picking up Aid Self next though.... I could definitely use it now.

BTW: on a side note, I haven't picked up much energy Melee, but it is a great complimentary set with DP, thus far at least.

But my understanding is that the proc will only fire while the power is initiated. So by putting it into something like Focused Accuracy, then it should always have a chance to go off.... unless the toggle drops.

To me that seems better than only having a chance for it to fire while using a 'click' power.

So what kind of 'epics' should I be chasing down?

What kind of stuff would make blaster fun 35 on specifically? I'm not sure what I get from generic IO'ing that would make me think this guy is going to get better....

Dual pistols with lots of defense I thought would be good, but I guess it is capped too low to be effective? Should I be thinking damage instead?

Yes, I totally agree with that.

Last night I dinged 47 with him so that's why I'm looking for input.

So I've run into a dilemma with this blaster character dual pistol dude.

He is kind of wearing on me. I still like dual pistols but through the mid 30's it feels very ... similar.

What are you supposed to do to a blaster after 32? I know this is a vague question, but with my scrappers, I'm still looking forward to level 35. With scrappers/tanks you're basically looking to make the character as good as you can through IO's.

For instance the IO's for my scrapper are making him reach defense limits, and give him recharge through the yin yang. This makes him funner because I can keep taking him into more and more _dangerous_ situations.

Now I'm thinking this isn't just a DP question but I am finding that some of the very short ranged powers are getting me stuck in situations that are pretty hairy. Getting Mez'd, sleeping, and held like a baby at a shower party.

I did get anti knockback, but otherwise I'm wondering what you guys do with a blaster to keep the fun going in the late 30's-40's?

Actually I do have that steadfast on my Scrapper.... thanks for the additional input. You make me think I should try to acquire this for my blaster.

Is there a 'best' way to get it? (I honestly got it so long ago I can't remember how I got it.)

While we are on the subject. I just got a Recipe Drop for a 'Touch of Death: Chance for negative energy damage.'

With my build, would Smite be the best place for that?

Thanks Werner, and thanks for clearing up what that IO actually does in game. I was mistaken about its actual performance.

I thought I'd be running around getting a 'free build up' every couple of seconds. lol

Now that would be awesome. And I'll try to complete the set.

To be honest I have been labouring over which character to put this into. I have my Dual Pistols Blaster, and this DM/Shields Scrapper that could both use it. But my dilemma is I could really only afford to complete one set. So which guy would use it better? Any guesses?

Hey guys,

My latest toon to go to 50 is probably going to be my DM/Shield (what a wicked fun set).

I don't have a lot of the fancy I/O's like the rest of you but I did come into possession of one Guassian's Chance for Build Up.

I just want to be sure where I should put it so it gets the best possible use. I am thinking of putting into Focused Accuracy. (I think the power is 'ok' for this build but can't figure out where else to put it and have it firing off at any moment?)

Here is my build for referencewithout slotting since most of it is poopy)

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.91
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Srixxon Base: Level 48 Mutation Scrapper
Primary Power Set: Dark Melee
Secondary Power Set: Shield Defense
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Body Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Smite -- Empty(A), Empty(3), Empty(9), Empty(23), Empty(39), Empty(43)
Level 1: Deflection -- Empty(A), Empty(3), Empty(7), Empty(13), Empty(19), Empty(25)
Level 2: Shadow Maul -- Empty(A), Empty(5), Empty(5), Empty(9), Empty(21), Empty(31)
Level 4: True Grit -- Empty(A), Empty(7), Empty(17)
Level 6: Combat Jumping -- Empty(A)
Level 8: Siphon Life -- Empty(A), Empty(11), Empty(11), Empty(21), Empty(34), Empty(42)
Level 10: Battle Agility -- Empty(A), Empty(13), Empty(40)
Level 12: Active Defense -- Empty(A), Empty(15)
Level 14: Boxing -- Empty(A), Empty(15), Empty(17), Empty(40), Empty(43), Empty(43)
Level 16: Against All Odds -- Empty(A)
Level 18: Dark Consumption -- Empty(A), Empty(19), Empty(29), Empty(31), Empty(42)
Level 20: Phalanx Fighting -- Empty(A)
Level 22: Tough -- Empty(A), Empty(23), Empty(39)
Level 24: Weave -- Empty(A), Empty(25), Empty(40)
Level 26: Soul Drain -- Empty(A), Empty(27), Empty(27), Empty(31), Empty(37), Empty(39)
Level 28: Hasten -- Empty(A), Empty(29)
Level 30: Super Jump -- Empty(A)
Level 32: Midnight Grasp -- Empty(A), Empty(33), Empty(33), Empty(33), Empty(34), Empty(34)
Level 35: Shield Charge -- Empty(A), Empty(36), Empty(36), Empty(36), Empty(37), Empty(37)
Level 38: One with the Shield -- Empty(A)
Level 41: Focused Accuracy -- Empty(A), Empty(42)
Level 44: Physical Perfection -- Empty(A), Empty(45), Empty(45), Empty(45)
Level 47: [Empty]
Level 49: [Empty]
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Critical Hit
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Health -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- Empty(A)



So.... is there a better spot than Focused Accuracy?

Folks,

You've made some great suggestions and it was a hard decision. I went with Electric/Electric for a few reasons. There were some good selling points on it as a full set up.

I have pushed it pretty good to get my new tank "Ellektro" up to 19.... pretty much been playing him solid.

I am not buying an I/O's until end game... I just can't afford them and with winter event winding down, I see salvage sales are slowing down.

The good news is.... I am enjoying the overall tankiness. I've been grouped with several tanks and have seemingly been able to handle as much as, or more than any tank I've been with. BUT as you've all said, playstyle is huge.

I am keeping Lighting field up and taunting as much as I can along the way. At this point I feel even with nothing better than DO's, I can do really well with even just a single defender in the group. My toughest ride from 0-20 has been large, purple groups of Aberrant/Lost Psi damage type enemies.

I am worried about slotting though. I seem to be having issues if I can't get a group with a defender/controller. Hopefully this toon won't start suffering as I get closer to 30 from my lack of influence. (I'd personally just rather kill stuff than play the market.)

I do still think about Dark as I bet it would have been unique. But this guy feels 'ok' so far. Again I may have to investigate slotting. So far (thanks to free fitness which sure is different from old school tanking!) I am running 4 toggles. Thank to free fitness I've pretty much taken every primary as it comes up.

Thanks again for the advice. I did really think it all over, and in the end I was tempted by a lot of suggestions but there's only so many hours in a weekend! I'm trying to stay focused on my Elec/Elec so I can get near 30 by Sunday night and see how he will feel then.

If anyone wants to sprinkle some electric/electric build advice, I'd love to hear it. Otherwise I'll go digging in the forum for it. Thanks again.

(BTW: I do agree it seems many of the tanks can work. I have seen enough poor and good tank play to see how much of this is going to be player specific, and not as much... power choice decision.)

Wow... great responses. Lots to think about.

My name, _Elektro_ (in game global as well) is indeed because I love electric effects on characters, and I came into this game in 2004 thinking I was going to kick **** with my Electro type (Spider man villain) character. You can imagine my disappointment!!

But this build (thanks for that BTW) looks really decent. How much do you think the slotting is worth in it? lol

I am thinking of playing pure SO's until I have the inf to round it out. That's partially why I asked about the budget IO build.

Electric is a primary I didn't consider til now (much like DA). CMA makes some very good points too. The kind of info on secondaries I was wanting.

I did do a brute to 50 with fire melee so I'm not sure about doing it again... in a tank. But Elec/Elec could work?

Anyway, you guys have great pitches for your faves and I appreciate all the info and slotting advice as well. TOUGH choices now.

Wow, I'm missing some responses due to posting times... sorry about that.

Well I actually do have one.... and I thought they 'could' tank?

I haven't really played him though.

To be frank I did not know that all the tanks were pretty much equally useful. I mean let's be honest it's debatable there's much difference between the sets in the first 15 or so levels. I mean what level is a tank really a tank?

So yea, I really did not think they were ALL great team types (without uber IOing).

Okay so for end game type of content, you feel better with defense vs. resistance?

To be honest since the tank AT is the one I haven't played past...35, I would not have guessed that.

Like I said, I'm not looking for 'uberist' as someone suggests... I'm looking for TEAM well rounded playing on a budget. I probably won't be a solo machine either.


***Actually***
Let me put it this way then to less aggravate the masses....

Right now the only tank I have real current experience with (I've been out of the game for about 10 months) is my Willpower/Dark Melee.

Maybe the better question is: Is this a good team powerset for the criteria I posted in my original post? What are the strengths of this set in endgame? What are the Weaknesses?

I just don't want to grind to 40 and think... damn I should have tried X and Y instead.