_r0y_

Yeah! Because my SG have been waiting 4 years to speak over the internet to each other... oh wait. We did not wait.

Well, I'm sure this newfangled soloution will be much better than the two very popular and well-loved, cross-platform / cross-gaming systems out there (there is more, but vent and TS are pretty much the top 2).

All I can hope for is that someone got a decent payoff at NCSoft for this; otherwise, why waste your time?

Scratch that. I forget. There will always be the Atlas Park teaparties of sg-less n00bs to cyb0rz themselves silly...

I guess this is an OK idea after all.

-r0y

(seriously, who isn't on vent, TS, skype, etc. by now?)

On March 12, 2008 _r0y_ wrote:
[ QUOTE ]

Just one thing I'd like to see:
<font class="small">Code:[/color]<hr /><pre>
..M...M..OO..RRR..EEEE...
..MM.MM.O..O.R..R.E......
..M.M.M.O..O.RRR..EE.....
..M...M.O..O.R.R..E......
..M...M..OO..R..R.EEEE...
.........................
.SS..L....OO..TTTTT..SS..
S....L...O..O...T...S....
.SS..L...O..O...T....SS..
...S.L...O..O...T......S.
.SS..LLL..OO....T....SS..
.........................
PPP.L...EEE..AA...SS..EEE
P.P.L...E...A..A.S....E..
PPP.L...EE..AAAA..SS..EEE
P...L...E...A..A....S.E..
P...LLL.EEE.A..A..SS..EEE
</pre><hr />
That's all. TY GL HF.

-r0y


[/ QUOTE ]

on April 15, 2008 Positron replied:
[ QUOTE ]
NCsoft NorCal Studios is pleased to announce the pricing and details for the coming Optional Additional Character Slot feature. As we previously announced, we heard the request for a system to allow more characters on a single server and this is our answer. City of Heroes is a unique game that offers many playstyle options; options that are growing in a large way due to Powerset Proliferation and the addition of the Villain Epic Archetypes in the next free expansion, Issue 12: Midnight Hour. To accommodate playing more characters on your favorite server, we will be including the following features in Issue 12:
...

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah. 'bout time you got around to that, Posi... &gt;.&gt;

-r0y

(fyi: for the folks who spend more time in the forums than actually playing the game, that *was* indeed sarcasm).

50's don't use level 40's? Are you INSANE? Ever hear of the MIRACLE set? or GIFT of the ANCIENTS? Come on now, I have characters PARKED under 40 *just* to have a chance at these!

As for Hami's - I have over 60 in my bin *after* dumping a LOT on the market at rock-bottom prices (and still not selling them all). HO's are all but useless; I am even to the point now of taking the recipe on the STF and Hami Raids...

-r0y

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Just one thing I'd like to see:
<font class="small">Code:<hr /><pre>..M...M..OO..RRR..EEEE...
..MM.MM.O..O.R..R.E......
..M.M.M.O..O.RRR..EE.....
..M...M.O..O.R.R..E......
..M...M..OO..R..R.EEEE...
.........................
.SS..L....OO..TTTTT..SS..
S....L...O..O...T...S....
.SS..L...O..O...T....SS..
...S.L...O..O...T......S.
.SS..LLL..OO....T....SS..
.........................
PPP.L...EEE..AA...SS..EEE
P.P.L...E...A..A.S....E..
PPP.L...EE..AAAA..SS..EEE
P...L...E...A..A....S.E..
P...LLL.EEE.A..A..SS..EEE
</pre><hr />[/color] That's all. TY GL HF.

-r0y

[/ QUOTE ]

[/ QUOTE ]

[/ QUOTE ]

I doubt they'll want to give us more slots per server. That way, it will encourage people to move to less populated servers. Essentially, reviving them...

[/ QUOTE ]
WHY? I'm sorry, but 3 1/2 years on a "HOME SERVER" is really hard for many people to get off of.

They went and gave us VETERAN REWARDS so that buying a SECOND (or third, or fourth) account is not as desirable (yes, I'll admit, I am addicted to sands of mu and nemesis staff).

If they would have a SUB-ACCOUNT feature, where they give up and say, OK, another $15/month gets you another 12 slots on a sub-account, then FINE. I'd even take it if I couldn't 2-box them both in at the same time (though, I'd much prefer to 2-box).

-r0y

Just one thing I'd like to see:
<font class="small">Code:<hr /><pre>..M...M..OO..RRR..EEEE...
..MM.MM.O..O.R..R.E......
..M.M.M.O..O.RRR..EE.....
..M...M.O..O.R.R..E......
..M...M..OO..R..R.EEEE...
.........................
.SS..L....OO..TTTTT..SS..
S....L...O..O...T...S....
.SS..L...O..O...T....SS..
...S.L...O..O...T......S.
.SS..LLL..OO....T....SS..
.........................
PPP.L...EEE..AA...SS..EEE
P.P.L...E...A..A.S....E..
PPP.L...EE..AAAA..SS..EEE
P...L...E...A..A....S.E..
P...LLL.EEE.A..A..SS..EEE
</pre><hr />[/color] That's all. TY GL HF.

-r0y

I have not noticed a reduction of spam-tells; I got two of them this morning, ironically, after the new GMOTD. That was comedic timing in the tragic sense.

-r0y

[ QUOTE ]
serious note, if anyone knows who has the toon Shu we need to talk..............

[/ QUOTE ]

The NPC's have it - remember there is a woman named Shu... I think the names of the inhabitants, as well as named mobs (like the criminal "Jeremy" in bricks?) will not let you get your name.

Roy was never available, hence the zero in the middle (not just an expression of my IQ!). 1337sawce.

-r0y

May I be the first to issue a
<font class="small">Code:<hr /><pre>
/--------------------------------------------------\
|................................................. .|
|.........XX.....XX.XXXXXXX.XXXXX...XXXXX......... .|\
|.........XXXX...XX.XXXXXXX.XXXXXX..XXXXXX........ .||
|.........XX.XX..XX.XX......XX...XX.XX...XX....... .||
|.........XX..XX.XX.XXXXX...XX...XX.XX...XX....... .||
|.........XX..XX.XX.XXXXX...XXXXXX..XX...XX....... .||
|.........XX..XX.XX.XX......XX.XX...XX...XX....... .||
|.........XX...XXXX.XX......XX..XX..XX...XX....... .||
|.........XX....XXX.XXXXXXX.XX..XX..XXXXXX........ .||
|.........XX.....XX.XXXXXXX.XX...XX.XXXXX......... .||
|................................................. .||
|................................................. .||
|...XXXXX...XX......XXXXXXX.XXXXX...XXXXXXXX.XX.XX .||
|..XXXXXXX..XX......XXXXXXX.XXXXXX..XXXXXXXX.XX.XX .||
|.XX.....XX.XX......XX......XX...XX....XX....XX.XX .||
|.XX.....XX.XX......XXXXX...XX...XX....XX....XX.XX .||
|.XXXXXXXXX.XX......XXXXX...XXXXXX.....XX....XX.XX .||
|.XXXXXXXXX.XX......XX......XX.XX......XX....XX.XX .||
|.XX.....XX.XX......XX......XX..XX.....XX......... .||
|.XX.....XX.XXXXXXX.XXXXXXX.XX..XX.....XX....XX.XX .||
|.XX.....XX.XXXXXXX.XXXXXXX.XX...XX....XX....XX.XX .||
|................................................. .||
\--------------------------------------------------//
\-----------------------------------------------/
</pre><hr />[/color]

...ok, grats on the event; comic isn't too bad (apart from the much-debated $10-for 2 costumes and 4 emotes pack).

-r0y

Well, at least with /traps you get web-nade... such an awesome power in PvP... too bad the rest of the set is ho-hum (like /dev for blasters).

I think the /traps (and /dev) are great for PvE, and I've even pvp'd with them, but it is more fun pve. Still, I do not see many /traps corrupters around. Guess teams just don't want to sit put and wait all the time; constantly in motion, as it were.

-r0y

Anything Invuln was uber a long time ago. But since invuln is only palatable while in Unstoppable, and there is no perma-unstoppable, the set really shows what a dog it is.

So they gave us Willpower to just slap the faces of anyone left playing invuln. *SMACK*

-r0y

I'd have to agree with all the "pro-Throw Spines" folks. It is a keystone power to spines - how can you call your guide "AoE" and skip tRoW sPineZ?

I am on my SECOND spines/dark... the first was deleted at 46(?) or so out of frustration, there were no IO's back then (issue 7?). Anyway, when IO's hit, I re-rolled him.

All I can say is: skipping Acro and increased Recovery is awesome!

Here is my current build:
(I skipped Posi sets, as they are pretty pricey; same with scirocco's. I call this build Spines/Dark on teh Cheap!)

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :
Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.30
http://www.honourableunited.org.uk/mhd.php

Spikey Roy-cheaper: Level 50 Technology Scrapper
Primary Power Set: Spines
Secondary Power Set: Dark Armor
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Body Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Lunge -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx(3), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg(7), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(19), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37)
Level 1: Dark Embrace -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/EndRdx(A), S'fstPrt-ResKB(5), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(13), ImpArm-ResDam/Rchg(40), S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(43)
Level 2: Spine Burst -- C'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngBlow-Dmg/EndRdx(3), M'Strk-Acc/Dmg(7), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx(11), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(19), ImpSwft-Dam%(46)
Level 4: Murky Cloud -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/EndRdx(A), S'fstPrt-ResKB(5), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(13), ImpArm-ResDam/Rchg(39)
Level 6: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 8: Impale -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(9), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(9), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(11), Range-I(34), Range-I(40)
Level 10: Obsidian Shield -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/EndRdx(A), S'fstPrt-ResKB(15), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(37), ImpArm-ResDam/Rchg(40)
Level 12: Combat Jumping -- Krma-ResKB(A), Ksmt-ToHit+(15), Ksmt-Def/Rchg(43)
Level 14: Super Jump -- Jump-I(A)
Level 16: Dark Regeneration -- Acc-I(A), Acc-I(17), Mrcl-Heal/EndRdx(17), Mrcl-EndRdx/Rchg(29), Numna-Heal/EndRdx(34), Numna-EndRdx/Rchg(45)
Level 18: Health -- Mrcl-Rcvry+(A), Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(50)
Level 20: Stamina -- EndMod-I(A), EndMod-I(21), EndMod-I(21)
Level 22: Death Shroud -- C'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngBlow-Dmg/EndRdx(23), M'Strk-Acc/Dmg(23), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx(37), M'Strk-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(39)
Level 24: Quills -- C'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngBlow-Dmg/EndRdx(25), M'Strk-Acc/Dmg(25), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx(36), M'Strk-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(39), ImpSwft-Dam%(46)
Level 26: Ripper -- C'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngBlow-Dmg/EndRdx(27), M'Strk-Acc/Dmg(27), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx(31), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(31), Acc-I(45)
Level 28: Build Up -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(29)
Level 30: Cloak of Darkness -- Ksmt-Def/EndRdx(A), Ksmt-Def/Rchg(31), GftotA-Def(42), GftotA-Def/EndRdx(43)
Level 32: Throw Spines -- AirB'st-Acc/Dmg(A), AirB'st-Dmg/EndRdx(33), AirB'st-Dmg/Rchg(33), Det'tn-Acc/Dmg(33), Det'tn-Dmg/EndRdx(34), Det'tn-Dmg/Rchg(45)
Level 35: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(36), RechRdx-I(36)
Level 38: Oppressive Gloom -- Stpfy-Acc/Rchg(A), Stpfy-Acc/Stun/Rchg(46)
Level 41: Focused Accuracy -- HO:Cyto(A), HO:Cyto(42), HO:Cyto(42)
Level 44: Conserve Power -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 47: Energy Torrent -- AirB'st-Acc/Dmg(A), AirB'st-Dmg/EndRdx(48), AirB'st-Dmg/Rng(48), Det'tn-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(48), Det'tn-Dmg/EndRdx(50), Det'tn-Dmg/Rng(50)
Level 49: Soul Transfer -- RechRdx-I(A)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Critical Hit
------------
[u]Set Bonus Totals:[u]<ul type="square">[*]+3% Defense(Smashing)[*]+3% Defense(Lethal)[*]+3% Defense(Fire)[*]+3% Defense(Cold)[*]+5.5% Defense(Energy)[*]+3% Defense(Negative)[*]+3% Defense(Psionic)[*]+3% Defense(Melee)[*]+3% Defense(Ranged)[*]+3% Defense(AoE)[*]+14% Enhancement(Accuracy)[*]+4% Enhancement(Knockback)[*]+5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)[*]+49.7 (4.13%) HitPoints[*]+Knockback (Mag -16)[*]+MezResist(Immobilize) (Mag 2.2%)[*]+MezResist(Sleep) (Mag 8.25%)[*]+28% Recovery[*]+12% Regeneration[*]+3.78% Resistance(Fire)[*]+3.78% Resistance(Cold)[*]+3.75% Resistance(Energy)[/list]


<font class="small">Code:[/color]<hr /><pre>| Copy &amp; Paste this data chunk into Mids' Hero Designer to view the build |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|MHDz;4492;1123;1500;|
&gt;-KE5TMOXS80O@?(?]!ET&lt;/"C?C2`STE&lt;=MLTQ2%'&gt;Q=D&amp;E+6%LR)#E;`X1^^PX I\V%92N2&gt;"A1)9'K
X&lt;5[?&lt;$9YXE4Y3YKD*Z_JO"Q^03_3VYOE/O_&amp;C]ZB/,[2C"=[7HE7GF9%N2TW1[%,JV0/,H4K&gt;"WF2?
7-NZ]V926^%!FO&gt;-&amp;(W_(&amp;MFKQ)QS/BXU8[CE?@723-?+K0[DZ&gt;B])W?#J&gt;'OCB^X'"2H&gt;JT.=`&lt;3[L
MLG:=/&gt;I^G=?+=I:1L'\"`MC@'91P'B[M=BM5C](X&amp;A!N)!X"+-E+Y(PX(QJU8G\GV-1M$[YK5RY".-
)P$X/$,071&gt;C#U$N&amp;YZLUA"_]W=5-CQM(/?M@M?S9&amp;=MXC"R$8^=&gt;'Z0R,AX1P7XQ*NW_+#K.+E4& amp;V,
3"AY#G\+`,3%AQ.]Z/&gt;?KS\KGV'B"N[AUU%@P\;CER9M,W,.V_.YPBWP3*NJ!&gt;C3$EMN7P[O6530;
6ZNA"VQ)YASE4A$QKRQW"&amp;3A0Z],N&lt;K?C*6W[/UZK,6\C`)P!0;$Q39EDG\,3PO)9U\A]@/A,!6(+
]H_#KM]"^HZ\X0*9ID.57TS\9H=BA4TE0MVF,ED.`QR*`K,)8IZ6.&lt; &gt;(Q:/H;1&amp;C0Q\A_)VD10;+N/`
.@Y"!J6QS8&amp;L3_(OJ(PG4XFNXA*:RS4WV,2!9*^55?F&lt ;5+O$^D'M/43B.:]WO&amp;E?RZ&gt;\49&gt;;$&lt;?+TRY
&lt;?&amp;.+^8.7GX`M/%@XL&amp;5A3`T`)B1M@,*!00W)X&amp;[G59)N&gt;?O$DZU-#L&amp;LPV`7&lt;WZ=B=:#!8[$7X==7B
0_U=YC6;PE6UZGO$@OU))0'X$J&amp;3G2LT(B[2V5R=:I#Z%^P#GCVR)]JXZ?U0%;!&gt;&amp;8C07?\.+.GM%UB
@5U^8U5F6(A?7HI5Y`[8@H:-H?$V!\3&amp;[58?J@Q_4$CEYF=U,DE\,-6/@`:[.62G&amp;!0F8LUW+O-#&lt;M*
#":,*.D+F1H9G1(9G1@9NRJR:X:49!@SU;VG)8!-'=+!A"F-)XYI&lt;LV8!O!%SX!;:,,-3X,9+E2:25O
@CS$%N\-RMV+D+)`ST6F$MD53FX/X_58)GOX.%'GEVFLR[MT7:0YOT+5$2V!`S?U&amp;HT#'&lt;&amp;":J]N#B?
R(P-W[O/(&gt;#C`@72Z"V,PZY"#.B0B-8O#E'*33'R(',N=-621JS#FF0C(,Z=FBSDCNH8PQUN=5O6O)"
2('VR5_4AL=D;-1N=4&lt;PH?\6S:'/5\?552ZU4?V2'@&amp;@'5A4:%QV;EYU%=JP&gt;7'8U/"_FG,(KES*4.#
,JN-J'&lt;P?S@@Z@Q&lt;&amp;@@YBCZL"&lt;!]7!,T[-=$T;&amp;$'&lt;1E2;BZPF'D6&amp;7`N.M7QLEDX$!LM!'D. !K-2]0
-:/VOBGK/;?UV)BO:;SL5SCY^9[][V&gt;_MH_/S0??E))DYO_\WH&lt;P&amp;O)G.N@:%"(.[$&amp;'UVA@XR\`ND5
FRR$I]*XVM%-NEQFJC5!,.^D@H31$%#".[C,TR\NT2V26V2V*75EG$[-+JC0*[I*?E[&lt;T/=I4&amp;SP``
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
</pre><hr />
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::

-r0y

How about SUB-ACCOUNTS? You know, the only thing preventing me from starting a third account is Veteran Rewards. Yeah, I'm that addicted to the Nemesis Staff and Base TP.

-r0y

Or just allow users to check a box saying "recieve only e-mails from global/server/SG friends" heck, maybe even an option for tells, too. "Receive tells from players with XX months of playtime" or paid account, etc.

Then if a 14-day (or under 3-month) n00b sends me a tell or e-mail, it'll get blocked.

Sure, after 3-months and paying for the account they could try it, and get reported and the account cancelled...

-r0y

I'm curious why there is a mass e-mail capability anymore? I mean, the have GMOTD for in-game announcements, they've never used mass e-mail - so why have it?

How can 1 player e-mail people I've never logged in on in months? I was not on that toon, I haven't been on that toon - but I still got an e-mail or six...

Obviously there is either a global or wildcard e-mail thing, remove that. Make e-mail from server-player to server-player. No globals, no cross-server, etc.

Better yet, REMOVE e-mail from the game. Sure the 10 people that actually use it might be upset, but the 100,000 that get spams will be happy.

-r0y

LoLz, two updates in one morning... the servers must have been down! ;-)

-r0y

YOWZA! That's a long, detailed guide! Nice. I've only perused it (must get back to the game), but it looks like you have a lot in there.

I had just replied/posted my Quick &amp; Dirty guide; no where near as in-depth.

I think you've covered everything I was thinking of, too. Especially as far as the different routes to take (I personally don't use Screech, picked it up at the end, but it is a very viable option).

Nice job!
-r0y

My Kinetics/Sonic Blast review of the powers I took:
================================================== ============
Level 1: Transfusion
One of the best heals in the game, requires a to-hit check, but has a high inherent accuracy of 90%. You have to be near the mob, which *can* be dangerous for you, but also a great way to heal the meleers from afar. Careful your target doesn't die while casting, or you don't get the heal (even though the animation goes off).

2 Accuracies, 2 Heals, 2 Recharges - Some like to put Doctored Wounds in here, but I'm cheap.


Level 1: Shriek
Cannot avoid taking; however, Shriek is probably the best "unavoidable" defender blast in the game (Nutrino Bolt comes in very close at second). It is the first power in the Triumvirate of Blast Debuffs that you will constantly use when you're not "kining it up."

4 Thunderstrikes and 1 Chance to Hold - If you can't afford or don't like the chance to hold, throw the slot into Hurdle or Health (or wherever).


Level 2: Scream
The second power in the Triumvirate of Blast Debuffs and also a really, really nice attack. HEAVY DoT damage that only gets better and better as you fight (like all sonic attacks) until you hit your damage cap.

4 Thunderstrikes and 1 Chance to Hold - If you can't afford or don't like the chance to hold, throw the slot into Hurdle or Health (or wherever).


Level 4: Siphon Power
Some people make the critical mistake of respecing OUT of Siphon Power when they have Fulcrum Shift. Don't be that n00b. Think of Siphon Power as gravy - useful when the mob count is small, VERY useful on AV's and such simply because it STACKS with Fulcrum to debuff their damage another 25%. If you have only fulcrum, it's not up as often and you'll likely only have 25-50% damage debuff on a target (i.e. AV, EB, etc). With Siphon Power, it stacks on itself quite nicely, I can get 2-3 of them (that's almost a 100% dam debuff on a target. please note: that doesn't mean the target will NOT do damage, like us they have enhacements...)

2 Accuracies, 1 Recharge - you could put more recharge in here; I just have 1 level 50 IO and with my set bonuses and Hasten and Siphon Speed, it's around a 9 second recharge. The buff/debuff lasts 30 seconds.


Level 6: Siphon Speed
Ah, your first travel power... and at level 6, how nice! This is one power I almost 3-slotted for recharge, you want it up that often. There are so many good things about this power I'll just be brief: +recharge/+speed to you, -recharge/-speed/-flyspeed/-jumpspeed to the target. The recharge buff/debuff is 20% each for a (too short) 60 second duration. I usually can get 2 stacked if I'm really working it; I almost always will have 1.

2 Accuracies, 2 Recharges, 1 Impeded Swiftness: Chance for Smashing - Yes, you read that right: Kill 'em with Siphon Speed! Muahahaha - that's my favorite kill. It's a 20% chance for a decent amount of smashing. Kinda cool. I tried some of the Slow Sets, but the accuracy suffers. This combo works best for me.


Level 8: Hurdle
I love having Hurdle. You really don't need Swift with Siphon Speed and SS (the route I take). Hurdle is always handy.

1 Jump - usually a level 50; doesn't matter a whole lot, can be level 30. Often I'll put extra, "left-over" slots in here, as 3-slotted Hurdle is pretty nice.


Level 10: Hasten
Ever kinetics - heck, every toon, really benefits from Hasten. Take it, 3-slot it, love it.

3 Recharges - don't 2-slot this one, as the third is a decent time-shaver. Four or more isn't too productive, thanks to ED, but you already knew that!


Level 12: Speed Boost
Ah, the power that can get you on ANY team at ANY time and at ANY level. Only one n00b I've seen that doesn't like Speed Boost (hello Doctor A Science); thankfully, most people are smart enough to immediately realize you're giving them a mini Hasten with speed attached! I sure wish it was a self-buff, too! Oh well. Get it, slot it, love it.

2 End Mods, 2 Run Speeds - now, many will 3-slot with end mods, but I use 50's here, so the difference between 2 and 3 is not that much; plus the double-run speeds are so nice. Do the zoning trick where you can stack them, and your targets will be at the speed cap for about 60 seconds (less the zoning time).

SPECIAL NOTE: I do want to test the end-mod proc (chance for +end) in here and stamina. When I get those, I'll do that and hopefully remember to come back to this thread and post my findings. Theoretically, I should be getting a nice extra 10 stamina points per use or every 10 seconds(?) for stamina... not bad. I'll look into that.


Level 14: Combat Jumping
While many kinetics either take this and get SJ, I only take CJ from the leaping pool. Call me crazy for passing up Assault/Tactics for jump control and immob protection. I love CJ, and early on with Hurdle, Siphon Speed and CJ - you're quite the traveler. Besides, if you've ever played a kinetic to a reasonably high level, you know how much you move. Immobs suck for kins... I love CJ, did I mention that? Anyway, it's also an UBER spot for cool defense-based stuff like LotG: recharge, Kismet 6% acc, and Karma KB resists! I love CJ (think we covered that).

1 Kismet: 6% accuracy, 1 Karma: KB Resist - I didn't do the LotG, as it's not really needed on this guy; the kismet is cheap and Kins can always use more acc; the KB is because I skipped Acro (yay!)


Level 16: Shout
Ah, the third and final power in the Triumvirate of Blast Debuffs! pow, Pow, POW! Is how I like to see the three single-target (ST) attacks work. Of course, with a siphon power or two - or some fulcrums, it's just POW POW POW!! Some of you may have noticed that I skipped HOWL - the cone attack. I am not happy with the damage it does, and while debuffing each hit target 20% sounds nice, I noticed that a Fulcrum-shifted, siphon-powered, speed-boosted team pretty much takes care of 90-95% of the mobs, leaving only the bosses, AV's, etc. So Shout is more useful to how I play. If you are timid, and on a slow PuG that doesn't appreciate massive herds, then take HOWL over Shout. See if you are better at debuffing than killing. Death..er arresting is the best debuff in the game (you can quote me on that).

4 Thunderstrikes and 1 Chance to Hold, 1 Recharge - Same as the other blasts. I thought about using a range IO, but the extra 8 or 9 feet didn't seem like much, so I added a recharge to help keep the power up and available. Could probably skip that slot, but you'll have lots of slots to play with.


Level 18: Inertial Reduction
Call me crazy, but I think having IR is pretty uber. I don't often use it for travelling, as I'm a super-speeder; but it's great to give to the team or to lowbies. Plus, I will use it for vertically-challenging zones. Just a nifty power to have. Plus, in PvP it's un-supressed. SB + IR = one happy PvP team!

2 Jumps - could be just 1, but I had extra slots, so why not give a superjump (for 60 seconds) that is near jump-cap? You'll be popular.


Level 20: Health
I actually like it for the sleep resist. One of the things that often may happen (esp. rikti) is an AoE sleep; this will shorten that duration signifigantly.

1 Heal - no fancy IO's here, none needed! Such an affordable build.


Level 22: Stamina
Some kinetics say you don't need it, I say phoey! Take it, slot it as you need it. I just put 2 level 45/50 IO's and was done.

2 End Mod - Slot as needed. It's nice to have endurance even if you have Transference.


Level 24: Super Speed
I like SS. I have a Stealh IO in Sprint, so I am fully invis'd for stealthing missions. Yeah, that cool. Plus, while soloing, you can easily and safely position yourself for Sirens Song. Nice. Don't forget to keep Siphon Speeding, even while Super Speeding! Zoooooom!

2 Run Speed - Yeah, two. I like to go fast, Ricky Bobby!


Level 26: Transference
Ah, you are now approaching Kineticism... one of the reasons you rolled a kin: endless end!

2 Accuracies, 2 End Mods, 1 Recharge - One recharge?!?! Are you kidding? Nope. I have this power up every 12-13 seconds. If you're burning through end that fast, something isn't right. Your team shouldn't be burning through that fast, either (especially if they are speed-boosted). Now, the end-draining is nice, and you might want it up a hair faster for that, but I prefer killing: the best debuff in the game. Oh, so now you have me repeating myself AGAIN? Let's move on...


Level 28: Sirens Song
Some sonic blast types will take Screech (the ST stun) over this cone sleep; they are n00bs, ignore them. Giving a kinetic an AoE sleep was just too good to pass up! (whisper now) It is probably your best power for soloing. Shhhh.... sneak up (ss+stealth IO) WHAM! slept mob! Casually stroll in, FS, Siphon this, Siphon that... transference, etc... it's a LONG sleep. Re-apply the sleep: WHAM! Now pick one target (usually the toughest, so you can get FS on those sleeping mobs... shhhh!). Oh how uber this is. DO NOT PASS UP THIS POWER. Get it as soon as it's available. You can let it ride with 2 accs, 1 sleep or 1 rech until you have more slots to give it.

5 Call of the Sandman, 1 Accuracy - There just isn't a better set to put in this! More end, more sleep, more recharge, more health! Sign me up! The extra Acc was because I had many slots left, and I like this to hit. You might want to try the uber-recharge build and stack this, thus sleeping a BOSS. As it is, it will sleep all the minions and lieutenants it hits. Allowing you to work on the boss with the added bonus of having his buddies for FS!


Level 30: Increase Density
This is another often-overlooked power: smashing and energy resistance (about 36% with my slotting) plus all those utility side effects like most mez protections (not sleep), KB/KU resists, repel resists, etc. Don't pass this up. Plus, you can put another KB resist IO in here (since I skipped Acro, I need it). It also slows your target a bit. SB removes that and then some. Always use in conjunction with SB.

1 Steadfast: KB resist, 2 Resist Damage - Like IR, the timer on this is only 60 seconds, and while the mez/utility stuff stacks, the resistances don't. Plus, it's mean to ID a granite tank w/o SB... just mean... I would *never* do that...


Level 32: Fulcrum Shift
Ah, you have now obtained Kineticism! Probably the MAIN reason you rolled a kin. Get it, slot it, love it. Like Transfusion (the heal) make sure your target doesn't die in the far-too-long animation, or you get NOTHING.

2 Accuracies, 3 Recharges - Not much more to say here. You could put a 3rd acc in it, but with all your set bonuses, etc. I am at about 163% accuracy with just 2. Plus you'll have Amplify next...


Level 35: Amplify
Why so late? Honestly, I only took Amp for Dreadful Wail. I really didn't need the Acc or the Dam buff. I am often capped at damage, and I rarely miss...

2 Recharges - Here I used two level 45/50 IO's, the third would only give an extra handful of seconds. Plus, this really only needs to be up for the nuke. Occasionally I use it when I'm not at the damage cap, but I am too busy to remember to press it.


Level 38: Dreadful Wail
I actually heard some people say they were NOT happy with DW. Wow, guess they were NON-kin defenders! Muahahahaa! Anyway, Amplify+FS+DW = BIG NUMBERS. And the stun at the end... nice! Just remember to keep some blues in your tray to pop right after so you can transference and be back in the game! Oh yeah.

3 Damage, 2 Recharge, 1 Stupefy: Acc/Stun/Rech - only because there is no stun/rech IO. I like to keep the stun up a bit longer (about 18 seconds). Otherwise, 3 dam/3 rech. Oh, and it's one of the FASTEST nukes in the game. KERPLOW!


Level 41: Oppressive Gloom
Now, many defender usually go the Power or Psychic Mastery routes; I've done them all (even elec) and I think that Dark really goes well with Kin/Sonic. The Hold and TK are cool, and that's a posibility, the Power Boost doesn't do all that much for Kin powers; Elec... while the armor is nice, I don't need powersink. DARK: Oppressive n00b! Oh, it's such an over-looked power. Plus you can get a set of Stupefy in there! Which is nice since I didn't take Screech until the last power. Bosses can be stunned if they get hit with this and then the nuke (if they're alive). It only stuns minions, but is helpful when helping out lowbies (ie: set to follow, auto-heal, target through the lowbie, leave oppressive n00b on). YMMV.

5 Stupefy - I didn't take the KB proc, as I don't want them flying away. But it is fun to watch. Enjoy the stupefy bonuses.


Level 44: Dark Embrace
One of the reasons I took dark: 2 standards and 2 exotics to resist. Smash, Lethal, Negative, and Toxic. nice. Plus you can slot that 3rd KB IO in here for some really nice KB protection (Mary MacComber, you &lt;bleep!&gt; take THAT!)

1 End Red, 2 Resist Dam, 1 Steadfast: KB - good enough!


Level 47: Soul Drain
If you thought giving an AoE sleep to a kin was bad, Soul Drain is just MEAN! While it only hits 7 (mid's is wrong, not 10) that's another 87%+ damage buff on top of FS and Siphon Power. What this means is: use it as an AoE attack when capped with FS, or put yourself at the cap with ONE MOB. 3-4 FS and 1-2 Siphon Power plus 3-4 Soul Drains: you're about there. Now this is soloing with a mob of 3-4! Yikes. Amplify also will boost you to the cap, should you not be there. I'm not the numbers person, so I'm not sure what the cap is, but I know I hit it with 1 decent-sized mob.

1 Nucl (Acc/Dam hami O), 2 Damage, 2 Recharge - I have many HO's in my bin, so I use them when I can. You can probably just 3 damage, 3 recharge (and 2-slot Screech); I've only got 4 slots now, and it's a really nice power. Up often enough with Siphon Speeds and Hasten. Not a bad power at all, decent exotic damage (negative) - about what shriek does, which is more than Howl. Plus, it's a To-Hit buff (massive, with 7 hit it's +35% to-hit! yowza! Remember kids, Accuracy is addative, ToHit is multiplicative!)


Level 49: Screech
Usually I take Repel at 49 on my Kins (and I've played a LOT of them); however, I want to try something new. I'll admit, I'm not quite there (level 48 at the time of this writing), but I think it'll be a nice addition to oppressive gloom. Assuming anything is alive (and not slept). Should make soloing a little easier when there's 1 boss and LT's and Minions. Basically, I'm thinking: sleep the LT and Minions, perma-stun the boss = no hazzards. We'll see how that pans out. Usually I'm just killing the bosses so fast, it doesn't matter.

3 Acc/Stun/Rech - One stupefy, 1 rope-a-dope, 1 razzle-dazzle; I just wanted acc stun and recharges with a limited amount of slots. Again, I might drop this to 2, and add another recharge to Soul Drain (I'm really liking that power). We'll see.

Level 1: Sprint
Get a stealth IO ASAP in here. The lower the better. You want to be fully invisible by the 20's and definately the 30's. It's so handy, trust me!

Leap or Run: +Stealth - enough said. Toggle it for 120 seconds (or until you attack or are hit by something) or just leave it on for extra run speed / constant stealth. That's what I do, mainly. End isn't an issue on this build, so why not?


In Closing - OK, so it wasn't so quick, but can we still call it "dirty"? I am really happy with this build. I occasionally poke my head into sirens just to count the Em/Ninj stalkers with TP-Foe, and I often ex down for TFs (Katie, Citadel, Manticore, etc) so I like using 30-33 IO's for my SET IO's. I use all 45's and 50's for my regular IO's. You will not have a problem teaming (oh, you buff my damage AND lower their resistance? Welcome to the team! SB plz!).

Everyone loves a Kin. Please play well; as a poorly-played kinetics really sucks! I know, I know, SB PLZ! SB PLZ! It's a bummer; but in those instances, just SB/ID and FS/heal/transference as needed. Give up the blasting except for the occasional nuke. My regular teammates know better than to ask for SB, as I'm killing most of the things (kind of like a fire/kin - they don't have to SB, they are the team). While you're not the team by yourself, you are adding a TON of usefulness to it.

-r0y
(playing on Infinity as Sonik Roy)

Currently, my level 48 Kin/Sonic is spec'd as follows (obviously I don't have my level 49 power or level 50 slots yet, but those are easy enough).

Slots are in abundance on this build, as with many kinetic builds. Certain things I only 2-slotted as I use either level 45 or level 50 IO's when there's only 1 or 2 of them (i.e. AIM, Stamina, etc).

I also 5-slotted Oppressive Gloom for the set bonuses - but it is not a bad power to have! Originally, 1 ACC and maybe 1 Stun were all it needed, but the 6.25% recharge and all the other bonuses of Stupefy are pretty sweet.

Again, Kinetics really isn't that "specialized" for IO slotting, and given the "depressing" nature of the new END MOD sets, I just left most of the kin powers with regular IO's.

Finally, the "sets" are level 30-33 (Siren's Call / Katie Hannon range) as the % differences were not that great, and I am VERY OFTEN exemplaring down to those levels. Please note: I don't know how to do different or specific enhancement levels in Mid's planner; seems it's an "all-or-none" thing in the Options or in the "set IO's to Min/Max" - so I'll have some 30's, some 33's, some 50's, some 45's etc. Again, the actual difference between 40 and 50 is negligable; the difference between 30 and 50 (for sets) is not too harsh (think it was 4% for accuracy).

Now, on to my build:
Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.30
http://www.honourableunited.org.uk/mhd.php

Sonik Roy - 50: Level 50 Natural Defender
Primary Power Set: Kinetics
Secondary Power Set: Sonic Attack
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leaping
Ancillary Pool: Dark Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Transfusion -- Acc-I:45(A), Acc-I:45(5), Heal-I:45(15), Heal-I:45(25), RechRdx-I:45(34), RechRdx-I:45(34)
Level 1: Shriek -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg:45(A), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:45(3), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx:45(9), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg:45(21), Dev'n-Hold%:45(36)
Level 2: Scream -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg:45(A), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:45(3), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx:45(9), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg:45(21), Dev'n-Hold%:45(36)
Level 4: Siphon Power -- Acc-I:45(A), Acc-I:45(5), RechRdx-I:45(15)
Level 6: Siphon Speed -- Acc-I:45(A), Acc-I:45(7), RechRdx-I:45(7), RechRdx-I:45(19), ImpSwft-Dam%:30(23)
Level 8: Hurdle -- Jump-I:45(A)
Level 10: Hasten -- RechRdx-I:45(A), RechRdx-I:45(11), RechRdx-I:45(11)
Level 12: Speed Boost -- EndMod-I:45(A), EndMod-I:45(13), Run-I:45(13), Run-I:45(25)
Level 14: Combat Jumping -- Ksmt-ToHit+:30(A), Krma-ResKB:30(31)
Level 16: Shout -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg:45(A), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:45(17), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx:45(17), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg:45(19), Dev'n-Hold%:45(34), RechRdx-I:45(43)
Level 18: Inertial Reduction -- Jump-I:45(A), Jump-I:45(37)
Level 20: Health -- Heal-I:45(A)
Level 22: Stamina -- EndMod-I:45(A), EndMod-I:45(23)
Level 24: Super Speed -- Run-I:45(A), Run-I:45(40)
Level 26: Transference -- Acc-I:45(A), Acc-I:45(27), EndMod-I:45(27), EndMod-I:45(31), RechRdx-I:45(31)
Level 28: Sirens Song -- CSndmn-Acc/Rchg:30(A), CSndmn-EndRdx/Sleep:30(29), CSndmn-Acc/EndRdx:30(29), CSndmn-Sleep/Rng:30(37), CSndmn-Acc/Sleep/Rchg:30(46), Acc-I:30(46)
Level 30: Increase Density -- S'fstPrt-ResKB:30(A), ResDam-I:45(42), ResDam-I:45(43)
Level 32: Fulcrum Shift -- Acc-I:45(A), Acc-I:45(33), RechRdx-I:45(33), RechRdx-I:45(33), RechRdx-I:45(37)
Level 35: Amplify -- RechRdx-I:45(A), RechRdx-I:45(36)
Level 38: Dreadful Wail -- Dmg-I:45(A), Dmg-I:45(39), Dmg-I:45(39), RechRdx-I:45(39), RechRdx-I:45(40), Stpfy-Acc/Stun/Rchg:45(40)
Level 41: Oppressive Gloom -- Stpfy-Acc/Rchg:45(A), Stpfy-EndRdx/Stun:45(42), Stpfy-Acc/EndRdx:45(42), Stpfy-Stun/Rng:45(43), Stpfy-Acc/Stun/Rchg:45(46)
Level 44: Dark Embrace -- EndRdx-I:45(A), ResDam-I:45(45), ResDam-I:45(45), S'fstPrt-ResKB:30(45)
Level 47: Soul Drain -- HO:Nucle(A), Dmg-I:45(48), Dmg-I:45(48), RechRdx-I:45(48), RechRdx-I:45(50)
Level 49: Screech -- Stpfy-Acc/Stun/Rchg:45(A), Rope-Acc/Stun/Rchg:45(50), RzDz-Acc/Stun/Rchg:30(50)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- ULeap-Stlth:30(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Vigilance
------------
[u]Set Bonus Totals:[u]<ul type="square">[*]+7.5% Defense(Energy)[*]+2.25% Max Endurance[*]+21% Enhancement(Accuracy)[*]+12.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)[*]+5% Enhancement(Sleep)[*]+3% Enhancement(Stun)[*]+45.2 (3.75%) HitPoints[*]+Knockback (Mag -12)[*]+8.5% Recovery[/list]


<font class="small">Code:[/color]<hr /><pre>| Copy &amp; Paste this data chunk into Mids' Hero Designer to view the build |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|MHDz;3803;992;1324;|
&gt;-KE5TMOW#80OAOP?]`EIV)K\2D*/;G=%D[=!,%NVCLK&lt;;."M=)"TK9U0.BW=TA)I&amp;Q1R&gt;98%#: @\&lt;?
A&lt;![?#.D'U=1;V&lt;D_5-,6=?4#^I[&gt;WNSKJGB*=O5SM(E8K-_+[M+(4F_5056Y:FYO'HM*=476:J.91?
==)[,G_;8ZJD95G?ZEZ"K5PNI9J5S_IN2YJ#[I#XUJ594IO97-4_1.MIUJGF]O8CW],-W?9UF/&gt;\Q[V
I.&gt;4@`7$-7]@Y(E8,1A*`1B`'&lt;J.^[R?P"G9,()6&lt;5CO4&amp;C,^9+]&lt;?CQ43&lt;=DWQI(PK=]O3)]B`6.)=
#"K=_5SEY@30Y&lt;BY]$KWI1X3DYX(Z.VRXW!RZJS%4)*_((^R@]+U#W69O['G.3N$^9"0_;DJ)/0?"8G
8L/"2(R1(FU#1D8EV-,&gt;L2;K&lt;&amp;R`F#YM;@9'0;T]GE:L\VO]='&amp;QW]%MY,K%1C*T:3C7&amp;@S/&amp;G01&lt;,=
_^U\OI;(S%D[%D2(!93#4=$A`Z-%WQ)5[%/5&gt;030&gt;D$4KYKLY-7V&amp;GB,*P&lt;&gt;-2&amp;9OL2QBFWG]$X!0C/
A;M277]Q_JAZ+X#3&lt;S(E!30&gt;93-28+3[&gt;./9HV*:8W,?6:6WNPJ@K-O8#CB5U(\J+CD.)#A:QQ?F5`4
S\(U-.`0\I(@L+0$"9^E'3*GC:W`)$V]&amp;D:@9E@8*C=&gt;@?%LOVDF0^DE!\@2(ZD/#C/;`8%6Q(%&gt;Q#S
L2A@F*_R?&lt;PDGX#4'+OTDRS*J#U%W5-%&gt;5OE)5I8K8U4I\[V;!)4'GMSM2Z7.=H/C-1:KUAVY**-?4;
&gt;&amp;[W;5X`USC&lt;%7C8\[I@#XM(6^SNR`^9RD]D;$&gt;M\IF1^`O]&amp;'INY49EGLFE/$SF,[@%H8&lt;R;/U)$8A
&gt;$9MXGYB%#Y866)K&lt;R_;\8Y4&amp;[RP,Q59JD;TEQ[6&lt;SO)D,A8:X.,WW`7]?_L++$1!@+GK*&amp;IU":RUD=
GH&lt;Z=Y=J*C,1R&gt;LVL^^;V%XF],4^M\6/G=@I3'0&amp;VU9G7M6Y$&lt;=@(EA`9?"M&amp;L[A,PI&lt;$&lt;#$21L`@0#
P&gt;$\-^2#&gt;;1(F&amp;EV#KR4VI;[,E-N;&amp;FR^OV2E`@4^CEQDUA9%I4D8"X[[-3SU1*4"$I'HZS(G]*X^J^
@^VL(GH(EF)^SDY\^EBK;VL]1-W*BA;F[;F3\\6OJXWQAK&lt;3^XN1E&gt;GV;=]/GOU9^UN2CSR/QS`'0HN
R-H,^2LQMXHLA5^912]/)0-?XS(9O;[?P---J#'-\,(183!'!+8OK7X3.1&gt;1$YDPJ.Q1U./8B].NM.A
=/0#GH&gt;().8H^SPGB?!BZD01&gt;Q%Y$7N1&gt;-$;$\R+WJ[@7J2C&gt;'OS+XAE#N(`
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
</pre><hr />

I'll followup with a quick &amp; dirty guide to each power, as needed...

I definately agree, Acro is a must for PvP - unless you have a great emp or sonic on your team.

As far as KB IO's go, if you do a lot of Katies, you'll need 3 - or just get used to getting knocked around.

Do not drop Boost Range if you are going to PvP. While you're a "EM Blapper" now, in PvP you will be doing much more moving and blasting. The EM attacks are icing on the PvP cake.

Of course, PvP is wildly different: solo, 2v2, team, zone, arena, etc. Pick your poison.

If you want to monkey around Sirens, for instance, you will get held by every SS brute out there. Of course, you'll get held by every Stone Melee (SM) brute with OR without Acrobatics, so there's that.

-r0y

Both Stunning Shot and Taser are MAG3 stuns - so, yes, both stacked onto a boss should stun said boss. I say "should" because who knows if that boss has any type of mez resists (like EB's and AV's get the purple triangles).

Plus, with the new animation/activation times that Issue 11 introduced, archery will become more popular. It's a great set for early on in the game due to the high accuracy; and the late-game lethal-resists are overcome by one of the best nukes in the game: rain of arrows.

-r0y

3-slotting FS is how I usually did it with SO's - you are right, level 45 or 50 IO's will drop that to only 2.

I also agree that Amplify is great for higher-con'ing mobs (though I'm ok with +4 and +5's), I mainly took Amplify for the nuke (so I could just 3 dam/3 rech it); I amplify, run in, FS+Nuke and boom, that's that.

As far as posting guides go, I suppose there are (at least) two types of people that read them: those who just want the power/slotting, and those that want the theory and playstyle advice.

I'm more direct, I suppose, as after 3 1/2 years, I think I have playstyle down, and am just curious how others pick and slot powers.

My Kin/Sonic is stuck at 44, mainly because I'm doing just katie TF's (wow, what a great toon for that); perhaps when/if I hit 50 I'll write up an issue 11 guide (especially with the new END MOD sets).

-r0y

wow. 5 long pages of junk. Those options have been there for as long as I can remember. I've always wanted some "out-of-game" character management tools; maybe they're finally getting around to it.

No longer will we need to log in every toon to see who needs that Taskforce/Strikeforce. Sweet.

Now, if they could only detail certain badges (did I do Bobcat? or do I still need Malaise?), that'd be sweet.

I'm very hopful for this "addition"

-r0y

Wow, this guide is pretty old and needs a good update. Sure, sure, kudos to the OP for doing it way back when.

However, there is some oddity as far as slotting goes (not only pre-ED, but some post-ED ones, too).

The ONLY rule of thumb for Kin powers is: 2 ACC or more. Obviously 3 ACC in FS...

My Kin/Sonic went from 1 to 42 in less than 1 month soloing, mostly. It is the most powerful defender build there is for damage-dealing, bar none.

Now, the OP said Shriek was no good, etc. - that right there told me he may not fully understand the kin/sonic combo. Yes you have to take it, but 1 slot? Are you serious? Sonic is probably the ONLY defender blast set with a GREAT unskippable! Yikes, 1 slot?!? It's part of the "blessed three" that complete your attack chain!

Now, where people will argue with me is on Howl - I don't take it. I did, I respec'd out of it. My team said take it so they get to hit debuffed enemies - not just the one I am attacking. I did, it was not any faster (we're a solid, 3+ yr experienced team). I dropped it and re-picked up Shout. We vaporize mobs in teams, so Howl was easily skipped for me. If you do PUGs mainly, maybe you want to work it in (in place of shout, since you'll probably be healing more and shout anchors you for too long if you're teh heal0rz).

On teams, you have SB, FS and Siphon Power... that's more than enough for them (plus transference and transfusion). SOLOING, Howl bites. It completely breaks the whole Kin/Sonic combo, IMHO.

My attack chain/mob assault goes like this: Superspeed (+stealth IO in swift) allows me to position myself just right, target the back-most enemy ==&gt; POW, hit em with Sirens Song (wow, a kin with a cone/aoe sleep? muahahaha).

They should all be asleep (except the boss, EB, etc). Move in, FS, Siphon Power, etc. - do all your Kin stuff, they are sleeping! Then pick one (the one you've been siphoning) and start the "blessed three" attack chain (use amplify if you want). Rinse/Repeat.

I took amplify mainly for the Nuke and higher-level mobs where 2 or 3 acc IO's weren't enough (and PvP). With amplify, you can 3 damage / 3 recharge your Nuke and it's sweet.

For my epic, I am experimenting with Oppressive n00b... er gloom. 1 disorient and it's done. The health-drain is minimal, and I'm now seriously considering working Screech (the stun) into the build; but really, rarely am I up against more than 1 boss (this is a solo toon, mainly) and if I have a team, I don't worry much about bosses at all.

Sorry for the excessive bloviation, but some mainstay powers seemed to have just been shrugged off. Here is my current build (I'm only 42 in it) - regular IO only (I'm not posting my set-IO build). I do have a Kismet +6% acc and a KB protection in Combat Jumping (since I skip acro on my PvE build):

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.21
http://www.honourableunited.org.uk/mhd.php

Sonik Roy (K-S-D): Level 50 Natural Defender
Primary Power Set: Kinetics
Secondary Power Set: Sonic Attack
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Dark Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Siphon Power -- Acc-I(A), Acc-I(5), RechRdx-I(11), RechRdx-I(37)
Level 1: Shriek -- Acc-I(A), Acc-I(3), Dmg-I(9), Dmg-I(21), Dmg-I(37)
Level 2: Scream -- Acc-I(A), Acc-I(3), Dmg-I(9), Dmg-I(21), Dmg-I(36)
Level 4: Transfusion -- Acc-I(A), Acc-I(5), Heal-I(11), Heal-I(19), Heal-I(31), RechRdx-I(42)
Level 6: Siphon Speed -- Acc-I(A), Acc-I(7), RechRdx-I(7), RechRdx-I(25), Slow-I(37), Slow-I(42)
Level 8: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A), Jump-I(46), Jump-I(46)
Level 10: Combat Jumping -- ResKB(A), ToHit+(25)
Level 12: Speed Boost -- EndMod-I(A), EndMod-I(13), EndMod-I(13)
Level 14: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(15), RechRdx-I(15)
Level 16: Shout -- Acc-I(A), Acc-I(17), Dmg-I(17), Dmg-I(19), Dmg-I(34), Range-I(40)
Level 18: Inertial Reduction -- Jump-I(A), Jump-I(46)
Level 20: Health -- Heal-I(A)
Level 22: Stamina -- EndMod-I(A), EndMod-I(23), EndMod-I(23)
Level 24: Increase Density -- ResDam-I(A), ResDam-I(43), ResDam-I(43)
Level 26: Transference -- Acc-I(A), Acc-I(27), EndMod-I(27), EndMod-I(31), EndMod-I(31), RechRdx-I(42)
Level 28: Sirens Song -- Acc-I(A), Acc-I(29), Range-I(29), Range-I(43)
Level 30: Super Speed -- Run-I(A)
Level 32: Fulcrum Shift -- Acc-I(A), Acc-I(33), Acc-I(33), RechRdx-I(33), RechRdx-I(34), RechRdx-I(34)
Level 35: Amplify -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(36), RechRdx-I(36)
Level 38: Dreadful Wail -- Dmg-I(A), Dmg-I(39), Dmg-I(39), RechRdx-I(39), RechRdx-I(40), RechRdx-I(40)
Level 41: Oppressive Gloom -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 44: Dark Embrace -- EndRdx-I(A), ResDam-I(45), ResDam-I(45), ResDam-I(45)
Level 47: Screech -- Acc-I(A), Acc-I(48), Dsrnt-I(48), RechRdx-I(48), RechRdx-I(50), Range-I(50)
Level 49: Whirlwind -- EndRdx-I(A), EndRdx-I(50)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Stlth(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Vigilance



<font class="small">Code:[/color]<hr /><pre>| Copy &amp; Paste this data chunk into Mids' Hero Designer to view the build |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|MHDz;3198;766;1024;|
&gt;-KEEDN/TS`0@.^5^A]Z!*&amp;@^)6'.($*6BC+80O&lt;36NVT;9)E:2"E2S_=CS.QL Z2,0^)&amp;VH53;Y,9B;
S2JY4VZQE+S^KMJN:^@5YSI&gt;+;5-7=ZN;YG[U9)-LD_53_4'VEU8&gt;]5I]5?5&gt;M&lt;O%IJI57^TZ#&lt;J[U&lt;
N^E[L[_;8^J%;5O7Y3];7J.OU&gt;R7-5W^KM6]G-F;NT-UUFO9WJVN9=&gt;K]GZY(#IU/Z*9-B]W.T,-S
0PWS#!N\0QQ;6[4[G"S_VXQ9R,F*&lt;Y99BTGP4D*!O[`#=5F?;H%5(ZHF".:SIGUF(X&gt;B?LA'LD_]2B"
1^:.8FZ&gt;H:F\4O)H&amp;&lt;NF&gt;9S#`H$LDG%.AFB(B P,B0J)!4(:;BV!J@]\&gt;FV\`\TGJYY"3H0,@GMQ&amp;0R#
3[RZG,VBEHU:.,"YPZ!^OU-P5&gt;"/;D[1A=IM75HWRPBG3TBILJNZD&gt;O.QN:KZ9W!1L/$BY9-&amp;&amp;E(W
M=[Z^;/62:^O03'-,8]@$22+Y[8'1F6(3S*`\!"]?82!T)QK)YUZ(,Z7@&amp;4&lt;KZ5D$L_BE9.8DEMP&gt;8\
WFU2/Z;$I+2M@1D#.GZ,JA16$\L4A^*UX?2&amp;/:14^86DJM/MY8G")-[189B3F,XF!6NUY%"4(QE&gtPX
AK&amp;/X%]M`Q=6;G.989O(7IFS`JL[3A\]?.D&amp;"&gt;*YU*`E_+V3@C(X%.BB1'8SHSA#WS@QSJ+&lt; OZ'&lt;FT'
$YI5%YM+N_Q@/[P7(O7O&gt;V7SE""MPAGJ)\3+*?14XM"F$!RTU*++0.NE$D5E% "JV#*48&amp;A?\E]LGBL$
S0^;%7Y@P2V+5U#_:**44'(L9+M+$G:XY#^:!9T!P4./;WNRWFCL)B%6(S6#X63X3('K,#&gt;?ZB_-Q
7[J[5?P"6&gt;V_;$_6&amp;U!1/A&gt;\DJ\I/1LECIV(X&gt;2#)Y/^_0&lt;B&amp;[?]D6#Z$"3N5.7&lt;OZFPB9D$D7A1%
H&amp;F@9:`TB*/NZ)0_Q&amp;$_)0C+P95PBGD1Q-*+11I$$D0:1!;$8*P000QVBRR(_$%&lt;+GX`B9LO,0``
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
</pre><hr /> LoLz, level 49 power... pick whatever. Sometimes I'll take repel - just to have fun in lower-level zones. I put whirlwind here, mainly as a filler... heh heh. If the stun stacking works out, I'll probably move screech up sooner... not sure.

Like all Kinetic builds, this is not only really fun to play, but a fast leveler; never hard to find a team (look for stone tanks, hehe) and the -RES stack, so do Shriek, Scream, Shout for some impressive numbers! (well, from a defender anyway).

-r0y

I like the costume temps, those were really sweet! Of course, the halloween salvage is really nice, too.

Of all the events (in the history of ever), the Halloween Event is teh Uberist! Man I love doing the TnT door-2-door stuff. One would think it tedius and boring after a bit, but once your "badge toon" has everything, the door-to-door thing is really nice moving between missions.

I cannot wait for this (3rd one for me, now).

-r0y

Does anyone have any updates to this Earth/Storm guide?

I have a level 47 Earth/Storm controller, or as my teammates are fond of calling him: the Annoying/Annoying Controller. The build is one of the funnest builds I've played, and is not really good in PvP (although, in SC against a horde of MM's all quad-bubbled, etc., this build is quite effective).

Anyway, for teaming on large teams, this build is a joy to play - even with all the complaints from the folks on slower computers with melting graphics cards. ;P

I currently do not have any IO's at all in mine, and I don't think I'm going to put any into him; also, while I do have a ton of HO's I probably will not put any into him, either. Obviously, there are many powers that can be HO'd out to great effect, but for the purpose of this reply, I've stuck with standard IO's (level 50) in the build.

A few notes on SLOW and -DEF and all the goodness that is earth/storm: I often don't put SLOWs in my powers or -DEF, as almost every power out of the box is effective enough, and they will stack. Quicksand and Snowstorm will cap SLOW together; Quicksand + Stalagmites + Stone Cages will push the -DEF so low, you won't need anymore.

When I was 46, I was EASILY hitting 52's with everything - even Sands of Mu and Nemesis Staff (your two main damage dealers in this build, lol).

I have P00MAN currently, but will spec out of him - he sucketh big time, and the recent "enhancement" to him (and Jack Frost) didn't do much. The only time I use P00MAN is to tank the Clockwork King (100% PSI resists, baby!) and as the OP stated, to absorb the alpha. However, since I am 99% playing this toon on a large team, I do not need to take alpha, etc. so P00MAN is really never used.

O2 Boost can be dropped, but one extra heal is nice, plus I think of O2 boost as a BUFF with a heal component. The resistance to END DRAIN is VERY useful (especially against Malta and Carnies, etc); the SLEEP/DISORIENT protection is also great, even if you just use it on someone who popped an awaken. I had the slots to spare, so I left 3 heals, 1 end (obviously, 3 golgi's would be ideal as the end cost is high, but you aren't spamming this, so 1 end reducer is fine).

Finally, FIRE EPP is a great synergy with Steamy Mist, as S/L resists are filled in and Fire/Cold resists are doubled up (layer-wise) and I took HURRICANE last, only because I am rarely using it. The last few times I used it was to try and get a mob out of the geometry of the cave map (you know, when they get stuck in the wall); it didn't work. Otherwise, this is more to manage the herd for the tank (push back any stragglers who haven't died). Again, rarely used. In PvP, obviously, this is mandatory, but this IS NOT a pvp build.

Anyway, play this build for the MOST CONTROLLING build in the game. Controls, debuffs, slows, detoggling, etc. It has EVERYTHING except decent, consistant damage. This is not a build for soloing unless you are VERY patient. On a team, the -DEF and debuffs are so awesome that even the n00b getting PL'd can hit and do lots of damage to those +8's!

-r0y


Here is the basic build:

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.21
http://www.honourableunited.org.uk/mhd.php

Annoying-Annoying Controller: Level 50 Technology Controller
Primary Power Set: Earth Control
Secondary Power Set: Storm Summoning
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Fire Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Fossilize -- Acc-I(A), Acc-I(3), EndRdx-I(7), RechRdx-I(37)
Level 1: Gale -- Acc-I(A)
Level 2: Stone Cages -- Acc-I(A), Acc-I(3), Acc-I(5), EndRdx-I(7), EndRdx-I(15)
Level 4: O2 Boost -- EndRdx-I(A), Heal-I(5), Heal-I(15), Heal-I(40)
Level 6: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 8: Quicksand -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(9), RechRdx-I(9), Slow-I(43), Slow-I(46)
Level 10: Steamy Mist -- EndRdx-I(A), EndRdx-I(11), ResDam-I(11), ResDam-I(13), ResDam-I(13)
Level 12: Combat Jumping -- DefBuff-I(A)
Level 14: Super Jump -- Jump-I(A)
Level 16: Freezing Rain -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(17), RechRdx-I(17), DefDeb-I(46)
Level 18: Stalagmites -- Acc-I(A), Acc-I(19), Acc-I(19), RechRdx-I(21), RechRdx-I(21), RechRdx-I(34)
Level 20: Health -- Heal-I(A)
Level 22: Stamina -- EndMod-I(A), EndMod-I(23), EndMod-I(23)
Level 24: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(25), RechRdx-I(25)
Level 26: Volcanic Gasses -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(27), RechRdx-I(27), Hold-I(31), Hold-I(31), Hold-I(46)
Level 28: Thunder Clap -- Acc-I(A), Acc-I(29), RechRdx-I(29), RechRdx-I(34), RechRdx-I(34)
Level 30: Acrobatics -- EndRdx-I(A), EndRdx-I(31)
Level 32: Snow Storm -- EndRdx-I(A), EndRdx-I(33), Slow-I(33), Slow-I(33)
Level 35: Tornado -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(36), RechRdx-I(36), Dmg-I(36), Dmg-I(37), EndRdx-I(37)
Level 38: Lightning Storm -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(39), RechRdx-I(39), Dmg-I(39), Dmg-I(40), EndRdx-I(40)
Level 41: Fire Ball -- Acc-I(A), Acc-I(42), Dmg-I(42), Dmg-I(42), Dmg-I(43), RechRdx-I(43)
Level 44: Fire Shield -- EndRdx-I(A), ResDam-I(45), ResDam-I(45), ResDam-I(45)
Level 47: Consume -- Acc-I(A), EndMod-I(48), EndMod-I(48), EndMod-I(48)
Level 49: Hurricane -- EndRdx-I(A), EndRdx-I(50), ToHitDeb-I(50), ToHitDeb-I(50)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Acc-I(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Rest -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 1: Containment



<font class="small">Code:[/color]<hr /><pre>| Copy &amp; Paste this data chunk into Mids' Hero Designer to view the build |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|MHDz;3191;698;932;|
&gt;-KEEDN/VC`0@.](_(?]`U3Q*P_UM"V[HE7W`JO&gt;4S`/*&lt;0H!+5(5GY[;&lt;&gtTV:&amp;PKEBQ2R?)S/CF?$
X"UFI&gt;5[GWV5U/JCR(_G`IY/GLE370[F;=?\\?59E7:FBD)5^E^M]J0JUN^I`IY.7O*KWG9Y&gt;U:HZ/J
TNQZ,JS?/Z2[F7E2QK_7JH2WD^ZV\R/]F%U4G*C7XM#KN]7:SDTUM^KF5UG4XBW7Z(9KIY7J\;VM"XX
0UK&gt;&amp;;P"%'=O)2;Y&gt;:7H8QU--;-TD3&lt;8MYC%AL3,]*[B""+4="QWU3SL0X!`_D;&lt;2PV@!(&gt;W#)CW^T?
T#-T(?/"LJ&amp;?$2,09%GKQ+H1SHW9_]?+\62S%'5D22N&amp;@XG,T$QBF*5X7Z:5G2!TXA./"?N3S`&gt;&lt;S
@/$;6_7F&gt;'ZU1_B],,1QZ@!C_+E%SN?UTV6ZMNSY7A`PT;:043*E9"FI"6Y,,3I-9A7F,&lt;Q/87/ZP&lt;1
$HB21QY19`&amp;R&lt;`2V$&amp;.:?18YRQT'_$]K++UKAW!VU*;0,P?\S?U,8JTMX/@3'%&lt\3RK0M`T7B1XI#.
&lt;J#9&gt;'.#5)&amp;BO$8YPM5N(WT)X1%]\)A&amp;]#$;#B&amp;IAD%VH!B)4_1TMXLN8L@&lt;WU/P(-+X?/,!N.8$5&lt;R
9##"9ADT8C`8/-DCCQ:1(6W`!,[GQYW-;W:3P5?#\-9BMH@I&amp;A@RDEF*\U$0$$-JDX7`N&amp;UZ`@T9#MR
QG(R=W,V00\MIF!J&lt;F6BP3N$,'/J&lt;/XC#WF/CC4$O+#P&ampQ%/'L2D=Y6Z)",;2V%LJO&gt;N%H&gt;ZO20$N6
?!;ZY]`R(WWY-:'3?*EY?29DD`.NW)12X&amp;\J&lt;MWO[P9#;X^]^@S88Y9NY7ZNYR[JZ75L9&gt;"B^)E]Q+Z
B7S,O6RS[-WYMYB2"*\"&gt;$?%?Y1X4T*[TIXUTZ_&gt;S#M0&amp;&lt;A\S+Q&lt;CKY#1^\/'0`
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
</pre><hr />