_r0y_

All of this end drain and -recovery is nice until you hit the latest FOTM brute (EM/ElecA) - as they will 2- or 3-shot you and keep all of their blue.

That's not even mentioning how you will handle kiters... the pesky ranged-damage dealers that constantly hop around. Snowstorm helps a lot, especially 1v1, but in teams, it's pretty easy for my blaster to turn off snowstorm (kill the stormy). Heck, my blaster has snowstorm and I love using it, but death=no storm.

However, not a bad concept build.

I can see how this would be very decent against the newer pvp players or the part-time ones. The dedicated pvp'ers would have a tough time with it.

IMHO a better pvp build would be a fire/storm controller, plus once you get imps, you will mow through PVE.

Still, for concept, I give this a solid A+ and storm is very fun to play (I have an earth/storm, who sucks at damage, but is a controlling god!).

-r0y

If you do bunny hop, you really should work in ACROBATICS to the build, as grounded royally SUCKS for KB protection if you even just slip off a curb and a KB effect hits you.

It's not nice.

This build is pretty out-dated, but has *some* redeeming qualities to it. I would never use this build for serious PvP, for instance. Plus now with IO's and set bonuses, there are many alternate powers and slotting one should strive for.

-r0y

[ QUOTE ]
Has anyone found a way of summoning all of your pets with a macro or a bind? It is getting so tedious bringing up all of the pets when I enter a mission

[/ QUOTE ]

I have the Logitech G15, which a previous poster replied with as a possible solution. I had a 1 key summon, buff, etc. G15 macro, and it was pretty cool - it selected the pets by name, included the recharge time (wait), stacked both buffs, etc.

The only annoying thing with that is, you really can't start typing anything while it's running, as the G15 macro is really just typing the keys as you would.

Also, you had to have your mouse on something that you can "drop" a pet on (because with the G15 you can even have mouseclicks in your macros!).

It was a bit tricky to get to work, and was easy to screw-up (synch-wise) because I'd want to type something (reply, etc) or activate a power (heal, etc) while the macro was still going off.

Be careful with the G15, it will do what you want, but I found you are sitting there anyway, so I just bound everything to my F1 through F5 keys and it's much more flexible to me.

F1 = tier1 pet summon
F2 = first upgrade
F3 = tier2 pet summon
F4 = second upgrade
F5 = tier3 pet

Then it's just F1, F3, wait a sec F5, F2 / F4, F2, F2, F4 / F2 - whatever. I like the T3 pet on F5 and the second upgrade on F4 as I use F1 & F2 the most (resummons).

You're still waiting during a full summon/upgrade, and if you solo, the G15 macro is pretty cool - hit it and go get a drink or do something else for 2 min. (or whatever your overall time will be).

-r0y

[ QUOTE ]
...Is there a technical reason why additional character slots cannot be added per server? ...filling up all 12 of my character slots ... with level 50 characters ... then I have to abandon the Supergroup Base that I spent so much time on, and all the people I've played with...

[/ QUOTE ]

(sorry for the sniping in the quote, but people who quote the entire post are annoying).

Anyway, I cannot believe how much useless bantor I had to read through until I came across this gem of a post.

All I can say is GIVE US SOME FREAKIN' SLOTS, DAMMIT!

BOXING GLOVES, Cryptic/NCSoft? Are you freakin' KIDDING ME? 39 months and you give BOXING GLOVES? Why not just kick me in the NUTS?

How about ONE EXTRA SLOT per 6 months in? I'd say per 3 months, but even six seems reasonable. HELL, freeekin' charge me for it, if you have to, but just GIMME SOME DAMN SLOTS.

I've deleted several 50's already, not to mention many high-level toons as well (40+) just to make room for new n00bs.

I don't want to transfer ANYWHERE - except maybe to consolidate villains and heroes on separate servers - IF that.

$10 a pop? When all the yahoo's are done giving their money away, can you make something a little more friendly to your long-time customers? Throw me a freeken bone here.

-r0y

PS: and YES, I have made many new toons on Freedom *just* because of the PvP aspect (larger pool of challengers) - so I can really see how that server in particular CAN and probably WILL fill up (with PvP'ers); maybe the non-pvp'ers will leave and balance it out; who knows / who cares.

I think a fire/ice dom *should* be more melee oriented; I mean, all of the pieces are there: great PBAoE effects (HF + CE) with a nice ghetto-hold (flashfire+fire cages) out of the box. Ice Sword Circle is some really nice icing on that cake, too. Plus, it's all powerboosted and/or dom'd!? What's not to love?

I was looking at something like this:

---------------------------------------------
Exported from Ver: 1.7.6.0 of the CoH_CoV Character Builder
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Char==> Acc(1)Acc(3)Dmg(7)Dmg(19)Dmg(25)
01) --> Ice Bolt==> Acc(1)Acc(5)Dmg(9)Dmg(25)Dmg(27)
02) --> Fire Cages==> Acc(2)Acc(3)EndRdx(9)
04) --> Ice Sword Circle==> Acc(4)Acc(5)Dmg(7)Dmg(15)Dmg(23)EndRdx(31)
06) --> Hurdle==> Jump(6)
08) --> Combat Jumping==> DefBuf(8)
10) --> Ice Blast==> Acc(10)Acc(11)Dmg(11)Dmg(15)Dmg(23)
12) --> Flashfire==> Acc(12)Acc(13)Rechg(13)Rechg(19)Rechg(27)
14) --> Super Jump==> Jump(14)
16) --> Power Boost==> Rechg(16)Rechg(17)Rechg(17)
18) --> Health==> Heal(18)
20) --> Stamina==> EndMod(20)EndMod(21)EndMod(21)
22) --> Aid Other==> Heal(22)Heal(29)Heal(40)Rechg(40)
24) --> Aid Self==> Heal(24)Heal(29)Heal(37)
26) --> Acrobatics==> EndRdx(26)EndRdx(37)
28) --> Chilling Embrace==> EndRdx(28)
30) --> Hot Feet==> EndRdx(30)EndRdx(31)EndRdx(31)Dmg(34)Dmg(34)Dmg(34)
32) --> Fire Imps==> Acc(32)Dmg(33)Dmg(33)Dmg(33)
35) --> Greater Ice Sword==> Acc(35)Acc(36)Dmg(36)Dmg(36)Dmg(37)
38) --> Bitter Ice Blast==> Acc(38)Acc(39)Dmg(39)Dmg(39)Dmg(40)
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Sprint==> Empty(1)
01) --> Brawl==> Empty(1)
01) --> Domination==> Empty(1)
02) --> Rest==> Empty(2)
---------------------------------------------


Basically, I think putting hold durations in Char is not as good as putting damages in it. Char and Ring of Fire are decent damage (DoT, but still decent). Maybe have holds in it early on, but once you have imps and nice aoe effects, spamming hold is not needed.

I don't think you can pick a more damage-oriented dominator in the game. /Energy comes close, but who wants to deal with those lame blasts? Sure, TF and Bone Smasher are uber, but Fire Control (for doms and trollers) is all about the damage. Don't try to be controllery with it.

Just my $0.02 worth,
-r0y

[ QUOTE ]
_Castle_

Unbelievably, Impale is 80' range.

Disclaimer: No, that does not imply an impending range reduction for impale or increase for Focus.

[/ QUOTE ]

Careful what you disclaim...
(post impale-range nerf bump ftw)

-r0y

Wow, didn't mean for my reply to be such a BUMP, but if the original poster (or ANYONE with a TA MM above 41) can give us some insights on the PPP's, such as they are, that'd really help complete this guide.

-r0y

Nice guide, thank you for the time to write one up. I like quick and concise, without all the nonsense many other guides seem to pad themselves with.

I would like to know what your thoughts are on the Patron Power Pools. I know you talked about Mu for ignighting the slick, but do you plan on adding any additional thoughts on the PPP's?

Thanks,
-r0y

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
...

(2) After ED, I found that Short Circuit was not very effective. You need more than one End Drain power to make End Drain an effective tool. I found that Short Circuit was very good at gathering aggro focused on my squishy behind, and that was about it. It also requires going into melee, while my Dark/Elec is mainly a ranged Defender.

[/ QUOTE ]

agreed. Respec'd out of it awhile ago. damage was... meh and the end drain stinks. I went with a controller type build for my dark/ele and have been very happy, but I am very team dependant.

[/ QUOTE ]

I have heard that ED and a post-ED patch really gutted Short Circuit; then someone told me it was buffed a little recently, and is pretty decent in PvE for End-Drain.

So my question would be: Did you have 3 end-mods in it before respecing out of it (and it was still not a great power)?

I am also VERY dissapointed in the electric blast set. Seems to miss as much as power blast, but has even less damage output. Throwing in the fact that the "secondary" effects of electric blast are essentially non-existant, it would seem that electric should get more love *somewhere* - it would be nice if it were the cheapest blast set out there, or even if it had an inherent ACC bonus (like a drawn weapon set)... something. I have yet to see my end bar NOT drained just as quickly (if not more quickly) than other blast sets. Maybe a better recharge rate? No, that'd mean more end draining (on me). Oh well, I'm sure it'll be left "as-is / working as intended" (aka we're lazy)

I, like others have stated, love the concept of dark/elec (even the "sithiness" of it is an appealing aspect, and I don't really role-play).

The other gripe I have with electric blast is: when it misses, it still looks like you nailed someone square in the chest. While that's not the end of the world, it is pretty damn frustrating. I mean, ice blast or power blast shoot up at the ceiling (sometimes while in point-blank range ;-) but electric looks like you hit the target, but then says "MISS" - grrr....

Thanks for the more-recent build being posted; that helps a lot.

Also, I might just do the Hasten/SS/Hover route... maybe use Air Supp while I have time on my Safeguard Temps, then respec into hover (or just get both).

Thanks to all of you for the replies!
-r0y

Wow. I suppose this build isn't played much anymore? I made a lowbie on a new server, and thought Dark/Elec would be cool (needed to make a defender).

The original guide seems pretty bad (spelling and grammar aside), as he rates voltaic sentinal so highly. Plus the slotting of Tar Patch is really bad (in both builds posted).

I mean, I've played Dark/Dark, and I've dabbled in Elec blast, but I am hoping to find a "modern" build of this combo... say, something beyond I6 at least.

Anyone have any quick pointers (I don't need to know about powers and slotting, but rather what works out well power-wise in combinations, etc.)

-r0y

First off, great job David!

I do like the way the Contacts are now accessed. Maybe people are confused the "Contacts" option isn't in the drop-down box (have to click it in the menu bar across the top).

Seems cleaner than before, perhaps you can even add icons or notes to each contact that can possibly give a temp-power and badge mission.

Something like a little "B" and "T" or something. Just enough so players can easily, at a glance, see who gives those special missions for temps and/or badges.

Nice work man, time to break out the old PayPal donation again!

-r0y

Global: @r0y (used to be @myrkat)
Gender: Male
Age: 36
Location: San Luis Obispo, California
Height: 6'3"
SG Affiliation: Leage of Extraordinarily Stupidmen
Infinity Toons: FyreBlast, Ramblin Roy, Doctor Duh, Main Main, Radical Roy, Hell's Snowball, Stalker Roy, Teh Backscratcher, Roy You 2, Thorny Roy, Mr. Beer, Frozen Roysicle

-= ALSO, my oldest son plays (some of his toons are mine, though) =-

Global: @r0y2 (used to be @myrkat2)
Gender: Male
Age: 7
Location: San Luis Obispo, California
Height: 3'2" (i think?)
SG Affiliation: many or none (sometimes Leage of Extraordinarily Stupidmen)
Infinity Toons: Mr. Icetank, Mr. Ice Blaster, 62 ben, Gog Ma Gogg, Tiger Mike, n00bulon, Doctor Huh, teh Roach, Roy You Too, Working As Intended


-r0y

[ QUOTE ]
I'm not really sure that Fire/ needs to be looked at but thanks anyhoo Castle .

[/ QUOTE ]

Did you take FLARES? Fire needs to be looked at. Just that one, if nothing else.

Or maybe the DoT that doesn't occur 100%. I'd love for every blaster set's secondary to be 100% (like ice, AR, sonic, etc). Poor elec/ and power/ don't get 100% either.

Then we can look at overall DPS, activation animation time, etc. Why are ice/ blasters so popular in pvp? Fast, always slowing, infrequently-resisted, high-damage attacks (3 fast blasts). I mean, fire/ has a trade-off of AoE goodness, but I think secondary effects could be looked into.

Fix flares, and more fire/ blasters would make it into PvP at least. They fixed mental blast, why stop there? Fix *all* of the level 1 powers so they don't suck. Not meaning to focus on PvP soley, but that's a good indication of what sets and combos (in general, all AT's) work well with AV's and other single-target uses.

Besides, flares should be moved back in the set, given nasty knock-back - that's what I'd expect to happen with the animation, etc. (but I really do not want all that, just speed it up, make it a smaller fireblast).

-r0y

(gah! see what happens when I don't add threads to favorites)

OK. I was a bit harsh saying the guide was not well thought-out; however, if you are talking about a build you respec into, and it's NOT a "best of" type thing - why call it a guide? Shouldn't you say, "My Fire/SS build" instead?

By using the whole "guide" concept, newer players (or older ones who've not done a fire/ss) might get the impression that this is how one is to build a good fire/ss tank. I've seen only a few really decent guides here, and they usually have "this is for levels 1-20, this is for 20-30, etc." builds after the descriptions.

I should have read your disclaimer in the opening a little better, but instead I just jumped into the "meat" of it and found it a little lean for me.

At the very least we have a good discussion on the merits of a fire/ss build (yours, mine, whomever adds) so newer players can see other points of view.

Again, I appologize for the harsh tone, but I didn't agree with the direction of the build and I saw so many "this is great!" replies which led me to think some folks might be perplexed early on in their fire/ss careers if they (level-for-level) follow the original guide. It's a late-in-life respec guide. Fine. That's now clear.

One caveat that I would add to any "late-in-life" guides: Think about what you lose if/when you exemp down - if you ever plan on ex'ing (great way to make infamy or pay off debt while earning prestige). It's why many people still take their travel at 14, even when respec'ing at 50.

-r0y
(Ramblin Roy, 50 fire/ss tank, Infinity)

Simply put. This is not a well-thought-out Fire/SS guide.

Indulge me. I have had a fire/ss tank since issue 1 (my 3rd toon ever rolled, Ramblin Roy). I've shelved him during the big nerfs; I've dusted him off post i6; continue to play him off-and-on.

Here's some pointers that I think you SEVERELY underestimated and/or just did not grasp:

1) BLAZING AURA - this is far and away your most damage-dealing attack other than burn. Don't believe me? Run HERO STATS for a spell and see who comes in as the biggest damage-dealer. Well, it will if you tank properly (i.e. with MOBS and not single-target).

2) HURDLE. Wow, you missed that one. SJ or CJ without HURDLE is just torture. Sure, SJ is ok, but why not boost that travel power IMMENSELY? Not to mention the old Hurdle+CJ poor-man's travel (pre level 14). Or the PvP advantages. You won't really need the extra slot in SJ, either...

3) You have 1 slot in boxing (end reducer) - change that to an ACC at least. Use boxing's slight chance to disorient to add to jab's and you have a decent 1-2 combo with an ok chance to disorient mobs (minions, lts, pvpers).

4) RAGE: six slot that bad-boy ASAP! 3 recharges and 3 to-hits. You can (and will) have a DOUBLE-STACKED rage for about 10 seconds before the first drops. Double-Raged KO & Burn? Thank you.

5) You skipped Fiery Embrace; you understand it is only 10 seconds for non-burn, but still... double-stacked rage+FE+KB/Burn... plus you can then be ubers with the Fire Epic (can you say rage+FE+Fireball?)

6) Taunt. I skipped it; it's only use for a tank is PvP (or if you are on the taunt-team in a hami raid). In pvp, taunt can be UBER for your squishies. With SS, though, you'll likely be hunting/chasing/killing in PvP, so taunt is optional. No complaints about taking it/not taking it, but if you are, try to work it in BEFORE level 30 (Siren's Call limit).

7) Consume. You take it at level 47?! [censored]? Did you NOT have endurance issues for the first 46 levels? Ouch. Get this as early as you can! 1 ACCs, 2-3 rech., 2-3 end mods. As you accurately pointed out, endurance WILL be an issue. So why put off your +END power so late? Stamina is OK, but you will be wanting MORE. Lots more.

8) You take FLY? I presume for the Shard... You'd be better off with Fireblast and Fireball (then Rise). Fiery Embrace REALLY works well with the blast powers. Char is broken (or it's "Tanker Char") in that it will never do more than ticks of -1.

9) Here's a different build, which I feel is more survivable in both the PvP and PvE worlds:

---------------------------------------------
Exported from Ver: 1.7.6.0 of the CoH_CoV Character Builder
---------------------------------------------
Name: A Better Fire/SS Tank
Level: 50
Archetype: Tanker
Primary: Fiery Aura
Secondary: Super Strength
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Blazing Aura==> Acc(1)EndRdx(3)EndRdx(9)Dmg(46)Dmg(46)Dmg(50)
01) --> Jab==> Acc(1)Dmg(7)Dmg(9)Dmg(15)
02) --> Fire Shield==> EndRdx(2)DmgRes(3)DmgRes(7)DmgRes(36)
04) --> Haymaker==> Acc(4)Dmg(5)Dmg(5)Dmg(15)EndRdx(40)
06) --> Hurdle==> Jump(6)
08) --> Combat Jumping==> DefBuf(8)
10) --> Healing Flames==> Rechg(10)Rechg(11)Rechg(11)Heal(40)Heal(46)Heal(50)
12) --> Plasma Shield==> EndRdx(12)DmgRes(13)DmgRes(13)DmgRes(36)
14) --> Super Jump==> Jump(14)
16) --> Health==> Heal(16)Heal(17)Heal(17)
18) --> Burn==> Dmg(18)Dmg(19)Dmg(19)Rechg(25)Rechg(34)Rechg(34)
20) --> Knockout Blow==> Acc(20)Dmg(21)Dmg(21)Dmg(25)EndRdx(34)
22) --> Stamina==> EndMod(22)EndMod(23)EndMod(23)
24) --> Acrobatics==> EndRdx(24)
26) --> Fiery Embrace==> Rechg(26)Rechg(27)Rechg(27)
28) --> Rage==> Rechg(28)Rechg(29)Rechg(29)TH_Buf(33)TH_Buf(33)TH_Buf(43)
30) --> Consume==> Acc(30)EndMod(31)EndMod(31)Rechg(31)Rechg(33)Rechg(37)
32) --> Boxing==> Acc(32)
35) --> Tough==> EndRdx(35)DmgRes(36)DmgRes(37)DmgRes(37)
38) --> Foot Stomp==> Acc(38)Dmg(39)Dmg(39)Dmg(39)EndRdx(40)
41) --> Char==> Acc(41)EndRdx(42)Hold(42)Rechg(42)Rechg(43)Rechg(43)
44) --> Fire Blast==> Acc(44)Dmg(45)Dmg(45)Dmg(45)
47) --> Fire Ball==> Acc(47)Dmg(48)Dmg(48)Dmg(48)EndRdx(50)
49) --> Rise of the Phoenix==> Rechg(49)
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Sprint==> Empty(1)
01) --> Brawl==> Empty(1)
01) --> Gauntlet==> Empty(1)
02) --> Rest==> Empty(2)
---------------------------------------------


Granted, slotting will change around when you're lower level, mid level, and upper level - using respecs, etc. But the type of slots are what matter (not so much as WHEN you get them). Besides, I just whipped this out in a couple of minutes.

I would skip AS - although I know it works WONDERFULLY with burn, but it is such a tight build as it is. Not sure what I could sacrifice for AS; *maybe* Fiery Embrace - if I didn't go the Fire Epic route (and I've tried them all with my Fire/SS, and FIRE is the best).

However, it is as you say: HAVE FUN. Lot of people like fly; lots of people don't herd, etc. If you like fast leveling, no-PvP, then a Fire/Fire is the way to go. Fire/SS is decent PvE and pretty good PvP.

My fire/ss is always challenged by that FOTM robot/dark MM, who may or may not TP Foe me into their midst. BIG mistake. I'm Fire/SS, silly!

Good Luck with your builds everyone, and take all the guides and advice with a grain of salt. Epsecially my advice. ;-)

-FyreBlast
(Ramblin Roy level 50 fire/ss/fire on Infinity)

The ironic thing is, people who really need a respec often times not very optimized toons, and many times the team formed (especially a PUG) are not within the +/- 1 level.

I think the villain respec is much harder than the hero respec, albeit faster *if* you have the right team and skills. In general, I'd prefer Sky Raiders, Freakshow, and Rikti in exchange for CoT at the same levels.

I mean, a Madness Mage or a Sky Skiff / Jump Bot? C'mon, that's a no-brainer on who is easier.

It would have been great for the devs to have a REVERSE hero respec trial - I.E. villains are trying to destroy the reactor and must face waves of 1st) Longbow, 2nd) Wyvern, 3rd) Legacy Chain. Or whatever.

As it is now, I feel REALLY bad for the occasional gamer who screwed up their build and needs it fixed.

-FyreBlast

FLASH BANG GRENADES!!

What a load of bunk these are! Since at least 2 guys per mob have them (even on SOLO) coupled with GLUE GRENADES = dead whoever.

Seriously, I'm having flashbacks (no pun intended) to the CoT quicksand problem of a few patches ago. Two (2) glue grenades drops everyone within their generous AOE range to the MINIMUM moving speed. Yeah, you can "sort of" fly out, but later they get web grenades, too...

Anyway, my SS Brute has 2 ACC SO's and RAGE (no To-Hits in it yet) and STILL missed 80% of the time with 2 Flashbangs on him. Wow, what do the other AT's suffer?

I really love the concept and implementation of Mayhems and there are a few quirks to work out; mainly AMBUSHES. Solo, they're sometimes too small (if you pace yourself and kill em as they come); adding just ONE (1) person to your team seems to MORE THAN DOUBLE the mob/ambush count.

I usually only enjoy Mayhem missions SOLO (any AT except Stalker), or teamed with other brutes (when I'm on my brute) - that's not a good sign.

Finally, STALKERS. Wow, how many ways 'til Sunday can you guys screw up this AT by goofiness in the game? First you give everyone the ability to see them in PvP (basically), then you let all the AMBUSHES see them, too. That wouldn't be so bad if Stalkers were designed to scrap (something many PvP'ing heroes just can't grasp).

Mayhems are just not designed for Stalkers (or anyone who relies on stealth). Kidnap victims and broken-out Villains *CAN'T* see me when I am Hidden, but the Ambushes from around the block *CAN* ? Yeah, that's good coding there.

(posted here, because GM_Zombie will tell me too every time I petition this silliness).

-FyreBlast

[ QUOTE ]
*Do not pick Devices IF: You really love to PvP.

[/ QUOTE ]

Wow. Are you serious? Unless a blaster has a pocket empath, /DEV blasters are the norm in PvP (well, Siren's Call and below).

Let me just remind you how bad WEB GRENADE is for stalkers. And Caltrops... And T-Drone + Tactics... yikes. You may want to re-think your comment on PvP.

Ice/Devices seems to be the current flavor of the month for blasters in PvP zones; even Ice/Energy (the most common pvp builds) are getting harder to find (/elec is picking up speed).

I've played a Fire/Dev blaster since issue 1, and have had great success in PvP with him. I can see the stalkers before they AS (tactics + t-drone); fire's DoT component prevents them from hiding immediately; web grenade and/or caltrops prevents them from running.

Fire/Devices may not be the best pvp blaster build, but it certainly is quite effective.

Your guide is very good in some places (such as emphasizing AoE, which is what fire is all about); however, it would not be great in PvP - I'd actually drop Firebreath (self-hold!) for Rain of Fire (reveal hidden stalkers using invis+hide). But I'd never take rain of fire for PvE.

And that's the tough part of Fire/Devices... to go PvP or PvE... it's hard to take one road and be decent on the other.

Next, you don't like Web Grenade? Not only is it great -fly and immob (to those who don't have CJ) but it is -rechage, too! Granted, in PvE I usually only 2-slot it (2 acc). But it's not because it isn't good! I'm glad I'm "stuck" with that, compared to other secondaries.

I agree with Taser... have only seen one guy take it (AR/Dev) and that was to compliment his beanbag attack so he could stun bosses. I prefer to just kill them ASAP.

T-Drone and Cloak are both 5-star powers. Pick up SS and you're invis with cloak.

I completely skip Mines, Bomb, and Auto-Tickler... they are such a waste of time, and incredibly situational (i.e. for the VERY patient soloer, then again, soloing I've never had such a tough mob that I needed to use em). Some PvP builds rely on Trip Mines & TP Foe, but that's not my PvP style...

Finally, I'd take LEAPING over fly because I don't have a lot of time to waste travelling. Plus you get CJ and Acrobatics. Add SS as needed (as you point out, it's great with Cloak). STAMINA is mandatory, shouldn't be recommended, as fire is an end hog and you're now running more toggles than any other blaster (CJ, T-Drone, Cloak, Acro, SS).

Not a bad guide, but definately a narrow one.

-FyreBlast

[ QUOTE ]
...
For setting up Human form with Shadow Step:
...lshift+click "powexec_name Shadow Step"
...
lshift+click "powexec_name Black Dwarf Step"


[/ QUOTE ]

Could you not just bind them both to the LSHIFT+CLICK?
LSHIFT+CLICK "powexec_name Black Dwarf Step$$powexec_name Starless Step"

Seems to be easier, and if I recall, one can bind two powers (max) to a bind.

-FB

[ QUOTE ]
i just posted a question on Macro's this morning concering form changes and was directed to your guide. It's awesome . My problem was that my macro's were dropping the toggle on's for the form changes. I believe that was cause (on a return look at my codes) i had spaces and u didn't.

I created the new macro's according to your warshade guide, tweaked for my own trays, and it workd great. Now 2 hours later and many missions, my human form S/L sheild will not turn on when i click the HF macro. I am once again confused

[/ QUOTE ]

While I'm sure the OP is long since moved on (at least with this guide), I also have noticed the no-more-toggle syndrome.

It worked the first few times, but now it doesn't. This was all in the same play session, too - leading me to think it's a problem with the game's macro-reading code.

Still, just the form-switch and tray switch is fine for me.

-FB

If I had to guess on durations, I'd say stimulant is about 30 seconds (maybe 60, I only knew 1 guy who took it); the Aid-Self disorient resistance is WEAK. It lasts about 20-30 seconds (I can usually have 2 stacked). I get stunned right through it.

Perhaps a MAG 1 stun is resisted, but Family Minions and such with billie-clubs (minor stuns, right?) stun me in 1 shot, quite often.

So my personal rule-of-thumb is to not count on the disorient protection of Aid Self; but bask in the healing glory it brings.

-FB

[ QUOTE ]
...Bad design...

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes. I am seeing a pattern develope at Cryptic.

Chatting with about 4 other active players and SG members, we were trying to recall the last Issue that actually made the game more fun.

Taking away a lot of the "well it made this more challenging" and the "that was too overpowered" we determined that issue 1 was the last update that made things funner.

Sure, there are more changes and challenges now, but is it more FUN ? We didn't think it was. Thankfully for Cryptic and NC Soft, they have no direct competitor... yet. (even though over 1/2 our SG moved to WoW a year after it's release...)

I suppose we'll just keep taking it and smile.

-FB

[ QUOTE ]
...It's so hard to find a good solo group these days....

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah.

-FB

PS: I also tested the station buffs, and THEY DO NOT STACK. In fact, they use the SAME menu / options. Try this: Expand one or two powers/components, then close that window - go to the next station, and see that it's selection window has the same powers/components expanded.

Also the little "HELP" under each non-expanded window: is that a place-holder for something, well, HELPful? Seems like these were rushed out, w/o thinking about them, and the original designer has probably been canned.

Wow. Everytime I see someone take Superjump without Hurdle...well, I just feel bad. Especially if that toon will EVER pvp.

Second. Who in the world would skip STAMINA in a plant/thorns? Thorns are pricey (like spines) and all those AOE powers from plant are expensive, too... this build just spells DOOOOOM. Unless you like long waits between mobs, etc.

Reading the OP's description of the powers in the beginning of the post, I almost got the impression s/he was going to do pvp and pve. Not with that build. Well, you can - but you will get owned FAST.

My plant/thorns I treat as a mini spines scrapper (w/o defense, but with mez). You won't go toe-to-toe with many "pvp AT's" (scrappers, tanks, brutes) but in a team, you won't be totally gimped.

I would also take AID SELF (after Aid Other OR Stimulant) instead of spirit tree and an aoe sleep. Also, since you do lack defense; rather than go the Stealth (yikes) and Invis (nice) route, I'd take the Presence pool and fear those enemies. Very few things resist fear, so you end up with a cheaper AoE hold (effectively).

I'm thinking about this build:
01) --> Strangler==> Acc(1)Acc(3)EndRdx(15)Hold(25)
01) --> Thorny Darts==> Acc(1)Acc(5)Dmg(7)Dmg(9)Dmg(21)EndRdx(46)
02) --> Entangle==> Acc(2)Acc(3)EndRdx(15)Immob(25)
04) --> Fling Thorns==> Acc(4)Acc(5)Dmg(7)Dmg(9)Dmg(21)EndRdx(43)
06) --> Hurdle==> Jump(6)
08) --> Aid Other==> Heal(8)
10) --> Impale==> Acc(10)Acc(11)Dmg(11)Dmg(13)Dmg(13)Rechg(37)
12) --> Combat Jumping==> DefBuf(12)
14) --> Super Jump==> Jump(14)
16) --> Aid Self==> Heal(16)Heal(17)Heal(17)EndRdx(34)
18) --> Seeds of Confusion==> Acc(18)Acc(19)ConfDur(19)
20) --> Health==> Heal(20)
22) --> Stamina==> EndMod(22)EndMod(23)EndMod(23)
24) --> Challenge==> Rechg(24)
26) --> Intimidate==> Acc(26)Acc(27)Fear(27)EndRdx(46)
28) --> Aim==> Rechg(28)Rechg(29)Rechg(29)TH_Buf(40)TH_Buf(46)
30) --> Invoke Panic==> Acc(30)Acc(31)Fear(31)EndRdx(31)
32) --> Fly Trap==> Acc(32)Acc(33)Dmg(33)Dmg(33)Dmg(34)DefDeBuf(34)
35) --> Ripper==> Acc(35)Acc(36)Dmg(36)Dmg(36)Dmg(37)Rechg(37)
38) --> Thorn Barrage==> Acc(38)Acc(39)Dmg(39)Dmg(39)Dmg(40)Rechg(40)
41) --> Bile Spray==> Acc(41)Acc(42)Dmg(42)Dmg(42)Dmg(43)EndRdx(43)
44) --> Shark Skin==> DmgRes(44)DmgRes(45)DmgRes(45)EndRdx(45)
47) --> Summon Coralax==> Acc(47)Acc(48)Dmg(48)Dmg(48)Dmg(50)Rechg(50)
49) --> Thorntrops==> Slow(49)Slow(50)

Please note: TWO accuracies in each attack. That's a PvP build. You can drop it to ONE and add a -DEF or +SLOW or END if you don't plan on PvPing.

Another build I'm contemplating (via a respec) would be more OFFENSIVE than the above build:
01) --> Strangler==> Acc(1)Acc(5)Hold(9)
01) --> Thorny Darts==> Acc(1)Acc(3)Dmg(7)Dmg(19)Dmg(31)
02) --> Skewer==> Acc(2)Acc(3)Dmg(9)Dmg(17)Dmg(31)EndRdx(46)
04) --> Fling Thorns==> Acc(4)Acc(5)Dmg(7)Dmg(19)Dmg(31)EndRdx(37)
06) --> Hurdle==> Jump(6)Jump(50)
08) --> Combat Jumping==> DefBuf(8)
10) --> Impale==> Acc(10)Acc(11)Dmg(11)Dmg(17)Dmg(34)
12) --> Seeds of Confusion==> Acc(12)Acc(13)ConfDur(13)ConfDur(15)ConfDur(15)
14) --> Super Jump==> Jump(14)
16) --> Aid Other==> Heal(16)
18) --> Health==> Heal(18)
20) --> Stamina==> EndMod(20)EndMod(21)EndMod(21)
22) --> Aid Self==> Heal(22)Heal(23)Heal(23)IntRdx(43)IntRdx(43)Rechg(43)
24) --> Aim==> Rechg(24)Rechg(25)Rechg(25)
26) --> Thorn Burst==> Acc(26)Acc(27)Dmg(27)Dmg(29)Dmg(29)EndRdx(40)
28) --> Thorntrops==> Slow(28)
30) --> Recall Friend==> Range(30)
32) --> Fly Trap==> Acc(32)Acc(33)Dmg(33)Dmg(33)Dmg(34)DefDeBuf(34)
35) --> Ripper==> Acc(35)Acc(36)Dmg(36)Dmg(36)Dmg(37)EndRdx(37)
38) --> Thorn Barrage==> Acc(38)Acc(39)Dmg(39)Dmg(39)Dmg(40)EndRdx(40)
41) --> Dark Embrace==> DmgRes(41)DmgRes(42)DmgRes(42)EndRdx(42)
44) --> Dark Consumption==> Acc(44)Acc(45)Rechg(45)Rechg(45)Rechg(46)EndMod(46)
47) --> Summon Seer==> Acc(47)Acc(48)TH_Buf(48)Rechg(48)Rechg(50)Rechg(50)
49) --> Swift==> Run(49)

In SUMMARY: My idea is to be scrapper-like with mez's thrown in as backup. The second build does so much damage in the initial attack chain, that you can remove the minions and several LT's before stacking mez's on the boss or whomever is left.

Still, it's a learning experience for me.

-FB

Aid Self is MANDATORY for /SR scrappers & stalkers. Yes, it takes a VALUABLE 2 powers up, *but* even with just 3 heals (remember, defense-based aren't getting hit-and-interrupted as much) it's very handy and speeds up XP gaining INCREDIBLY (especially if one solos).

I also have it on all my blasters now; this after going about 1.75 YEARS in this game w/o it. I used to think, "Pfff... medicine pool... no thanks" but curiosity on a test-server copied toon respec'ing... WOW!

What a maroon I've been! This thing ROCKS.

One last *MONUMENTALLY HUGE* P.S. If you are an /EM blaster and have POWER BOOST and 3 heals in the power, you will get close to 60% of your health per usage when you activate power boost. PB will DOUBLE the base heal rate (not the enhancement boosted rate); so it's (base x 2)+(base x enh % increase).

Yowza, that's a lot of healing! Empaths drool when my self heal does about as much as their single-target (not absorb pain) heal! My level 35 blaster gets around +550-ish HP per usage.

3 recharges in Power Boost, and that sucker is up quite often... making heals REALLY nice. Power boost also boosts the Aid Other (usually have just 1 heal slot in there) which makes that a very nice heal.

My favorite binds:
/bind SHIFT+E "powexec_name Aid Self" (Shift E is always close by)
/bind SHIFT+R "local Hahaha $target, you've just been healed by a BLASTER! $$ powexec_name Aid Other" (this gets a lot of comments)

-FyreBlast