Xyzor

They also likely wanted to vary the mechanics of the sets early on, since there were fewer. And since IH was a toggle at launch, it didn't need this type of structure. I think it would benefit from it now, although I don't really have major problems with the set as-is, especially given the upcoming tweak to Revive (not that it is a big deal, but it will be nice).

Rebirth fits VERY well with Regen. It's like a combo Reconstruction+IH that is up about as often, and also helps the team when you are in one.

I've never played MA, so I'm not sure about recharge/attack chain, but Regen works best, IME, with Spiritual. The +Rech helps keep as many of your survival tools available as often as possible, in additional to keeping offensive powers up faster, too. The secondary effect of +heal is nice, too, obviously.

I would NEVER want a 15 second-duration power on perma, because your entire game experience will be clicking that power over and over and over... In general, with Shadow Meld, it lasts 15 seconds, then has about a 25-35 second down time depending on your +Recharge (mine is up every 40 seconds, so it's downtime is 25 sec). I usually pop Shadow Meld before I dive in to a group, then either Rebirth/IH or MoG (if there are annoying mobs like Sappers/Mu's). Once they are done, SM is up again, followed by the others again, if anything is left standing.

That is correct. Coalition Chat was added after CoH launched. For the first year or so, all you got was SG Chat.

Yes, this.

I have discovered that I can usually use my Eye of the Magus right after the rez and it actually fires and gives me time to get up and re-toggle. Anything else I try, and as Hopeling mentioned above, I am dead again before the animation is over.

Thanks for the feedback! I do use Touch of Fear, actually, quite a bit. I probably don't have to, but in spawns when I have 2 or 3 bosses, I like to double-stack fear on one and watch him cower in the corner while I beat up his friends. I solo a lot at +3/4 x 6/7, so it helps to have a mini-hold (especially on multi-sapper groups, too).

The current spec that I posted, and will probably put in place tonight or tomorrow, actually came to mind when I got 2 glimpse of fear patterns from a random recipe roll from a Hero merit. I though, if I was going to put some slots into ToF, I may as well add some defense to my build, too (it currently sits at a paltry 10% for S/L/Melee).

Please NEVER go into Politics!!!

This is the distinction I was looking for, thanks. So, procs (DMG, +End, etc) never stop working, but special bonuses (LoTG +Recharge, Steadfast +Def, etc) do. Good to know!

Is this accurate? If you have a lvl 50 IO slotted and you exemp down below 47, does the proc and/or bonuses still work? If so, why do people love the low-lvl ones so much (other than being able to use them as they lvl)?

My thoughts were to have a DPS build and a Tank build. I would have to invest a ton of time and inf into this char if I go that route, and I am not sure I will, but I like the idea of it, at least.

I loathe Shadow Maul as a power, btw. The animation is SO long...

Oh yeah, didn't pay a lot of attention to slotting when I looked at the build the first time. MG is your best attack, and the immob is only slightly helpful. The dmg from that ability is more important that any set bonuses you might be getting.

This, absolutely do this and free up a power while keeping this set. You'll be happy you dropped Shadow Maul.

From the powers you have now, it seems like you enjoy using some control powers (so do I) and not just sitting in the middle of mobs soaking up dmg. To that end, re-think taking Touch of Fear. The recharge is VERY short, it has a significant -ToHit Debuff, lasts a while, even with just the base slot, and can be easily stacked on bosses+. Soul Storm is great, too, but even with a ton of recharge, it is tough to stack it for chain holds on bosses. If you get a group with 2 bosses, it is great to be able to drop a couple of quick fears on one and watch him cower in the corner while you kick the crap out of his buddy. Multi-Sapper groups are fun, too, to be able to Hold one from range with SS, then rush in and fear the other. For single target attacks, you can also roll ToF into your attack chain to slow/disrupt a Boss's attack chain (it will only hit you as often as you hit it, for far fewer attacks and solid dmg mitigation in boss and elite boss fights - I find this an awesome tool for solo content). Definitely a playstyle/luxury pick, but ToF is massively underrated power in the DM set, IMHO.