Dechs Kaison

I've found that if you don't have enough damage, taunt the healing nictus away.

I've also found that if you are heavy on defense characters, you need someone to taunt the mire nictus away, since his attack is auto-hit.

I came up with what I feel is a unique powerset for scrappers, and perhaps stalkers/brutes. I've been through a few iterations of it on the suggestion forum with some positive feedback, and now I'm looking to get a bit more exposure on my idea.

I want to know from the eyes of the veteran scrappers whether the set is playable or not. Would you play it? Does it look fun? Is it lacking anything? Is it balanced, or at the very least, capable of being balanced? Are there aspects that can be abused?

I'm not going to post the whole thing here, merely direct you to the thread which is still in the suggestion forum. The link in my signature takes you directly to the latest revision of the aforementioned idea.

Let me know what you think. Thanks!

Alright, I think I've settled on a theme of berserker/raging maniac for the set. The general principle here is "I don't care what happens to me, I'm going to get you." I'm taking some ideas from the thread and really putting an attempt at an ordered list here. I'm also taking a lot of inspiration from the Willpower set because this set, while not the will to survive, is very much the will to destroy. I'm realizing that this fits scrappers less and brutes more, except for the fact that killing yourself ruins fury generation.

(Tier 1) Breath of the Dying - A lethal threat even in his last few seconds, the berserker is able to strike one last blow before he goes down. This is a burst of energy from his very essence, and as such cannot be used very often. Superior PBAoE energy damage upon defeat. This is the power you have to pick; it's an auto self destruct. To prevent the awaken-spamming, there should be a one or two minute period using the No Phase mechanic which would prevent this from happening if you were to die again.

(Tier 2) Perseverance - Your have a strong drive to see your enemies fall, and you feel less pain than most because of this drive. Sensing the end only makes you stronger, and as you come closer to defeat, your perseverance shines. Another auto power like high pain tolerance in that it gives a passive minor resistance to all damage. There is no HP boost with this power, but the resistance scales upwards (to a max of ~25% unenhanced) as health dwindles like the SR scaling resists.

(Tier 3) Quick Recovery - You don't have a particularly large vocabulary, but "tired" is certainly not a word you know. You refuse to let fatigue slow you down. Quick Recovery clone.

(Tier 4) Resilience - Able to shrug off things that should keep another person down, the berserker is undaunted by fear and other effects. Standard mez protection toggle.

(Tier 5) Unnerving Presence - Merely standing in the presence of a berserker inspires fear. Those that face him often break eye contact and find it hard to land a blow with full strength. I really liked the name of this. I want this toggle to have a PBAoE -tohit and -damage, but it might be too powerful because it helps the whole team. If it were only one effect, I think -damage would be more fitting. Perhaps a very minor chance to cause low magnitude fear for flavor.

(Tier 6) Blind Rage - The signature of a beserker is his blind rage. When in a rage, the beserker completely disregards his own safety in order to lay waste to those before him. For every foe in sight, he is empowered to strike them down. Toggle damage buff for every enemy in PBAoE, but a heavy self defense debuff. No negative effect on enemies in range. Perhaps instead of the defense debuff it could be a self damage like Oppressive Gloom.

(Tier 7) Hasty Assault - A good berserker is quick to position himself and quicker to strike, as well as resists any effects that slow him down. Quickness clone.

(Tier 8) Rebound - A true berserker never stays down for long, and defeat offers only further encouragement. I'm thinking a simple self rez, no real bonuses here, but the recharge should be relatively short.

(Tier 9) Death Wish/Final Gambit - Every berserker seeks the glory of a battle against insurmountable odds. They desire to be overwhelmed and take down as many foes as they can before the end which is sure to come. In this state, the berserker is all but impossible to defeat while he attracts as many foes as he is able. In the end, however, the exhaustion from this causes the berserker to collapse. The way I envision it, this is the godmode tier nine to end all, balanced by a crash like no other. I think it should be massive resistance and defense to everything, along with a huge PBAoE of massive taunt. The most important part is that the duration of this power is equal to or longer than the "No Self Destruct" which negates the Tier 1 power. Why? Because the "crash" of this power is death. Unstoppable leaves you to die, this kills you. That's the balance in the power. You will die.

You'll notice I didn't put the debt protection in like I mentioned earlier. I don't think it needs it, despite how encouraging death is. If you're playing this set, you have to expect it, and it can even be considered a balancing point. I still don't know much about the numbers, I haven't begun to think about how to balance them. The order of powers is pretty solid in my mind, but I'm up to more suggestions.

Let me know what this round looks like.

Thanks for all the helpful advice, both of you!

One more iteration, and I think this is the last. I've got two builds here, one is inexpensive, and the other has purples. Seeing as how I've got 600 million of my inherited fortune left, I think the inexpensive shouldn't be too far away, I just need to get to level 47 to start slotting it.

I'm still reluctant to give up the +end bonuses. I use Stygian Return a lot, but I find I need something for those times when we're down to just the AV and no bodies to fuel my fire.

I scrounged up a few slots by taking out the tohit buffs from nova and frankenslotting Mire and Dwarf Drain. I rethought the medicine pool... I can't see wasting the first two powers just to get resuscitate when everyone can make wakies. Ok, it could be helpful on a co-op TF, but otherwise, it feels like three wasted powers. This is the same reason I skip stamina on my characters that do. I replaced it with inky aspect, unchain essence, and quasar, but mainly because I was able to find a few more slots. I probably won't use the stacking stuns all that often, but when I need to I'll be thankful I have 'em. I also figure I ought to keep the ability to go boom should I want it.

Anyway, here goes. Cheap:

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.601
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Defying the Curse: Level 50 Science Warshade
Primary Power Set: Umbral Blast
Secondary Power Set: Umbral Aura
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Concealment

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.601
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Defying the Curse: Level 50 Science Warshade
Primary Power Set: Umbral Blast
Secondary Power Set: Umbral Aura
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Medicine
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Concealment

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Shadow Bolt -- Dev'n-Acc/Dmg(A)
Level 1: Absorption -- S'fstPrt-ResKB(A)
Level 2: Gravimetric Snare -- GravAnch-Hold%(A)
Level 4: Gravity Shield -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(A)
Level 6: Dark Nova -- AdjTgt-ToHit(A), AdjTgt-ToHit/EndRdx(43), P'Shift-End%(45)
Level 8: Starless Step -- Acc-I(A)
Level 10: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(19), RechRdx-I(40)
Level 12: Sunless Mire -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(15), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(15), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(17), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(17)
Level 14: Shadow Cloak -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A)
Level 16: Super Speed -- QckFt-EndRdx/RunSpd(A)
Level 18: Gravity Well -- BasGaze-Acc/Hold(A), BasGaze-Acc/Rchg(19), BasGaze-Rchg/Hold(21), BasGaze-EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(27), Lock-%Hold(36), Lock-Acc/Hold(36)
Level 20: Black Dwarf -- ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), ImpArm-ResDam(21), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(25), ImpArm-ResDam/Rchg(25), P'Shift-End%(43)
Level 22: Stygian Circle -- Mrcl-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(A), Mrcl-EndRdx/Rchg(23), Mrcl-Heal/EndRdx(23)
Level 24: Stimulant -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 26: Gravitic Emanation -- Stpfy-Acc/Rchg(A), Stpfy-EndRdx/Stun(37), Stpfy-Acc/EndRdx(37), Stpfy-Acc/Stun/Rchg(37), Stpfy-Stun/Rng(50)
Level 28: Aid Self -- Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx(A)
Level 30: Resuscitate -- Dct'dW-EndRdx/Rchg(A)
Level 32: Dark Extraction -- ExRmnt-Acc/Rchg(A), ExRmnt-Acc/Dmg(40), ExRmnt-Dmg/EndRdx(42), ExRmnt-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(42), ExRmnt-EndRdx/Dmg/Rchg(42), RechRdx-I(43)
Level 35: Stygian Return -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 38: Eclipse -- ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), ImpArm-ResDam(39), ImpArm-ResDam/Rchg(39), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(39), P'Shift-Acc/Rchg(40), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg(48)
Level 41: Combat Jumping -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A)
Level 44: Stealth -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A)
Level 47: Grant Invisibility -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A)
Level 49: Invisibility -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- ULeap-Stlth(A)
Level 2: Rest -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 1: Dark Sustenance
Level 1: Shadow Step -- Jnt-EndRdx/Rng(A)
Level 10: Shadow Recall -- IntRdx-I(A)
------------
Level 6: Dark Nova Bolt -- Decim-Acc/Dmg(A), Decim-Dmg/EndRdx(3), Decim-Dmg/Rchg(7), Decim-Build%(11), Decim-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(48)
Level 6: Dark Nova Blast -- Decim-Acc/Dmg(A), Decim-Dmg/EndRdx(3), Decim-Dmg/Rchg(7), Decim-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(11), Decim-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(46)
Level 6: Dark Nova Emanation -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(5), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(9), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(13), Posi-Dam%(46)
Level 6: Dark Nova Detonation -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(5), Posi-Dam%(9), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(13), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(45), RechRdx-I(46)
Level 20: Black Dwarf Strike -- Mako-Acc/Dmg(A), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(33), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx(33), Mako-Dam%(33)
Level 20: Black Dwarf Smite -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx(31), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(31), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(31), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(48)
Level 20: Black Dwarf Mire -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(27), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(29), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(29), EndRdx-I(45), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(50)
Level 20: Black Dwarf Drain -- Nictus-Heal(A), Nictus-Heal/HP/Regen/Rchg(34), Nictus-Acc/Heal(34), Nictus-Acc/EndRdx/Heal/HP/Regen(34), Nictus-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(50)
Level 20: Black Dwarf Step -- Winter-ResSlow(A)
Level 20: Black Dwarf Antagonize -- Mocking-Taunt/Rchg(A), Mocking-Rchg(36)
------------
Set Bonus Totals:

• 17% DamageBuff(Smashing)
• 17% DamageBuff(Lethal)
• 17% DamageBuff(Fire)
• 17% DamageBuff(Cold)
• 17% DamageBuff(Energy)
• 17% DamageBuff(Negative)
• 17% DamageBuff(Toxic)
• 17% DamageBuff(Psionic)
• 3% Defense(Smashing)
• 3% Defense(Lethal)
• 3% Defense(Fire)
• 3% Defense(Cold)
• 5.5% Defense(Energy)
• 5.5% Defense(Negative)
• 6.75% Defense(Psionic)
• 3% Defense(Melee)
• 4.25% Defense(Ranged)
• 3% Defense(AoE)
• 13.1% Max End
• 52% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 91.3% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
• 5% Enhancement(Heal)
• 3% Enhancement(Stun)
• 5% FlySpeed
• 112.4 HP (10.5%) HitPoints
• 5% JumpHeight
• 5% JumpSpeed
• Knockback (Mag -4)
• Knockup (Mag -4)
• MezResist(Confused) 2.5%
• MezResist(Held) 2.5%
• MezResist(Immobilize) 13.5%
• MezResist(Sleep) 2.5%
• MezResist(Stun) 6.9%
• MezResist(Terrorized) 2.5%
• 14.5% (0.24 End/sec) Recovery
• 10% (0.45 HP/sec) Regeneration
• 20% ResEffect(FlySpeed)
• 20% ResEffect(RechargeTime)
• 20% ResEffect(RunSpeed)
• 3.15% Resistance(Fire)
• 3.15% Resistance(Cold)
• 5% RunSpeed

Hey Princess, here's the latest. Tell me what you think of this.

From my experience, set bonuses are generally not worth going for on a MM. Mostly because you're not the one doing anything damaging. Frankenslot to full effectiveness and get bonuses if things work out. That's my policy.

I will state, however, that I used set bonuses to get enough recovery to replace stamina, allowing me three extra powers I wouldn't normally have. That much was easy to do since all the +recovery bonuses are only two enhancers into the set. I have also used set bonuses to bring me up to the ranged/AoE softcap from what FFG gives. I get hammered by melee still with only 35% defense there, but it's nothing that 75% damage resist can't cure.

After even more practice with my warshade, I feel even more powerful. And according to Geko's quote, the design has perfectly achieved what it set out to do.

I would support shortening the time it takes to switch forms, however, I don't feel this is necessary by any stretch of imagination.

Ok, so I'm not crazy. There's some other people who might think this is fun. Thanks!

And yes, it's not do or die so much as do and die. That is a much more accurate description. The idea with this would probably be "hurt as many things as you can before you go boom and finish them off."

This is probably going to sound ridiculous... perhaps even ludicrous, but I had an idea for a scrapper/stalker secondary.

I think it could be very interesting to have a "defense" set that would sacrifice defense for more offense. I see it as a "do or die" kind of theme where the strategy is simply "I have to kill you before I die." I've got some ideas for powers, but I can't begin to put numbers to them or even decide what order they should come in. Regardless, here's what I've got:

Self Destruct - Auto power. The idea with this power is that any time you are defeated, you explode. PBAoE Superior damage. I think this should either be the mandatory first pick (which it can't be for stalkers), or the tier nine. This kind of sets the tone for the powerset though.

Self Rez - Obviously if you plan to die a lot, you'll need a way to get back up. No special bonuses, just stand up with most of your health/endurance and maybe a few seconds of "untouchable" in case you need to get away.

Mez Protection - Thematic in a "disregard for self" kind of way. "I'm going to get you, and no amount of immob/stun/hold/sleep is going to stop me!"

PBAoE Damage/ACC Debuff - Either a click or a toggle. Again, the idea with this is more of an "offensive defense." Your mitigation would be lowering enemies abilities to harm you rather than boosting your resistance/defense.

Damage Boost - I know we all have build up in the primary, but I'm thinking a longer lasting click or even a toggle +dam/+acc here. I think some sort of -HP like oppressive gloom would be appropriate if it were a toggle.

EDIT: Alternate/Additional Damage boost - Auto power. Proportional to how much health you're missing, you get a damage boost. 100-60% health = no boost. 5% health = 200% DMG bonus. It would be a lot like the old blaster inherent I guess. The idea here is, you want to die while you're at low health, not while you're at 60% or more. It would of course buff the Self Destruct boom.

Uncanny Luck - Maybe as the Tier 9 is something like elude or overload/powersurge. A short period of softcapped defense, followed by a PBAoE burst of damage/stun and major crash. Maybe the "crash" could even be certain death, which would trigger the self destruct power. "I'm going to last x seconds, and then I'm dead. But so help me, you'll be gone before I am."

Quickness - One way to become more offensive is to have inherent +recharge. Pretty much a clone of the reflex power.

Debt protection - Now, I don't think debt is a big deal, but maybe if you're going to be planning on dying a lot, a little bit of passive debt protection might be needed.

That's only eight powers. Like I said, I need some help figuring out what could be done here.

The main questions however are: Is this even viable? Is it potentially game breaking?