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Desmodos

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  1. Desmodos

    Harry Potter 7.2

    POST-ACTION

    Saw the film to day. I have mixed feelings on it. I never read the books, but I still got a sense that some characters did not get their dues. The momma Weasley vs Bellatrax Estrange battle in particular stood out. While moments like these a tad disappointing I can't say I didn't like the film. It was a fun movie to watch. Grand on the scale deserving the franchise finally.

    One thing kind of stood out to me, is Daniel Radcliffe really that pale or was there some reason for it in the story?
  2. Desmodos
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Xzero45 View Post
    Neeeeeeerd
    Which would place him in proper company.
  3. Desmodos
    Your goal is attainable assuming you acquire Accolades and Cardiac Core.

    Your build is got the right idea, but several slotting choices are some what redundant. You goal was 30% positional, which you achieved but unfortunately it's almost entirely superfluous. You simultaneously achieved 35% S/L defense and 37 % E/Ne defense. These are the most common types of damage in the game and thus in most instances will be the value used by the game to calculate if you get hit or not. In other words, your positional defense values will not be a factor 80-90% of time.

    My recommendation to you would be to shift to a typed defense build. This will free up a lot of slots for you to achieve your goals.

    Your build lacks KB protection. You have a single -4 KB, this will not be sufficient for end game content. -8 KB is passable but annoys the holy heck out of me with out hover. -12 KB is what's recommended.

    Here's a build with some suggested changes. If you are dead set on positional defense over typed, I recommend you start from scratch and lose the Purple sets. Personally, I prefer the typed defense + Purple sets for Dark Armor. One slot was left unused. Couple of different choices on how to use it, I leave that up to you.

    Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.93
    http://www.cohplanner.com/

    Click this DataLink to open the build!

    Level 50 Science Scrapper
    Primary Power Set: Electrical Melee
    Secondary Power Set: Dark Armor
    Power Pool: Leaping
    Power Pool: Speed
    Power Pool: Fighting
    Power Pool: Leadership
    Ancillary Pool: Blaze Mastery

    Hero Profile:
    Level 1: Charged Brawl -- Hectmb-Dam%(A), Hectmb-Dmg/EndRdx(5), Hectmb-Dmg/Rchg(21), Hectmb-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(23), Hectmb-Acc/Rchg(23)
    Level 1: Dark Embrace -- RctvArm-ResDam(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(5), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(7), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(7)
    Level 2: Jacobs Ladder -- Erad-%Dam(A), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(11), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(13), C'ngBlow-Dmg/Rchg(15), C'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg(15), C'ngBlow-Acc/Rchg(29)
    Level 4: Murky Cloud -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(9), RctvArm-EndRdx/Rchg(9), RctvArm-ResDam(11)
    Level 6: Build Up -- Rec'dRet-ToHit/Rchg(A), Rec'dRet-ToHit(13), RechRdx-I(43)
    Level 8: Thunder Strike -- Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(A), Erad-%Dam(31), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(31), C'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg(31), C'ngBlow-Dmg/Rchg(42), C'ngBlow-Dmg/EndRdx(43)
    Level 10: Combat Jumping -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), Zephyr-ResKB(46)
    Level 12: Obsidian Shield -- RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(42), RctvArm-ResDam(43), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(46)
    Level 14: Super Jump -- Zephyr-ResKB(A)
    Level 16: Dark Regeneration -- Theft-+End%(A), Theft-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(17), Theft-Acc/EndRdx/Heal(17), Numna-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(19), Nictus-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(19), Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx(21)
    Level 18: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(34), RechRdx-I(36)
    Level 20: Chain Induction -- KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(25), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(27), KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(27), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(29), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg(37)
    Level 22: Death Shroud -- C'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngBlow-Dmg/EndRdx(34), C'ngBlow-Dmg/Rchg(36), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37), Erad-Acc/Rchg(37), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(39)
    Level 24: Cloak of Darkness -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), HO:Enzym(25)
    Level 26: Boxing -- Empty(A)
    Level 28: Cloak of Fear -- SipInsght-%ToHit(A), SipInsght-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(39), SipInsght-ToHitDeb(40), SipInsght-Acc/ToHitDeb(40), SipInsght-Acc/Rchg(40)
    Level 30: Tough -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), S'fstPrt-ResKB(39), GA-3defTpProc(42), Empty(50)
    Level 32: Lightning Rod -- Armgdn-Dam%(A), Armgdn-Dmg/EndRdx(33), Armgdn-Dmg/Rchg(33), Armgdn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), Armgdn-Acc/Rchg(34)
    Level 35: Weave -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), HO:Enzym(36)
    Level 38: Soul Transfer -- RechRdx-I(A)
    Level 41: Char -- Empty(A)
    Level 44: Fire Blast -- Apoc-Dam%(A), Apoc-Dmg/Rchg(45), Apoc-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(45), Apoc-Acc/Rchg(45), Apoc-Dmg/EndRdx(46)
    Level 47: Fire Ball -- Ragnrk-Knock%(A), Ragnrk-Dmg/Rchg(48), Ragnrk-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(48), Ragnrk-Acc/Rchg(48), Ragnrk-Dmg/EndRdx(50)
    Level 49: Maneuvers -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), HO:Enzym(50)
    Level 0: Portal Jockey
    Level 0: The Atlas Medallion
    Level 0: Task Force Commander
    Level 0: Freedom Phalanx Reserve
    Level 50: Cardiac Core Paragon
    ------------
    Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
    Level 1: Critical Hit
    Level 1: Sprint -- Clrty-Stlth(A)
    Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
    Level 4: Ninja Run
    Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A)
    Level 2: Health -- Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(A), Mrcl-Rcvry+(3)
    Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
    Level 2: Stamina -- EndMod-I(A), EndMod-I(3)



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    | Copy & Paste this data into Mids' Hero Designer to view the build |
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  4. Desmodos
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Werner View Post
    And on damage grounds, even a 45% damage buff doesn't work out to be a whole lot of extra damge. I'm too lazy to figure out the chain for Desmodos's build, but for the sake of argument, let's assume that Follow Up is double-stacked, as it often is on high-recharge Claws or Dual Blades builds. Let's add in Reactive as well. Now let's take a simple basic attack like Swipe. It does 195.73 damage according to Mids'. Now let's add Musculature. Now it does 212.6 damage. That's a 9% increase. That's nice, to be sure, but to me it's just not in the same league as the difference in survivability. Are the Lore pets buffed by Musculature? I'm guessing yes, in which case the damage difference would probably be a lot more significant while they're up, so that might improve the damage-based argument.
    Thanks. This basically summed up my position, literally.
  5. Desmodos
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by PleaseRecycle View Post
    Well you can certainly make that case, but I prefer to look at this situation from the angle of the destiny slot. What destiny does the most work for dark armor? I have a hard time imagining the answer being anything but ageless. In the same way as you can look at the best alpha, cardiac, and build on it from there, you can also start from destiny.
    A valid argument. Not the route I would chose to go since I favor the consistency the Cardiac Alpha approach offers, but I see the merit of the Ageless Destiny approach.

    Quote:
    In that light, what's wrong with musculature?
    Nothing. I just don't believe it to be the 'best' option for scrappers. I can see it being the best choice on other ATs. I actually have both Cardiac Core and Musculature Core on a few scrappers.

    There are scenarios where Musculature is the superior choice. I switch to Musculature for Hamidon Raids since all my resistance and defense values are meaningless anyways. With 1 toggle running (Obsidian Shield) endurance simply isn't an issue.

    For the majority of end content, I simply find Cardiac to be superior Muscualture, even more so during Incarnate Trials.
  6. Desmodos
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by PleaseRecycle View Post
    Speaking only of the incarnate stuff, while dark armor is of course a poster child for cardiac, it seems like an equally valid way to go is musculature and ageless. Of all the armor sets, no set needs rebirth or barrier less than dark armor. Clarion? Heh. So, why not ageless? Tons of recharge, tons of endurance, and possibly tons of debuff resistance. What's not to like? This also frees up your alpha, as cardiac is definitely second fiddle to ageless when it comes to endurance. Of the options, the next most attractive alpha is probably going to be musculature. Claws only needs crazy rech if you're after the top chain, and let me assure you that you will do plenty good damage without the top chain. Musculature compounds the heck out of the damage you'll do. Its bonus could be compared to running triple stacked assault, but for zero endurance. Additionally, it allows you to underslot damage slightly, for example slotting four kinetic combats and not having to make up for it with an additional enhancement.
    I think folks misunderstand the value of Cardiac. While yes, it does simplify endurance management, freeing you to pursue other IO set bonuses, it's not actually what makes Cardiac the superior choice over other Alpha Choices. It's the Resistance enhancements that really seals the deal.

    I find Musculature to vastly over rated for the scrapper alpha slot. It's only useful if you primarily solo, and even then quickly runs in to damage cap limits. This is what makes - resistance of Reactive and Pyronic so appealing. It's not encumbered by the damage cap.
  7. Desmodos
    All of your objective are achievable. I've posted a build to illustrate a slightly different approach. It has a tad less global recharge but uses more recharge in the individual attacks.

    As for Incarnate powers, I strongly recommend Cardiac Core Alpha, Reactive Destiny, and Pyronic Judgment. I opted for -resistance options over damage in both Pyronic and Reactive, it seems to more than make up for the frequently resisted S/L of Claws attacks. Best part is each tick of Death Shroud had a chance of applying it.

    Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.93
    http://www.cohplanner.com/

    Click this DataLink to open the build!

    Desangre I19: Level 50 Magic Scrapper
    Primary Power Set: Claws
    Secondary Power Set: Dark Armor
    Power Pool: Leadership
    Power Pool: Leaping
    Power Pool: Fighting
    Power Pool: Speed
    Ancillary Pool: Body Mastery

    Hero Profile:
    Level 1: Swipe -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(3), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(3), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(5), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(5)
    Level 1: Dark Embrace -- RctvArm-ResDam(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(7), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(7), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(9)
    Level 2: Slash -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(11), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(11), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(13), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(13)
    Level 4: Death Shroud -- Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(A), Erad-Dmg(15), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(15), C'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg(17), C'ngBlow-Dmg/EndRdx(17), C'ngBlow-Acc/Rchg(23)
    Level 6: Maneuvers -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), HO:Enzym(19)
    Level 8: Combat Jumping -- Zephyr-ResKB(A), LkGmblr-Rchg+(19)
    Level 10: Obsidian Shield -- RctvArm-ResDam(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(23), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(25), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(25)
    Level 12: Murky Cloud -- RctvArm-ResDam(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(21), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(27), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(27)
    Level 14: Super Jump -- Zephyr-ResKB(A)
    Level 16: Dark Regeneration -- Theft-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(A), Theft-Acc/EndRdx/Heal(29), Theft-+End%(31), Nictus-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(31), Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(31), Numna-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(33)
    Level 18: Follow Up -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(33), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(33), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34)
    Level 20: Spin -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(21), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(34), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(36), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(36), Oblit-%Dam(36)
    Level 22: Focus -- Apoc-Dmg/Rchg(A), Apoc-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(37), Apoc-Acc/Rchg(37), Apoc-Dmg/EndRdx(39), Apoc-Dam%(39)
    Level 24: Cloak of Darkness -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), HO:Enzym(29)
    Level 26: Eviscerate -- Armgdn-Dmg(A), Armgdn-Dmg/Rchg(40), Armgdn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(40), Armgdn-Acc/Rchg(42), Armgdn-Dmg/EndRdx(42)
    Level 28: Cloak of Fear -- SipInsght-ToHitDeb(A), SipInsght-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(37), SipInsght-Acc/ToHitDeb(42), SipInsght-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg(43), SipInsght-Acc/Rchg(48)
    Level 30: Boxing -- Empty(A)
    Level 32: Shockwave -- Ragnrk-Dmg(A), Ragnrk-Dmg/Rchg(43), Ragnrk-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(45), Ragnrk-Acc/Rchg(45), Ragnrk-Dmg/EndRdx(45)
    Level 35: Tough -- GA-3defTpProc(A), S'fstPrt-ResKB(39), S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(46)
    Level 38: Weave -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), HO:Enzym(40)
    Level 41: Focused Accuracy -- Rec'dRet-ToHit(A), Rec'dRet-ToHit/Rchg(43), EndRdx-I(46)
    Level 44: Physical Perfection -- EndMod-I(A)
    Level 47: Energy Torrent -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(48), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(48), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(50), Posi-Dmg/Rng(50)
    Level 49: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(50)
    Level 0: Freedom Phalanx Reserve
    Level 0: Portal Jockey
    Level 0: Task Force Commander
    Level 0: The Atlas Medallion
    Level 50: Cardiac Core Boost
    ------------
    Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
    Level 1: Sprint -- Run-I(A)
    Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
    Level 1: Critical Hit
    Level 4: Ninja Run
    Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A)
    Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
    Level 2: Health -- Mrcl-Rcvry+(A), Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(9)
    Level 2: Stamina -- EndMod-I(A), EndMod-I(46)



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  8. Desmodos
    The build looks pretty good. Obviously I like it, it is very similar to how I like to build Dark Armor.

    One thing though, you exceeded the 3.75% S/L limit. You can only stack that bonus 5 times. You used Kinetic Combat 5 times and then used the bonus again with Siphon Insight in CoF. Might I suggest changing Vengeful Slice to Hecatomb.

    This part is key: your build demands Cardiac Core and +end Accolades (Atlas Medallion + Portal Jockey). With out these, the build will not sustain endurance management. You may also consider replacing one of the end mods in Physical Perfection the Performance Shift + End procs. Number crunchers assure me that will net you more recovery than the end mod.

    Personally, I would not have used the Obliteration sets. You could use a tad more E/Ne defense. A minor quibble though.
  9. Desmodos
    Personally, I find anything less than 12 KB protection intolerable on Dark Armor unless you are using Hover. If you are using Hover, 8 KB protection should be fine.

    As Werner stated, most sets get KB resistance along with their KB protection. That resistance more than the KB mag is what protects them. KB protection IOs do not provide resistance, only protection.

    As for 7 KB protection vs 8 KB protection, I have no way of judging. I've never played with 7. I've played with 0 KB protection and only hover, it's tolerable but not the most efficient. With out hover, I suspect 7 KB protection will irritate me more then 8 KB.
  10. Desmodos
    Sincere apologies for my absence.

    In case there was some confusion, I will be online come Friday.
  11. Desmodos
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Necrotech_Master View Post
    i dont think ive ever complained about the apex trial being too hard or something because the patches are avoidable
    I wasn't implying you specifically, apologies if it came across as such. That stated, your comments about the Keyes Trial are not too different from many of the comments made about the Apex Trial when it was first introduced. While you may not have struggled with the Apex Trial initially, many people. Now it's barely considered a challenge. My prediction, and why I drew the comparison, is that Keyes will prove to be the same.
  12. Desmodos
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Necrotech_Master View Post
    i dont really feel like im not pulling my weight, if i die by the baddies thats one thing ("oops got too much aggro")

    in the keyes trial when i die 50 times and im nowhere near any enemies by some unavoidable pulse ("god this is such a PITA, im getting punished for not having any heals on this toon, im never doing this again")

    those are basically my thoughts about it, i know there is a learning curve to things, but getting killed dozens or more times because of something you cant do ANYTHING about except pop another green insp or hope to be near a healer is NOT fun and there is NOTHING to learn from it except that the trial sucked and prolly wont do it again
    I get the frustration, but keep in mind most if not all those deaths are avoidable. If the majority don't know what to do, then you spend more and more time under Anti-Matter's pulses. On some of the reactors, you can actually clear the terminals before Anti-Matter even spawns. The point of the trials is to get players to work under a coordinated effort. While you the individual can't do anything about the pulses, the league as a whole can.

    Each trial does bring a different challenge. Undoubtedly, we will each find our favorites. Comments about Keyes Trial to me echo the reaction to the Apex trial....which is now routinely under 25 mins with experienced players running them in 15 mins. Keyes is only one mission, I can foresee Keyes Speed runs before August.
  13. Desmodos
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by hemmingway3 View Post
    (it's the 8th)
    Gonna miss that one too.
  14. Desmodos
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by War-Nugget View Post
    I too won't be around for next match (7/8).
    ...yeah, right now it's looking like I will miss July 7 as well. Apologies.
  15. Desmodos
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Elegost View Post
    t
    As far as the three Reactor parts go, those will definitely become easier as we familiarize ourselves with a similar process of completion. Mark, Bro, and I have already begun discussing methods to speed up certain phases of the process, but those will likely take a few practice trials and a few weeks (or months) to get integrated into *the norm* for a lot of people.
    The notion of "splitting up" seems rather difficult for folks.
  16. Desmodos
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Kioshi View Post
    since I came back I've been rolling many brutes, I like the AT so much I rerolled my 50 DM/DA scrapper into a brute.
    I've seen you state this a few times and smile because my experience is quite the opposite. I have a lvl 50 DM/DA scrapper (obviously) and a level 50 DM/DA brute. Simple fact is I HATE the brute. Compared to other brutes I've played, DM/DA had the absolute worst time generating fury. I keep revisiting my DM/DA Brute, because I really like Dark Obliteration. I've resigned my self to building her exactly as I've built my DM/DA scrapper, for the sake of better comparison, but I really don't see the appeal.

    This not mean as a blemish to Brutes. There are combinations I actually prefer on a a brute. I had no issues generating fury on my Elec/DA brute. I strongly prefer my DB/WP brute to my DB/WP scrapper, despite having dedicated more IOs to the scrapper.
  17. Desmodos
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Scarab_NA View Post
    this is my current live build. the IO's in Midnight Grasp and Shadow Maul are placeholders leftover from my previous build:
    The build you are currently using DOES NOT have sustainable endurance management. Recovery is sitting at 3.07 eps - 2.46 eps = 0.61 eps. A single cycle of SM-SL-SM-MG is costing you 7.69 EPS. You are hemorrhaging 7.02 endurance points per second. Yes, I know you can't sustain that attack cycle yet, it is your objective. Adding Portal Jockey will improve things, 3.21 eps - 2.46 eps = 0.75 eps, but still not really manageable.

    Granted, I am not factoring in the Performance Shifter +End PROC. I still consider it unwise to use this proc in lieu of Endurance Mod enchantments. If you have the slot, using it in addition to is great. I am aware some numerical analysis states otherwise, but call me stubborn

    I will restate; these are end game builds that ARE NOT sustainable without Cardiac Core. Using my build as an example, with out Cardiac Core, I drop to 3.62 eps - 2.24 eps = 1.38 eps. SM-SL-SM-MG costs me 4.40 EPS. So I hemorrhage 3.02 eps. Better, yes, manageable ... meh not really.

    EDIT: I should have stated, Cardiac Core AND ACCOLADES are required to sustain these builds. For any Dark Armor build, Atlas Medallion and Portal Jockey are not nifty trinkets, they are a requirement.
  18. Desmodos
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Fista View Post
    Also from the amount of negitive feed back they're getting for this thing I'm sure it'll be nerfed before too long.
    I really hope this is not the case. These things are supposed to be hard. We've been saying for how long that Empathy sucks at higher levels? Is it that hard for everyone to get Rebirth? Rebirth isn't even my first choice, but when running a Keyes trial, I quickly switch to it. I also dump all my skittles for greens, which I rarely bother to carry.

    The truth is, the AM map wide AoE is annoying because we're taking to long to achieve the first 3 objectives. This largely because most folks haven't gotten the hang of it. In a few weeks (probably sooner) folks will understand how the trial works, a full tray of greens won't be needed.
  19. Desmodos
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Mental_Giant View Post
    I believe that figure is a few years old. I think we're sub-100k now, but I couldn't find any data to back this up. In the City Life thread people pore over the the NCSoft quarterly reports trying to figure out where we are currently, but it's hard to tell.

    Based on the numbers I see I'd say we have a few hundred regulars, or we wouldn't be able to get the amount of raids together that we do. I'm curious if Freedom will bring any Freeps to our server. My guess is they are going to cluster (naturally) on Freedom, if only because of the name of the F2P model.
    I am fairly certain CoH is over 100,000 subscribers, question is how active are they. While I'd agree the "most active" Victory players would likely be in ~100 range, keep in mind there are many players who chose not to be vocal. At least 2-3 times a month I run into players who've been around for years but knew nothing of our main global channels. I've brought some into the channels, yet others prefer to send me a tell rather than speak in a global channel. There is even a larger contingent that is aware of the channels but chose not to participate or speak up in them. I believe it's estimated only 1-5% of the player base posts on the forums? If we expand the definition of "active" players to anyone that logs in once a week for 2 hours, we'd easily be in the ~2000 range.

    As to the bad blood, feuds, and/or rivalries; they never went away. I would argue that multiple global channels imply facilitates a better "you go your way, I'll go my way" attitude. We are here to have fun. I have days (lots lately) when I don't want to deal with many Victory personalities, many of these long standing friends. On such days, I restrict myself to certain channels, or not say anything publicly at all.
  20. Desmodos
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Werner View Post
    I'm one of those people who ignored his Obsidian Shield slotting - that's where I put my Steadfast Protection unique, and there's nothing else in it. I still get a healthy 57.5% psionic resistance, or 62.5% if we count the tail of perma Barrier (though I only have tier 3 at the moment), but of course I'd love to slot it up to the hard cap.
    It should be noted, that while you under slotted Obsidian Shield, you did pick up quite a few Psi Resistance bonuses, ~8% or so. Sure, not at the levels my build uses, but combined with Cardiac Core you are getting the same values one would get by using a complete Steadfast set; ~57%.

    Here's where we get into splitting hairs.
    66.7 Psi resistance/ 21% Psi defense/ 28% ranged defense
    vs
    57.5% Psi resistance/ 28% Psi defense/ 45% positional defense.
    While the Psi attacks that have a positional component generally have ranged, we know some have no positional component. I'd guess that on average, the positional component more than makes up the difference in 10% resistance values. Assuming ParagonWiki data is correct in regards to the ranged component, your build would provide better protection against Mask of Vitiation. Granted we're comparing Kat/DA to DM/DA where I would apply and additional ~17% ToHit debuff to Ring Mistress or DRM (before accounting for their debuff resistances.)
  21. Desmodos
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Scarab_NA View Post
    I guess I feel more sturdy, but I still get hammered by carnies and their stupid psi damage, despite Obsidian Shield. attack chain feels sluggish, but that's probably due to the missing LotG's and purple set bonuses. I also find that I am missing more than I'd like. don't have a large enough sample size to draw any definitive conclusions (and again this was mostly against stupid carnies). am I doing something wrong, ya think?
    Gonna address separately, as I suspect there are some misconceptions about Dark Armor's performance against Carnies. Dark Armor can laugh off the Psi damage of carnies. Some players opt to ignore resistance slotting in Dark Armor, which I disagree with. Fully slotted, Obsidian Shield (with out Cardiac Core) should be granting you 60% resistance to Psi Damage. Even the end drain from Carnie Defeats can generally be ignored by Dark Armor.

    Psi Damage isn't what makes Carnies challenging to Dark Armor. Carnies have far nastier tricks in their bag. Mask of Vitiation is the most crippling debuff that can be done to Dark Armor. It hits you with -Defense, -Regeneration, and -Recovery. So all the set enhancements you put in to beef up defense; USELESS. The -Recovery component is misleading; it does not drain your endurance, it lowers your maximum endurance by 50%. So for the next 60 seconds (I'm sure it's less time, but it feels like 10 minutes), you have no defense, and are completely incapable of managing your endurance.

    If you are lucky, you managed to get hit by Mask of Weakness at the same time, -accuracy and - damage.

    Ring Mistresses and Dark Ring Mistresses must die, immediately upon engaging the spawn.

    FYI, MoV and MoW are ranged attacks, they have no types. So the typed defense builds I prefer have 28% defense to this debuff.
  22. Desmodos
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Scarab_NA View Post
    so ... I've got this build done except for the purples, GA unique, LotG's and two annoying Siphon Insight recipes that haven't appeared on the market in weeks. keep in mind that the character is only lvl 48 right now, so I can't slot the purples yet anyway. plus no incarnate-ness

    initial observations: wow, what an end hog. Cloak of Fear kills me. and by me, I mean my blue bar. brutal. I'm thinking of dropping back to Oppressive Gloom just to get some endurance relief. goodness gracious. short of cardiac core paragon, am I ever going to be able to run CoF? I also find myself waiting on Dark Consumption quite often. bizarre because I never had end problems in any of my previous builds

    I guess I feel more sturdy, but I still get hammered by carnies and their stupid psi damage, despite Obsidian Shield. attack chain feels sluggish, but that's probably due to the missing LotG's and purple set bonuses. I also find that I am missing more than I'd like. don't have a large enough sample size to draw any definitive conclusions (and again this was mostly against stupid carnies). am I doing something wrong, ya think?

    Sorry, I'm not clear on which build you are using, so it's hard to identify the problem. Immediate question would be "Did you get the accolades yet?"

    Keep in mind, my build and a few others posted here are end game builds. They assume you have necessary accolades and Cardiac Core, they are not sustainable without them. That's the price you pay for this level of survivablity. Yes, you can make the endurance management independent on Cardiac Core, but that will sacrifice defense and resistance levels.

    EDIT: As to problems with missing, at level 48 you can't slot the Purple sets yet? The build I designed, and the one you modified (if this is what you are using) is dependent on the accuracy bonuses granted by the purple sets. With out those accuracy bonuses, consistently hitting targets will be a problem.
  23. Desmodos
    Either you are into melee or your not. Sure, each power set brings something unique to the table, I don't see any one set suddenly making you love melee.

    One thing folks new to CoH melee should be aware of; Melee isn't very good until after level 20. Pre-level 20, you simply don't have enough powers or slots to get a "feel" for melee. When I role a scrapper, I completely ignore survivablity and focus on damage output before lvl 20, not because it's better but because it's more fun. When I role a tanker (which is rare) I ignore damage output and focus on survivablity, again not because it's better, but because I can "tank" sooner. Neither scenario is what melee is about.

    Post level 20 you can strike a true balance between damage output and survivablity. For this reason, if you really want to get into a melee alt, I recommend you start with Will Power. Will Power isn't superior to any other mitigation set, but it's survivablity is straight forward and very incremental. Play something like Kat/WP past level 20 and see how it grabs you. If playing Kat/WP past level 20 does not get you excited, melee simply isn't for you. Keep in mind, I say this as an avid melee player who's favorite combo is not Kat/WP.
  24. Desmodos
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by EvilRyu View Post
    Looking at the dc vs marvel perspective its easier for the dc heroes because they do not have to deal with prejudice on such a huge scale compared to marvel. Also with dc there are more interplanetary threats than marvel where most of the stuff is just parts of the earth where the action happens. Marvels characters perticularly the mutants would get the respec they deserve if they were not wrote into the same situation over and over again with the whole prejudice thing. Its like they are trying to keep shoe horning the marvel characters into the worst part of our history when racism and such was at its peak. Also if there were more things on the scale of darksied, brainiac, parrallax going in the marvel universe the people would feel they have a need for the heroes. True enough there is the potential to have an anti-hero group like cadmus in marvels universe if the heroes united like the way the justice league did to save the world I do not think it would be as extreme because almost no marvel characters are on the same level as superman.
    Been years since I read comics, but this describes precisely why I preferred Marvel to DC. While certainly fantastical in context, more Marvel stories rooted in real world problems. This is partially due to most Marvel comics occurring in actual cities where most DC stories take place in fictitious cities. It's simply easier to ground the stories this way.

    Racism still remains an issue today. While the US may not be at Civil Rights Movement levels of racial tension, it hasn't evaporated. It's also generally accepted that the wrong events at the wrong time can quickly shift attitudes. Some countries handle racism better than the US, other countries far, far worst. This is the appeal of the mutant story lines. These are the stories that allow Marvel to depict bigotry with out being offensive (yes, on occasion they fail.)

    While I acknowledge exceptions (like Batman), I found most DC characters and story lines simply too outlandish and too fantastical. While I agree, great writing can over come this, retaining writers of such caliber isn't realistic.
  25. Desmodos
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Werner View Post
    Vastly oversimplifying, a soft cap build takes half as much damage but heals half as fast as a something merely near the soft cap that can have much higher recharge. The approaches are roughly comparable until you get defense debuffed, and which point both are taking damage at roughly the same rate, and that sacrificed recharge is suddenly a HUGE issue.
    Yes and no. Outside of Incarnate content, defense debuffs are not that uncommon. Against say Cimmerorans, you can still rely Parry to sure up the debuffs. Even if debuffed thru parry, you still have significant amounts Smash/Lethal resistance.

    Now compare that to PPDs or Vanguard to a lesser extent. Many of their attacks have -defense and energy damage. While Murky Cloud offers very little energy resistance, you need every bit. At this point, the absence of mez toggle severely cripples your survivablity. Under slotted MC and no mez toggle means Dark Regeneration is your sole source of survivablity. Yes, this is the extreme end of the spectrum, but this occurs frequently to a lesser degree against Long Bow and Arachnos mobs.