Leo_G
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Martial Arts works nicely with either, IMO.
For Regen: Since redraw won't be a concern, and MA only has Eagle's Claw as a lengthy animation to get in the way of your heals (well, that and AS) and Regen has relatively no endurance cost compared to other sets so the single target nature of the set won't run you dry...
Willpower: It's a relatively simple set. Nothing great to stack with it but it all works. Might run low on endurance in really long fights...
Resist sets on a Stalker aren't so bad if you build it up right. Defense sets usually have no resists and no other real sources to get any but the resist sets can be built to get more defense from pools, IOs and the many team buffs out there (2 SoA outta do it). That or use controls to mitigate needing to dodge.
Reconstruction for Willpower and Regeneration are identical. Fast Healing also provides each with the same amount of regen but WP gets -regen debuff resist in it.
IMO: I'd go with Willpower. Regen is good if you build to take advantage of short-term mitigation like reconstruction, Moment of Glory, Shadow Meld, Dull pain, Instant regeneration and/or long recharging attacks like the patron pets, water spout or Lightning Rod. But unless you like the twitch-reflex response to incoming attacks, you'll get frustrated with how quickly you can be killed. WP has more staying power (and a better self-rez). -
If what you're saying is true about the Illusion/Cold controller having an effective 400+ DPS (I saw your other post), then I'm pretty sure that 'effective DPS' takes into account regen debuffs.
So what is the actual DPS under general conditions for that set-up? -
Quote:Why I always advocate sets like Fire Aura and a Shield Defense equivalent for Stalkers. It's really the only thing 'wrong' with Stalkers as they yet have any offensive secondary sets. How far is the gap between Stalkers and Scraps/Brutes who gain offense from primary and secondary? And if you can calculate it, make sure to add in that hide crit at the start, and the high tier attack critting 100% around every 25 seconds in combat.Originally Posted by UberGuy
Firey Embrace, Soul Drain and AAO are the ones of those likely to let a Scrapper handily outshine what a Stalker can do. You can't argue with that, except at the damage buff cap. Stalkers and Scrappers share a +400% cap, so if external buffs can rail both characters, the only power that still keeps the Scrapper in the lead is Fiery Embrace, which is an increase in base damage which a Stalker cannot replicate.
I also figure, if some of the higher encounters involve more than chaining attacks, the ability to burst your damage on command would give a better payoff than what a Scrap/Brute provide on average. -
Quote:The difference between Brute/Fury and Blaster/Defiance being Brute's base damage is *lowest* of the melees while their cap is higher. Brute needs around 30% or so Fury (can't recall particularly) to make its damage competitive while Blasters start and end having more damage.Originally Posted by Another_Fan
A blaster gets a big chunk of their actual damage from defiance aim and build up. So if you add a something to the base damage it doesn't make as much a change in their total output.
The same thing happens with brutes where most of their damage enhancement doesn't come from enhancements but from rage.
Edit: note that was for an uncommon incarnate enhancement in powers that had been well slotted for damage.
Since Blasters have higher base damage on all their attacks, any damage bonus will produce *more* damage, point for point. That relationship (Blasters vs other rangers) is the same as Scrappers vs other melees. Scrappers get more from personal damage buffs and do more damage for each % of buff they get.
If your line of thinking is correct, it seems to contradict all those number crunchers in the Scrapper forums. So I still don't get where you're coming from.
If you're saying 10% of the incarnate boost is applicable, then 10% of a Blaster's 112 dmg is higher than 10% of Corruptor's 75 dmg... -
Quote:All the other stuff is subjective so I won't comment, but I *really* don't get this.Originally Posted by Another_Fan
No a blaster's total damage includes other buffs, defiance and aim and build up. A 30% of base damage increase is less of a percentage of total damage than a 30% of base damage increase for a corruptor is.
So 30% of the base damage of a corruptor's attack is more than 30% of the base damage of everyone else?
You're basically saying slice a quarter of Blaster's 14" pie and a quarter of Corruptor's 8" pie and the slice from the corruptor will be larger? This makes no sense.
The other buffs don't matter because, even being at the damage cap or the foe at the resistance floor, the Blaster's pie pan will be making bigger pies. No matter what the proportion of the slice... -
Quote:Lol an average Scrapper or Brute will be dead. Since average Scraps and Brutes need babysitting or have to buckle down their aggressive tendencies, that leaves a lot more opportunity for my average Stalker to get in, take out trouble targets then join in the melee.Originally Posted by rsclark
Yes, there is. It's call an average scrapper or brute. Stalkers are inferior to both when it comes to sustained damage. Stalkers can take out a boss faster than anyone else, but anything harder than that passes the torch to the people who can keep up that high damage for more than 3 seconds at a spurt.
Now an above-average Scrapper or Brute? They get a lot more leeway in how cunning they can be since they can survive a lot easier (either due to intimate knowledge of the enemy and/or their power set as well as a good build). Pinpointing the problem target and taking it out isn't as simple as pushing buttons. -
Quote:I don't know where you're going with this statement. Are we suppose to shite on the AT just because you seem to be? That and all the other suboptimal ATs, power sets, combos and powers.Originally Posted by Another_Fan
I dont know where you were going with that or what the point was supposed to be except maybe Rah Rah blasters sis boom bah
I think what you fail to realize is, the crappness you feel befalls the AT is *SITUATIONAL*. Basically, that you feel the AT's abilities are marginalized is correct...in specifically Scenario-M, Scenario-MM, Scenario-BE and Scenario-NB. However in Scenario-SB, Scenario-T and Scenario-CT? That blaster can shine...There are times and places where *ANY* AT or set-up won't be optimal...so long as they aren't detrimental, why are you crying? -
Quote:If Evasion came with a damage debuff aura, then it would shut down the toggle once you're mezzed. This would be a huge hindrance in PvP.Originally Posted by Expeditor
Evasion, the AoE defence toggle could be given a damage debuff aura - it has already had a taunt aura added for brutes, but this could be extended to scrappers and tanks and given the damage debuff effect, ~14% the same as Ice Armor's Chilling Embrace. This could be explained as being able to better roll with attacks made at close range, reducing their effectiveness.
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I enjoy ideas that utilize existing tech, especially if that tech is underutilized. The ammo mechanic is one and the combo system is another (I also love the new Fiery Embrace).
If I were amending to the suggestion, I'd also add AT variance that seem in line with the concept and tactics of the AT. So if we were using the ammo switching mechanic for this set, I'd try to think of 6 different toggles then spread them to the 4 ATs.
Free Range (Standard with no toggles/All ATs): Freedom of movement and fully utilized stance, set and strike. [+melee range, full smashing damage, more knockback] All other modes have shorter range, some rare knockdown and lose a bit of the attack's base smashing damage
Bruising (Tanker/Brute): Hit to make a dent and form openings in the the enemy's defenses. [foe -def, self +ToHit, chance for -res per strike] Slot that yummy +ToHit proc in a good attack...not sure if it's unique.
Breaking (Brute/Scrapper): All out attack to keep that foe from running. [foe -movement, -rech, damage bonus while running the toggle]
Crippling (Scrapper/Stalker): Strike to cause internal injury and maim. [foe -regen, -dmg]
Air Strike (Stalker/Tanker): Energetic stance that strikes swiftly for superior impact. [adds energy damage component to attacks, +rech]
Deflection (Tanker/Brute): A highly defensive stance that limits range but proves to deflect many incoming attacks [self -melee range, -rech, +smashing/lethal/melee defense per attack]
Reflective Strike (Stalker/Scrapper): Swift turns of your weapon can deflect attacks from yourself and back on the opponent and their allies. [self +def to all, chance of 'reflective recoil'] 'Reflective Recoil' is just a Contagious Confusion proc for your attacks which has a chance to confuse every foe within range of your target. Simulates redirecting enemy attacks and the possible unrest it may cause in enemy ranks.
So Tanker = Free Range, Bruising (utility), Air Strike (damage), Deflection(defensive)
Brute = Free Range, Bruising (utility), Breaking (damage), Deflection (defensive)
Scrapper = Free Range, Breaking (damage), Crippling (utility), Reflective Strike (defensive)
Stalker = Free Range, Air Strike (damage), Crippling (utility), Reflective Strike (defensive) -
Quote:And I say, what's wrong with that? Embrace your specialty if that is how you built your character. Join or form teams where your specialty punctuates your role on the team.Originally Posted by brophog02
I'll say it again, because you chose to ignore it: It's just part and parcel of an AT that primarily does one thing. The more you give other ATs that potential, the less relevant that AT becomes, even if that AT also gains in that area. As everyone's proficiency in something increases, the need for specialization decreases.
But it hardly has to be as narrow as you paint it. Just because you can't or won't build your Blaster to be more generalized in its performance doesn't mean no Blaster can. I've seen Ice/Ice Blasters do some sick control, my Sonic/Ice Blaster has been mistaken for a controller at times, my MA/Shield Scrapper is heavy on the support and I'm sure there are Brute/Tanker builds that can push out some debuffing.
With the various incarnate buffs available, it's much more viable to enhance secondary effects, slot more economically and pick up utility powers to generalize your performance.
There's nothing wrong with specializing in a specific aspect of a character, but if you have issue with it then don't. -
Quote:This is sort of the reason I had a hunch about the procs that I needed to disprove.Originally Posted by StrykerX
However, unlike the Fire DoTs HoB does not stop checking for further ticks on a miss, so it won't end early the way other DoTs can.
I don't see it as cosmetic. Honestly, it's not much different from other nukes that have a chance for extra damage. Besides that, it's just a mechanic used to provide a bit of staggering between the tics. Missing one doesn't ruin the rest and rolling bad doesn't mean you get nothing. And frankly, if you think about how a pair of pistols actually works, you shouldn't be able to hit more than 2 targets at any given shots. It makes sense when you think, I can shoot the guy on my left and the guy on my right...but the guy behind me?Quote:What this means is that HoB rolls once to hit each target in range when you fire it off, then from that point on all the spinning around and shooting is just cosmetic.
Irrelevant to me. As I'm not a recharge nazi, it doesn't really matter how fast or slow either recharges, I won't actually use either every time its recharged. Totally not my style to repeat the same tactic for every battle, anyway.Quote:Rain of Arrows does significantly more total damage than HoB, but HoB does more to a given foe a lot of times. Remember that you get to use RoA twice for every use of HoB, so it does more damage over time. It's also possible to get RoA up every spawn with high recharge, but you can't get HoB up every spawn without external buffs (or really tough spawns of course). -
Thanks for the replies!
Still not sure how Full Auto or Rain of Arrows does less damage if we're talking about any ammo and not just incendiary.
Not that I was expecting it, but man, if HoB did a proc check on each tic (hell, even at the expense of the initial ToHit check), that would be a monster of a power. -
[A few minutes after Ian first reunited with his teacher]
Walking back toward civilization by means of the main thoroughfare from Skyway City leading to the heart of the island sector, Ian strode in silence with the man he had trained under for so many years. A sense of awe gripped the young swordsmans chest that only hed understand. And who else really could? This master swordsman, this hero of the east, looked like any ordinary man. Sure, he was tall, his muscles rippled through his torso and his eyes were as sharp and fierce as the finest blade but dressed in his black dress shirt with grey pin-stripes, his short brown leather overcoat that looked like it could weight 100lb and some plain stone grey slacks and dress shoes, it looked like he was some sort of business man or something not the unrivaled Sage Swordsman of the five Nihonto.
Finally breaking the silence, Ryjuta spoke up, turning his deep brown eyes that pierced right through Ians soul yet seemed to warmly embrace him as well. Why were you out all alone, by the way? Didnt Hyun-ki or Lei tell you I was here?
Ians face burned pink for a moment before responding, Sorry, I wanted to get in a bit of meditation before you showed up.
The master swordsman chuckled. Is that what you were doing
As the pair trekked on toward the tram or somewhere they could flag down a cab, Ian looked over the side of the bridge as his thoughts flooded his mind. His emerald gaze traced the towering statue of Talos in the distance, and he would have sworn if he focused his gaze further, he could see the outline of a huge colorful tent further off.
Out of the blue, Ian blurted out, Sensei, I want to challenge you.
Hmm? the dark haired swordmaster answered nonchalantly.
Ryjuta-sensei, I greatly appreciate the guidance you gave me in my most darkest hour. When my path began to stray from the sword, you told me to embrace it rather than flee from it Looking upon his mentor, Ian wasnt expecting tears but as they began to form on the edges of his eyes, Ian quickly turned away, aiming his eyes back to the open waters over the bridge. thank you. You gave me the will to hold my head up so I want you to know Ive taken all your teaching to heart and Ill forever keep them. Finally able to suppress his emotions and his tears, Ian moved forward and stepped in his teachers path with his chest pushed out with confidence. So you know I speak the truth, I want to show that I have surpassed you. Please, master. A duel?
Humbling himself, Ian bowed deeply before his sensei who simply smiled warmly and dug his hands in the pockets of his coat. Heh, no need to get all poetic on me again you wont become a cool fighter like me with that attitude. Ian straightened but frowned slightly.
Sure, sure, Ryjuta assured with a pat on the young swordsmans shoulder as he pressed them on along the bridge. But Im kind of in a bind again. My swords got stolen so the only one left right now for a duel is the one I lent you.
Ian blinked at the story but seemed unphased by the prospect of his swords being abducted. For a short instant, his thoughts went back to the time Ryjuta offered the nodachi to him. Thinking back on it again only assured the ridiculousness of the offer as the idea of killing himself with a huge blade like that is difficult to imagine. That he didnt offer the shorter wakizashi must have meant he didnt think Ian would have went through with it anyway.
Its back at school! I shall retrieve it for you, master!
Ryjuta returned Ians enthusiasm by gripping the teens shoulders with an arm and giving him a light squeeze. Alright then. You get my sword and Ill wait for you out there again, the swordmaster smirked and directed a glance out at the rocky area across the bay they had recently left.
Yes, Ryjuta-sensei! Right away! In his usual extreme speed sprint, Ian started taking off toward the tram station but a hand gripped him by the shoulder. To anyone else, it might have felt like an overly harsh, aggressive grip. But to Ian, it felt like the touch of a man who was ready to face down another man, no holding back.
Ian before you go.
Yes? he blinked his green eyes in wonder.
Im glad you choose the better path. Id hate to know the pain your mother would have went through without you. The fierceness of the swordmaster melted, beaming an empathetic warmth through Ian right down to his soul. That warmth and those words and the thought that he finally achieved his masters expectations even if only a little it made Ian feel more at peace than hed felt in a long time. He couldnt help but light up with an enthused grin. Without another word, Ian sprinted off to the tram for a quick stop to Lakeview. The hop in his step made him feel like he could walk on air and smack his mentor in the face or that he could float on his confidence and sting like a velaciraptor-bee hybrid. With nothing weighing his spirit down, Ian set his sight on Ryjutas defeat. -
Just curious about this power as I'm working on a build for my DP/Fire blaster (finally getting to work leveling it).
Firstly, if I'm reading the power quantification from redtomax right, this power has 1.4 scale accuracy and does 12 tics of damage each at 60% chance to occur? So, if I'm translating that right, the power has a high chance to target a foe but each of the 12 tics of damage will still need to roll for ToHit? And if the power misses its initial check, all tics will miss?
-Is there any way to improve the chance of the tics?
-Do I need to bother slotting for accuracy if it already has a decent to good base accuracy (I can probably scrounge up 20-30 accuracy from bonuses anyway)?
As for slotting, the first thought in my head was "If each tic has to make a roll, what happens if I put procs in it?"
-Does a slotted proc check per tic since each tic itself must make a check? Or only on the initial activation?
-Any advice for slotting? Procs? No procs? I'm not a recharge nazi, I usually just slot for effect most of all but I am a bit of a proc-star. -
If the Stalker is lvl 34 then put the builder in level-up mode to make it easier to place the right slots. Your attacks are under leveled. Try this:
Villain Plan by Mids' Villain Designer 1.81
http://www.cohplanner.com/
Click this DataLink to open the build!
Level 34 Magic Stalker
Primary Power Set: Dual Blades
Secondary Power Set: Super Reflexes
Power Pool: Leadership
Villain Profile:
Level 1: Power Slice -- Empty(A), Empty(3), Empty(5), Empty(9), Empty(31)
Level 1: Hide -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Ablating Strike -- Empty(A), Empty(3), Empty(5), Empty(9), Empty(23)
Level 4: Focused Fighting -- Empty(A), Empty(13), Empty(15), Empty(34)
Level 6: Assassin's Blades -- Empty(A), Empty(7), Empty(7), Empty(13), Empty(23)
Level 8: Build Up -- Empty(A)
Level 10: Nimble Slash -- Empty(A), Empty(11), Empty(11), Empty(31)
Level 12: Placate -- Empty(A)
Level 14: Focused Senses -- Empty(A), Empty(15), Empty(17), Empty(34)
Level 16: Practiced Brawler -- Empty(A), Empty(17)
Level 18: Vengeful Slice -- Empty(A), Empty(19), Empty(19), Empty(21), Empty(21)
Level 20: Agile -- Empty(A), Empty(29)
Level 22: Dodge -- Empty(A), Empty(25)
Level 24: Maneuvers -- Empty(A), Empty(25), Empty(34)
Level 26: Sweeping Strike -- Empty(A), Empty(27), Empty(27), Empty(29), Empty(31)
Level 28: Assault -- Empty(A)
Level 30: Quickness -- Empty(A)
Level 32: One Thousand Cuts -- Empty(A), Empty(33), Empty(33), Empty(33)
Level 35: [Empty]
Level 38: [Empty]
Level 41: [Empty]
Level 44: [Empty]
Level 47: [Empty]
Level 49: [Empty]
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Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Assassination
Level 4: Ninja Run
And with enhancements:
Villain Plan by Mids' Villain Designer 1.81
http://www.cohplanner.com/
Click this DataLink to open the build!
Level 25 Magic Stalker
Primary Power Set: Dual Blades
Secondary Power Set: Super Reflexes
Power Pool: Leadership
Villain Profile:
Level 1: Power Slice -- Acc(A), Dmg(3), Dmg(5), Dmg(9), EndRdx(31)
Level 1: Hide -- DefBuff(A)
Level 2: Ablating Strike -- Acc(A), Dmg(3), Dmg(5), Dmg(9), EndRdx(23)
Level 4: Focused Fighting -- DefBuff(A), DefBuff(13), DefBuff(15), EndRdx(34)
Level 6: Assassin's Blades -- Acc(A), Dmg(7), Dmg(7), Dmg(13), EndRdx(23)
Level 8: Build Up -- RechRdx(A)
Level 10: Nimble Slash -- Acc(A), Dmg(11), Dmg(11), Dmg(31)
Level 12: Placate -- RechRdx(A)
Level 14: Focused Senses -- DefBuff(A), DefBuff(15), DefBuff(17), EndRdx(34)
Level 16: Practiced Brawler -- RechRdx(A), RechRdx(17)
Level 18: Vengeful Slice -- Acc(A), Dmg(19), Dmg(19), Dmg(21), EndRdx(21)
Level 20: Agile -- DefBuff(A), DefBuff(29)
Level 22: Dodge -- DefBuff(A), DefBuff(25)
Level 24: Maneuvers -- EndRdx(A), EndRdx(34)
Level 26: Sweeping Strike -- Acc(A), Dmg(27), Dmg(27), Dmg(29), EndRdx(31)
Level 28: Assault -- EndRdx(A)
Level 30: Quickness -- Run(A)
Level 32: One Thousand Cuts -- Acc(A), Dmg(33), Dmg(33), EndRdx(33)
Level 35: [Empty]
Level 38: [Empty]
Level 41: [Empty]
Level 44: [Empty]
Level 47: [Empty]
Level 49: [Empty]
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Assassination
Level 4: Ninja Run
Code:Firstly, your goal should be getting and slotting your attacks. Secondary, picking up your armors then slotting them after your attacks are proficient. All the while, balance endurance use and slot reduction where needed most likely before slotting for recharge.| Copy & Paste this data into Mids' Hero Designer to view the build | |-------------------------------------------------------------------| |MxDz;1161;501;1002;HEX;| |78DA9D52DB6ED340145CB30EC68D53C709A14D93A6F0C88B9FB93C204140AAD4488| |50881B8D4B8E9B6B1B0DC287651CB13F78BC42FF023F071E61CEF24C8460289953C| |B33B7B66F6D8DED1E9D011E2CD2D6134EEC4619A06E32C8C5FAA796D141E4513610| |921BA9082918A95F28727611CDC8EC303950E163B4375A89254F9E39319AD1EA8C3| |589DAAD4DB4EA66AAE92CC5F4CDCDDE3E3D8DF51649EA7D368E614EB7B5196A834A| |DEB451C1D4D33AF986F27AFA234DA8FE2283B6BDD9D45139FCE7DAD825198666A7E| |B64ECD5DA5E79D2D3072B320538A7352B309BE001E589A9FB3C7283CB4D6DA7B1B1| |2E518FFC8B9849C3DF2489D2325721CF02AF80A6A3F506D0DF935E49F9765762AF9| |1FC963698FB03CADBD254DBF722E6DE4ACC8320FC09FA8A00E7F1DFE80B4067A6E5| |47A6D567A0EA9D6D57EC385BF09FE4C7B1EDEC7431F2D59E68B0B46DE0BF2B4F5D9| |461B67F5C1FBB4D7C15E07DA3AD823FF1AFA58B3CA3D7E215F177D74D1C7862C73B| |FF2FF5BC43D7C971EB409E56CE24E6CB6B5F695B42D7CEB2D645F9615863FFFEBE8| |9BCB5B2A8A52B1F387B26B2E6FA0300AA5F7BB26B79B74D730FFCFF1C359C4D9F75| |708C70C0F191E313C6678C2F094E119C31E43C090FF5CBADD6BDCD775861B0C3719| |3AD49FF8C695165FB93A83C3D060586570199A0C6D860D86EF0CF92F9F72D6A0| |-------------------------------------------------------------------|
I forgot to in the first build, but in the 2nd, I left out a slot to put in either health or stamina. But putting too many slots in either so early isn't advised. -
[Sometime Early in the Holiday Break]
Dressed in his full training attire; his grey gi along with the loose matching cloth pants that shown its use by the frayed and worn edges, his brown hair tied up with the gifted blue headband hed had for years to keep any stray strands from his eyes and his blood-red wood bokken that was carved for him when he was practically a toddler. The training ground, a section set off on the west side of the Talos Island sector where the Devouring Earth were spread out and kept to themselves. Founders Falls or Eden was also a nice place to get in some meditation and listen to the song of nature and the voice of the elements, but it was just not possible as the Devouring Earth creatures were far more aggravated by his presence there. It was just too dangerous.
Ian sat out of the snow on a rock near a pool bank, his legs folded and posture natural. A nearby rock formation let leak a slow trickle of melting snow into the frigid puddle as his consciousness focused on the dripping of the pool before him, the sun shining in the cloudless sky and the motionless air that waited excitedly to amplify the bitter cold of the winters day.
Quote:The young swordsman tried to meditate but the many echoing memories in his thoughts kept distracting him. While he listened for nature to say something interesting he pondered how long he could avoid Ryjuta so he could catch up on his meditation, how much his master would be impressed by his progress since their last meeting, if Lei and Hyun-ki would be around for the holidays, about Keity, if Aurora had tried calling him yet, what would James be doing for Christmas, if Jon would ever show up again pretty much anything and everything but meditation.So you started training here? Lei questioned, That's weird. Nothing like you, shrimp, she laughed toward Ian who the shrimp comment was directed to. In fact, Inou-sensei is here today. Maybe he try and train you here.
Ian did a double take. What!? Ryjuta-sensei is here!? In Paragon city!?!?
Yeah. How else you think we get here, Lei responded.
If James didnt know anything about Christmas, then Ill have to get him something. But I wonder what hes a musician but I cant think of anything hed want. Slowly, the dripping of the waterfall picked up from a slow trickle to a steady stream that sent a fine mist into the air.
Its the holidays maybe Aurorall bring her dad to the school so I can meet him. I think I might still have a photo after his championship fight an autograph wouldnt be too grating The air currents picked up ever so slightly, brushing against his ears and back that would have sent a chill through him had he not kept his focus off the cold.
I wonder what Keitys doing I wonder if shes thinking about me. Gah! I havent thought of anything to get her for Christmas either! From the outside, the young swordsmans meditation seemed quite productive and even to Ian it seemed to. But it wasnt until the faint scent of smoke danced on the air just under his nose did he finally open his eyes with a sniff.
.? Now no longer in any sort of meditative state, Ians eyes searched out the smell carried to him by the air.
Several dozen yards behind him, a man stood with his back leaned against a dormant Bladegrass which was indistinguishable from a tree to those ignorant of the Devouring Earth. Despite having a man leaning on it, the Bladegrass seemed amiable to his presence. Meanwhile, the man seemed to be lost in thought with eyes closed, silently enjoying the flavor of the cigarette in his mouth.
Master Ryjuta! Ian gasped and shot to his feet.
Finally noticed, the man stopped leaning on the non-tree and started walking toward Ian, first letting the spent cigarette in his mouth fall in the grass and putting it out under his heel. Hows it going, idiot student of mine? the middle aged swordmaster smiled in response. -
((Happy holidays, everyone!
For those not in the know, this is a spin-off from the Superhero 102 thread.
Just like the other SH102 thread took place 2 days before the holiday break, this is the holiday special thread that covers Golden Eagle High school’s holiday break, most likely spanning around 2ish weeks between 1st and 2nd semester of the year. This isn’t replacing the other thread, simply covering the time skip the other thread went through. The rules of this thread are the same but the set up is slightly different:
-All RP rules are the same, no god-mode’ing, stay in character, good grammar/punctuation, all that jazz…
-*There is no definite time line here. That is, there could be a plot-line going on between Ian and Tonbogiri taking place several days into the break, and then I make a post chronicling Ian’s training that takes place a week into the break…in the same post. Because of this set up, a full write up from the point of waking up in the morning to the point you go to sleep at night will *NOT* happen here. Any point in time during the break is fair game to write at any point in the thread. However, I just ask you to make some type of separation to make it easier for the reader. A title card with a date, a simple break using symbols…something.
-**Character interaction is optional. This is about writing what your character is doing over their break time. If your character went on a trip, you can write what they did. If they spent it with another character, you can have the 2 characters interact like a regular RP or just say they did. Just work it out with the other players.
-***Continuity Limits. This is a tough one. Since SH102 and SH102HS! will be going on simultaneously, one must think through things a tad as to keep the continuity between the threads. Just don’t make any huge leaps in plot differences and we should be fine. And what happens in this thread does carry over to the other so be careful there too.
-****Have fun! RP interactions don’t need a grandiose revelation or direction! It could simply be a gift exchange and character reactions or a party scene. Go wild with character development!
Just be aware, this starts on a Monday in mid December and probably ends on a Wednesday early January (in-thread time). If something needs a date, you can ask me for help or anyone willing to shore up that information.
Thanks! And have fun everyone!)) -
You know, I generally try to leave AS's sets out of the build particularly so if I read about a super great slotting strategy for it, I can aim for that ^^
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Lethal and smashing damage as choices.
Single target or cone to be options.
Whatever animations we get with them, they be usable with weapons.
If I can't simulate my character as being one of the most skilled/powerful swordsman in the game using the Judgement slot, then the option of integrating some other buff in it so I'm not losing out. -
Quote:If that's true, then I suppose Stalker Spines is better than Scrapper Spines just like Stalker Elec Melee is better than the Scrapper version ^_^Originally Posted by Madam_Enigma
When I made a spines/dark armor scrapper I had more aoe then single target attacks. I could destroy minions and Lt with ease. Well, minions anyway. Lt gave some trouble at times. And bosses were a HUGE pain.
Although Spines for Stalkers will lack the constant DoT aura for higher DPS, it has burst AoE in Placate > Throw Spines which makes up for it as well as heightened ST damage to round out the set.
That said, I can't say I've ever been on a team so AoE focused that they couldn't defeat a specific AV or TF. The difference is, IMO, speed. ST attacks recharge faster on average and animate quicker (and there are more of them) while it's the opposite for AoEs. If you were suspended from using ST and only had to rely on AoE, yeah you might not be able to defeat some hard targets. But there aren't any sets without ST. The ST oriented sets would just have a speedier/safer go at said targets while the reverse is, AoEs are speedier/safer in crowds.
I suppose an equally important question is what's more dangerous, Bosses/Big-bads? Or crowds?
This.Quote:Originally Posted by Rikis
Because my characters' concepts calls for a Martial Arts Stalker, or a Necromancy Mastermind, or an Energy Assault Dominator, or a Sonic Blast Corruptor, etc. Some people don't crunch numbers, some people don't care about efficiency, some just want to bring the characters that they imagine to life.
I tend to think of the look and feel of a character then try to simulate that. AoE or ST doesn't often come into the equation...now I do think of melee vs range when thinking of these concepts...it's why I haven't created my 'martial arts pressure-point debuff' character because really, only a defender of some sort with a slew of melee/martial arts attacks would work.
If they end up making an AT or set that fits that theme, it doesn't really matter if it's ST or AoE
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Quote:Lol when I walked in and read the OP, this is what I thought (YAY I'm not the person that walked in thinking it was serious!)Originally Posted by Electric-Knight
Well, I was under the impression that this was a humorous thread and not an entirely serious (if at all) suggestion.
Humor... Ar Ar!
I could be wrong though!
In which case, I say... Let's BAN seebs for such a terrible idear!
To say we *need* anything besides a Polearm/Scythe powerset is, by it's very nature, humorous
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Quote:Not in my experience. Since you have to use BU before AS to get the sweep combo, there's a good chance the target will be dead so no demoralize. If not, then you've got 2 choices > 1. get damage from sweep which is actually pretty decent damage but if the foes are not huddled within 10ft at the start, it won't reach them (but do use it on a team) or 2. switch on the fly to the Empowering combo for extra 20sec of damage buff and eek in an Attack Vitals combo before BU wears off.Originally Posted by Zem
That's on my To-Do list as well. It's just a shame about the way they've done the combos. Now with Demoralize helping to cut down on retaliation after the Assassin Strike, sweep seems almost wasted when it could have been tied to attacks that you can chain *during* a fight. And when I do get around to DB, I won't have Sweep by level 8 anyway since Build Up is a colossal waste of a power slot at level 8, it being up only once every minute and a half and no way at that level to cut it down by much.
I mean the set has six other attacks besides Build Up, AS, and Placate. Did they really need to have TWO of the four combos begin with the same BU+AS? It's sheer idiocy. A random number generator might have come up with better combos.
The set up, while not optimized for DPS and maximum staying power, does actually work well for Stalker and their burst damage tendencies. Yeah, it sux that those combos can't be used whenever you want but I feel it's kind of balanced by the better regular chains you can set up for burst damage.
I'd sooner wish we just had different type of combos. Weaken probably would have been better replaced by some kind of misdirection/controlling combo or an entirely different debuff than -def and -ToHit although it does stack with Blinding Powder which is good since caltrops tends to work against your cones... -
Maybe so he can turn it off when he wants to see his costume? I have Hide mapped to an accessible key too but then, the way I play the game, I use both hands on my keyboard for everything. But then I cut it on/off often when I'm at the market, kidnapping hostages or after a Soul Transfer so I kinda need to.
Quote:Originally Posted by Gaming_Glen
/unsigned
You want to see your character, turn off whatever Stealth power you have on. I like oogling my female characters but not when I'm fighting, then I barely notice them. Outside of the mission or at the market I'll turn Stealth off. Easy to do and doesn't require developer time.The same could be said for Cloak of Darkness but it was changed.Quote:Originally Posted by Rabid_Metroid
I'll say /unsigned.
It's a nice idea, and I might use it, but for the effort it would take there's better things for them to work on.
Plus, when I team with Stalkers, it's kind of nice to know if they're in Hide or not.
It's a QoL change. None of them are ever needed but people want them for good reason and they happen sometimes too. -
Quote:Or perhaps a 'Presence' type of theme where enemies are affected aversely to you simply being around. Mind Control is kind of more direct (I'm controlling *YOU!*) but I could imagine a Presence control theme to work like toggles.Originally Posted by Dispari
New natural powerset for Doms and Controllers. Forum Control:
For a bare-hand control set, some type of martial arts/pressure point/dim mak type close-ranged controls, perhaps balanced by their close proximity by blending in soft control or just good damage in with their hard controls... -
When looking to the extremes, they really end up being the same.
If you're AoE focused with anemic ST, you're left with the hardest foes with the most difficult and potent powers to deal with...so you need a means to mitigate those stronger effects.
If you're ST focused with anemic AoE, you've got a big crowd swinging at your head that you'll have to deal with one by one...so you need the staying power and survivability to make it to the last guy.
Your best bet is to mix and maximize your strength with tactics. My DM/WP Stalker will just line up Shadow Maul when the foes are huddled together to help his AoE so can manage multiple foe spawns but he's way better at fighting hard targets. And my Spines/DA stalker can wipe out large spawns and ambushes really fast (and mitigate them while he does it) but going up against Bosses and EBs is *always* a chore so leans on Placate and AS heavily, sometimes even using his snipe to eliminate the rest of the spawn separately before he does.
But even on the extreme, you can simply lean on other measures to shore up your weaknesses. My Elec/Elec brute is painfully slow taking down bosses and EBs but at least they'll be drained as he's tenderizing their face. My Eng/Eng Stalker has had capped defense to everything except N.Eng/psi since like lvl 28 so it doesn't even matter there are minions swinging at him and he'll leave foes stunned while he softens them up.
But one prime advantage I find with Single Target attacks comes with the mind-set. If you're playing your AoE character and the mobs run or scatter or get KB, more likely than not you'll get all prissy and annoyed in the back of your head (some more than others). ST doesn't care where the foe is or if he's huddled with his buddies, they simply go down. No factors like movement, terrain, proximity or teammates can get in the way of that.