MrTPF

I can't get this to work on my blaster (using Sniper Rifle and Burp) so perhaps that particular power is incompatible with this mechanism. I did get it to work in concept, with Sprint and Burp. I guess I'll have to try it on Test and see the result with Medicine powers.

I dont really mind if the green shows, since the character is based on a magical concept, so I'm hoping I can pull off your trick.

Either way, it's an ingenius mechanism so thanks for sharing! I've got some binds that work in a similar way but they're actually for movement tricks. Never thought of using down in this way. Very clever

Right, time to go write some binds for NUMPAD, with each button selecting a specific team member and NUMPAD0 applying both bubbles.

I owe you one.

EDIT: Now that I think of it, I can work this like my Empathy binds and include a teamselect in the same key, so selecting a team member and applying two bubbles can be done in one action. Gonna go try it.

Shouldn't the second bind be -down to signify release?

Woah, I was under the impression that wasn't possible - something which was recently "confirmed" here. Care to share that bind, Unthing? Otherwise, I might be able to test with my blaster if it works on interruptibles like Snipe.

Hey guys, thanks for your replies. Sneaking in a "quick" response during lunch break.


[ QUOTE ]
I also consider Medicine from the pools. With every member in shields you will be the only fragile one in the groups. You can use Aid Self in the PFF.

[/ QUOTE ]
This is an interesting point. I often think about how I'm the only one without Shields around me (with the exception of Dispersion Bubble) and yet I don't too often take too much damage. Perhaps it's just down to the good team. I can appreciate the use of Aid Self inside a PFF, and I've considered it numerous times, but that silly animation always makes me decide against. This char is purely a concept hero, to the point of semi/pseudo RP, and that prevents my choice of Medicine.


[ QUOTE ]
Shockwave is a good power but if you use it wrong it can be pain for melee heroes in your team.

[/ QUOTE ]
Agreed, though I don't usually let that stop me from taking a power. What I mean is, I would take the power and learn to use it well, rather than completely skip it based on how it is generally perceived (often but those who don't understand the benefits). So many people hate knockback powers. I tend to love them when used well (note I said "well" and not "properly"). Oh, and a member of my regular team with this char is a /Storm and uses Gale so Shockwave wouldn't be so bad. Point taken on Force Bolt, I'm taking that purely for the KB.


[ QUOTE ]
Also you can tank with PFF but it requires heavy slotting 2 defbuff and 3 recharges.

[/ QUOTE ]
This is something I've tried a few times. In fact, only last night I tried to tank the Behemoth mobs spawning in a CoT map while my team (of squishies) took down the portal. I haven't found it too effective. The defense holds up (even unenhanced), but I find that I can't hold aggro for very long at all and therefore don't make much of a tank. I've considered taking Provoke from Presence pool just for this, but in the end decided against. I forgot to say this char is played as part of a regular team of concept chars: myself, a controller and a tank (and a PB that doesn't fit into our collective concept, but is a good friend). So on most occassions the tank will handle the aggro for us.


[ QUOTE ]
I don't think you need any other power from the FF set tho.

[/ QUOTE ]
Tbh, I didn't want to be just another 'Bubbler' that takes the 3 bubbles from the primary and that's it. I wanted to make more use of the set, and I was very tempted by Repulsion Bomb (inspite of general concensus on it being cack). I'm very much looking forward to Detention Field and Force Bubble.


[ QUOTE ]
The main reason is that I'd think you'd want Maneuvers to be up and running at full strength ASAP. As a bubbler it adds more to your team than the to hit buff from Tactics. The 12.5% to hit buff from tactics is pretty good by itself too.

[/ QUOTE ]
Hmm, I see what you're saying. I tried to slot EndRdx on my attacks before the toggles since the cost seemed higher in the former cases. I think you're right though (as you mentioned further down), by lvl25 I should have a pretty decent feel on how Stamina is performing for me, and where slots are needed to help it. I'll try another build with slightly different slotting to see how it matches up.


[ QUOTE ]
The flight speed increase to swift is very very small. I wouldn't bother putting extra slots in it unless you have some particular IO plans. Swift is only really much use for boosting run speed.

[/ QUOTE ]
Hm, really? That's a shame. On the bright side, I'd have more spare slots earlier. Hm, I've just done some fiddling with the designer again. I'm not too sure about these stats so please correct me if I'm mistaken.

Base Fly speed: 136.5%
3 SO Fly speed: 266.1%
3 SO Swift adds: 26.1%
Base SS speed: 350%

So to answer my own question, I won't be hitting any speed caps. And you've answered my other question, it isn't worth the slots in Swift. Shame, I was looking forward to more speed. I think I'm gonna see how it goes. If it turns out I have free slots, eg from not needing more EndRdx, then I might just throw them in Swift anyway. Even if it is a marginally smaller increase, it's still faster

Btw, as a general question here, these stats would apply to my char at any lvl, as long as I had even lvl SOs slotted, right?


[ QUOTE ]
I've not got Howl on my defender, I have it on a Corruptor though. It is a good power, but I think if you get it you should 6 slot it. If you are using it as a debuff I think you need to slot 3 recharges for perma -res. I got Siren's Song on my defender. It is fun and very useful solo, although it is pretty situational.

[/ QUOTE ]
I might 5-slot Howl now I've got free slots coming from elsewhere: 1 Acc, 3 Rechg, 1 EndRdx, though I originally thought the base recharge was quite fast. I'm loving the -Res this set gives. As for Siren's Song, I generally think sleep-based powers are really cool and really fun, but also generally find them wasteful on AoE heavy teams (note the crazy PB we team with). I might try that on test just to see the fx (or perhaps you can provide a demo?), but I prolly will skip it and leave the controlling to our controller. I don't plan to solo much.

Thanks to both, really appreciate your views. Now all I need are some recipes for Wings, either Burning or Bone, and my concept will be complete Shame there is no way I can afford them in this ever inflating auction system.

Donations very welcome!!!

PS - now you know what I ment by "quick"

Hey all. This is my first real Defender, and I have enjoyed him immensely so far. He is currently lvl14 but I like planning ahead and so below is my intended build for your collective perusal and critique.

[u]A few points to begin with:[u]

1. I know /Sonic may not be the most efficient secondary for FF/ in terms of synergy (eg, /Dark Blast with -Acc would have worked nicely) but this is a concept character and thus the main powersets were important, as was choice of travel power.

2. This is a primarily PvE character.

3. I'm not fully up to scratch on IOs and Bonus Sets etc, so this build does not take those into consideration. Please bear this in mind in any feedback. Of course, any invention afficionados should feel free to suggest any interesting possibilities

4. I planned the lvls for enhancement slots into this build as you see them, so please comment on timings if you think something needs mentioning, eg endurance slotting at certain lvls.

5. Midnight's Hero Designer is great! You should try it!

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.151
------------
Level 1: Personal Force Field -- RechRdx(A)
Level 1: Shriek -- Acc(A), Dmg(5), Dmg(5), Dmg(11), EndRdx(15), RechRdx(33)
Level 2: Deflection Shield -- DefBuff(A), DefBuff(3), DefBuff(3)
Level 4: Scream -- Acc(A), Dmg(9), Dmg(9), Dmg(11), EndRdx(15), RechRdx(33)
Level 6: Insulation Shield -- DefBuff(A), DefBuff(7), DefBuff(7)
Level 8: Air Superiority -- Acc(A)
Level 10: Swift -- Flight(A), Flight(29), Flight(29)
Level 12: Dispersion Bubble -- DefBuff(A), DefBuff(13), DefBuff(13), EndRdx(37)
Level 14: Fly -- Flight(A), Flight(27), Flight(27)
Level 16: Shout -- Acc(A), Dmg(17), Dmg(17), Dmg(19), RechRdx(19), RechRdx(31)
Level 18: Hurdle -- Jump(A)
Level 20: Stamina -- EndMod(A), EndMod(21), EndMod(21)
Level 22: Maneuvers -- DefBuff(A), DefBuff(23), DefBuff(23), EndRdx(36)
Level 24: Tactics -- ToHit(A), ToHit(25), ToHit(25), EndRdx(36)
Level 26: Detention Field -- Acc(A), EndRdx(36), RechRdx(37)
Level 28: Howl -- Acc(A), EndRdx(33), RechRdx(34)
Level 30: Force Bolt -- Acc(A), RechRdx(31), RechRdx(31), EndRdx(34)
Level 32: Force Bubble -- EndRdx(A), EndRdx(34), EndRdx(37)
Level 35: Assault -- EndRdx(A)
Level 38: Dreadful Wail -- Acc(A), Dmg(39), Dmg(39), Dmg(39), RechRdx(40), RechRdx(40)
------------

[u]Some key points I'm wondering about:[u]

1. I'm not sure what the speed cap is for Fly. Will 3 SOs in Fly approach/exceed the cap? Is slotting both Swift and Fly for Fly Speed worthwhile or a waste? I've always gone the SJ or SS route on almost all my chars, with TP once, but never taken Fly. I think it has the most fun-factor of all travel powers, but the speed does get to me. Since I have the slots to spend, I hope 6-slotting in this way will not be restricted by ED.

2. Any comments would be appreciated on the timing and slotting of Endurance Reduction, in particular to the fact I've slotted the toggles quite late in the build. This is mainly because I had the slots to spare. From experience, do people think I should have been doing this sooner?

3. I 3-slotted Maneuvers to stack with my Shields and help hit the Defense cap of ~45%. According to the hero designer, this gives 5.46% + 23.4% + 15.6% = 44.46% for even lvl SOs. I'm unclear though whether these are lvl50 figures. Could somebody please clarify for me?

4. I wasn't sure on Tactics slotting. 3 SOs seems to give 19.5% ToHit, which approaches the base buff given by Fortitude. Back when I was researching Fortitude slotting for my /Empathy Controller I remember discovering that the base buff would hit the accuracy cap for attacks with at least 1 Accuracy enhancement slotted. In which case 3-slotting Tactics is sort of perma accuracy cap, if you don't consider enemy debuffs. Is my line of thought here correct?

5. After around lvl30, my enhancement slotting was a little uncertain, so any feedback on this would be greatly apperciated.

6. I originally considered Shockwave from /Sonic, because I've always envied Stormies with Gale. I decided to take Howl from /Sonic instead, mainly for the Cone -Res debuff. I think it'll work well on mobs locked in around the tank, as well as stack with my other -Res attacks. Any comments on this choice, or possible alternatives would be appreciated.

7. My lvl35 choice of Assault was mainly because I didn't like the look of any other powers in my primary or secondary sets, and it seems to give a good buff for minimal slots. My alternatives were Aid Other (though I really don't like the tricorder) or Hasten. Both of these would require more slotting. I guess I could have taken Shockwave at this point, but a team buff felt like a better option. Any comments on this choice would be appreciated.

Hmm, ok I think that's it. I thank you for your patience, I know that was a long post - but I promise I put a lot of thought into it before hand

So what's the update on this TF? Do we have a team? Is it happening?

Ack, just realised this was for next weekend. I'd just read the Sister Psyche thread and thought this was on the same day for some reason. I'd still like to join you, though I may not be able to make the 12th (plans are uncomfirmed atm), so put me down as reserve either way please.

Sorry for the confusion.

Oooh another Nine Claws -sponsored TF

Wouldn't mind trying this one with my tank, lvl.27 - Block Of ice/ice. Problem is, I don't 100% know my way around all those tunnels and chambers housing the vats, so I'll not likely be able to steam the whole way through like I knew where I was going. I know some players get frustrated when the tank is a slowish pathfinder, so feel free to put me down as reserve. Worse case, I'll exemp as Mr TPF.

[ QUOTE ]
we need:
-One troller/blaster/scrapper
-A Healer
-And a tanker


[/ QUOTE ]

Does that mean that other Defenders aren't needed?

I'd like to help on the TF. I can bring along,

lvl 27 tank
lvl 20 scrapper
lvl 22 blaster

The choice is yours

Oh, and if we don't manage to recruit a controller, I suppose I could exemp with mine though I'd prefer one of the chars above.

edit - changed the title to correct day

So favourable slotting on Regeneration Aura is the usual 3 recharge/3 heal, right?

Also got me wondering about my current slotting for Recovery Aura, as I just came across a post by Archy I think,

[ QUOTE ]
Recovery Aura doesn't really need end mods in PvE...they're nice...but not needed.

[/ QUOTE ]

This prompted some further digging in the Defender boards and read quite a few posts (including the debateful Pure Empath thread) and the general consensus seems to be that Recovery Aura is fine with just 3 recharge for PvE. Is this still the current line of thought?

Not sure I can stomach more Venomous farming, but I'd be interested in the rest. When in-game I'm always watching [DefiantBadgers], even whilst on Union, so send out a broadcast and I'll respond.

Understand entirely what each of you are trying to say. I rarely solo with this char, but even though he is built for teams I can't always guarantee I'll be teaming with Kins or other Empaths etc, so I'm going to keep Stamina in the build to cover all bases. Thanks for your input all, I appreciate it the feedback. Contrasting opinions are always best in threads like this because they highlight all perspectives and help the OP to make their own decision based on a lot more rounded information

Well that went well! Good job we blitzed through too, would have taken some time to take down all those mobs otherwise. Very amusing watching the herd-herd-hold-nova-nova repeatedly

Thanks go out to Unjust Law, who helped on the mish in spite of already having the badge *nudge nudge* heheh, and also to Leese for finally helping me get that Safeguard Accolade!

Till next time.... remember, Nine Claws is always right!!

*swwweeeell.... POP!*

Yikes Tommy . Don't suppose you can just leave your char standing in the mish for 5 mins while we clear it? Hopefully Pinkette will get the contact at some point soon so you'll get another shot.

Welcoming Blue Arctic, 50 ice/ice blaster to the badge team.

[ QUOTE ]
I just checked on my lv26 and I have IP available and waiting now. So we can do that after Frontline.

[/ QUOTE ]

That would be excellent Leese, thanks ! Accolade here I come!

After an hour or so of testing in Warburg, I'm keeping Stamina. Even if it isn't 100% essential, just helpful, it will certainly come into play with sapper type foes. Animated Stone is still going. I'll just put in Regeneration Aura earlier.

Thanks for the comeback

My main is lvl 37. He has every Earth Control power except Salt Crystals and every Empathy power up till and including Recovery Aura except Absorb Pain. He has Stamina, Recall Friend and SuperJump.

I don't really play him too often anymore due to alts, but I'd like to refresh his build, make him a little more interesting, and get into him again.

I'm about to use up my freespec before the next one comes around and was wondering about dropping Fitness altogether. At the moment due to funds and other slotting requirements, Stamina only has two slots allocated, with only one enhancement slotted. I don't have any MAJOR endurance issues, but then it's been a while since I've played him intensively and I'm wondering if I can do without it.

If I drop Fitness (as well as Animate Stone), I can take Absorb Pain, Acrobatics, Stone Prison and Regen Aura in the respec. I would add 1 EndRed each to Stone Cages, Healing Aura and Heal Other so on to compensate for loss of Fitness.

Has anyone/Is anyone running an earth/empathy controller without Stamina? What is it like in terms of endurance suffering pre/post Recovery Aura?

Just wanted some general opinions, theoretical but preferably from experience, before I go through with this.

Thanks.

Nice one matey

Mr TPF - 37 - earth/emp troller
Pinkette - 36 - MA/SR scrapper
Unjust Law - 35 - Fire/Axe tanker
Blue Blaze - 50 - Fire/Fire tanker
Blonde Justice - 50 - Invul/SS tanker
Sarcasticon/Tommy Saf - 50 - blaster/scrapper
Alice Travers - 43 - PB
Captain Cure/Glacial Assassin - 35ish - defender/blaster

All present and accounted for

Nice name for your empath btw!

Still do yes, but no pressure. When you get it gimme a shout. I might even have one of my alts in that range soon.

Update:

Mr TPF - 37 - earth/emp troller
Pinkette - 36 - MA/SR scrapper
Unjust Law - 35 - Fire/Axe tanker
Blue Blaze - 50 - Fire/Fire tanker
Blonde Justice - 50 - Invul/SS tanker
Sarcasticon/Tommy Saf - 50 - blaster/scrapper
Alice Travers - 43 - PB

So at this stage it looks like we'll be smashing through at native lvls just for the badge since we don't have enough to SK. Tommy, I guess that means you can bring whichever char you prefer to get the badge. If you lot prefer to exemp for xp/inf I can always recruit somebody else within lvl range at the time.

Just a reminder, currently this will be at 19.00 UK time.

Btw Leese, did you ever get that IP safeguard?

I think the Raptor could be the Skyraider jetpack (fly) and the Zero-G pack is the superjump type power.

Reserved you a slot either way, hehe - see the opening post

Mr TPF - 37 - earth/emp troller
Pinkette - 36 - MA/SR scrapper
Unjust Law - 35 - Fire/Axe tanker
Blue Blaze - 50 - Fire/Fire tanker
Blonde Justice - 50 - Invul/SS tanker
@Cunundrum - 50 - blaster or defender

2 slots free

Oh, and good choice on Defiant

Hey and welcome (back) to the game(s) and to the boards

i) Unfortunately not anymore, see this.

ii) Well, "worth" is perceived differently by different people. I don't believe the prestige alternatives to sprint for preorder or Deluxe editions perform any differently, they just have different aesthetics. Same as the vet reward prestige sprints. If you like the look, if you think it fits a concept, if you like to be a little different to other heroes, then yes. I started off with CoH Deluxe and didn't really like the Prestige Power Slide much, except on one char. I do however like some of the vet reward versions.

Cool, so far:

Mr TPF - 37 - earth/emp troller
Pinkette - 36 - MA/SR scrapper
Unjust Law - 35 - Fire/Axe tanker
Blue Blaze - 50 - Fire/Fire tanker
DaSilva - ? - ?

Of course it is - I've already made a thread about it the other day