Okay, so I haven't played a Brute in a while. I actually have no clue what the basics are these days, I've no clue what kind of Pool powersets are recommended and my forum search-fu is weak. I got some ideas but it seems to me that opinions do seem to be everywhere.
So I'm asking for a general "What are some of the basics of playing a brute today?" Now with I20 out, what do you guys recommend, what do you rather enjoy, etc. Here are a few basic questions I have.
1) Brutes were the tank in CoV (Next to the Mastermind's pets), what about today? What about a Hero Brute? How is Brute tanking?
2) What's the outlook on Kinetics Melee? Good/Bad/Indifferent? I haven't found any recent "Guides" on Kinetics Melee for Brutes. What's a good rotation?
3) For leveling, it sounds like Architech Mission farming is popular, but why and how? I get the impression that very specific missions set on some form of max difficulty are the popular choice. Is this solo? Group?
4) Pool Powers, if I go Fire Aura, is it highly desirable I grab something like "Weave"?
5) What are some recommended methods for slotting? 2 End SO's for each Attack? Do I bother with damage?
6) What are the typical pitfalls for tanking as a Brute in Task Forces?
7) Am I missing anything?
The Brute looks like a lot of fun but I feel like I need to be more aware of what it takes to play a Brute efficently, then it would had I picked something like perhaps my Blaster or Stalker.