Shadow_Poison

No offense, but your build must SUCK.

A Brute is not a Tanker. Actually, they're more like Scrappers. But let's not compare AT's.

Brutes are all about damage. All about damage.

As soon as I saw that you had no damage SO's in your attacks, I just stopped. Seriously.

OMG, I just noticed something thanks to Center Energy, my friend. In my build, I have Resilience, NOT CONSERVE POWER.

Very sorry about that.

Ah, thanks a bunch. Heh, Hero Planner has got some numbers off then I guess, heh.

About the AoE's, I read a topic about AoE limits, thought I saw 16, guess not.

Thanks alot.

Poison Massacre (continued)

Here are some tactics that you can use while playing your Spines/Regen.

Attack Chain

Here is my end game attack chain on a single target.

Impale-->Ripper-->Lunge-->Impale-->Lunge-->Ripper (Repeat)

A pretty solid attack chain, that should be great. BTW, that is WITH HASTEN and TWO RECHARGE SO'S IN IMPALE AND RIPPER.

Here is my herding/large mob attack chain.

Throw Spines-->Spine Burst--> Ripper-->Throw Spines-->Impale (Repeat)

Great effectiveness on large groups.

Best Partners

The best partners for a Spines/Regen are the following...

Kinetics: They use Fulcrum Shift, you have Speed Boost, and maybe Increase Density. Makes you a killing machine. Absolute killing machine.

Empathy: This kind of goes without saying, but as a tag team, an Empathy and a Spines/Regen are great. With Fortitude, the RAs, Clear Mind, and the Heals, Empathies make Spines/Regen even more effect as a killing machine.

Fire Blaster: Fire Blasters are THE AoE Blasters and you are THE AoE Scrapper. Hm...what does that mean? AoE carnage. Watch the mobs drop as you spam Throw Spines and Spine Burst, and the blaster spams Fire Ball and Fire Breath.

PVP

Spines/Regen is notoriously known in PvP Zones especially. Let me give you a few tips for PvPing.

1. Use Impale. Impale has -Fly. So what does that mean? Anyone who has Fly as their travel power is screwed. Hitting them while they're in the air is especially fun.

2. Don't spam your AoEs. In PvE, Throw Spines and Spine Burst are king, but here in PvP, they need to stay in the sandbox. They don't do near enough damage to one target which is mostly what PvP is all about, and use too much end. These will lower your DPS, especially Spine Burst.

3. Don't be afraid to use Quills. One thing people think is that Quills is just for herding in PvE or for some more AoE damage. Not true. Remember how Spines has -Recharge and Slows? Well, imagine your target getting hit with some damage and that every second. It might not be much, but it will annoy them and it will hurt them. Mind games are a big part of PvP, and Quills is the Quizzler.

Hope these tips have helped you, thanks for reading!

Look me up on Triumph @I Hate Clockwork if you have questions or send me a PM here on the forums.

Poison Massacre: A Spines/Regen Guide for i7

Enjoy!

Poison Massacre

Hey there, Shadow_Poison here to give you a few pointers on Spines/Regen.

As you may have noticed, Spines/Regen is a VERY popular build, or, if you will, FOTM.

But it is so awesome, that I think everyone should have one.

Let me show you where Spines/Regen really shines, and where it is maybe outclassed by other sets.

Pros

1. Absolute AoE carnage. Kill groups of +2 mobs in around 5 seconds.
2. It is very hard to die. This is just like every Regen, except you can keep the AoE carnage going.
3. Ranged attacks. You have a blaster range attack and a small ranged AoE cone. These come in handy.
4. Poison. The Poison from Spines -Slows and -Recharges. And it adds up!

Cons

1. Single target fighting. When fighting a target with large HP one on one (not talking about PvP, BTW), it will take you a rather long time compared to MA or BS.
2. End heavy. But, this is pretty much canceled out because of Regen.
3. Alpha Strikes. Just like every Regen, Alpha Strikes are your weakness. But it is even more important for Spines, since you will either herding, or fighting large mobs. (If you're smart)

As you can see, the Pros outweigh the Cons.

Now, let's get on to the powers!

*****Spines******

Barb Swipe Barb Swipe is a pretty odd power. It has the same animation as Swipe from Claws, yet is not hated as much. Many people pick this power up as a filler, since you will be having two single targets attacks until 26 if you go my build. If you pick this up, I suggest respeccing it out. Only around 2.7 BI for a 2.43 second activation.

Lunge This is what I suggest getting at lvl 1. You will be using this ALOT in your early career, and a little in your later. You shove a large Spine on your arm in to your enemy, for around 3.6 BI. Pretty good. Pick this up.

Spine Burst This is THE Spines power. When enemies see a Spines scrapper being constipated, they run for their lives. This is a very large PBAoE (larger than Spin, Whirling Sword, etc.) that does more damage than the other PBAoEs as well. You can hit up to 16 targets with this attack, and you probably will be later on. 3.3 BI O_O Large amount of end though, but who cares?! Pick this up, or reroll.

Build Up Another important power for a Spines scrapper. This may be more important for Spines than for any other primary. This lets Spine Burst and Throw Spines do much more damage to many mobs. Very important. Get this eventually.

Impale GREAT power. You will love it when you hit a runner with this. Your second highest single target attack, except it has a 40 foot range! This move is so notorious in PvP, flying squishies will be very scared. This move has -Fly and Immobilizes. Get this, PLEASE! 5.4 BI.

Confront This would make more sense for a Spines, but it's not worth it, not to mention you want AoE. Bad power.

Quills Nice toggle. When this is on, Spines will continually fly out of your body, damaging everyone around you. But it does have an Accuracy check. You need this if you wish to herd, and I can do around 30 damage per hit with Build Up and 3 green SO's, and a Siphon Power. One major disadvantage: 1.04 end cost, per second. I have two endreds in this, even with Regen. I highly suggest this. .42 BI, per sec.

Ripper This is my favorite attack from Spines. You jump in the air and slash your Spines in front of you. This is a cone, and can hit more than one target. Also, this is your most damaging single target attack, I count it as single target. When you hit more than one person with this, it's devastating. Pick this up, please. 6.4 BI.

Throw Spines AWESOME attack. You fling your arm in front of you, throwing a giant wave of Spines. A good name for this attack would be "Sharp Tsunami" This cone is so wide, you won't believe it when you see it. Not to mention it has a BI of 4.1. One of Spines' necessary powers.

******Regeneration******

Fast Healing You have no choice if you want this or not, but I would have taken it anyway. This raises your healing rate 75%. Very useful. Don't be afraid to slot this with heals.

Reconstruction A necessary power. This heals you for 25% of your health every 60 seconds, while giving you 25% resistance to Toxic for a few seconds. That is without enhancements and Hasten too. Great power, I'd six slot it early.

Quick Recovery Some people choose Regen JUST for this power. Losing endurance has to be one of the most annoying things in the game. But Regens don't have to worry about endurance, at least not until the early 30's. This is Stamina on crack basically. 3 slot this power you 3 slot Stamina if you have a choice. Necessary.

Dull Pain Most required power in the whole entire set. At first, this power might not be great, because it has such a long recharge. But with SO's and Hasten, it will be amazing. This power raises your health by 20% and heals for 40% as well. And now you can slot it for heals, raising your HP by even more! 6 slot this please. And get this. Please. For your sake.

Integration Tied for Dull Pain for best power in the set. A toggle that costs .24 end per second and increases your healing rate by 100%, and protects you from every status effect in the game except Fear, Taunt, and Placate. Completely necessary. 3 slot this with Heals, you'll thank me.

Resilience An auto power that protects you that lowers the length of disorient and increases your resistance to Smashing, Lethal, and Toxic by 5.62%. A pretty nice power, get it after you have all the necessary powers.

Instant Healing This power used to be THE power of Regen, no, not Regen, of CoH. But I admit, it was WAY too powerful, and the nerfs were needed. Besides, IH still saves my butt time to time. It is now a click power that raises your healing rate by 600%!!! But...it only lasts for a minute, and the recharge is 650 seconds. O_o Yeah....it is still useful when you're in big trouble, I'd pick it up.

Revive One of the two "WT....F..." powers in Regen. It is a self rez that is pretty much a medium Awaken. Although, you can slot it to heal you for more, or have you recover for more end. Also, with Resilence, this can get you right back in to the fighting. If you have nothing to take, this could be good.

Moment of Glory If you are on the Triumph server, you most likely know what we think of MoG. This power lasts for two minutes, and actually LOWERS your health to 25% of normal. But you get a giant defense bonus of 80% to everything except Psionic and a 40% resistance bonus as well. Thing is, you can't recover health while this is on. That's the weird thing, a power in a set called REGENERATION, and you CAN'T REGENERATE health. Not to mention it LOWERS YOUR HEALTH. Don't look at me....

Those are the powers in Spines/Regen. Let's look at some of the power pools I think are most useful for Spines/Regen.

Speed Speed has Hasten, and even with the nerfs, it is a great power that helps Spines out alot. It lets you deal out more AoE and more damage. Super Speed is also a very useful travel power and is very fast.

Fitness "But I thought you said Quick Recovery would...." I said Quick Recovery would make you not worry about end until maybe the early 30's. Well, guess when I want you to get this. You start losing alot of end even with QR later on. I definitely suggest this.

Fighting Tough is still a great power to have for Regen. This gives 11.5% resistance to Smashing/Lethal damage unslotted for .33 end per sec, and you also have the Resilience resistance....I hope. This helps you survive longer, and is very helpful.

Leadership You may be going "WT....F?" right now, but don't please. Leadership isn't just for Defenders and Controllers. Assault gives you a 10.5% damage increase for all attacks, plus resistance to Taunt and Placate. But Tactics is the power you really want. It gives you 7% accuracy, but the real thing is the +Perception for PvP. Very useful.

What's that? You want my build? Ok.

---------------------------------------------
Exported from Ver: 1.7.6.0 of the CoH_CoV Character Builder
---------------------------------------------
Name: Poison Thorn
Level: 50
Archetype: Scrapper
Primary: Spines
Secondary: Regeneration
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Lunge==> Acc(1)Dmg(5)Dmg(15)Dmg(15)Rechg(40)Acc(40)
01) --> Fast Healing==> Heal(1)Heal(25)Heal(25)
02) --> Spine Burst==> Acc(2)Dmg(3)Dmg(3)Dmg(5)Rechg(40)Acc(50)
04) --> Quick Recovery==> EndMod(4)EndMod(7)EndMod(11)
06) --> Reconstruction==> Rechg(6)Rechg(7)Rechg(31)Heal(31)Heal(31)Heal(34)
08) --> Impale==> Acc(8)Dmg(9)Dmg(9)Dmg(11)Acc(36)Rechg(37)
10) --> Dull Pain==> Rechg(10)Rechg(21)Rechg(21)Heal(34)Heal(36)Heal(36)
12) --> Hasten==> Rechg(12)Rechg(13)Rechg(13)
14) --> Super Speed==> EndRdx(14)
16) --> Integration==> Heal(16)Heal(17)Heal(17)
18) --> Quills==> EndRdx(18)EndRdx(19)Acc(19)Dmg(37)Dmg(46)Dmg(50)
20) --> Hurdle==> Jump(20)
22) --> Build Up==> Rechg(22)Rechg(23)Rechg(23)TH_Buf(46)
24) --> Health==> Heal(24)Heal(43)Heal(46)
26) --> Ripper==> Acc(26)Dmg(27)Dmg(27)Dmg(29)Rechg(29)Rechg(34)
28) --> Stamina==> EndMod(28)EndMod(37)EndMod(39)
30) --> Instant Healing==> Rechg(30)Rechg(43)Rechg(43)
32) --> Throw Spines==> Acc(32)Dmg(33)Dmg(33)Dmg(33)EndRdx(39)Rechg(39)
35) --> Assault==> EndRdx(35)
38) --> Tactics==> EndRdx(38)TH_Buf(42)TH_Buf(42)TH_Buf(42)
41) --> Boxing==> Acc(41)
44) --> Tough==> EndRdx(44)DmgRes(45)DmgRes(45)DmgRes(45)
47) --> Focused Accuracy==> EndRdx(47)EndRdx(48)EndRdx(48)TH_Buf(48)TH_Buf(50)
49) --> Conserve Power==> Rechg(49)
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Sprint==> EndRdx(1)
01) --> Brawl==> Acc(1)
01) --> Critical Hit==> Empty(1)
02) --> Rest==> Rechg(2)
---------------------------------------------


I suggest getting Tough before leadership, that was just for Warburg, but now RV is coming out, Tough is more important.

That is all I have to say, have fun playing your Spines/Regen!

Poison Thorn, LVL 43 Spines/Regen, Triumph.

Keltic, I want your Avatar to say "I'm super serial!" in it. I would never stop laughing, lol.

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I would have expected the AS to be a swipe through the victim, pulling a bit of thier soul out to be crushed in the stalkers hand.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, if I had a choice...

Stalker croutches down and pulls back his open palm. Then pushes his arm clear through the Foe, grabs ahold of his soul, and wrenches it free.


...Its fun to dream...

[/ QUOTE ]

*joygasm*

I'm building my DM/DA to be a messed up Scrapper kind of.

I will pick up Shadow Punch eventually, for the great DPS it has.

I'll probably go AS--> ToF --> Placate--> MG (MG is fast, so hopefully I can get this off before they hit me from Placate) --> Smite --> SP...etc.

In PvE, I'll go AS--> Placate boss -->MG --> CoF --> Rehide -->Repeat

Whoever said Shadow Maul had bad accuracy, you must have bad luck. It has the same accuracy as any other attack that doesn't have a bonus.

But it has always SEEMED that it missed alot more than other attacks, I went to lvl 50 with it

So far, my DM/DA is lvl 5 with Smite, Shadow Maul, Hide, and Dark Embrace.

If Shadow Maul crits from Hide, they're dead if they're a minion, and Smite brings them down to really small HP, small enough that if I use Brawl, they die.

He's really fun, but I think I'm going to go DM/Ninjitsu on live. Maybe make a Claws/DA.

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
That said, it's silly to me that these tiny melee cones have such a small chance to crit.


[/ QUOTE ]

I agree.

What I think would be fair would be to give you 100% chance to crit the foe you target with a 50% chance of also critting anyone else in the AoE.

[/ QUOTE ]

Now THAT is a good idea.

Nice informative guide, I'm thinking of making an Archery blaster, I just like the idea.

BTW, Vahzilok are WEAK to Lethal damage, hehe.

[ QUOTE ]
I have had so much trouble with Quills that I finally respecced it out last night. Not once have I ever had it stop an AS. I have had 2 accuracies in there and still nothing. So now I just never ever stop moving if I can help it.

[/ QUOTE ]

Don't get Quills for hitting Stalkers. Get Quills for the mind game and Slows while dueling/fighting. You're respeccing out of a great power, just put some endredux in it.

[ QUOTE ]
i'm new to the whole tanker/brute thing... why no brimstone, crystal or minerals armors?

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, the Stone Armors are pretty messed.

Some provide Defense, some provide Resists, it's a big mess.

Granite Armor gives resist and defense buffs for EVERY type of damage, and can not be toggle dropped. You pretty much turn in to two tanks combined with that on.

I refuse to play Stone Armor, however, because with Granite Armor you become VERY slow, your damage goes down, your accuracy goes down, and your recharge goes down. It's only good for long fights, which makes it great for Tanks and Brutes. Just have to wait until lvl 38. Which sucks. A lot.

In PvP, you need ALOT of fire power to take down a Stone tank with Granite Armor on. ALOT.

Pom-Poms of Death v.2-The EM/SR Stalker Guide

Replace my old guide with this one, if you wish.

Oh wow, forgot to post my build. Here it is:

---------------------------------------------
Exported from Ver: 1.7.6.0 of the CoH_CoV Character Builder
---------------------------------------------
Name: Scarred Shadow
Level: 41
Archetype: Stalker
Primary: Energy Melee
Secondary: Super Reflexes
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Energy Punch==> Acc(1)Rechg(34)Dmg(36)Dmg(36)Dmg(36)
01) --> Hide==> DefBuf(1)
02) --> Bone Smasher==> Acc(2)Dmg(3)Dmg(3)Dmg(5)EndRdx(5)Rechg(23)
04) --> Focused Fighting==> EndRdx(4)DefBuf(11)DefBuf(15)DefBuf(15)
06) --> Assassin's Strike==> Acc(6)Dmg(7)Dmg(7)Dmg(9)Rechg(9)Acc(11)
08) --> Focused Senses==> EndRdx(8)DefBuf(17)DefBuf(19)DefBuf(19)
10) --> Hasten==> Rechg(10)Rechg(13)Rechg(13)
12) --> Placate==> Rechg(12)Rechg(21)Rechg(21)
14) --> Super Speed==> Run(14)Run(31)
16) --> Practiced Brawler==> Rechg(16)Rechg(17)
18) --> Build Up==> Rechg(18)Rechg(23)Rechg(31)TH_Buf(37)
20) --> Hurdle==> Jump(20)
22) --> Health==> Heal(22)Heal(37)Heal(37)
24) --> Stamina==> EndMod(24)EndMod(25)EndMod(25)
26) --> Energy Transfer==> Acc(26)EndRdx(27)Dmg(27)Dmg(29)Dmg(29)Rechg(31)
28) --> Quickness==> Run(28)
30) --> Stealth==> EndRdx(30)
32) --> Total Focus==> Acc(32)EndRdx(33)Dmg(33)Dmg(33)Dmg(34)Rechg(34)
35) --> Evasion==> EndRdx(35)DefBuf(40)
38) --> Elude==> Rechg(38)Rechg(39)Rechg(39)DefBuf(39)DefBuf(40)DefBuf(40)
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Sprint==> EndRdx(1)
01) --> Brawl==> Acc(1)
01) --> Assassination==> Empty(1)
02) --> Rest==> Rechg(2)
---------------------------------------------


Thanks again.

~Introduction~

Welcome to the new and improved Energy Melee & Super Reflexes Stalker Guide. In this guide, I will be giving you opinions on powers, strategy, and being a Stalker in general. I will be posting my build at the end of the guide, but that is just my build, and not the best.

First, I will be giving you a rundown on these two great sets, and their powers.

~Energy Melee~

Energy Melee is one of my favorite sets in all of CoX. I love the Pink Pom-Pom effect, not to mention that it's the strongest Stalker set available. Here is my opinion on EM.

+Barrage+
-Level available: 1
-Brawl Index: 1.8888
-End Cost: 3.536
-Recharge: 2 seconds
-Activation: 1.33 seconds
-Secondary effect: Minor Disorient

Barrage is just not a very good power. The damage is minimal and Energy Punch is just better in every way. Please do not get this power.

+Energy Punch+
-Level available: 1
-Brawl Index: 2.7777
-End Cost: 5.2
-Recharge: 4 seconds
-Activation: .57 seconds
-Secondary effects: Minor Disorient
-Recommended slotting: 2 Damage, 2 Accuracy

Not a bad level one power. Activation time is less than 1 second (!) and 2.777 brawl is not bad. Definitely better than Barrage, and you have to get this or Barrage no matter what. This will be in your attack chain for a LONG time.

+Bone Smasher+
-Level available: 2
-Brawl Index: 4.5556
-End Cost: 8.528
-Recharge: 8 seconds
-Activation: 1.5 seconds
-Secondary effects: Moderate Disorient
-Recommended Slotting: 3 damage, 2 ACC, 1 Recharge

Bone Smasher is amazing. I love this power. At level 2, you can one shot white minions with it in Hide. You will be using this your whole entire career, and is a very important power in your attack chain. Slot this attack ASAP, as it will be your hardest hitting attack until level 26.

+Assassin's Strike+
-Level available: 6
-Brawl Index: 19.4446 while Hidden, 2.7778 while not
-End Cost: 14.352
-Recharge: 15 seconds
-Activation: 4 seconds
-Secondary effects: Toggle dropping
-Recommended Slotting: 2 Damage, 2 ACC, 1 Recharge

I think I don't have to explain this one. Get this at level 6. This attack does so much damage that you'll cringe whenever it hits. (And when you see the animation, hehe) The Potty Dance is going to be your most used power, so learn how to use it well.

+Build Up+
-Level available: 8
-Brawl Index: N/A
-End Cost: 5.2
-Recharge: 90 seconds
-Activation: .73 seconds
-Secondary effects: 10 second 80% damage and 50% ACC boost.
-Recommended slotting: 3 Recharge, and 1 ToHit Buff (If you PvP)

Get used to using Build Up right before an Assassin's Strike. This attack lets you two shot mobs that you never could before, or put a huge dent in ones you can't. Combined with Assassin's Strike, this is bread and butter baby.

+Placate+
-Level available: 12
-Brawl Index: N/A
-End Cost: 2.6
-Recharge: 60 seconds
-Activation: 1.5 seconds
-Secondary effects: Drops your aggro from target
-Recommended slotting: 3 Recharge

This power is very fun to use, and can be very deadly if used correctly. This opens up a lot of attack chains and different strategies. Learn how to use this properly to increase your DPS and effectiveness.

+Stun+
-Level available: 18
-Brawl Index: .6945
-End Cost: 10.192
-Recharge: 20 seconds
-Activation: 1.8 seconds
-Secondary effects: Disorient
-Recommended slotting: 1 ACC

I've seen some good strategies using this power. It's an automatic stun when it hits, but the activation is a long baseball pitch. I could not fit this in my build, nor did I think I needed it. It's really up to you, if you feel you need this.

+Energy Transfer+
-Level available: 26
-Brawl Index: 12.6666 (!!!)
-End Cost: 10.192
-Recharge: 20 seconds
-Activation: 1 second
-Secondary effects: Self damage out of hide, none in.
-Recommended slotting: 3 damage, 1 ACC, 2 Recharge

This is the best move in the game. 12 base Brawl. 12!!! The activation is also very short, at 1 second. This is your hardest hitting attack, obviously behind Assassin's Strike. If you use this attack while Hidden, you will not lose some health like you usually do. I'd rather use that for an attack that criticals though, as the health loss isn't huge. Slot this ASAP.

+Total Focus+
-Level available: 32
-Brawl Index: 9.8889
-End Cost: 18.512
-Recharge: 20 seconds
-Activation: 3.3 seconds
-Secondary effects: Very large disorient.
-Recommended slotting: 3 damage, 1 ACC, 1 Recharge, 1 End Reduc

Two extreme damage powers in a row? Nice. Total Focus is a great power, with tons of damage. The animation is REALLY long though, with you jumping in the air in slow motion, but the disorient makes up for it IMO. Also, watch out for the end cost on this thing, it's pretty large. Get this at 32.

Those are the powers in Energy Melee. It is a great set, and should keep you having fun all the way to 40 or 50 or whatever level you're going

~Super Reflexes~

Super Reflexes is a great set, not only for a Stalker. It gives the most defense of all the sets a Stalker can be right now. It also has a great status protection, a mini-permanent Hasten, and probably the greatest 'god mode' power.

+Hide+
-Level available: 1
-Brawl Index: N/A
-End Cost: .23881 per sec.
-Recharge: 20 seconds
-Activation: .73 seconds
-Secondary effects: Juiced up Invis. Need I say more?
-Recommended slotting: 1 defense

The basis of Stalker existance. This makes you unseen to enemies that do not some sort of perception power. In this mode, you can deal double damage or use an Assassin's Strike. You should have Hide on almost all the time.

+Focused Fighting+
-Level available: 2
-Brawl Index: N/A
-End Cost: .23881 per sec
-Recharge: 4 seconds
-Activation: .67 seconds
-Secondary Effects: 12.5% v. Melee, Resist Confuse
-Recommended slotting: 3 defense, 1 End Redux

One of the big defense toggles. This one is your Melee defense. Get this before level 10 and keep it on all the time. One of your best powers.

+Focused Senses+
-Level available: 4
-Brawl Index: N/A
-End Cost: .23881 per sec.
-Recharge: 4 seconds
-Activation: 2.03 seconds
-Secondary effects: 12.5% defense vs. Ranged, +Perception
-Recommended slotting: See Focused Fighting.

+Agile+
-Level available: 10
-Brawl Index: N/A
-End Cost: N/A, Passive
-Recharge: N/A, Passive
-Activation: *looks around* Do I have to say it again?!
-Secondary Effects: 5% defense vs. Ranged. Scaling resistance vs. all damage except Toxic & Psionic, up to around 18% resistance.
-Recommended slotting: 1 to 3 Defense

Ah, the SR passives. The passives have their uses, especially with the scaling resistances as you get below 60% health. While they are useful, however, there are better powers you can take. If you have an opening, then this will do you well.

+Practiced Brawler+
-Level available: 16
-Brawl Index: N/A
-End Cost: 10.4
-Recharge: 200 seconds
-Activation: 1.53 seconds
-Secondary effects: Protects you from all status effects, except fear, confuse, and Placate. 120 second duration.
-Recommended slotting: 2 Recharge

The greatest status protection in the game, right here. A CLICK power, and not a toggle. With 2 White Recharge SO's, it's perma. Especially great in PvP, when everyone is getting their status protecting toggles knocked up, you're still going. I suggest getting this at 16, or ASAP.

+Dodge+
-Level available: 20
-Brawl Index: N/A
-End Cost: N/A
-Recharge: <_< N/A
-Activation: -_- N/A
-Secondary effects: 5% defense vs. Melee, scaling resistance up to around 18% vs. everyone except Toxic & Psionic.
-Recommended slotting: 1 to 3 defense

For info, see Agile.

+Quickness+
-Level available: 28
-Brawl Index: N/A
-End Cost: N/A
-Recharge: N/A
-Activation: N/A
-Secondary effects: 20% recharge reduction, +Run Speed
-Recommended slotting: 1 Run speed

I love this power. This is pretty much Swift combined with a toned down Hasten, except it's on ALL the time. This is very useful, and you should pick this up ASAP, especially seeing how EM has some long recharging attacks. Great power.

+Evasion+
-Level available: 35
-Brawl Index: N/A
-End Cost: .23881 per sec
-Recharge: 4 seconds
-Activation: 3 seconds
-Secondary effects: 22.5% defense vs. AoE.
-Recommended slotting: 3 Defense, 1 End Redux

The third toggle. This toggle isn't as "required" as FF and FS are. It has no secondary effects, besides the defense, and AoEs aren't very common. It might help against powers as in Blazing Aura in PvP, but that's about it. Up to you if you want this.

+Elude+
-Level available: 38
-Brawl Index: N/A
-End Cost: 2.6
-Recharge: 1000 seconds
-Activation: 2 seconds
-Secondary effects: 45% defense vs. Ranged/Melee/AoE, and everything else.
-Recommended slotting: 3 defense, 3 recharge

Best 'god mode' power in the game by far. 3 slotted with defense, this gives you 70.20% defense against EVERYTHING. This is an amazing move. Click this and you don't have to worry about anything in PvE. Just stand there, and you will go back in to Hide, or just attack like crazy. Amazing. Get this at 38.

That about sums Super Reflexes up. I love playing this set, and I hope you will too.

~Strategies~

Alot of people believe that Stalkers are horrible on teams in PvE, and can be replaced with something better. I disagree.

Stalkers can easily find the most threatening mob, and take him from the fight before he can do anything! This makes Stalkers very useful in large teams.

As for an attack chain, mine is usually BU+AS+ET+BS+Placate+TF. That will kill a lieutenant and down and even some bosses. As for PvP, I might go TF+Placate+BU+AS+ET+BS+EP. Come up with your own attack chain, and just have fun!

The biggest rule is this: HAVE FUN! Don't take everything so seriously, ease up a bit. Let people know what you're doing before you do it so people don't panic. Enjoy your toon!

~Conclusion~

I love playing my main, Scarred Shadow. Whenever I play him, I have a blast. I don't remember ever being bored. Just try to make everything work for you, and contribute to your team as well as you can.

If you have any questions or suggestions, send me a PM on the boards or send me a PM @I Hate Clockwork. If you're ever on Triumph, send me a tell as well.

Well, thank you for reading, I hope this helps you all!

GL,

Shadow.

I'm so sorry everyone, I had to leave for a LONG time, and my account became inactive, resulting in no posting

But I return!

Well Filler, I've changed my opinion on a lot of stuff since I posted this guide, and all Travel Powers have their Pros and Cons. On Scarred Shadow's new build, he has SS because of Hasten. I didn't have room for another travel power.

Here are some P's & C's:

Super Speed: Tied with Teleport for fastest Travel Power. But, (and this is a big but) no vertical movement whatsoever. This is why alot of people prefer SJ. Also leaves trail in water in PvP.

Super Jump: Probably the best travel power IMO. Almost as fast as SS and also has vertical Movement. The only con I see with SJ is that Jump Kick and Combat Jumping suck (For a lot of toons, some use them) compared to Hasten for SS.

Fly: Slowest travel power in the game, yet you have the most freedom. Uses a TON of Endurance, but Hover and Air Superiority both have their uses.

Teleport: I've never used Teleport on any of my toons. I just didn't like it. You have to continually click where to cast, but there are very many binds. Great in PvP, along with TP Foe.

It's really your choice alone. BTW, expect an updated, juicier guide coming soon!

I finally got my Villain Builder to work, so here's my build.

---------------------------------------------
Exported from Ver: 1.7.3.0 of the CoH_CoV Character Builder - (http://home.comcast.net/~SherkSilver/index.html)
---------------------------------------------
Name: Scarred Shadow
Level: 41
Archetype: Stalker
Primary: Energy Melee
Secondary: Super Reflexes
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Energy Punch==> Acc(1) Dmg(31) Dmg(34) Dmg(37) Rechg(37)
01) --> Hide==> DefBuf(1) DefBuf(19) DefBuf(21)
02) --> Bone Smasher==> Dmg(2) Dmg(3) Acc(3) Dmg(17) Rechg(23) Rechg(31)
04) --> Focused Fighting==> DefBuf(4) DefBuf(5) DefBuf(5) EndRdx(21)
06) --> Assassin's Strike==> Acc(6) Dmg(7) Dmg(7) Dmg(9) Acc(9) Rechg(11)
08) --> Focused Senses==> DefBuf(8) DefBuf(11) DefBuf(15) EndRdx(23)
10) --> Air Superiority==> Acc(10)
12) --> Placate==> Rechg(12) Rechg(13) Rechg(13)
14) --> Fly==> Fly(14) Fly(15) Fly(37)
16) --> Practiced Brawler==> Rechg(16) Rechg(17)
18) --> Build Up==> Rechg(18) Rechg(19) Rechg(31) TH_Buf(40)
20) --> Swift==> Run(20)
22) --> Health==> Heal(22)
24) --> Stamina==> EndMod(24) EndMod(25) EndMod(25)
26) --> Energy Transfer==> Dmg(26) Dmg(27) Dmg(27) Acc(29) Rechg(29)
28) --> Quickness==> Run(28)
30) --> Stealth==> EndRdx(30)
32) --> Total Focus==> Dmg(32) Dmg(33) Dmg(33) Acc(33) EndRdx(34) Rechg(34)
35) --> Evasion==> DefBuf(35) DefBuf(36) DefBuf(36) EndRdx(36)
38) --> Elude==> DefBuf(38) DefBuf(39) DefBuf(39) Rechg(39) Rechg(40) Rechg(40)
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Sprint==> Empty(1)
01) --> Brawl==> Empty(1)
01) --> Assassination==> Empty(1)
02) --> Rest==> Empty(2)
---------------------------------------------

I could only fit one ToHit Buff in to Build Up, which isn't that bad. And I got Air Superiority, instead of Hover.

Is this with or without Quickness? I don't see why anyone wouldn't get Quickness though, that move is amazing.

I haven't been doing alot of PvPing lately, so that's why I didn't know, thanks.

Oh, I've changed some opinions. I'd try slotting Build Up with 3 recharge, 2 ToHit Buffs for defense based toons.

Practiced Brawler is perma with 2 recharge SO's, if you have quickness or not. My mistake.

Thanks King, I actually am level 34 now, and have Energy Punch 5 slotted, 3 DAM, 1 ACC, 1 Recharge. I noticed my mistake.

I just can't stand not having Hasten perma. Just isn't worth it IMO. Plus, the zones in CoV have alot of height involved, and aren't SS friendly.

[ QUOTE ]
And what about the third Respec? Sparcetrial mentions you can "Re-Make yourself" 3 times.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm guessing the third respec is 41+ or something like that. Contact probably won't be added until Issue 1, when the cap is raised to 50.

Hey everyone, Shadow Poison here, to tell you about EM/SR Stalkers! I've gone through 29 levels so far with one, and I enjoy playing with him every minute. I will give you the rundown of the moves, and how to exploit them.

Note: Properly using your Stalker takes some thinking. You're not one of those silly SMASH!!ing Brutes, you're an assassin, and you need to think.

All of this is my opinion, and I know some of you won't agree with it.

ENERGY MELEE--PINK POM-PONS OF DEATH

Energy Melee is my favorite set. Some people don't like the glowing hands, I personally, love em. EM has some nice damage, the good damage being the NRG, which few enemies have resistance to.

1. Barrage
Available: LVL 1
Damage: Minor

I personally did not get Barrage, and never will. I just don't need it. With Quickness, Energy Punch and Bone Smasher come back fast enough.

2. Energy Punch
Available: LVL 1
Damage: Moderate
When I got it: LVL 1
This is what I got at lvl 1. You will be using this your whole Stalker career. Get it, but don't slot it.

Recommended Slotting: 1 ACC

3. Bone Smasher
Available: LVL 2
Damage: High
When I got it: LVL 2
Bone Smasher is just plain awesome. If you get it at lvl 2, you will be one shotting white minions out of Hide. That's what got me to keep playing. I hope you will too.

Recommended Slotting: 3 damage, 1 ACC, 1 Recharge

4. Assassin's Strike
Available: LVL 6
Damage: Special
When I got it: LVL 6
This move....is the best move...ever. If you don't get this at lvl 6, then you should stop playing a Stalker. This move is a move you'll be using constantly. Your most used move. Get it ASAP, and slot it ASAP as well.

Recommended Slotting: 3 damage, 2 ACC, 1 Recharge

5. Build Up
Available: LVL 8
Damage: None
When I got it: LVL 18
Build Up+AS=Dead Enemy. You're gonna need this, great for PvP and PvE. I personally got this later, at lvl 18, to open up for Placate.

Recommended Slotting: 3 Recharge

6. Placate
Available: LVL 12
Damage: None
When I got it: LVL 12
This is another must-have move. When you use this, the enemy just forgets you're there, and you go back in to Hide. Get this at lvl 12, you can thank me later.

Recommended Slotting: 3 Recharge

7. Stun
Available: LVL 18
Damage: Minor

Stun does little damage, but has a great chance of disorienting. It sounds useful, but I just didn't have room for it in my build. There are better powers, and with the cap only being 40, you have to choose wisely.

Recommended Slotting: 1 ACC

8. Energy Transfer
Available: LVL 26
Damage: Extreme
When I got it: LVL 26
I love this move. You do amazing damage, but you sacrifice some of your HP. But when used in Hide, the HP penalty is taken away. After you get this, you're now a boss killer. BU+AS+ET= Dead Boss

Recommended Slotting: 3 damage, 1 ACC, 2 Recharge

9. Total Focus
Available: LVL 32
Damage: Extreme
When I got it: LVL 32
Look at that, two Extreme damage moves in a row. Total Focus does awesome damage, and almost always Disorients, but has a really long animation time, and recharges slow. But thankfully, we can get rid of one of those penalties. Get this ASAP.

Recommended Slotting: 3 damage, 1 ACC, 2 recharge

That's it for Energy Melee. Energy Melee is a really fun, and great set to use. Has the greatest single-target damage in the game, and has disorient, a rare, great side-effect.

SUPER REFLEXES--THE MICHAEL JACKSON OF COH

Super Reflexes has the best defense for a Stalker. And Quickness, now with ED, is even better than before. Here's the rundown.

1. Hide
Available: LVL 1
Type: Toggle
When I got it: LVL 1
Hide is a move you must get, and you would get no matter what anyways. You should have this on constantly. I've only taken it off to show off my costume, or when I was getting stunned before PB.

Recommended Slotting: 3 defense

2. Focused Fighting
Available: LVL 2
Type: Toggle
When I got it: LVL 4
This move is your primary defense to melee attacks. This and Focused Senses are the big mommas of the set, and you need this on all the time. Get this at lvl 4.

Recommended Slotting: 3 defense, 1 end reduc

3. Focused Senses
Available: LVL 4
Type: Toggle
When I got it: LVL 8
Your primary defense to ranged attacks. Slot this exactly the same way as FF and use it the same way.

Recommended Slotting: 3 defense, 1 end reduc

4. Agile
Available: LVL 10
Type: Passive

This is the first of two passive defense moves. This one is the ranged one. Now though, when your health gets lower, Agile and Dodge gives you resistance to damage. Sounds useful, but no room in my build as of now.

Recommended Slotting: 1 defense

5. Practiced Brawler
Available: LVL 16
Type: Click
When I got it: LVL 16
Your resistance to mez, knockback, holds, ETC. You have to take this. It's almost required. After making it perma, put it on Auto.

Recommended Slotting: 2 recharge with Quickness, 3 without.

6. Dodge
Available: LVL 20
Type: Passive

The last of the two defensive passives. This one is melee defense. Just like Agile, couldn't fit it in to my build.

Recommended Slotting: 1 defense

7. Quickness
Available: LVL 28
Type: Passive
When I got it: LVL 28
Another passive. Reduces the recharge of your attacks, makes you faster, and makes you resist Slows. I love this move, helps alot with ED too. Grab it at 28 if you can fit it.

Recommended Slotting: 1 run speed

8. Evasion
Available: LVL 35
Type: Toggle
When I got it: LVL 35
This toggle is unique. It resists AoE attacks. Another reason this set is my favorite, more defense to those annoying AoE's that get you out of Hide. Get this at lvl 35.

Recommended Slotting: 3 defense, 1 end reduc

9. Elude
Available: LVL 38
Type: Click
When I got it: LVL 38
When you use this move, your defenses and your run speed are insane, but when it wears off, you're left with no endurance. Meaning Hide turns off. Might be good for when you're fighting an annoying boss, AV, Hero in PvP, ETC.

Recommended Slotting: 3 defense, 3 Recharge

That about does it for EM and SR, time for the power pools.

Flight: I think Fly is a great travelpower, especially because of it's freedom. May take some slots to go faster, but ED opens them. Also, great for ASing the flyers in PvP. I got Hover at lvl 10 and Fly at lvl 14.

Fitness: EM/SR Stalkers need Stamina. I got Swift at lvl 20, Health at lvl 22, and Stamina at lvl 24.

Invisibility: I'm getting Stealth at lvl 30, because I'm going to PvP alot. It's up to you, if you're a PvP guy/gal or not. If you don't get Stealth, I'd get Agile.

That about does it for my guide to the EM/SR Stalker, thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it.

-Scarred Shadow LVL 29 EM/SR Stalker.

Swipe= teh suxx0rz