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Stormistress

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  1. Stormistress
    Hello, everyone.

    For me it is simply the great community of players.

    Over the years that I have been here, I've been continually amazed by the people I've met: many from distant corners of the World.

    As a new player, I would suddenly find a high level SO dropped in my inventory by a passing lvl-40, giving me funding to outfit my character. A timely helpful hand when I was in over my head street swiping. And just having someone I might never see again give a positive comment on my character name, bio, or costume.

    Meeting people just hanging out in Atlas to chat with. Interesting and well planned costume contests that attracted over 200 players for over an hour of competition. That group of midget robots I saw in Steel Canyon that had the same look except for their assigned functions in the group: great idea!

    The Taxibot teleporter system for location badges. That was an awesome Supergroup.



    Other MMO's will have a hard time matching the community depth that I have witnessed in CoH.





    Stormistress
  2. Stormistress
    Hello.

    For a melee character I found a Dark/Fire Scrapper to be a path of AOE destruction. I even used Rise of the Phoenix as part of my attack chain for more area damage.

    Although melee AT's tend to be very tough, I had good success and fun with a Fire/Storm Controller. Some enemies were harder since they could see through Mist. However, opening with an area stun and then moving in close to let Hot-feet burn them away was very satisfying. I used O2 Boost to keep my Imps healed up, and Hurricane in an emergency.

    I spent a good amount of time in Hazard zones, sweeping away the enemy. Extremely fun. Freezing Rain, Hot Feet, and Lightning Storm all combined to roll through targets faster than the zone could replace them. Even my melee characters couldn't take down targets faster.

    Not exactly melee, but you will be in close most of the time.





    Stormistress
  3. Stormistress
    Hello again!

    My Vampire project has reached level-16 with my Stalker. The Dark/Dark build I've chosen is working well, and Hide and Placate simulate several vampire powers. I was concerned that getting my status protection so late would be a problem, but no major issues came up.

    I can see now that this character will be very fun going forward. Life boost powers are next, and then Fear-based powers adding up from level 26 to 35. I expect most defenses to total near 30 after I slot I/O sets.

    I am hopeful that my Fear fields will work as I expect. If so, then most targets will freeze a few seconds after I un-Hide. I can get Mag-4 easily on all targets, and Mag-6 plus on select targets.

    Indeed this is not the only way to build a Vampire-type character. There are many paths to take depending on the background you want to simulate.

    I had forgotten about the Underworld basis for Vampires. It certainly was a good one. What AT would you recommend for a DP or AR character? Blaster seems like the obvious choice, but I wonder if a Corruptor might make a better fit with the right power sets.

    Thanks again for all the good feedback!





    Stormistress
  4. Stormistress
    Hello everyone.

    I've started my test build of my vampire as a Stalker. I'm using Dark Melee as my primary as I did on my Scrapper.

    I wanted to use Willpower but found in my Midis plan that I was missing 1/2 of my regen. That is due to different powers being available to Stalkers compared to Scrappers. So, I've elected to try Dark Armor. Not as much resist, but Dark Regen can be a particularly potent source of healing. It also fits the theme of a life-sucking being.

    I will also be taking the Presence pool here, but later in the build. I get an area fear power to use in melee in the 20's. From what I've seen on my other Stalkers I expect CoF to be suppressed until I un-Hide.

    My only problem right now is getting Dark Armor to look right. I want just a small mist around the character, and I'm still struggling to get the settings right.

    Only level 4, but the build looks to have potential. I'll let you know where I ultimately take this.




    Stormistress
  5. Stormistress
    Hello again, all!

    I'm very pleased to see a lively discussion. Certainly many good ideas for a variety of vampire types.

    In keeping with the Forever Knight theme, I decided to stay with melee type AT's. I have built a Dark/WP Scrapper and reached level 12, where I took my first fear power. I plan to take the Presence pool to expand on that effect. However, the flavor of the character will not be fully realized until the mid-20's.

    That is also the time when I start including defense powers. So, the character right now feels a bit vulnerable. The look and actions seem right, though.

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by RiverOcean View Post
    I'd go with a stalker... you can justify the "disappearing" as a mind control trick. But Stalkers strike me as the most "Vampire" like of the AT's in the came. The game doesn't really have "bite" attacks.. but hey you can't have everything.
    Even though making a Stalker was mentioned earlier, I hadn't considered some of the other effects that Hide might simulate. This could double as extreme speed, or an overpowering mental force. People around you are just forced to believe that you never existed in the first place. Very intriguing.

    So, before I purchase my first set of basic I/O's for my scrapper I will run a test build as a Dark/WP Stalker. I can copy the outfit over and see how she does. I will also look over the other Stalker secondaries to see if any are a better fit.

    Thanks!





    Stormistress
  6. Stormistress
    Thank you for the interesting replies so far.

    I agree that Warshade powers can look quite foreboding but I've had trouble customizing PB and WS powers. They don't seem to allow much alteration.

    I've considered Dominators, and Mind Control does have some powers that are attractive for Vampires. There was a suggestion under another forum topic to consider a Dark/Time Corruptor. That has some possibilities as well. Although the visuals are not really what I'm looking for.

    For a melee AT I'm considering a Dark/WP set: perhaps a Scrapper for maximum burst damage. It has a fear power and a life draining ability (for that blood sucking affect). Will Power also has some abilities that seem fitting for Vampires: rapid healing, toughness, and vast amounts of endurance.

    I was tempted to go with a Stalker, but I don't recall the Vampires in Forever Knight disappearing. They just moved very fast, and (of course) can fly.

    Please keep the suggestions coming. I'm not completely decided yet.





    Stormistress
  7. Stormistress
    Hello, everyone!

    I've checked in the forums for this subject, and there has been a fair amount of discussion. However, the majority of it is from before 2011, and there have been many updates and additions to COX since then. So, I thought I'd get a fresh perspective from the community on this subject.

    As a point of reference, I am a huge fan of Forever Knight, and that is the style I'm reaching for in constructing a new character. I'm leaning heavily to play it as a dark hero. So, I will be making my start in Paragon. Thankfully, we now have the option to start most AT's where we wish.

    Generally, I view Vampires as close proximity combatants. That tends to suggest close-combat builds. However, there are a few holes in those builds if I am going to reach for all the characteristics that make up these nocturnal beings.

    So, what do you think? Are there any new possibilities generated by late additions to the game? If I'm stuck with a melee AT, then what options do I have to include the hypnotic/mental powers that Vampires possess?

    Thanks for your feedback!





    Stormistress
  8. Stormistress
    Hello.

    I just experienced this problem myself. I tried two characters on different servers. One with basic I/O's equipped and one with Sets.

    For both characters, the line item to select Recipes is missing. Also, half of the categories for Enhancements are missing. I cannot sell, view, or buy anything in those areas.

    Additionally, when I click on a crafting table in the University, it just says "All". If I try to expand the list, there isn't any. The recipes I have in my inventory also are missing. So, I cannot buy or craft anything at all.

    I had no problems at 8:00am Central time today. My system hasn't changed, and there were no updates to the game files. The only changes was to the listed items in the Paragon Market.

    Any ideas anyone?




    Stormistress
  9. Stormistress
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Two_Dollar_Bill View Post
    The forced respec happens automatically when you talk to any trainer after getting enough XP to advance to level 24. You don't need to use /respec or talk to Jack Wolf; you just walk up to Ms. Liberty (or whoever) and Poof! you're doing a respec. So, don't train up to 24 when you're in the middle of a task force.
    Outstanding information, Bill. Thank you!





    Stormistress
  10. Stormistress
    Thanks, Trilby.

    I couldn't change them in my level-10 slot. I just wasn't sure if that applied to all of the costume slots.

    Oh well. Guess I'll have to get creative.

    I still find it a bit strange. Why is that one element of the Widow fixed anyway?





    Stormistress
  11. Stormistress
    Hello, everyone.

    I thought I'd get some advise from the Fortunata / Night Widow veterans on a couple of items.

    Although I signed up for City of Villains when it came out, I've soured on the Rogue Isles. Its a shame that this archetype cannot start in Paragon. However, that's the way it is. So, I'm working my way up a place where I can get Tips and make the switch.

    My first question is can I conduct the mandatory level-24 Respec after I switch over to Paragon? Is there a special contact required, or do I just use a free "Respec" line command or visit the contact in Atlas?



    The second item I'm curious about is related to costumes. I have my mandatory Fortunata costume in my first slot, and I've done the mission to open my second slot at level-10. In my second slot I made an experimental outfit (several months old now) that looked very Hero-like. Strangely, there is a category for the claw weapons, but the only option is the original claws I got with my character. I don't see anyway to change it.

    When I get to level 20 I will have the opportunity to open yet another slot. I have a concept using the Mecha components, but I really want an energy-type claw. Is that possible, or am I stuck with those small sets of claws I got at level one?

    If I'm stuck with that, then my only option will be to build the costume to obscure the claws completely.

    Thank you in advance for your feedback!




    Stormistress
  12. Stormistress
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by AcidEtch View Post
    Don't suppose you'd be willing to post this build? It seems like an interesting combo.
    I'd be happy to. I just checked this character (being an older one), and noticed that she needs a Respec to take advantage of Inherent Fitness. But still good as is.

    Note that Local Man makes a good point, and you need to be mindful of your End use. I rarely used Hurricane, but reserved that for a panic button. That was mainly due to having my character launch Flashfire and Freezing Rain, and then jump into the middle of the spawn with Hotfeet running. Once I got Imps, the targets just melted away.

    I almost never had time to heal my Imps in combat, but used O2 Boost to prepare them for the next attack. If I had a hard mezzing enemy, then I'd O2 them right before launching my series.

    I didn't have most of my defense until later. So, I counted on stunning, holding, and immobilizing them for most of her career.

    Thanks again for asking, and here is the build for Ember Storme.




    Stormistress


    Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.956
    http://www.cohplanner.com/

    Click this DataLink to open the build!

    Ember Storme: Level 50 Magic Controller
    Primary Power Set: Fire Control
    Secondary Power Set: Storm Summoning
    Power Pool: Flight
    Power Pool: Fitness
    Power Pool: Speed
    Power Pool: Leaping
    Ancillary Pool: Stone Mastery

    Hero Profile:
    Level 1: Char -- Ruin-Dmg/Rchg(A), Ruin-Dmg/EndRdx(3), Ruin-Acc/Dmg(5), Para-Acc/Hold/Rchg(7), Para-EndRdx/Hold(9)
    Level 1: Gale -- Acc(A)
    Level 2: Fire Cages -- Det'tn-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(A), AirB'st-Dmg/EndRdx(3), AirB'st-Acc/Dmg(5), AirB'st-Dmg/Rchg(7)
    Level 4: Snow Storm -- EndRdx-I(A), TmpRdns-EndRdx/Rchg/Slow(9), TmpRdns-Acc/EndRdx(45)
    Level 6: Air Superiority -- B'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg(A), B'ngBlow-Dmg/Rchg(11)
    Level 8: Swift -- Run(A)
    Level 10: Steamy Mist -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(11), RctvArm-ResDam(17), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(29), RctvArm-EndRdx/Rchg(43)
    Level 12: Flashfire -- Rope-Acc/Rchg(A), Rope-Acc/Stun/Rchg(13), Rope-EndRdx/Stun(13), RzDz-Acc/Rchg(15), RzDz-Acc/Stun/Rchg(21), RzDz-Acc/EndRdx(23)
    Level 14: Hot Feet -- M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx(A), C'ngBlow-Dmg/EndRdx(15), TmpRdns-EndRdx/Rchg/Slow(19), TmpRdns-Acc/EndRdx(19), C'ngBlow-Dmg/Rchg(21), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34)
    Level 16: Freezing Rain -- ExVuln-DefDeb/Rchg(A), ExVuln-DefDeb/Rchg/EndRdx(17), ExVuln-DefDeb(31), Det'tn-Dmg/Rchg(33), AirB'st-Dmg/Rchg(36), TmpRdns-EndRdx/Rchg/Slow(37)
    Level 18: Health -- Heal(A), H'zdH-Heal(42), H'zdH-Heal/Rchg(46)
    Level 20: Stamina -- EndMod(A), EndMod(23), EndMod(25), EndMod(40)
    Level 22: Fly -- Srng-Fly(A), Srng-EndRdx/Fly(34)
    Level 24: Hasten -- RechRdx(A), RechRdx(25), RechRdx(31)
    Level 26: Cinders -- RechRdx-I(A), Para-Acc/Hold/Rchg(27), Para-Acc/Rchg(27), EoCur-Acc/Rchg(36), EoCur-Acc/Hold/Rchg(37)
    Level 28: Thunder Clap -- Rope-Acc/Rchg(A), Rope-Acc/Stun/Rchg(29)
    Level 30: O2 Boost -- H'zdH-Heal(A), H'zdH-Heal/EndRdx(31)
    Level 32: Fire Imps -- BldM'dt-Dmg(A), BldM'dt-Acc/Dmg(33), EdctM'r-Dmg(33), EdctM'r-Acc/Dmg(34), EdctM'r-PetDef(37)
    Level 35: Hurricane -- DampS-ToHitDeb/EndRdx(A), DampS-ToHitDeb/Rchg/EndRdx(36)
    Level 38: Lightning Storm -- Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(39), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(39), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(39), Thundr-Acc/Dmg(40), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(40)
    Level 41: Fissure -- RzDz-Acc/Rchg(A), RzDz-EndRdx/Stun(42), RzDz-Acc/Stun/Rchg(42), RzDz-Acc/EndRdx(43), RzDz-Stun/Rng(43)
    Level 44: Rock Armor -- S'dpty-EndRdx(A), S'dpty-Def/EndRdx(45), S'dpty-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(45), S'dpty-Def(46), S'dpty-Def/Rchg(46)
    Level 47: Earth's Embrace -- Mrcl-Heal/Rchg(A), Mrcl-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(48), Mrcl-EndRdx/Rchg(48), Mrcl-Rcvry+(48), Mrcl-Heal(50)
    Level 49: Combat Jumping -- S'dpty-Def(A), S'dpty-Def/EndRdx(50), S'dpty-Def/Rchg(50)
    Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
    Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
    Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
    Level 1: Containment
    Level 8: LEGACY BUILD
    Level 8: Prestige Power Dash -- Empty(A)
    Level 8: Prestige Power Slide -- Empty(A)
    Level 8: Prestige Power Quick -- Empty(A)
    Level 8: Prestige Power Rush -- Empty(A)
    Level 8: Prestige Power Surge -- Empty(A)
    Level 8: Ninja Run
    ------------
    ------------
    Set Bonus Totals:
    • 2% DamageBuff(Smashing)
    • 2% DamageBuff(Lethal)
    • 2% DamageBuff(Fire)
    • 2% DamageBuff(Cold)
    • 2% DamageBuff(Energy)
    • 2% DamageBuff(Negative)
    • 2% DamageBuff(Toxic)
    • 2% DamageBuff(Psionic)
    • 5% Defense
    • 3.13% Defense(Smashing)
    • 3.13% Defense(Lethal)
    • 2.19% Defense(Fire)
    • 2.19% Defense(Cold)
    • 5% Defense(Energy)
    • 5% Defense(Negative)
    • 4.38% Defense(Melee)
    • 4.38% Defense(Ranged)
    • 4.38% Defense(AoE)
    • 2% Enhancement(Stunned)
    • 2% Enhancement(Knockup)
    • 2% Enhancement(Knockback)
    • 13% Enhancement(Accuracy)
    • 5% Enhancement(Heal)
    • 4% SpeedFlying
    • 99.19 HP (9.75%) HitPoints
    • 8% JumpHeight
    • 8% SpeedJumping
    • MezResist(Immobilized) 1.1%
    • MezResist(Sleep) 1.65%
    • MezResist(Terrorized) 3.3%
    • 21% (0.35 End/sec) Recovery
    • 20% (0.85 HP/sec) Regeneration
    • 0.95% Resistance(Fire)
    • 0.95% Resistance(Cold)
    • 4% SpeedRunning
  13. Stormistress
    Hello, everyone!

    Altitis strikes again, and I'm curious about this combination.

    I've paired Fire control with Storm before, and produced what may be my most powerful character ever. I was street sweeping Terra Volta and RWZ faster than the game could re-load the zone. Now I'm not necessarily expecting the same performance, and I do expect a Fire/Dark to play differently.

    I'm just curious if this combination has the potential to solo at a reasonable pace. Now eliminating targets quickly is nice, but there is also the FUN factor.

    It seems to me that Hot Feet and Tar Patch make a good combo to bring most targets to a crawl without even using other control powers. That does require that I am in melee range to some degree, and I will have to prepare for that.

    What have other people experienced teaming and solo, what works for you with each set, and where did you find the FUN?





    Stormistress
  14. Stormistress
    Hello, everyone

    I thought some of you might find it useful to look at my build. Here is my planned build to level-50. Note that I rarely equip purple I/O sets.

    Note that the effect from Parry does not show up is the defense data. Mids is showing the following defense/resistance numbers at level-50, but these will most likely be a bit lower as I don't go back to update my sets to their max-level. (These include a single application of Parry.)

    Defense:

    Smashing - 20.2
    Lethal - 40.8
    Fire - 10.8
    Cold - 10.8
    Energy - 33.9
    Negative - 33.9
    Psionic - 10.8

    Melee - 38.9
    Ranged - 31.7
    AOE - 10.8


    Resistance:

    Smashing - 49.4
    Lethal - 49.4
    Fire - 29.6
    Cold - 29.6
    Energy - 18.9
    Negative - 45.5
    Toxic - 23.5
    Psionic - 47.3


    Regen - 197
    Max HP - 108.2
    EndRec - 3.11/sec.
    END Use - .75/sec. (w/o Death Shroud active)
    Max END - 111.7



    Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.953
    http://www.cohplanner.com/

    Click this DataLink to open the build!

    Ariel Darkblade: Level 50 Magic Scrapper
    Primary Power Set: Broad Sword
    Secondary Power Set: Dark Armor
    Power Pool: Leaping
    Power Pool: Fighting
    Power Pool: Presence
    Ancillary Pool: Darkness Mastery

    Hero Profile:
    Level 1: Hack
    • (A) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance
    • (3) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Recharge
    • (5) Kinetic Combat - Accuracy/Damage
    • (7) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance/Recharge
    Level 1: Dark Embrace
    • (A) Steadfast Protection - Resistance/+Def 3%
    • (5) Steadfast Protection - Resistance/Endurance
    • (13) Steadfast Protection - Knockback Protection
    • (15) Reactive Armor - Endurance
    • (39) Reactive Armor - Resistance
    • (39) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance
    Level 2: Slice
    • (A) Eradication - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
    • (3) Eradication - Damage
    • (7) Eradication - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge
    • (9) Eradication - Damage/Recharge
    Level 4: Combat Jumping
    • (A) Karma - Knockback Protection
    Level 6: Super Jump
    • (A) Jumping
    Level 8: Parry
    • (A) Kinetic Combat - Accuracy/Damage
    • (9) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance
    • (11) Serendipity - Defense
    • (11) Serendipity - Defense/Endurance
    • (13) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Recharge
    • (15) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance/Recharge
    Level 10: Obsidian Shield
    • (A) Impervium Armor - Resistance/Endurance
    • (50) Impervium Armor - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge
    Level 12: Build Up
    • (A) Recharge Reduction
    Level 14: Spring Attack
    • (A) Accuracy
    Level 16: Dark Regeneration
    • (A) Multi Strike - Accuracy/Endurance
    • (17) Harmonized Healing - Heal/Endurance
    • (17) Harmonized Healing - Heal/Endurance/Recharge
    • (19) Theft of Essence - Healing/Recharge
    • (21) Theft of Essence - Accuracy/Endurance/Healing
    • (21) Theft of Essence - Chance for +Endurance
    Level 18: Whirling Sword
    • (A) Scirocco's Dervish - Accuracy/Recharge
    • (19) Scirocco's Dervish - Accuracy/Damage
    • (23) Scirocco's Dervish - Damage/Recharge
    • (27) Scirocco's Dervish - Damage/Endurance
    Level 20: Murky Cloud
    • (A) Reactive Armor - Endurance
    • (50) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance
    • (50) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge
    Level 22: Kick
    • (A) Accuracy
    Level 24: Tough
    • (A) Reactive Armor - Endurance
    • (25) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance
    • (27) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge
    Level 26: Disembowel
    • (A) Touch of Death - Accuracy/Damage
    • (33) Touch of Death - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance
    • (33) Touch of Death - Damage/Endurance/Recharge
    • (33) Touch of Death - Damage/Endurance
    • (34) Touch of Death - Damage/Recharge
    • (34) Touch of Death - Chance of Damage(Negative)
    Level 28: Cloak of Darkness
    • (A) Red Fortune - Endurance
    • (29) Red Fortune - Defense/Endurance
    • (29) Red Fortune - Defense/Endurance/Recharge
    • (31) Red Fortune - Defense
    • (31) Red Fortune - Defense/Recharge
    • (31) Red Fortune - Endurance/Recharge
    Level 30: Death Shroud
    • (A) Multi Strike - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance
    • (36) Cleaving Blow - Damage/Endurance
    • (36) Scirocco's Dervish - Damage/Endurance
    • (36) Eradication - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge
    • (37) Eradication - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
    • (37) Eradication - Accuracy/Recharge
    Level 32: Head Splitter
    • (A) Eradication - Accuracy/Recharge
    • (37) Eradication - Damage/Recharge
    • (39) Eradication - Damage
    • (40) Cleaving Blow - Accuracy/Damage
    • (40) Cleaving Blow - Damage/Endurance
    • (40) Cleaving Blow - Accuracy/Recharge
    Level 35: Torrent
    • (A) Cloud Senses - Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge
    • (42) Cloud Senses - Accuracy/Recharge
    • (42) Cloud Senses - ToHit Debuff/Endurance/Recharge
    • (43) Cloud Senses - Accuracy/ToHitDebuff
    • (43) Cloud Senses - ToHit Debuff
    • (43) Cloud Senses - Chance for Negative Energy Damage
    Level 38: Soul Transfer
    • (A) Recharge Reduction
    Level 41: Dark Blast
    • (A) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage
    • (42) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
    • (45) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance
    • (46) Thunderstrike - Damage/Endurance/Recharge
    • (46) Thunderstrike - Damage/Endurance
    • (48) Thunderstrike - Damage/Recharge
    Level 44: Tenebrous Tentacles
    • (A) Cloud Senses - Accuracy/ToHitDebuff
    • (45) Cloud Senses - Accuracy/Recharge
    • (45) Cloud Senses - ToHit Debuff/Endurance/Recharge
    • (46) Cloud Senses - Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge
    • (48) Cloud Senses - ToHit Debuff
    • (48) Cloud Senses - Chance for Negative Energy Damage
    Level 47: Provoke
    • (A) Accuracy
    Level 49: Confront
    • (A) Taunt Duration
    ------------
    Level 2: Swift
    • (A) Empty
    Level 2: Health
    • (A) Healing
    • (34) Numina's Convalescence - +Regeneration/+Recovery
    Level 2: Hurdle
    • (A) Empty
    Level 2: Stamina
    • (A) Endurance Modification
    • (23) Endurance Modification
    • (25) Endurance Modification
    Level 1: Brawl
    • (A) Empty
    Level 1: Critical Hit
    Level 1: Sprint
    • (A) Empty
    Level 2: Rest
    • (A) Empty
    Level 4: Ninja Run
    ------------
    Set Bonus Totals:
    • 4.5% DamageBuff(Smashing)
    • 4.5% DamageBuff(Lethal)
    • 4.5% DamageBuff(Fire)
    • 4.5% DamageBuff(Cold)
    • 4.5% DamageBuff(Energy)
    • 4.5% DamageBuff(Negative)
    • 4.5% DamageBuff(Toxic)
    • 4.5% DamageBuff(Psionic)
    • 12.38% Defense(Smashing)
    • 12.38% Defense(Lethal)
    • 3% Defense(Fire)
    • 3% Defense(Cold)
    • 26.13% Defense(Energy)
    • 26.13% Defense(Negative)
    • 3% Defense(Psionic)
    • 10.5% Defense(Melee)
    • 23.94% Defense(Ranged)
    • 3% Defense(AoE)
    • 11.7% Max End
    • 17.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
    • 16% Enhancement(Accuracy)
    • 14% FlySpeed
    • 110.4 HP (8.25%) HitPoints
    • 14% JumpHeight
    • 14% JumpSpeed
    • Knockback (Mag -8)
    • Knockup (Mag -8)
    • MezResist(Confused) 5%
    • MezResist(Held) 7.75%
    • MezResist(Immobilize) 18.75%
    • MezResist(Sleep) 5%
    • MezResist(Stun) 5%
    • MezResist(Terrorized) 5%
    • 8.5% (0.14 End/sec) Recovery
    • 24% (1.34 HP/sec) Regeneration
    • 1.26% Resistance(Fire)
    • 1.26% Resistance(Cold)
    • 3.13% Resistance(Negative)
    • 14% RunSpeed



    Stormistress
  15. Stormistress
    Hello again, everyone!

    Thank you for the awesome suggestions so far.


    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Valorin View Post
    Hi Stormmistress!

    *Disclaimer* I'm a Dark Armor fan. I'm also a fan of "misfit toys" so, take that for what it's worth. Just finished leveling my TW/DA brute and figured I'd copy/paste a list of ways I used to combat her endurance drain while leveling her up. Some of these have been mentioned before, but they're worth mentioning again.

    #1) Slot el-cheapo set IOs with end reduction (Frankenslot)
    #2) Every time I log on her, I put up a bid for medium blue inspirations for whatever cheap price (500 inf each? 1000 inf each?) in a stack of 10. Collect whatever I bought from the last time.
    #3) Keep a Recovery Serum power (really helped in the low levels, 18-25 I was sucking wind, it got better) handy. Buy these in stock too- lowball bids allowed to sit overnight. Buy the low level version or the high level version as the salvage is dirt cheap.
    #4) First two alignment merits went to a Miracle +Recovery for Health.
    #5) Get the Atlas Medallion.
    #6) Theft of Essence +End Proc for Dark Regen.

    I agree with everything you are saying. I plan on Frankenslotting a few powers where set bonuses won't work for me. I have seen these Recovery Serums drop, but frankly never thought I'd have time in combat to use them. Maybe they are useful after all.

    I am presently running a few alignment missions to build up my A-merits, but I will be able to get the Uniques I need by leveraging my total bank of characters. The Atlas Medallion is a very good idea: I have it on my first 50 as I/O's didn't exist then.

    I have slotted the Theft of Essence Proc and it does indeed help.


    Quote:
    Just a few ways to help mitigate your endurance burn. I don't think broadsword is any worse than titan weapons. A few tactical tips, if I may (no offense intended, but I sometimes overlook them when I come back to a DA character after playing something that doesn't rely on endurance as heavily)-

    1) Your blue bar is also your green bar, thanks to dark regeneration. The more blue you have, the better off you will be as you can convert it to green every 30 seconds or so. The rest of your defenses exist to buy you those 30 seconds, that's it.

    2) Treat your blue bar with care. No need to use Headsplitter to finish off a low-health baddie, pick something with a lower endurance cost.

    3) Death shroud works for you in crowds, no need to keep it running in between groups. I set up a quick bind to turn it on and off. Kind of a pain in the butt, but might be worth it.

    4) Oppresive Gloom (when you get that far) is a big helper. Those crowds of minions are wandering around drunk and not smacking you. Target one as it wanders away, makes a great way to aim cone powers like slice.

    5) Dark Regeneration will bring you to full hitpoints from 2-3 minions. HOWEVER, as you know it costs at TON of endurance. So, what makes Dark Armor an exciting set to me, is that there is a "skill" factor. Learn when you need to hit the button at the last possible moment. The lower you let your health go, the bigger the heal. In other words, let's assume my offense lets me obliterate a spawn in 45 seconds. If I trigger the heal 15 seconds in, I have to last 30 seconds before my offense takes me to the end of the fight. However, If I know my own strengths/weaknesses vs. the damage coming in, and I judge it better, I can time it so maybe I don't have to trigger it for 25 seconds into the fight, leaving me with 20 seconds to finish it. Triggering it early may be necessary if I'm starting the fight low on hitpoints (or endurance- the theft of essence proc checks once per target dark regen hits, which means more targets= more chances for it to trigger)- but it also means I have to survive the full recharge time of dark regen. If I wait until the last possible moment, I can effectively take "more" damage. Of course, wait too long and you're dead. But that's why the devs gave us Soul Transfer, right?

    OK, I wrote a lot more than I intended to. Hopefully, some of these tips will help you out.

    Absolutely solid points here. Now that I am past level-25 it is much easier to combine inspirations to keep two or three blues at the ready. I have Dark Regen fully slotted and use a combination of Build-up, Whirling Sword, Spring Attack, and Slice. I try to lead off with Parry first, but don't always have that option. Usually, my Health bar is down 75% with a combined attack like that at this level (presently lvl-28), and I will cue Dark Regen right after Spring Attack or Slice animates (depending on where my health is). Its extremely satisfying to go from near death to full health in a heartbeat.

    The mix of enemies does affect my play style with smashing/lethal types being my favorite as I get the best defense/resistance to them. Any enemy that lowers my accuracy can be a major challenge to fight, but then it is always that way regardless of the powersets.



    So, I presently do not have Death Shroud, but will add it to the build at level-30. I don't expect to use it much until I have it slotted (late 30's). I'm sure that after level-40 it will become very useful again. (That's when I get my last row of inspirations.) I have elected to take Cloak of Darkness instead of Weave as they have the same Defense with CD using less END. I am adjusting the FX of CD to cloud the character as little as possible.

    Overall, I am finding the fun has returned to this character. I am able to street sweep Terra Volta fairly well, and I have been able to increase my difficulty from X3 to X4. I will try X5 after level-30.

    I find that I must indeed develop a talent to managing Dark Regen. I'm getting better at it, and am amazed what I can do sometimes.

    I have planned a couple of I/O sets to boost my Accuracy, and presently have plus-9. It is absolutely vital that Dark Regen hits when its activated. Its annoying when it doesn't, but I don't blame the DA set for that. Certain enemies are just challenging due to their ability to floor your to-hit numbers.





    Stormistress
  16. Stormistress
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by ClawsandEffect View Post
    I strongly recommend putting Death Shroud back in the build after you have your endurance issues sorted out. That power alone accounts for more than a quarter of your character's total damage output.

    I'm also not a fan of typed defense on Sword/Dark characters. Positional covers more possible attacks and it's just as easy (or easier) to get good amounts of. If you go with typed, it's pretty much guaranteed you are going to leave a hole to Fire and Cold damage. Positional defense fills that hole nicely. Positional also covers the majority of Psi attacks, and even though you have good resistance to Psi, getting your recharge floored because it's all hitting you kinda sucks.

    My BS/DA solos AVs while running 11 toggles, and I've never run him out of endurance in his current build. If I think about it I'll post a build and explain how I handled the endurance issues. Cardiac Alpha was a huge help, but I had my endurance under control before Incarnates even existed.

    I assure you, it is VERY possible to do what you want to do here without giving up important powers like your damage aura. If you like, I can give you a demo of my BS/DA on Pinnacle this evening. He's damn hard to kill, and even if he does get killed he pops right back up again.

    I may have to send it as a PM instead, since this is my last day as a VIP for a little while.
    Thank you for input, Claws

    I understand your position on Death Shroud. That was why I took it in the beginning. I may consider restoring it after I gain more levels. I'd really like to see how the build performs in the new version I'm creating first. This is probably my 5th respec on this character (Inherent Fitness, etc.). So, I don't mind going through it again if warranted.

    I must say that I'm not a fan of the present Incarnate system. I play in short gaps of time, with more than half of that solo. I also find doing repeating loops of Trials and TF just to be mind-numbing. Once the new DA zone is up, I'll look it over again.

    The other problem I have with that is that I enjoy the journey to 50 more than arriving there. So, I want my entire experience on the way to 50 to be challenging and satisfying.

    Lastly, I agree that positional defense is superior to typed. However, I wanted defense now at level-18. My ability to slot sets for positional defense is limited right now. So, I have created a low-level I/O plan that I'm sure will be replaced near level-30. I haven't bothered to work that out right now, and I won't until I see some improvement in the character's performance.





    Stormistress
  17. Stormistress
    As you can see from my post in this section, I have been disappointed with Dark Armor. I might be into a bit of overkill, but I am resorting to Def I/O slotting as a result of my experiences. YMMV.

    At the other end of things, I have found Electric Armor to be very good. A small amount of defense (Combat Jumping, etc.) helps, but the set is good as is. Fire is very good as well, and comes with a Heal that makes the difference.

    Now I saw the comment about self-Rez powers. I admit I use that as an attack on lvl-49 Dark/Fire. The damage out is so sweet that I occasionally die on purpose just to deliver retribution. Usually, my health is down fairly low, and I've used most of my good attacks. So, why not? I don't fear debt badges.

    That's my two cents. Good luck!




    Stormistress
  18. Stormistress
    Well, I just wanted to update those watching this thread.

    As some have indicated, this character is important to me. So, I have taken the advise presented and kept the character in the same powersets. I have also created a duplicate on another server to test a BS/WP build.

    First, the attempt to translate to Willpower. I only have the build up lvl-5, but it has a totally different feel. Tendrils seemed the best to create an illusion of dark power. However, it is a poor substitute. I am positive that this build can be a powerhouse at all levels. I'm just not realizing the feel of darkness that I wanted when I first created the character. So, the test build is parked for now.

    I had taken Death Shroud in my BS/DA original build mainly to deal with minions. That may be my major source of endurance issues. So, as has been suggested I have repsec'd my build. I can post the before and after builds if people want me to, but I will give an overview for now.

    Since this is a Scrapper build, I switch out Slash with Hack to maximize my burst damage. I removed Murky Cloud and will take that at lvl-20 (the character is presently lvl-18). I placed Dark Regen in its place, and have slotted one AC and two END for now.

    I am also doing something that I never do on any of my builds. I am attempting to slot a few I/O sets now instead of waiting until lvl-27. I have enlisted the aid of some of my lvl-50's with influence and merits. So far I have expended 40-mil and about 500 merits. My major problem in this effort is getting Kinetic Combat sets at this level, as that only gives me lvl-20 and lvl-21 to choose from. They can be a little pricey, but I have to wait until they are listed. So, it might take a few days before I can slot my attacks the way I want.

    Instead of planning to take Acrobatics, I have slotted two KB I/O's for -7 protection. I have also slotted the Steadfast Def I/O. With two Kinetic sets I will have 12.38 S/L Def, and one Eradication set will give me 8.01 E/N Def.

    I have taken Parry (of course) and slotted that with two Serendipities. Melee Def should be about 22, and Lethal near 29.

    I have dropped Death Shroud from the build (permanently) and will rely on Whirling Sword and Spring Attack for my area damage.

    No testing yet as I am waiting for the Kinetics to show up in the market. I'm expecting good result though, and there may be enough endurance left over to fit in Tough and Weave into the future build.

    Well, that's all for now. Thanks for all the input!




    Stormistress
  19. Stormistress
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Erratic View Post


    With the exception of Dark Regeneration and Oppressive Gloom, all my enhancements remain SOs and I'm pretty happy with where my tanker, Pitchfire, is at.

    Not suggesting you go back down the Dark Armor route however if it was so unsatisfying the first time around though. I have Energy Aura on a Brute and it gets fantastic in the 20s (so I will assume even lower in a Tanker). You might give it a shot.

    I appreciate what you are saying, Erratic.

    Even though I've had some tough experiences with Dark Armor, I keep coming up with concepts that are just perfect for it. I really want it to be a good experience, and I have tried different primaries and different AT's. hoping that I would find a better fit.

    I went with a sword set both for concept reasons and for the Melee Def., and I'm kind of a Min-Maxer. So, I DO leverage I/O's for what they can bring to my builds. However, my first 50 was leveled up with SO's, and I was fine with that.

    I just find a powerset that doesn't get fun until mid-30's to be very grinding. On top of that, I tend to Solo quite a bit. Personally, its all about the journey and the FUN for me. Without those two things I wouldn't play the game.

    I am pleased to see that there are people getting good mileage out of the DA set. Cudos to you.


    Thanks again for all the great input!





    Stormistress
  20. Stormistress
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by UnicyclePeon View Post
    I definitely recommend willpower, if only to put your endurance issues behind you. 2 or 3 slot both stamina and quick recovery, then never look back.

    As for a darkness aura, dont forget to look at unexpected choices. Omega or cryogenic could give a smoky/shadowed look. You could also do a jet black body or something, with a pale dark ble ghostly fire. If you are a tier 9 then the elemental sword of fire and ice might look nice in the form of a shadowy smokey blade of energy.

    Good luck,

    Lewis


    Excellent ideas, Lewis

    The character is a female Drow, and has almost black skin. So, that will fit nicely.

    I would really like to use the Barbarian sword. Too bad I can't put a dark blue glow on it. I really wish we would get that type of option.




    Stormistress
  21. Stormistress
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by slythetic View Post
    Let's see Dark is a resist set with a fair amount of exotic resist/effects resist, a powerful heal and some control.

    Fire- Fulfills some of the resist, a powerful heal, and more damage

    Elec - Has strong resists, some heals, and a lot of exotic resist/effects

    Willpower - Has strong passive healing, some resist, some defense


    Those are probably your closest to being like dark I'd imagine.

    Thanks, Slythetic

    I hadn't considered Willpower as an option. I was focused more on Invulnerability, but Willpower might make sense. It doesn't have a damage aura, but it does give you loads of endurance. If I switch to a Brute, RttC might work very well to increase survivability as well.

    I might use the Tendril aura to give the illusion of Dark Armor, and see if I can color the powerset to blend in.



    To Knight,

    I agree that endurance issues tend to improve as the set moves up in level. My experience with my lvl 33 tank was very disappointing, however. Maybe its my expectations, and comparing it to other tanks that I have might be unfair. I'm used to having my tanks surrounded my the enemy and being able to take a pounding while I dish out damage. I expect to have a challenge in doing that, but finding myself being beaten to a pulp with no END to spare just isn't fun.

    Regarding I/O's: I start slotting basic I/O's at lvl-12, then switch to SO's at 22. I start filling in my I/O sets at lvl-27. That combination has served me well for 30-odd characters so far.





    Stormistress
  22. Stormistress
    Hello, everyone!

    I have been playing this game for many years and have tried Dark Armor perhaps a dozen times. I keep getting frustrated by an apparent lack of survivability and huge endurance drain that this set has. I keep trying the set with the hope that my play experience will somehow be different each time.

    I have read much of what has been written here on the forums, and I've tried to adjust my builds to improve my experience. I just can't seem to match DA's promised performance with reality.

    Now, I'm not asking so much for help with builds or the Dark Armor set itself. Also, just to give you perspective please note that I have played the set to a fairly high level (lvl 33 tank that I ultimately deleted).

    I have a concept character that is a Broadsword/Dark Armor Scrapper. I loved the character, but I am starting to observe the same problems on my way to lvl 20.

    With the advent of power customization, I am considering re-building this character with a different secondary power set. I would even be willing to change AT-types if that makes sense. What I'm looking for is a set that can substitute for Dark Armor in appearance without the huge endurance issues and with (I hope) an improvement is survivability. Note that this character never intended to take "Cloak of Darkness". So, I expect the character to be visible if somewhat obscured.

    I look forward to all your suggestions.




    Stormistress
  23. Stormistress
    Hello!

    Thank you for the very useful replies.

    I will definitely try the the /mypurchases command.

    I have received a reply from Support. There is no data tracking that can be viewed for Paragon Market purchases. Only point stipends and point purchases are tracked. They pretty much told me to comment here so the Developers can see it. To say that I found that disappointing is a gross understatement.

    However, being upset will not resolve anything. So, I will try purchase command recommended, and see what happens. I have also moved on and assumed that I forgot I bought something. So, more points purchased for me! Yah!

    Thanks again, everyone!





    Stormistress
  24. Stormistress
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Suspicious_Pkg View Post
    If you look at your billing summary under account management, you can review the last 90 days worth of microtransactions.

    Can you tell if you purchased something there?
    Thank you for the reply.

    I had checked that early, but just to be sure I loaded the blling summary just now. The only thing listed under Microtransactions are the point purchases I have made since the end of November, including those that I earn under my VIP status. None of the Paragon Market purchases I made with those points are listed: not a single one. And I have made plenty of them.

    I know that my point total had gotten very low for a time, and I was waiting for it to go back up. I did buy the Roman costume pack recently, but I thought my point total was high enough to leave a good balance. At this time, I am just not sure and want to see what I bought, when, and be able to view my point balance as it changed over time: just as I do in my check book.

    Still waiting for Support to get back to me. Maybe I am missing a button or screen that will show the purchases. My "Billing Summary" does not show any of them.





    Stormistress
  25. Stormistress
    Hello, everyone!

    Just this morning I was considering acquiring some of the costume pieces I have yet to purchase. So, I go to the Paragon market window to check them out, and it seems to me that my total points are 400 lower than they should be.

    Now, I'm open to the possibility that I did buy something but just don't remember. However, there doesn't seem to be any means to review my prior purchases on the Paragon market. Is that correct? Is there really no stored history for what you buy?

    Everything else about my account is tracked as evidenced by the list of payments and purchases under My Account. I find it puzzling that there doesn't seem to be a record for the Paragon market.

    Any ideas? How do I verify that my point total is accurate?




    Thanks all!

    Stormistress