Terse

Thanks for the alternative suggestions New Dawn!

To be honest Finduilas I'm loath to give up Fire Sword as the fiery sword is pretty much one of my favorite parts of FM. I'm actually more driven by the 'look' of a set than I am by the numbers, I just try to squeeze as much out of the numbers as I can to make the 'look' I like actually viable.

Its still early days for Tersival the shield/fire tank yet, and I've got several vet respec's in reserve so I think I'll forge onwards without Hasten and maybe build up New Dawn's spec as an alternative build if I can enjoy tanking without a self heal enough. ;-)

I'm not sure I like relying on Phalanx Fighting to hit def caps enough to make that my primary build but it would certainly be a nice option when I'm not solo.

Thanks again.

Finduilas, I knew there had to be ways to improve my build and you seem to have tweaked it perfectly. Thank you very, very much.

Getting back into play after a few months off and I've found myself rolling a Shield/Fire tank. I previously took a Fire/Reflexes Brute to L50 and I like the swift fighting style of fire melee but, since my first ever L50 was an Invul/Energy tank, I could never seem to get my brute's defenses high enough to avoid too many face plants for comfort. Now we have shields though so the altitis has kicked in and resulted in my new tank.

I'm a little nervous about tanking with no self-heals, so I figure good regen is my 2nd priority after defenses. I'm not keen on relying on Phalanx Fighting or One With the Shield either, but I guess they're nice to have just in case.

Anyway, here's the build I've worked up so far after rumaging around the forums for a little while. Any feedback on how its likely to perform in game, or how I can improve it further, would be greatly appreciated.

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.942
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Tersival ShFire PM: Level 50 Magic Tanker
Primary Power Set: Shield Defense
Secondary Power Set: Fiery Melee
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Energy Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Deflection -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(3), RctvArm-EndRdx/Rchg(3), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(5), RctvArm-ResDam(5), S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(7)
Level 1: Scorch -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(7), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(46), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(48)
Level 2: Fire Sword -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(9), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(45), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(46)
Level 4: Combustion -- Sciroc-Acc/Dmg(A), Sciroc-Dmg/EndRdx(9), Sciroc-Dmg/Rchg(11), Sciroc-Acc/Rchg(11), Sciroc-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(13), Sciroc-Dam%(13)
Level 6: Active Defense -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(15)
Level 8: Against All Odds -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 10: Battle Agility -- LkGmblr-Def(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(15), LkGmblr-Def/Rchg(17), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(17)
Level 12: Fly -- Winter-ResSlow(A)
Level 14: Taunt -- Zinger-Taunt(A), Zinger-Taunt/Rchg(19), Zinger-Taunt/Rchg/Rng(19), Zinger-Acc/Rchg(21), Zinger-Taunt/Rng(21), Zinger-Dam%(23)
Level 16: True Grit -- ImpArm-ResDam(A), ImpArm-ResPsi(23), Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(25), Numna-Heal(25), RgnTis-Regen+(48)
Level 18: Boxing -- Acc-I(A)
Level 20: Tough -- RctvArm-ResDam(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(27), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(27), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(29)
Level 22: Weave -- LkGmblr-Def(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(29), LkGmblr-Def/Rchg(31), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(31)
Level 24: Build Up -- Rec'dRet-ToHit(A), Rec'dRet-ToHit/Rchg(31), Rec'dRet-Pcptn(33)
Level 26: Shield Charge -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(33), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(33), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), Oblit-%Dam(34)
Level 28: Fire Sword Circle -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(43), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(46), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(48), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(50), Oblit-%Dam(50)
Level 30: Combat Jumping -- LkGmblr-Def(A), LkGmblr-Rchg+(36)
Level 32: Maneuvers -- LkGmblr-Def(A), LkGmblr-Rchg+(36), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(36), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(37)
Level 35: Incinerate -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx(37), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg(37), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(39), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(40), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(42)
Level 38: Greater Fire Sword -- Mako-Acc/Dmg(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx(39), Mako-Dmg/Rchg(39), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(40), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(40), Mako-Dam%(50)
Level 41: Conserve Power -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 44: Physical Perfection -- P'Shift-End%(A), P'Shift-EndMod(45), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg(45)
Level 47: Phalanx Fighting -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A)
Level 49: One with the Shield -- Aegis-Psi/Status(A)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Gauntlet
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Health -- Numna-Heal(A), Numna-Heal/EndRdx(43), Mrcl-Rcvry+(43)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- P'Shift-End%(A), P'Shift-EndMod(42), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg(42)

Wow, awesome responses thanks very much. Way better response than I dared hope for & very useful.

Cheers.

Since I began trying to break my Tank dependance I started looking at scrappers. After reading several places that Dark Melee & Super Reflexes were a good combination with natural synergy I decided to give it a go. I'm pushing L30 now, enjoying the combat style and starting to wonder what to aim for at L50.

Is DeNMaN's "Shadow Brawlers Guide to Dark Melee/Super Reflexes" really the most recent guide? DeNMaN's guide is very helpful for understanding how the powers work generally but I was hoping to find some guidance on how best to shoot for the defense cap (can't completely break the tanker's defense first focus).

"Best" meaning most efficiently, leaving me with the most enhancement slots free to spread around damage dealing once I can survive the inevitable aggro.

Not to mention what to aim for with all the incarnate options around now.

Any advice, builds or other guidance around this topic would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading.

I had the same trouble, restarted the updater a heap of times with no joy.

Restarted my router a couple times and connected no probs.

Thanks for the feedback all. Very helpful indeed.

I had been toying with the idea of DM/Invul for the extra life recovery but visually KM grabs me a lot more.

Most importantly I didn't want to spend days/weeks working on my new scrapper only to find I was too weak at high levels.

Looks like I don't need to worry about that at all, cool. Well at least not once I've adjusted from 'tanker' to 'scrapper' mindset!

For ages I've wanted to find a satisfying scrapper build and when I saw Kinetic Melee I immediately had thought of a wizard/battlemage kinda concept using magic spells and wards to fight with hand-to-hand and defend himself.

/Invul seemed the best secondary fit to represent glowing magical wards surrounding his body but I'm worried my attachment to /Invul (my first L50 being an Inv/EM Tank) is blinding fatal flaws in its Scrapper incarnation.

I accept I'm not going to be tanker-tough but what survivability can I expect as I level up and hit 50?

Are /Invul scrappers still tough enough to hold their own or do the reduced caps make them sad in comparison to Invul tanks and other scrapper secondaries?

Anyone got any recent /Invul scrapper builds that show what it takes to hit the caps or experiences fighting with /Invul scrappers they can share that might help illustrate their potential?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

After giving up on CoH after my last post I tried again the next day & logged straight in without having to change anything.

Then I go to log in tonight and its applies 3.6GB worth of patches.

I strongly suspect its more of a server-end problem than a user/client-end problem.

Oh well.

I try to be understanding and patient, can't be easy to program games for all the possible applications & hardware combinations at the users' end, but its not easy.

Good luck all.

I'm getting the same error, running Vista Business edition. CoX ran fine until I tried to log in after the patch (i18/GR) went live.

CoH Helper says:
---System information gathered by CoH Helper version 0.2.0.2---

DxDiag gathered at August 18, 2010 08:09 (+08:00)
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Business (6.0, Build 6002) Service Pack 2 (6002.vistasp2_gdr.100608-0458)
System Manufacturer: Sony Corporation
System Model: VGN-SZ453N_B
BIOS: Ver 1.00PARTTBL
Central Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU T7200 @ 2.00GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.0GHz
Memory: 2046MB
.Net Memory Report: 675MB out of 2045MB available
Page File: 2717MB (1611MB currently in use)
C Drive: (WDC WD5000BEVT-00ZAT0 ATA Device) 196835MB out of 266580MB (73%) free
E Drive: (WDC WD5000BEVT-00ZAT0 ATA Device) 64505MB out of 203681MB (31%) free
D Drive: (MATSHITA DVD-RAM UJ-852S ATA Device) zero-size drive
F Drive: (ELBY CLONEDRIVE SCSI CdRom Device) zero-size drive
Windows directory location: C:\Windows
DirectX: DirectX 11
DirectX Diag version: 7.00.6002.18107 (32-bit version)

Display Notes: No problems found.
Sound Notes: No problems found.
Input Notes: No problems found.

Monitor: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor's Max Resolution: (blank)
Video Device Name: NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400
Manufacturer / Chip: NVIDIA / GeForce Go 7400
Video Memory: 333 MB
Driver Version: 7.15.0010.9735
Driver Date: 1/01/0001 12:00:00 AM
Driver Language: English

Sound Device Description: Speakers / Headphones (SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC)
Driver File: stwrt.sys
Driver Version: 6.10.5379.0000
Driver Date: 2/06/2007 11:36:48 AM


WMI Information
Motherboard Manufacturer: Sony Corporation
Motherboard Model: (empty)
Motherboard Product: VAIO
Motherboard Version: N/A
BIOS Manufacturer: Phoenix Technologies LTD
BIOS Name: Ver 1.00PARTTBL
BIOS Version: Sony - 6040000
BIOS Release: 20070412000000.000000+000


Registry Information for Current User
Resolution: 1280x800
3D Resolution: 1280x800 (Not using renderscale)
Full Screen: Yes
Maximized: No
Screen Position: 0, 0
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Vertical Sync Enabled: Yes


Physics Quality: None
Maximum Particles: 50000
Max Particle Fill? 10.000
Physics Card Enabled: No


Anti-aliasing: Off
Anisotropic Filtering: 4x
Texture LOD Bias: Smooth
Water Effects: None
Bloom: 1.000 (turned off)
Depth of Field Enabled: No
Desaturation Effects (Sepia) Enabled: Yes
Shader Detail: Unknown (5)


World Texture Level: Medium
Character Texture Level: Very High
World Detail Level (Vis_Scale): 0.800
Entity Detail Level: 1.000
Shadows Enabled: No
Shadow Mode: Stencil shadows
Shadow Map Shader: Unknown (0)
Environmental Reflections: Disabled
Advanced Occlusion Settings: No
Ambient Occlusion: Off
Occlusion Strength: Off
Blur: Bilateral
Ambient Resolution: Performance


Gamma Correction: 1.000
Geometry Buffers (VBOs) Enabled: Yes
Suppression of FX When Camera Close Enabled: No
Close Suppression Range: 3.000
Show Advertisements: Yes

Audio Mode: Performance
3D Audio: No
FX Sound Volume: 1.000
Music Sound Volume: 0.600

Show Advanced Graphics Options: No
Overall Graphics Quality: 0.250
Reverse Mouse Buttons: No
Save Login Username: Yes
Transfer Rate: 153984 bytes/second
Current Game Version: 1800.201006040036.8T
Installation Directory: e:\my games\steam\steamapps\common\city of heroes

Mod files in the Data directory
No modifications found


HiJackThis says:
Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.4
Scan saved at 8:14:39 AM, on 18/08/2010
Platform: Windows Vista SP2 (WinNT 6.00.1906)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v8.00 (8.00.6001.18943)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\Windows\system32\taskeng.exe
C:\Windows\system32\Dwm.exe
C:\Windows\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Sony\Wireless Switch Setting Utility\Switcher.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Update 3\VAIOUpdt.exe
C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apoint.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\ISB Utility\ISBMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\BitDefender\BitDefender 2009\bdagent.exe
C:\Program Files\Apoint\ApMsgFwd.exe
C:\Program Files\Acronis\TrueImageHome\TrueImageMonitor.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Acronis\Schedule2\schedhlp.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe
C:\Program Files\SteamWatch\SteamWatchTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Toshiba\Bluetooth Toshiba Stack\TosBtMng.exe
C:\Program Files\Protector Suite QL\psqltray.exe
C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apntex.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe
C:\Program Files\Toshiba\Bluetooth Toshiba Stack\TosA2dp.exe
C:\Program Files\Toshiba\Bluetooth Toshiba Stack\TosBtHid.exe
C:\Program Files\Toshiba\Bluetooth Toshiba Stack\TosBtBty.exe
C:\Program Files\Toshiba\Bluetooth Toshiba Stack\TosBtHsp.exe
C:\Program Files\Toshiba\Bluetooth Toshiba Stack\TosAVRC.exe
C:\Program Files\Toshiba\Bluetooth Toshiba Stack\tosOBEX.exe
C:\Program Files\BitDefender\BitDefender 2009\seccenter.exe
C:\Program Files\Toshiba\Bluetooth Toshiba Stack\TosBtProc.exe
E:\My Games\Steam\steam.exe
e:\my games\steam\steamapps\common\city of heroes\cohupdater.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Users\Vaio User\Desktop\CoH Helper\CohHelper.exe
C:\Windows\System32\notepad.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Windows\system32\SearchFilterHost.exe
C:\Users\Vaio User\Desktop\CoH Helper\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://vaio-online.sony.com/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant =
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch =
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName =
O1 - Hosts: ::1 localhost
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHelperStub - {18DF081C-E8AD-4283-A596-FA578C2EBDC3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelperShim.dll
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O3 - Toolbar: BitDefender Toolbar - {381FFDE8-2394-4f90-B10D-FC6124A40F8C} - C:\Program Files\BitDefender\BitDefender 2009\IEToolbar.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Apoint] C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apoint.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DRCU] "C:\Program Files\Sony\DRCU\DRCU.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISBMgr.exe] "C:\Program Files\Sony\ISB Utility\ISBMgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PSQLLauncher] "C:\Program Files\Protector Suite QL\launcher.exe" /startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BDAgent] "C:\Program Files\BitDefender\BitDefender 2009\bdagent.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BitDefender Antiphishing Helper] "C:\Program Files\BitDefender\BitDefender 2009\IEShow.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\Windows\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\Windows\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TrueImageMonitor.exe] C:\Program Files\Acronis\TrueImageHome\TrueImageMonitor.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Acronis Scheduler2 Service] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Acronis\Schedule2\schedhlp.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Sidebar] C:\Program Files\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe /autoRun
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [WMPNSCFG] C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\WMPNSCFG.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SteamWatchTray] C:\Program Files\SteamWatch\SteamWatchTray.exe
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /detectMem (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [WindowsWelcomeCenter] rundll32.exe oobefldr.dll,ShowWelcomeCenter (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /detectMem (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - Global Startup: Bluetooth Manager.lnk = ?
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O16 - DPF: {39B0684F-D7BF-4743-B050-FDC3F48F7E3B} (CDownloadCtrl Object) - http://www.fileplanet.com/fpdlmgr/ca...2.3.10.115.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://fpdownload2.macromedia.com/ge...sh/swflash.cab
O16 - DPF: {E2883E8F-472F-4FB0-9522-AC9BF37916A7} - http://platformdl.adobe.com/NOS/getPlusPlus/1.6/gp.cab
O22 - SharedTaskScheduler: Component Categories cache daemon - {8C7461EF-2B13-11d2-BE35-3078302C2030} - C:\Windows\system32\browseui.dll
O23 - Service: Acronis Scheduler2 Service (AcrSch2Svc) - Acronis - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Acronis\Schedule2\schedul2.exe
O23 - Service: Acronis Nonstop Backup service (afcdpsrv) - Acronis - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Acronis\CDP\afcdpsrv.exe
O23 - Service: BitDefender Arrakis Server (Arrakis3) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\BitDefender\BitDefender Arrakis Server\bin\Arrakis3.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Lic NetConnect service (CLTNetCnService) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Dragon Age: Origins - Content Updater (DAUpdaterSvc) - Unknown owner - e:\my games\steam\steamapps\common\dragon age origins\bin_ship\DAUpdaterSvc.Service.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1150\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: BitDefender Desktop Update Service (LIVESRV) - BitDefender SRL - C:\Program Files\Common Files\BitDefender\BitDefender Update Service\livesrv.exe
O23 - Service: MSCSPTISRV - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\AVLib\MSCSPTISRV.exe
O23 - Service: PACSPTISVR - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\AVLib\PACSPTISVR.exe
O23 - Service: Sony SPTI Service (SPTISRV) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\AVLib\SPTISRV.exe
O23 - Service: SonicStage SCSI Service (SSScsiSV) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\AVLib\SSScsiSV.exe
O23 - Service: Steam Client Service - Valve Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Steam\SteamService.exe
O23 - Service: SteamWatch - CL - C:\Program Files\SteamWatch\SteamWatch.exe
O23 - Service: TOSHIBA Bluetooth Service - TOSHIBA CORPORATION - C:\Program Files\Toshiba\Bluetooth Toshiba Stack\TosBtSrv.exe
O23 - Service: VAIO Entertainment TV Device Arbitration Service - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\VAIO Entertainment Platform\VzCs\VzHardwareResourceManager\VzHardware ResourceManager.exe
O23 - Service: VAIO Event Service - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESMgr.exe
O23 - Service: VAIO Media Integrated Server (VAIOMediaPlatform-IntegratedServer-AppServer) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\VMISrv.exe
O23 - Service: VAIO Media Integrated Server (HTTP) (VAIOMediaPlatform-IntegratedServer-HTTP) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Platform\SV_Httpd.exe
O23 - Service: VAIO Media Integrated Server (UPnP) (VAIOMediaPlatform-IntegratedServer-UPnP) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Platform\UPnPFramework.exe
O23 - Service: VAIO Media Gateway Server (VAIOMediaPlatform-Mobile-Gateway) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Platform\VmGateway.exe
O23 - Service: VAIO Media Content Collection (VAIOMediaPlatform-UCLS-AppServer) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\UCLS.exe
O23 - Service: VAIO Media Content Collection (HTTP) (VAIOMediaPlatform-UCLS-HTTP) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Platform\SV_Httpd.exe
O23 - Service: VAIO Media Content Collection (UPnP) (VAIOMediaPlatform-UCLS-UPnP) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Platform\UPnPFramework.exe
O23 - Service: VAIO Entertainment UPnP Client Adapter (Vcsw) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\VAIO Entertainment Platform\VCSW\VCSW.exe
O23 - Service: BitDefender Virus Shield (VSSERV) - BitDefender S. R. L. - C:\Program Files\BitDefender\BitDefender 2009\vsserv.exe
O23 - Service: VAIO Entertainment Database Service (VzCdbSvc) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\VAIO Entertainment Platform\VzCdb\VzCdbSvc.exe
O23 - Service: VAIO Entertainment File Import Service (VzFw) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\VAIO Entertainment Platform\VzCdb\VzFw.exe
O23 - Service: XAudioService - Conexant Systems, Inc. - C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\xaudio.exe

--
End of file - 9770 bytes

I just logged in, went to check if any of my friends/global friends are online and "There are no friends in your list."

Did a quick /search and recognised someone I know is a global friends, their global friend list was there one minute and gone a few minutes later!

Please tell us this is a known and most importantly *temporary* bug!

Phew, its reassuring at least to get to the server and know its not something gone bottom up at my end.

Wouldn't it be nice though if the devs could put some kind of announcement on the server status page? So we at least get an easy to find acknowledgement that they're aware of & working on the problem?

Oh well. Think of all the fun we'll have when i18 & (then) Going Rogue come out.

Finduilas - thanks heaps for spending the time to analyse my build like that. When I realised I had that much melee defense I figured I was going over the top but I was drawing a blank how best to rebalance it. I don't mind using Weave too much so I'm happy to aim for that at the moment. If end management becomes an issue (I'm guessing it won't) I *may* reconsider later but heck, a future issue could alwasy change something important.

New Dawn - Thank you for replying too. I went for a full set of Gaussian on Focused Accuracy as much for the set bonuses as for the +To Hit & I think the extra perception & debuff resistance worth it too. I could have thrown it on Build Up somewhere, but then I would have missed out on Physical Perfection. Plus since FA is a toggle I'm more likely to get more use out of it since on my other toons with Build Up, I frequently forget to use it. I'm curious though what you would drop to squeeze in Combat Jump.

Jacob's Ladder I left out of my build because it seems excessively slow and I hate the animation. I think Shields/Elec has enough other area attacks that I don't lose much there. I can see a good case for swapping Air Sup for Hover though just so I can slot some more defense. Air Sup + Fly have become standard on nearly all my toons though so it'd be hard to break out of that comfort zone.

Thanks heaps StoneJaguar, even just looking at the sets you chose gives me great food for thought.

Just one quick question for now, how often do you find yourself using One With the Shield?

I'm hoping that someone with more experience tweaking builds can help me tweak the Sh/Elec tank I'm working on.

For RP/enjoyment reasons I'm not keen on taking Jacob's Ladder as an attack and I'm set on taking Fly as my travel power as soon as I can get it, plus Stamina as soon as I can get that. Beyond those requirements I want be as reliable a tank as I can be (able to grab, hold & survive aggro off my team mates). Tough/Weave seem to be essential, no problem there. Phalanx Fighting and Grant Cover would be nice to have but, like Build Up and Lightning Clap they seem pretty inferior to other options.

In game this guy's only L25 so far and is pretty fun but after getting an Inv/Energy tank to 50 & reasonable slotted out, I'm keen to figure out what I should be working toward to get the most out of this tank.

The build below is the best I've been able to come up with so far but the defense/resistance totals seem low...

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.707
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Ironhawk: Level 50 Magic Tanker
Primary Power Set: Shield Defense
Secondary Power Set: Electrical Melee
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Fighting
Ancillary Pool: Energy Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Deflection -- LkGmblr-Def(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(3), LkGmblr-Rchg+(9), ImpArm-ResDam(15), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(37), S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(45)
Level 1: Charged Brawl -- T'Death-Acc/Dmg(A), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx(3), T'Death-Dmg/Rchg(7), T'Death-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(13), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), T'Death-Dam%(46)
Level 2: Havoc Punch -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx(5), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg(9), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(15), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(40)
Level 4: True Grit -- TtmC'tng-ResDam/EndRdx(A), TtmC'tng-ResDam/Rchg(5), TtmC'tng-EndRdx/Rchg(7), TtmC'tng-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(13), TtmC'tng-ResDam(34), TtmC'tng-EndRdx(45)
Level 6: Air Superiority -- P'ngS'Fest-Acc/Dmg(A), P'ngS'Fest-Stun%(11)
Level 8: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 10: Active Defense -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(11)
Level 12: Against All Odds -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 14: Fly -- Zephyr-Travel(A), Zephyr-Travel/EndRdx(33), Zephyr-ResKB(34)
Level 16: Thunder Strike -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(17), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(17), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(25), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(40), Oblit-%Dam(46)
Level 18: Health -- Numna-Heal(A), Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(19), RgnTis-Regen+(19)
Level 20: Stamina -- P'Shift-EndMod(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc(21), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg(21), P'Shift-End%(31)
Level 22: Battle Agility -- RedFtn-Def/EndRdx(A), RedFtn-Def/Rchg(23), RedFtn-EndRdx/Rchg(23), RedFtn-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(25), RedFtn-Def(36), RedFtn-EndRdx(45)
Level 24: Taunt -- Zinger-Taunt(A), Zinger-Taunt/Rchg(48), Zinger-Dam%(48)
Level 26: Shield Charge -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(27), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(27), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(31), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37), Oblit-%Dam(46)
Level 28: Chain Induction -- T'Death-Acc/Dmg(A), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx(29), T'Death-Dmg/Rchg(29), T'Death-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(31), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37), T'Death-Dam%(43)
Level 30: Boxing -- Empty(A)
Level 32: Tough -- TtmC'tng-ResDam(A), TtmC'tng-ResDam/EndRdx(33), TtmC'tng-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(33)
Level 35: Weave -- LkGmblr-Def(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(36), LkGmblr-Rchg+(36)
Level 38: Lightning Rod -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(39), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(39), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(39), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(40), Oblit-%Dam(50)
Level 41: Focused Accuracy -- GSFC-ToHit(A), GSFC-ToHit/Rchg(42), GSFC-ToHit/Rchg/EndRdx(42), GSFC-Rchg/EndRdx(42), GSFC-ToHit/EndRdx(43), GSFC-Build%(43)
Level 44: Physical Perfection -- Efficacy-EndMod(A), Efficacy-EndMod/EndRdx(48), Efficacy-EndMod/Rchg(50), Efficacy-EndMod/Acc(50)
Level 47: Phalanx Fighting -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A)
Level 49: Grant Cover -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Gauntlet
Level 6: Ninja Run
------------
Set Bonus Totals:

• 18.5% DamageBuff(Smashing)
• 18.5% DamageBuff(Lethal)
• 18.5% DamageBuff(Fire)
• 18.5% DamageBuff(Cold)
• 18.5% DamageBuff(Energy)
• 18.5% DamageBuff(Negative)
• 18.5% DamageBuff(Toxic)
• 18.5% DamageBuff(Psionic)
• 14.9% Defense(Smashing)
• 14.9% Defense(Lethal)
• 5.19% Defense(Fire)
• 5.19% Defense(Cold)
• 6.13% Defense(Energy)
• 6.13% Defense(Negative)
• 3% Defense(Psionic)
• 26.8% Defense(Melee)
• 9.25% Defense(Ranged)
• 7.38% Defense(AoE)
• 34% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 55% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
• 10% FlySpeed
• 267.1 HP (14.3%) HitPoints
• 10% JumpHeight
• 10% JumpSpeed
• Knockback (Mag -4)
• Knockup (Mag -4)
• MezResist(Held) 8.25%
• MezResist(Immobilize) 9.9%
• MezResist(Sleep) 4.4%
• MezResist(Stun) 8.8%
• MezResist(Terrorized) 2.75%
• 9% (0.15 End/sec) Recovery
• 60% (4.69 HP/sec) Regeneration
• 1.26% Resistance(Fire)
• 1.26% Resistance(Cold)
• 10% RunSpeed

Had the same problem here. After logging out after playing for a hour or so earlier today the wife and I both find we can't log back in again.

Both our systems are Windows 7 Ultimate, Norton 360 security with different video cards. I tried deleting the firewall rule for CoH off Nortons as that has helped with some connection errors in the past but no joy this time.

Then I restarted my router and then I could reconnect. I've no idea why but it seemed to fix it.

I've always struggled to enjoy my Invul/Energy tank due to endurance issues (& the never ending urge to try new alts) but since I saw Physical Perfection added to the Energy Mastery pool I've been trying to figure out a spec I'm finally happy with. My goals: hit my S/L defense caps (inspired by Call Me Awesome's advice, linked in his sig above); keep Air Superiority & Flight (old favorites); try to get enough recovery to finally stop watching my endurance; & boost my recharge.

So this is the build I came up with, I thought I'd share in case it offered something useful - or in case someone could help me improve it. No purples, but a couple of expensive sets no doubt.

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.601
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Terseus: Level 50 Magic Tanker
Primary Power Set: Invulnerability
Secondary Power Set: Energy Melee
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Fitness
Ancillary Pool: Energy Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Temp Invulnerability -- RctvArm-ResDam(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(3), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(3), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(5), S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(40), S'fstPrt-ResDam/EndRdx(40)
Level 1: Barrage -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(13), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(13), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(15)
Level 2: Resist Physical Damage -- RctvArm-ResDam(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(5), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(7), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(7)
Level 4: Dull Pain -- Dct'dW-Heal(A), Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx(9), Dct'dW-Heal/Rchg(9), Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(11), Dct'dW-Rchg(11)
Level 6: Boxing -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(15), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(17), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(17)
Level 8: Unyielding -- RctvArm-ResDam(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(19), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(19), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(21)
Level 10: Air Superiority -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(21), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(23), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(23)
Level 12: Taunt -- Mocking-Taunt(A), Mocking-Taunt/Rchg(25), Mocking-Taunt/Rng(25), Mocking-Taunt/Rchg/Rng(27), Mocking-Acc/Rchg(27), Mocking-Rchg(29)
Level 14: Fly -- Frbd-EndRdx(A), Frbd-Fly(29)
Level 16: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 18: Health -- Heal-I(A), Heal-I(31), Heal-I(31)
Level 20: Stamina -- P'Shift-EndMod(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg(31), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc(33), P'Shift-End%(33)
Level 22: Invincibility -- EndRdx-I(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(33), LkGmblr-Def(34)
Level 24: Whirling Hands -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(34), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(34), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(36), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(36), Oblit-%Dam(36)
Level 26: Tough Hide -- DefBuff-I(A), DefBuff-I(37)
Level 28: Tough -- RctvArm-ResDam(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(37), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(37), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(39)
Level 30: Weave -- LkGmblr-Def(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(39), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(39)
Level 32: Resist Elements -- ImpArm-ResDam(A), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(40)
Level 35: Resist Energies -- ImpArm-ResDam(A), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(42)
Level 38: Total Focus -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx(42), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg(42), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(43), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(43), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(43)
Level 41: Focused Accuracy -- AdjTgt-ToHit(A), AdjTgt-ToHit/EndRdx(45), AdjTgt-ToHit/EndRdx/Rchg(45), AdjTgt-EndRdx/Rchg(45), AdjTgt-ToHit/Rchg(46)
Level 44: Physical Perfection -- P'Shift-EndMod(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg(46), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc(46), P'Shift-End%(48)
Level 47: Energy Transfer -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx(48), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg(48), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(50), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(50), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(50)
Level 49: Unstoppable -- Empty(A)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Gauntlet

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I seem to be a little over the S/L cap, but I can't figure out how to tweak things so I boost recharge, recovery or regen while staying at cap. Any suggestions would be very welcome.