The_Arctic_Ant

What would help if they came out and said an Ice tank should be x. Then, we could all contribute with ideas getting us there. We're just kinda all over the place atm with the powers and goal of the primary. A clean hard definitive glacial definition to build our primary on would be nice. The nickel and dime, herky jerky, approach is killing me.

Last time I checked we had weaknesses to Fire (33.2% Resist ~ with the joke power permafrost 6 slotted, 17.85 Defense), Psychic (0% Resist, 0% Defense), and untyped Toxic (20% Resist ~ Run through a couple Hydra missions and tell me this isn't a hole, 0% Defense).

On the EA versus invincibility front...We have to jump in then activate our EA which is downtime we'll feel, while you can jump in with invincibility and instantly reap the benefits. Don't get me wrong though I like the click, but you need to consider all the ramifications of a power when balancing it.

So, if we 6 slot EA with Defense plus 6 slot Frozen Armor and Glacial Armor we can just then and only if we manage to accumulate 14 mobs floor an even con minion? Masters of Defense is a joke.

With those weaknesses we should be getting something MASSIVE to use in other circumstances or at least trim the holes down to just 1.

Permafrost with Toxic resist is slightly better, but still I'm not sure it'll be worth taking. If you're going to keep our Defense this low...we need either resist or massive Hp to make up the difference.....anything it doesn't matter, just take the sting away.

I know you're reluctant to raise the Ice Tank bar for fear of throwing off what I5 is attempting to do, but come on...you have to see this for what it is. My Ice Tank was the most fun I've had in CoH, not for how easy it was, but for the difficulties...the having to figure things out and make the leap to know what I could do. It was a constant struggle for 50 levels. I learned things to keep me alive right up until 50 and afterwords. It was a fight to stay alive for those 50 levels...one I frequently didn't win. But, I made it...after all the blood, sweat, and being turned into a snow cone more times than I care to remember; I made it.

Now, I'm watching the Primary I came adore being washed away with the Defense changes in I5. We're taking soo much more damage than the other tanks and most of the scrappers it's laughable. You could just try some of the things we're asking for and talking about. It's all on test; nothing is official. We just want to compete with the AT as a whole, something we can't even ponder on the Test server at the moment.

P.S. PvP is still.....too awful for words.

This just boggles me...I hope all these baby steps move us into the right direction somehow.

Why not drop the cold resist from Permafrost and add smashing/lethal 10% or Energy/Neg energy 10% in addition to the Toxic and Fire resist at 10%?

If we're going to keep Wet Ice a status protection power, could we at least look at bringing Frozen Armor and Glacial Armor back up to 25% base. That'd let us at least floor even con minions.

Even with the changes you've mentioned, we still have less Defense than just about anyone, we still have more gaps and weaknesses than any other tank (Fire, Psychic, and a minor hole to toxic with untyped attacks ~ Hydras etc)

So, let's see....fixed the endurance issues +, going to fix AV one shot +, we still aren't tanking anywhere near the other primaries - ....Come on States, help us get the rest of the way.

So, we're sorta moving in the right direction with the lowering of the AV damage. But, Ice as a set is still at a serious disadvantage to all the other sets.

1. Other tank sets can get more defense than Ice (the Defense) tanks. Addressed by Circeus up above.

2. We still have 2 weakness, Fire and Psychic. Fire has really become a weakness with the changes to EA and Wet Ice.

3. PvP, we're a walking obliterate me sign still. Our defenses are pretty much overcome by the 1 Accuracy SO everyone sticks in their attacks.

Anyway, thanks for working with us States and good luck to your brother.

Here's my two cents.

The villain accuracy change does help us a litttle, but we're still plagued by the same problems. We're still in terrible shape in I5. PvP is a joke (1 ACC SO negates our defenses essentially), Arch-Villains can still one shot us, though the endurance issue has been improved but at the cost of the total decimation of the Energy Absorption Defense Bonus.

1. We need more Defense than the pitiful 30% we're managing on Test atm. Give it back to Wet Ice, Energy Absorption, or Glacial and Frozen Armor.

2. We need to have the one shot problem addressed along with having our Defense Bonuses raised. So, we can effectively tank as well as the other 3 primaries.
I've heard additional +Hp, token reist (25% fully slotted), abalative shields (runes)..Anything will work as long as we can do the job without having to worry about just dying in an instant. I personally would prefer a passive of some type.

3.The Developers need to decide if our weakness is going to be Fire or Psychic, or give us something extremely good to compensate for having both as a weakness. It's not right or fair that the "weakest" tank has the most Achilles' heels.

3. Permafrost is useless as is...rework it or ditch it.

I want to see Ice Tanks be able to tank as well as everyone else. I don't think we should be excluded or wrote off as "well, they'll get one shotted. We need a real tank."

And, I agree with Circeus. I'm becoming increasingly frustrated. Ice Tanks have posted the same concerns and issues we have always had over and over and over. But, we're getting no responses at all except here is yet another thread, and it's just for you!

Wet Ice is all you'll ever need for status protection. I've been knocked out of my toggles once...that was like 40-50 Greater Devoured Bosses in the Eden Trial, and they all conned purple.

The resistance enhancements for all of the armors only affect the cold/fire resistance as well. So, I would avoid that. You're going to max your cold resistance from the 3 armors as a base and the fire resistance at only 10% isn't worth the slotting either. =/

Driving an Ice/Ice Tanker with Arctic Ant
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
There's not much in the way of guides for ice tankers so here's my go at it. The numbers unfortunately aren't concrete because of all the possible variables, but they are pretty consistent with what everyone assumes are the close enoughs. I've had pretty good luck tanking AVs like Siege, Marauder, Anti-Matter, etc, but be ware toxic and psi mobs! Psychic Clockwork King and the Hydra being the only 2 bosses to really lay me out hard. Just realize going in that you're a late bloomer and won't come into your own until 26 with Energy Absorption

The real gem in the Ice Armor is if the attack doesn't hit then the associated effects (Slow, Debuffs, etc) don't either. Though, you're stuck with the dreaded 5%, no matter how high you get your defense everything will always have a 5% chance to hit you and at full strength unless you've got tough or it's cold/fire/toxic damage. The set can be rough and needs some tweaking, but it is fun. Just remember, you'll be looking for other ways to add to your defense through slowing or stopping damage. I've got the power 4 for this: Chilling Embrace, Ice Patch, Freezing Touch, and Block of Ice.
You can't forget everyone is amazed to see an Ice tank, and you'll be the talk of the town especially if you don't get planted on your face.
(P.S. The slotting is pre-hamidon and would change with Hami-O's.)

Primary: Ice Armor
Yes, Frozen Armor, Wet Ice, and Glacial Armor stack now
1. Frozen Armor ~ It's a base power that really carries you through till Energy Absorption, but I only use it 3 slotted atm, and I'm planning to bring it up to 6 slotted again. I would start with this 6 slotted then bring it down to 3 while you have Energy Absorption then up again at later levels where there are more debuffers. Slotting it for resist isn't worth it. The base fire number is too low, and you'll hit max resistance versus cold with your 3 armors stack anyway.
Frozen Armor==> EndRdx(1) DefBuf(3) DefBuf(3) DefBuf(5) DefBuf(45) DefBuf(46)
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Toggle
Activation: 1
Endurance: 0.36 End/Sec
Recharge: 2
Defense Lethal/Smashing, Resist Cold Damage
Description: While this power is active, the Hero coats himself in rock hard Frozen Armor. The hardness of the Frozen Armor makes smashing and lethal based attacks less likely to land. Also, cold attacks deal less damage. Can be active at the same time as Hibernate, Frozen Armor, Glacial Armor
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Resist : Fire( 10.00% ) ( Self )
Defense : Lethal,Smash( 25.0% ) ( Self )
Resist : Cold( 30.00% ) ( Self )


2. Hoarfrost ~ Hoarfrost is just one of the bread and butter powers. It's a heal and boosts your hp for those fun AV runs or pesky mobs that have huge acc. I have 4 slotted it for perma-use with Hasten, but I'm also considering some heal slotting as I get more hp and need more healing to bring me up. The Endurance cost is pretty rough too, but I've been managing it without Endurance Reduction pretty well so far. The toxic resist is great early on versus Vahzilok too.
Hoarfrost==> Rechg(4) Rechg(17) Rechg(19) Rechg(21)
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Click
Activation: 3
Endurance: 15
Recharge 360
Duration: 180
Description: Activating this power covers you in a thick layer of Hoarfrost. The frost can absorb the impact from enemy attacks, effectively increasing you maximum hit points for a short time. This power when activated will also heal the amount added (or more with healing enhancements).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Health Boost : Health Boost( 40.00% ) ( Self )
Heal : Heal( 40.00% ) ( Self )
Resist: Toxix (20%) (Self)

3. Chilling Embrace ~ This is your taunting power extraordinaire. I've slotted it with just Endurance reduction, and it's amazing. Snare, slow (guessed to be from 20-40%), taunt, and a nice area of effect. The taunt is so good that you can delay the taunt power at least until the teens. You'll learn very quickly that it'll keep the mobs glued to you, even more than you can handle sometimes. Slotting this for slow only affects the snare components, and I'm still running this fine with only the base endurance reduction slot. Last gem is CE slow component takes a second to wear off. So, you can cruise through packs of mobs and you don't have to keep them in range like Invunerability tanks do with Invincibility, and it has a nifty little blue aura to show who it's affecting.
Chilling Embrace==> EndRdx(2)
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Toggle
Activation: 1
Endurance: 0.36 End/Sec
Recharge 2
Range: 20 ft. PBAoE
Description: While active, the Hero dramatically lowers the temperature around him, slowing the attack rate of all nearby foes, as well as their movement speed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
De-Buff : -Recharge ( Foe )
De-Buff : -Spd ( Foe )

4. Wet Ice ~ This is it. You're base toggle. If you don't want to be put to sleep, knocked down, immobilized, etc then you're going to have up 24-7. Endurance slot it, stack the defense to max, and never look back. Wet Ice plus EA are normally my two defense I have going during solo and regular group play. I don't seem to need more except on special occasions (Higher cons, or bosses, or specific villian groups with odd abilities).
Wet Ice==> EndRdx(6) DefBuf(7) DefBuf(7) DefBuf(9) DefBuf(9) DefBuf(13)
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Toggle
Activation: 1
Endurance: 0.36 End/Sec
Recharge: 2
Description: When the Hero activates this power, he covers himself in a think coating of slick, melting ice. This makes the Hero slippery and all but immune to Disorient, Immobilization and Hold effects. Wet Ice also increase his defense to most attacks and resistance to cold damage. Can be used with Hibernate, Frozen Armor, and Glacial Armor.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Resist : Disorient
Resist : Hold
Resist : Immobilize
Resist : Knockback
Resist : Sleep
Resist : Slow
Defense : Lethal,Smash,Fire,Cold( 9% ) ( Self )
Defense : Energy, Neg. Energy( 12.5% ) ( Self )
Resist : Cold( 30% ) ( Self )

5. Permafrost ~ Everyone agrees that this is the worst power in the set. Avoid it like the plague and don't ever think about it. I'm hoping if they do decide to add resistance to the Ice primary. They'll do like a 10% Defense (-fire) maybe even add (-psi). That'll make this power as staple as just about anything.
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Auto
The Hero's body temperature permanently lowers to 33 degrees Fahrenheit. Permafrost gives the Hero strong resistance to cold damage, and some resistance to fire damage as well. This becomes a permanent attribute of the Hero and does not need to be activated.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Resist : Cold( 20% ) ( Self )
Resist : Fire( 10% ) ( Self )

6. Icicles ~ I think this power is where I divulge from probably 70-90% of the Ice tanks out there. I just don't like the damage/time for the Endurance cost. It's not like an invun tank where you can turn it on and walk away. I did take it through the lower levels, and it helped immensely though quickly falls behind other powers in terms of damage. If you do take it, I'd recommend 1 Endurance Reduction, 1 acc, and 4 Damage, or something to that nature. And, you really have to fully slot it to make it worthwhile. It does have to roll to hit and is lethal damage which is mitigated more at later levels. So, in my opinion not worth the power slot and 6 enhancement slots at all.
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Toggle
Activation: 2
Endurance: 1.5 End/Sec
Recharge: 4
Brawl 1 => 0.5556 Lethal Damage
Description: While active, the hero forms sharp icicles on his body that continuously cuts all foes that attempt to enter melee range

7. Glacial Armor ~ The 3rd of the Base armor toggles. I use this for fighting anything with energy attacks (sappers come to mind first and foremost). It is a nice, but a situational power which is only on some of the time. Though, it's really maturing as I level and encounter more energy attack effect mobs. I've been debating slotting it up to the full 6, but the base Defense Bonus is high enough I don't see needing it. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to do any testing on the +perception, but if that is decent, this would be a boon in pvp. The resist versus cold though nice isn't worth slotting because of the stackable numbers with your other armors.
Glacial Armor==> EndRdx(30) DefBuf(42) DefBuf(42)
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Toggle
Activation: 2
Endurance: 0.36 End/Sec
Recharge 2
Description: When the Hero activates this power he covers himself in glacial ice. The crystalline matrix of the armor has refracting properties that make energy and negative energy based attacks less likely to land. Also, cold attacks deal less damage. Can be used with Hibernate, Wet Ice, and Frozen Armor.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Defense : Energy, Neg. Energy( 25% ) ( Self )
Resist : Cold( 30% ) ( Self )
+ Perception

8. Energy Absorption ~ It's the power you've been hearing about and waiting for for 26 levels. It's worth it. Slot it up and love it. I've noticed the endurance drain on minions is starting to tapper off some, but early on, plan to drain all the minions dry. You can max hit 5 mobs at a time, and it has a decent radius. I've slotted it with 3 Recharge Reductions, combined with Hasten, this lets me keep two EA's up at a time and cap my defense most the time. It's also supposed to give slow resistance, and I've noticed it to some extent, but if you're overwhelmed by anything that slows...it'll still hit you as hard as anyone else. Final plus, this is a click so if something does manage to knock you out of Wet Ice, you still have a decent defense keeping you somewhat alive.
Energy Absorbtion==> EndRdx(26) Rechg(27) Rechg(27) Rechg(29) DefBuf(29) DefBuf(31)
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Click
Activation: 1
Endurance: 19
Recharge: 60
Duration: 45
Description: Activating this power draws moisture directly from the bodies of all nearby foes, draining their Endurance. Each foe the Hero draws moisture from, adds to the Hero's defense in the form of frozen armor. If there are no foes within range, the Hero will not gain any defense bonus.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
De-Buff : -End ( Foe )
Defense : +Def S/L, Fire, Cold, Neg Energy, Energy (18% per mob), -Slow ( Self )

9. Hibernate ~ Situational power, and I think you should be able to slot it for activation reduction. I've started to use it for small bursts of healing, and if you do it quick enough Chilling Embrace will hold the mobs to you. But know, that as soon as Hibernate activates you're Chilling Embrace toggle, though on, isn't affecting jack. It's the basic panic power. Your 3 armors stay up during Hibernation, but the endurance drain becomes rather hefty.
Hibernate==> Rechg(38)
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Toggle
Activation: 2
Endurance: Not sure atm, but it is enough to push your active toggles over the mark into -endurance.
Recharge: 60
Description: When the Hero activates this power, he encases himself in a block of solid ice, making him invulnerable, although he himself is left frozen and can not act. While Hibernating within this block of ice, the Hero heals at an incredible rate. The Hero can emerge at will by deactivating. Can be used with Frozen Armor, Hoarfrost, Wet Ice and Glacial Armor.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Defense : Invulnerable ( Self )
Buff : Regeneration ( Self )

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Secondary: Ice Melee
Ok, why Ice Melee other than character concept?? 2 powers, Ice Patch and Freezing touch. Those 2 powers offer ways to slow and/or stop attacks which no other secondary has. Sure, you can get more damage out of Fire, Earth, Axe, or Super Strength, but they just don't offer the added protection you can get with Ice Melee. That doesn't mean you can't do well with the others, just my choice was Ice Melee.
Also, I've slotted my primary attack chain (Frozen Fists, Greater Ice Sword, and Air Superiority) with Endurance Reduction Enhancements. This isn't so much because I can't handle their cost, but it gives me elbow room on the heavier costed powers like Hoarfrost, Ice Patch, Holds, etc.
Note: Remember all powers listed in here have a PBAoE Taunt component.

1. Frozen Fists ~ You're basic starting attack.The slow and recharge speed is negligible. I would still slot this up over boxing or kick if I ever take tough because of the cold damage being less resisted in the later levels.
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Frozen Fists==> EndRdx(1) Acc(5) Dmg(23) Dmg(40) Dmg(40) Dmg(46)
Activation: 1
Endurance: 6.5
Recharge 3.0
Range: 5
Brawl 1 => 1.7778 Cold Damage
Brawl 2 => 0.5556 Smashing Damage
Description: Frozen Fists encrusts your hands in ice giving them the ability to quickly inflict minor damage on villains. The foe's attack speed is slowed, due to the chill caused by the cold blows.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
De-Buff : -Recharge ( Foe )
De-Buff : -Spd ( Foe )

2. Ice Sword ~ I took this power originally, but later respec'd it out. It didn't fit my character concept at the time. It's more damage than Frozen Fists, but I didn't feel like using a slot just for a minor upgrade in damage. But, using it till you can swap out to Greater Ice Sword is a good option. Again, the slow is negligible.
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Activation: 2
Endurance: 10
Recharge: 6
Range: 5
Brawl 1 => 2.2778 Cold Damage
Brawl 2 => 1.3889 Lethal Damage
Description: Create a blade of solid ice that deals above average damage. Being hit by this Ice Sword will cause a villain to slow his rates of attack, due to the intense chill.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
De-Buff : -Recharge,-Spd ( Foe )

3. Taunt ~ The power just about every tank gets and uses. You can delay getting it at least until the teens because of Chilling Embrace, but you should eventually get it, not all the groups like to stack on top of you in a neat pile. I use it more for ranged taunt and leave anything in close to CE. I've wavered back and forth between taunt duration and ranged, but both work fine without any additional slotting.
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Taunt==> Taunt(16)
Accuracy: Always hits.
Activation: 3
Recharge 3.0
Range: 70
Description: Taunt a foe to get him to attack you. Usefull to pull a villain off an ally who finds themselves in over their heads. This is an AoE power, and will affect a group of foes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Status : Taunt ( Foe )

4. Frost ~ I really like this power. The cone is tight and wide, and you want to target mobs in the back of a pack to get a good spread. If you can just hit 2 mobs, this is the most damaging power in the set. I can consistently hit 3-5 at a time easily. This is my replacement for Icicles, and I personally think I solo much much faster with it. One really good trick is aim for the 2nd or 3rd row of mobs. By placing the endpoint of the cone farther out, you can cover a lot more area than you can aiming for the front row.
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Frost==> Acc(10) Dmg(15) Dmg(19) Dmg(36) Dmg(37) Dmg(39)
Activation: 3
Endurance: 16
Recharge: 11
Range: 10
Brawl 1 => 6 tics of 0.75 Cold Damage ( 4.5 Total)
Description: You create a short cone of Frost in front of you, that can frostbite a foe (dealing damage over time), and slows their attack speeds as they uncontrollably shiver.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
De-Buff : -Recharge,-Spd ( Foe )

5. Build Up ~ I originally took this power as a boost to make sure my holds hit AVs and Bosses. It's really nice for frost as well, but I'm still not sure if it fits. It's base slotted with 1 recharge, and I'm not sure if it will stay in the build. If I get tough, it might find its way out the door. Alone, it does help with my DPS which could use a bump like most Ice Melee tankers.
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Build Up==> Rechg(32)
Activation: 1
Endurance: 6
Recharge: 90
Duration: 10
Description: Greatly increases te amount of damage you deal for 10 seconds, as well as slightly increasing your accuracy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accuracy : +Acc( 62.5% ) ( Self )
Damage : Self( +Dmg ) ( 100% )

6. Ice Patch ~ This is another staple must have power. Helps herding and tauntage. I count the times I've dropped an ice patch to run over and get another pack in my Chilling Embrace. I've slotted it with recharge and with Hasten it's given me a little overlap. I might experiment with more overlap for higher magnitude targets (Bosses, etc) later, but it seems like if it's going to hit all you need is one application.
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Ice Patch==> Rechg(20)
Activation: 2
Endurance: 15.0
Recharge: 35.0
Duration: 20
Range: 10
Description: You emanate a patch of ice around you, which causes foes that step onto it to slip and fall down. This effect lasts until the ice melts.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Status : Knockdown ( Foe )

7. Freezing Touch ~ Great power. I've got it slotted for holding, and I've been playing with the enhancement combinations to get the best effect. If it was a ranged power, I'd give it 5 grins, but at melee it's only worth 4. My plan for tanking AVs right from the start centered around Freezing Touch and Block of Ice, and I'm still moving happily in that direction. I did start with this slotted toward damage to help move me along into Greater Frozen Sword, but it's still the best slotted for hold. And, if the hold isn't high enough magnitude to catch what you hit, they'll still take the damage from the attack.
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Freezing Touch==> Acc(28) Acc(31) Hold(33) Hold(33) Hold(33) Hold(34)
Activation: 1
Endurance: 14.5
Duration: 10
Recharge 16
Range: 5
Brawl 1 => 6 tics of 0.7778 Cold Damage ( 4.6668 Total)
Description: This Freezing touch will encase a single foe in a block of ice. This will deal minor damage as well as freezing him in his tracks, leaving him cold and helpless.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Status : Hold ( Foe )

8. Greater Ice Sword ~ The slow is still negligible, but it's a decent damage attack, and the biggest attack in my primary attack trio. I'd like to see the base damage up to something similar to Greater Fire Sword without the DoT add-on, but I'm using it anyway until they decide to do that.
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Greater Ice Sword==> EndRdx(35) Acc(36) Dmg(36) Dmg(37) Dmg(39) Dmg(39)
Activation: 3
Endurance: 14.5
Recharge 10
Range: 5
Brawl 1 => 2.7778 Cold Damage
Brawl 2 => 2.6667 Lethal Damage
Description: The perfection of the Ice Sword, your master of it has allowed you to create an enhanced blade of solid ice that deals above average damage. Being hit by this Ice Sword will cause a villain to slow his rates of attack, due to the intense chill.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
De-Buff : -Recharge,-Spd ( Foe )

9. Frozen Aura ~ Really cool animation, but the magnitude is terrible (You'll only hit minions) and of course it's a sleep which is almost worthless. I tried slotting it with a taunt to mess around. I had lots of misses, but it did seem to give me another AE taunt affect when it hit. So, until they up it a little this goes in the cool, but mostly pointless column. =/
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Accuracy: 75%
Activation: 2
Endurance: 19
Recharge 20
Description: Your mastery of cold enables you to dramatically lower the temperature immediately around you. Foes near you when you perform a Frozen Aura will be stopped in their tracks in a fragile casing of ice. Any interaction with foes frozen by this will break them free. Frozen Aura deals no significant damage.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Status : Sleep ( Foe )

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Power Pools
On to the POWER POOLS! I'm using them. Might as tell ya how they're working out.

Flight
Hover ~ I know, WHY HOVER? After running into the Fire Knives and their Beevy of Caltrops, which by the way mauled me on multiple nights, I needed something to combat it. Fly was just too much on the endurance and combined with suppression, a pain in the butt. So, I wanna try Hover eventually as a guard against stuff like that. Plus, it's a minor bump in base Defense. The major downside is being in the air stops you from using Ice Patch and Frozen Aura.
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Hover==> EndRdx(49)
Toggle
Activation: 1
Endurance: 0.22 End/Sec
Recharge 1
Description: Allows you to hover around. Much slower than normal Fly, but provides some defense, offers good air control, costs little endurance, and does not have any accuracy penalties in the air.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Defense : All( 5.00% ) ( Self )

Air Superiority ~ Like everyone else I love this power, good damage, gets you on your way to flight, and the knockdown/blow'em outa the sky bit.
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Air Superiority==> EndRdx(12) Acc(13) Dmg(23) Dmg(37) Dmg(40) Dmg(46)
Activation: 2
Endurance: 7.5
Recharge 4.0
Range: 5
Brawl 1 => 2.7778 Smashing Damage
Description: This two handed overhead melee attack can sometimes knock a flying target down to the ground.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Damage : Moderate( Smash )
De-Buff : Foe ( Fly )


Fly ~ I picked fly only because of character concept. Cool the air above you and you rise, etc etc. Slow, pain in the butt, though you can go AFK enroute a lot. =p
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Fly==> Fly(14)
Toggle
Activation: 1
Endurance: 2.03 End/Seec
Recharge 1
Description: Fly allows you to travel large distances fairly quickly (Ummm, no). You have an accuracy penalty while flying. Fly speed increases with character level.Note: Fly can be maxed out with 4 Flight Speed Increase SOs (although the difference between using 3 and 4 SOs is minor, so 3 is a more common choice.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buff : Self ( Fly )
De-Buff : Accuracy( -20.00% ) ( Self )

Speed
Hasten ~ Stamina and this have to be those 2 powers everyone should have. Helps with recast on abilities mainly Ice patch, freezing touch, taunt, hoarfrost, etc. It's a must for just about anyone imo. I've heard claims that Ice Tanks do well without, but I have to endorse using it.
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Hasten==> Rechg(8) Rechg(11) Rechg(11) Rechg(15) Rechg(17) Rechg(21)
Click
Activation: 2
Endurance: 20.0
Duration: 120
Recharge 368.0
Description: Hasten reduces the recharge time of all your powers by approximately 60% (some say 70%) for a 2 minute duration. The endurance cost for Hasten is applied after the duration expires instead of when it is activated.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Defense : All( 5.00% ) ( Self )
Recharge : +Recharge( 70.00% ) ( Self )

Fitness
Swift ~ Umm, you run faster.
Auto
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Swift==> Run(18)
Description: You can naturally travel slightly faster than normal. This is a permanent attribute and does not need to be activated.Power Varies by Character level:Level 6 : 26% Level 50: 35%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buff : Self( 26.00% ) ( Spd )

Health ~ Might be more handy when you're taking as damage as much as an Ice tanker. I want to try 3 slotted and then go from there.
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Health==> Heal(22) Heal(45) Heal(50)
Description: You heal slightly faster than normal.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heal Rate : Heal( 69.30% ) ( Self )

Stamina ~ Umm, Endurance, gotta love it.
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Stamina==> EndRec(24) EndRec(25) EndRec(25) EndRec(31) EndRec(34) EndRec(34)
Description: You recover endurance faster than normal.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recovery : +Recovery( 0.4167% ) ( Self )

Arctic Mastery
You must be asking, Arctic after 40 levels of cold and ice why more of the same???? It comes down to Block of Ice and keeping into a character concept. With Block of Ice and Freezing Touch I can almost instantly hold most regular bosses, and you'll be slowing up AVs a lot with the 2 stacked. Less hits, less testing the 5%, the more you live. You could do a similar job (Char) and gain more damage with the Flame Mastery pool and Fireball, because of the situational nature of Ice Storm.

Block of Ice ~ The second hold I use, great for ranged stragglers and layering on AVs/Bosses. Slot it for hold just like Freezing Touch. And, it supposedly has like a 20% boost to ACC which makes me wanna possibly drop on ACC enhancement, but we'll see.
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Block of Ice==> Acc(41) Acc(42) Hold(43) Hold(43) Hold(43) Hold(45)
Activation: 2
Endurance: 12.5
Recharge 8
Duration: 10
Range: 80
Description: The Hero can Freeze a single foe in a Block of Ice. The target is frozen solid, helpless, and can be attacked. More powerful foes may not be held, but all affected targets will be slowed and take some Cold damage.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Damage : Moderate( Cold )
Status : Hold ( Foe )
De-Buff : -Recharge,-Spd ( Foe )

Ice Blast ~ Not a bad attack, and I'm considering slotting it up over Frozen Fists for my main attack chain, but right now I'm just going to use it to pop ranged people for agro and to open up Ice Storm. But, the more I think about it, Ice Blast in PvP would also be handy too, though I found the range to be a disappointment.
Arctic Ant's Level of Love:
Ice Blast==> Acc(44)
Activation: 2
Endurance: 6.0
Recharge 6.0
Range: 40
Brawl 1 => 0.82 Smashing Dmg
Brawl 2 => 1.94 Cold Dmg
Description: Ice blast hurls shards of ice at foes and slows their attacks and movement for time. Slower recharge than Ice Bolt, but more damage.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Damage : Moderate( Cold,Smash )
De-Buff : -Recharge ( Foe )
De-Buff : -Spd ( Foe )

Ice Storm ~ Pretty good sized AoE, but the fear component is a nightmare. Right now, the plan is to herd, ice patch/hold whatever, and drop it for a pretty hefty damage boost. Not sure, how often or practical that'll be, but it sounds cool and looks cool. =p
Arctic Ant's Level of Love: Yet to be tried.
Ice Storm==> Dmg(47) Dmg(48) Dmg(48) Dmg(48) Dmg(50) Dmg(50)
Activation: 2
Endurance: 30
Recharge 60
Duration: 10
Range: 60
Brawl 1 => 10 tics of 0.06 Cold Dmg ( 0.56 Total)
Description: Shred your foes with this Ice Storm. This power deals a lot of damage in a large area and can Slow all affected targets movement and attack speed. You must have two other Arctic Mastery Powers before selecting this power.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Damage : Minor DoT( Cold )
De-Buff : -Recharge, -Spd ( Foe )

The Build
---------------------------------------------
Name: Arctic Ant
Level: 50
Archetype: Tanker
Primary: Ice Armor
Secondary: Ice Melee
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Frozen Armor==> EndRdx(1) DefBuf(3) DefBuf(3) DefBuf(5) DefBuf(45) DefBuf(46)
01) --> Frozen Fists==> EndRdx(1) Acc(5) Dmg(23) Dmg(40) Dmg(40) Dmg(46)
02) --> Chilling Embrace==> EndRdx(2)
04) --> Hoarfrost==> Rechg(4) Rechg(17) Rechg(19) Rechg(21)
06) --> Wet Ice==> EndRdx(6) DefBuf(7) DefBuf(7) DefBuf(9) DefBuf(9) DefBuf(13)
08) --> Hasten==> Rechg(8) Rechg(11) Rechg(11) Rechg(15) Rechg(17) Rechg(21)
10) --> Frost==> Acc(10) Dmg(15) Dmg(19) Dmg(36) Dmg(37) Dmg(39)
12) --> Air Superiority==> EndRdx(12) Acc(13) Dmg(23) Dmg(37) Dmg(40) Dmg(46)
14) --> Fly==> Fly(14)
16) --> Taunt==> Taunt(16)
18) --> Swift==> Run(18)
20) --> Ice Patch==> Rechg(20)
22) --> Health==> Heal(22) Heal(45) Heal(50)
24) --> Stamina==> EndRec(24) EndRec(25) EndRec(25) EndRec(31) EndRec(34) EndRec(34)
26) --> Energy Absorbtion==> EndRdx(26) Rechg(27) Rechg(27) Rechg(29) DefBuf(29) DefBuf(31)
28) --> Freezing Touch==> Acc(28) Acc(31) Hold(33) Hold(33) Hold(33) Hold(34)
30) --> Glacial Armor==> EndRdx(30) DefBuf(42) DefBuf(42)
32) --> Build Up==> Rechg(32)
35) --> Greater Ice Sword==> EndRdx(35) Acc(36) Dmg(36) Dmg(37) Dmg(39) Dmg(39)
38) --> Hibernate==> Rechg(38)
41) --> Block of Ice==> Acc(41) Acc(42) Hold(43) Hold(43) Hold(43) Hold(45)
44) --> Ice Blast==> Acc(44)
47) --> Ice Storm==> Dmg(47) Dmg(48) Dmg(48) Dmg(48) Dmg(50) Dmg(50)
49) --> Hover==> EndRdx(49)
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Sprint==> Run(1)
01) --> Brawl==> Acc(1)
02) --> Rest==> Rechg(2)
---------------------------------------------

Hard Numbers

Here's some percentages and values for you to keep in mind. These values use +2 SO enhancers with slotting from the above build. Remember that Defense caps at 95% Defense, but I'm giving the true values here for debuffing purposes.

Endurance Recovery Rate: 3.13 end/sec
Endurance Loss Rate: 1.45 end/sec
Net Endurance Recovery Rate: 1.68 end/sec
(Endurance numbers show the 3 armors running in addition to Chilling Embrace)


Defense:
Hasten: All 5.0%
Energy Absorption: Defense 25% per foe in range
Hover: All 5.0% (Optional)
Frozen Armor: 55% (S/L)
Wet Ice: 18% (Cold, Fire, S/L), 26% (Energy, Neg Energy)
Glacial Armor: 36% (Energy, Neg Energy)

Totals (1 mob without hover): 98% (S/L), 48% (Cold, Fire), 92% (Energy, Neg Energy), 5% (Toxic/Psi)
Max Totals (5 mobs without hover): 198% (S/L), 148% (Cold, Fire), 192% (Energy, Neg Energy), 5% (Toxic/Psi) ~ Also realize with Energy Absorption slotted the way it is in this build, you can double the Defense provided by the power by stacking 2 EA's at a time.

Resistances:
Frozen Armor: 30% (Cold), 10% (Fire)
Wet Ice 30% (Cold)
Glacial Armor 30% (Cold)
Hoarfrost 20% (Toxic)

You can see the big holes are Psi and Toxic, both types of mobs I avoid like the plague. But, in general you do fine against most everything else. I still can't bring myself to tough as of yet. It's not smashing/lethal attacks that generally kill me. You'll find you can tank most things. Avoid DE quartz eminators like the plague. I had to pick a science origin so I was knee deep in them for most of the 30s and early 40s, but I still managed to get through it without a lot of trouble. Auto damage attacks as well, Caltrops from the Fire Knives are just one example. Lastly, The Dreaded Psi and Toxic attackers. Just play it smart realize you weaknesses and play to your strengths, you'll do fine.

That's about it. Try an ice tank, but realize early on it'll be a fun ride, but it's not an easy. Stick to your guns and you should have a fun go at it.


Version 1.1 ~ Cleaned up some typos and tightened up the numbers.

Driving an Ice/Ice Tank with Arctic Ant V 1.1

Driving an Ice/Ice Tank with Arctic Ant V 1.1