Tonality

Yes. Keep up the aggression on your enemies and you'll maintain 80%-90% fury. The enemies attacking you will help you the most.

You have will have boxing decently slotted to replace Charged Brawl.

Against enemies that do not debuff too heavily, melee defense builds work quite well.

Electric against Cimerorans is awful. The defense debuffs they do will destroy your defense. However, there are plenty of other types of mobs at level 50 to fight - rikti and malta being the notable ones.

If you have the infamy, Dark/Shield can be pretty impressive. You have to watch for defense debuffs, but it can be a monster offensively. Given enough infamy, I'm not sure which is the better AV soloer - Dark/Shield or Dark/SR. It would be close. Blueside, my money would be on Dark/Shield scrappers. Shield does need weave.

While you were gone:
-Obliteration IO set for PBAOE rocks. 3.75% Melee defense AND 5% rech?
-3 slotted Blessing of the Zephyr in travel powers (and a few others) rocks. 3.13% to both Ranged AND AoE? Can someone say softcapped range defense hoverblasters?
-Gold Rolls in AE for LOTG 7.5's, Miracles, Numinas..wheee.
-Playing on the market in the AE chaos = $$$$
-PvP IOs (pay attention to some of those uniques!)

Welcome back.

Quick Reply:

Zephyr KB Protection
Karma KB Protection
Steadfast Protection KB Protection

It's as if the devs knew you needed them!

This is a much more reasonable build. I will not say it is THE definitive build for a Fire/Fire, but it is a good build. I would certainly like to have rise of the phoenix in this build, but I could not fit it, and it was the first thing to go. With a /fire brute, Energy and Negative type damage will hurt you, so avoid missions that where you will face these types unless you want a challenge.

Quick Points:
-In AE you will probably be choosing to fight enemies doing pure fire damage. You are capped to this type of damage, without really trying.
-The patron pool make use of immobilizes to trap enemies under the burn patches. Very umm..fun?
-All the really expensive stuff is gone. Don't bother with purples.
-You have SS over SJ because when farming in missions, SS will get you to the mobs faster. Just toggle it on after you're done fighting and zoom over to the next one. Combat/Hurdle takes care of vertical issues and the buyable jetpack in Grandville takes care of the rest.
-There are some expensive things still in this build, but they can be added as you get them. Focus on everything else first.
-If you are planning on focusing on fighting fire-type enemies, choose Aegis, as I have slotted. Otherwise, invert the slotting with Titanium coating for more HP.

The build:

Villain Plan by Mids' Villain Designer 1.401
http://www.cohplanner.com/

[u]Click this DataLink to open the build![u]

Level 50 Magic Brute
Primary Power Set: Fiery Melee
Secondary Power Set: Fiery Aura
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Ancillary Pool: Mu Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Scorch <ul type="square">[*] (A) Crushing Impact - Damage/Endurance/Recharge[*] (3) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[*] (7) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge[*] (11) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage[*] (17) Crushing Impact - Damage/Endurance[/list]Level 1: Fire Shield <ul type="square">[*] (A) Titanium Coating - Resistance/Endurance[*] (5) Aegis - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge[*] (40) Aegis - Resistance[*] (48) Aegis - Resistance/Endurance[/list]Level 2: Cremate <ul type="square">[*] (A) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[*] (3) Crushing Impact - Damage/Endurance/Recharge[*] (7) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge[*] (11) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge[*] (34) Perfect Zinger - Chance for Psi Damage[*] (50) Touch of Death - Chance of Damage(Negative)[/list]Level 4: Healing Flames <ul type="square">[*] (A) Doctored Wounds - Recharge[*] (5) Doctored Wounds - Heal[*] (15) Doctored Wounds - Heal/Endurance/Recharge[*] (15) Doctored Wounds - Heal/Recharge[*] (17) Doctored Wounds - Endurance/Recharge[/list]Level 6: Combat Jumping <ul type="square">[*] (A) Kismet - Accuracy +6%[/list]Level 8: Incinerate <ul type="square">[*] (A) Crushing Impact - Damage/Endurance/Recharge[*] (9) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[*] (9) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge[*] (34) Crushing Impact - Damage/Recharge[*] (36) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage[/list]Level 10: Hurdle <ul type="square">[*] (A) Jumping IO[/list]Level 12: Hasten <ul type="square">[*] (A) Recharge Reduction IO[*] (13) Recharge Reduction IO[*] (13) Recharge Reduction IO[/list]Level 14: Super Speed <ul type="square">[*] (A) Endurance Reduction IO[/list]Level 16: Health <ul type="square">[*] (A) Numina's Convalescence - +Regeneration/+Recovery[*] (39) Numina's Convalescence - Heal[*] (39) Numina's Convalescence - Heal/Endurance[*] (40) Miracle - +Recovery[*] (40) Miracle - Heal[/list]Level 18: Plasma Shield <ul type="square">[*] (A) Titanium Coating - Resistance/Endurance[*] (19) Aegis - Resistance[*] (19) Aegis - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge[*] (37) Aegis - Resistance/Endurance[/list]Level 20: Stamina <ul type="square">[*] (A) Performance Shifter - Chance for +End[*] (21) Performance Shifter - EndMod[*] (21) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Recharge[*] (39) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Accuracy[/list]Level 22: Blazing Aura <ul type="square">[*] (A) Scirocco's Dervish - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[*] (23) Scirocco's Dervish - Accuracy/Damage[*] (23) Scirocco's Dervish - Damage/Endurance[/list]Level 24: Consume <ul type="square">[*] (A) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Recharge[*] (25) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Accuracy/Recharge[*] (25) Performance Shifter - Accuracy/Recharge[*] (37) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Accuracy[/list]Level 26: Fire Sword Circle <ul type="square">[*] (A) Obliteration - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge[*] (27) Obliteration - Accuracy/Recharge[*] (27) Obliteration - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge[*] (29) Obliteration - Damage/Recharge[*] (29) Obliteration - Chance for Smashing Damage[*] (31) Scirocco's Dervish - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[/list]Level 28: Burn <ul type="square">[*] (A) Obliteration - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge[*] (37) Obliteration - Accuracy/Recharge[*] (43) Obliteration - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge[*] (46) Obliteration - Chance for Smashing Damage[*] (50) Obliteration - Damage/Recharge[/list]Level 30: Build Up <ul type="square">[*] (A) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Recharge[*] (31) Adjusted Targeting - Recharge[*] (31) Recharge Reduction IO[/list]Level 32: Greater Fire Sword <ul type="square">[*] (A) Crushing Impact - Damage/Endurance/Recharge[*] (33) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[*] (33) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge[*] (33) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage[*] (34) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge[*] (50) Touch of Death - Chance of Damage(Negative)[/list]Level 35: Fiery Embrace <ul type="square">[*] (A) Recharge Reduction IO[*] (36) Recharge Reduction IO[*] (36) Recharge Reduction IO[/list]Level 38: Boxing <ul type="square">[*] (A) Accuracy IO[/list]Level 41: Electrifying Fences <ul type="square">[*] (A) Positron's Blast - Damage/Recharge[*] (42) Positron's Blast - Damage/Endurance[*] (42) Positron's Blast - Accuracy/Damage[*] (42) Positron's Blast - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[*] (43) Positron's Blast - Chance of Damage(Energy)[*] (43) Recharge Reduction IO[/list]Level 44: Ball Lightning <ul type="square">[*] (A) Positron's Blast - Accuracy/Damage[*] (45) Positron's Blast - Damage/Endurance[*] (45) Positron's Blast - Damage/Recharge[*] (45) Positron's Blast - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[*] (46) Positron's Blast - Chance of Damage(Energy)[*] (46) Endurance Reduction IO[/list]Level 47: Tough <ul type="square">[*] (A) Aegis - Resistance[*] (48) Aegis - Resistance/Endurance[*] (48) Aegis - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge[/list]Level 49: Temperature Protection <ul type="square">[*] (A) Steadfast Protection - Knockback Protection[/list]------------
Level 1: Brawl <ul type="square">[*] (A) Empty[/list]Level 1: Sprint <ul type="square">[*] (A) Empty[/list]Level 2: Rest <ul type="square">[*] (A) Empty[/list]Level 1: Fury
------------
[u]Set Bonus Totals:[u]<ul type="square">[*]8% DamageBuff(Smashing)[*]8% DamageBuff(Lethal)[*]8% DamageBuff(Fire)[*]8% DamageBuff(Cold)[*]8% DamageBuff(Energy)[*]8% DamageBuff(Negative)[*]8% DamageBuff(Toxic)[*]8% DamageBuff(Psionic)[*]9.38% Defense(Fire)[*]9.38% Defense(Cold)[*]4.69% Defense(AoE)[*]57% Enhancement(Accuracy)[*]37.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)[*]4% Enhancement(Heal)[*]10% FlySpeed[*]151.8 HP (10.1%) HitPoints[*]10% JumpHeight[*]10% JumpSpeed[*]Knockback (Mag -4)[*]Knockup (Mag -4)[*]MezResist(Immobilize) 8.8%[*]MezResist(Stun) 4.4%[*]MezResist(Terrorized) 2.2%[*]12.5% (0.21 End/sec) Recovery[*]22% (1.38 HP/sec) Regeneration[*]4.41% Resistance(Fire)[*]4.41% Resistance(Cold)[*]3.13% Resistance(Negative)[*]25% RunSpeed[/list]

Mid's Issues:

Set Phalanx Fighting to 0 allies. To do this, options-&gt; advanced -&gt; database editor -&gt; main database editor -&gt; brute defense -&gt; Shield_Defense -&gt;phalanx fighting -&gt; scale range to 0, not 1.

Power Choices:

-You do not need both Charged Brawl and Havoc Punch. Drop one.
-Jacob's Ladder is way too late in your build.
-You really do want tough/weave. Especially weave.
-Hasten lets you fire Shield Charge and Lightning Rod more often.

IOs on the Cheap:

-Be patient in your bids. Bid under the buy it now price and let it sit for a few nights.
-Check crafted generic IOs. A lot of people craft generic IOs for the table accolade and then dump them on the market. Often the crafted generic IO is cheaper than the crafting cost, unlike sets.
-Buy Expensive IOs at levels other than 50. Sometimes you will find that 5 million inf IO at 50 is going for 500k at level 42. The numbers won't be quite as good, but the multiple attributes they enhance will still be more effective than if you chose generic IOs. Plus, you still get the set bonuses. You really don't lose as much as you think you would!
-Pick sets that are 'yellow' (uncommon) rather orange (rare). Often, yellow sets may not even require rare salvage, drastically reducing crafting costs.

IO Set Recommendations:
-Multistrike is dirt cheap. The set bonuses aren't the best out there, but will compliment your slotting.
-Mako's Bite isn't all that expensive once you have a level 50 toon to grind out a little bit. In fact because Crushing Impact is so popular, sometimes Mako's winds up being cheaper! Until you can afford such a set, you can use frankenslotting cheap sets.
-Look to buy Steadfast Protection Res/3% Def at level 30. There are more of these floating around and the price has dropped a bit on these. It is worth the investment.

A suggested reasonable build to work toward:

Pros:
-This can be done cheaply compared to a lot of elec/shield builds.
-This build is designed to be functional without the more expensive parts. Slot what you can cheaply and slowly work your way towards completion.
-Ghost Patron's pool gives you access to Darkest Night. This power is to be used on fights you know will be difficult. It is slotted to reduce endurance cost and debuff the enemies.

Cons:
-Multistrike is not recharge heavy. As a result, my placing it in Shield Charge and Lightning Rod means that both will not fire as often. 40 seconds vs. 26 seconds on the better shield builds.
-You are not softcapped. However, softcapping a shield brute costs a lot more infamy. But, you aren't too far off either. Melee is 42.9%, Ranged 36.3% (yuck), and AoE is 39.4%.
-You do not have Dark Obliteration. This is due to the high endurance cost of this power.
-Your accuracy could be better. I placed a kismet 6% Acc (really to-hit) in combat jumping. It is moderate in cost.
-I was unable to fit in a heal, as much as I wanted to. Also, I was unable to fit in grant cover, which will make you more vulnerable to defense debuffs. However, given that this is going to be a bit endurance hungry, missing that extra toggle isn't a bad thing. In fact, you might even not run tough.

The Build:

Villain Plan by Mids' Villain Designer 1.401
http://www.cohplanner.com/

[u]Click this DataLink to open the build![u]

Level 50 Technology Brute
Primary Power Set: Electrical Melee
Secondary Power Set: Shield Defense
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Soul Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Charged Brawl <ul type="square">[*] (A) Smashing Haymaker - Accuracy/Damage[*] (3) Smashing Haymaker - Damage/Endurance[*] (3) Smashing Haymaker - Damage/Recharge[*] (15) Smashing Haymaker - Damage/Endurance/Recharge[*] (17) Accuracy IO[/list]Level 1: Deflection <ul type="square">[*] (A) Red Fortune - Defense/Endurance[*] (7) Serendipity - Defense/Endurance[*] (29) Serendipity - Defense[*] (37) Serendipity - Defense/Endurance/Recharge[*] (43) Titanium Coating - Resistance/Endurance[*] (46) Titanium Coating - Resistance[/list]Level 2: Battle Agility <ul type="square">[*] (A) Red Fortune - Defense/Endurance[*] (7) Serendipity - Defense/Endurance[*] (29) Serendipity - Defense[*] (34) Serendipity - Defense/Endurance/Recharge[/list]Level 4: Jacobs Ladder <ul type="square">[*] (A) Multi Strike - Accuracy/Damage[*] (5) Multi Strike - Damage/Endurance[*] (5) Multi Strike - Damage/Recharge[*] (11) Multi Strike - Accuracy/Endurance[*] (15) Multi Strike - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[*] (25) Multi Strike - Damage/Endurance/Recharge[/list]Level 6: Combat Jumping <ul type="square">[*] (A) Kismet - Accuracy +6%[/list]Level 8: Thunder Strike <ul type="square">[*] (A) Multi Strike - Accuracy/Damage[*] (9) Multi Strike - Damage/Endurance[*] (9) Multi Strike - Damage/Recharge[*] (11) Multi Strike - Accuracy/Endurance[*] (17) Multi Strike - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[*] (25) Multi Strike - Damage/Endurance/Recharge[/list]Level 10: Hurdle <ul type="square">[*] (A) Empty[/list]Level 12: True Grit <ul type="square">[*] (A) Healing IO[*] (13) Healing IO[*] (13) Healing IO[*] (40) Steadfast Protection - Resistance/+Def 3%[/list]Level 14: Super Jump <ul type="square">[*] (A) Empty[/list]Level 16: Health <ul type="square">[*] (A) Healing IO[*] (27) Healing IO[*] (40) Healing IO[/list]Level 18: Chain Induction <ul type="square">[*] (A) Smashing Haymaker - Accuracy/Damage[*] (19) Smashing Haymaker - Damage/Endurance[*] (19) Smashing Haymaker - Damage/Recharge[*] (23) Smashing Haymaker - Damage/Endurance/Recharge[*] (23) Mocking Beratement - Accuracy/Recharge[/list]Level 20: Stamina <ul type="square">[*] (A) Endurance Modification IO[*] (21) Endurance Modification IO[*] (21) Endurance Modification IO[/list]Level 22: Against All Odds <ul type="square">[*] (A) Endurance Reduction IO[/list]Level 24: Active Defense <ul type="square">[*] (A) Recharge Reduction IO[*] (27) Recharge Reduction IO[/list]Level 26: Phalanx Fighting <ul type="square">[*] (A) Empty[/list]Level 28: Boxing <ul type="square">[*] (A) Smashing Haymaker - Damage/Endurance/Recharge[*] (40) Smashing Haymaker - Accuracy/Damage[*] (46) Smashing Haymaker - Damage/Recharge[*] (48) Smashing Haymaker - Damage/Endurance[*] (50) Rope A Dope - Accuracy/Recharge[/list]Level 30: Tough <ul type="square">[*] (A) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance[*] (31) Reactive Armor - Resistance[*] (31) Reactive Armor - Endurance[*] (31) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge[/list]Level 32: Lightning Rod <ul type="square">[*] (A) Multi Strike - Accuracy/Damage[*] (33) Multi Strike - Damage/Endurance[*] (33) Multi Strike - Damage/Recharge[*] (33) Multi Strike - Accuracy/Endurance[*] (34) Multi Strike - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[*] (34) Multi Strike - Damage/Endurance/Recharge[/list]Level 35: Shield Charge <ul type="square">[*] (A) Multi Strike - Accuracy/Damage[*] (36) Multi Strike - Damage/Endurance[*] (36) Multi Strike - Damage/Recharge[*] (36) Multi Strike - Accuracy/Endurance[*] (37) Multi Strike - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[*] (37) Multi Strike - Damage/Endurance/Recharge[/list]Level 38: Weave <ul type="square">[*] (A) Red Fortune - Defense/Endurance[*] (39) Serendipity - Defense/Endurance[*] (39) Serendipity - Defense[*] (39) Endurance Reduction IO[/list]Level 41: Gloom <ul type="square">[*] (A) Thunderstrike - Damage/Endurance/Recharge[*] (42) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[*] (42) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge[*] (42) Thunderstrike - Damage/Recharge[*] (43) Thunderstrike - Damage/Endurance[*] (43) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage[/list]Level 44: Darkest Night <ul type="square">[*] (A) Dark Watcher's Despair - To Hit Debuff/Recharge[*] (45) Dark Watcher's Despair - To Hit Debuff/Recharge/Endurance[*] (45) Dark Watcher's Despair - Recharge/Endurance[*] (45) Dark Watcher's Despair - To Hit Debuff/Endurance[*] (46) Dampened Spirits - To Hit Debuff/Endurance[/list]Level 47: Hasten <ul type="square">[*] (A) Recharge Reduction IO[*] (48) Recharge Reduction IO[*] (48) Recharge Reduction IO[/list]Level 49: Build Up <ul type="square">[*] (A) Adjusted Targeting - Recharge[*] (50) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Recharge[*] (50) Recharge Reduction IO[/list]------------
Level 1: Brawl <ul type="square">[*] (A) Empty[/list]Level 1: Sprint <ul type="square">[*] (A) Empty[/list]Level 2: Rest <ul type="square">[*] (A) Empty[/list]Level 1: Fury


Edit:

If you are unhappy with the recharge in Lightning Rod and Shield charge, you can choose to sacrifice the 6th setbonus on multistrike (0.94% melee defense) for a recharge IO. I recommend dropping the Damage/Endurance one.

Try switching hasten and chain induction. It's a great power, but the power that gets the most benefit from it is Lightning Rod, and you don't have that one yet.

If you have the vet powers (which it appears that you do from your registration date), you will have more than enough attacks.

There are two things worth testing now in issue 15 to find out if these two bugs are still true with elec:

-Procs in Chain Induction breaking the chain
-Procs in Lightning Rod hitting you (as the patch notes said armageddon in burn now works properly, so it goes to reason this might possibly now work?)

Electric Melee needs dev attention. Perhaps not for balance (though a boost in single target damage would be nice at times)

There are two bugs in Electric Melee, due to pets. Now, based on the statement in issue 15 that armageddon no longer damages users in powers like burn, it would seem that this possibly may now be fixed - I don't know, and haven't bothered to test it yet.

The second bug is that placing procs into chained induction means that the power no longer has the 100% chance to jump, but only when the proc fires. You wind up with a mediocre single-target attack.

Those two things are borked. You deal with it by avoiding putting in procs in the powers, but you also lose some of the flexibility other sets have.

Everything Siolfir said about electric armor is true. It isn't as good as other sets when it comes to IO investment. I can cap SR, EA, Shield. I can add recharge to /fire for a faster heal. Willpower is fine as is, which leaves dark, which is well, not popular.

Elec/Elec is fun. It is not the best, and I will admit there are times where the 'grass is greener' feeling really will get you you.

As for WM/EA, both sets were buffed. That thread serves as a source of amusement. Clobber is great. EA, with the adjustments to IO sets is also quite good (the improvements to the powerset are okay, but really the IO set bonus tweaks are what did it)

Roll any brute. Then SMASH. It doesn't really matter. You might not be the king of SMASH, but you will SMASH, and you will love it.

[ QUOTE ]
Tonality, please reply to the post you're quoting so you're not attributing the quote to the wrong person....

[/ QUOTE ]

Okay.

Oh I slotted the wrong thing in temperature protection. In any case, I don't recommend this build, as it's putting a semi engine in a ford pinto. It would certainly have the muscle to do anything you wanted but...really?

When you are debuffed for defense, you get hit a LOT often than the typical 50% chance to be hit. If you monitor your stats, you'll find that the times you really start hurting on electric are when:

1) Your resistance is debuffed
2) Your defense is debuffed
3) You're facing an EB/AV

Targeted AoEs in this game include things like Rain of Fire, Tar Patch, and Ball Lightning. Each of these spawns away from the player at a targeted location.

Cones are player based, meaning their origination is from the payer first, and the target selects the direction of the cone. Certain PBAOEs do, however cover the entire 360* of the player.

I personally find the IO options for PBAOE much better than targetted AoE.

That is a difficult decision. I think it will depend upon what you are planning on going against.

Stuns may work on squishies for a while in PvP, but due to the new system with diminishing returns, I'm not really sure nrg is worth it anymore. But, I have not tried an nrg in the new PvP.

Rage is just awesome, and provide the damage bonus for the pool attack powers I am sure you will take. The to-hit certainly is nice as well against defensive sets.

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I would agree with the above. Brutes are not tanks. I see so many people who think Brutes should tank and in some situations they can but what they are best at is Endless Fury based destruction and mayhem.

Each Melee AT has slight differences while similar in a lot of ways. Scrappers play differently too, yes you can play them like Brutes but they do not have the ugency of Fury.

[/ QUOTE ]

Not to side track this thread any further but what AT redside do you think is best to soak the damage for the team? I dont see any other ATs with Taunt implemented into their build.

Tell me that Masterminds and VEATs are better suited for the job.

[/ QUOTE ]

I guess I'll sidetrack it then.

The mentality I play with redside is that we don't need no stinkin tank or healorz. The brute charges in because of the desire for fury, that might indirectly help the team because the aggro is on the brute, but my focus is on my enemies at the moment, not the team. A good redside team focuses less on the team dynamic and more on simply steamrolling everything in their path. I do agree completely that brutes are built to take aggro - but for a completely different reason. I.E.

Tank: Protect teh squishies.
Brute: Get mah rightful fureh

A good redside team will provide the mitigation for survivability with with little attention that they are actively helping the team survival. The intelligent leader may choose certain ATs to balance out the team to increase the effectiveness, but for the most part, the ATs redside are very independent and when teamed, simply apply their independence to the team dynamic.

I also tend to play every AT like I play my brutes. On the BSF, I was on my softcapped S/L/E rad/kin and took the alpha. There was a brute on the team, but it seemed that brute was having tea and biscuits.

What exactly do you want to do with your fire brute? PvP? PvE? That alone would drastically change the build.
What is your budget?
What do you want to focus on? Recharge, defense (melee or ranged/aoe), HP/Regen?
Are you REALLY sure you want to spend this much money on a fire/fire brute?

In any case, because I like building the absurd, here is a ridiculously expensive purpled build that will cost you well over 2 billion infamy. It has great recharge, and spots intentionally left for several PvP IOs. They are:

Panacea Chance for +HP, +End in health (300 mil conservative)
Shield Wall, +Res to all in Combat Jumping (120 mil)

Then add in:
2 LOTG, 100 mil each
4 Popular Purple Sets, Estimated 1.5-2.5 billion market prices, depending on patience.
2 Obliteration sets, estimated 200 million total
Numina/Miracle/Regenerative Uniques, 200 million
4 Hami Res/End: 250 million
1 Hami Acc/Dam: 50 million
The Rest: 300-500 Million

Total: 2.8-3.5 billion or so at buy it NOW prices.

Here is your build:

Villain Plan by Mids' Villain Designer 1.401
http://www.cohplanner.com/

[u]Click this DataLink to open the build![u]

Level 50 Magic Brute
Primary Power Set: Fiery Melee
Secondary Power Set: Fiery Aura
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Soul Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Scorch <ul type="square">[*] (A) Crushing Impact - Damage/Endurance/Recharge[*] (3) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[*] (9) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge[*] (15) Crushing Impact - Damage/Recharge[*] (17) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage[/list]Level 1: Fire Shield <ul type="square">[*] (A) Impervium Armor - Resistance[*] (9) Impervium Armor - Resistance/Endurance[*] (40) Impervium Armor - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge[*] (43) Impervium Armor - Resistance/Recharge[/list]Level 2: Cremate <ul type="square">[*] (A) Crushing Impact - Damage/Endurance/Recharge[*] (3) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[*] (5) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge[*] (13) Crushing Impact - Damage/Recharge[*] (17) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage[/list]Level 4: Healing Flames <ul type="square">[*] (A) Doctored Wounds - Heal[*] (5) Doctored Wounds - Endurance/Recharge[*] (15) Doctored Wounds - Heal/Recharge[*] (19) Doctored Wounds - Heal/Endurance/Recharge[*] (19) Doctored Wounds - Recharge[/list]Level 6: Build Up <ul type="square">[*] (A) Adjusted Targeting - Recharge[*] (7) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Recharge[*] (7) Recharge Reduction IO[/list]Level 8: Combat Jumping <ul type="square">[*] (A) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed[*] (40) Blessing of the Zephyr - Knockback Reduction (4 points)[*] (48) Empty[/list]Level 10: Incinerate <ul type="square">[*] (A) Crushing Impact - Damage/Endurance/Recharge[*] (11) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[*] (11) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge[*] (13) Crushing Impact - Damage/Recharge[*] (36) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage[/list]Level 12: Hurdle <ul type="square">[*] (A) Jumping IO[/list]Level 14: Super Jump <ul type="square">[*] (A) Blessing of the Zephyr - Knockback Reduction (4 points)[/list]Level 16: Health <ul type="square">[*] (A) Numina's Convalescence - +Regeneration/+Recovery[*] (43) Numina's Convalescence - Heal[*] (46) Miracle - +Recovery[*] (46) Miracle - Heal[*] (50) Regenerative Tissue - +Regeneration[*] (50) Empty[/list]Level 18: Plasma Shield <ul type="square">[*] (A) Impervium Armor - Resistance[*] (31) Impervium Armor - Resistance/Endurance[*] (46) HamiO:Ribosome Exposure[/list]Level 20: Stamina <ul type="square">[*] (A) Performance Shifter - Chance for +End[*] (21) Performance Shifter - EndMod[*] (21) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Recharge[*] (40) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Accuracy[/list]Level 22: Breath of Fire <ul type="square">[*] (A) Ragnarok - Chance for Knockdown[*] (23) Ragnarok - Damage/Recharge[*] (23) Ragnarok - Accuracy/Recharge[*] (29) Ragnarok - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge[*] (37) Ragnarok - Damage/Endurance[/list]Level 24: Consume <ul type="square">[*] (A) Obliteration - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge[*] (25) Obliteration - Chance for Smashing Damage[*] (25) Obliteration - Accuracy/Recharge[*] (31) Obliteration - Damage/Recharge[*] (33) Obliteration - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge[/list]Level 26: Fire Sword Circle <ul type="square">[*] (A) Armageddon - Damage/Recharge[*] (27) Armageddon - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge[*] (27) Armageddon - Accuracy/Recharge[*] (29) Armageddon - Damage/Endurance[*] (37) Armageddon - Chance for Fire Damage[*] (37) Eradication - Chance for Energy Damage[/list]Level 28: Boxing <ul type="square">[*] (A) Accuracy IO[/list]Level 30: Tough <ul type="square">[*] (A) HamiO:Ribosome Exposure[*] (31) HamiO:Ribosome Exposure[*] (50) HamiO:Ribosome Exposure[/list]Level 32: Greater Fire Sword <ul type="square">[*] (A) Hecatomb - Chance of Damage(Negative)[*] (33) Hecatomb - Damage/Endurance[*] (33) Hecatomb - Accuracy/Recharge[*] (34) Hecatomb - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge[*] (34) Hecatomb - Damage/Recharge[*] (34) Touch of Death - Chance of Damage(Negative)[/list]Level 35: Fiery Embrace <ul type="square">[*] (A) Recharge Reduction IO[*] (36) Recharge Reduction IO[*] (36) Recharge Reduction IO[/list]Level 38: Weave <ul type="square">[*] (A) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed[*] (39) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Endurance[*] (39) Gift of the Ancients - Defense/Endurance[*] (39) Gift of the Ancients - Run Speed +7.5%[/list]Level 41: Gloom <ul type="square">[*] (A) Apocalypse - Chance of Damage(Negative)[*] (42) Apocalypse - Damage/Endurance[*] (42) Apocalypse - Damage/Recharge[*] (42) Apocalypse - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge[*] (43) Apocalypse - Accuracy/Recharge[/list]Level 44: Blazing Aura <ul type="square">[*] (A) Scirocco's Dervish - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[*] (45) Scirocco's Dervish - Damage/Endurance[*] (45) HamiO:Nucleolus Exposure[*] (45) Multi Strike - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[/list]Level 47: Hasten <ul type="square">[*] (A) Recharge Reduction IO[*] (48) Recharge Reduction IO[*] (48) Recharge Reduction IO[/list]Level 49: Temperature Protection <ul type="square">[*] (A) Steadfast Protection - Knockback Protection[/list]------------
Level 1: Brawl <ul type="square">[*] (A) Empty[/list]Level 1: Sprint <ul type="square">[*] (A) Unbounded Leap - +Stealth[/list]Level 2: Rest <ul type="square">[*] (A) Empty[/list]Level 1: Fury
------------
[u]Set Bonus Totals:[u]<ul type="square">[*]9% DamageBuff(Smashing)[*]9% DamageBuff(Lethal)[*]9% DamageBuff(Fire)[*]9% DamageBuff(Cold)[*]9% DamageBuff(Energy)[*]9% DamageBuff(Negative)[*]9% DamageBuff(Toxic)[*]9% DamageBuff(Psionic)[*]1.88% Defense(Psionic)[*]2.25% Max End[*]80% Enhancement(RechargeTime)[*]75% Enhancement(Accuracy)[*]4% Enhancement(Heal)[*]5% FlySpeed[*]123.7 HP (8.25%) HitPoints[*]5% JumpHeight[*]5% JumpSpeed[*]Knockback (Mag -12)[*]Knockup (Mag -12)[*]MezResist(Immobilize) 6.6%[*]MezResist(Stun) 2.2%[*]MezResist(Terrorized) 2.2%[*]24% (0.4 End/sec) Recovery[*]48% (3 HP/sec) Regeneration[*]8.82% Resistance(Fire)[*]8.82% Resistance(Cold)[*]12.5% RunSpeed[/list]

edit: Fixed my math. I had 4 purple sets, not 3, and had one too many 5% recharge bonuses.

AE Farming, Redside:

So I get invited to a boss farm redside, except it isn't the traditional fire bosses. It's NRG/Regen bosses. The person leading this farm insists that this is teh bestest mish evah.

(I'm only on this map because a friend on the team asked for my help, and honestly, my elec brute's good S/L/E resists might actually make it work)

The result was horrific. I failed to remember all the stuns energy melee has and my brute was quickly taken out. It was at this point that I had a new idea: stun the stunners with my earth/psi dom.

So in teamchat, I let them know I'm switching toons, to my dom. I switch, work up to dom with my snipe, hit stalagmites, immob, and fire PSW, drain psyche, PSW, and...faceplant.

About this time another player announces in teamchat that they are getting their rad corr. The leader then asks why everyone is quitting the mission. (facepalm)

I eat a bunch of insps and rez. Take two. Same results. At this point, I'm livid. Why aren't my stuns working on these guys? I ask in chat what the secondary was, and the leader responded, "Regen".

So for those that enjoy watching absurdity in AE, hunt for that mission. I'm sure those lowbie AE teams will thank you for it.

[ QUOTE ]
That's a nice build and actually achievable unlike some SS/Elec builds I've seen that would require about 500 million infamy. I'm pretty poor redside so I've had a hard time getting the IOs I'd like to make my SS/Elec brute into decent shape considering how bad /Elec can be at times.

How's the extra melee defense working out for you with those bonuses?

[/ QUOTE ]

The extra melee defense has drastically increased my survivability. I do monitor my defense, but if my health starts dropping, I carry some 'good lucks' for those occasions. One of those, plus a footstomp/powersink means my heal will almost always fire successfully - and I don't have to waste slots on aid self. I may not be the toughest brute out there, but I can put some serious damage out - and I have the endurance tools to make sure rage and hasten crashes don't drop my toggles!

The numi and miracle uniques in that build were lucky gold rolls.

[ QUOTE ]
I remember hearing Infinity has a good villain combination, I think.

[/ QUOTE ]

For playing redside, I have found a global friends list and an active VG are the best ways to ensure you can find active teams. If the friends you already team with play redside, I would recommend you play on the servers they play on.

You will find a lot of people playing redside on Infinity. Just the other day I was chatting with someone at the Black Market as I made my rounds and quickly discovered that the people I was bidding against on different salvage were on ... infinity. It made it quite easier to uhh, coordinate out prices.

I'm not sure if I'll advocate Elec/WP. Overall, you'll like your AoE damage output and you'll be fairly tough. What I always miss when I play my elec/elec/mu is single target damage. I rely a lot on mu lightning to get the job done. Without hasten and some extra recharge, I have a feeling you won't be satisfied with Lightning Rod after a few levels of playing it. You just won't fire it as often.

SS/Elec is not a bad combination, if you have the infamy to support it. This is an approximation of the build I currently use. I don't have obliteration in footstomp, because I'm working on placing armageddon and FF+rech in there instead. It is a pricey build. I might also consider switching elec fences for ball lightning for more knockdown mitigation.

What Elec does well:
-Rikti
-Malta (sappers, lolz?)

What Elec avoids:
-Elder Snakes
-Anything with DoT to interrupt the aid self.

I find these unpleasant:
-Cimerorans
-Longbow Nullifiers
-Fire Bosses (not only is it painfully slow to team with, but it carves through your paltry fire resistance)

Villain Plan by Mids' Villain Designer 1.401
http://www.cohplanner.com/

[u]Click this DataLink to open the build![u]

Level 50 Magic Brute
Primary Power Set: Super Strength
Secondary Power Set: Electric Armor
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Medicine
Power Pool: Fighting
Ancillary Pool: Mu Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Punch <ul type="square">[*] (A) Touch of Death - Chance of Damage(Negative)[*] (3) Touch of Death - Damage/Endurance/Recharge[*] (5) Touch of Death - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[*] (13) Touch of Death - Damage/Recharge[*] (17) Touch of Death - Damage/Endurance[*] (27) Touch of Death - Accuracy/Damage[/list]Level 1: Charged Armor <ul type="square">[*] (A) Titanium Coating - Resistance/Endurance[*] (9) Titanium Coating - Resistance[*] (31) Titanium Coating - Endurance[*] (37) Titanium Coating - Resistance/Recharge[*] (39) Titanium Coating - Endurance/Recharge[*] (40) Titanium Coating - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge[/list]Level 2: Haymaker <ul type="square">[*] (A) Touch of Death - Chance of Damage(Negative)[*] (3) Touch of Death - Damage/Endurance/Recharge[*] (5) Touch of Death - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[*] (13) Touch of Death - Damage/Recharge[*] (17) Touch of Death - Damage/Endurance[*] (27) Touch of Death - Accuracy/Damage[/list]Level 4: Conductive Shield <ul type="square">[*] (A) Titanium Coating - Resistance[*] (9) Titanium Coating - Endurance[*] (31) Titanium Coating - Resistance/Endurance[*] (37) Titanium Coating - Resistance/Recharge[*] (40) Titanium Coating - Endurance/Recharge[*] (40) Titanium Coating - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge[/list]Level 6: Hasten <ul type="square">[*] (A) Recharge Reduction IO[*] (7) Recharge Reduction IO[*] (7) Recharge Reduction IO[/list]Level 8: Hurdle <ul type="square">[*] (A) Jumping IO[/list]Level 10: Knockout Blow <ul type="square">[*] (A) Touch of Death - Accuracy/Damage[*] (11) Touch of Death - Damage/Endurance[*] (11) Touch of Death - Damage/Recharge[*] (15) Touch of Death - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[*] (15) Touch of Death - Damage/Endurance/Recharge[*] (31) Touch of Death - Chance of Damage(Negative)[/list]Level 12: Aid Other <ul type="square">[*] (A) Healing IO[/list]Level 14: Super Speed <ul type="square">[*] (A) Endurance Reduction IO[/list]Level 16: Health <ul type="square">[*] (A) Numina's Convalescence - +Regeneration/+Recovery[*] (25) Numina's Convalescence - Heal/Endurance[*] (25) Miracle - Heal[*] (48) Miracle - +Recovery[/list]Level 18: Rage <ul type="square">[*] (A) Adjusted Targeting - Recharge[*] (19) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Recharge[*] (19) Recharge Reduction IO[/list]Level 20: Stamina <ul type="square">[*] (A) Performance Shifter - Chance for +End[*] (21) Performance Shifter - EndMod[*] (21) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Recharge[*] (23) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Accuracy[/list]Level 22: Grounded <ul type="square">[*] (A) Steadfast Protection - Resistance/+Def 3%[*] (23) Steadfast Protection - Knockback Protection[/list]Level 24: Static Shield <ul type="square">[*] (A) Endurance Reduction IO[/list]Level 26: Boxing <ul type="square">[*] (A) Accuracy IO[/list]Level 28: Aid Self <ul type="square">[*] (A) Numina's Convalescence - Heal[*] (29) Numina's Convalescence - Heal/Recharge[*] (29) Numina's Convalescence - Heal/Endurance/Recharge[/list]Level 30: Tough <ul type="square">[*] (A) Titanium Coating - Resistance/Endurance[*] (34) Titanium Coating - Resistance/Recharge[*] (43) Titanium Coating - Endurance/Recharge[*] (43) Titanium Coating - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge[*] (50) Titanium Coating - Resistance[*] (50) Titanium Coating - Endurance[/list]Level 32: Foot Stomp <ul type="square">[*] (A) Obliteration - Damage[*] (33) Obliteration - Accuracy/Recharge[*] (33) Obliteration - Damage/Recharge[*] (33) Obliteration - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge[*] (34) Obliteration - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge[*] (34) Obliteration - Chance for Smashing Damage[/list]Level 35: Power Sink <ul type="square">[*] (A) Performance Shifter - EndMod[*] (36) Performance Shifter - Accuracy/Recharge[*] (36) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Accuracy/Recharge[*] (36) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Recharge[*] (37) Efficacy Adaptor - EndMod/Accuracy/Recharge[/list]Level 38: Lightning Field <ul type="square">[*] (A) Scirocco's Dervish - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[*] (39) Scirocco's Dervish - Accuracy/Damage[*] (39) Scirocco's Dervish - Damage/Endurance[*] (46) Multi Strike - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[*] (46) Multi Strike - Accuracy/Endurance[/list]Level 41: Mu Lightning <ul type="square">[*] (A) Devastation - Accuracy/Damage[*] (42) Devastation - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge[*] (42) Devastation - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge[*] (42) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[*] (43) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge[/list]Level 44: Electrifying Fences <ul type="square">[*] (A) Positron's Blast - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance[*] (45) Positron's Blast - Damage/Endurance[*] (45) Positron's Blast - Accuracy/Damage[*] (45) Positron's Blast - Damage/Recharge[*] (46) Positron's Blast - Chance of Damage(Energy)[/list]Level 47: Weave <ul type="square">[*] (A) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed[*] (48) HamiO:Enzyme Exposure[*] (48) HamiO:Enzyme Exposure[*] (50) HamiO:Enzyme Exposure[/list]Level 49: Lightning Reflexes <ul type="square">[*] (A) Run Speed IO[/list]------------
Level 1: Brawl <ul type="square">[*] (A) Empty[/list]Level 1: Sprint <ul type="square">[*] (A) Celerity - +Stealth[/list]Level 2: Rest <ul type="square">[*] (A) Empty[/list]Level 1: Fury
------------
[u]Set Bonus Totals:[u]<ul type="square">[*]12.5% DamageBuff(Smashing)[*]12.5% DamageBuff(Lethal)[*]12.5% DamageBuff(Fire)[*]12.5% DamageBuff(Cold)[*]12.5% DamageBuff(Energy)[*]12.5% DamageBuff(Negative)[*]12.5% DamageBuff(Toxic)[*]12.5% DamageBuff(Psionic)[*]14.3% Defense(Smashing)[*]14.3% Defense(Lethal)[*]3% Defense(Fire)[*]3% Defense(Cold)[*]3% Defense(Energy)[*]3% Defense(Negative)[*]3% Defense(Psionic)[*]25.5% Defense(Melee)[*]3% Defense(Ranged)[*]3% Defense(AoE)[*]18.8% Enhancement(RechargeTime)[*]18% Enhancement(Accuracy)[*]10% FlySpeed[*]230.5 HP (15.4%) HitPoints[*]10% JumpHeight[*]10% JumpSpeed[*]Knockback (Mag -4)[*]Knockup (Mag -4)[*]MezResist(Held) 13.8%[*]MezResist(Immobilize) 8.25%[*]MezResist(Sleep) 8.25%[*]MezResist(Stun) 8.8%[*]13.5% (0.23 End/sec) Recovery[*]46% (2.88 HP/sec) Regeneration[*]1.58% Resistance(Fire)[*]1.58% Resistance(Cold)[*]3.13% Resistance(Negative)[*]10% RunSpeed[/list]

The other thing to note is LR does have a moderate activation animation. If you fire Buildup and then Lightning Rod as soon as each are available, it will appear as if LR is not recharging as fast as it should be, as the recharge does not begin until the power has been activated.

I haven't played my elec/elec since issue 15, but I can assure you prior to issue 15 recharge buffs were working fine.

We had to disband. Team Makeup.

1 MM (bots/pain)
1 Brute (elec/shield)
1 Stalker (Nin/SR)
2 Corrs (Rad/Kin and Ice/Storm)
2 Crabs
1 Widow

We made it to Reichsman, but we did not have the dmg output to knock him down. The ice/storm corr quit after the first mission. After a few wipes with Reichs, we disbanded after two others had to log for bed.

That was a tough fight. I think if I attempt it again, I'll do it with a few more masterminds.

Overall, I'm not too eager to try again until I know more about how to beat this SF.

Mids Steps Down

That is the link to his announcement on Titan Netork. He wasn't too clear why he stepped down but from this and a few other posts, such as this one.

I have read somewhere (linky?) that he does not play CoH anymore, but kept supporting his program. He just doesn't have the time.

edit: please keep the topic Ode to Mids, not Owed to Mids. I thought the topic was going to be about suggesting a thank-you donation for his efforts.

I've changed mine to @Slax

I run 58.7% S/L on my elec/elec with 26.7% melee defense.

Typical Electric/Electric Brute strategies:

-Build your brute with IO sets focusing on melee defense
-Build your brute with regen/+hp.
-Grab Tough and Aid Self. Fire Aid Self after knocking mobs down and firing Power-Sink which forces enemies to do an animation giving you a good chance of a successful fire of Aid Self.

Important things you need to know:
-Grounded is finicky. You'll be happier if you slot a KB IO in grounded. I've gotten knocked back in the middle of firing lightning rod.
-Don't put procs in Chain Induction, as it drastically reduces the chance for it to jump.
-FF Chance for +Rech in Lightning Rod will not give the pseudopet recharge, meaning it is useless.
-The higher in level your enemies are, the less effective end drain. Unfortunately, the same applies to your armor.

First of all, I am not in the mood to be baited. You are overly aggressive - implying you believe that those people are out to get you. It is seen throughout your topic. Your tone of voice is why you have gotten some of the more negative reactions.

Secondly, not everyone reads the entire topic top down before making a reply, especially since this one quickly devolved into bickering. Having now read the entire topic, I see you said several times that you are not a bad player. What I now find amusing is how many of us actually assumed this. I believe it is how you first came across, and of course, typical forum reactions to posts like this.

Thirdly, did you read my post or stop at LRN2PLAY? I explained a logical reason why blizzard should not persist. I do not see you disputing that reason. I also stated that I understand from a player's perspective that losing a nuke is annoying.

I would suggest that you take a hard look at your posts in this topic. Is this exactly how you want to represent yourself? I get some of the dry humor present, but the amount of implied vulgarity and passive-aggressive attitude helps nobody - especially if you want to argue a point. It is in your best interests to appear friendly and rational, even to those that may upset you.

edit:
I also took my own advice. As I reread my first post, I see that I did come across as a bit smug. I hope my other two posts were less so. I probably shouldn't have even posted. That is my apology.