herotoonefan

Not sure what you mean by that, Dumple--BUT, my goal was to put something that I noticed about the game out there and see if there was enough of a consensus for it to become a "suggestion", and the response seems to be that people either think it is a non-issue, or they see my point but don't think it's a big deal.

So, fair enough .

Hi Chyll,

No, you didn't come back too strong, and I really do like the discussion going on.

I come from a background of being a "comics nerd" growing up. I never played MMORPG's until COH came out, though I have tons of Everquest/WoW buddies, so I have some concept of those games and have played them a bit. It's just the Superhero genre that attracted me and keeps my attention.

Samuel: I guess I wasn't really thinking from the perspective of someone who plays this game, not for the "traditionsl superhero experience" as it was intended, but rather because of the flexibility of the creation system. The game WAS, and still is, intended by the Devs to be a comic book homage, but, if you buy red wine with white fish, you paid, it's your wine.

It is cool that the creation system and game is broad enough to support that. I certainly don't mind the "non-tradtional" toons running around--except maybe that one "vamipre" who's description said that humans are meaningless cattle while he was saving an old woman from getting her purse snatched :P.

Yeah, my suggestion was pretty mild--"maybe keep in mind that "powerful" powers should at least be solid and iconic sets should have decent synergy as opposed to none"--and people started talking about changing basic game mechanics and their freedoms being taken away.

I wasn't crying doom or for a game overhaul, just maybe some conceptual consideration. Or not--they're not gonna change it based on this thread, so no one has to worry :P. You're safe.

It just frequently strikes me as odd how usually--not always, but more often than not--"cosmic" or "high powered" feeling sets and really conceptually nice combinations are slightly but significantly less powerful in-game than the "down to earth" sets and the odd, awkward combinations. Maybe I didn't say it well, but I wasn't asking for an advantage there as much as a better balance.

I feel alwful weak on my "sun powered, cosmic" EM/FA brute compared to my "street level, Daredevil-like" MA/WP scrapper. The Karate guy could totally kick the solar dudes butt. Would barely even singe his boots. And it'd be nice to be able to make a Storm/Electric "Storm God" that nearly as godly, as an Illusion/Rad.

BUT, there have been some really good points raised. I especially like Electric-Knight's comments. Diversity is good, and people will us the "conceptually cool" combinations anyway because, well, they are conceptually cool.

Thanks for the discussion!

Wow, that's going to be one hell of a day when they open it.

My main worry is--if they have a VIP server and I want to move a toon there, what another toon with the same name from different servers wants to go there too? Who "wins" and gets the name? I wouldn't mind so much if another toon had my toon's name on that server, but would that be possible?

Thanks for the replies, interesting points and discussion. A couple of things:

1) Dark Gob- I know Batman survived a hit from Darkseid, but he didn't "tank" him and, anyway, that was as silly as Wolverine regenerating from a direct hit from a nuclear warhead--bad writing is just as common as good writing in comic books.

2) It wouldn't take a game-mechanic change. The devs tweak powersets all the time, even adding new effects to powers. Just a bit of mindfullness of making sure the iconic sets have some synergy.

3) I can't figure out how anyone who actually read my post thought that I was bashing Invulnerability. All I said Invulnerability and Super Strength don't have an exceptional synergy. I love Invulnerability.

But I do like hearing what people think. It's just something I notice about the game and wonder if anyone else sees it.

Thanks!

City of Heroes is a game that hangs it's hat on being a homage to comic books. Doing that and doing it best is what makes the game unique and special.

But I've noticed that, for some reason, it is more common for wierd, non-iconic power set combinations to have the really good synergy rather than the really iconic combinations. Also, it seems that it's more common for powersets that are iconic to less powerful heroes are often the more powerful sets in the game.

Just for a few quick examples, it's not Invulnerability and Super Strength that have exceptionally good synergy, but things like Dark Melee and Shield Defense. Now, there is nothing more iconic than Super Strength and Invunerability, but who can name one really well know, iconic hero that both punches with darkness and totes a shield? And why would a Martial Arts/Willpower toon--basically a stuborned guy with a black belt--be generally more survivable unless you IO out?

Storm/Electric is generally considerd to be nothing special as a combination, though it is very iconic and sexy as hell, but Illusion/Radiation--a really wierd and awkward combo conceptually--is the AV GM killing champion. And Ice or Fire don't even have especially good synergy with themselves (ie Ice/Ice or Fire/Fire toons).

So what am I saying?

Well, while I know it's the goal to avoid FotM combinations and to balance the game, it will never be perfect. If that's the case (and it is whether anyone accepts it or not), in a game that is basically an homage, why not put a little thought into making sure that the iconic concept and traditionally high-powered sets and combinations are at least really solid and synergistic?

Now, someone will say "but those other sets are perfectly playable due to difficulty control" and "well, that just encourages more unusual heroes", but is that the point in a classic superhero MMORPG? It seems that it would make sense to make sure that the classic powers and power combinations are really solid within the context of game balance so that people who want an iconic toon don't have to settle for mediocre heroicness in gameplay.

Every time I'm on a team and I see a Willpower toon (described in game text as basically being like Batman) taking it on the chin as the tank (an Willpower can take the alpha, I see it all the time) while the guy encased in Solar Plasma (Fiery Aura) and punching with the Power of the Sun (Energy Melee) is kinda squishy and hitting corpses due to animation time, I scratch my head. Batman took the uzi in the chest, while Solar Dude can't keep up to him in taking a hit or damage.

Anyay, I love the game and it rocks, and this is not a huge problem, but it is pretty consistant that conceptually "low power" defensive sets are exceptionally survivable and "iconic" power combinations are just ok while really unwieldy ones have especially strong synergy.

Just my take--interested to know other's experience.

Thanks!

It seems to me like they're spending a lot of time on things that make the game more like other MMORPG's and not as much on the things that make this game really special.

The beating heart and lifeblood of this game is that you can make up your own superhero from your imgination--like I used to do as a kid--but then you can run out into a world and actually PLAY him in a video game with other (and on this game mostly nice) people. HELL YEAH!

But there has been a lot of focus on endgame, and restrictive game lore, and crafting, and queing for raids, and gear, and other things that you have been seeing forever in other MMORPG's and that we didn't have or need at first when the game started.

Now, I don't MIND the addition of those other things, some of them are even good (:P), but they just make the game more like everything else out there. But the more they increase the ability to experience truly making your own hero with as few limits as possible, the more special the game will become.

I'm most interested in pool power customization, but more proliferation would be great too. Crafting and raiding and gear and lore-based expansions, well, they're ok, but WoW has that.

That said, thanks, devs, for making my childhood superhero fantasies come to life . Frikkin fun!

I'll third the "intensity slider" thing. If it's doable, it'd be great!

You know, I've heard a coupld of people say prices are down (thank goodness!), I'll have to go look! But at my budget, more than about 5 mil for anything other than a really usefull unique is probably not doable.

Thanks!

Well, here's my thinking.

I'm using what I understand as a "frankenslotting" strategy, in that sometimes you just need a little more in two or three aspects of a power, and Hami's are very expensive and sometimes more than you actually need, so a "onsie" from a set that enhances multiple aspects of a power can get you there cheaply.

As I mentioned, I play regularly, but not a whole lot of hours--a couple to a few hours a week at most--so my budget is crap. A "onsie" that I can get for, say, 3 mil that enhances Acc-21.5% and Damage 21.5%, which is enough for my purposes, is better for me than a 50 mil Hami that does 33% each.

But, if there's a budget way to use Hami's that I don't know about, I'm all ears!

Dawp: Here's the build. Pretty set on power choices, but slotting just a first try.

Thanks again!

Villain Plan by Mids' Villain Designer 1.94
http://www.cohplanner.com/

The Sun Sentinel: Level 50 Science Brute
Primary Power Set: Energy Melee
Secondary Power Set: Fiery Aura
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Pyre Mastery

Villain Profile:
------------
Level 1: Energy Punch
(A) Stupefy - Accuracy/Recharge: Level 50
(43) Stupefy - Accuracy/Endurance: Level 50
(43) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
(46) Damage Increase IO: Level 50


Level 1: Fire Shield
(A) Titanium Coating - Resistance: Level 50
(40) Titanium Coating - Resistance/Endurance: Level 50
(43) Titanium Coating - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge: Level 50


Level 2: Bone Smasher
(A) Stupefy - Accuracy/Recharge: Level 50
(3) Stupefy - Accuracy/Endurance: Level 50
(3) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
(31) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
(37) Crushing Impact - Damage/Recharge: Level 50


Level 4: Healing Flames
(A) Healing IO: Level 50
(5) Harmonized Healing - Heal: Level 40
(5) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
(7) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
(7) Harmonized Healing - Heal/Endurance/Recharge: Level 40


Level 6: Fly
(A) Blessing of the Zephyr - Knockback Reduction (4 points): Level 50


Level 8: Whirling Hands
(A) Mocking Beratement - Accuracy/Recharge: Level 50
(9) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
(9) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
(36) Multi Strike - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance: Level 50
(37) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
(37) Mocking Beratement - Recharge: Level 50


Level 10: Build Up
(A) To Hit Buff IO: Level 50
(11) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff: Level 50
(11) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
(13) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
(13) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Endurance/Recharge: Level 21


Level 12: Assault
(A) Endurance Reduction IO: Level 50


Level 14: Tactics
(A) To Hit Buff IO: Level 50
(15) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff: Level 50
(15) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Endurance: Level 50


Level 16: Plasma Shield
(A) Titanium Coating - Resistance: Level 50
(17) Titanium Coating - Resistance/Endurance: Level 50
(17) Titanium Coating - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge: Level 50


Level 18: Total Focus
(A) Mocking Beratement - Accuracy/Recharge: Level 50
(19) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
(19) Bruising Blow - Accuracy/Damage: Level 30
(27) Bruising Blow - Damage/Endurance: Level 30
(27) Bruising Blow - Damage/Recharge: Level 30
(34) Mocking Beratement - Recharge: Level 50


Level 20: Consume
(A) Mocking Beratement - Accuracy/Recharge: Level 50
(21) Endurance Modification IO: Level 50
(21) Cleaving Blow - Damage/Recharge: Level 50
(25) Mocking Beratement - Recharge: Level 50
(25) Cleaving Blow - Accuracy/Recharge: Level 50


Level 22: Hasten
(A) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
(23) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
(23) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50


Level 24: Temperature Protection
(A) Steadfast Protection - Knockback Protection: Level 30


Level 26: Hover
(A) Karma - Knockback Protection: Level 30


Level 28: Burn
(A) Cleaving Blow - Accuracy/Damage: Level 50
(29) Cleaving Blow - Damage/Recharge: Level 50
(29) Eradication - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge: Level 30
(31) Eradication - Damage/Recharge: Level 30
(31) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50


Level 30: Stun
(A) Accuracy IO: Level 40


Level 32: Energy Transfer
(A) Mocking Beratement - Accuracy/Recharge: Level 50
(33) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
(33) Bruising Blow - Accuracy/Damage: Level 30
(33) Bruising Blow - Damage/Endurance: Level 30
(34) Bruising Blow - Damage/Recharge: Level 30
(34) Mocking Beratement - Recharge: Level 50


Level 35: Fiery Embrace
(A) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
(36) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
(36) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50


Level 38: Rise of the Phoenix
(A) Stupefy - Accuracy/Recharge: Level 50
(39) Stupefy - Accuracy/Endurance: Level 50
(39) Harmonized Healing - Heal/Endurance: Level 40
(39) Harmonized Healing - Heal: Level 40


Level 41: Ring of Fire
(A) Accuracy IO: Level 50
(42) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
(42) Thunderstrike - Damage/Recharge: Level 50
(42) Thunderstrike - Damage/Endurance/Recharge: Level 50
(46) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50


Level 44: Fire Blast
(A) Accuracy IO: Level 50
(45) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
(45) Thunderstrike - Damage/Recharge: Level 50
(45) Thunderstrike - Damage/Endurance/Recharge: Level 50
(46) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50


Level 47: Fire Ball
(A) Positron's Blast - Accuracy/Damage: Level 50
(48) Positron's Blast - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance: Level 50
(48) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
(48) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
(50) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50


Level 49: Melt Armor
(A) Shield Breaker - Accuracy/Recharge: Level 30
(50) Shield Breaker - Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge: Level 30
(50) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50


------------
Level 1: Brawl
(A) Empty


Level 1: Fury
Level 1: Sprint
(A) Empty


Level 2: Rest
(A) Empty


Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift
(A) Flight Speed IO: Level 50


Level 2: Health
(A) Miracle - +Recovery: Level 40


Level 2: Hurdle
(A) Jumping IO: Level 50


Level 2: Stamina
(A) Endurance Modification IO: Level 50
(40) Endurance Modification IO: Level 50
(40) Endurance Modification IO: Level 50





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I can afford that!

I got another weird build if you're in a tweaky mood, Ultra--Energy Melee/Fiery Aura/Pyre Mastery brute. "Solar Powers" theme. I know SS is better with FA, but he's EM. The idea is lots of melee burst damage and as much ranged DPS as I can get for jousting, plus AOE cause that's just handy.

But, I could use some help with slotting. I'm basically trying to make him into a faux blapper for fun and concept, so just went with basic shielding--didn't even get Tough. I want to joust with him so he doesn't have to be tough enough to stand his ground. Just needs lots of melee burst damage and all the ranged DPS he can get, and I took Melt Armor because the Resist DeBuff will stack with the fire-based Incarnate powers I plan on getting.

Also need lots of endurance because I'll be trying to hold as much fury as I can by continuously attacking since I won't be getting pounded on as much as a tanky, stand-your-ground type brute. Not prioritizing toughness, but it never hurts.

I know, why not just make an actual blaster blapper--cause it's just too squishy at my budget, couldn't take it. If they had Energy Melee scrappers that'd be ideal, but they don't and seems like won't any time soon.

I know it's an odd, no-optimal idea, but I'd still appreciate help--you really mad a big positive difference in my other brute's slotting.
Exact same crappy budget as before .

Thanks!

I should mention, with my limitations, this is more of a "get a little of what you can" build rather than one focused on one goal like S/L softcap, though my priorities were S/L defense, recover, hp an regen without gimping basic funcion.

Thanks, and I look forward to more help from the real players

Thanks guys!

Thanks for the advice, streetlight! Ultrawatt, I got a lot of good ideas from your build, though it is WAY (much more than 100mil) out of my league.

I know it's hard for most people who post on the forums to understand, but I REALLY only play a couple of hours a week, no SG, and when I do play I mostly just solo or sometimes grab a PUG, and about once a month AT MOST I may jump on a TF that I need for an accolade or Strike target or to unlock something.

Seriouisly, that's it.

So, Ultrawatt, I RUINED your build :P, by totally ghettoing it out, but if I haven't offended you by wrecking it, I'd really appreciate some tweaking (and anyone else who wants to tweak some too). I mean it, your build gave me ideas I'd never have come up with on my own.

I got rid of Soul (I know it's awesome but it just doesn't fit theme) and went back to Energy. Other than Perfourmance Shifters I went with sets I could pick up for around 5 mil per enh. I may even have to use regualr End IO's for now and save up for the Performance Shifters.

So, here it is, the ghetto version of your build for you to pimp ghetto style--I'm thinkin shiney metallic plastic rims and faux leopard fur seats...:

Villain Plan by Mids' Villain Designer 1.94
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Monolith Man IO: Level 50 Mutation Brute
Primary Power Set: Super Strength
Secondary Power Set: Willpower
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Energy Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Punch

• (A) Smashing Haymaker - Accuracy/Damage: Level 35
• (5) Smashing Haymaker - Damage/Endurance: Level 35
• (5) Smashing Haymaker - Damage/Recharge: Level 35
• (33) Smashing Haymaker - Damage/Endurance/Recharge: Level 35

Level 1: High Pain Tolerance

• (A) Reactive Armor - Resistance: Level 40
• (7) Healing IO: Level 50
• (15) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Recharge: Level 40
• (15) Healing IO: Level 50
• (31) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance: Level 40
• (40) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge: Level 40

Level 2: Haymaker

• (A) Smashing Haymaker - Accuracy/Damage: Level 35
• (3) Smashing Haymaker - Damage/Endurance: Level 35
• (3) Smashing Haymaker - Damage/Recharge: Level 35
• (7) Smashing Haymaker - Damage/Endurance/Recharge: Level 35
• (31) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50

Level 4: Mind Over Body

• (A) Reactive Armor - Resistance: Level 40
• (33) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance: Level 40
• (37) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Recharge: Level 40
• (37) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge: Level 40
• (40) Steadfast Protection - Resistance/+Def 3%: Level 30

Level 6: Super Jump

• (A) Jumping IO: Level 50

Level 8: Knockout Blow

• (A) Smashing Haymaker - Accuracy/Damage: Level 35
• (9) Smashing Haymaker - Damage/Endurance: Level 35
• (9) Smashing Haymaker - Damage/Recharge: Level 35
• (13) Smashing Haymaker - Damage/Endurance/Recharge: Level 35
• (33) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50

Level 10: Kick

• (A) Smashing Haymaker - Accuracy/Damage: Level 35
• (11) Smashing Haymaker - Damage/Endurance: Level 35
• (11) Smashing Haymaker - Damage/Recharge: Level 35
• (13) Smashing Haymaker - Damage/Endurance/Recharge: Level 35

Level 12: Indomitable Will

• (A) Serendipity - Defense: Level 40
• (42) Serendipity - Defense/Endurance: Level 40
• (45) Serendipity - Defense/Recharge: Level 40

Level 14: Fast Healing

• (A) Healing IO: Level 50
• (34) Harmonized Healing - Heal: Level 40
• (39) Harmonized Healing - Heal/Endurance: Level 40

Level 16: Rise to the Challenge

• (A) Healing IO: Level 50
• (17) Harmonized Healing - Heal: Level 40
• (29) Harmonized Healing - Heal/Endurance: Level 40

Level 18: Rage

• (A) Encouraged Accuracy - To Hit Buff: Level 20
• (19) Encouraged Accuracy - To Hit Buff/Recharge: Level 20
• (19) Encouraged Accuracy - To Hit Buff/Recharge/Endurance: Level 20
• (43) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Recharge: Level 50
• (45) Adjusted Targeting - Recharge: Level 50

Level 20: Quick Recovery

• (A) Performance Shifter - EndMod: Level 50
• (21) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Recharge: Level 50
• (21) Performance Shifter - Chance for +End: Level 50

Level 22: Tough

• (A) Reactive Armor - Resistance: Level 40
• (23) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Recharge: Level 40
• (23) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge: Level 40
• (34) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance: Level 40

Level 24: Weave

• (A) Serendipity - Defense: Level 40
• (25) Serendipity - Defense/Endurance: Level 30
• (25) Serendipity - Defense/Endurance/Recharge: Level 40

Level 26: Hurl

• (A) Thunderstrike - Damage/Endurance/Recharge: Level 50
• (27) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance: Level 50
• (27) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage: Level 50

Level 28: Heightened Senses

• (A) Serendipity - Defense: Level 40
• (29) Serendipity - Defense/Endurance: Level 40
• (31) Serendipity - Defense/Recharge: Level 40

Level 30: Maneuvers

• (A) Serendipity - Defense: Level 40
• (39) Serendipity - Defense/Endurance: Level 40
• (40) Serendipity - Defense/Endurance/Recharge: Level 40

Level 32: Combat Jumping

• (A) Serendipity - Defense: Level 40
• (34) Serendipity - Defense/Endurance: Level 40
• (42) Serendipity - Defense/Recharge: Level 40

Level 35: Foot Stomp

• (A) Cleaving Blow - Accuracy/Damage: Level 50
• (36) Cleaving Blow - Damage/Endurance: Level 50
• (36) Cleaving Blow - Damage/Recharge: Level 50
• (36) Cleaving Blow - Accuracy/Recharge: Level 50
• (37) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50

Level 38: Strength of Will

• (A) Reactive Armor - Resistance: Level 40
• (39) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Recharge: Level 40
• (43) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge: Level 40
• (45) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance: Level 40

Level 41: Focused Accuracy

• (A) To Hit Buff IO: Level 50
• (42) To Hit Buff IO: Level 50
• (43) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Endurance: Level 50

Level 44: Physical Perfection

• (A) Regenerative Tissue - +Regeneration: Level 30
• (46) Numina's Convalescence - +Regeneration/+Recovery: Level 50
• (46) Performance Shifter - EndMod: Level 50
• (48) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Recharge: Level 50
• (50) Performance Shifter - Chance for +End: Level 50

Level 47: Superior Conditioning

• (A) Performance Shifter - EndMod: Level 50
• (50) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Recharge: Level 50
• (50) Performance Shifter - Chance for +End: Level 50

Level 49: Taunt

• (A) Perfect Zinger - Taunt/Recharge/Range: Level 50

Level 50: Spiritual Core Paragon
------------
Level 1: Brawl

• (A) Empty

Level 1: Sprint

• (A) Endurance Reduction IO: Level 50

Level 2: Rest

• (A) Empty

Level 1: Fury
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift

• (A) Run Speed IO: Level 50

Level 2: Hurdle

• (A) Jumping IO: Level 50

Level 2: Health

• (A) Healing IO: Level 50
• (48) Harmonized Healing - Heal: Level 40
• (48) Harmonized Healing - Heal/Endurance: Level 40

Level 2: Stamina

• (A) Performance Shifter - EndMod: Level 50
• (17) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Recharge: Level 50
• (46) Performance Shifter - Chance for +End: Level 50

I didn't realize that. But, a big part of the reason I picked it up was the -to hit debuff resistance--does that not really help much either. I do love the fact that I don't miss no matter who I'm fighting...

Hi Brutemeisters,

Long time vet but first time using sets. What I have now is just non-set IO's with just a very few set IO's for light frankenslotting and the Spiritual Alpha with the level shift. I don't currently have a single set bonus except for the few uniques that I have.

BEFORE the Incarnate abilities, I could slowly, painstakingly solo 4/8 (which was my goal)and finish mishes, usually with at least one death, but not always. With the Alpha, I can recklessly solo Council and carefully solo Arachnos or Carnies at 4/8.

What I want is to participate in all PVE content and be able to scrap or tank as needed (which is why I have Taunt), but toughness is more important to me than damage. Don't care about farming or PVP. The "feel" I want is an unstopable, non-stop raging behemoth. Honestly, he feels like that now, but more is always better, especially in the "unstopable" catagory.

I like Hurl (hate chasing mobs with a sliver of life). I like kick (it makes me giggle). I know Focused Accuracy is overkill with Rage--I don't like missing and I always fight as high a diff as I can. Don't want Hasten for the animation--doesn't fit theme. Don't care as much as I "should" about stacking Rage, Riverdancing with Stomp, or the S/L defense cap, just overall performance and feel/theme. I'm pretty set in my power choices (though will hear arguments), just want to do some budget set slotting.

So, please educate me, but don't ignore what I said about theme and feel--I don't want a totally different toon, just this one but better. A little different could be cool, but I like him alot now.

My budget is: What I already have slotted, 500 million, and 375 Reward Merits.

My current build is:
Villain Plan by Mids' Villain Designer 1.93
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Monolith Man IO: Level 50 Mutation Brute
Primary Power Set: Super Strength
Secondary Power Set: Willpower
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Energy Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Punch

• (A) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
• (5) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
• (5) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance: Level 50

Level 1: High Pain Tolerance

• (A) Healing IO: Level 50
• (31) Healing IO: Level 50
• (40) Healing IO: Level 50
• (40) Resist Damage IO: Level 50
• (43) Resist Damage IO: Level 50
• (46) Resist Damage IO: Level 50

Level 2: Haymaker

• (A) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
• (3) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
• (3) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
• (7) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
• (7) Endurance Reduction IO: Level 50
• (15) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge: Level 50

Level 4: Mind Over Body

• (A) Resist Damage IO: Level 50
• (37) Resist Damage IO: Level 50
• (37) Titanium Coating - Resistance/Endurance: Level 50

Level 6: Super Jump

• (A) Jumping IO: Level 50

Level 8: Knockout Blow

• (A) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
• (9) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
• (9) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
• (13) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
• (13) Endurance Reduction IO: Level 50
• (15) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge: Level 50

Level 10: Kick

• (A) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
• (11) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
• (11) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance: Level 50

Level 12: Indomitable Will

• (A) Defense Buff IO: Level 50
• (39) Defense Buff IO: Level 50
• (40) Red Fortune - Defense/Endurance: Level 50

Level 14: Fast Healing

• (A) Healing IO: Level 50
• (34) Healing IO: Level 50
• (34) Healing IO: Level 50

Level 16: Rise to the Challenge

• (A) Healing IO: Level 50
• (17) Healing IO: Level 50
• (50) Doctored Wounds - Heal/Endurance: Level 50

Level 18: Rage

• (A) To Hit Buff IO: Level 50
• (19) To Hit Buff IO: Level 50
• (19) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
• (29) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
• (29) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Recharge: Level 50

Level 20: Quick Recovery

• (A) Endurance Modification IO: Level 50
• (21) Endurance Modification IO: Level 50
• (21) Endurance Modification IO: Level 50

Level 22: Tough

• (A) Resist Damage IO: Level 50
• (23) Resist Damage IO: Level 50
• (23) Titanium Coating - Resistance/Endurance: Level 40

Level 24: Weave

• (A) Defense Buff IO: Level 50
• (25) Defense Buff IO: Level 50
• (25) Red Fortune - Defense/Endurance: Level 50

Level 26: Hurl

• (A) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
• (27) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
• (27) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance: Level 50

Level 28: Heightened Senses

• (A) Defense Buff IO: Level 50
• (31) Defense Buff IO: Level 50
• (31) Red Fortune - Defense/Endurance: Level 50

Level 30: Maneuvers

• (A) Defense Buff IO: Level 50
• (33) Defense Buff IO: Level 50
• (33) Red Fortune - Defense/Endurance: Level 50

Level 32: Combat Jumping

• (A) Defense Buff IO: Level 50
• (33) Defense Buff IO: Level 50
• (34) Defense Buff IO: Level 50

Level 35: Foot Stomp

• (A) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
• (36) Damage Increase IO: Level 50
• (36) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
• (36) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
• (37) Endurance Reduction IO: Level 50
• (43) Cleaving Blow - Damage/Recharge: Level 50

Level 38: Strength of Will

• (A) Resist Damage IO: Level 50
• (39) Resist Damage IO: Level 50
• (39) Steadfast Protection - Resistance/+Def 3%: Level 30

Level 41: Focused Accuracy

• (A) To Hit Buff IO: Level 50
• (42) To Hit Buff IO: Level 50
• (42) Endurance Reduction IO: Level 50
• (42) Endurance Reduction IO: Level 50
• (43) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Endurance: Level 50

Level 44: Physical Perfection

• (A) Healing IO: Level 50
• (45) Healing IO: Level 50
• (45) Endurance Modification IO: Level 50
• (45) Endurance Modification IO: Level 50
• (46) Endurance Modification IO: Level 50
• (48) Regenerative Tissue - +Regeneration: Level 30

Level 47: Superior Conditioning

• (A) Endurance Modification IO: Level 50
• (50) Endurance Modification IO: Level 50
• (50) Endurance Modification IO: Level 50

Level 49: Taunt

• (A) Perfect Zinger - Taunt/Recharge/Range: Level 50

------------
Level 1: Brawl

• (A) Empty

Level 1: Sprint

• (A) Empty

Level 2: Rest

• (A) Empty

Level 1: Fury
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift

• (A) Run Speed IO: Level 50

Level 2: Hurdle

• (A) Jumping IO: Level 50

Level 2: Health

• (A) Healing IO: Level 50
• (48) Healing IO: Level 50
• (48) Miracle - +Recovery: Level 40

Level 2: Stamina

• (A) Endurance Modification IO: Level 50
• (17) Endurance Modification IO: Level 50
• (46) Endurance Modification IO: Level 50

OH! And, Acemace, I don't fight flying or hovering, silly, I just wanted to be able to fly and hover for theme. I'd only fight hovering if things got so bad that I had to get out of melee, and then my PBAOE would be useless anyway.

Acemace: Yeh, I mentioned that I took Boxing out because a couple of people suggested it and I saw that they were right. At low levels I really liked how the disorient stacked with my others, but I can see that I won't need it post 50.

Syntax42: I know you're right and I understand the conventional wisedom of building for defense on FA (and actually just about any) build, but I don't have (or want) a SG and I hate farming and grinding. It's just not worth it to me.

Plus, what I really wanted to build--for fun and theme--was a faux Fire/Energy blapper. Didn't want to go brute because, well, there's just nothing brutish about his theme, and I wanted a good balance between toughness and damage. Not the toughest toon around or the highest damage, just decent at both.

And he has to be cheap cause I don't grind or farm and I don't have an ingame surgardaddy :P.

Anywho, thanks!

Someone asked for my build--I already got rid of using Boxing like they suggested. This is totally a "blapper" build that I did for theme, fun, and cheap, and NOT a "good tank".

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.93
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

The Prime Celestial: Level 50 Science Tanker
Primary Power Set: Fiery Aura
Secondary Power Set: Energy Melee
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Pyre Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Fire Shield -- TtmC'tng-ResDam:50(A), TtmC'tng-ResDam/EndRdx:50(34), TtmC'tng-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:50(34)
Level 1: Barrage -- Stpfy-Acc/Rchg:50(A), Stpfy-Acc/EndRdx:50(9), Dmg-I:50(33), Dmg-I:50(34)
Level 2: Healing Flames -- Heal-I:50(A), H'zdH-Heal:40(3), RechRdx-I:50(3), RechRdx-I:50(7), H'zdH-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg:40(9)
Level 4: Bone Smasher -- Stpfy-Acc/Rchg:50(A), Stpfy-Acc/EndRdx:50(5), Dmg-I:50(5), Dmg-I:50(7)
Level 6: Fly -- Flight-I:50(A)
Level 8: Boxing -- Empty(A)
Level 10: Consume -- Mocking-Acc/Rchg:50(A), EndMod-I:50(11), EndMod-I:50(11), Mocking-Rchg:50(15), C'ngBlow-Acc/Rchg:50(15)
Level 12: Plasma Shield -- TtmC'tng-ResDam:50(A), TtmC'tng-ResDam/EndRdx:50(13), TtmC'tng-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:50(13)
Level 14: Assault -- EndRdx-I:50(A)
Level 16: Whirling Hands -- Mocking-Acc/Rchg:50(A), Dmg-I:50(17), Dmg-I:50(17), M'Strk-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(31), RechRdx-I:50(33), Mocking-Rchg:50(37)
Level 18: Burn -- Acc-I:50(A), Dmg-I:50(19), Dmg-I:50(19), RechRdx-I:50(25), RechRdx-I:50(25), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(43)
Level 20: Tactics -- ToHit-I:50(A), ToHit-I:50(21), AdjTgt-ToHit/EndRdx:50(21)
Level 22: Tough -- TtmC'tng-ResDam:50(A), TtmC'tng-ResDam/EndRdx:50(23), TtmC'tng-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:50(23)
Level 24: Temperature Protection -- ResDam-I:50(A)
Level 26: Fiery Embrace -- RechRdx-I:50(A), RechRdx-I:50(27), RechRdx-I:50(27)
Level 28: Build Up -- ToHit-I:50(A), ToHit-I:50(29), RechRdx-I:50(29), RechRdx-I:50(31), EncAcc-ToHit/Rchg/EndRdx:20(31)
Level 30: Hover -- Krma-ResKB:30(A)
Level 32: Rise of the Phoenix -- Stpfy-Acc/Rchg:50(A), Stpfy-Acc/EndRdx:50(33), H'zdH-Heal/EndRdx:40(40), H'zdH-Heal:40(46), Dmg-I:50(46), Dmg-I:50(46)
Level 35: Energy Transfer -- Mocking-Acc/Rchg:50(A), Dmg-I:50(36), Dmg-I:50(36), F'dSmite-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:40(37), RechRdx-I:50(36), Mocking-Rchg:50(37)
Level 38: Total Focus -- Mocking-Acc/Rchg:50(A), Dmg-I:50(39), Dmg-I:50(39), F'dSmite-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:40(39), RechRdx-I:50(40), Mocking-Rchg:50(40)
Level 41: Ring of Fire -- Acc-I:50(A), Dmg-I:50(42), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg:50(42), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx:50(42)
Level 44: Fire Blast -- Acc-I:50(A), Dmg-I:50(45), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg:50(45), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx:50(45)
Level 47: Fire Ball -- Posi-Acc/Dmg:50(A), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(48), Dmg-I:50(48), RechRdx-I:50(48), RechRdx-I:50(50)
Level 49: Melt Armor -- ShldBrk-Acc/Rchg:30(A), ShldBrk-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:30(50), RechRdx-I:50(50)
------------
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 -- Flight-I:50(A)
Level 2: Health -- Heal-I:50(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I:50(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- EndMod-I:50(A), EndMod-I:50(43), EndMod-I:50(43)

Well, if Fiery Embrace isn't supposed to--ie isn't going to be fixed so it does--ad damage to regular pool power attacks I need to know, because that changes my whole power choice. BUT, I had thought that it was explained that it added extra fire damage to ALL attacks.

Guess I'll go dig around for more info, but if anyone knows anything PLEASE post.

Thanks!

I haven't found a place yet where this is discussed, but Firey Embrace from the tanker Fiery Aura primary doesn't affect the Boxing punch from the Fighting pool. It's my understanding that it's supposed to affect all attacks, and I use Boxing in my primary melee chain so that lack of fire damage really matters. Just to be clear, it IS working on everything else--AOE, ranged, other melee--just not that one attack.

This is a bug, right? And if so, is it a known one?

Thanks!