Shield/SS build input

Liathan · 05-19-2009 10:37 AM

Hi all,

I'm coming back after being away since I10 and I decided to try out a Shield/SS tanker, back in I10 I took a stone/stone tanker up to 34. I enjoyed the tanker but didn't like how slow it played when in granite form. My other mains are in my sig below.

I know IOs were around back in I 10 but I don't remember if sets were around back then and I have no clue what the good sets are or how much I even need to invest to buy them so I just slotted with regular SOs.

I'm currently level 15 and I've noticed that while S/L mobs don't really give me any trouble, mobs that use fire or some other sort of energy give me a hard time. Was doing a few missions against hellions last night and I kept getting torn up by Damned that were about 2 levels above me. Granted don't use enhancements until about level 20 as before that you move through the levels so fast.

I didn't see any guides for Shield so I thought I'd post my build and ask for some feedback on it. Any comments or if anyone could point me to a good writeup on the different sets and who benefits the most from what sets would be great.
Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.401
http://www.cohplanner.com/

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

Miss Shield: Level 50 Natural Tanker
Primary Power Set: Shield Defense
Secondary Power Set: Super Strength
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Fighting
Ancillary Pool: Energy Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Deflection -- DefBuff(A), DefBuff(3), ResDam(3), ResDam(11), EndRdx(11), EndRdx(13)
Level 1: Jab -- Dmg(A), Dmg(15), Dmg(15), Acc(19), Acc(21), EndRdx(43)
Level 2: True Grit -- Heal(A), Heal(5), Heal(5), ResDam(9), ResDam(9), ResDam(13)
Level 4: Haymaker -- Dmg(A), Dmg(21), Dmg(33), Acc(33), Acc(33), EndRdx(48)
Level 6: Hasten -- RechRdx(A), RechRdx(7), RechRdx(7)
Level 8: Active Defense -- RechRdx(A)
Level 10: Taunt -- RechRdx(A)
Level 12: Phalanx Fighting -- DefBuff(A)
Level 14: Super Speed -- Run(A)
Level 16: Against All Odds -- EndRdx(A), EndRdx(17), Taunt(17), Taunt(19)
Level 18: Hurdle -- Jump(A)
Level 20: Knockout Blow -- Dmg(A), Dmg(34), Dmg(34), Acc(34), Acc(36), EndRdx(40)
Level 22: Health -- Heal(A), Heal(23), Heal(23)
Level 24: Stamina -- EndMod(A), EndMod(25), EndMod(25)
Level 26: Shield Charge -- Dmg(A), Dmg(27), Dmg(27), Acc(29), Acc(29), EndRdx(46)
Level 28: Rage -- RechRdx(A)
Level 30: Battle Agility -- DefBuff(A), DefBuff(31), EndRdx(31), EndRdx(31)
Level 32: One with the Shield -- ResDam(A), ResDam(36), EndMod(36), EndMod(37), Heal(37), Heal(37)
Level 35: Boxing -- Acc(A)
Level 38: Foot Stomp -- Dmg(A), Dmg(39), Dmg(39), Acc(39), Acc(40), EndRdx(40)
Level 41: Tough -- ResDam(A), ResDam(42), ResDam(42), EndRdx(42), EndRdx(43), EndRdx(43)
Level 44: Weave -- DefBuff(A), DefBuff(45), DefBuff(45), EndRdx(45), EndRdx(46), EndRdx(46)
Level 47: Conserve Power -- RechRdx(A), RechRdx(48), RechRdx(48)
Level 49: Focused Accuracy -- ToHit(A), ToHit(50), EndRdx(50), EndRdx(50)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Gauntlet

Aett_Thorn · 05-19-2009 10:53 AM

Well, the reason you're getting torn up by enemies that have ranged attacks is that you haven't taken your Ranged Defense shield yet.

Battle Agility should be taken much, much earlier in your build. It's the second half of your main protection to attacks, and should not be put off until level 30.

As for other things I see:

1) Take an EndRed out of Deflection, and put in another DefBuff. It doesn't cost that much endurance to run the shield, but you might as well get the most defensive bang for your buck out of it.

2) I tend to slot attacks for Acc first. A missed attack is a large waste of endurance. But that's up to you.

3) I'd put at least two slots into Active Defense. I know that you'll have Hasten to help, but Hasten isn't up all of the time on your build, and you WILL want Active Defense up all of the time, as it is your Mez Protection shield.

4) Put more slots into Rage. Both some extra Recharge and some ToHit would be useful.

5) Tough and Weave, while endurance heavy, really only need two slots for EndRed. I think the third slot is overkill.

As always, these are just suggestions. Take 'em or leave 'em as you like.

Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

"I was just the one with the most unsolicited sombrero." - Traegus

Electronite · 05-19-2009 11:12 AM

I would suggest going with Leaping for your travel power instead of Speed. For one, Combat Jumping will add a little bit of defense, and every little bit adds up for tankers whose primary mitigation is defense. For another, you can put two slots into both Combat Jumping and Super Jump and use Blessing of the Zephyr set IOs for substantial bonuses to your ranged defense. For a third reason, Hasten and Rage both have crashes that hit your endurance bar hard, when you could instead have Rage permanent with just three Recharge SOs.

I would also try to take Battle Agility no later than 20th level. You can save Taunt for later, really.

And if you plan right, you could also skip Focused Accuracy and the huge endurance costs that toggle has. Four Crushing Impact IOs grant a +9% accuracy bonus, and you could potentially slot four of them in your single target attacks.

Liathan · 05-19-2009 01:24 PM

Ok so I rebuilt it a little, if you could let me know what you think of this new build that would be great. I made an attempt at some sets but don't know if I picked the right ones. Also I couldn't find Blessing of the Zeph on Mids' so I just left the two slots empty.

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

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

Level 50 Natural Tanker
Primary Power Set: Shield Defense
Secondary Power Set: Super Strength
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Flight
Ancillary Pool: Energy Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Deflection -- DefBuff(A), DefBuff(3), DefBuff(3), ResDam(5), ResDam(5), EndRdx(7)
Level 1: Jab -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx(19), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg(19), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(34), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(48)
Level 2: Battle Agility -- DefBuff(A), DefBuff(7), DefBuff(9), EndRdx(9), EndRdx(15)
Level 4: Haymaker -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx(21), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg(21), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(34)
Level 6: Combat Jumping -- Empty(A), Empty(17)
Level 8: True Grit -- ResDam(A), ResDam(11), ResDam(11), Heal(13), Heal(13), Heal(15)
Level 10: Active Defense -- RechRdx(A), RechRdx(17)
Level 12: Taunt -- RechRdx(A)
Level 14: Super Jump -- Empty(A), Empty(43)
Level 16: Against All Odds -- EndRdx(A)
Level 18: Swift -- Run(A)
Level 20: Knockout Blow -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx(31), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg(31), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(34), EndRdx(46)
Level 22: Health -- Heal(A), Heal(23), Heal(23)
Level 24: Stamina -- EndMod(A), EndMod(25), EndMod(25)
Level 26: Shield Charge -- Sciroc-Acc/Dmg(A), Sciroc-Dmg/EndRdx(27), Sciroc-Dmg/Rchg(27), Sciroc-Acc/Rchg(29), Sciroc-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(29), Sciroc-Dam%(31)
Level 28: Rage -- RechRdx(A), RechRdx(36), RechRdx(36), ToHit(36), ToHit(37)
Level 30: Phalanx Fighting -- DefBuff(A)
Level 32: One with the Shield -- ResDam(A), ResDam(37), Heal(37), Heal(39), EndMod(39), EndMod(39)
Level 35: Boxing -- Acc(A)
Level 38: Foot Stomp -- Sciroc-Acc/Dmg(A), Sciroc-Dmg/EndRdx(40), Sciroc-Dmg/Rchg(40), Sciroc-Acc/Rchg(40), Sciroc-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(43), Sciroc-Dam%(46)
Level 41: Tough -- ResDam(A), ResDam(42), ResDam(42), EndRdx(42), EndRdx(43)
Level 44: Weave -- DefBuff(A), DefBuff(45), DefBuff(45), EndRdx(45), EndRdx(46)
Level 47: Conserve Power -- RechRdx(A), RechRdx(48), RechRdx(48)
Level 49: Air Superiority -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx(50), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg(50), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(50)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Gauntlet

Electronite · 05-19-2009 03:58 PM

You're on the right track, especially by picking up Air Superiority. I love it for knocking fliers to the ground where I can hit them with my harder attacks. I took your build and tweaked it a bit, trying to keep in mind cost-effectiveness, althought it does have the three health uniques and the Steadfast Protection unique, but they can be bought with reward merits over time if you don't want to spend zillions at Wentworth's.

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

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

Level 50 Natural Tanker
Primary Power Set: Shield Defense
Secondary Power Set: Super Strength
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Fighting
Ancillary Pool: Energy Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Deflection -- GftotA-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(A), GftotA-Def/EndRdx(3), GftotA-Def(3), GftotA-Run+(5), ImpArm-ResDam(5), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(7)
Level 1: Jab -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx(19), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg(19), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(34)
Level 2: Battle Agility -- GftotA-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(A), GftotA-Def/EndRdx(7), GftotA-Def(9), GftotA-Run+(9)
Level 4: Haymaker -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx(21), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg(21), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(34)
Level 6: Combat Jumping -- Zephyr-Travel(A), Zephyr-Travel/EndRdx(17)
Level 8: True Grit -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), Dct'dW-Heal(11), Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx(11), Dct'dW-Heal/Rchg(13), Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(13), Dct'dW-Rchg(15)
Level 10: Active Defense -- RechRdx(A), RechRdx(17)
Level 12: Air Superiority -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(15), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx(37), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg(39), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(43)
Level 14: Super Jump -- Zephyr-Travel(A), Zephyr-Travel/EndRdx(43)
Level 16: Against All Odds -- EndRdx(A)
Level 18: Swift -- Run(A)
Level 20: Knockout Blow -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx(31), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg(31), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(34), EndRdx(46)
Level 22: Health -- Mrcl-Rcvry+(A), Mrcl-Heal(23), Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(23), Numna-Heal(39), RgnTis-Regen+(39)
Level 24: Stamina -- Efficacy-EndMod(A), Efficacy-EndMod/Acc(25), Efficacy-EndMod/EndRdx(25), Efficacy-EndMod/Rchg(48)
Level 26: Shield Charge -- Sciroc-Acc/Dmg(A), Sciroc-Dmg/EndRdx(27), Sciroc-Dmg/Rchg(27), Sciroc-Acc/Rchg(29), Sciroc-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(29), Sciroc-Dam%(31)
Level 28: Rage -- AdjTgt-ToHit/Rchg(A), AdjTgt-ToHit(36), AdjTgt-ToHit/EndRdx(36), AdjTgt-Rchg(36)
Level 30: Phalanx Fighting -- GftotA-Def(A), GftotA-Run+(37)
Level 32: One with the Shield -- ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), ImpArm-ResDam(37), Efficacy-EndMod(46), Efficacy-EndMod/EndRdx(50)
Level 35: Boxing -- Acc(A)
Level 38: Foot Stomp -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(40), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(40), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(40), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(43), Oblit-%Dam(46)
Level 41: Tough -- ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(A), ImpArm-ResDam/Rchg(42), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(42), ImpArm-ResDam(42)
Level 44: Weave -- GftotA-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(A), GftotA-Def/EndRdx(45), GftotA-Def(45), GftotA-Run+(45)
Level 47: Conserve Power -- RechRdx(A), RechRdx(48), RechRdx(48)
Level 49: Taunt -- Zinger-Taunt(A), Zinger-Taunt/Rng(50), Zinger-Taunt/Rchg(50)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Gauntlet
------------
[u]Set Bonus Totals:[u]<ul type="square">[*]5% DamageBuff(Smashing)[*]5% DamageBuff(Lethal)[*]5% DamageBuff(Fire)[*]5% DamageBuff(Cold)[*]5% DamageBuff(Energy)[*]5% DamageBuff(Negative)[*]5% DamageBuff(Toxic)[*]5% DamageBuff(Psionic)[*]4.88% Defense(Smashing)[*]4.88% Defense(Lethal)[*]4.56% Defense(Fire)[*]4.56% Defense(Cold)[*]6.13% Defense(Energy)[*]6.13% Defense(Negative)[*]8% Defense(Psionic)[*]6.75% Defense(Melee)[*]9.25% Defense(Ranged)[*]6.13% Defense(AoE)[*]7.65% Max End[*]4% Enhancement(Heal)[*]55% Enhancement(Accuracy)[*]25% Enhancement(RechargeTime)[*]105.4 HP (5.63%) HitPoints[*]MezResist(Immobilize) 8.8%[*]MezResist(Stun) 2.2%[*]MezResist(Terrorized) 4.95%[*]19.5% (0.33 End/sec) Recovery[*]42% (3.29 HP/sec) Regeneration[*]8.76% Resistance(Fire)[*]1.26% Resistance(Cold)[*]1.26% Resistance(Energy)[*]4.39% Resistance(Negative)[*]30% RunSpeed[/list]

Electronite · 05-19-2009 03:59 PM

If cost is not a concern, you can fit in Luck of the Gambler +Recharge IOs like what I'm building. This build is two LotG's and the Miracle unique away from being complete.

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

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

Cadmium Crusher: Level 50 Technology Tanker
Primary Power Set: Shield Defense
Secondary Power Set: Super Strength
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Ancillary Pool: Energy Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Deflection -- GftotA-Run+(A), GftotA-Def(13), GftotA-Def/EndRdx(15), GftotA-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(15), LkGmblr-Rchg+(19)
Level 1: Jab -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx(3), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg(3), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(5), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(5)
Level 2: True Grit -- Heal-I(A), Heal-I(7), Heal-I(7)
Level 4: Haymaker -- Mako-Acc/Dmg(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx(9), Mako-Dmg/Rchg(9), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(34), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37), Mako-Dam%(48)
Level 6: Active Defense -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(13)
Level 8: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 10: Air Superiority -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx(11), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg(11), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(37), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37)
Level 12: Combat Jumping -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(50)
Level 14: Super Jump -- Zephyr-Travel(A), Zephyr-Travel/EndRdx(50)
Level 16: Health -- Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(A), Numna-Heal(17), Mrcl-Rcvry+(17), Mrcl-Heal(45), RgnTis-Regen+(46), Heal-I(46)
Level 18: Against All Odds -- EndRdx-I(A), Taunt-I(19)
Level 20: Stamina -- P'Shift-EndMod(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg(21), EndMod-I(21)
Level 22: Knockout Blow -- Mako-Acc/Dmg(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx(23), Mako-Dmg/Rchg(23), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(25), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(25), Mako-Dam%(46)
Level 24: Battle Agility -- GftotA-Run+(A), GftotA-Def(33), GftotA-Def/EndRdx(33), GftotA-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(33), LkGmblr-Rchg+(34)
Level 26: Shield Charge -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(27), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(27), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(29), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(29), Oblit-%Dam(31)
Level 28: Rage -- AdjTgt-Rchg(A), AdjTgt-ToHit/Rchg(31), RechRdx-I(31)
Level 30: Boxing -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx(40), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg(43), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(43), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(45)
Level 32: One with the Shield -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), S'fstPrt-ResDam/EndRdx(34)
Level 35: Tough -- ImpArm-ResDam(A), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(36), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(36), ImpArm-ResDam/Rchg(36)
Level 38: Foot Stomp -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(39), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(39), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(39), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(40), Oblit-%Dam(40)
Level 41: Weave -- GftotA-Run+(A), GftotA-Def(42), GftotA-Def/EndRdx(42), GftotA-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(42), LkGmblr-Rchg+(43)
Level 44: Phalanx Fighting -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), LkGmblr-Def(45)
Level 47: Conserve Power -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(48), RechRdx-I(48)
Level 49: Taunt -- Mocking-Taunt(A), Mocking-Taunt/Rng(50)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- HO:Micro(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Gauntlet
------------
[u]Set Bonus Totals:[u]<ul type="square">[*]14% DamageBuff(Smashing)[*]14% DamageBuff(Lethal)[*]14% DamageBuff(Fire)[*]14% DamageBuff(Cold)[*]14% DamageBuff(Energy)[*]14% DamageBuff(Negative)[*]14% DamageBuff(Toxic)[*]14% DamageBuff(Psionic)[*]6.75% Defense(Smashing)[*]6.75% Defense(Lethal)[*]3% Defense(Fire)[*]3% Defense(Cold)[*]8.31% Defense(Energy)[*]8.31% Defense(Negative)[*]4.88% Defense(Psionic)[*]10.5% Defense(Melee)[*]13.6% Defense(Ranged)[*]3% Defense(AoE)[*]9.45% Max End[*]62.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)[*]39% Enhancement(Accuracy)[*]5% FlySpeed[*]119.5 HP (6.38%) HitPoints[*]5% JumpHeight[*]5% JumpSpeed[*]MezResist(Held) 6.6%[*]MezResist(Immobilize) 13.2%[*]MezResist(Stun) 4.4%[*]12.5% (0.21 End/sec) Recovery[*]32% (2.5 HP/sec) Regeneration[*]7.5% Resistance(Fire)[*]27.5% RunSpeed[/list]

Liathan · 05-19-2009 04:28 PM

Do you really think I can hold off on taunt until level 49? I primarily intend to runs groups with this char and as the tank it seems like I really should have taunt, especially as I lack any other range options for pulling mobs off people. I know that I have gauntlet and a built in taunt aura with Against all Odds but I guess I never felt that was enough when I was playing my stone tanker.

Electronite · 05-19-2009 06:31 PM

The Taunt/No Taunt debate is as old as this game, but Shields does come in with a ranged option to grab aggro -- Shield Charge. I didn't take Taunt until 49th level and I never felt as if I had difficulty maintaining aggro, though all the run speed increases helped to allow me to move quickly around and grab aggro that way.

If you really want to grab it earlier, go ahead, but I personally wouldn't take it before I had Stamina, as I think having the endurance to keep your toggles and attacks going is a higher priority than Taunt on any tanker.