Try rolling both and running them to level 6 or 8 and see how you like them.
Either of those primaries with SR would be great for what you want to do.
Katana/WP would be great for what you want to do.
Having made defense builds for SR(obviously a defense build) Invul and Will, I can share my insight.
SR's main weakness to me, is their lack of resistance. No matter how much defense you have, you're going to get hit, and it happens more often than you think. It really hurts when you don't have something else to take the edge off a really damaging attack.
SR's advantages are many though. It's a positional defense set, so it'll protect you from things like web grenades. It's relatively painless to softcap with IO's, and you'll have plenty of room for other set bonuses that float your boat (+regen, +dmg, +recharge). It has bonus recharge, AND a hefty amount of slow resist, which will usually keep you from having any problems since you'll dodge most slowing attacks anyhow. Def debuffs will not be a problem for an SR, due to its capped defense resistance(but you'll have to slot your passives and toggles completely).
Namely, SR's strength is also it's greatest weakness. It does defense, and does it well, but that's all it does.
On to willpower. Willpower is a good all around set that has a little bit of everything and can really shine in dire situations.
Willpower, in my opinion, has more disadvantages than SR. It's defense resistance is laughable(17% at 50) and while I agree that it's not a primarily defense set, pretty much all sets with some defense in them have gotten at least 25%. Edit: Poor Bane spiders get 0% defense resistance. Willpower also has no slow resistance, but this isn't as much of a disadvantage is it could be, because none of your defenses are reliant on recharge(Strength of Will isn't effected by +rech or slows). Willpower is also rather difficult to softcap in defense without making alot of sacrifices. Your single target melee attacks will likely be filled with kinetic combats, which don't give a good spread of enhancement(too much damage, not enough acc), but they give 3.75% smashing and lethal defense, and that's hard to pass up. Best bet with those is to go with 4KC's and the Crushing impact Acc/Dam/Rech, and the Mako Acc/End/Rech.
My current DB/will sits at ~38% to s/l/e/n and ~30% to f/c. How I would love to softcap, but it just isn't in the cards with my current budget. We'll see in the future.
The advantages of willpower are rather sizable though. Your resistances and +HP make a worlds difference when it comes to absorbing those big hits. Rise to the Challenge is an awesome survival tool, even more so if you go for a more defensive build. I've seen Infatum sit in the middle of an 8 man spawn of nemesis vengenced all to high hell, getting hit left and right, and his green bar never really moved. Willpower is very hands off, so all you have to worry about is Strength of Will, inspiration use, and killing things. I guess SR is kinda in the same boat, but with PB in auto, it's screwed up my rhythm more than a few times.
One other minor advantage. Willpower has fear protection. Most fear powers usually have no positional component, and thus pass right through any defense SR has. With AE content, some architects like to throw everything they can at the player, and fear will be one less thing you'll have to deal with.
Edited because I forgot about SoA spiders. Widows still get 25% defense resistance though.
Oh, and for the Jedi look,
If you're into the lightsaber duels in episodes 4-6, go katana.
If you're into the lightsaber duels in episodes 1-3, go dual blades.
Dual blades has a lot more style, and is pretty over the top when it comes to animations. I really does look like you're wielding weightless energy blades.
Willpower is much better leveling up, both in ease and in survivability. SR only becomes strong with slotting and once you start getting close to the softcap. Near the end game, sr is easier to make godly with IO's, and running around soft-capped to the 3 positionals will make you feel invincilbe for the most part. WP can match, and in some cases exceed that, but it takes a lot more IO slotting and a much tighter build. But once WP is softcapped to most things, you add it's insane regen, some resists, high HP, and a non-doom crash tier nine to softcapped goodness, and lots of endurance with QR and stamina.
So in summation:
Leveling up - WP
End game with avg slotting - SR
End game with extreme slotting - WP
Thanks for the insights Soul,
If you would, Tell me a bit more about your BD/WP please.
Is he IO'd?
If you could have a DB/SR of the same level would you prefer it?
Hmmm, I have a funny feeling thats gonna be a question like do you prefer the 1980 Margaux or the 1979 Jordan Cabernet, Both are great each has its own unique flavors that make it a great wine. ( I used to work in a really ritzy restaurant so I have tasted both, and can appreciate both are good, but cant afford either!)
My current problem is Im not really gigging on my DB/WP.
My Brothers and I all made Jedi characters, theirs are Kat/WP and mine is DB/WP (my guy looks cooler than theirs cause hes a Twi Lek but hed look just a s cool with a Katana)
Mine is currently at lvl 37. He has been SKd to my brothers Katana/WP's (who are parked at level 46) characters most of his way up to 37 which may have warped my perspective a bit about his performance.
But it feels like my Brothers Kat/WPs are way more survivable! Admittedly theirs are 46 and mine is 37, but its getting me a bit down how squishy my guy feels, so I am pondering a change of venue. I also have a BS/WP that just turned 30 who I think is actually tougher than my BD because of Parry!
So I would like to either get my BD/WP character to become better perhaps with some hopefully inexpensive IOs (he's SO'd at the moment) or swap to a different secondary (or maybe even primary.)
I know all scrappers get to be awesome in the end, but either Im not doing something right with my DB (possible, I dont deny it) or he is just not as awesome as a Kat/WP.
Maybe there are some strengths in BD that Im not leveraging?
Maybe I should park him and level up a Kat/SR or Kat/WP and see if I like the feel of that combo better.
Wow I went on for a bit there didnt I?
Anyway your thoughts and advice are appreciated.
Feel The Burn
I don't think DB/Will is as survivable as Katana/Will simply because Divine Avalanche is awesome defense. That said, there shouldn't be any major survivability issues with DB/Will. Mine was very solid the whole journey to 50, and a whole lot of fun to play.
"That's because Werner can't do maths." - BunnyAnomaly
"Four hours in, and I was no longer making mistakes, no longer detoggling. I was a machine." - Werner
Videos of Other Stupid Scrapper Tricks
As Werner said, Divine Avalanche really plays a huge role in a Kat/Will's survivability. I made a previous DB/will with no real set bonuses, and the lack of smashing/lethal defense does make willpower feel really squishy at times.
Sun and Moon, my DB/Will that just hit 50 on Virtue, is totally tricked out with IO's. 4 Kinetic Combats in her single targets, with 2 franken slots to cover up the enhancement deficiencies, 4 Eradications in her PBAoE's for energy defense, HP boosts, and Endurance boosts. I use both the Attack Vitals and Sweep combos, and have 37.5% global recharge from LotG's and mocking beratement in confront, which leaves only a fraction of a gap in my Blinding Feint -> Attack Vitals chain. Tough and Weave are almost a must in my opinion for Willpower.
Would I want a DB/SR? No... I'm done with SR. I've leveled up a Fire/SR along side my friend's MA/shield, and I just felt underwhelmed by my own survivability compared to his. SR is a cheap way to get softcapped defenses, and my bankroll can afford more than that. In the average situation (mostly smashing or lethal damage, not too many def debuffs) my willpower is a ton more survivable with resists, defense, and regeneration all working in tandom.
Just a note to say I ended up shelving my DB/WP in favor of my BS/WP.
He will still get played and will become an IO project in time, but for now the difference in surviveability that I feel with parry being in the arsenal makes the character more fun to play even though DB has some nifty animations.
I appreciate all the input it really helped.
Feel The Burn
Here is the build that my DB/WP character is working towards.
My concept was for a "ninja" but I imagine it should work equally well as a "Jedi".
Strengths:
39%+ Defense to all categories except Psi. Adding in the -5.25% ToHit Debuff from RttC and the character is essentially at the softcap for defense from enemies in melee range.
Very good HP regeneration and End recovery.
42.5% Global Recharge.
No Purple or PVP IOs required.
The +stealth IO in sprint allows the character the ability to "sneak around" if careful while not giving total invisibility to enemies. I feel this makes for a more challenging play style for a "ninja" (or Jedi).
Weaknesses:
Low Global Accuracy bonus (relies on the ToHit Buff from Blinding Feint for it's only real accuracy enhancement.) May need to keep a few yellow inspirations around for enemies with high Defense.
Low Defense Debuff Resistance. However any WP character would have this flaw. Does have high regeneration to help compensate for the weakness.
Missing the One Thousand Cuts attack, so the Sweep combo is unavailable.
Does have some fairly expensive IOs, (Kinetic Combat Rares + LotG Recharge + Miracle, Numina and Regenerative Tissue Uniques).
Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.401
http://www.cohplanner.com/
Click this DataLink to open the build!
DB - Willpower: Level 50 Technology Scrapper
Primary Power Set: Dual Blades
Secondary Power Set: Willpower
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Fighting
Hero Profile:
Level 1: Nimble Slash -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(3), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(7), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(15)
Level 1: High Pain Tolerance -- Numna-Heal(A), Numna-Heal/EndRdx(5), Numna-Heal/Rchg(13), Aegis-ResDam(36), Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx(37), Aegis-ResDam/Rchg(37)
Level 2: Power Slice -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(3), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(7), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(15)
Level 4: Ablating Strike -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(5), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(13), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(19)
Level 6: Fast Healing -- Numna-Heal(A), Numna-Heal/EndRdx(11), Mrcl-Rcvry+(11)
Level 8: Blinding Feint -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(9), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(9), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(19), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(42)
Level 10: Indomitable Will -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A)
Level 12: Combat Jumping -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), Zephyr-Travel(34), Zephyr-ResKB(46), Zephyr-Travel/EndRdx(50)
Level 14: Maneuvers -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), HO:Enzym(43), HO:Enzym(45)
Level 16: Rise to the Challenge -- Numna-Heal/EndRdx(A), Numna-EndRdx/Rchg(17), Numna-Heal/Rchg(17), Numna-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(36), DampS-ToHitDeb(43), DampS-ToHitDeb/EndRdx(43)
Level 18: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 20: Quick Recovery -- P'Shift-End%(A), P'Shift-EndMod(21), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc(21), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc/Rchg(34), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg(46)
Level 22: Health -- Numna-Heal(A), Numna-Heal/Rchg(23), RgnTis-Regen+(23), Numna-Heal/EndRdx(29)
Level 24: Stamina -- P'Shift-End%(A), P'Shift-EndMod(25), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg(25)
Level 26: Typhoon's Edge -- Erad-Dmg(A), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(27), Erad-Acc/Rchg(27), Sciroc-Dmg/EndRdx(36), Sciroc-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(37)
Level 28: Heightened Senses -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), LkGmblr-Def(29), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(31)
Level 30: Mind Over Body -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(31), RctvArm-ResDam(31), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(34), S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(39)
Level 32: Sweeping Strike -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(33), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(33), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), Oblit-%Dam(40), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(46)
Level 35: Boxing -- P'ngFist-Acc/Dmg(A), P'ngFist-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(39), P'ngFist-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(40)
Level 38: Tough -- Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx(A), Aegis-ResDam(39), Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(40)
Level 41: Weave -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), LkGmblr-Def(42), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(42)
Level 44: Vengeful Slice -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(45), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(45), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(48)
Level 47: Strength of Will -- RctvArm-EndRdx/Rchg(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(48), RctvArm-ResDam(48)
Level 49: Super Jump -- Zephyr-Travel(A), Zephyr-Travel/EndRdx(50), Zephyr-ResKB(50)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- ULeap-Stlth(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Critical Hit
------------
Set Bonus Totals:
- 7.5% DamageBuff(Smashing)
- 7.5% DamageBuff(Lethal)
- 7.5% DamageBuff(Fire)
- 7.5% DamageBuff(Cold)
- 7.5% DamageBuff(Energy)
- 7.5% DamageBuff(Negative)
- 7.5% DamageBuff(Toxic)
- 7.5% DamageBuff(Psionic)
- 24.9% Defense(Smashing)
- 24.9% Defense(Lethal)
- 12.4% Defense(Fire)
- 12.4% Defense(Cold)
- 13% Defense(Energy)
- 13% Defense(Negative)
- 3% Defense(Psionic)
- 16.8% Defense(Melee)
- 12.7% Defense(Ranged)
- 12.4% Defense(AoE)
- 1.8% Max End
- 6% Enhancement(Heal)
- 9% Enhancement(Accuracy)
- 42.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
- 10% FlySpeed
- 256 HP (19.1%) HitPoints
- 10% JumpHeight
- 10% JumpSpeed
- Knockback (Mag -8)
- Knockup (Mag -8)
- MezResist(Immobilize) 16%
- MezResist(Sleep) 2.2%
- MezResist(Stun) 2.2%
- 2.5% (0.04 End/sec) Recovery
- 78% (4.36 HP/sec) Regeneration
- 20% RunSpeed
I am trying to come up with a conclusion about the relative strengths and weaknesses of SR and WP.
They will be paired with either a Katana or Dual Blades.
I plan to do in game and MA content, though when he gets up there I'd like to try my hand at AV soloing.
He will typically be solo, but I'd like to team as well.
The character will be a Jedi Knight so the low observable aura is important to the concept, if it wasn't for the too visible aura, INV would be in the mix as well.
So Scrappers what are your thoughts?
Which one is "better"?
Or is it a dead heat with different plusses and minuses to both sets.
If you have any thoughts about them, I'd appreciate it if you would expound on the plusses and minuses of each set.
Were there any aspects where you found yourself wishing you had a different secondary? Do you think with correct slotting the minuses can be overcome?
Feel The Burn