Storm Summoning
Gale
Available: Level 1
Accuracy: 0.90
Damage: 0.10
Endurance: 7.8
Gale is the power that youre forced to take at level 1. Its not a great power by any means, but it does help you to shove someone away from you in a tough fight. Do NOT slot this up for damage! I generally just leave the basic slot in it and move on.
Recommended Slotting: 1 acc
O2 Boost
Available: Level 2
Accuracy: 1.00
Damage: 0
Endurance: 13.0
O2 Boost can be useful on teams, as it provides a decent heal to an ally (not yourself). It also cures an ally whos been stunned or put to sleep, and increases perception as well. If you can fit this into your build, feel free to do so. I really like this power on my Storm/Electric Defender, but I wasnt able to fit it into this build.
Recommended Slotting: 3 heal, 1 endred
Snow Storm
Available: Level 4
Accuracy: auto
Damage: 0
Endurance: 0.52/s (toggle)
Snow Storm is a toggle power that, when attached to an anchor enemy, severely slows that enemy and any of his nearby friends until the toggle is clicked off, or the anchor is dead. Any enemy affected by Snow Storm has his run and jump speeds slowed by 62%. In addition, their recharge is also slowed 62%! Any flying foes caught by Snow Storm are brought to the ground, too. In a tough battle, placing Snow Storm on the main enemy is a great way to minimize incoming damage (Plus, it seems to make enemies run around a lot, trying to get out of the storm. If theyre running, theyre not shooting!) Against EBs and AVs, the recharge slowdown can really make a difference.
That said, the endurance cost of this power is quite high, especially early-on in the game. I found that Snow Storm was a better fit for the mid 20s, after Stamina and some other control powers had been slotted.
Recommended Slotting: 2 endred
Steamy Mist
Available: Level 10
Accuracy: auto
Damage: 0
Endurance: 0.26/s (toggle)
This is your team stealth power, and its a great one to have. With Steamy Mist turned on, you and your team are harder to spot by enemies. In addition, it provides you with 3.75% defense against all types, and 15% resistance against Fire, Cold, and Energy. It also provides protection from Confuse powers to you and your teammates. Not bad!
I took this power in my 20s on Tiffani, but if I had it to do over again, I would have postponed Fly and taken Steamy Mist at 14 instead . When leveling Tiffani up, there were no temp travel powers in the game yet, and I got tired of making her run everywhere! Fortunately, thats no longer a problem.
Recommended Slotting: 2 endred, 2 damres
Freezing Rain
Available: Level 16
Accuracy: 2.00 (almost auto)
Damage: minimal
Endurance: 18.2
Freezing Rain is maybe the best power in the /Storm set. You can cast it from out-of-sight, and its basically a big ice patch that makes foes flop around (much like Earthquake). They also take some cold damage for the 15 seconds the power is active. Heres what really makes this power a must-have: It slows enemies, reduces their defenses AND resistances by 30%, causes them to try to run away rather than stand and shoot at you, and, with recharges, it can be up every battle! This is another great way to start a battle (along with Stalagmites and Earthquake). In fact, I generally use Freezing Rain every battle, along with either EQ or Stalagmites. In long battles, you can even apply this a second time!
Sometimes, in a team situation, your group may try pushing the envelope a little by taking on tougher and tougher opponents. Applying Freezing Rain to a high level enemy will suddenly allow you and your friends to actually start hitting these enemies, thanks to their lowered defenses and resistances. Take this power at 16.
Be careful with Stone Cages and Freezing Rain (or Earthquake), however. You dont want to cast this power, getting everyone to flop around, and them immediately cast Stone Cages, too (it happens to all of us). Stone Cages will negate the flopping around part and instead allow the enemy to stand there, shooting at you.
Recommended Slotting: 3 rechg
Hurricane
Available: level 20
Accuracy: 1.00
Damage: 0
Endurance: 0.16/s (toggle)
Hurricane is that irritating power that Tsoo Sorcerers use to toss you around. Now, you can be the irritating pest! Hurricane is actually a very useful power that repels attackers and, most importantly, drops their to-hit ability by 30% for 10 seconds. Im sure most people reading this have seen players use Hurricane very effectively (push enemies into a corner, floor their accuracy, and allow the team to finish off the evil-doer) and very in-effectively (run through a room repelling everything, attracting agro, and causing a team-wipe). Like Stone Cages, Hurricane requires practice to get right. I prefer to use this power as my panic button, turning it on only when the team is in real trouble and a last desperate attempt to save some friends is called for. Solo, it can be extremely useful in shoving enemies out of my way and touching them to floor their to-hit ability. My main problem with Hurricane is that I get really tired of that constant sound!
Recommended Slotting: 1 endred, 2 tohit debuf
Thunderclap
Available: Level 28
Accuracy: 0.80
Damage: 0
Endurance: 10.4
Thunderclap is a mag 2 stun power (15.8 seconds) that can only affect minions. However, it is an AoE power, so it can affect several minions at the same time. Due to the low accuracy, low recharge, and mag 2 stun, I decided not to get this power. Im looking forward to taking it on my Storm/ Defender, though. Many players like this power, since when coupled with Stalagmites, you can keep the majority of foes (including Bosses) in a battle staggering around for quite awhile. Plus, Thunderclap and Lightning Storm really do bring to mind a real storm series of attacks.
Recommended Slotting: 2 acc, 2 stun (maybe 2 rechg if you have the space)
Tornado
Available: Level 35
Accuracy: 1.00
Damage: ?? (supposedly minor, but it looks good to me)
Endurance: 20.8
Tornado is a pseudo-pet that you call to a location (can be from out-of-sight) that attacks and flings enemies into the air. Its the flinging that causes some players to have a problem with it, as you dont want to go chasing after dangerous mobs when theyre surrounded by their friends. With Earth/Storm, however, this problem is negated. Stone CagesTornado makes a terrific combination, as your enemies will be immobilized while this Tornado runs up to them and flings orange numbers into the air instead of mobs. Tornado also Fears enemies and stuns them while doing this damage; plus, Defense is debuffed by 15%. This is a great power, especially when up against an Elite Boss or AV. Animate Stone, Tornado, and Lightning Storm will keep any enemy busy (and off you) while you concentrate on your other powers.
Recommended Slotting: 3 dmg, 1 endred (maybe rechg if you have the slots)
Lightning Storm
Available: level 38
Accuracy: 2.00 (almost auto)
Damage: ?? (high)
Endurance: 31.2
Lightning Storm is a power that you call above your head that will attack whatever mobs are nearby somewhat randomly. Since it lasts for a full minute and the recharge is 90 seconds, you can have multiple Lightning Storms up if you slot for it. This is yet another great pwer for putting the hurt on mobs. The somewhat random nature of which enemy it will attack hurts it a little, but in cases where its you vs. an EB or AV, youll be happy to have it. There's also a 30% chance of loss of END recovery (4 sec.) after each successful strike.
Recommended Slotting: 3 dmg, 1 acc, 2 rechg
Please try my arcs:
Arc# 63910 "Why Do Bad Girls Like Bad Boys?" (length=Long, levels 40+)
Arc# 401500 "How to Be a Successful Professional Criminal" (length=Very Long, levels 1-10)
Power Pools
Earth/Storm is a pretty tight build, so it may be tough to fit a lot of extra powers into it. However, here are some recommendations:
Flight
In my opinion, youll definitely want to take this pool, if only for Air Superiority. As noted, Controllers are light on damage, and Earth/Storms are even lighter than normal. In the early going, youll find yourself constantly hitting FossilizeStone PrisonAir Superiority as you ONLY source of making mobs dead. In teams, this wont be a problem, but solo, youll really have no choice. AS is almost required. Plus, I like Fly as my travel power anyway.
Leaping/Teleport/Super Speed
Any of these travel powers are fine to use, depending on personal preferences. No matter which you choose, still take Air Superiority, though! Many players consider Hasten from the Super Speed Pool a necessity. Its never been my preference, but I wont argue that it can be very useful.
Concealment
Since you have Steamy Mist available, you should probably skip this Pool unless you just want to be completely invisible. Otherwise, its not needed.
Fighting
Boxing and/or Kick could be used instead of AS as your third attack power. Tough and Weave, though, arent as useful on a Controller as they are on a Scrapper or Tanker.
Medicine
I would have liked to have fit this Pool into my build, but I just couldnt make it work. Medicine is a terrific Pool, though, so get it if you can.
Leadership
Another great Pool for a Controller. Assault and Tactics (for increased damage and to-hit) are the winners for Earth/Storm.
Presence
I think this would be a bad idea, as attracting extra agro while youre busy casting Earthquake, Freezing Rain, Quicksand, Tornado, and Volcanic Gasses from around the corner probably doesnt make a lot of sense.
Fitness
Earth/Storm is an endurance-heavy combination, and I think Stamina is really helpful. I always take Swift and Health, as well. Take them, slot them, and carry on.
Ancillary Pools
I can only talk about Stone Mastery, which is the Pool that I took. I took it for theme, of course, and Im extremely happy with the powers so far.
Fissure
Available: Level 41
Accuracy: 1.00
Damage: 0.90
Endurance: 12.7
Fissure is a really good AoE power that, when you slam your foot into the ground, you do moderate damage to nearby mobs. The key is that this power also has a 50% chance for KD and a 50% chance for a mag 2 stun. Although I originally slot this power for damage, once I got IOs, I slotted for some damage, but primarily stuns. At this point in the game, I found that an additional stun power to go along with Stalagmites was preferable (maybe I should have taken Thunder Clap!).
Recommended Slotting: 2 acc, 3 dmg, 1 rechg (or slot for stuns instead)
Hurl Boulder
Available: Level 41
Accuracy: 1.00
Damage: 1.64
Endurance: 11.7
Hurl Boulder is a nice ranged damage power that does single-target damage. I considered taking this power but didnt have the enhancement slots left over to really do it justice. Fissure does AoE damage, and Seismic Smash does better single target damage, so Hurl Boulder is the power I had to sacrifice.
Recommended Slotting: 2 acc, 3 dmg
Seismic Smash
Available: Level 44 (after either Fissure or Hurl Boulder)
Accuracy: 1.20
Damage: 2.60
Endurance: 18.5
Seismic Smash is a true heavy-hitter and will make your little light damage/heavy control Controller feel like a Scrapper. Recharge is a problem at 28 seconds, but youve got enough controls to play with to keep you occupied while this power recharges. It feels great to get in there and show Stoney just how to administer a true beating to a mob. Even if you dont need the extra damage at this point, take it anyway. Its fun!
Recommended Slotting: 1 acc, 3 dmg, 1 endred, 1 rechg
Rock Armor
Available: Level 44 (after either Fissure or Hurl Boulder)
Accuracy: -
Damage: 0
Endurance: 0.16/s (toggle)
Rock Armor provides 14.4% defense to Smashing and Lethal damage, as well as resistance to Toxic attacks. This could be a useful power, but I elected to skip it for the dumbest reason imaginable: I dont want it to interfere with my costume! Plus, if Tiffani made it this far without any armor, I guess she can last a few more levels without it.
Recommended Slotting: 1 endred, 3 defbuf
Earths Embrace
Available: level 47 (must have 2 other Stone Mastery powers)
Accuracy: -
Damage: 0
Endurance: 13.0
I couldnt fit the Medicine Pool in, but I can take Earths Embrace at least. When clicked on, this power serves as a decent heal, PLUS it increases your maximum hit points and gives some resistance to Toxic. I have this power on my Stone/Stone Tanker, so Im looking forward to getting it on Tiffani.
Recommended Slotting: 3 rechg, 3 heal
Please try my arcs:
Arc# 63910 "Why Do Bad Girls Like Bad Boys?" (length=Long, levels 40+)
Arc# 401500 "How to Be a Successful Professional Criminal" (length=Very Long, levels 1-10)
The Build
Below is the build that Ive put together over time. Tiffani St. Onge is currently at level 44, so anything past that is my planned build. This is my as-leveled build, so I dont anticipate making any wholesale changes. As noted above, I built her to be able to team or solo effectively.
Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.401
http://www.cohplanner.com/
[u]Click this DataLink to open the build![u]
Tiffani St. Onge: Level 50 Mutation Controller
Primary Power Set: Earth Control
Secondary Power Set: Storm Summoning
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Fitness
Ancillary Pool: Stone Mastery
Hero Profile:
Level 1: Stone Prison -- Acc(A), Dmg(3), Dmg(5), Dmg(7), Acc(40)
Level 1: Gale -- Acc(A)
Level 2: Fossilize -- Acc(A), Dmg(3), Dmg(5), Dmg(7), Acc(11)
Level 4: Stone Cages -- Acc(A), EndRdx(9), Acc(15)
Level 6: Quicksand -- RechRdx(A), RechRdx(15)
Level 8: Air Superiority -- Acc(A), Acc(9), Dmg(11), Dmg(27), Dmg(31)
Level 10: Swift -- Run(A)
Level 12: Stalagmites -- Acc(A), Acc(13), RechRdx(13), Dsrnt(19), Dsrnt(19), RechRdx(23)
Level 14: Fly -- Flight(A)
Level 16: Freezing Rain -- RechRdx(A), RechRdx(17), RechRdx(17)
Level 18: Health -- Heal(A), Heal(29), Heal(40)
Level 20: Stamina -- EndMod(A), EndMod(21), EndMod(21)
Level 22: Earthquake -- RechRdx(A), RechRdx(23), RechRdx(25)
Level 24: Snow Storm -- EndRdx(A), EndRdx(25)
Level 26: Volcanic Gasses -- RechRdx(A), RechRdx(27), Acc(31), Hold(31), RechRdx(34), Acc(37)
Level 28: Steamy Mist -- EndRdx(A), EndRdx(29), ResDam(34), ResDam(34)
Level 30: Hurricane -- EndRdx(A), ToHitDeb(37), ToHitDeb(46)
Level 32: Animate Stone -- Acc(A), Dmg(33), Dmg(33), Dmg(33), RechRdx(37)
Level 35: Tornado -- Dmg(A), Dmg(36), Dmg(36), EndRdx(36)
Level 38: Lightning Storm -- Dmg(A), Dmg(39), Dmg(39), Acc(39), RechRdx(40), RechRdx(43)
Level 41: Fissure -- Acc(A), Acc(42), Dmg(42), Dmg(42), Dmg(43), EndRdx(43)
Level 44: Seismic Smash -- Acc(A), Dmg(45), Dmg(45), Dmg(45), EndRdx(46), RechRdx(46)
Level 47: Earth's Embrace -- RechRdx(A), RechRdx(48), Heal(48), Heal(48), Heal(50), RechRdx(50)
Level 49: Hover -- Flight(A), DefBuff(50)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Containment
Please try my arcs:
Arc# 63910 "Why Do Bad Girls Like Bad Boys?" (length=Long, levels 40+)
Arc# 401500 "How to Be a Successful Professional Criminal" (length=Very Long, levels 1-10)
Level 1 Stone Prison at 1 was probably a mistake (Fossilize makes much more sense). I recommend reversing these two in order, although, if you go through the tutorial, it probably wont matter.
Level 4 As noted, Stone Cages was my choice here primarily because, at the early levels, you need a way to stop enemies (and run away). You wont have the damage capabilities at this point to kill all before they rush up to you and start pounding. Its much better to take some damage at range than a LOT of damage up close.
Level 6- QS was my first real controller power, and the slows really helped keep enemies bunched up. Also, once theyre hit with QS, mobs spend a surprising amount of time trying to run out of the stuff, leaving them less time to shoot at you.
Level 8 AS, as noted, is the third attack power (after Fossilize and Stone Prison). Solo, youre really going to need this. If you want to eventually take the Fighting Pool, you may want to substitute Boxing. However, the knockdown of AS is great damage mitigation.
Level 12 I dont know of any Earth/ Controllers who dont take Stalagmites at 12. This is a great power for teams and for solo. At first, the poor accuracy and long recharge times makes Stalagmites seem like a loser, but once its slotted (minimum 4 slots), its a jewel in the set.
Level 14 I took Fly at 14 (back in 2006) because I simply got tired of running around everywhere. Now that temporary travel powers are available, I recommend pushing Fly back to the 20s. If I were building this alt today, I would switch Fly with Steamy Mist.
Level 16 Freezing Rain will make a huge change in your game immediately. The ability to keep all your enemies flopping around and easier to hit is invaluable. Three recharges is all you need to pull this power out every fight.
Level 22 I took Earthquake at 22, even though I wanted it at 18. However, I really needed Stamina at 20, so I picked my powers this way. Feel free to move these powers around as needed. EQ at 18 would help out a lot.
Level 24 - I pushed this fine power back to 24 just because I didnt feel I needed it earlier.
Level 30 Hurricane was picked at 30 as my extra power. I did quite well without it, although it does come in handy. Ive found that Hurricane is much more critical on my Storm/ Defender than here.
Level 32 Take Stoney here. That is all.
Level 35 Id heard some negative comments about Tornado, but took it anyway at 35. Im really glad that I did, as the Stone Cages -- Tornado -- Lightning Storm combination is devastating on any mob, from AVs on down.
Level 41 I took Fissure, as noted, and eventually used it more for stuns than for damage. This caught me by surprise, but Im happy with the results.
Level 49 Im planning on taking Assault here, but thats really just a place-holder. Im not quite sure what Id like to take here, so Im leaving my options open.
Solo Strategies
Levels 1-10: Because of your limited damage abilities, youll need to get creative with the existing environment. Most enemies at these levels consist of 3 minions or 1 lt. and 1 minion. If fighting 3 minions, Fossilize one, lay down QS, and use Stone Prison and AS on him. The other 2 will alternate shooting at you and trying to run. Once minion 1 is dead, move to minion 2. If #2 and #3 start to get too close, use Stone Cages. If health gets low, duck around a corner and/or retreat. Remember, you WILL take a lot of damage.
Levels 10-20: Now youve got some more tools at your disposal. While youre still relying on FossilizeStone PrisonAS for all of your damage, you now have more controls to mitigate incoming damage. Start with Stalagmites (for stuns) or Freezing Rain (for popcorn jumping) to keep the mobs from attacking you. If you managed to get Earthquake in by 20, add this, too. Reapply as needed. A standard attack may be StalagmitesQSattack chainFreezing Rain (once Stalag wears off) attack chain. During the next battle, substitute earthquake for Stalagmites (Stalag and EQ wont be up every battle).
Levels 20-31: This is tough. The enemies are meaner and smarter, and youre still relying on your same old attack chain. During this period, you really need to rely on tricks (controls) to keep you alive. If theres any time in the game that you really really really need a team on an Earth/Storm Controller, its this one. Otherwise, just keep doing the strategies from levels 10-20. Now, you have Volcanic Gasses to help (use sparingly, though, due to the long recharge). You may want to move Hurricane up a little as well and use it to minimize incoming damage.
Level 32 Once you have Stoney, things get much easier. Un-slotted, hes mainly going to act as a Tanker for you, which is fine. His damage, even un-slotted, may still top yours, plus hes really a tough guy.
Levels 32+ - Once Stoney is slotted up and Tornado and Lightning Storm are just around the corner, you can boost up your difficulty slider as high as you like and really go to town. With all the ways to fight, you may find yourself staring at your power trays, unsure of which method you like to unleash next.
Invention Sets
Ive hesitated in adding this section to the Guide, as there are so many possible variations for slotting a character, that any recommendation could be met with, Yes, but how about
. Below are my slotting choices. My goals were as following:
a. High regeneration rate
b. High recovery rate
c. Cheap sets (Im broke much of the time)
Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.401
http://www.cohplanner.com/
[u]Click this DataLink to open the build![u]
Tiffani St. Onge: Level 50 Mutation Controller
Primary Power Set: Earth Control
Secondary Power Set: Storm Summoning
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Fitness
Ancillary Pool: Stone Mastery
Hero Profile:
Level 1: Stone Prison -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg:39(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx:39(3), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:39(5), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:39(7), Ruin-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:39(40)
Level 1: Gale -- Acc-I:40(A)
Level 2: Fossilize -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg:39(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx:39(3), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg:39(5), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:39(7), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:39(11)
Level 4: Stone Cages -- Acc-I:40(A), EndRdx-I:40(9), Acc-I:40(15)
Level 6: Quicksand -- RechRdx-I:40(A), RechRdx-I:40(15)
Level 8: Air Superiority -- Acc(A), Acc(9), Dmg(11), Dmg(27), Dmg(31)
Level 10: Swift -- Run-I:40(A)
Level 12: Stalagmites -- Rope-Acc/Rchg:39(A), Rope-EndRdx/Stun:39(13), Rope-Stun/Rng:39(13), Rope-Acc/Stun/Rchg:39(19), Stpfy-Acc/Rchg:39(19), Stpfy-Stun/Rng:39(23)
Level 14: Fly -- Flight-I:40(A)
Level 16: Freezing Rain -- RechRdx-I:40(A), RechRdx-I:40(17), RechRdx-I:40(17)
Level 18: Health -- Heal(A), Heal(29), Heal(40)
Level 20: Stamina -- EndMod-I:40(A), EndMod-I:40(21), EndMod-I:40(21)
Level 22: Earthquake -- RechRdx-I:40(A), RechRdx-I:40(23), RechRdx-I:40(25)
Level 24: Snow Storm -- EndRdx-I:40(A), EndRdx-I:40(25)
Level 26: Volcanic Gasses -- EoCur-Acc/Rchg:39(A), EoCur-Acc/Hold/Rchg:39(27), G'Wdw-Acc/Rchg:39(31), G'Wdw-Acc/Hold/Rchg:39(31), Lock-Acc/Rchg:39(34), Lock-Rchg/Hold:39(37)
Level 28: Steamy Mist -- RctvArm-EndRdx:39(A), TtmC'tng-ResDam/EndRdx:39(29), TtmC'tng-ResDam:39(34), TtmC'tng-EndRdx:39(34)
Level 30: Hurricane -- EndRdx(A), ToHitDeb(37), ToHitDeb(46)
Level 32: Animate Stone -- BldM'dt-Dmg/EndRdx:39(A), BldM'dt-Dmg:39(33), BldM'dt-Acc:39(33), BriL'shp-Acc/Dmg:39(33), BriL'shp-Dmg:39(37)
Level 35: Tornado -- BldM'dt-Dmg/EndRdx:39(A), BldM'dt-Dmg:39(36), BriL'shp-Dmg/EndRdx:39(36), BriL'shp-Dmg:39(36)
Level 38: Lightning Storm -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg:39(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx:39(39), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg:39(39), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:39(39), RechRdx-I:40(40), RechRdx-I:40(43)
Level 41: Fissure -- Rope-Stun/Rng:39(A), Rope-Acc/Stun:39(42), Stpfy-Stun/Rng:39(42), Stpfy-Acc/Stun/Rchg:39(42), Det'tn-Acc/Dmg:39(43), Det'tn-Dmg/Rng:39(43)
Level 44: Seismic Smash -- Acc(A), Dmg(45), Dmg(45), Dmg(45), EndRdx(46), RechRdx(46)
Level 47: Earth's Embrace -- RechRdx(A), RechRdx(48), Heal(48), Heal(48), Heal(50), RechRdx(50)
Level 49: Hover -- Flight(A), DefBuff(50)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Containment
As you can see, my IOs arent complete, with AS, Seismic Smash, and Earths Embrace still undecided. Over time, I suspect that these choices will change as new sets come out, I get more cash to spend, and/or someone points out how stupid I was to slot a certain power a certain way. Any or all of these things could happen!
Conclusion
I didnt expect this Guide to run as long as it has, but I hope that it helps anyone out there whos considering starting an Earth/Storm Controller. As for truth-in-advertising, I do solo a lot, but Ive teamed (mainly PUGs) a lot on this particular character. Mainly its because shes so incredibly powerful on teams. I teamed maybe 75% of the way through 1-17, and soloed from 17-21. At 22, I got on a PUG and we ended up in a 12 hour marathon session of two TFs (7:00 pm to 7:00 am). By the end, Tiffani was 28. I then soloed her to 31 and basically got stuck on the Montague Castellana arc. She just wasnt powerful enough to get through all the Rikti (or more than likely, I just wasnt good enough to GET her through). Fortunately, Double XP weekend came along, and, with some good teams, I ended the weekend with Tiffani at 38. I raised her difficulty level to 4 and never looked back!
As I noted in the introduction, Ive had this character in one form or another since 2002, so I never considered deleting her. Hopefully, your next alt will be as fun to play as mine has, and that youll really enjoy the fun that can be had with a well-built Earth/Storm Controller.
Please try my arcs:
Arc# 63910 "Why Do Bad Girls Like Bad Boys?" (length=Long, levels 40+)
Arc# 401500 "How to Be a Successful Professional Criminal" (length=Very Long, levels 1-10)
I'd recommend swapping Snow Storm and Stone Cages in a leveling build. Don't underestimate the damage mitigation that Snow Storm plus Quicksand can provide early on. Pre-Stamina, the endurance cost of Stone Cages is prohibitive, so I see little point in taking it so early.
I also ended up dropping Hurricane in favor of O2 Boost. Animate Stone is a tough pet, but he can still use a heal now and then, and I never really felt the need to push enemies around when I could always drop EQ, FR, VG, and/or QS on them wherever they happened to be.
What I like about Stone Cages in the early levels is its ability to stop an entire group of foes cold. I frequently would use this as an escape hatch. When a battle started to turn badly, I would hit Stone Cages and have my alt run away, either ducking around a corner or escaping completely. She ran away a LOT in those days!
I really like your idea of replacing Hurricane with O2 Boost. I may give that a try, as I rarely pull out Hurricane anymore, and Stoney DOES bite off more than he can chew from time to time. 
Please try my arcs:
Arc# 63910 "Why Do Bad Girls Like Bad Boys?" (length=Long, levels 40+)
Arc# 401500 "How to Be a Successful Professional Criminal" (length=Very Long, levels 1-10)
Couple comments, I would note the secondary effects of some of the Earth powers. Quicksand is a good movement slow, but it's also a huge 25% defense debuff that really helps while levelling up especially. Place quicksand under almost everything, it helps low accuracy powers like Stalagmites a ton. Most earth powers carry a defense debuff, which helps make temp powers and vet powers like Sands of Mu pretty deadly.
Earthquake a a decent 10% ToHit debuff, also.
I'd at least mention that Stalagmites+Thunderclap stuns everything up to bosses, it's a combined mag 5 stun. You have to go into melee to do it, but you can stun every single boss in the spawn, nearly every spawn.
Snow Storm is a wicked slow, but I wouldn't use its effectiveness on AVs as a selling point. AVs resist -recharge pretty strongly, level 50 AVs resist the -recharge 85%, making it iffy whether it's worth the endurance to run it on them. (Edit-- Snow Storm also does a -Fly, great against some of the flying enemies like witches, pulling them down into your quicksand!)
Thanks for the reminder, Phosphorescency. I've edited my Guide to include all the debuff information.
8/04/09 Update: For the Double XP Weekend, I took Phosphorescency's advice and replaced Hurricane with Thunderclap. This was a great move, as I was able to get a LOT of use out of the combination of Stalagmites/Thunderclap on the huge groups that my team and I were facing all weekend long. Minions, Lts, and even some Bosses were getting stunned, allowing the team to do some great damage. I'm definitely going to keep this combination!
Please try my arcs:
Arc# 63910 "Why Do Bad Girls Like Bad Boys?" (length=Long, levels 40+)
Arc# 401500 "How to Be a Successful Professional Criminal" (length=Very Long, levels 1-10)
Hey there just wondering for some reason your links wont open up for Mids.. anyway you can fix that. i would like to look at it but cant.. Thanks much appreciated...
Leveling Up an Earth/Storm Controller
by GGG247
Earth/Storm Controllers have some of the best controls in the game, but getting a character started can be a chore, as the player will be sacrificing damage ability in the early-going for those controls. A team-oriented Earth/Storm can be incredibly effective from Day One, but what about those times when the player cant find/doesnt want a team? This Guide details my experiences with Tiffani St. Onge, my (currently level 44) Earth/Storm Controller on her long and challenging journey through City of Heroes.
Tiffani was created in late 2002 as my main alt in The Sims Online. After that game dried up, I ported her over to CoH as an Earth/Storm Controller, my first attempt at playing a Controller. One thing I found immediately was that Earth/Storm, when part of a team, contributes heavily, even in the early levels. I recommend teaming up your Earth/Storm characters as much as possible, especially prior to level 33 (before Animate Stone is fully slotted). The build Ill cover was built for either team play or going solo. First, lets cover the basic powers:
NOTE: These numbers come directly from Red Tomaxs City of Data, an invaluable resource for all things related to powers in CoH/CoV.
Earth Control
Fossilize
Available: Level 1
Accuracy: 1.20
Damage: 1.00
Endurance Cost: 8.5
Fossilize is your single target hold and will serve as one of your most important powers youll take on an Earth/Storm character. Controllers, by their very nature, are light on damage and heavy on controls. Fossilize can serve both goals, as it does decent damage as well as takes an enemy out of the fight. For a character that will need to solo at least occasionally, I recommend slotting Fossilize up for damage rather than hold. Youll find that otherwise, your alt will be woefully inadequate in making it through the game without a team. On the plus side, even un-slotted for hold, Fossilize will still hold an enemy (mag 3) for 15 seconds at level 1, with an additional 20% chance of mag 1 hold. Fossilize also debuffs Defense by 20%, making further attacks on the enemy much easier.
Recommended Slotting: 2 acc, 3 dmg
Stone Prison
Available: Level 1
Accuracy: 1.20
Damage: 1.00
Endurance Cost: 7.8
Stone Prison is your single target immobilization, and also puts out a respectable amount of damage. Immobilization powers can be tricky, as an immobilized enemy can still shoot at you from range. On a team, Stone Prison is only somewhat useful. However, when solo, this is your second attack power. Definitely take this for the damage ability it possesses. In addition, this power will still give you a mag 3 immobilize, with a 20% chance of an additional mag 1. Also remember that both Stone Prison and Fossilize set up Containment, so hitting a foe with one will lead to double damage from the other.
Stone Prison debuffs Defense by 20%, too, making further attacks more likely to hit.
Recommended Slotting: 2 acc, 3 dmg
Stone Cages
Available: Level 2
Accuracy: 0.90
Damage: 0.30
Endurance: 15.6
Stone Cages is your AoE immobilization power, and it can be a dangerous power when used incorrectly. As noted with Stone Prison above, by immobilizing an enemy, it simply makes them mad (at you) and causes them to attack you at range. As a Controller with little-to-no defenses/resistances, this can cause frequent trips to the hospital. As an AoE power, Stone Cages immobilizes an entire group at once, making it even more potentially dangerous. In addition, using this power can negate the knock-down abilities of some of your later powers (Freezing Rain, Earthquake), so judicious use of Stone Cage is required. In other words, Stone Cages is one of the most mis-used powers in the Earth/Storm arsenal (Hurricane being the other). This is a power that needs practice to use correctly.
That said, I recommend taking this power early on, as there are times when you just need to keep the enemy off of you. In the early levels (prior to level 20-22), youll typically be confronted by a group of either 3 minions or 1 lt. and 1 minion. You wont have the ability to deal with these enemies quickly at that stage, and their natural tendency is to fire on you and then close-in for some melee attacks. Unless you plan to Hover constantly, youll need some way to keep them away from you. Stone Cages is an excellent way of doing this. Later in the game, youll see that Stone Cages-Tornado-Lightning Storm can be a devastating combination as well. You can also count on all enemies seeing a 20% decrease in their Defense for a time while under the influence of Stone Cages.
Recommended Slotting: 2 acc, 1 endred (its an END hog)
Quicksand
Available: Level 6
Accuracy: auto
Damage: 0
Endurance: 7.8
Quicksand is a targeted AoE, which means you can drop this large patch of slowdown on a group of enemies from out-of-sight. In addition, Defense is debuffed by a whopping 25% for all enemies within the patch! This power has a fast recharge (30 seconds, unslotted) and lasts for 45 seconds, so you can have a couple of these going at once, if you get caught by two separate groups at once. QS is one of your most valuable tools, and will probably be used in almost every fight you engage in. The slow power causes enemies to try and run out of the patch, which means theyll take fewer shots at you (enemies dont like sticky feet, it seems).
Recommended Slotting: 2 rechg
Salt Crystals
Available: Level 8
Accuracy: 1.00
Damage: 0
Endurance: 15.6
Salt Crystals is your PBAoE sleep power. When used, you can put an entire group to sleep (mag 3, 12.5 seconds at level 1). Theyll only awaken when attacked. This could be a useful power, but Ive never been able to fit it into my builds. With a 90 second recharge, it wont be up each battle. Couple that with the range of only 30 feet (very close for a Controller!), a high endurance cost (same as Stone Cages). My Sonic/ Blaster has access to Sirens Song, which does the same job much better. Youll find that there are many other powers for an Earth/Storm that are more useful. I know some players are taking a second look at this power, but I dont recommend it. (NOTE: Salt Crystals also debuffs Defense by 20%).
Recommended Slotting: as many acc, endred, and ranges as possible, if you take it
Stalagmites
Available: Level 12
Accuracy: 0.80
Damage: 0.25
Endurance: 10.4
Stalagmites is a key power for Earth Controllers, as its a powerful AoE stun that can take control of any battle. By slamming your foot into the ground, enemies are dazed and wander aimlessly (mag 3) for 10+ seconds un-slotted. This is a great way to start a battle, alternating with Earthquake (the recharge wont allow it to be up every battle). Youll want to slot this up as soon as possible (accuracies first!). The only problem with this power is that youll need to run in kind of close to the bad guys in order to set it off. While stunned, enemies will also have their Defense debuffed by 20%.
Recommended Slotting: 2 acc, 2 rechg, 2 stun
Earthquake
Available: Level 18
Accuracy: 1.00
Damage: 0
Endurance: 10.4
This is your other method for starting a battle (like Stalagmites). The advantage to Earthquake is that you can set it under the enemies feet from out-of-sight. Earthquake will make enemies flop around like popcorn kernels, which is a sight that never gets old. Occasionally, theyll get to their feet and shoot at you, so its definitely not an I-WIN button, but this will really curtail their ability to damage you. While they're flopping, enemies will also have both their To-Hit and Defense debuffed by 10% each..
Recommended Slotting: 3 rechg
Volcanic Gasses
Available: Level 26
Accuracy: 1.00
Damage: 0
Endurance: 18.20
VG is one of the best AoE holds in the game, and is one of my favorite powers. You can set this power out from out-of-sight, making it a really safe way to start a tough battle. A large green cloud covers the ground, and periodic geysers of green steam shoot up. These geysers cause enemies to stand there choking and unable to move or fight back (mag 3, so minions and lts.). The entire effect lasts for a minute, with geysers popping up every 10 seconds. This isnt an auto hold power, so be sure to slot for accuracies. Due to the 4 minute recharge time, this is a power that I usually keep in reserve. When fighting bosses or other tough opponents (like Fortunatas) who may be less likely to succumb to my other Earth powers, I pull out VG. This power is the great equalizer. Against Elite Bosses, Ill tend to throw in everything I have, and a dose of Quicksand, Volcanic Gasses, and Fossilize can put even these enemies under my control. Take this power as soon as you can.
Recommended Slotting: 2 acc, 3 rechg, 1 hold
Animate Stone
Available: Level 32
Accuracy: 1.00
Damage: I dont know, but a LOT!
Endurance: 20.80
Stoney is the power youve been waiting for, for 32 tough levels. Hes your best friend. Summon him at the beginning of each mission, and hell stay with you until the end (unless he somehow gets killed, but your control powers wont allow THAT to happen!). Stoney is basically a big rock who follows you around and fights anyone who looks like an enemy. I understand that the AI controlling Stoney has been improved recently (just before I got him). I find that he works great. He has a variety of attacks, including Hurl Boulder, Seismic Smash, and Stone Fist. He really packs a wallop. Once I got Stoney, I was able to solo with no problem whatsoever. In fact, I went from struggling at Difficulty Level 1 to sailing through at Difficulty Level 4 due to taking this power.
Recommended Slotting: 1 acc, 3 dmg, 1 rechg
Please try my arcs:
Arc# 63910 "Why Do Bad Girls Like Bad Boys?" (length=Long, levels 40+)
Arc# 401500 "How to Be a Successful Professional Criminal" (length=Very Long, levels 1-10)