A Local Guide to Ill/Rad Controllers

I read much about the wonders of Ill/rad (thx Local_man and the others), and since I love the visuals of both sets, I decided to make one. I am willing to pay a good bunch of inf for this toon, so i wonder if i made some mistakes making my build.

It is at 236,3 recharge, so it´s easily perma-AM perma hasten and perma PA (55,6 seconds). I wonder if I need to take a better look at my defensive capabilities or, if played right, I don´t need more defense besides perma-PA.

I tried to maximize the damage of my single target damage (procs, slotted for damage), and providing AOE damage when needed (Ice storm every 28 seconds for 400 dam+knockdown + frost breath).

An answer would be appreciated

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1,707
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Lady Protonic: Level 50 Magic Controller
Primary Power Set: Illusion Control
Secondary Power Set: Radiation Emission
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Ice Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Blind -- Decim-Acc/Dmg:40(A), Decim-Dmg/EndRdx:40(9), Decim-Dmg/Rchg:40(9), Decim-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:40(11), Decim-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:40(11), UbrkCons-Dam%:50(37)
Level 1: Radiant Aura -- Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx:50(A), Dct'dW-EndRdx/Rchg:50(5), Dct'dW-Heal/Rchg:50(5), Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg:50(7), Dct'dW-Heal:50(7)
Level 2: Spectral Wounds -- Apoc-Dmg/Rchg:50(A), Apoc-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(3), Apoc-Acc/Rchg:50(3), Apoc-Dam%:50(13), Apoc-Dmg/EndRdx:50(36)
Level 4: Deceive -- CoPers-Conf/Rchg:50(A), CoPers-Conf%:50(13), CoPers-Acc/Conf/Rchg:50(15), CoPers-Acc/Rchg:50(17), CoPers-Conf/EndRdx:50(17)
Level 6: Accelerate Metabolism -- Efficacy-EndMod:50(A), Efficacy-EndMod/Rchg:50(19), Efficacy-EndMod/Acc/Rchg:50(19), Efficacy-Acc/Rchg:50(23), Efficacy-EndMod/Acc:50(23), Efficacy-EndMod/EndRdx:50(25)
Level 8: Superior Invisibility -- RedFtn-Def/EndRdx:50(A), RedFtn-EndRdx/Rchg:50(25), RedFtn-Def:50(27), RedFtn-EndRdx:50(27), RedFtn-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:50(29), LkGmblr-Rchg+:50(39)
Level 10: Radiation Infection -- DarkWD-ToHitDeb:50(A), Achilles-ResDeb%:20(37), DarkWD-ToHitDeb/EndRdx:50(40), DarkWD-ToHitdeb/Rchg/EndRdx:50(40), DarkWD-Rchg/EndRdx:50(40)
Level 12: Hover -- LkGmblr-Rchg+:50(A), Krma-ResKB:30(43)
Level 14: Enervating Field -- EndRdx-I:50(A), EndRdx-I:50(15)
Level 16: Swift -- Run-I:50(A)
Level 18: Health -- Mrcl-Rcvry+:40(A), Numna-Regen/Rcvry+:50(34)
Level 20: Stamina -- P'Shift-EndMod:50(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc:50(21), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg:50(21), P'Shift-End%:50(48)
Level 22: Lingering Radiation -- Acc-I:50(A)
Level 24: Phantom Army -- ExRmnt-Acc/Rchg:50(A), ExRmnt-EndRdx/Dmg/Rchg:50(29), S'bndAl-Dmg/Rchg:50(34), ExRmnt-Acc/Dmg:50(36), ExRmnt-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(43), S'bndAl-Build%:50(46)
Level 26: Group Invisibility -- LkGmblr-Rchg+:50(A)
Level 28: Combat Jumping -- LkGmblr-Rchg+:50(A)
Level 30: Flash -- UbrkCons-Hold:50(A), UbrkCons-Hold/Rchg:50(31), UbrkCons-Acc/Hold/Rchg:50(31), UbrkCons-Acc/Rchg:50(31), UbrkCons-EndRdx/Hold:50(37)
Level 32: Phantasm -- ExRmnt-Acc/Rchg:50(A), ExRmnt-Acc/Dmg:50(33), ExRmnt-Dmg/EndRdx:50(33), ExRmnt-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(33), BldM'dt-Acc/Dmg:50(34)
Level 35: Hasten -- RechRdx-I:50(A), RechRdx-I:50(36)
Level 38: EM Pulse -- BasGaze-Acc/Hold:30(A), BasGaze-Acc/Rchg:30(39), BasGaze-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg/Hold:30(39), BasGaze-Rchg/Hold:30(46)
Level 41: Ice Blast -- Decim-Acc/Dmg:40(A), Decim-Dmg/EndRdx:40(42), Decim-Dmg/Rchg:40(42), Decim-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:40(42), Decim-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:40(43), ImpSwft-Dam%:30(48)
Level 44: Frost Breath -- Posi-Acc/Dmg:50(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx:50(45), Posi-Dmg/Rchg:50(45), Posi-Dmg/Rng:50(45), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(46)
Level 47: Ice Storm -- Ragnrk-Dmg/Rchg:50(A), Ragnrk-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(48), Ragnrk-Acc/Rchg:50(50), Ragnrk-Dmg/EndRdx:50(50), Ragnrk-Knock%:50(50)
Level 49: Frozen Armor -- LkGmblr-Rchg+:50(A)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Containment
Level 6: Ninja Run

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I don't have access to Mid's at the moment, so I can't check out the numbers. However, that will be a VERY expensive build. You can make a perma-PA set with a lot less Influence than what you have there.

One thing I see as a problem is that you are missing Spectral Terror. It is the best AoE control power in the Illusion set, and provides a great deal of help (and a 15% ToHit debuff). It is perma as soon as you get it (45 sec duration, 45 sec recharge). You don't need defense if you have control, so Spectral Terror is an essential power. (I consider it to be one of the "absolute must haves" for Illusion.) You have more than enough Recharge . . . I suggest you drop Group Invis to pick up Spectral Terror. It can make do with just the default slot (Use an Acc/Fear). You can do without that extra LotG Rech. If you want, you can put a Glympse of the Abyss set in it -- 5 give a 6.25% recharge if you haven't maxed out on those yet.

I would also move a few things around. Leveling up, you are going to want Phantom Army immediately at level 18. Move Enervating Field to after Stamina, as it is a bit of an endurance hog. I like Hasten much earlier, as close to Phantom Army as I can. That may move Flash, EF and LR back some . . . . but take Spectral Terror at 26, it is a key power.

The strength of Ill/Rad is distraction and single-target damage. Ice Storm puts out decent AoE damage, but Illusion doesn't have an AoE Immobilize to keep the foes in its area of effect. They often run out, which substantially weakens its benefit. It can be effective, but other, faster and up-front damage powers may be more effective. That is one of several reasons I chose the Fire APP for my perma PA -- Fireball is fast, and Fire Blast does a little more damage than Ice Blast.

If you are building for Defense, you are going to want to find more slots for Frozen Armor. I have never built my Illusionists for Defense, as I like to build for Control more.

Thank you for your comment.

I know it will be expensive. But after some alts where I went the middle road, I just want to invest something in a toon that will give me some time to play with

The level of the powers don´t matter much when I want to see what is possible in mids. For a leveling build you are right! I would put hasten even near AM since it´s a combination I live with for some years now.

Got rid of Group invis for Spectral terror. The Global recharge is still good.
The Idea behind ice storm is (other than my love to ice and hatred for fire), that with LR out, they should run very slowly out of the killzone. My main problem would be the knockback from the pets. Have to see if it will be annoying or something i can live with.

I´m aiming at a lvl 33 build with much efficiency. So, purple sets are the best way for high bonuses with high utility. (the LOTG´s will be lvl 25, have them already).

Again, thank you for the input!

Thanks for the information, finally have my ill/rad up and running again, 350 million influ later, but lacking a few big ticket enhancements still. No Luck of the Gamblers yet.

I know this is unrelated to the thread, but could you explain how the merit system works? I have been away from the game pretty much since issue 7. Havent really gotten a good explanation on the merit system.

I have a question about the leveling build, what do the numbers and letters in parenthesis after the name of an enhancment for ?

as shown here in parenthesis after the orange text showing the numbers and letters
]
Hero Profile:
Level 1: Blind -- Acc(A), RechRdx(3), Hold(11)
Level 1: Radiant Aura -- Heal(A), Heal(9)
Level 2: Spectral Wounds -- Acc(A), Dmg(3), Dmg(5), Dmg(5)
Level 4: Deceive -- Acc(A), Conf(11)
Level 6: Accelerate Metabolism -- RechRdx(A), RechRdx(7), RechRdx(7)
Level 8: Superior Invisibility -- EndRdx(A), EndRdx(9)
Level 10: Radiation Infection -- ToHitDeb(A), EndRdx(13)
Level 12: Air Superiority -- Acc(A), Acc(13)

This guide is quite probably th best i've come accross for many reasons, not the least of which is that you are still answering posts and supporting it.

Thank you.

I started a Ill/Rad based on this thread, and I love it. I have a question though, Since I love Ninja Run, and would like to combine that with hurdle for my basic movement, it frees up a couple of powers, namely air superiority and fly. What can I add back in to take the place for the enhancements I need for zero down time with PA?

Actually, my Perma PA build only has three LotG Recharge IOs in it. I was able to get enough recharge to avoid having to fit in five.

You need three spots for those, or maybe more depending upon your build. I used Hover, Superior Invis and Combat Jumping. You can use a variety of other powers, from Maneuvers to Group Invis to the Invisibility pool to Weave from the Fighting Pool or any of the Defense-based Shields from APP or Patron sets.

My problem is that I don't like to take worthless powers. My only concession to taking a power as a slot mule was Combat Jumping . . . and that has some utility as Immobilization protection and uses almost no endurance.

With Ill/Rad, I find having Hover/Fly is pretty nice. I can stay out of melee comfortably. And since Hover was needed for a LotG Recharge, it worked out quite nicely. Taking any other travel power (other than Super Jump) means having to figure out how to fit in another place for a LotG Recharge.

With I-19 coming up, I have been thinking about which powers to add to my build. Frankly, there are a lot of options. I could go with Leadership, which is very tempting. But the two powers I have always wanted to add to the build but could not fit in are Recall Friend and Mutation, so those two are at the top of the list. As the third one, I'm debating between Assault, Group Invis (for the team), Fallout (with a single Acc, it would make a good debuff with some damage), or even a second travel power like Super Speed or Super Jump. I'm leaning towards Assault with its 15% Damage buff.

Someone told me a few days ago that local might have a fire/rad corr build. I'm using the ill/rad/ice perma PA build and loving it. Do you have anything for a fire/rad corr?

here is my new i19 ready build for ill/rad with ice epic:
decieve is slotted without the chance becaus so you can confuse a AV/hero through the pruple triangles
AM for 5% recharge and i love the effi recovery
SI slotted for 12,5% recharge with LotG and RF sets
GI as a setmule for KBProt and LotG
my normal travelpower is superjump and CJ takes a LotG too
PA for maxed out damage and recharge
spektral terror for recharge and freeing up a 6.25% setbonus
flash,empuls and bind (2 acc/dmg HO) with basilisk gaze for 7.5% recharge
phantasm for maxed damage and accuracy
ice epic as i love hibernate, ice blast and frost breath take 2 6.25% recharge sets, slow AV's or GM's, deal good damage and frozen armor takes my last LotG
there are 3 open IO-slots for when fitness gets inherent: numina and miracle uniques in health paired with a miracle heal IO and 2 EndmodIOs in stamina
these build should allow me soloing AVs and GMs more quickly and even middle of a fight i can turn on frozen amor for when i forget recasting PA
this build is special for perma PA/AM/Haste builds because it only relies on the second cheapest pruple set for getting 221.25% global recharge

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1,81
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Technology Controller
Primary Power Set: Illusion Control
Secondary Power Set: Radiation Emission
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Flight
Ancillary Pool: Ice Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Blind -- BasGaze-Acc/Hold(A), BasGaze-Acc/Rchg(3), BasGaze-Rchg/Hold(5), BasGaze-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(21), HO:Nucle(25), HO:Nucle(34)
Level 1: Radiant Aura -- Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(A), Dct'dW-Heal(13), Dct'dW-Rchg(13), Dct'dW-EndRdx/Rchg(29), Dct'dW-Heal/Rchg(36)
Level 2: Spectral Wounds -- Decim-Acc/Dmg(A), Decim-Build%(3), Decim-Dmg/Rchg(5), Decim-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(21), Decim-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(36), Apoc-Dam%(46)
Level 4: Accelerate Metabolism -- Efficacy-EndMod(A), Efficacy-EndMod/Rchg(7), Efficacy-EndMod/Acc/Rchg(7), Efficacy-Acc/Rchg(29), Efficacy-EndMod/Acc(36), Efficacy-EndMod/EndRdx(37)
Level 6: Deceive -- CoPers-Conf(A), CoPers-Conf/Rchg(9), CoPers-Acc/Conf/Rchg(9), CoPers-Acc/Rchg(37), CoPers-Conf/EndRdx(37)
Level 8: Superior Invisibility -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), RedFtn-Def(11), RedFtn-EndRdx(15), RedFtn-Def/EndRdx(15), RedFtn-Def/Rchg(17), RedFtn-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(25)
Level 10: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(11)
Level 12: Group Invisibility -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), Krma-ResKB(17)
Level 14: Combat Jumping -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A)
Level 16: Super Jump -- Winter-ResSlow(A)
Level 18: Phantom Army -- ExRmnt-Acc/Rchg(A), ExRmnt-Acc/Dmg(19), ExRmnt-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(19), ExRmnt-EndRdx/Dmg/Rchg(31), S'bndAl-Build%(31), S'bndAl-Dmg/Rchg(31)
Level 20: Enervating Field -- EndRdx-I(A), EndRdx-I(40)
Level 22: Radiation Infection -- HO:Enzym(A), HO:Enzym(23), HO:Enzym(23), Empty(40)
Level 24: Lingering Radiation -- Acc-I(A), Acc-I(46)
Level 26: Spectral Terror -- U'spkT-Acc/Rchg(A), U'spkT-EndRdx/Fear(27), U'spkT-Acc/EndRdx(27), U'spkT-Fear/Rng(40), U'spkT-Acc/Fear/Rchg(43)
Level 28: Mutation -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 30: Flash -- BasGaze-Acc/Hold(A), BasGaze-Acc/Rchg(43), BasGaze-Rchg/Hold(45), BasGaze-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(45), Lock-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(45)
Level 32: Phantasm -- ExRmnt-Acc/Rchg(A), ExRmnt-Acc/Dmg(33), ExRmnt-EndRdx/Dmg/Rchg(33), ExRmnt-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), C'Arms-Acc/Dmg(34), C'Arms-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34)
Level 35: Hover -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A)
Level 38: EM Pulse -- BasGaze-Acc/Hold(A), BasGaze-Rchg/Hold(39), BasGaze-Acc/Rchg(39), BasGaze-EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(39)
Level 41: Ice Blast -- Decim-Acc/Dmg(A), Decim-Dmg/EndRdx(42), Decim-Dmg/Rchg(42), Decim-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(42), Decim-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(43)
Level 44: Hibernate -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 47: Frost Breath -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(48), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(48), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(48), Posi-Dam%(50)
Level 49: Frozen Armor -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(50)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Containment
Level 4: Ninja Run
------------
Set Bonus Totals:

• 14,5% DamageBuff(Smashing)
• 14,5% DamageBuff(Lethal)
• 14,5% DamageBuff(Fire)
• 14,5% DamageBuff(Cold)
• 14,5% DamageBuff(Energy)
• 14,5% DamageBuff(Negative)
• 14,5% DamageBuff(Toxic)
• 14,5% DamageBuff(Psionic)
• 7,5% Defense(Energy)
• 7,5% Defense(Negative)
• 3,75% Defense(Ranged)
• 4,5% Max End
• 2,2% Enhancement(Terrorized)
• 4% Enhancement(Confused)
• 121,25% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
• 4% Enhancement(Heal)
• 9% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 34,34 HP (3,376%) HitPoints
• Knockback (Mag -4)
• Knockup (Mag -4)
• MezResist(Confused) 5%
• MezResist(Held) 5%
• MezResist(Immobilize) 12,7%
• MezResist(Sleep) 5%
• MezResist(Stun) 5%
• MezResist(Terrorized) 7,2%
• 16,5% (0,276 End/sec) Recovery
• 36% (1,529 HP/sec) Regeneration
• 20% ResEffect(FlySpeed)
• 20% ResEffect(RechargeTime)
• 20% ResEffect(RunSpeed)
• 4,095% Resistance(Fire)
• 4,095% Resistance(Cold)
• 2,5% Resistance(Negative)
• 1,5% XPDebtProtection

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Local, I was 100% in agreement with your guide until I found a section where your guide turned into personal opinion rather than "good advice". I am speaking of the whole deceive argument which seems to be saying "Play Deceive how YOU want to play Deceive, screw the team". I would just like to see that part tweaked just a little in an effort to keep the peace on teams.

With all respect intended, I certainly am not meaning to be critical of your effort or opinion. I would love to point members of my sg to this guide, as we were just talking about this concept the other day. Frankly, the only issue that I have with the Deceive argument included in this guide is that I will have to re-debate reality versus an opinion after with sg members read it.

Allow me to show you what I mean:

Sample statements from the guide, (trying to maintain the context in which it was stated).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Local_Man I am a big fan and strong advocate of Deceive. There have been heated debates about Deceive on the Boards, and I have often participated. ...The debate over Deceive and Confuse has been going on as long as I have been reading these forums: Someone complains that he or she was kicked off a team or was criticized because a Mind controller used Confuse or an Illusion Controller used Deceive. (Recently, the same debate has come up for Plant Controllers and Seeds of Confusion.) Someone gives a sample build that excludes Deceive because the person doesn't like the XP loss. Someone else then responds, saying that Deceive actually increases XP rather than decreasing it, so the person critical of Deceive is clearly an ignorant buffoon who does not understand the real facts. ...I find that most people who complain about Deceive, don't fully understand how it works -- They see the description and have heard that confuse powers cause you to "lose XP," so they react to that. My opinion is that everyone should stop worrying about XP and simply look at the benefits of the power and how it fits into the player's playstyle. Is it fun? Does it provide a benefit that makes it worthwhile to take as a power? Personally, I find Deceive to be one of the most fun powers in the game.

Some teams feel strongly about XP and each team has a different tolerance for confuse effects, much like other annoying or rogue-ish powers. In general, any player who wants to choose powers with confuse, knockback, phasing, etc. is choosing a SOLO power or, at best, a very situational team power. Spamming an unwanted power or effect is asking to be kicked. It is not an opinion, it's a reality of team play that varies from team to team.

Without a doubt, solo, it is a great power and I do love it. But I happen to be one of the people who disagree with you about it's usefulness to a team. I will freely admit that if I am tanking/herding, a player casting a confuse power (from Deceive through Seeds of Confusion) will be kicked if asked to stop and doesn't. It has nothing to do with his or her opinion of the usefulness or fun of the power, it is a fact that if I play 90 minutes with someone casting Deceive I am earning less xp than if I play 90 mins without a player casting Deceive. So a player has a choice, keep Deceive from going off or goodbye.

You had said this earlier about Radiation anchors:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Local_Man Choosing your Anchor. Choosing an anchor and choosing when to cast RI, EF and LR is an important part of the strategy of Radiation. Know your team, and figure out which foes are likely to be the last to be defeated and where the debuff will do you and you team the most good. Many people complain about Radiation's anchor-based debuffs because of the problem of teammates killing the "anchor." The Rad debuffs add a green glow to the target that seems to subliminally say, "Hey guys! Kill me first!" You need to understand right up front - your team WILL kill off your "anchor," and usually before you want them to. It may be frustrating - get over it, and just re-cast the debuffs on the next soon-to-be-corpse. Some people recommend setting up a bind to identify the anchor, hoping that the team will pay attention. I have done that in the past, and don't bother anymore. Just re-cast.

The way I play or my opinion is not the reason to make the change. In the effort to make less friction on teams, I only ask that you encourage players to not get bent out of shape if asked to stop using Deceive, much like you did in this above paragraph about Radiation anchors. I would think there should probably be something in there along these lines.

"Due to the controversy over Deceive, team tolerance for confuse effects, and a spirit of team play it is probably a good idea to consult the team before using it as it can prevent disagreements or arguments among the team."

All in all, if you make no change, I still believe you created a very thorough guide and the amount of thought and hard work you spent on this shows when reading through it. For that my hat is off to you. And thank you for at least considering my thoughts.

Hey Local Man, on a slightly different subject, what do you think of the new Alpha Slot info, and how will it affect your Ill/Rad builds? And how would you suggest people 'measure' the potential effectiveness of the Alpha Slot enhancements on these powersets? Better to slot for over-cap numbers, or better to slot to reach near currrent ED-caps and diversify abilities/pick up new powers?