Ice/Energy Melee

All,

I hate Super Strength. There, I said it. Specifically, I hate it because of Rage. Unlike most, I hate the current Rage more than prior versions.

I have a concept character who was Ice/SS and I got him up to 43 or so, deleted him when the new Rage came out, later re-made him, got him up to 40 again, and I've decided I can't stand SS anymore and I'm going to delete or remake all my SS characters. I'm even remaking this one as /Energy Melee, and that should tell anyone how much SS and Rage makes *me* Rage.

OK, now I can move on.

I'm remaking my Ice/SS as Ice/Energy Melee simply because its the closest in concept to the character. I've seen the official videos of Kinetic Melee and I don't like the look. Ice/Energy is about the only way to go, short of just giving up on the character.

So, I wanted to post a build and see what you all think. Specifically, I'm frustrated by the lack of Energy Punch. I wish I could stay soft-capped and work Energy Punch in. I was thinking about dropping Permafrost, putting Boxing there, and using my slots that had gone to Boxing on Energy Punch instead. I can then scrounge a slot somewhere and still fit in the steadfast 3%.

However, I'm wondering, is it a mistake to lose the slow resist provided by permafrost? Or is it no big deal?

Also, I skipped Total Focus because I hate how slow it is, and having one slow attack (ETransfer) is enough for me. I also hate the animation, because I don't really like the floaty jump-up. In case anyone was going to mention TF I just wanted to state why I don't like it.

OK, I would appreciate any advice on my build.

Thanks,

Lewis

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.707
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Snowbox: Level 50 Mutation Tanker
Primary Power Set: Ice Armor
Secondary Power Set: Energy Melee
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Leaping

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Frozen Armor -- RedFtn-Def/EndRdx(A), RedFtn-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(9), RedFtn-Def(9), RedFtn-EndRdx(17), Ksmt-Def/EndRdx(43), Ksmt-ToHit+(46)
Level 1: Barrage -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(3), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(3), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(13), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(13), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(42)
Level 2: Hoarfrost -- Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx(A), Dct'dW-EndRdx/Rchg(17), Dct'dW-Heal/Rchg(23), Dct'dW-Heal(25), Dct'dW-Rchg(25)
Level 4: Bone Smasher -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg(5), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(5), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(11), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(11), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(34)
Level 6: Boxing -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg(7), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(7), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(15), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(15), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(42)
Level 8: Wet Ice -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 10: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(37), RechRdx-I(40)
Level 12: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 14: Super Speed -- QckFt-EndRdx/RunSpd(A)
Level 16: Health -- Mrcl-Rcvry+(A), Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(50)
Level 18: Glacial Armor -- RedFtn-Def/EndRdx(A), RedFtn-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(19), RedFtn-Def(19), RedFtn-EndRdx(23), RedFtn-Def/Rchg(43), RedFtn-EndRdx/Rchg(46)
Level 20: Stamina -- P'Shift-EndMod(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc(21), P'Shift-End%(21), EndMod-I(42)
Level 22: Chilling Embrace -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 24: Taunt -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 26: Energy Absorption -- Efficacy-EndMod(A), Efficacy-EndMod/Rchg(27), Efficacy-EndMod/Acc/Rchg(27), Efficacy-Acc/Rchg(31), Efficacy-EndMod/Acc(31), Efficacy-EndMod/EndRdx(31)
Level 28: Build Up -- AdjTgt-ToHit(A), AdjTgt-ToHit/Rchg(29), AdjTgt-ToHit/EndRdx/Rchg(29), AdjTgt-EndRdx/Rchg(43), AdjTgt-Rchg(46)
Level 30: Combat Jumping -- DefBuff-I(A)
Level 32: Icicles -- Sciroc-Acc/Dmg(A), Sciroc-Dmg/EndRdx(33), Sciroc-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(33), Sciroc-Dam%(33), M'Strk-Acc/EndRdx(34), M'Strk-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(34)
Level 35: Energy Transfer -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg(36), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(36), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(36), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(37), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37)
Level 38: Whirling Hands -- Sciroc-Acc/Dmg(A), Sciroc-Dmg/EndRdx(39), Sciroc-Dmg/Rchg(39), Sciroc-Acc/Rchg(39), Sciroc-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(40), RechRdx-I(40)
Level 41: Permafrost -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(A)
Level 44: Tough -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(45), RctvArm-ResDam(45), RctvArm-EndRdx(45)
Level 47: Weave -- RedFtn-Def/EndRdx(A), RedFtn-Def/Rchg(48), RedFtn-Def(48), RedFtn-EndRdx(48), RedFtn-EndRdx/Rchg(50), RedFtn-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(50)
Level 49: Hibernate -- Heal-I(A)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Acc-I(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- ULeap-Stlth(A)
Level 2: Rest -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 1: Gauntlet
Level 0: Ninja Run

| Copy & Paste this data into Mids' Hero Designer to view the build |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
|MxDz;1407;703;1406;HEX;|
|78DA9D93D95213511086CF908D24930488EC7B1296800CE4CEE5C2A204AB505246A|
|0BC5263084788E2844A4659BCF10170BDD02BB7F2292C9FC05D1FC70B2B76F77F48|
|E1ADA9CAFFCDF49C3EDDA7FF99FCDE82ADD4C373CAB2CF6F97EAF5E25AC9BDA36BA|
|DF97B5EC9AB54DDD0AA5BDD5DAFEE8594523D78565CD0B7B45BD7CE525917E76B77|
|ABB55EF320AFB7B576165D5DDBDCC74DFB92BBA56BDAF59CA38B58A15ADD762E543|
|6B7BC8ABB1991BBD51DAD376CF3C07375BD8E9B655DDAA145C9C59D4AD999AF95BD|
|4AB9982FD53D5DDBEFA17EB2F4FF1426B1E8AF1A0115A18B9C6A8D0171415B4230F|
|59B960CAA993F82D688323FCA2A1052AAE50AB022B057818AE2E4EC6DC1E7B029A5|
|1A7EEB12765F1674E5053D9781822042457CA688EFA6ECE05F07CA82C80680DD475|
|1CBA249074C56005941640591154756FC9FD6BE526B218C4185462594A28DC2D8A8|
|253C2DA10C3001046941D4E444272594A6500C392A166CE150884209ACB21217E96|
|242E5AECAF97ED0EEED66F4ED187D0746DF81D17799D1470533366CA1FD92C8F225|
|9F4B89132F809782EC88B4F28576EF34DD75E244511A68B7E9AE1B67F849AB7AC59|
|446A0F750F2FB1E018F05434F80A7C033419C36EA3746F6BF96D0C01BE0AD60EA9D|
|60E6BDA08B5A1E34AD0C0E49DDEF5477D89C7DF8BE8446768103E0014CAD039E201|
|1E1970A5929789B86B769789B86B719789B81B736658D99AC31D41A47ADF13D601F|
|B61E1C77F71B7538699A9EECB6F8ADF7D139A6CDE8A787C4CA93C3400A480BFCB4C|
|E31877360EC2C3C9C85B1B3303607477330FD17159C33EECC65A487017FF33353AA|
|4F42CBC7433E196FC1DFFCAC9485E6B3FEE657DD08B7C95AB9FECFDF07FBA868788|
|5BFFC359602CB55966B2CD7596EB09458D659CA2C8D8FCDECC429EEEB34CB1996B3|
|2C9DD49F3AE495A1284994C56689B1C459122C6D2C49963E96572C8DBF2968E6D6|
|-------------------------------------------------------------------|

Other than the slow resist (which can be replaced by slotting a Winter's Gift in SS) the only thing that Permafrost provides is some fire resistance. Personally, I don't think losing that is worth worrying about. I'd definitely drop it if you want Energy Punch. The Steadfast +def can go as the 6th slot in Hoarfrost or the fifth slot in Tough.

Some other suggestions:

You're taking Chilling Embrace way too late. Not only is it your taunt aura, but the slows provide significant damage mitigation. I'd delay either SS or Glacial Armor until after Stamina and take CE early.

I'm not a fan of using Red Fortune for the typed defense bonus; you only need four slots to fully slot your shields for defense and there are better ways to hit the soft-cap for E/NE def. For instance, 3-slotting Eradication in your PBAoEs gives a better bonus, and you do want your attacks 5 or 6 slotted.

I'd 5-slot Crushing Impact in EP and BS; if you use a CI Dam/End/Rchg instead of Mako's Acc/End/Rchg the enhancement values will still be very good, but you'll get the CI recharge bonus.

Also, EA needs to be slotted for defense as well as recharge and end mod. I'd recommend 3 recharge-heavy defense IOs and 3 recharge-heavy end mod IOs; try to get all three attributes as close to the ED cut-off as possible.

If you're concerned about getting F/C defense, try slotting Aegis in Tough. It'll help a little, as will slotting a Mocking Beratement set in Taunt, though you won't be able to soft-cap F/C def.

You also might want to consider using another defense set than Red Fortune if you're not using RF for the defense bonus; IMO, both LotG and GotA have better 4-slot bonuses than RF does.

Here's what it looks like with the changes I recommended. Note that I dropped the End and End/Rchg slots from your defense & resistance toggles; 40-45% end reduction is plenty in moderate-endurance toggles like those.

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.704
http://www.cohplanner.com/
Click this DataLink to open the build!
Snowbox: Level 50 Mutation Tanker
Primary Power Set: Ice Armor
Secondary Power Set: Energy Melee
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Hero Profile:
Level 1: Frozen Armor -- RedFtn-Def/EndRdx:50(A), RedFtn-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:50(9), RedFtn-Def:50(9), RedFtn-Def/Rchg:50(17)
Level 1: Barrage -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg:35(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx:35(3), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg:35(3), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:35(13), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(13)
Level 2: Hoarfrost -- Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx:50(A), Dct'dW-EndRdx/Rchg:50(17), Dct'dW-Heal/Rchg:50(23), Dct'dW-Heal:50(25), Dct'dW-Rchg:50(25), S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+:30(43)
Level 4: Bone Smasher -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg:50(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg:50(5), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(5), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(11), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(11), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(34)
Level 6: Energy Punch -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg:50(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg:50(7), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(7), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(15), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(15), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(42)
Level 8: Wet Ice -- EndRdx-I:50(A)
Level 10: Hasten -- RechRdx-I:50(A), RechRdx-I:50(37), RechRdx-I:50(40)
Level 12: Hurdle -- Jump-I:50(A)
Level 14: Super Speed -- Winter-ResSlow:50(A)
Level 16: Health -- Mrcl-Rcvry+:40(A), Numna-Regen/Rcvry+:50(50)
Level 18: Glacial Armor -- RedFtn-Def/EndRdx:50(A), RedFtn-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:50(19), RedFtn-Def:50(19), RedFtn-Def/Rchg:50(23)
Level 20: Stamina -- P'Shift-EndMod:50(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc:50(21), P'Shift-End%:50(21), EndMod-I:50(42)
Level 22: Chilling Embrace -- EndRdx-I:50(A)
Level 24: Taunt -- Mocking-Taunt:50(A), Mocking-Rchg:50(42), Mocking-Taunt/Rchg:50(43), Mocking-Taunt/Rchg/Rng:50(46), Mocking-Acc/Rchg:50(50), Mocking-Taunt/Rng:50(50)
Level 26: Energy Absorption -- Efficacy-EndMod:50(A), Efficacy-EndMod/Rchg:50(27), Efficacy-EndMod/Acc/Rchg:50(27), RedFtn-Def/Rchg:50(31), RedFtn-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:50(31), RedFtn-Def:50(31)
Level 28: Build Up -- AdjTgt-ToHit:50(A), AdjTgt-ToHit/Rchg:50(29), AdjTgt-ToHit/EndRdx/Rchg:50(29), AdjTgt-EndRdx/Rchg:50(43), AdjTgt-Rchg:50(46)
Level 30: Combat Jumping -- DefBuff-I:50(A), Ksmt-ToHit+:30(46)
Level 32: Icicles -- Erad-Dmg:30(A), Erad-Dmg/Rchg:30(33), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:30(33), M'Strk-Acc/EndRdx:50(33), Sciroc-Dmg/EndRdx:50(34), Sciroc-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(34)
Level 35: Energy Transfer -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg:50(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg:50(36), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(36), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(36), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:50(37), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(37)
Level 38: Whirling Hands -- Erad-Dmg:30(A), Erad-Dmg/Rchg:30(39), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:30(39), Erad-Acc/Rchg:30(39), Sciroc-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(40), Sciroc-Dmg/EndRdx:50(40)
Level 41: Boxing -- Acc-I:50(A)
Level 44: Tough -- Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx:40(A), Aegis-ResDam/Rchg:40(45), Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:40(45), Aegis-ResDam:40(45)
Level 47: Weave -- RedFtn-Def/EndRdx:50(A), RedFtn-Def/Rchg:50(48), RedFtn-Def:50(48), RedFtn-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:50(48)
Level 49: Hibernate -- Heal-I:50(A)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Acc-I:50(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- ULeap-Stlth:50(A)
Level 2: Rest -- RechRdx-I:50(A)
Level 1: Gauntlet
Level 0: Ninja Run
------------
Set Bonus Totals:

• 8% DamageBuff(Smashing)
• 8% DamageBuff(Lethal)
• 8% DamageBuff(Fire)
• 8% DamageBuff(Cold)
• 8% DamageBuff(Energy)
• 8% DamageBuff(Negative)
• 8% DamageBuff(Toxic)
• 8% DamageBuff(Psionic)
• 9.25% Defense(Smashing)
• 9.25% Defense(Lethal)
• 9.25% Defense(Fire)
• 9.25% Defense(Cold)
• 9.25% Defense(Energy)
• 9.25% Defense(Negative)
• 3% Defense(Psionic)
• 6.13% Defense(Melee)
• 6.13% Defense(Ranged)
• 6.13% Defense(AoE)
• 5.4% Max End
• 30% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 4% Enhancement(Heal)
• 27.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
• 5% FlySpeed
• 189.7 HP (10.1%) HitPoints
• 5% JumpHeight
• 5% JumpSpeed
• MezResist(Held) 2.75%
• MezResist(Immobilize) 17.1%
• MezResist(Terrorized) 2.2%
• 1.5% (0.03 End/sec) Recovery
• 20% (1.56 HP/sec) Regeneration
• 20% ResEffect(FlySpeed)
• 20% ResEffect(RechargeTime)
• 20% ResEffect(RunSpeed)
• 6.3% Resistance(Fire)
• 6.3% Resistance(Cold)
• 1.26% Resistance(Energy)
• 1.26% Resistance(Negative)
• 10% RunSpeed
• 2.5% XPDebtProtection

| Copy & Paste this data into Mids' Hero Designer to view the build |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
|MxDz;1407;711;1422;HEX;|
|78DA9D94D952135110864F36429249024476084B801090404A2F5C2E2C4AB00A4DC|
|A0814576A0CE1088130A13263015EF900E885177AE5563E85E513B894CB63B8BC82|
|15BBFB3FA4BC3655F37F67FA749FEEE99E49E168C952EAD115E5B1AED6CA8E535A2|
|FDB7BBAD15E78E096DD6ADD0EAED9F5C3CDFA515029D587BDD292BEAF6D4767572A|
|BAB4D8D8AF37FACD4641D7B4CE2EDBBAB17D8C9BCE157B4737B4ED664F17E162BD5|
|ECBAE1D68BD65C9F25AD5B5B5E3E026AFCB07557B3B6A76B6775CBA4B2C1F542BD9|
|C546C5AD564A85B2E3EAC6711FD593A1EB4388C443976AFA54981639D51E0562828|
|E08EEC2CAFC9A7E55248C2BEF2D605560AD01BB8ADD3F86CCA9AA19F0DCC0417941|
|4F41D07713280A667A09C32A4C497C26CA774F0EF26F021541780BD08231E40A515|
|4C0440510D586A83644C51015435406519FA9C2201E5C05C7C4344E430AE1206F68|
|564C13401A6823878889894C8B2945A628625474D0C7A62099E2F0F2C4AFD322AD7|
|21BF2985FE9F44ED3EC4E34BB0BCDEE42B37B4CB3E98484F14B3CF5B2E9CC33E0B9|
|20332AC93FD179DDA69E6E3C43849AD16B9AD1BB03E77DC14C5530B72BC8ED0135C|
|1373AA85F06D60CF49F8869E031F04490446149549B44B531CA3568DE89C197E237|
|F40A788D946F90F2ADA0879E6AD8F4653829D5CEFD513CF72F947E043B81911F5E3|
|68DFE027E030E067E083C14C4C3FCC2216A1C734F61EE29CC3D85B94F5401CCDDA2|
|A8491335895C53C835855C533F0569244923A5876A9F36639E1E10938F4CB36648B|
|30B32E6B339E01C705EE027BFACF1CB62E8F3E8E63CDA388FA67EA7262C98140B13|
|9262C8DFFAE89442D6FCBF269FF4B5E86F7D6BCA831735E36F7DD5CD5087F8CAFA3|
|F7FEFACD3A4A155FE1F586729B26CB0DC66B9C37297A5CCB2C9526169BE6F45C72F|
|705D17592EB15C66E9A6FAD4097B06232411168B25CA126389B374B0245806585EB|
|034FF02D086E8BC|
|-------------------------------------------------------------------|

Thanks for the reply. Its a bit pricey, in places, but I like the look of it. Much obliged.

I don't mind taking Total Focus. In fact I can't stand it. But I'm curious about your thoughts on skipping it. I couldnt make the character if I had it, it'd drive me nuts. Just wondering what you think.

Thanks,

Lewis