emp/rad advice for the masses

So this is just my philosophy on defenders, and more specifically empathy ones.
Let me begin with a little background on my city of heroes experience. I have played since july 04 with 63 months of paid time. I have played every every defender primary and secondary to atleast lvl 40 with an emp/rad(we will get back to this toon in a bit) as my first 50 ever about 6 years ago. I have let a scrapper or 2 and one tank take the main toon position but I always end up loving my offender/tankfender toons the most. I have thrown billions into kin/psy, cold/ice, d3, ff/nrg, rad/sonic and most recently my first love, the emp/rad aptly named BL00D BANK (originally named Healing-Bolt for my old school guardian friends).
Now, some more info on Blood Bank. Back in his early days before the name change he taught me all about the game. Back in the days before ED he used to pair up with with blasters and make them tanks. But oh how foolish I was. I didn't even take powers in my secondary. And I think I even had all the powers in the medicine pool at one point. N00b.
Flash forward a few years and my emp/rad is one of the best tankers in the game imo and experiences. I also would say I do extremely good pbaoe damage between almost perma soul drain and irradiate up as soon as I use it. (I am on my phone at work right now I will post my build later so you can see numbers).
Before I get into what my emp brings to the table let me discuss some power selection philosophy. I have found from playing my rad/sonic that a certain point in global recharge it is actually better single target dps to just take your two lower damage lower rech rech powers like x-ray beam and neutrino bolt over the high spike damage powers like cosimic burst. Yeah it may take you an extra second or so to kill a minion but on bosses and avs it ends up being faster and on most teams the aoe kills the minions and lts pretty quick anyway(I pretty much only run full teams usually lvl 50 tfs).
Also I have found that a good buffing emp shouldn't need my their two targeted heals. I skipped them and have not regretted it once. Also it is my belief that if you have a rez you should have vengeance. Period. Fortitude is amazing. Ab needs to be perma'd. On a /rad atleast, assault is more important than tactics bc of the -def. And get your ra's down to about 40 seconds dt. I highly recommend the dark app to most defender builds, skipping opp gloom and the self rez. I have been able to skip the fitness pool altogether between the ra's crazy rech, dark consumption and vigilance. And that is with sprint, ss, tough, weave, maneuvers, assault and dark embrace. Also cm is always a plus if you can fit it.
Let me get into slotting a little. First off maneuvers, fort, weave, venge all get the lotg 7.5. I cannot remember atm if I have a fifth lotg...more to come on this later when I have more time.

So instead of talking about why I slotted what without my build in front of me I would like to explain some of what I manage to do with my beloved blood bank. Well as I have made clear first and foremost I tank. I have always been sort of a natural leader so I am sure that play style has a lot to do with what I can do. But when you factor in regeneration aura I am regenning hp better than most scrappers. Then tough weave maneuvers and darkk embrace I am also running at decent scrapper level mitigation. The only main difference is my lower hp but that becomes a non issue when you throw in a self heal of almost 300 whenever you need it.
I regularly tank romulus(including the alpha strike), and all other tough foes on that tf. I do not die on cyst rushes. I tank all the av's on the second and 4th mishes of the stf except the ones that mes unless I have some protection then I tank them all. I also pull the avs for the last mission...end of my break more to come later. If any of my friends see this or u have teamed with me on a tf let me know what u like or how wrong I am if ure one of the many I have pissed off.

So instead of talking about why I slotted what without my build in front of me I would like to explain some of what I manage to do with my beloved blood bank. Well as I have made clear first and foremost I tank. I have always been sort of a natural leader so I am sure that play style has a lot to do with what I can do. But when you factor in regeneration aura I am regenning hp better than most scrappers. Then tough weave maneuvers and darkk embrace I am also running at decent scrapper level mitigation. The only main difference is my lower hp but that becomes a non issue when you throw in a self heal of almost 300 whenever you need it.
I regularly tank romulus(including the alpha strike), and all other tough foes on that tf. I do not die on cyst rushes. I tank all the av's on the second and 4th mishes of the stf except the ones that mes unless I have some protection then I tank them all. I also pull the avs for the last mission...end of my break more to come later. If any of my friends see this or u have teamed with me on a tf let me know what u like or how wrong I am if ure one of the many I have pissed off.

If the intent is the write this up as a formal guide, I'd suggest cleaning it up some so that it's easier to read and to follow, breaking it up by topic with some headers maybe so someone skimming it can read over areas they have questions on in more depth without having to scan the entire post(s).

Since you also talk a fair bit about slotting choices and IOs, posting builds might also be helpful to those who'd be reading this as a source of information or advice.

Offhand, I think breaking this into sections on powers, builds and tactics (at the very least) would make this more useful. Right now it's pretty much a wall of text and the reader has to dig into it and figure out what if anything pertains to him/her.


On the other hand, if the goal is just to brag about your build to 'the masses', then goal accomplished I suppose.

My goal was that I was bored at work and couldn't stop thinking about playing and I wanted to get my ideas out while they were fresh. I may turn this into a guide later but its kinda hard to do on my phone.

Basically this an incomplete thought and I just kinda wanna get the word out some more of what people can do with a defender. I started talking about my tanking which I will now refer to as alpha taking bc of my lack of agro holding ability. I haven't really delved into how amazing a team is made with a good emp between buffs and damage output. Didn't mean to come off braggy either. Just trying to share my experiences with some ppl who may not know.

That's alright, your doing stuff that some people on almost every server don't normally see and by mentioning what you do your dispensing ideas for people.

Exactly I appreciate you not trolling. And yes I do know the why as well as the who what when where and especially the how

I just went on your description and knocked up this, dunno how close it is though.

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

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Magic Defender
Primary Power Set: Empathy
Secondary Power Set: Radiation Blast
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Dark Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Healing Aura -- Dct'dW-EndRdx/Rchg(A), Dct'dW-Heal/Rchg(3), Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(3), Dct'dW-Heal(9), Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx(17)
Level 1: Neutrino Bolt -- Decim-Acc/Dmg(A), Decim-Dmg/EndRdx(34), Decim-Dmg/Rchg(37), Decim-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(37), Decim-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(37)
Level 2: X-Ray Beam -- Decim-Acc/Dmg(A), Decim-Dmg/EndRdx(5), Decim-Dmg/Rchg(5), Decim-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(9), Decim-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(17)
Level 4: Irradiate -- Erad-Dmg(A), Erad-Acc/Rchg(7), Erad-Dmg/Rchg(7), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(21), Sciroc-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(45)
Level 6: Resurrect -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 8: Clear Mind -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 10: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(11), RechRdx-I(11)
Level 12: Fortitude -- LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(A), LkGmblr-Def/Rchg(13), LkGmblr-EndRdx/Rchg(13), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(15), LkGmblr-Rchg+(25)
Level 14: Super Speed -- Zephyr-Travel(A), Zephyr-ResKB(15)
Level 16: Boxing -- Empty(A)
Level 18: Recovery Aura -- Efficacy-EndMod(A), Efficacy-EndMod/Rchg(19), Efficacy-EndMod/Acc/Rchg(19), Efficacy-Acc/Rchg(21), Efficacy-EndMod/EndRdx(39), Efficacy-EndMod/Acc(40)
Level 20: Tough -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), S'fstPrt-ResKB(25), ResDam-I(34), ResDam-I(40), EndRdx-I(50)
Level 22: Weave -- LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(A), LkGmblr-Def(23), LkGmblr-Rchg+(23), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(50)
Level 24: Proton Volley -- Decim-Acc/Dmg(A), Decim-Dmg/EndRdx(43), Decim-Dmg/Rchg(43), Decim-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(46), Decim-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(46)
Level 26: Regeneration Aura -- Dct'dW-EndRdx/Rchg(A), Dct'dW-Heal/Rchg(27), Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(27), Dct'dW-Heal(29), Dct'dW-Rchg(29)
Level 28: Assault -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 30: Maneuvers -- LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(31), LkGmblr-Def(31), LkGmblr-Rchg+(31), Krma-ResKB(43)
Level 32: Adrenalin Boost -- Dct'dW-EndRdx/Rchg(A), Dct'dW-Heal/Rchg(33), Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(33), Dct'dW-Heal(33), Dct'dW-Rchg(34)
Level 35: Neutron Bomb -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(36), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(36), Posi-Dam%(36), Posi-Dmg/Rng(39)
Level 38: Vengeance -- LkGmblr-Def/Rchg(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(39), LkGmblr-Rchg+(40)
Level 41: Dark Consumption -- Efficacy-EndMod(A), Efficacy-EndMod/Rchg(42), Efficacy-EndMod/Acc/Rchg(42), Efficacy-Acc/Rchg(42), Efficacy-EndMod/Acc(45), Efficacy-EndMod/EndRdx(46)
Level 44: Dark Embrace -- ResDam-I(A), ImpArm-ResDam(45), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(48)
Level 47: Soul Drain -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(48), RechRdx-I(48)
Level 49: Aim -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(50)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Vigilance
Level 0: Ninja Run

I wish I could post my build but here is some of my slotting off hand
Brawl 5 slotted with hecatomb
Boxing 5 slotted with absolute amazement
Irradiate 5 slotted armageddon
Neutron bomb 5 slotted with ragnarok
X-ray beam 5 slotted with apaocalypse
Neutrino bolt 5 slotted with decimation
Dark consumption 6 slotted oblit
Sould drain 6 slotted oblit
Atomic blast 6 slotted oblit...to be cont

Wow no expense spared. I have far too much altitis to focus on one character like that.

Let me be perfectly clear that without a team an av would make mince meat out of me in a short amount of time. Sorry if I made it seem like I am a one man army. But like any good team leader should do, I always take inventory of each team members at, powers, set bonus list and any other info I can use to figure out who is going to get my perma ab, who is most likely to be venge bait, and who I can just leave lying dead until venge is back up. As stated before I think what I do has to do with play style more than toon. But I have managed to make my emp the gorilla glue and duct tape of any tf. The only toon that I've ever played that leads a team as successfully is my wp/ss tank. But I will get my build on here if I ever happen to make it home, all these posts have been from my phone. Thanks for the interest guys. I would like to encourage anyone who plays a defender(or any toon really) in a manner that isn't usual to share how and what they do.

Ah here we go...mah build





Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.621
http://www.cohplanner.com/
Click this DataLink to open the build!
Level 50 Magic Defender
Primary Power Set: Empathy
Secondary Power Set: Radiation Blast
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Ancillary Pool: Dark Mastery
Hero Profile:
Level 1: Healing Aura -- Rchg(A), Heal(3), Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(3), Heal/Rchg(9), Heal/EndRdx(9), Rcvry+(11)
Level 1: Neutrino Bolt -- Dam%(A), Dmg/EndRdx(11), Acc/Rchg(13), Acc/Dmg/Rchg(13), Dmg/Rchg(15)
Level 2: X-Ray Beam -- Build%(A), Acc/Dmg/Rchg(15), Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(17), Dmg/Rchg(17), Acc/Dmg(19)
Level 4: Irradiate -- Dam%(A), Dmg/EndRdx(5), Acc/Rchg(5), Acc/Dmg/Rchg(7), Dmg/Rchg(7)
Level 6: Resurrect -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 8: Clear Mind -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 10: Maneuvers -- Rchg+(A)
Level 12: Fortitude -- Rchg+(A)
Level 14: Assault -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 16: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(31), RechRdx-I(34)
Level 18: Recovery Aura -- EndMod/Rchg(A), EndMod(23), Acc/Rchg(29), EndMod/Acc/Rchg(31), RechRdx-I(37), RechRdx-I(40)
Level 20: Aim -- ToHit/Rchg(A), ToHit/Rchg/EndRdx(45)
Level 22: Vengeance -- Rchg+(A)
Level 24: Boxing -- ToHitDeb%(A), EndRdx/Stun(25), Acc/Rchg(25), Acc/Stun/Rchg(27), Stun/Rchg(27)
Level 26: Regeneration Aura -- RechRdx-I(A), Heal/Rchg(29), RechRdx-I(34), RechRdx-I(37), EndRdx/Rchg(43), Heal/Rchg(46)
Level 28: Tough -- ResDam/Def+(A), ResDam/EndRdx(46)
Level 30: Super Speed -- ResKB(A), Travel/EndRdx(31)
Level 32: Adrenalin Boost -- Regen+(A), Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(33), Heal/Rchg(33), EndRdx/Rchg(33), Heal/EndRdx(34)
Level 35: Neutron Bomb -- Knock%(A), Dmg/EndRdx(36), Acc/Rchg(36), Acc/Dmg/Rchg(36), Dmg/Rchg(37)
Level 38: Atomic Blast -- %Dam(A), Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(39), Acc/Dmg/Rchg(39), Dmg/Rchg(39), Acc/Rchg(40), Dmg(40)
Level 41: Dark Consumption -- %Dam(A), Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(42), Acc/Dmg/Rchg(42), Dmg/Rchg(42), Acc/Rchg(43), Dmg(43)
Level 44: Dark Embrace -- ResPsi(A), ResDam(45), ResDam/EndRdx(45), ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(46)
Level 47: Soul Drain -- %Dam(A), Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(48), Acc/Dmg/Rchg(48), Dmg/Rchg(48), Acc/Rchg(50), Dmg(50)
Level 49: Weave -- Rchg+(A), Def/EndRdx(50)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Dam%(A), Dmg(19), Dmg/Rchg(21), Acc/Dmg/Rchg(21), Acc/Rchg(23)
Level 1: Sprint -- Stlth(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Vigilance
Level 4: Ninja Run

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I can't get to mids right now to reproduce the build but, perhaps maybe you've gone for melee def rather expensively, in which case the bonuses still probably work out greater than the slots you could add to weave or manuevers say but anyway I am a little surprised not to see the snipe.

Also given the previous posts of yours you're perhaps a bit reliant when it comes to the more extreme acts on someone being dead and staying dead so that you can perma vengeance off of them.

Yes it does sort of come across that way. And sometimes that is my strategy especially in big fights like the inner circle where we usually fight atleast 3 at a time with ease. But as a defender letting ppl get hurt and stay hurt really helps with your endurance when the ras are down. Another example is the platform on the itf. I always run to it first and vet tp into the middle of the giant mob in hopes one person will die. It sounds bad but in practice it is extremely effective to have venge in those big fights. And with my rez there is no downfall. Basically the whole team gets fort from venge then I rez the bait and fort them. Whole team is insta untouchable. I skipped my targeted heals for a reason lol. I guess I learned how to use venge on my rad/sonic and old habits die hard.

I am popping this comment off real quick before bed. Blood, you do have an insane ability to do things I really dont think you should be able to do. lol You have surprised me several times and saved my blaster's butt even more.
(Sidebar....playing with you makes being vengebait kinda fun in a sick and twisted way) Knowing who will be taking on that roll ahead of time has made it easier to accept the temporary dissappointment of faceplanting at an AVs feet.

PS. As I have repeatedly stated, I wish I had an ingame suga momma that financed all my toons(and yes I know you will say it wasnt worth it to lose such a good friend.) Still....

Sirken

Yep and I home she reads this. Miss you laev!

Very interesting build. I'm guessing you keep Hasten 3 slotted so you've no dependence on an outside buffs/buffer (to keep it perma). As is a second Empath, with the two of you exchanging AB's, and you've enough global recharge to single slot Hasten and have it remain perma, Soul Drain becomes perma, and those auras have a downtime of under 15 seconds (about 3 seconds over their minimum downtime actually) ... that's just drool inducing.

I do actually have two good friends one that is a rl friend that I can talk into playing their perma ab emps and the drooling does begin.

Any ideas for a cheaper build for MOSTF runs? Made one and he is 41 now, just need to focus the final build. Fun toon. Thanks.
Dave

Idk if you could tell or not but I thrive on the death of a teammate. Mo tfs are more hassle than I think they are worth. I only have one toon with the mostf badge and that's a tank. Tho as an emp you play a key role. By cheaper what is the cut off? Are oblits too expensive? What are you willing to sacrifice? I would be happy to make you a build if you tell me what you want out of it.