I would encourage you not to forgo range defense, even with a melee centric playstyle, you will face a lot of range attacks. One thing you should know, HoB defense does not stack with Scorpion Shield (HoB only grants Melee/Range/AoE defense). Most enemies will likely be using range attacks against you while you are using HoB (and Hot Feet will help ensure that is true).
Hot Feet wants slow enhancements as well as damage. Without them, the scatter is too fast, IMO. You do not need tons of slotting, I shoot for 40% or higher (and usually can't get much higher). The spiritual is a big help in this area, IME, and will allow you to push that slow slotting up into the 70s, which is very useful vs. up level enemies.
Combustion is... well meh at best, and bad most times. I'd encourage you to skip it.
Since you are aiming for a PBAoE centric build, I'd also skip Empty Clips (or level with it and respec it out after HoB or after Hot Feet). You really should focus on being near melee range so Hot Feet is worth the end cost and bouncing back out of the spawn in order to use the cone is detrimental to the playstyle.
I'd recommend Acro. I really miss the Hold protection when I compare my blasters that have Acro to the ones that do not. It is especially true of melee centric blasters.
Ring of Fire is a very good attack. I recommend slotting and using it.
Here is another build to look at and glean ideas from.
Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.92
http://www.cohplanner.com/
Click this DataLink to open the build!
True Dreams: Level 50 Mutation Blaster
Primary Power Set: Dual Pistols
Secondary Power Set: Fire Manipulation
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Medicine
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Ancillary Pool: Mace Mastery
Hero Profile:
Level 1: Pistols -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(3), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(7), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(9), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(43), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(46)
Level 1: Ring of Fire -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(3), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(9), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(37), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(40), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(46)
Level 2: Fire Sword -- Mako-Acc/Dmg(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx(5), Mako-Dmg/Rchg(5), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(7), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), Mako-Dam%(48)
Level 4: Dual Wield -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(A), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(43), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(43), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(45)
Level 6: Combat Jumping -- Zephyr-Travel/EndRdx(A), Zephyr-Travel(36)
Level 8: Swap Ammo
Level 10: Bullet Rain -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(11), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(11), Posi-Dmg/Rng(15), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(17), FrcFbk-Rechg%(48)
Level 12: Fire Sword Circle -- C'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngBlow-Dmg/Rchg(13), C'ngBlow-Dmg/EndRdx(13), Erad-Dmg/Rchg(15), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(17), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(48)
Level 14: Stimulant -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 16: Build Up -- AdjTgt-ToHit/Rchg(A), AdjTgt-Rchg(25)
Level 18: Executioner's Shot -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(19), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(19), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(23), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(23), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(42)
Level 20: Aid Self -- HO:Golgi(A)
Level 22: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(36)
Level 24: Boxing -- Empty(A)
Level 26: Piercing Rounds -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(27), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(27), Posi-Dmg/Rng(31), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(37)
Level 28: Consume -- Efficacy-EndMod/Rchg(A), Efficacy-EndMod/Acc/Rchg(29), Efficacy-Acc/Rchg(29), Efficacy-EndMod/Acc(37)
Level 30: Tough -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(31), RctvArm-ResDam(31), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(36), S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(50)
Level 32: Hail of Bullets -- C'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngBlow-Dmg/Rchg(33), C'ngBlow-Acc/Rchg(33), Erad-Dmg(33), Erad-Dmg/Rchg(34), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34)
Level 35: Weave -- S'dpty-Def/EndRdx(A), S'dpty-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(50), S'dpty-Def(50)
Level 38: Hot Feet -- Erad-Dmg(A), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(39), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(39), TmpRdns-EndRdx/Rchg/Slow(39), TmpRdns-Dmg/Slow(40), TmpRdns-Acc/EndRdx(40)
Level 41: Scorpion Shield -- S'dpty-Def/EndRdx(A), S'dpty-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(42), S'dpty-Def(42)
Level 44: Summon Spiderlings -- ExRmnt-Acc/Dmg(A), ExRmnt-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(45), ExRmnt-EndRdx/Dmg/Rchg(45), ExRmnt-Dmg/EndRdx(46)
Level 47: Super Jump -- Winter-ResSlow(A)
Level 49: Acrobatics -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 0: Freedom Phalanx Reserve
Level 0: Portal Jockey
Level 0: Task Force Commander
Level 0: The Atlas Medallion
Level 50: Spiritual Total Radial Revamp
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Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- ULeap-Stlth(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Defiance
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 8: Chemical Ammunition
Level 8: Cryo Ammunition
Level 8: Incendiary Ammunition
Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Mrcl-Rcvry+(A), Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(21)
Level 2: Stamina -- P'Shift-End%(A), P'Shift-EndMod(21), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg(25)
Why Blasters? Empathy Sucks.
So, you want to be Mental?
What the hell? Let's buff defenders.
Tactics are for those who do not have a big enough hammer. Wisdom is knowing how big your hammer is.
Firstly, I seem to be getting an error uploading your build, mind posting a data chunk? "End of stream" error.
Hmm, for redraw purposes I think I will take pistols instead of acrobatics and slot it instead of ring of fire (with thunderstrike still) I never did get much mileage out of acrobatics since enemies don't tend to 'hold'. Esp since burn is immob protection.
Everything else... THANK YOU! It's rare I come to two sets so unfamiliar, but I've simply no idea how either of these played, I've already noticed (at level 14) that combustion's not FSC with a larger radius by a long shot. It's slow, and it's damage is slow. Helpful comments on Hot Feet, I was unsure of slotting for slow, or using spiritual. but I forgot with IO sets your powers almost automatically acquire endurance slotting.
and slotting for range is far easier on the budget than slotting for S/L and should help with a lot more mezzes (psychic/energy/negenergy) based as they often are.
You even kept my spiderlings 
Huge Help
"Fascinating. I'm not bored at all, I swear." -Kikuchiyo
Quote:
Heh, I got the same problem when I tried to load your build, even when I used your data chunk. I ended up just copying it from the post (If you select from the name True Dreams all the way to the end of the build and copy, you can then use the import feature in Mids). I am guessing it is the Force Feedback Proc in our builds causing the issue, since that is the one that fails to import correctly.|
Originally Posted by Katten
Firstly, I seem to be getting an error uploading your build, mind posting a data chunk? "End of stream" error.
|
Good luck with your blaster. I find my DP/Fire to be one of my favorite toys.
Why Blasters? Empathy Sucks.
So, you want to be Mental?
What the hell? Let's buff defenders.
Tactics are for those who do not have a big enough hammer. Wisdom is knowing how big your hammer is.
Try to fit Invisibility into the build.
There's a trick I used to use with my FIre/Fire blaster that will work for you too (maybe better with HoB)
Invisibility grants "Only Affecting Self" status, which means that, while your toggles remain on, they will not affect enemies. That lets you position yourself in the middle of a mob and drop Invisibility. They will immediately start scattering due to Hot Feet, and you can us FSC and HoB while they are panicking. Drop a Burn Patch and go to town.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Dechs Kaison See, it's gems like these that make me check Claws' post history every once in a while to make sure I haven't missed anything good lately. |
Quote:
That is a fun tactic. Another method you can use is Teleport. I love TPing into the center of a spawn and hitting HOB-FSC.
|
Originally Posted by ClawsandEffect
Try to fit Invisibility into the build.
There's a trick I used to use with my FIre/Fire blaster that will work for you too (maybe better with HoB) Invisibility grants "Only Affecting Self" status, which means that, while your toggles remain on, they will not affect enemies. That lets you position yourself in the middle of a mob and drop Invisibility. They will immediately start scattering due to Hot Feet, and you can us FSC and HoB while they are panicking. Drop a Burn Patch and go to town. |
Why Blasters? Empathy Sucks.
So, you want to be Mental?
What the hell? Let's buff defenders.
Tactics are for those who do not have a big enough hammer. Wisdom is knowing how big your hammer is.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by ClawsandEffect
Try to fit Invisibility into the build.
There's a trick I used to use with my FIre/Fire blaster that will work for you too (maybe better with HoB) Invisibility grants "Only Affecting Self" status, which means that, while your toggles remain on, they will not affect enemies. That lets you position yourself in the middle of a mob and drop Invisibility. They will immediately start scattering due to Hot Feet, and you can us FSC and HoB while they are panicking. Drop a Burn Patch and go to town. |
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by StratoNexus
That is a fun tactic. Another method you can use is Teleport. I love TPing into the center of a spawn and hitting HOB-FSC.
|
"Fascinating. I'm not bored at all, I swear." -Kikuchiyo
Quote:
When doing that I slot Invisibility with a recharge IO so it comes back faster. |
Originally Posted by Katten
I may try the invisibility trick, It'd also be a better way for me to stealth missions if need be also. And, I too am really a fan of teleport, especially directly followed by a queued up sweet attack, but I'll wait for another month for the city traveler vet badge. then I won't have to take recall if I decide to give that a whirl.
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Also, love the quote in your sig. Samurai 7 is one of my favorite anime series'. At least I'm pretty sure that's where it's from, that's the only Kikuchiyo I'm familiar with.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Dechs Kaison See, it's gems like these that make me check Claws' post history every once in a while to make sure I haven't missed anything good lately. |
Can I get a little help with my DP/Fire? Both sets are new to me, and wasn't really sure what to do with the new power picks available so things got a little haphazard. I have TONS of Oblis from old characters I can scrap, so that's no problem. Rares and PvP IO's are out unless they're the cheap sort (under 100mil)
I have a few goals here.
1.) Near S/L softcap when in HoB, so 35%ish s/l is perfect
2.) Decent recharge on HoB
3.) The ability to enter an enemy group and be in HoB before they can react (1 stealth min)
Trading out Aid Self for something more useful (esp if +regen is higher) is fine, I never did like the tricorder, but I concede to it's usefulness.
I'd trade for the cold mastery shield and set, but I don't like the appearance.
Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.92
http://www.cohplanner.com/
Click this DataLink to open the build!
Level 50 Magic Blaster
Primary Power Set: Dual Pistols
Secondary Power Set: Fire Manipulation
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Medicine
Power Pool: Concealment
Ancillary Pool: Mace Mastery
Hero Profile:
Level 1: Dual Wield -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(3), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(3), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(5), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(5)
Level 1: Ring of Fire -- Acc-I(A)
Level 2: Empty Clips -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(7), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(9), Posi-Dmg/Rng(9), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(11), Achilles-ResDeb%(11)
Level 4: Fire Sword -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(13), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(13), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(15), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(17)
Level 6: Swap Ammo
Level 8: Bullet Rain -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(17), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(19), Posi-Dmg/Rng(19), FrcFbk-Rechg%(21)
Level 10: Fire Sword Circle -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(23), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(23), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(25), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(25), Oblit-%Dam(27)
Level 12: Suppressive Fire -- Amaze-Stun(A)
Level 14: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(15)
Level 16: Build Up -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(21), RechRdx-I(27)
Level 18: Executioner's Shot -- Decim-Acc/Dmg(A), Decim-Dmg/EndRdx(29), Decim-Dmg/Rchg(31), Decim-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(31), Decim-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(31)
Level 20: Super Speed -- Run-I(A)
Level 22: Combustion -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(29), Oblit-%Dam(34), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(46), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(50), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(50)
Level 24: Combat Jumping -- Krma-ResKB(A)
Level 26: Piercing Rounds -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(33), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(33), Posi-Dmg/Rng(33), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(34)
Level 28: Consume -- Efficacy-EndMod/Rchg(A), Efficacy-EndMod(43), Efficacy-EndMod/Acc/Rchg(43), Efficacy-Acc/Rchg(46), Efficacy-EndMod/Acc(46), Efficacy-EndMod/EndRdx(48)
Level 30: Aid Other -- Empty(A)
Level 32: Hail of Bullets -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(34), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(36), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(36), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(36), Oblit-%Dam(37)
Level 35: Burn -- Sciroc-Acc/Dmg(A), Sciroc-Dmg/EndRdx(37), Sciroc-Dmg/Rchg(37), Sciroc-Acc/Rchg(40), Sciroc-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(43)
Level 38: Hot Feet -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(39), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(39), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(39), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(40), Oblit-%Dam(40)
Level 41: Scorpion Shield -- EndRdx-I(A), DefBuff-I(42), DefBuff-I(42), DefBuff-I(42)
Level 44: Summon Spiderlings -- ExRmnt-EndRdx/Dmg/Rchg(A), ExRmnt-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(45), ExRmnt-Acc/Rchg(45), ExRmnt-Acc/Dmg(45), ExRmnt-Dmg/EndRdx(50)
Level 47: Aid Self -- Numna-Heal/EndRdx(A), Numna-Heal/Rchg(48)
Level 49: Stealth -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A)
Level 0: Portal Jockey
Level 0: The Atlas Medallion
Level 50: Cardiac Core Paragon
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Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Defiance
Level 6: Chemical Ammunition
Level 6: Incendiary Ammunition
Level 6: Cryo Ammunition
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Health -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- EndMod-I(A), EndMod-I(7), EndMod-I(48)
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Set Bonus Totals:
"Fascinating. I'm not bored at all, I swear." -Kikuchiyo