Megalodon: My SM/DA Guide that doesnt suck!!

I: Introduction

After a few years I finally figured out what I was doing with Dark Armor. After many attempts pairing Dark Armor with the right primary and failing, I have found the perfect partner and recipe to make Dark Armor a efficient brute. Previously, I was trying to make Dark Armor something it wasn't (a extremely tough armor set that could survive without mitigation right off the bat). This of course was foolish. I started to realize why it had such powers as Dark Regen, Cloak of Fear, Oppressive Gloom, Cloak of Darkness, etc. All of these were for a reason and with this toon I realized why.

II: Why SM/DA?

A big part of this power set combo was themed. Whether you are planning on a themed or very versatile character, this guide may give you one possible option for your decision. Dark Regenration, Cloak of Darkness, Death Shroud... These were big selling points when I was a newbie playing Dark Armor. Now, Cloak of Fear (CoF) and Dark Regen are what make this brute what he is today. It has good resists, decent, mitigation, defense and a and a second to none heal. It is a jack of all trades in a sense and master of its own unique play style. Stone Melee was the other part of the unique play style. It was either this or Super Strenth. Stone Melee got the job because I deteste Rage crashes on a set where I felt a little defense would be necessary to survive. I realized how much knock down (KD) mitigation Stone Melee has and was sold! End reduction and recharge I find are two other very important parts of this build. Your heal has to be up often and you have to have some good end redux to run all the armors that will really help you be like all your other brute brothers (or close to it). Plenty of end redux's in your powers and armors are MANDATORY in the beginning.

III:Power Sets

A:Stone Melee: KD's, Disorients all wrapped in stone. If you want something that hits hard this is definitely one of the good picks.

Stone Fist

This is the very first attack. Since fury building is very important, I highly recommend you get this fast attack. I would only 5 slot this one (2acc, 2dmg, 1 rch prior to sets). I did crushing impact in this one after.

Stone Mallet

Nice recharge, good damage and the end cost ain't so bad. Highly suggest this one too! Just because this is the second attack does not mean you should look past its end cost too much though. Use it enough and in conjuction with other powers it you will feel the drain. It is nicely paired with Heavy Mallet. I suggest a 5 slot prior to sets (2acc, 2dmg, 1end, 1rch). Crushing impact after.

Heavy Mallet

The damage is great and of course I highly suggest this power. The end cost sucks though! I know the recharge does too, but I decided to make a sacrifice on the rch slots for end (2acc, 2dmg, 2end redux). 5 crushing impact, 1 forcefeedback: +rch

Build Up

Increases your damage and to hit for a few seconds. Love it, get it, 3 slot it (3rch). I gave it 1 rch and 2 adjusted targeting later (for a lil to-hit and dmg bonus).

Fault

I know you may probably think this is skippable, maybe you're right. Personally, this is the power that changedmy build around. Any brute can take a lot of aggro, but a "good" brute can live through it. Since Dark Armor is not the toughest, this powers mitigation helps you do that like you wouldn't believe and giving you some time between heavy alpha to use your heal. I would get it if I were you just to see how it could benefit you. (1Acc1End 1 rch) this power until my recent respec, so beginning slots you may have to play with. I gave this 2 stupefy 1 force feedback:rch/end

Taunt

Also a power you may think is skippable. You'd be right. I got it to help out my squishy friends (1taunt).

Seismac Smash

Not skippable. This is "that" move that everyone will be like "DAAAANG" when you use it. It hits Hard and has a slow recharge and end cost to go with it. (2acc, 2dmg, 2end redux). Used Crushing Impact after.

Hurl Boulder

I do not have this power as I felt it didn't benefit my build. I'm not knocking it though, I do like it. It is good to throw at that one enemy that thinks he is getting away. I would only give it 5 slots.

Tremor

I think the damage is very so-so, but not bad. I love the mitigation though. (2acc 2dmg 1end redux, 1rch). I use this very often so the slots are a little odd I think. I wanted to aim for high end redux mainly. If you have a suggestion let me know: 4 eradication, 1 force feedback(rch,end), Scirocco's Dervish (dmg,end).


B: Dark Armor: Like I said earlier, its the jack of all trades. Its strenth lies in its powerful heal, mitigation toggles, and its Negative Energy and Psionic resistance. You would think they would give it some resistance to -to hit buffs or -recharge...oh well!

Dark Embrace

It's mandatory and you need it. It good resistance and unlike most armor sets, you get toxic resistance, YAY! (2res, 2end redux, 1steafast:KB protection) 4 Impervium and keeping the Steadfast later on. NOTE: Dark Armor does not have KB protection in its armor, so either you go this route or get Acro. 1 KB protection will do eventhough you may get knocked around a tad.

Death Shroud

I've heard people say this power is good and that its an over time heavy hitter. I also do have it when the situation arises. It can get you killed as well. If you still want to run CoF know that Death Shroud only breaks it momentarily every so often, especially if the fear is strong. Even with the stone melee KD's, it still is risky IMO. Like any dmg aura for a brute, it might be good to have for keeping aggro and the dmg it brings with fury. 4 ticks is very close to the same damage as tremor, FYI.(1Acc, 3end redux). There are many ways to IO slot this, but make sure Acc and End are the priorities.

Murky Cloud

Although the negative energy and cold do not hurt that much the fire and the energy can definitely kill you. Those two resistances are not the strongest in this armor. The end drain effects... thats funny... you have enough end problems without anyone draining you. Still, get this armor, what choice do you have? (2res 2 end redux) later 4 impervium armor.

Obsidian Shield

Another good power and very necessary. The psi resistance is awesome too. (2res 2 end) 4 reactive armor later. I did this just for something different and for a little defense.

Dark Regeneration

This is the talk of the town power and the biggest self heal in the game. The draw backs are the end cost is high and the recharge is slow, but we can fix that. You can do a 5 slot or a 6 slot up to you. I had 6 and went down to 5 with sets (1acc, 2end redux, 3rch) 2 ToE's and 3 miracles. The ToE proc for +end would be a good thing to put in this power too!

Cloak of Darkness (CoD)

I really love this power for the defense, the immobilization protection Obsidian lacks and the stealth. The stealth really helps not draw in too much aggro from peeping enemies, so you wont get more groups than you can handle. The defense stacked with others compliments CoF's -to hit also. (2 end redux 2 def) 4 GoA's later with the Run IO. I used the Run IO because my main travel power is Ninja Run which I will go into later.

Cloak of Fear (CoF)

Long ago I hated this power. I thought -to hit was pointless for a set with no defenses. The end cost was too high and the ACC sucked! I've turned over a new leaf because its not my favorite power. You can slot up for fear or -to hit, but I chose fear. I can have a group around me and pick of the bosses, lts, then minions keeping the aggro and not taking too many hits. I believe Cimeroan's have some kind of fear resist, so what out for them. (2Acc 3end redux 1fear) 5 Glimpse's 1end redux. I didnt bother with the chance for Psi in this set, but if anyone has some feedback on it let me know. If you are going for more defense on your SM/DA, Accurate Tohit Debuff sets would be helpful.

Oppressive Gloom

This is a power I wasn't very found of and that hasn't changed. The disorient isn't good enough IMO and I hate to have them drunk walking wherever they please. However, it will stack with fault, so if you do not mind the drunk wanderers go for it! Combine with CoF, this power attempts to create a pseudo hold. I would only 1 slot this power.

Soul Transfer

Another power that I used to hate now love. Sometimes things do not go as we plan. You would like to think your resistance is great and your heal is always charged, but sometimes its just not the case. That's where Soul Transfer comes in. You'll probably die more than other brutes and so you do not look like a complete waste of space, Soul Transfer gets you right back into the fight. 1rch and thats it!

IV: Power pools, Epics, and Travel powers

A: Power pools
1) Hasten: Recharge is important so I picked this up and gave it 3rch

2) Fighting pool: The objective here was to get tough and weave. You have to either pick kick or boxing first so I did boxing which serves as a good fury builder (1acc). Tough (2 end redux 2 res) 4 impervium armor after. Weave (3 end redux 2 res) 5 LoG's after, yes with the +recharge IO.

3) Teleport. I mainly got this pool to fill space, but it has some uses. Since Ninja run (with a few travel bonuses) is my main travel power teleport was something I used for long distances in zones. I picked on recall friend for those missions that need a stealther where a stalker may not be available.

Tp ain't for everyone, and since I know everyone has their own method of travel feel free to use the one that's suite you.

4) Stamina: This is now inherent and I could not be happier. swift, hurdle both have 1 slot for run and jump helping my Ninja Run. Health has 2 Numina's for regen and the bonus. Stamina has 4 slots (4 performance shifters). The extra end is nice as are the bonuses of the set.

B: Epics

1)Energy Mastery: Since DA is known for its end issues I picked this epic. Super Conditioning and Physical Perfection both got 2 slots for end mod.

Lets say your end is great and you do not need this, I'd suggest Soul Mastery. Gloom gives you an extra ranged attack, soul tenacles to hold those baddies in place, darkest being a great addition to your -tohit debuffs and dark oblit for some AoE action! You can also have a pet


C: Travel powers

You can pick whatever fits you and thats fine. I did not really have the space for a travel so I decided with set bonuses ninja run would do just fine. I did pick of teleport later on for those long distances as I said earlier.

V:The Alpha Slot

Even with the set bonuses, epic pool power help you may find your end will still not allow you to take alpha, surive, all while trying to defeat the enemy. I did! So I went ahead and went with the Cardiac Alpha. I have Cardiac Boost which had done wonders for my endurance. The next step is to get Cardiac Radial Boost for the extra dmg resistance. I suggest to pick the alpha that fills in the whole that the build lacks. Naturally, mine lacks a lil resistance and even after many endurance set bonuses end was still a problem, so I made my choice. If you want to take a different route, Musculature and Spiritual Alpha's are also good choices.

V: Conclusion

I'm happy that I finally got DA to work for me. It took long enough, and finally I have a bad *** DA toon. I hope tihs build helped anyone who wants to try it or was discouraged by all the threads downing DA. It's not a bad set, its just not typical. Suggestions welcome ( as well as spell check). Below is my set and regular IO builds.

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Villain Plan by Mids' Villain Designer 1.92
http://www.cohplanner.com/

God's Shadow: Level 50 Natural Brute
Primary Power Set: Stone Melee
Secondary Power Set: Dark Armor
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Teleportation
Ancillary Pool: Energy Mastery

Villain Profile:
------------
Level 1: Stone Fist C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg:50(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx:50(9), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg:50(19), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(39), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(43)
Level 1: Dark Embrace ImpArm-ResDam:40(A), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx:40(3), ImpArm-ResDam/Rchg:40(3), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:40(9), S'fstPrt-ResKB:30(50)
Level 2: Stone Mallet C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg:35(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx:35(5), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg:35(15), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:35(40), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:40(45), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:40(46)
Level 4: Heavy Mallet C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg:30(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx:30(5), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg:30(15), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(31), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:30(34), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:30(37)
Level 6: Murky Cloud ImpArm-ResDam:40(A), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx:40(7), ImpArm-ResDam/Rchg:40(7), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:40(11)
Level 8: Fault Rope-Acc/Stun/Rchg:50(A), Rope-Acc/EndRdx:50(17)
Level 10: Hasten RechRdx-I:50(A), RechRdx-I:50(11), RechRdx-I:50(13)
Level 12: Obsidian Shield RctvArm-ResDam:40(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx:40(13), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg:40(34), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:40(34)
Level 14: Boxing Acc-I:50(A)
Level 16: Dark Regeneration Theft-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:30(A), Theft-Acc/EndRdx/Heal:30(17), Mrcl-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg:40(19), Mrcl-EndRdx/Rchg:40(31), Mrcl-Heal/Rchg:40(48)
Level 18: Seismic Smash C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg:50(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx:50(21), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg:50(36), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(45), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(45), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(48)
Level 20: Build Up AdjTgt-ToHit/Rchg:50(A), AdjTgt-ToHit/EndRdx/Rchg:50(21), RechRdx-I:50(42)
Level 22: Tough ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx:40(A), ImpArm-ResDam/Rchg:40(23), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:40(23), ImpArm-ResDam:40(25)
Level 24: Cloak of Darkness GftotA-Def:40(A), GftotA-Def/EndRdx:40(25), GftotA-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:40(27), GftotA-Run+:40(36)
Level 26: Taunt Taunt-I:50(A)
Level 28: Cloak of Fear EndRdx-I:50(A), Abys-EndRdx/Fear:50(29), Abys-Acc/EndRdx:50(29), Abys-Acc/Fear/Rchg:50(37), Abys-Acc/Rchg:50(42), Abys-Fear/Rng:50(43)
Level 30: Teleport EndRdx-I:50(A)
Level 32: Tremor Erad-Dmg:30(A), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:30(33), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:30(33), Erad-Acc/Rchg:30(33), FrcFbk-Rchg/EndRdx:50(37), Sciroc-Dmg/EndRdx:50(50)
Level 35: Death Shroud Erad-Dmg:30(A), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:30(36), EndRdx-I:50(39), Sciroc-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(43)
Level 38: Weave LkGmblr-Def:40(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx:40(39), LkGmblr-Def/Rchg:40(40), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:40(40), LkGmblr-Rchg+:50(46)
Level 41: Superior Conditioning EndMod-I:50(A), EndMod-I:50(50)
Level 44: Soul Transfer RechRdx-I:50(A)
Level 47: Physical Perfection EndMod-I:50(A), EndMod-I:50(48)
Level 49: Recall Friend RechRdx-I:50(A)
Level 50: Cardiac Boost
------------
Level 1: Brawl Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint EndRdx-I:50(A)
Level 2: Rest Empty(A)
Level 1: Fury
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift Run-I:50(A)
Level 2: Health Numna-Heal:50(A), Numna-Heal/EndRdx:50(46)
Level 2: Hurdle Jump-I:50(A)
Level 2: Stamina P'Shift-EndMod:50(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc:50(27), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg:50(31), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc/Rchg:50(42)


Villain Plan by Mids' Villain Designer 1.92
http://www.cohplanner.com/

God's Shadow: Level 50 Natural Brute
Primary Power Set: Stone Melee
Secondary Power Set: Dark Armor
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Teleportation
Ancillary Pool: Energy Mastery

Villain Profile:
------------
Level 1: Stone Fist Acc-I:50(A), Acc-I:50(9), Dmg-I:50(19), Dmg-I:50(39), RechRdx-I:50(43)
Level 1: Dark Embrace ResDam-I:40(A), ResDam-I:40(3), EndRdx-I:40(3), EndRdx-I:40(9), S'fstPrt-ResKB:30(50)
Level 2: Stone Mallet Acc-I:50(A), Acc-I:50(5), Dmg-I:50(15), Dmg-I:50(40), EndRdx-I:50(45), RechRdx-I:50(46)
Level 4: Heavy Mallet Acc-I:50(A), Acc-I:50(5), Dmg-I:50(15), Dmg-I:50(31), EndRdx-I:50(34), EndRdx-I:40(37)
Level 6: Murky Cloud ResDam-I:40(A), ResDam-I:40(7), EndRdx-I:40(7), EndRdx-I:40(11)
Level 8: Fault Acc-I:50(A), EndRdx-I:50(17), RechRdx-I:50(19)
Level 10: Hasten RechRdx-I:50(A), RechRdx-I:50(11), RechRdx-I:50(13)
Level 12: Obsidian Shield ResDam-I:40(A), ResDam-I:40(13), EndRdx-I:40(34), EndRdx-I:40(34)
Level 14: Boxing Acc-I:50(A)
Level 16: Dark Regeneration Acc-I:50(A), EndRdx-I:50(17), EndRdx-I:40(31), RechRdx-I:40(46), RechRdx-I:40(48)
Level 18: Seismic Smash Acc-I:50(A), Acc-I:50(21), Dmg-I:50(36), Dmg-I:50(45), EndRdx-I:50(45), EndRdx-I:50(48)
Level 20: Build Up RechRdx-I:50(A), RechRdx-I:50(21), RechRdx-I:50(42)
Level 22: Tough ResDam-I:40(A), ResDam-I:40(23), EndRdx-I:40(23), EndRdx-I:40(25)
Level 24: Cloak of Darkness EndRdx-I:40(A), EndRdx-I:40(25), DefBuff-I:40(27), DefBuff-I:40(36)
Level 26: Taunt Taunt-I:50(A)
Level 28: Cloak of Fear Acc-I:50(A), Acc-I:50(29), EndRdx-I:50(29), EndRdx-I:50(37), EndRdx-I:50(42), Fear-I:50(43)
Level 30: Teleport EndRdx-I:50(A)
Level 32: Tremor Acc-I:30(A), Acc-I:30(33), Dmg-I:30(33), Dmg-I:30(33), EndRdx-I:50(37), RechRdx-I:50(50)
Level 35: Death Shroud Acc-I:30(A), EndRdx-I:30(36), EndRdx-I:50(39), EndRdx-I:50(43)
Level 38: Weave EndRdx-I:50(A), EndRdx-I:50(39), EndRdx-I:50(40), DefBuff-I:50(40), DefBuff-I:50(46)
Level 41: Superior Conditioning EndMod-I:50(A), EndMod-I:50(50)
Level 44: Oppressive Gloom Acc-I:50(A)
Level 47: Physical Perfection EndMod-I:50(A), EndMod-I:50(48)
Level 49: Soul Transfer RechRdx-I:50(A)
Level 50: Cardiac Partial Radial Revamp
------------
Level 1: Brawl Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint EndRdx-I:50(A)
Level 2: Rest Empty(A)
Level 1: Fury
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift Run-I:50(A)
Level 2: Health Heal-I:50(A)
Level 2: Hurdle Jump-I:50(A)
Level 2: Stamina EndMod-I:50(A), EndMod-I:50(27), EndMod-I:50(31), EndMod-I:50(42)



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Do you want us to review your guide first before posting in the Player's guide section? Or are you writing this guide just to share your experience with us?

Dark Armor is Fiery Aura's big sister. I've been thinking about rolling a Stone/DA myself, but Stone is so very single target and I like large spawn sizes so I'm not sure. Also, even though I like DA on paper, I seem to abandon every DA character I roll.

I am looking for an excuse to use the Omega costume pieces, though (those things are hard to fit into most costumes). Seeing the Omega character wearing a santa hat in the winter event video made me extra-curious to try it out.

WARNING: I bold names.

A few comments:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amir Death Shroud: You become a focus point for the Netherworld, allowing its Negative Energy to seep from your body. This will continuously damage all foes in melee range. Dmg: Minor(DoT), Rch: Fast I've heard people say this power is good and I also do have it when the situation arises. It can get you killed as well and since it doesnt really work well with CoF. I've ran them both together and though my fear from CoF is strong, death shroud still breaks it up too much. Even with the stone melee KD's, it still is risky IMO. (1Acc, 3end redux), 2eradication, 1 end redux and 1 Scirroco's Dervish: Dmg/End later.

You might want to look for other threads on this power and see what experiences other players have had. Generally, players report that damage auras do a LOT of damage over the long run, and they are at their most efficient on Brutes, because Fury buffs them and, in a sort of feedback loop, they keep Fury up by drawing aggro to the Brute.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amir Dark Regeneration: You can tap the dark essence of the Netherworld to drain a small amount of life from all enemies nearby, thus healing yourself. The more foes affected, the more you will be healed. Dmg: Minor. Rch: Slow This is the talk of the town power and the biggest self heal in the game. The draw backs are the end cost is high and the recharge is slow, but we can fix that. You can do a 5 slot or a 6 slot up to you. I had 6 and went down to 5 with sets (1acc, 2end redux, 3rch) 2 ToE's and 3 miracles.

Might want to emphasize use of the ToE proc to offset the end cost.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amir Cloak of Darkness (CoD): A shroud of Netherworld darkness envelopts you, making you difficult to spot at a distance. You can be seen only at close range, or if you attack a target. Even if seen, the Cloak grants a bonus to defense to all attacks and some protection to immobilization. This Cloak also allows you to see things in a new light, allowing you to better see stealthy foes. It has no movement penalty, but will not work with other concealment powers. I really love this power for the defense, the immobilization protection Obsidian lacks and the stealth. The stealth really helps not draw in too much aggro from peeping enemies, so you wont get more groups than you can handle. The defense stacked with others compliments CoF's -to hit also. (2 end redux 2 def) 4 GoA's later with the Run IO. I used the Run IO because my main travel power is Ninja Run which I will go into later. ... 3) Teleport. I mainly got this pool to fill space, but it has some uses. Since Ninja run (with a few travel bonuses) is my main travel power teleport was something I used for long distances in zones. I picked on recall friend for those missions that need a stealther where a stalker may not be available.

Might want to remind players to turn off their aggro auras (Oppressive Gloom, Cloak of Fear, Death Shroud) before stealthing a mission.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amir 4) Stamina: This is no inherent and I could not be happier.

The typo is kind of confusing here -- probably worth correcting to "This is now inherent"

Thank you for the suggestions Sailbot, all good points to put in. I personally am having a hard time loving death shroud right now...but I'm sure other people might want to hear a lil positive feedback on it.

Death Shroud is amazing over time. By sheer virtue of how many thing it hits at once (it's brawl every pulse to everything around you) it ends up being my top damage power after a play session every time.

It doesn't break cloak of fear every pulse... it interrupts it. Instead of them standing there cowering and not giving you fury they get to attack once every six or seven seconds then go back to cowering.

In combination with Fault and oppressive gloom there's every possibility that Death Shroud will be your biggest damage dealer by sheer virtue of being able to peg the goofs as they stagger away, and the Taunt component ensures that (most of the time) the enemies come running back to you after the stun wears off as opposed to running for the hills.

I have been trying to play DA for a long time. Like many I LOVE it on paper, but never make it past lvl 20 with it. This thread inspired me to build a SM/DA dream build, and roll up a new toon. Just for grins here is the build.

Villain Plan by Mids' Villain Designer 1.92
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Crystalcrafter: Level 50 Magic Brute
Primary Power Set: Stone Melee
Secondary Power Set: Dark Armor
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Energy Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Stone Fist

• (A) Kinetic Combat - Accuracy/Damage
• (15) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance
• (15) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Recharge
• (27) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance/Recharge
• (48) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance
• (48) Perfect Zinger - Chance for Psi Damage

• (A) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance
• (5) Reactive Armor - Resistance
• (9) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Recharge
• (13) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge

• (A) Eradication - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge
• (42) Eradication - Damage
• (42) Eradication - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
• (43) Multi Strike - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance

• (A) Kinetic Combat - Accuracy/Damage
• (27) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance
• (31) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Recharge
• (31) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance/Recharge
• (46) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
• (48) Perfect Zinger - Chance for Psi Damage

• (A) Reactive Armor - Resistance
• (7) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance
• (7) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Recharge
• (9) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge

• (A) Absolute Amazement - Endurance/Stun
• (43) Absolute Amazement - Chance for ToHit Debuff
• (43) Absolute Amazement - Stun/Recharge
• (45) Absolute Amazement - Accuracy/Stun/Recharge
• (45) Absolute Amazement - Accuracy/Recharge

• (A) Steadfast Protection - Resistance/Endurance
• (11) Steadfast Protection - Resistance/+Def 3%
• (11) Steadfast Protection - Knockback Protection

• (A) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed
• (13) Kismet - Accuracy +6%
• (45) Karma - Knockback Protection

• (A) Hecatomb - Chance of Damage(Negative)
• (34) Hecatomb - Damage/Endurance
• (36) Hecatomb - Damage/Recharge
• (36) Hecatomb - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
• (37) Hecatomb - Accuracy/Recharge
• (50) Force Feedback - Recharge/Endurance

• (A) Theft of Essence - Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge
• (17) Theft of Essence - Accuracy/Endurance/Healing
• (17) Theft of Essence - Chance for +Endurance
• (19) HamiO:Golgi Exposure
• (19) HamiO:Golgi Exposure
• (21) Perfect Zinger - Accuracy/Recharge

• (A) Kinetic Combat - Accuracy/Damage
• (36) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance
• (37) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Recharge
• (37) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance/Recharge
• (46) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge
• (46) Unbreakable Constraint - Chance for Smashing Damage

• (A) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed
• (21) HamiO:Enzyme Exposure

• (A) Rectified Reticle - To Hit Buff
• (23) Rectified Reticle - To Hit Buff/Recharge
• (23) Recharge Reduction IO

• (A) Recharge Reduction IO
• (25) Recharge Reduction IO
• (25) Recharge Reduction IO

• (A) Kinetic Combat - Knockdown Bonus
• (39) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Recharge
• (39) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance
• (40) Kinetic Combat - Accuracy/Damage

• (A) Gladiator's Armor - Resistance
• (29) Gladiator's Armor - TP Protection +3% Def (All)
• (29) Gladiator's Armor - End/Resist

• (A) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed
• (31) HamiO:Enzyme Exposure

• (A) Armageddon - Chance for Fire Damage
• (33) Armageddon - Damage/Endurance
• (33) Armageddon - Damage/Recharge
• (33) Armageddon - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
• (34) Armageddon - Accuracy/Recharge
• (34) Force Feedback - Chance for +Recharge

• (A) HamiO:Endoplasm Exposure

• (A) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed
• (39) HamiO:Enzyme Exposure

• (A) Performance Shifter - Chance for +End
• (50) Performance Shifter - EndMod

• (A) Performance Shifter - Chance for +End

• (A) HamiO:Enzyme Exposure

• (A) Recharge Reduction IO

• (A) Kinetic Combat - Knockdown Bonus
• (40) Kinetic Combat - Accuracy/Damage
• (40) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance
• (42) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Recharge

• (A) Empty

• (A) Empty

• (A) Run Speed IO

• (A) Numina's Convalescence - +Regeneration/+Recovery
• (5) Miracle - +Recovery

• (A) Jumping IO

• (A) Performance Shifter - Chance for +End
• (3) Performance Shifter - EndMod
• (3) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Recharge
• (50) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Accuracy

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I think it is not a bad guide to get people started. From the sticky in this brute forum, I found that there is already a stone melee/dark armor guide, but it was written in I6, which is a bit outdated. It would be nice to have a guide for this combo written with updated information and contemporary point of view. I think that a guide with just brief descriptions of each power might look a bit like the old guides.

Here are my comments for each section:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amir I: Introduction II: Why SM/DA?

I think the two sections can be written more from the point of view of the readers. For example, instead of saying that you're writing a book about a character of darkness with great strength, you can say that for people who are interested in making a dark-themed smashy character, stone melee/dark armor is the choice. I think it's just style. I feel that you are writing a guide about yourself, not writing a guide for other people.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amir III:Power Sets

I think you can consider the points raised by other people. I don't think you need to cut and paste the in-game power description here. I would appreciate more discussions on things that people won't realize at a first glance of the power sets.

At the end of the guide, you posted an IO build. I think you can post both an IO and a SO (or generic IO) build. This is because in your discussion on powers, you suggest SO/generic IO slotting. I think it is more convenient just to post a SO/generic IO build for people to look at directly. For your posted IO build, I think it is good to list a summary of the set bonus total, but the very detailed list of set bonus breakdown is probably not necessary as I doubt that any people will read it.

I believe I mad the revisions.

When discussing epics you might want to put some thought into what Darkest Night from soul mastery can do for a dark armor brute. Its -to hit stacks nicely with cloak of fears and sort of indirectly cloak of darkness's defense. Its -dam gives your native resistances to *everything* a boost.

For my dark/dark/dark running Darkest Night is the difference between x8 with ease and x4 with ease. Granted, Fault and Oppressive gloom stunning everything around you diminishes its usefulness for a sm/dark but against heavy hitters it's still worth its weight in blue bar in my opinion.

Which, of course, is the downside. It's Yet Another Huge Endurance Drain.