Help with DM/DA build

Hello there, I received some wonderful help from Des many months ago on my build but things have changed alot since then. I just seem to have a hard time making builds. I took my current scrapper out (lvl 36) based on the build below and he got eaten alive. (the mission was +2/x2 and the enemies were arachnos) Is this build that bad or is it the setting or the enemies or some or all. I guess I am asking for a tweak on the build. Please please I really want soul transfer for concept reasons.......I know it is frowned upon by some. Any help would be great.


Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.93
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Magic Scrapper
Primary Power Set: Dark Melee
Secondary Power Set: Dark Armor
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Darkness Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Smite -- T'Death-Acc/Dmg:25(A), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx:25(3), T'Death-Dmg/Rchg:25(3), T'Death-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:25(5), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:25(5), T'Death-Dam%:25(46)
Level 1: Dark Embrace -- ImpArm-ResDam:15(A), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx:15(7), ImpArm-ResDam/Rchg:15(7), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:15(9)
Level 2: Shadow Maul -- M'Strk-Acc/Dmg:20(A), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx:20(11), M'Strk-Dmg/Rchg:20(11), M'Strk-Acc/EndRdx:20(13), M'Strk-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:20(13), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:20(25)
Level 4: Death Shroud -- M'Strk-Acc/Dmg:20(A), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx:20(15), M'Strk-Dmg/Rchg:20(15), M'Strk-Acc/EndRdx:20(17), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:20(36), M'Strk-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:20(39)
Level 6: Touch of Fear -- DarkWD-ToHitDeb:21(A), DarkWD-ToHitDeb/Rchg:21(17), DarkWD-ToHitDeb/EndRdx:21(40)
Level 8: Siphon Life -- T'Death-Acc/Dmg:25(A), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx:25(9), T'Death-Dmg/Rchg:25(19), T'Death-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:25(19), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:25(21), T'Death-Dam%:25(21)
Level 10: Obsidian Shield -- Aegis-Psi/Status:25(A), Aegis-ResDam:25(23), Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx:25(23)
Level 12: Hover -- Zephyr-ResKB:10(A)
Level 14: Boxing -- Empty(A)
Level 16: Dark Regeneration -- Theft-Acc/Heal:10(A), Theft-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:10(29), Theft-+End%:10(29), H'zdH-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg:20(31), Numna-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg:30(31), Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg:30(43)
Level 18: Dark Consumption -- EnManip-EndMod:20(A), EnManip-EndMod/Rchg:20(25), EnManip-Stun%:20(27)
Level 20: Murky Cloud -- ImpArm-ResDam:15(A), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx:15(33), ImpArm-ResDam/Rchg:15(34), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:15(34)
Level 22: Cloak of Darkness -- Krma-ResKB:30(A), LkGmblr-Rchg+:50(40)
Level 24: Tough -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+:10(A), ResDam-I:50(50)
Level 26: Soul Drain -- Oblit-Dmg:30(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg:30(27), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg:30(31), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:30(37), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:30(37), Oblit-%Dam:30(37)
Level 28: Cloak of Fear -- Cloud-ToHitDeb:10(A), Cloud-Acc/ToHitDeb:10(34), Cloud-Acc/Rchg:10(36), Cloud-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg:10(39), Cloud-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:10(39), Cloud-%Dam:10(40)
Level 30: Combat Jumping -- Zephyr-ResKB:10(A)
Level 32: Midnight Grasp -- T'Death-Acc/Dmg:25(A), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx:25(36), T'Death-Dmg/Rchg:25(42), T'Death-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:25(42), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:25(43), T'Death-Dam%:25(43)
Level 35: Weave -- DefBuff-I:10(A)
Level 38: Soul Transfer -- RechRdx-I:50(A)
Level 41: Torrent -- DisWord-ToHitDeb:20(A), DisWord-ToHitDeb/Rchg:20(42), DisWord-ToHitDeb/Rchg/EndRdx:20(50)
Level 44: Dark Blast -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg:50(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx:50(45), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg:50(45), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(45), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(46), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(46)
Level 47: Tenebrous Tentacles -- Det'tn-Acc/Dmg:50(A), Det'tn-Dmg/EndRdx:50(48), Det'tn-Dmg/Rchg:50(48), Det'tn-Dmg/Rng:50(48), Det'tn-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(50)
Level 49: Maneuvers -- LkGmblr-Rchg+:50(A)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Critical Hit
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Swift -- Flight-I:50(A)
Level 2: Health -- Numna-Regen/Rcvry+:50(A), Mrcl-Rcvry+:40(33)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I:50(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- P'Shift-End%:50(A), EndMod-I:50(33)
Level 4: Ninja Run

Even +0 Arachnos can tear my cost-no-object soft-capped Katana/Dark apart if I'm not paying attention and I get unlucky. I pay attention, so they don't kill me, but Arachnos are pretty nasty. The links don't work for me, so I can't check the build, but getting killed by +2 Arachnos on a level 36 Dark/Dark doesn't sound all that out of line, honestly.

Mind you, I don't IO out at level 36. I suppose I'd expect more out of an IO build. So yeah, maybe there's a problem of some sort.

It could also just be a tactical problem. Is it a high defense build, like a smashing/lethal soft cap build? If so, Arachnos will debuff that defense and then tear you apart. I monitor my defense so I know when to start chugging purple if necessary, and I prioritize debuffers, particularly the Tarantula Mistresses. They typically debuff me before I can put them down, though.

Looking at the build and it's no surprise you're struggling against Arachnos mobs. I'm gonna echo Werner's statements, Arachnos mobs will always be a challenge to Dark Armor because the use a lot of energy attacks, but you can stack the odds in your favor.

Ok, here's the part you are not going to like. I recognize this build. It is very similar to how I used to advise folks to slot DM/DA, but sadly the game has changed. I'm gonna recommend you scrap this build completely. Simply put, your defense values are too low. While positional defense is still valid, it requires a great many slots for a Dark Armor to obtain positional defense. Typed defense, while a tad more expensive, is available in greater abundance and will be as effective in the majority of scenarios. For Dark Armor the one exception will be Toxic damage.

Start switching over to Kinetic Combats, yes they are expensive, but well worth the investment. Slot Reactive Armors in your resistance toggles, then build from there.

Thank you both for your input. I am glad to hear it is some part due to my laziness/lack of skill with DA as that I can work on. A little more sad on the slotting parts. Werner, it was mostly positional defense but not soft capped and more melee heavy.

As a casual player with kids money is a bit tight.I do have a well slotted 50 controller. I suppose it's time to shelve the poor scrapper again and go make some money for him.

Are the powers and the slotting ok then? do I just need to change the suggested sets?

and again thanks, this community (for all archetypes) had been grea t

For efficiencies sake here is the chunk. I do not know why it didnt port over. I must have been sleepy!

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OK, I agree with going for a typed defense build here instead of positional, though really, it's not THAT bad as you have it. Smashing/lethal resistance seems low to me. I'd slot Cloak of Fear for its fear instead of the to-hit debuff, particularly now that you won't be after the ranged defense bonus. Knockback protection is good. I suspect you can get more defense more easily than set bonuses by just slotting Cloak of Darkness and Weave, maybe even Maneuvers, Combat Jumping and Hover. Accuracy on Dark Regeneration is way too low for my tastes. NO accuracy in Dark Consumption? Well, I suppose chances are it'll hit someone. Endurance looks pretty horrible, though the Cardiac Alpha and/or Ageless Destiny would probably make it playable most of the time. Ah, and accolades were off, so that helps a bit. You might want to consider more endurance reduction and recovery tossed about. I'd also want more hit points. I consider anything under 1700 to be iffy. You're close, though, assuming you pick up the accolades.

As far as power selection goes, I think you should have Shadow Punch. Top end DPS builds don't have it (or didn't pre I20, which is still being worked out), but they also have a metric ton more recharge than you do. I'm not saying you need more recharge (my Katana/Dark is low recharge), just that you need Shadow Punch. I'd personally drop Touch of Fear, but I suspect some people still love it, and you may be one of them. Your Dark Armor choices are fine. I wouldn't personally pick up Soul Transfer, but if you want it, you want it, and that's fine. Then there's the Cloak of Fear vs. Oppressive Gloom debate. As is, for this build, I'd probably switch to Oppressive Gloom - survivability is only middle of the road, so you'll likely take a lot less damage from Oppressive Gloom than it prevents, plus it would help address your endurance woes. But if you're redoing it around typed defense and shooting for the soft cap, and if you get your endurance under control in other ways, I'd probably stick with Cloak of Fear. I do like it more as long as I can pull it off. I'd probably go with Body Mastery instead of Darkness Mastery to help with endurance, but you may be in Darkness Mastery for concept (Dark/Dark/Dark has a nice ring to it), which is fine. Other than that, the pool power selections seem fine to me.

It's really not bad, and there's probably nothing wrong with just sticking with your build as it is since influence is tight. Just stay away from Arachnos when you can. Then respec some day in the future when you can afford to make it even better.

Thanks for all the input. I will be home late tonight and will stare at mids and see what we can see. Will hopefully post something new tonight.

I am going to strongly disagree with Werner in regards to Touch of Fear. The rest his post I am in agreement with.

Even if you achieve soft cap, which is REALLY expensive on Dark Armor, you will still run into a boss or LT that will get in a lucky shot. If that mob has an energy attack it can get very dicey. This is where Touch of Fear comes in. Even with out Cloak of Fear, the fear and tohit of ToF will pull your butt out of a jam. Obviously, it's only effective on the single mob you cast it on, so identify which mob has your kryptonite is crucial. Prior to inherent Fitness, I agreed with Werner on ToF. Since ToF I can think of few powers that add as much to the build.

While it's true Kinetic Combats are the ideal IOs for S/L defense, they are not your only option. I am posting a build that will substantially improve your survivability without breaking the bank. This build will not make you the greatest DM/DA scrapper, but it will substantially decrease the PITA aspect of mobs with energy attack such as Arachnos. I've left your power choices intact, but you may consider making some changes based on Werner's post. This will at least give an idea how to build without bankrupting.

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.93
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Magic Scrapper
Primary Power Set: Dark Melee
Secondary Power Set: Dark Armor
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Darkness Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Smite -- S'ngH'mkr-Acc/Dmg(A), S'ngH'mkr-Dmg/EndRdx(3), S'ngH'mkr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(3), S'ngH'mkr-Dmg/Rchg(5), T'Death-Acc/Dmg(5)
Level 1: Dark Embrace -- ImpArm-ResDam(A), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(7), ImpArm-ResDam/Rchg(7), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(9)
Level 2: Shadow Maul -- Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(A), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(11), Erad-Dmg(11), C'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg(13), C'ngBlow-Dmg/Rchg(13), C'ngBlow-Dmg/EndRdx(25)
Level 4: Death Shroud -- Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(A), Erad-Dmg(15), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(15), C'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg(17), C'ngBlow-Dmg/EndRdx(36), C'ngBlow-Dmg/Rchg(39)
Level 6: Touch of Fear -- SipInsght-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(A), SipInsght-Acc/ToHitDeb(17), SipInsght-%ToHit(21), SipInsght-Acc/Rchg(40), SipInsght-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg(46)
Level 8: Siphon Life -- S'ngH'mkr-Acc/Dmg(A), S'ngH'mkr-Dmg/EndRdx(9), S'ngH'mkr-Dmg/Rchg(19), S'ngH'mkr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(19), T'Death-Acc/Dmg(21)
Level 10: Obsidian Shield -- Aegis-Psi/Status(A), Aegis-ResDam(23), Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx(23)
Level 12: Hover -- Zephyr-ResKB(A)
Level 14: Boxing -- Empty(A)
Level 16: Dark Regeneration -- Theft-Acc/EndRdx/Heal(A), Theft-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(29), Theft-+End%(29), Nictus-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(31), Numna-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(31), Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(43)
Level 18: Dark Consumption -- Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(A), Erad-Acc/Rchg(25), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(27), C'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg(37), C'ngBlow-Dmg/Rchg(42), C'ngBlow-Acc/Rchg(43)
Level 20: Murky Cloud -- ImpArm-ResDam(A), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(33), ImpArm-ResDam/Rchg(34), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(34)
Level 22: Cloak of Darkness -- Krma-ResKB(A), GftotA-Def/EndRdx(40)
Level 24: Tough -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), S'fstPrt-ResDam/EndRdx(50)
Level 26: Soul Drain -- Rec'dRet-ToHit(A), Rec'dRet-ToHit/Rchg(27), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(31), Erad-Acc/Rchg(37), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(37)
Level 28: Cloak of Fear -- SipInsght-Acc/ToHitDeb(A), SipInsght-ToHitDeb(34), SipInsght-Acc/Rchg(36), SipInsght-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg(39), SipInsght-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(39), N'mare-Acc/EndRdx(40)
Level 30: Combat Jumping -- Zephyr-ResKB(A)
Level 32: Midnight Grasp -- S'ngH'mkr-Acc/Dmg(A), S'ngH'mkr-Dmg/EndRdx(36), S'ngH'mkr-Dmg/Rchg(42), S'ngH'mkr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(42), T'Death-Acc/Dmg(43)
Level 35: Weave -- GftotA-Def/EndRdx(A)
Level 38: Soul Transfer -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 41: Torrent -- DisWord-ToHitDeb(A)
Level 44: Dark Blast -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(45), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(45), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(45), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(46), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(46)
Level 47: Tenebrous Tentacles -- Det'tn-Acc/Dmg(A), Det'tn-Dmg/EndRdx(48), Det'tn-Dmg/Rchg(48), Det'tn-Dmg/Rng(48), Det'tn-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(50)
Level 49: Maneuvers -- GftotA-Def/EndRdx(A)
Level 0: Freedom Phalanx Reserve
Level 0: Task Force Commander
Level 0: Portal Jockey
Level 0: The Atlas Medallion
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Critical Hit
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Swift -- Flight-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(A), Mrcl-Rcvry+(33)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- EndMod-I(A), EndMod-I(33), P'Shift-End%(50)
Level 4: Ninja Run

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Additional thought:

My DM/DA build is a concept build, so REALLY wanted Darkness Mastery. Until Issue 20, it was how I built my DM/DA. It is my hope that at some point, we have the ability to customize our APP, because simply put, Blaze Master is the superior choice. Tenebrous Tentacles looks really cool, and meshes nicely with the theme...but Fire Ball is faster, easier, and more effective.

I love my concept build, but not enough to compromise that level of damage output.

Just got home and checked this thread. You may have saved me some headaches....I will go over the build and try it out. I thank you (again) for the help. The controller forum helped me get my first 50, here's to the scrapper community doing the same I hope! (Well I have a 50 MA/SR but he still has SO's)

Looking forward to tweaking my scrapper

salut!