Possible to softcap S/L without epics?

I'm working on a Fire/Energy blaster. For thematic reasons, I'd rather pick Fire for his epic pool. I don't exactly play him as a blapper, but I do wander into melee range fairly often, so S/L is far more useful to me than Ranged defense. If it's not, how close can one reasonably get without gimping the build? This is likely to be a frequently played character, so I don't mind dumping a large amount of Inf into him, but I'd rather keep the number of PVP IOs to a minimum.

My Fire/Fire has 46% S/L defense with Scorpion Shield and no PvP IO. Scorpion Shield is around 16.5% so dropping that and grabbing a PvP 3% defense IO would put me at around 32.5%, which is one Luck away from softcapped. I could probably get that up to around 35% without completely gimping other aspects of the build, but higher than that would require either taking multiple set mule powers or pretty much abandoning any hope of decent recharge or ranged defense (I have 27%, which helps a fair bit against non-S/L mezzes and ranged elemental attacks).

In general I'd say around 35% or so, maybe a tad higher with a PvP IO. That should make a big difference in survivability, and you'll be able to softcap with a single Luck. You probably could hit around 40% if you take a couple of melee pool attacks and slot Kinetic Combats in them, but that's going to make slots awfully tight on your good powers.

My s/l softcapped fire scrapper says "Yes, it is possible!" Consider what it requires, though. You are going to need all five kinetic combat bonuses, and even if you did want to become a blapper, energy manipulation has one or possibly two, depending on your own tolerances, melee attacks that are even worth using. As Stryker said, that is burning a heck of a lot of slots.

My question would be, why do you feel that s/l is so much more valuable to you than ranged? If the answer is farming, I can't argue with that. For regular content, I find that even in melee range of a spawn, most of the spawn is not going to actually be engaging me in melee. Typically their attention is spread out across the team somewhat, but even if I'm leading the charge there is a period of one or more seconds where they're finishing their ranged attack animations against me or simply standing around in AI stupor mode. One or more seconds is more than enough time to drop the pbaoe that I came into melee range in the first place to activate and plot my trajectory out of the spawn before it begins to animate.

The point of all this is that I think you can do more with ranged defense than it typically gets credit for. Smashing and lethal is, as noted, great for farming, but wouldn't you rather force that warwolf to ineffectually hurl a boulder at you than smack you upside your head? The advantages of the ranged defense approach are that your slotting decisions are much easier, you dodge far more mez attacks and thus can consider a destiny other than clarion, and I'd say you're more versatile against hard targets: every AV is happy to throw crap at you at range, but only like two thirds of AVs are s/l based, and as a blaster you aren't going to want to be in melee with most AVs without support.

here's 44% sm/leth with fire epic

think i would rather have 5 Aegis in the 2 resist sheilds rather than Reactive Armor


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: Fire Blast
Secondary Power Set: Energy Manipulation
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Concealment
Ancillary Pool: Flame Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Flares -- Empty(A), Empty(46), Empty(50), Empty(50)
Level 1: Power Thrust -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(5), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(7), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(7)
Level 2: Energy Punch -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(9), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(9), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(11)
Level 4: Fire Ball -- Empty(A), Empty(11), Empty(13), Empty(13), Empty(50)
Level 6: Build Up -- Empty(A), Empty(21), Empty(21)
Level 8: Rain of Fire -- Empty(A), Empty(37), Empty(37), Empty(37), Empty(40)
Level 10: Combat Jumping -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), Empty(40)
Level 12: Super Jump -- Empty(A)
Level 14: Kick -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(15), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(15), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(19)
Level 16: Tough -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam(17), RctvArm-EndRdx/Rchg(17), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(19)
Level 18: Aim -- Empty(A), Empty(42), Empty(43)
Level 20: Blaze -- Empty(A), Empty(43), Empty(43), Empty(46)
Level 22: Weave -- LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(A), LkGmblr-Def(23), LkGmblr-Rchg+(23), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(36)
Level 24: Maneuvers -- LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(A), LkGmblr-Def(25), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(25), LkGmblr-Rchg+(36)
Level 26: Tactics -- GSFC-ToHit(A), GSFC-ToHit/Rchg(27), GSFC-ToHit/Rchg/EndRdx(27), GSFC-Rchg/EndRdx(31), GSFC-ToHit/EndRdx(34), GSFC-Build%(36)
Level 28: Stealth -- LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(A), LkGmblr-Rchg+(29), LkGmblr-Def(29), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(31), Ksmt-ToHit+(31)
Level 30: Acrobatics -- Empty(A)
Level 32: Inferno -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(33), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(33), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), Oblit-%Dam(34)
Level 35: Boost Range -- Empty(A)
Level 38: Total Focus -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(39), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(39), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(39), HO:Nucle(40)
Level 41: Char -- Empty(A), Empty(42), Empty(42)
Level 44: Fire Shield -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-EndRdx/Rchg(45), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(45), RctvArm-ResDam(45), S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(46)
Level 47: Melt Armor -- Empty(A), Empty(48), AnWeak-Acc/Rchg(48), HO:Lyso(48)
Level 49: Assault -- Empty(A)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Knock%(3), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(3), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(5)
Level 1: Defiance
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Health -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- Empty(A)
------------
Set Bonus Totals:

• 5.5% DamageBuff(Smashing)
• 5.5% DamageBuff(Lethal)
• 5.5% DamageBuff(Fire)
• 5.5% DamageBuff(Cold)
• 5.5% DamageBuff(Energy)
• 5.5% DamageBuff(Negative)
• 5.5% DamageBuff(Toxic)
• 5.5% DamageBuff(Psionic)
• 27.38% Defense(Smashing)
• 27.38% Defense(Lethal)
• 4.25% Defense(Fire)
• 4.25% Defense(Cold)
• 6.75% Defense(Energy)
• 6.75% Defense(Negative)
• 3% Defense(Psionic)
• 19.88% Defense(Melee)
• 6.75% Defense(Ranged)
• 5.5% Defense(AoE)
• 36% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 35% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
• 5% FlySpeed
• 153.61 HP (12.75%) HitPoints
• 5% JumpHeight
• 5% JumpSpeed
• MezResist(Immobilize) 15.95%
• MezResist(Stun) 2.2%
• 2.5% (0.042 End/sec) Recovery
• 30% (1.509 HP/sec) Regeneration
• 5% RunSpeed

That's actually 41.3%, make sure you have combat suppression turned on so Stealth gives you the right value. But if you add two Rectified Reticles to both Aim and BU you'll get to 45% with that build.

It's possible to softcap a blaster to S/L without using a defence based epic shield or the PvP 3% Def IO. However, like many others have stated before you will be burning way too many slots and end up with some of your more useful powers underslotted.

My personal advice: Go for 33% S/L defence with the resist based shield. One small purple inspiration away from softcap when you need it. My main is a Fire/Fire blaster who runs with that combo.
Funny story is that back when I had him softcapped to S/L, while he was really survivable, hits that DID go through my defence, HURT. Now that I've toned him down to 33% Defence and a resist based epic his survivability has more than doubled. It is infinitely easier to pop one Luck to hit defence softcap than it is to pop 4-5 oranges to hit 40-50% Resistance.

Of course, depending on the type of enemies you're facing, different damage types, popping more oranges is always useful if you're facing, for example, the new incarnate content with all the Energy damage (I went with Mu Epic on my blaster for the added energy resistance from the shield which helped me a lot).

Well, you said PvP IOs to a minimum, you didn't say none. Sooo, with that, here's a build for you...easy enough to make changes to, as a lot of my picks were concept based picks on my DP/EM, but switching out DP for FIRE, then switching out Energy Mastery for Fire Mastery.

No idea if you have any concept powers or not (like Flight perhaps)...but again, this is just something to look over, which I think will likely work for you to build something off of.

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Actually...here you go!

There's a hit on the Single Target DPS, as I'm not sure if you for instance want Flight as a travel power or not.

Taking out Hover/Fly for 1 slotted Hasten/Super Speed (27 second down time on Hasten) would increase your ST DPS from around 127 to 176 (quick rough estimates on those numbers).

Hover/Fly will give you the added benefit of well, Range! Going up against a lot of Cims? S/L Defense plus keeping them using just their spears equals even less damage.

With the build below, you are softcapped to S/L without Hover, Hover would add even more S/L Defense.

1 PvP IO in use and FIVE Purple Sets. Remove the PvP IO, turn on Hover, and you'd be at 44.4% S/L Defense.

Obviously lots of options to go with, but there you go for a S/L softcapped Defense Blaster.

Adding in the Incarnate Alpha slot, personally I'd go with either Cardiac or Masculation.

Also, if RotP isn't part of your concept, replace it with Conserve Power. Basically quite a few options for you to consider, but this quickly put together build should help you obtain what you want.

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

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Mutation Blaster
Primary Power Set: Fire Blast
Secondary Power Set: Energy Manipulation
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Flame Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Flares

• (A) Decimation - Accuracy/Damage
• (7) Decimation - Damage/Endurance
• (7) Decimation - Damage/Recharge
• (9) Decimation - Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge
• (9) Decimation - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
• (11) Devastation - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge

• (A) Kinetic Combat - Accuracy/Damage
• (11) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance
• (13) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Recharge
• (13) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance/Recharge

• (A) Ragnarok - Damage
• (15) Ragnarok - Damage/Recharge
• (15) Ragnarok - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
• (17) Ragnarok - Accuracy/Recharge
• (17) Ragnarok - Damage/Endurance
• (46) Recharge Reduction IO

• (A) Rectified Reticle - To Hit Buff
• (19) Rectified Reticle - To Hit Buff/Recharge

• (A) Positron's Blast - Accuracy/Damage
• (19) Positron's Blast - Damage/Endurance
• (21) Positron's Blast - Damage/Recharge
• (21) Positron's Blast - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance
• (23) Positron's Blast - Chance of Damage(Energy)

• (A) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed

• (A) Kinetic Combat - Accuracy/Damage
• (23) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance
• (25) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Recharge
• (25) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance/Recharge

• (A) Rectified Reticle - To Hit Buff
• (27) Rectified Reticle - To Hit Buff/Recharge

• (A) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed

• (A) Steadfast Protection - Resistance/+Def 3%
• (27) Gladiator's Armor - TP Protection +3% Def (All)
• (29) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance
• (29) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Recharge
• (31) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge
• (31) Reactive Armor - Resistance

• (A) Apocalypse - Damage
• (31) Apocalypse - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
• (33) Apocalypse - Accuracy/Recharge
• (33) Apocalypse - Damage/Endurance
• (33) Apocalypse - Chance of Damage(Negative)
• (34) Recharge Reduction IO

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

• (A) Winter's Gift - Slow Resistance (20%)

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

• (A) Rectified Reticle - To Hit Buff
• (36) Rectified Reticle - Increased Perception
• (37) HamiO:Cytoskeleton Exposure
• (37) HamiO:Cytoskeleton Exposure

• (A) Kinetic Combat - Accuracy/Damage
• (37) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance
• (39) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Recharge
• (39) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance/Recharge

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

• (A) Armageddon - Damage
• (34) Armageddon - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
• (36) Armageddon - Accuracy/Recharge
• (40) Armageddon - Damage/Endurance
• (42) Armageddon - Chance for Fire Damage

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

• (A) Kinetic Combat - Accuracy/Damage
• (46) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance
• (48) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Recharge
• (48) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance/Recharge

• (A) Unbreakable Constraint - Hold
• (42) Unbreakable Constraint - Accuracy/Hold/Recharge
• (42) Unbreakable Constraint - Accuracy/Recharge
• (43) Unbreakable Constraint - Endurance/Hold
• (43) Unbreakable Constraint - Chance for Smashing Damage

• (A) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance
• (45) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Recharge
• (45) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge
• (45) Reactive Armor - Resistance

• (A) Recharge Reduction IO

• (A) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed
• (50) Rectified Reticle - To Hit Buff
• (50) Rectified Reticle - To Hit Buff/Recharge

• (A) Empty

• (A) Empty

• (A) Empty

• (A) Run Speed IO

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

• (A) Jumping IO

• (A) Performance Shifter - EndMod
• (3) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Recharge
• (3) Performance Shifter - Chance for +End
• (5) Endurance Modification IO

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