Utility powers for Mind/FF/Mace?

All,

I've got a Mind/FF/Mace controller I'm planning. The character will be shooting for self-softcapping (or close) and good overall recharge. In my build I will have room for 3 bonus/fun powers. Basically, after taking care of my own control, defense, damage, and ally buffing, I've got 3 spots left in my build.

Powers I have not yet committed to are: Force Bolt, Detention Field, Telekinesis, Force Bubble. I have 3 powers open in my build (but no slots open).

Which three of these four powers would you find most useful?

I lean towards Telekinesis, Force Bolt, and Detention Field, since I almost never seem to remember to turn on Force Bubble. However, there are certain situations where a near-fully soft-capped character with Force Bubble would be invaluable.

But I dunno. I'm interested in any opinions you guys have.

Thanks,

Lewis

Probably Force Bubble. Telekinesis is also not totally awful, especially in certain trials.

IMO picking up Aid self would be a good idea if you haven't exhausted pool options. In issue 21 it allegedly is available from level 4 with no pre-reqs.

Oedipus,

Thanks for the reply. I have exhausted my pools. Also, I kinda enjoy skipping Aid Self on soft-capped characters, especially since I'm not trying to do anything specific such as solo any particular creature. It makes things more exciting. I figure that if I actually play the character up, then I'll probably invest the time and pick up the Incarnate heal. Good enough for me.

Anyway, for reference, here is the build with the 3 gaps in it. The gaps are at 12, 38, and 47, but they could be shuffled around.

Thanks,

Lewis

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.942
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

ZZZ CON MIND FF: Level 50 Science Controller
Primary Power Set: Mind Control
Secondary Power Set: Force Field
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Flight
Ancillary Pool: Mace Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Mesmerize -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(7), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(7), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(15)
Level 1: Personal Force Field -- Ksmt-ToHit+(A)
Level 2: Dominate -- Lock-Acc/Hold(A), Lock-Acc/Rchg(3), Lock-Rchg/Hold(3), Lock-EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(13), Lock-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(13), Lock-%Hold(39)
Level 4: Levitate -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(5), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(5), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(15)
Level 6: Confuse -- CoPers-Conf(A), CoPers-Conf/Rchg(11), CoPers-Acc/Conf/Rchg(11), CoPers-Acc/Rchg(17), CoPers-Conf/EndRdx(37), CoPers-Conf%(39)
Level 8: Mass Hypnosis -- FtnHyp-Sleep/Rchg(A), FtnHyp-Acc/Sleep/Rchg(9), FtnHyp-Acc/Rchg(9), FtnHyp-Sleep/EndRdx(17), FtnHyp-Plct%(39)
Level 10: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(31), RechRdx-I(34)
Level 12: [Empty] -- Empty(A)
Level 14: Super Speed -- Zephyr-Travel(A), Zephyr-Travel/EndRdx(48), Zephyr-ResKB(48)
Level 16: Combat Jumping -- Zephyr-Travel(A), Zephyr-Travel/EndRdx(48), Zephyr-ResKB(50)
Level 18: Total Domination -- Lock-Acc/Hold(A), Lock-Acc/Rchg(36), Lock-Rchg/Hold(36), Lock-EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(36), Lock-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(37), Lock-%Hold(37)
Level 20: Dispersion Bubble -- LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(A), LkGmblr-Def(21), LkGmblr-Rchg+(21)
Level 22: Deflection Shield -- LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(A), LkGmblr-Def(23), LkGmblr-Rchg+(23)
Level 24: Insulation Shield -- LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(A), LkGmblr-Def(25), LkGmblr-Rchg+(25)
Level 26: Terrify -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(27), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(27), Posi-Dmg/Rng(29), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(29)
Level 28: Boxing -- Acc-I(A)
Level 30: Hover -- Zephyr-Travel(A), Zephyr-Travel/EndRdx(31), Zephyr-ResKB(31)
Level 32: Mass Confusion -- Mlais-Acc/Rchg(A), Mlais-EndRdx/Conf(33), Mlais-Acc/EndRdx(33), Mlais-Conf/Rng(33), Mlais-Acc/Conf/Rchg(34), RechRdx-I(34)
Level 35: Tough -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx(40), Aegis-ResDam/Rchg(40), Aegis-EndRdx/Rchg(40), Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(46), Aegis-ResDam(46)
Level 38: [Empty] -- Empty(A)
Level 41: Scorpion Shield -- LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(A), LkGmblr-Def(42), LkGmblr-Rchg+(42)
Level 44: Disruptor Blast -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(45), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(45), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(45), Posi-Dam%(46)
Level 47: [Empty] -- Empty(A)
Level 49: Weave -- LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(A), LkGmblr-Def(50), LkGmblr-Rchg+(50)
Level 50: Cardiac Core Paragon
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Acc-I(A)
Level 1: Containment
Level 1: Sprint -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 2: Rest -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Flight-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Mrcl-Rcvry+(A), Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(42)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- P'Shift-EndMod(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg(19), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc/Rchg(19), P'Shift-Acc/Rchg(43), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc(43), P'Shift-End%(43)

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My first choice would be Force Bubble, then Force Bolt, then Telekinesis. I strongly dislike Intangible powers . . . tried 'em on several toons and never like them.

I have found quite a few situations where Force Bubble was useful. Force Bolt is handy for a surgical repositioning or as a "get out of my face" power. I generally have to search for opportunities to use Telekinesis, as I find it very situational.

Med pool is not a travel power so you will not be able to get it at 4.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oedipus_Tex Probably Force Bubble. Telekinesis is also not totally awful, especially in certain trials. IMO picking up Aid self would be a good idea if you haven't exhausted pool options. In issue 21 it allegedly is available from level 4 with no pre-reqs.

That build is actually quite nice. The only thing I'd change for sure is the slotting of Kismet. I think it only works slotted in something you use regularly.

In terms of how I'd build it myself, there are a few specific things I'd probably do. I would back away from trying to soft cap so many kinds of defense in favor of switching to capped Ranged, with decent values for everything else, but trying to pick up a self heal and as much Resistance as possible. Then I'd switch to the Primal APP for Power Boost and probably the Destiny incarnate power that grants Power Boost-ish effects. These powers increase the strength of the shields. IMO the long term effect is a much more survivability than soft capping to several positions would be. I'd also try for as much additional Recharge as possible so that Power Boost and Mind's long recharge powers came back faster.

Here's a sample of what that might look like. With Cardiac alphas, the S/L resist is 70%. You get a self heal, and when Power Boosted are nearly capped to all (the Destiny power would cap it). Your team and any pets are shielded for 31% when you cast your shields while PBed, and are soft capped in normal content when nearby you.

Note that the build doesn't work until I21. If you want to change over now, you may want to take Telekinesis in place of Aid Self and see if you like it better than Force Bubble.

Also note that I swapped the slotting of Mass Confusion and Confuse. Some people may not like that I moved the Con Confusion proc to Mass Confuse, where it triggers less often, but in my experience Con Confusion isn't that important to Mind Controllers as a whole.


Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.942
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

ZZZ CON MIND FF: Level 50 Science Controller
Primary Power Set: Mind Control
Secondary Power Set: Force Field
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Medicine
Power Pool: Fighting
Ancillary Pool: Primal Forces Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Mesmerize -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(7), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(7)
Level 1: Personal Force Field -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A)
Level 2: Dominate -- BasGaze-Acc/Hold(A), BasGaze-Acc/Rchg(3), BasGaze-EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(3), BasGaze-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(13), HO:Perox(13), Dmg-I(39)
Level 4: Levitate -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(5), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(5), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(15), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(15), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(43)
Level 6: Confuse -- Mlais-Acc/Rchg(A), Mlais-EndRdx/Conf(11), Mlais-Acc/EndRdx(11), Mlais-Conf/Rng(17), Mlais-Acc/Conf/Rchg(34)
Level 8: Mass Hypnosis -- FtnHyp-Sleep/Rchg(A), FtnHyp-Acc/Sleep/Rchg(9), FtnHyp-Acc/Rchg(9), FtnHyp-Sleep/EndRdx(17), FtnHyp-Plct%(39)
Level 10: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(31), RechRdx-I(34)
Level 12: Hover -- Zephyr-Travel/EndRdx(A), Zephyr-ResKB(31), LkGmblr-Rchg+(34), HO:Cyto(46)
Level 14: Super Speed -- Zephyr-Travel/EndRdx(A), Zephyr-ResKB(48)
Level 16: Aid Self -- Heal-I(A), Heal-I(40)
Level 18: Total Domination -- UbrkCons-Hold/Rchg(A), UbrkCons-Acc/Hold/Rchg(36), UbrkCons-Acc/Rchg(36), UbrkCons-EndRdx/Hold(36), UbrkCons-Hold(37)
Level 20: Dispersion Bubble -- RedFtn-Def/EndRdx(A), RedFtn-Def(21), RedFtn-EndRdx(21), RedFtn-Def/Rchg(31), RedFtn-EndRdx/Rchg(37), RedFtn-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(48)
Level 22: Deflection Shield -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), LkGmblr-Def(23), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(23)
Level 24: Insulation Shield -- LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(A), LkGmblr-Def(25), LkGmblr-Rchg+(25)
Level 26: Terrify -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(27), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(27), Posi-Dmg/Rng(29), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(29)
Level 28: Boxing -- Acc-I(A)
Level 30: Tough -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), TtmC'tng-ResDam/EndRdx(40)
Level 32: Mass Confusion -- CoPers-Conf(A), CoPers-Conf/Rchg(33), CoPers-Acc/Conf/Rchg(33), CoPers-Acc/Rchg(33), CoPers-Conf/EndRdx(37), CoPers-Conf%(39)
Level 35: Weave -- LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(A), Ksmt-ToHit+(40), LkGmblr-Def(50), LkGmblr-Rchg+(50)
Level 38: Force Bubble -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 41: Power Blast -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(42), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(42), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(43), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(43), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(46)
Level 44: Energy Torrent -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(45), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(45), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(45), Posi-Dam%(46)
Level 47: Power Boost -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(48)
Level 49: Temp Invulnerability -- ResDam-I(A), TtmC'tng-ResDam/EndRdx(50)
Level 50: Cardiac Core Paragon
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Acc-I(A)
Level 1: Containment
Level 1: Sprint -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 2: Rest -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Flight-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Mrcl-Rcvry+(A), Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(42)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- P'Shift-EndMod(A), P'Shift-End%(19), EndMod-I(19)

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Thanks for the replies. More opinions are perfectly welcome since I'm not decided yet.

More specifically ...


Local_Man,

I love single target intangible powers for "oh crap I am not ready for THAT yet" situations. But I hear ya.


Oedipus,

I did not intend for the Kismet to be in PFF. I meant to put a Karma level 10 -knockback there just to have even more -knockback.

As for changing to aid self and primal, I think your build is cool, but I just dont want aid self. Also, as for primal, I kinda resent powers that you "have" to take. I am sure everyone would love power boosted shields, but I dont want primal or power boost.

If I found myself in lots of trials where people expected it, I would simply make a second build, a super cheap build (in that I wouldnt focus on recharge at all). I would buy into the defense softcapping for ranged with Aid Self and Power boost, but I'd do it on the cheap with no money of significance spent on recharge.


Thanks to everyone for the responses! I am open to more, though I reserve the right to be a Picky Blintz, as always.

Lewis

I just wish I could take Tough and Weave without taking Boxing. Then my character could have all 4 powers.

Lewis