What to pair with /da?

So I've been tossing around the idea of making a /da brute during the upcoming double XP weekend, and wanted to get it prepped and ready to be level 15+ for the new DiB trial.

I'm just not sure what would make a good pairing with the set. I've got Claws and TW on scrappers already, and a SS brute. I've got a Katana scrapper as well, but it has /regen for the secondary, one of the first characters I made. After experiencing the other sets, I just couldn't do another /regen. I do really like Katana though, seems that the defense bonuses from the Katana set would pair up well on a resist/utility set like DA. The end costs are moderate, it has a cone and a pbaoe. It's the first thing I'm kind of looking at, but I am not overly familiar with many of the sets and just wanted to see if anyone had a suggestion that I hadn't thought of that has particular synergy.

Spines. Duh. :P

PBAoE, double cones, DoT aura toggle.

Stone, lots of cc, disorient to stack with og.

If you can suffer through the pre-IO end issues, TW/DA has some pretty strong end-build capabilities. CoD helps cap positional defenses, and DA allows for a fairly redraw-less experience.

Another potential case could be making a Staff/DA brute for when the set comes out, although I realise that can be risky as the set likely won't come out before DXP weekend. That said, Staff has some good synergy with DA, for example the Form of the Soul power's ability to lighten the end usage of DA. Furthermore the set has good softcapping abilities with Guarded Spin and fair AoE with beforementioned and Eye of the Storm and Innocuous Strikes.

I actually have a mainly thematic tw/da brute that I have been leveling. It is a thirsty but fun combo. Once I kit her fully with some IOs, I expect her to be a full blast.

I have a DA/Kin tank and the stacking stuns and -Dam are pretty sweet. If you find enough slots for Cloak of Fear, I'd strongly consider DM for stacking Fear on hard targets.

dual blades or katana with Dark armor and you could make a Dark Jedi/Sith Lord inspired toon.

Take the Magic: The Gathering 'What Color Are You?' Quiz.

My most recent 50 is a Mace/DA brute built for endurance, recovery, and smash/lethal defense. The end use needs management in the 20s to 40s, but once I got all my IOs in and acquired Superior Conditioning and Physical Perfection I can run all my toggles and keep attacking pretty much non-stop.

Here's my build, in case you are interested:

Villain Plan by Mids' Villain Designer 1.952
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Creature from Uranus: Level 50 Mutation Brute
Primary Power Set: War Mace
Secondary Power Set: Dark Armor
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Energy Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Bash -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(3), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(3), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(5), F'dSmite-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(39)
Level 1: Dark Embrace -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam(5), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(7), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(7)
Level 2: Pulverize -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(9), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(9), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(11), F'dSmite-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(39)
Level 4: Jawbreaker -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(11), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(13), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(13), F'dSmite-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(40)
Level 6: Murky Cloud -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam(15), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(15), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(17)
Level 8: Combat Jumping -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A)
Level 10: Obsidian Shield -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), S'fstPrt-ResKB(17)
Level 12: Clobber -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(19), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(19), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(21), F'dSmite-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(40), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(48)
Level 14: Super Jump -- Zephyr-ResKB(A), Zephyr-Travel/EndRdx(42)
Level 16: Dark Regeneration -- Theft-+End%(A), Theft-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(27), Theft-Acc/EndRdx/Heal(27), Nictus-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(29), Nictus-Acc/EndRdx/Heal/HP/Regen(36), Nictus-Heal/HP/Regen/Rchg(36)
Level 18: Whirling Mace -- Erad-Dmg(A), Erad-Acc/Rchg(21), Erad-Dmg/Rchg(23), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(23), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(25), Erad-%Dam(25)
Level 20: Cloak of Darkness -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(37), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(37)
Level 22: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(40), RechRdx-I(42)
Level 24: Build Up -- GSFC-ToHit(A), GSFC-ToHit/Rchg(46), GSFC-ToHit/Rchg/EndRdx(48), GSFC-Rchg/EndRdx(48), GSFC-ToHit/EndRdx(50), GSFC-Build%(50)
Level 26: Super Speed -- Zephyr-ResKB(A), Zephyr-Travel/EndRdx(36)
Level 28: Shatter -- Erad-Dmg(A), Erad-Acc/Rchg(29), Erad-Dmg/Rchg(31), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(31), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(31), Erad-%Dam(33)
Level 30: Cloak of Fear -- SipInsght-ToHitDeb(A), SipInsght-Acc/ToHitDeb(43), SipInsght-Acc/Rchg(43), SipInsght-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg(43), SipInsght-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(46), SipInsght-%ToHit(46)
Level 32: Crowd Control -- Erad-Dmg(A), Erad-Acc/Rchg(33), Erad-Dmg/Rchg(33), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), Erad-%Dam(34)
Level 35: Oppressive Gloom -- Stpfy-Acc/Stun/Rchg(A), Stpfy-Acc/EndRdx(50)
Level 38: Soul Transfer -- Amaze-Acc/Stun/Rchg(A)
Level 41: Superior Conditioning -- P'Shift-End%(A), P'Shift-EndMod(42)
Level 44: Laser Beam Eyes -- Decim-Acc/Dmg(A), Decim-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(45), Decim-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(45), Decim-Dmg/EndRdx(45)
Level 47: Physical Perfection -- P'Shift-End%(A)
Level 49: Taunt -- Zinger-Taunt/Rchg/Rng(A)
------------
Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- P'Shift-End%(A), P'Shift-EndMod(37), EndMod-I(39)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Fury
Level 1: Sprint -- ULeap-Stlth(A)
Level 2: Rest -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run
------------
Set Bonus Totals:

• 2.5% DamageBuff(Smashing)
• 2.5% DamageBuff(Lethal)
• 2.5% DamageBuff(Fire)
• 2.5% DamageBuff(Cold)
• 2.5% DamageBuff(Energy)
• 2.5% DamageBuff(Negative)
• 2.5% DamageBuff(Toxic)
• 2.5% DamageBuff(Psionic)
• 25.5% Defense(Smashing)
• 25.5% Defense(Lethal)
• 10.81% Defense(Fire)
• 10.81% Defense(Cold)
• 17.38% Defense(Energy)
• 17.38% Defense(Negative)
• 3% Defense(Psionic)
• 16.13% Defense(Melee)
• 13.94% Defense(Ranged)
• 18.63% Defense(AoE)
• 9.45% Max End
• 18% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 15% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
• 19% FlySpeed
• 281.1 HP (18.75%) HitPoints
• 19% JumpHeight
• 19% JumpSpeed
• Knockback (Mag -12)
• Knockup (Mag -12)
• MezResist(Immobilize) 15.95%
• 6.5% (0.11 End/sec) Recovery
• 20% (1.25 HP/sec) Regeneration
• 19% RunSpeed
• 8% XPDebtProtection

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I've recently leveled a StJ/DA from 1-50 and he's been a blast, I have him fully IOd out and with the stacking fear and stuns I rarely find myself in trouble, I have no problems building and maintaining fury and with dark obliteration and good positioning on spinning strike I dont feel like my AoE is lacking, even compared to my SS/Elec. My build, or at least a version similar to it should be on page 1 or 2 on these forums if you want to look at it

I'm working on a /DA brute myself and saw this thread. I find it almost humorous that almost every primary was recommended above. Except I don't see claws, which is what I selected. I like claws/DA because, 1) claws just looks brutal. 2) It's very endurance efficient, which /DA is not. 3) Claws, has some decent low recharge chain options which helps in that I can focus on more +defense, to improve my survivability easier. 4) Claws looks brutal.

Looks like Dechs must of missed this thread or didn't feel like posting as I'm sure he would of suggested Claws.

Myself, I went StJ. I was having a hard time leveling both of these sets in previous attempts but StJ/DA together was just to much fun to stop. Sure there were a few problems with end along the way but the more layered mitigation you got from both sets just made for a great time.

Claws is good, I prefer Katana...I have a positional softcapped brute build for /DA...

I have actually tweaked this build some, never got the SW 3% resist, instead put 3 LotG in Cloak of Darkness and picked up about 1% defense that way to Ranged and AoE. Be sure that incarnate is on and atlas medallion is on in accolades when you look at the numbers...

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.954
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Deaths Final Embrace v2.1: Level 50 Mutation Brute
Primary Power Set: Katana
Secondary Power Set: Dark Armor
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Energy Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Gambler's Cut -- Mako-Acc/Dmg:50(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx:50(5), Mako-Dmg/Rchg:50(5), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:50(7), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(7), Mako-Dam%:50(9)
Level 1: Dark Embrace -- Aegis-ResDam:50(A), Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx:50(9), Aegis-ResDam/Rchg:50(11), Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:50(11), Aegis-Psi/Status:50(13), S'fstPrt-ResKB:30(21)
Level 2: Death Shroud -- M'Strk-Acc/Dmg:50(A), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx:50(13), M'Strk-Dmg/Rchg:50(15), M'Strk-Acc/EndRdx:50(15), M'Strk-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(17), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(17)
Level 4: Murky Cloud -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+:30(A), Aegis-ResDam:50(19), Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx:50(19), Aegis-ResDam/Rchg:50(21), Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:50(23), Aegis-EndRdx/Rchg:50(23)
Level 6: Build Up -- GSFC-ToHit:50(A), GSFC-ToHit/Rchg:50(25), GSFC-ToHit/Rchg/EndRdx:50(25), GSFC-Rchg/EndRdx:50(27), GSFC-ToHit/EndRdx:50(27), GSFC-Build%:50(29)
Level 8: Divine Avalanche -- Mako-Acc/Dmg:50(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx:50(29), Mako-Dmg/Rchg:50(31), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:50(31), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(31), Mako-Dam%:50(33)
Level 10: Obsidian Shield -- Aegis-ResDam:50(A), Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx:50(33), Aegis-ResDam/Rchg:50(33), Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:50(34), Aegis-EndRdx/Rchg:50(34)
Level 12: Dragon's Roar -- Zinger-Dam%:50(A)
Level 14: Boxing -- Empty(A)
Level 16: Tough -- GA-3defTpProc:50(A), ImpArm-ResDam:40(34), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx:40(36), Aegis-ResDam:50(36)
Level 18: Weave -- LkGmblr-Rchg+:50(A), LkGmblr-Def:50(36), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx:50(37), SW-ResDam/Re TP:50(37)
Level 20: Dark Regeneration -- Theft-+End%:30(A), Theft-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:30(37), Theft-Acc/EndRdx/Heal:30(39), Nictus-Acc/Heal:50(39), Nictus-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:50(39), Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg:50(40)
Level 22: Cloak of Darkness -- LkGmblr-Rchg+:50(A), LkGmblr-Def:50(50)
Level 24: The Lotus Drops -- Erad-Acc/Rchg:30(A), Erad-Dmg/Rchg:30(40), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:30(40), C'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg:50(42), C'ngBlow-Dmg/EndRdx:50(42), C'ngBlow-Acc/Rchg:50(45)
Level 26: Soaring Dragon -- Mako-Acc/Dmg:50(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx:50(42), Mako-Dmg/Rchg:50(43), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:50(43), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(43), Mako-Dam%:50(45)
Level 28: Cloak of Fear -- N'mare-Acc/EndRdx:50(A), N'mare-EndRdx/Fear:50(45), N'mare-Acc/Fear:50(46)
Level 30: Hasten -- RechRdx-I:50(A), RechRdx-I:50(46)
Level 32: Golden Dragonfly -- Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:30(A), Erad-Acc/Rchg:30(46), Erad-Dmg/Rchg:30(48), C'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg:50(48), C'ngBlow-Dmg/EndRdx:50(48), C'ngBlow-Acc/Rchg:50(50)
Level 35: Super Jump -- Zephyr-ResKB:50(A)
Level 38: Soul Transfer -- RechRdx-I:50(A)
Level 41: Combat Jumping -- LkGmblr-Rchg+:50(A)
Level 44: Maneuvers -- LkGmblr-Rchg+:50(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx:50(50)
Level 47: Superior Conditioning -- EndMod-I:50(A)
Level 49: Physical Perfection -- EndMod-I:50(A)
Level 50: Agility Core Paragon
Level 50: Preemptive Radial Flawless Interface
Level 50: Cimeroran Core Superior Ally
Level 50: Pyronic Core Final Judgement
------------
Level 2: Swift -- Run-I:50(A)
Level 2: Health -- Numna-Regen/Rcvry+:50(A), Mrcl-Rcvry+:40(3)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I:50(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- EndMod-I:50(A), EndMod-I:50(3)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Fury
Level 1: Sprint -- ULeap-Stlth:50(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run

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Electrical Melee, because I think they would look good together. I haven't tried, though.

Jedi? Where? I hate those goody two shoes punks, let me at'em.

Dark Armor sucks. My first toon was a Claws/Dark scrapper. If you want dark armor take fiery aura and paint it black. The first four powers are great, but then its all down hill. Stealth on a brute? Meh. Cloak of Fear, meh. Oppressive Gloom, meh. Soul Transfer, bleh. Compare those to burn, rise of the phoenix, fiery embrace, consume.... or overload et al of electric....

If I was rolling a /Dark I would go Dark Melee because at least then you get some end help.

stone, because I hate my blue bar... and I wanted to play a sturdy dominator. I'm having fun with it.

My main is Fiery Melee/Dark Armor. I dig it.

Fire Melee/Dark is a nice combo...I have a tank with those sets...

Aneko...I tell people exactly what I think anytime I think they need to hear it...and coming in and making a stupid statement..."Dark Sucks..Fire R betr!!!" only invites it...they clearly do not have any idea what they are talking about. That's like saying "kinetics sucks, trick arrow is better!" They are clearly 2 completely different things...

Hey, before you accuse me of smoking or bumping my head, can you address my points? Your ad hominem attacks are nauseating. My experience with /DA was a painful one. If I am wrong prove it in mids. And while your /dark is using energy mastery to solve end issues, my /fire is softcapped to smashing/lethal and switching back and forth between mu/darkness/pyre epics depending on my mood.

Cloak of Fear starts off with 50 percent accuracy. When fighting purples, how many yellows do you have to eat before it hits?

Oppressive Gloom damages you in order to work.

Soul Transfer requires you to die.

Cloak of Darkness stealths you and hides your costume, and is anti fury.

Dark Regeneration is powerful, but recharge is SLOW and requires you to be in melee range of baddies to work.

I'm not saying you can't get to 50 with one. But there are easier ways.