Approaching Endgame: Mind/Storm Build Guidance, Please.
By
Argentae,
Posted on: 2012-06-10 22:53 in Controllers
Well... Can you give us any insight into how you play? Mostly teaming? Mostly Solo? Some of both?
What are your goals for the build? Are you building towards global + rech or for + ranged defense?
I tend to plan my controller builds to be primarily about + rech as so many critical powers are on really long recharge timers. For Mind/Storm that's particularly true as having multiple Tornados/Freezing Rain/Lightning Storms out make an enormous difference.
The other thing I would be building towards is +rec as /storm is a MASSIVE end hog (and has no end recovery powers) esp once you start summoning Tornado and Lightning Storm.
So, if it was me, the two things I'd be focusing on are + rech and + rec (and endred in ALL your main attack chain powers and psuedo-pet summons ). With those in mind a few things leapt out at me in your build:
1. You have Confuse, and Mass Confuse slotted with Malaise Illusions (which is a great set) but you have them both 4 slotted, when you would get +6.25 (12.5% for both) global Rech if you put one more Malaise in each them.
2. Call of the Sandman is also slotted just short of where you get the really good set bonuses, and the set is, in general, quite inexpensive.
3. You have The Numina Reg/Rec slotted in Health (which is great), but you don't have the Miricle +rec in there as well. The Miracle + rec is absurdly expensive, but what I'd suggest is buying/crafting a CHEAP Miracle IO (one of the set that's NOT in high demand, and get it at as low a level as you can) and then use the Enhancement Converters that you've no doubt been picking up in the course of playing in the last couple months to convert IN SET to get the +Miracle +rec unique IO.
4. You have the ATO set in Total Dom, which isn't the worst place it could be (Mind/ has a really hard time with setting AOE containment), but you might consider (if you haven't already), putting it in Mass Hyp instead as that would let you spam it so you get decent milage out of the +dmg proc. That would mean you don't get the bonuses out of Sandman though. Perhaps you could put the ATO proc in either Mass Hyp or Terrify and pick up the last ATO to put with the rest of the set wherever you chose to put it?
You've done quite a bit of good widgeting from a frankenslot perspective, and if that's what you want to do, that's awesome. Most of what I'm talking about above has to do with identifying what set bonuses could be helping you and where you want to focus on as you move into the end game. 
Arg
The damage proc in Mass Hyp would BREAK the sleep... unlike with Mesmerize, there's no delay in the mez effect and so it'd essentially be a weak quasi AoE power. And then it would alert all enemies (say, if Mass Hyp misses or, again, the enemies wake up right away). So I think putting the damage proc there would be a really bad idea.
-STEELE =)
Allied to all sides so that no matter what, I'll come out on top!
Oh, and Crimson demands you play this arc-> Twisted Knives (MA Arc #397769)
Quote:
Damn, I AM spoiled by Dark/... |
Originally Posted by EmperorSteele
The damage proc in Mass Hyp would BREAK the sleep... unlike with Mesmerize, there's no delay in the mez effect and so it'd essentially be a weak quasi AoE power. And then it would alert all enemies (say, if Mass Hyp misses or, again, the enemies wake up right away). So I think putting the damage proc there would be a really bad idea.
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ES is totally right, I suppose it's been long enough since I've played any of my Mind/ that I've gotten out of the *ahem* MINDset. Bwahaha.. *ahem* Sorry, had to be done.
So, totally scratch that, bad idea, nothing to see here, this is not the ATO placement you are looking for...
Putting the ATO set in Terrify is the other AOE location you could use it, but that one I DID think through :: roll-eyes ::, and given the total lack of dmg in the ATO set it would suck *if* you use Terrify largely as a damage power. If, on the other hand, you use Terrify largely as a soft control power I'd absolutely put the ATO set into Terrify as it will proc VERY often in a slow recharge power like Terrify while it gives you a great fear duration, recharge, endred, acc etc.
Another option would be to put the ATO into Dominate where it would up your single target damage *quite* a bit. As I said, TD isn't the worst place for it, but the proc is a good one, and I hate to see it getting so little use sitting in such an infrequently available power. Personally I'd slot it in my singe target hold, where it completely fulfills it's intended purpose. I'd totally give it a whirl in Terrify on test though.
Another reason to keep it out of Mass Hyp (just to grind the point home for myself) is that the Purple Sleep set is one of the more reasonable ones out there, and if you're planning on doing post 50 content with your Dream Warrior (LOVE the concept btw!) you might as well be keeping final build in mind as you get closer.
Arg
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Argentae
Well... Can you give us any insight into how you play? Mostly teaming? Mostly Solo? Some of both?
What are your goals for the build? Are you building towards global + rech or for + ranged defense? I tend to plan my controller builds to be primarily about + rech as so many critical powers are on really long recharge timers. For Mind/Storm that's particularly true as having multiple Tornados/Freezing Rain/Lightning Storms out make an enormous difference. The other thing I would be building towards is +rec as /storm is a MASSIVE end hog (and has no end recovery powers) esp once you start summoning Tornado and Lightning Storm. So, if it was me, the two things I'd be focusing on are + rech and + rec (and endred in ALL your main attack chain powers and psuedo-pet summons ). With those in mind a few things leapt out at me in your build: 1. You have Confuse, and Mass Confuse slotted with Malaise Illusions (which is a great set) but you have them both 4 slotted, when you would get +6.25 (12.5% for both) global Rech if you put one more Malaise in each them. 2. Call of the Sandman is also slotted just short of where you get the really good set bonuses, and the set is, in general, quite inexpensive. 3. You have The Numina Reg/Rec slotted in Health (which is great), but you don't have the Miricle +rec in there as well. The Miracle + rec is absurdly expensive, but what I'd suggest is buying/crafting a CHEAP Miracle IO (one of the set that's NOT in high demand, and get it at as low a level as you can) and then use the Enhancement Converters that you've no doubt been picking up in the course of playing in the last couple months to convert IN SET to get the +Miracle +rec unique IO. 4. You have the ATO set in Total Dom, which isn't the worst place it could be (Mind/ has a really hard time with setting AOE containment), but you might consider (if you haven't already), putting it in Mass Hyp instead as that would let you spam it so you get decent milage out of the +dmg proc. That would mean you don't get the bonuses out of Sandman though. Perhaps you could put the ATO proc in either Mass Hyp or Terrify and pick up the last ATO to put with the rest of the set wherever you chose to put it? You've done quite a bit of good widgeting from a frankenslot perspective, and if that's what you want to do, that's awesome. Most of what I'm talking about above has to do with identifying what set bonuses could be helping you and where you want to focus on as you move into the end game. Arg |
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Argentae
Damn, I AM spoiled by Dark/...
ES is totally right, I suppose it's been long enough since I've played any of my Mind/ that I've gotten out of the *ahem* MINDset. Bwahaha.. *ahem* Sorry, had to be done. So, totally scratch that, bad idea, nothing to see here, this is not the ATO placement you are looking for... Putting the ATO set in Terrify is the other AOE location you could use it, but that one I DID think through :: roll-eyes ::, and given the total lack of dmg in the ATO set it would suck *if* you use Terrify largely as a damage power. If, on the other hand, you use Terrify largely as a soft control power I'd absolutely put the ATO set into Terrify as it will proc VERY often in a slow recharge power like Terrify while it gives you a great fear duration, recharge, endred, acc etc. Another option would be to put the ATO into Dominate where it would up your single target damage *quite* a bit. As I said, TD isn't the worst place for it, but the proc is a good one, and I hate to see it getting so little use sitting in such an infrequently available power. Personally I'd slot it in my singe target hold, where it completely fulfills it's intended purpose. I'd totally give it a whirl in Terrify on test though. Another reason to keep it out of Mass Hyp (just to grind the point home for myself) is that the Purple Sleep set is one of the more reasonable ones out there, and if you're planning on doing post 50 content with your Dream Warrior (LOVE the concept btw!) you might as well be keeping final build in mind as you get closer. Arg |
Quote:
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Originally Posted by EmperorSteele
The damage proc in Mass Hyp would BREAK the sleep... unlike with Mesmerize, there's no delay in the mez effect and so it'd essentially be a weak quasi AoE power. And then it would alert all enemies (say, if Mass Hyp misses or, again, the enemies wake up right away). So I think putting the damage proc there would be a really bad idea.
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Thanks for your comments, Argentae, I'm quite taken with the concept of the ultra-wise innocent, who nonetheless kicks butt on the bad-guys because they're bad.
EmperorSteele is correct, no damage procs in my Sleep power, but Total Domination HAS no inherent damage and a Proc isn't going to break it. Meanwhile Hold and Recharge are desperately needed by that power, so it all makes sense.
The point about putting the ATO set into a power that will be used more often is absolutely valid, though and I could see putting it into Mesmerize instead. Then I could slot 4 Basilisk and a couple of Ghost Widow's into Mass Dom. and profit.
Argentae noted, accurately, that some of my powers are missing the critical 5th slot/enhancement and all I can say is, I'm only level 38 and I've put my slots and enhancements where I thought they were most needed at the time. When I get more slots to spend, I'll definitely be adding those! Just a matter of time and experience.
The big, remaining issue is those last 4 powers. What APP to chose? Psionics follows from the Mind aspect, but Dark could be cast as Dreams. Ice Mastery would follow from Storm, even Stone could be explained as a greater Manifestation of reality-warping power. Or I could dip over to the 'dark side' and sample the Patron Powers of the villains.
Does anyone have some sage advice about that?
Be Well!
Fireheart
So, about a year ago, I posted here asking for guidance on my Mind/Storm Controller and got some great stuff. Of particular value were notes on slotting Freezing Rain and Synergy between Gale and Terrify. Also, there was advice about Not skipping Thunder Clap... which made sense, but I couldn't get it to work well - possibly didn't try hard enough.
Time has flown and my little Dream Warrior has manifested awesome power. Now we move into the realm of APPs and final choices, and I just don't know how I want to go with it. So, more guidance, please!
Dreams and clouds and nightmares abound - is it all in your mind, or is there something else out there?
Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.957
http://www.cohplanner.com/
Click this DataLink to open the build!
Kitten Dreams: Level 49 Magic Controller
Primary Power Set: Mind Control
Secondary Power Set: Storm Summoning
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Psionic Mastery
Hero Profile:
Level 1: Mesmerize -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(3), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(3), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(5), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(34)
Level 1: Gale -- Acc-I(A)
Level 2: Levitate -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(9), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(11), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(11), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(33)
Level 4: Dominate -- Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(A), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(5), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(7), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(7), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34)
Level 6: Confuse -- Mlais-Acc/Rchg(A), Mlais-EndRdx/Conf(13), Mlais-Acc/Conf/Rchg(13), Mlais-Acc/EndRdx(29)
Level 8: Mass Hypnosis -- CSndmn-Acc/Rchg(A), CSndmn-EndRdx/Sleep(15), CSndmn-Acc/EndRdx(15), CSndmn-Acc/Sleep/Rchg(17)
Level 10: Steamy Mist -- LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(17), LkGmblr-Rchg+(31)
Level 12: Combat Jumping -- Krma-ResKB(A)
Level 14: Fly -- Srng-EndRdx/Fly(A)
Level 16: Freezing Rain -- P'ngTtl-EndRdx/Rchg/Slow(A), TmpRdns-EndRdx/Rchg/Slow(19), UndDef-Rchg(19), LdyGrey-DefDeb/Rchg/EndRdx(25)
Level 18: Total Domination -- WotController-Acc/Conf/Hold/Immob/Sleep/Stun/Fear(A), WotController-Conf/Hold/Immob/Sleep/Stun/Fear/Rchg(21), WotController-Acc/Conf/Hold/Immob/Sleep/Stun/Fear/EndRdx(21), WotController-Acc/Conf/Hold/Immob/Sleep/Stun/Fear/EndRdx/Rchg(29), WotController-Rchg/Dam%(31)
Level 20: O2 Boost -- H'zdH-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(A)
Level 22: Hurricane -- DarkWD-ToHitDeb/EndRdx(A), DarkWD-ToHitdeb/Rchg/EndRdx(23), DarkWD-Rchg/EndRdx(23)
Level 24: Snow Storm -- EndRdx-I(A), EndRdx-I(25)
Level 26: Terrify -- Det'tn-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(A), Posi-Acc/Dmg(27), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(27)
Level 28: Assault -- EndRdx-I(A), EndRdx-I(31)
Level 30: Tactics -- AdjTgt-ToHit/EndRdx/Rchg(A), AdjTgt-EndRdx/Rchg(37), AdjTgt-ToHit/EndRdx(37)
Level 32: Mass Confusion -- Mlais-Acc/Rchg(A), Mlais-EndRdx/Conf(33), Mlais-Acc/EndRdx(33), Mlais-Acc/Conf/Rchg(34)
Level 35: Tornado -- ExRmnt-Acc/Rchg(A), ExRmnt-Acc/Dmg(36), ExRmnt-Dmg/EndRdx(36), ExRmnt-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(36), ExRmnt-EndRdx/Dmg/Rchg(37)
Level 38: Lightning Storm -- Empty(A), Empty(39), Empty(39), Empty(39)
Level 41: Indomitable Will -- Empty(A)
Level 44: Mind Over Body -- Empty(A)
Level 47: World of Confusion -- Empty(A)
Level 49: Psionic Tornado -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Brawl -- Acc-I(A)
Level 1: Containment
Level 1: Prestige Power Dash -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Slide -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Quick -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Rush -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Surge -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- ULeap-Stlth(A)
Level 2: Rest -- RechRdx-I(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-EndMod(A), P'Shift-End%(9)
Level 4: Ninja Run
------------
Be Well!
Fireheart