Bio Armor Effectiveness

Alright, so I'm trying to come up with a decent build for a Spines/Bio Scrapper. Assume it will be a brute **if** they proliferate to brutes. I've played Spines a lot before, and I know how hard it will be to level up with the amount of aggro it will generate. I'm worried about the survivability of Bio Armor.

I plan on running around and hugging enemies on largish teams. I can't seem to get defensive adaptation to work on MIDS, so maybe that's what the main issue is. Either way, I'm concerned about the defense of the toon.

I can only seem to get to roughly 21.3% S/L, 27.5% F/C, and 15.7% Psi. With the majority of defense debuffs being S/L and 0 DDR on Bio Armor, I'm worried I'll turn into a Leper right when I run in to the middle of fights. Is the absorption from Carapace really that powerful to keep me alive? Should I pre-emptively pop it or wait until I start taking damage (so the regen will catch up?)

At 50, I can shore that up with Ageless and Suppor Core. I don't want the toon to blossom at 50 though. Can someone look at this and tell me if I'm far off-base? I have offensive adaptation enabled, but even toggled off it doesn't get a whole lot prettier. I'm considering dropping my build for Staff/Bio =\

Any help will be appreciated.

(Data chunk at the bottom)

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.96
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 43 Mutation Scrapper
Primary Power Set: Spines
Secondary Power Set: Bio Armor
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Body Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Lunge -- SScrappersS-Rchg/+Crit(A), SScrappersS-Acc/Dmg(3), SScrappersS-Dmg/Rchg(3), P'ngFist-Acc/Dmg(5), P'ngFist-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(5), P'ngFist-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(46)
Level 1: Hardened Carapace -- RctvArm-ResDam(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(13), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(13), RctvArm-EndRdx/Rchg(43), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(50)
Level 2: Inexhaustible -- Numna-Heal(A), Numna-Heal/Rchg(15), Numna-Heal/EndRdx(15)
Level 4: Environmental Modification -- LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(A), LkGmblr-Rchg+(19), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(19)
Level 6: Spine Burst -- Erad-Dmg(A), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(7), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(7), C'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg(11), C'ngBlow-Dmg/Rchg(37), C'ngBlow-Acc/Rchg(40)
Level 8: Impale -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(A), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(9), Thundr-Acc/Dmg(9), Mael'Fry-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(11), Mael'Fry-Acc/Dmg(42), Mael'Fry-Dmg/Rchg(42)
Level 10: Adaptation
Level 12: Build Up -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(48)
Level 14: Kick -- Empty(A)
Level 16: Ablative Carapace -- Numna-Heal(A), Numna-Heal/Rchg(17), Numna-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(17)
Level 18: Quills -- Erad-Dmg(A), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(21), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(29), C'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg(34), C'ngBlow-Dmg/Rchg(34), C'ngBlow-Acc/Rchg(40)
Level 20: Evolving Armor -- RctvArm-ResDam(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(21), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(23), RctvArm-EndRdx/Rchg(50), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(50)
Level 22: Tough -- RctvArm-ResDam(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(23), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(29), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(43), RctvArm-EndRdx/Rchg(48)
Level 24: Weave -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(25), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(25)
Level 26: Ripper -- Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(A), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(27), Erad-Acc/Rchg(27), C'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg(31), C'ngBlow-Dmg/Rchg(34), C'ngBlow-Dmg/EndRdx(40)
Level 28: DNA Siphon -- Numna-Heal(A), Numna-Heal/Rchg(31), Numna-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(31)
Level 30: Combat Jumping -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A)
Level 32: Throw Spines -- SScrappersS-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(A), SScrappersS-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), SScrappersS-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(33), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(33), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(37), Posi-Dmg/Rng(42)
Level 35: Genetic Contamination -- Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(A), Erad-Dmg(36), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(36), C'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg(36), C'ngBlow-Dmg/Rchg(37), C'ngBlow-Acc/Rchg(39)
Level 38: Parasitic Aura -- Numna-Heal(A), Numna-Heal/Rchg(39), Numna-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(39)
Level 41: Super Jump -- Winter-ResSlow(A)
Level 44: Spring Attack -- Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(A), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(45), Erad-Dmg(45), C'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg(45), C'ngBlow-Dmg/Rchg(46), C'ngBlow-Acc/Rchg(46)
Level 47: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(48)
Level 49: Focused Accuracy -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Critical Hit
Level 1: Prestige Power Dash -- Jump-I(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Slide -- Jump-I(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Quick -- Jump-I(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Rush -- Jump-I(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Surge -- Jump-I(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- RgnTis-Regen+(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- P'Shift-End%(A)
Level 10: Defensive Adaptation
Level 10: Efficient Adaptation
Level 10: Offensive Adaptation
Level 50: Spiritual Core Paragon
Level 50: Ageless Radial Epiphany
Level 50: Support Core Embodiment
Level 50: Degenerative Radial Flawless Interface
Level 50: Pyronic Partial Core Judgement
------------

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Slightly off topic, but can anyone explain (or point me to an explanation of) the new 'absorb' mechanic. I cannot seem to wrap my head around how this works?

It's like Halo: you have to kill the shield (Absorb) before you can start hitting the "actual" hitpoints.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EarthWyrm But I do understand that there is an internet rule that any bad idea must be presented by someone at least twice a year to remind everyone who hasn't already read every previous thread on the topic precisely why the idea is bad.

U gain an temporary boost of ur HP. Lets say u got 2000 without, than u get temporary extra hp of 400, now this 400 will absorb 400 incoming damage after res and so on. IIRC

So the absorb is a check after Defense then Resists? It's third on the list? That could potentially be very potent as higher defense would effectively double the effectiveness and resists would make it last longer.

To hit roll
Resist Check
Damage Reduction Applied
Absorb Implemented

Am I getting that right?

After number crunching, it's seeming to me like this could potentially be extremely op with the right build...

Yes, absorb happens after resists and defense.

Each power gives a certain amount of absorb, as a percentage of your health. I'm not sure if it's base health or total health. So Ablative Carapace is 30% absorb, which is more like 60% once you count slotting.

It's definitely a useful mechanic, but it doesn't seem particularly overpowered or anything. It's effectively just a heal that has to be used before taking damage instead of after.

Based on what we're seeing on beta, you needn't be too worried about Bio's durability.

Here's my first go at a spines/bio build; I too have my eye on a brute of this flavor, once we get the option. I don't consider this a final draft by any means, but it hits some benchmarks.

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.96
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Magic Scrapper
Primary Power Set: Spines
Secondary Power Set: Bio Armor
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leadership

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Lunge -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(11), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(11), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(13), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(13)
Level 1: Hardened Carapace -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(3), RctvArm-ResDam(3), RctvArm-EndRdx(5), S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(39)
Level 2: Spine Burst -- Oblit-Acc/Rchg(A), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(5), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(7), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(7), Oblit-Dmg(9), EndRdx-I(9)
Level 4: Environmental Modification -- LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(A), LkGmblr-Def(15), LkGmblr-Rchg+(15)
Level 6: Inexhaustible -- Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(A), Numna-Heal(17), Numna-Heal/EndRdx(17), Heal-I(21)
Level 8: Impale -- Apoc-Dmg/Rchg(A), Apoc-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(23), Apoc-Acc/Rchg(23), Apoc-Dmg/EndRdx(25), Apoc-Dam%(25)
Level 10: Adaptation
Level 12: Combat Jumping -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), Ksmt-ToHit+(27)
Level 14: Boxing -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(27), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(29), KntkC'bat-Knock%(29)
Level 16: Ablative Carapace -- Dct'dW-Heal(A), Dct'dW-Rchg(31), Dct'dW-Heal/Rchg(31), Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(31), Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx(33)
Level 18: Quills -- SScrappersS-Acc/Dmg(A), SScrappersS-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(33), SScrappersS-Dmg/Rchg(33), M'Strk-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(34)
Level 20: Evolving Armor -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(34), RctvArm-ResDam(36), RctvArm-EndRdx(36)
Level 22: Build Up -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(36)
Level 24: Tough -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(37), RctvArm-ResDam(37), RctvArm-EndRdx(39), GA-3defTpProc(39)
Level 26: Ripper -- Armgdn-Dmg/Rchg(A), Armgdn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(40), Armgdn-Acc/Rchg(40), Armgdn-Dmg/EndRdx(40), Armgdn-Dam%(42)
Level 28: DNA Siphon -- Dct'dW-Heal(A), Dct'dW-Rchg(42), Dct'dW-Heal/Rchg(43), Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(43), Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx(43)
Level 30: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(34)
Level 32: Throw Spines -- Ragnrk-Dmg/Rchg(A), Ragnrk-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(45), Ragnrk-Acc/Rchg(45), Ragnrk-Dmg/EndRdx(46), Ragnrk-Knock%(46)
Level 35: Genetic Contamination -- SScrappersS-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(A), SScrappersS-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(42), SScrappersS-Rchg/+Crit(45), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx(50)
Level 38: Parasitic Aura -- Nictus-Heal/HP/Regen/Rchg(A), Nictus-Acc/EndRdx/Heal/HP/Regen(48), Nictus-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(48)
Level 41: Weave -- LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(A), LkGmblr-Def(50), LkGmblr-Rchg+(50)
Level 44: Maneuvers -- LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(A), LkGmblr-Def(46), LkGmblr-Rchg+(48)
Level 47: Tactics -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 49: Super Speed -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Critical Hit
Level 1: Prestige Power Dash -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Slide -- Empty(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 -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Health -- Mrcl-Rcvry+(A), Mrcl-Heal(19), Mrcl-Heal/EndRdx(19), RgnTis-Regen+(21)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- P'Shift-End%(A), P'Shift-EndMod(37)
Level 10: Defensive Adaptation
Level 10: Efficient Adaptation
Level 10: Offensive Adaptation
Level 0: Freedom Phalanx Reserve
Level 0: Portal Jockey
Level 0: Task Force Commander
Level 0: The Atlas Medallion
------------

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remember in I24 spines is getting a st buff and you are going to want Barb swipe and Lunge will also get a buff

http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showthread.php?t=293262

Ted in the summer event was using Moment of Glory, which is not Absorb-the-mechanic at all. It's just a huge defense bonus, and pops up "Absorbed" when it avoids an attack, like how Invulnerability shows "Deflected" and Super Reflexes shows "Dodged". If you track your Last Hit Chance stat, you'll notice that your hit chance plunges when he uses it - your attacks acted like they were missing because they WERE missing.

You can see an actual absorb effect on Nega Pendragon in the Magisterium trial, and you can hit him just fine.