Toxic DPS

ozoa

So with the 2x EXP boost I started a pet project that I have wanted to do for a while. The character is called Aspects and they are tied to the various seasons. So there is an Aspect of Spring, Aspect of Summer, Aspect of Fall, Aspect of Winter, and an Aspects character (for RP) who is really a costume character to hold each of the various looks.

So for the Aspects of Fall, I am thinking of a Toxic DPS build and looking for advice. Here is what I was considering:

Aspect of Fall
v2.4.2-29

Super Stats
Level 6: Intelligence (Primary)
Level 10: Dexterity (Secondary)
Level 15: Presence (Secondary)

Talents
Level 1: The Hexslinger (Dex: 10, Int: 10, Ego: 10, Pre: 8)
Level 6: Coordinated (Dex: 5, Int: 5)
Level 9: Diplomatic (Int: 5, Pre: 5)
Level 12: Finesse (Dex: 5, Pre: 5)
Level 15: Academics (Int: 5, Ego: 5)
Level 18: Negotiator (Int: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 21: Investigator (Int: 5, End: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Infernal Bolts (advantages)
Level 1: Pestilence (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Voodoo Doll (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Aspect of the Infernal (advantages)
Level 11: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 14: Epidemic (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Defile (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 20: Will-o'-the-Wisp (Harbinger)
Level 23: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Lifedrain (Rank 2, Vampiric Sympathy)
Level 29: Masterful Dodge (advantages)
Level 32: Unbreakable (advantages)
Level 35: Resurgence (advantages)
Level 38: Ego Surge (advantages)
Adv. Points: 26/36

Travel Powers
Level 6: Acrobatics (advantages)
Level 35: Teleport (advantages)

Specializations
Intelligence: Enlightened (3/3)
Intelligence: Tactician (2/2)
Intelligence: Detect Vulnerability (3/3)
Intelligence: Expertise (2/2)
Overseer: Ruthless (2/2)
Overseer: Overseer Aura (3/3)
Overseer: Impact (2/2)
Overseer: Enhanced Gear (3/3)
Guardian: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Guardian: Ruthless (2/2)
Guardian: Tenacious (2/2)
Guardian: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Intelligence Mastery (1/1)

Gearing would be towards INT with a preference for recharge reduction. Any thoughts or misses here?

flowcyto

Ego Surge's Nimble Mind was nerfed such that its more suited to TK builds now. I'd prob also not get 3 ADs for a non-tank build, when you could use some of those power slots for something else. The Harbinger adv also doesn't exist in game anymore, afaik. Although an Int focus can work, a bit of extra cd reduction from Int isn't that huge of a deal for a powerset like Infernal SN.

Here's a pretty straightforward general Infernal build:

https://aesica.net/co/herocreator.htm?v=29&n=Aspect of Fall&d=15830bNQXPWa040070O000O203OB03O900OG05OE00K503OI0KOP03ON01ER00OD03K600O8030ckr3byR2MGB

Super Stats
Level 6: Ego (Primary)
Level 10: Endurance (Secondary)
Level 15: Constitution (Secondary)

Talents
Level 1: The Scourge (Con: 10, Ego: 10, Rec: 10, End: 8)
Level 6: Ascetic (Con: 5, Ego: 5)
Level 9: Boundless Reserves (Con: 5, End: 5)
Level 12: Daredevil (Ego: 5, End: 5)
Level 15: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 18: Worldly (Ego: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 21: Amazing Stamina (Rec: 5, End: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Infernal Bolts (advantages)
Level 1: Infernal Blast (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Pestilence (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Aspect of the Infernal (advantages)
Level 11: Epidemic (Rank 2, Outbreak)
Level 14: Mephitic
Level 17: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 20: Will-o'-the-Wisp (Guide, Ghost Fire)
Level 23: Defile (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 29: Masterful Dodge (advantages)
Level 32: Voodoo Doll (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Imbue (advantages)
Level 38: Life Essence (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Adv. Points: 34/36

Travel Powers
Level 6: Acrobatics (advantages)
Level 35: Teleport (advantages)

Specializations
Ego: Force of Will (2/2)
Ego: Insight (3/3)
Ego: Follow Through (3/3)
Ego: Sixth Sense (2/3)
Avenger: Ruthless (2/2)
Avenger: Round 'em Up (3/3)
Avenger: Relentless Assault (2/3)
Avenger: Preemptive Strike (3/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Mass Destruction (2/3)
Mastery: Ego Mastery (1/1)

Uses Wisp on cd for general debuffing. Spams Epidemic for easy AoE. Alternates between IBlast and Defile for single-target dps. Concentration (Int of Ego only) or Chilled Form (Dex or Ego only) could also work as the toggle here w/o any major changes. Gears mostly for Ego, w/ some Con and End/Rec.

If you want more of a glass-cannon setup, you can replace Con SS for Dex SS to boost crit% a bit more. Last powers are also a bit of a wildcard. I kept an AO for burst dps and Life Essence for extra healing, but you could select other things.

ozoa

My theory had been using INT to get recharge down enough that I could basically use Active DEF powers as my defense when needed along with some judicious blocking when it was called for. I take it that INT no longer really reduces recharge?

flowcyto

It does, but cd reduction was greatly nerfed in its effectiveness a good while ago, such that you likely won't be able to chain ADs anyways. Shouldn't really need to do that as a non-tank, as is, and if ur trying to solo harder stuff you may want to use the hybrid role and a defensive passive instead.

sykov

ozoa wrote: »

My theory had been using INT to get recharge down enough that I could basically use Active DEF powers as my defense when needed along with some judicious blocking when it was called for. I take it that INT no longer really reduces recharge?

At most, the recharge rate for Active Defenses with high INT (400+) would be around 50-ish seconds. Personally, I still use 3 ADs with a lot of my builds but they're usually tanks so they can take the blunt for the time an AD isn't up. If you still plan on going this route, take up the Protector mastery so you can spam the ADs more. So you'd run Protector/Guardian. Less damage, but more survivability. You won't get top scores, but you'll still good damage. Other than that, I'd personally switch to ego/con/end or int/con/end. If you end up dropping the 3 AD style, then stick with Resurgence and Masterful Dodge.

sykov

First build is INT primary with the 3 ADs

Link to this build: http://aesica.net/co/herocreator.htm?v=29&n=&d=14380g348QUM067000O000OE00O900OI00OG03OP03O803ER00OB03ON019K03K604OO00NC030maU3BIL3BIR
v2.4.2-29

Super Stats
Level 6: Intelligence (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Endurance (Secondary)

Talents
Level 1: The Invincible (Con: 10, Int: 10, Ego: 8, End: 10)
Level 6: Enduring (Con: 8)
Level 9: Brilliant (Int: 8)
Level 12: Energetic (End: 8)
Level 15: Boundless Reserves (Con: 5, End: 5)
Level 18: Investigator (Int: 5, End: 5)
Level 21: Healthy Mind (Con: 5, Int: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Infernal Bolts (advantages)
Level 1: Mephitic
Level 6: Aspect of the Infernal (advantages)
Level 8: Will-o'-the-Wisp (advantages)
Level 11: Epidemic (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Defile (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Life Essence (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 20: Masterful Dodge (advantages)
Level 23: Pestilence (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 29: Unbreakable (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Imbue (Illusive)
Level 35: Entrancing (advantages)
Level 38: Antagonize (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Adv. Points: 32/36

Travel Powers
Level 6: Athletics (Rank 2, Rank 3, Versatility)
Level 35:

Specializations
Intelligence: Preparation (2/2)
Intelligence: Enlightened (1/3)
Intelligence: Tactician (2/2)
Intelligence: Detect Vulnerability (3/3)
Intelligence: Tinkering (2/2)
Protector: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Protector: Bulwark (2/2)
Protector: Defensive Expertise (3/3)
Protector: Resolute (2/3)
Guardian: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Guardian: Ruthless (2/2)
Guardian: Find the Mark (3/3)
Guardian: The Best Defense (2/3)
Mastery: Protector Mastery (1/1)

Here's the ego version of the previous build

Link to this build: http://aesica.net/co/herocreator.htm?v=29&n=&d=15380T358QNX067000O000OE00O900OI0WOG03OP03O803ER00OB03ON019K03K604OO00NC030dB43BIL3BIR
v2.4.2-29

Super Stats
Level 6: Ego (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Endurance (Secondary)

Talents
Level 1: The Void (Dex: 8, Con: 10, Ego: 10, End: 10)
Level 6: Enduring (Con: 8)
Level 9: Indomintable (Ego: 8)
Level 12: Energetic (End: 8)
Level 15: Boundless Reserves (Con: 5, End: 5)
Level 18: Ascetic (Con: 5, Ego: 5)
Level 21: Daredevil (Ego: 5, End: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Infernal Bolts (advantages)
Level 1: Mephitic
Level 6: Aspect of the Infernal (advantages)
Level 8: Will-o'-the-Wisp (Harbinger)
Level 11: Epidemic (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Defile (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Life Essence (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 20: Masterful Dodge (advantages)
Level 23: Pestilence (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 29: Unbreakable (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Imbue (Illusive)
Level 35: Entrancing (advantages)
Level 38: Antagonize (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Adv. Points: 34/36

Travel Powers
Level 6: Athletics (Rank 2, Rank 3, Versatility)
Level 35:

Specializations
Ego: Force of Will (2/2)
Ego: Insight (1/3)
Ego: Aggression (2/2)
Ego: Follow Through (3/3)
Ego: Sixth Sense (2/3)
Protector: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Protector: Bulwark (2/2)
Protector: Defensive Expertise (3/3)
Protector: Resolute (2/3)
Guardian: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Guardian: Ruthless (2/2)
Guardian: Find the Mark (3/3)
Guardian: The Best Defense (2/3)
Mastery: Protector Mastery (1/1)

Here's one without the 3 ADs and no Protector. Does more damage, though.

Link to this build: http://aesica.net/co/herocreator.htm?v=29&n=&d=15380T358QNX067000O000OE00O900OI0WOG03OP03O803ER00OB03ON01K503K604O40CNC010dB30nGQ3BIR
v2.4.2-29

Super Stats
Level 6: Ego (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Endurance (Secondary)

Talents
Level 1: The Void (Dex: 8, Con: 10, Ego: 10, End: 10)
Level 6: Enduring (Con: 8)
Level 9: Indomintable (Ego: 8)
Level 12: Energetic (End: 8)
Level 15: Boundless Reserves (Con: 5, End: 5)
Level 18: Ascetic (Con: 5, Ego: 5)
Level 21: Daredevil (Ego: 5, End: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Infernal Bolts (advantages)
Level 1: Mephitic
Level 6: Aspect of the Infernal (advantages)
Level 8: Will-o'-the-Wisp (Harbinger)
Level 11: Epidemic (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Defile (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Life Essence (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 20: Masterful Dodge (advantages)
Level 23: Pestilence (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 29: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Imbue (Illusive)
Level 35: Vile Lariat (Fester, Work Up)
Level 38: Antagonize (Rank 2)
Adv. Points: 36/36

Travel Powers
Level 6: Athletics (Rank 2, Rank 3, Versatility)
Level 35:

Specializations
Ego: Force of Will (2/2)
Ego: Insight (1/3)
Ego: Aggression (2/2)
Ego: Follow Through (3/3)
Ego: Sixth Sense (2/3)
Avenger: Ruthless (2/2)
Avenger: Round 'em Up (3/3)
Avenger: Relentless Assault (3/3)
Avenger: Offensive Expertise (2/2)
Guardian: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Guardian: Ruthless (2/2)
Guardian: Find the Mark (3/3)
Guardian: The Best Defense (2/3)
Mastery: Ego Mastery (1/1)

ozoa

So I like having characters that can roam around the QWZ and still be decent at Cosmics. That's sort of what I was aiming for. Having an AD available was my thought on that. Shame that you can't... although probably good for the game

Is there a reason to want top Score on a Cosmic other than bragging rights?

pwestolemyname

ozoa wrote: »

So I like having characters that can roam around the QWZ and still be decent at Cosmics. That's sort of what I was aiming for. Having an AD available was my thought on that. Shame that you can't... although probably good for the game

Is there a reason to want top Score on a Cosmic other than bragging rights?

In general, you should be able to roam around QWZ with a single AD, two at most. If you pop your AD, you should be able to clear out enough of the damage-doers to survive once it goes on CD.

And, no.