My First Gun Mage

dontask

So I've been tooling with lots of builds lately. Then it hit me- I've got 1 "mystic" type character. Only one with magic powers. So I combined what I fell in love with upon my return to CO after the last year. 2GM. Yes I know so many people are running around with it- well 1 more won't hurt.

So here's my build. Please keep in mind I've had almost 0 experience creating a DPS build from scratch, and I'm negative experience using the magical powersets because I've been playing off and on for 3 years and not made a supernatural character yet.

So I'd like 2 things- 1 is this a viable build. 2- what would you, the certified buildmaster do to improve the build?

My goal was to create a DPS/CC mage centered around 2GM. Crowd control is another field I'm lacking in- so I don't think I got those aspects right at all. You aren't going to hurt my feelings confirming this. My goal is to come up with a Mystic Gunman that can handle PvE content as well as be fairly useful to my teammates via CC... but I'd also like to see some big number when I hit. Is this possible? Nothing in this build is sacred except possibly 2GM. Otherwise lets shred this thing and make it worthwhile.

Thanks for taking the time to read this- if you reply I doubly appreciate it.

PowerHouse (Link to this build)

Name:

Archetype: Freeform

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

Talents:
Level 1: The Disciple
Level 6: Coordinated
Level 9: Shooter
Level 12: Academics
Level 15: Command Training
Level 18: Sniper Training
Level 21: Field Ops Training

Powers:
Level 1: Gunslinger
Level 1: Two-Gun Mojo
Level 6: Concentration
Level 8: Killer Instinct
Level 11: Aura of Ebon Destruction
Level 14: Conviction
Level 17: Lock N Load
Level 20: Protection Field
Level 23: Invocation of Storm Calling
Level 26: Binding of Aratron
Level 29: Urthona's Charm
Level 32: Evasive Maneuvers
Level 35: Masterful Dodge
Level 38: Planar Fracture

Travel Powers:
Level 6: Teleportation
Level 35: Shadow Wings

Specializations:
Intelligence: Enlightened (3/3)
Intelligence: Tactician (2/2)
Intelligence: Detect Vulnerability (3/3)
Intelligence: Expertise (2/2)
Sentinel: Torment (2/2)
Sentinel: Eternal Spring (2/2)
Sentinel: Sentinel Aura (3/3)
Sentinel: Rejuvenated (1/3)
Sentinel: Genesis (2/2)
Avenger: Ruthless (2/2)
Avenger: Can't Touch This (3/3)
Avenger: Surprise Attack (2/2)
Avenger: Relentless Assault (3/3)
Mastery: Intelligence Mastery (1/1)

flowcyto

Well I'd drop Storm Invocation for a better AoE. Lead Tempest is the best fit. If ya want more mystical powers in there ya could add pyro blades or the summon shadows_nightmares (they'd benefit from AoED too), or add a sigil power, or CoPD for some extra knock resist.

Although Planar Fracture kinda sucks it is an cool power in terms of visuals, so I'd prob keep that for the helluvit.

I'd also drop the Confuse power- they're pretty bad atm, tbh. I'd also prob trade Ego 2ndary SS for Con (audacity gives you some Ego w/ decent Int), or use EGO/Dex/Con for the SS setup. Ego Sure w/ NM will also be a better AO than LnL, but ya can keep LnL for theme if ya want.

Here's how I'd allocate the adv points for the powers (w/ some replacements), as a sample guide:

Powers:
Level 1: Gunslinger
Level 1: Two-Gun Mojo (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Concentration
Level 8: Killer Instinct
Level 11: Aura of Ebon Destruction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Lock N Load (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 20: Force Shield (Rank 2, Force Sheathe)
Level 23: Lead Tempest (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Binding of Aratron (Rank 2)
Level 29: Evasive Maneuvers (Sleight of Mind)
Level 32: Masterful Dodge
Level 35: Summon Shadows (Rank 2, Devouring Darkness)
Level 38: Planar Fracture (Double Vortex)

Travel Powers:
Level 6: Teleportation (Rank 2)
Level 35: Shadow Wings (Rank 2, Rank 3)

And here's how I'd revamp the specs:

Specializations:
Intelligence: Enlightened (3/3)
Intelligence: Tactician (2/2)
Intelligence: Detect Vulnerability (3/3)
Intelligence: Expertise (2/2)
Avenger: Ruthless (2/2)
Avenger: Anguish (2/2)
Avenger: Round 'em Up (1/3)
Avenger: Relentless Assault (3/3)
Avenger: Offensive Expertise (2/2)
Guardian: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Guardian: Ruthless (2/2)
Guardian: Find the Mark (2/3)
Guardian: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Intelligence Mastery (1/1)

(could also take Guardian + Vindicator)

-

Bonus: a build I like to call 'Mind Bullets' cause it seems sorta fitting-

PowerHouse (Link to this build)

Archetype: Freeform

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

Talents:
Level 1: Sureshot
Level 6: Acrobat
Level 9: Healthy Mind
Level 12: Coordinated
Level 15: Quick Recovery
Level 18: Impresario
Level 21: Negotiator

Powers:
Level 1: Gunslinger
Level 1: Two-Gun Mojo (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Concentration
Level 8: Quarry (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Shadow of Doubt (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 17: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Rank 2, Resurgent Reiki)
Level 20: Mental Storm (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Lead Tempest (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Holdout Shot (Rank 2, Stim Pack)
Level 29: Masterful Dodge
Level 32: Telekinetic Shield (Rank 2)
Level 35: Ego Storm (Rank 2, Malevolent Manifestation)
Level 38: Resurrection Serum

Travel Powers:
Level 6: Distortion Acrobatics (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Mystic Flight

Specializations:
Intelligence: Enlightened (2/3)
Intelligence: Battle of Wits (3/3)
Intelligence: Detect Vulnerability (3/3)
Intelligence: Expertise (2/2)
Guardian: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Guardian: Ruthless (2/2)
Guardian: Find the Mark (2/3)
Guardian: The Best Defense (3/3)
Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Elusive (2/2)
Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Intelligence Mastery (1/1)

Didn't take Vindicator only cause the flat crit% bonuses don't help the TP DoTs (though general crit and severity rating do).

Just a 'for fun' concept- could even toy around w/ using Manipulator instead of Concentration since Ego Storm can stack it quickly.

dontask

I really like your Mind Bullets build. Its closer to what I'm looking for- though its all telepathy and I'm looking for magic orientation. The goal stays the same- mostly DPS, & some utility when I'm teaming with my SG mates all using munitions and mostly magical powers- though the powerset may differ some as long as the power is warranted & I can keep the theme in my head.

So I made some edits to the build (and again after speaking with my friends have redesigned this guy again)- I got him to 22 and so far very good. Lots of DPS. I think I got the build to where I want it- I know it will be fine in PvE but I'm wanting to tweak and improve on this build to make it stellar. Here's the latest build- please tell me what you think:

PowerHouse (Link to this build)

Name:

Archetype: Freeform

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

Talents:
Level 1: The Disciple
Level 6: Ascetic
Level 9: Showmanship
Level 12: Shrug It Off
Level 15: Shooter
Level 18: Finesse
Level 21: Acrobat

Powers:
Level 1: Gunslinger
Level 1: Two-Gun Mojo (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Concentration
Level 8: Killer Instinct
Level 11: Aura of Ebon Destruction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Ego Surge (Nimble Mind)
Level 20: Lead Tempest (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Telekinetic Shield (Telekinetic Reinforcement)
Level 26: Sigils of the Primal Storm (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 29: Mindful Reinforcement (Rank 2, Revitalizing Boost)
Level 32: Breakaway Shot (Rank 2)
Level 35: Pyromancer's Blades (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 38: Rebirth (Grave Consequences)

Travel Powers:
Level 6: Shadow Wings (Rank 2)
Level 35: Teleportation

Specializations:
Ego: Force of Will (2/2)
Ego: Insight (3/3)
Ego: Exploit Opening (2/2)
Ego: Sixth Sense (3/3)
Guardian: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Guardian: Ruthless (2/2)
Guardian: Find the Mark (3/3)
Guardian: The Best Defense (2/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: The Rush of Battle (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Offensive Expertise (2/2)
Mastery: Ego Mastery (1/1)



Oh yeah- I changed my super stats to do the 3 things I'm looking for. pre is there for my aura & mindful reinforcement, con is to add some HP, and EGO is for DPS.

dontask

Geez all these Muni builds are getting crazy. Forget I asked at all. It sucks the only way to be a good brutal ranged DPS is to go 2GM.

flowcyto

dontask2 wrote: »

Geez all these Muni builds are getting crazy. Forget I asked at all. It sucks the only way to be a good brutal ranged DPS is to go 2GM.

Eh, just a freaky coincidence around here nothing to be guilt-tripped about.

TGM is very strong, and Muni is very tight and efficient as a powerset to build around, but there are plenty other powerful themes and builds for ranged that don't touch Muni/TGM at all (you just have to be more careful as the dps spread for ranged powers is quite wider than for most melee powers in this game).

selphea

dontask2 wrote: »

My goal was to create a DPS/CC mage centered around 2GM.
...
Nothing in this build is sacred except possibly 2GM.

Sounds like you asked specifically for 2GM in the first place

Anyway 2GM isn't "brutal". It's just user-friendly.

Lightning Arc + Thunderbolt + Primal Sigils will out-DPS it
Same with Ice Blast + Hard Frost + Fire Snake + Nanoswarm + Strafing Run + Rimefire + Ice Grenade by far
TK Assault + Mental Storm + TK Lance can be competitive but there's no instacast Paranormal spike attack so it won't get much higher,
Conflag + Fire Snake + Fireball with UA + Strafing Run does the best AoE damage by far with competitive single target too.
And there's the classic Cascade spammers and Power Armor builds.

Those are about the only good ranged options for DPS though. Wind's specialty is AoEs like Hurricane, Gadgeteering and Archery are about 100ft mobility, Earth is Earth, Infernal has AoE and DE, Sorcery's Skarn's is good for AoE but has no single target, Darkness gives survivability and Celestial has healing.