Tsin'xing

markhawkman

previous thread: http://co-forum.perfectworld.com/showthread.php?t=274441

so what should my next specializations be? (Other critique also welcome)

Tsin'Xing:
Level 30
HP; 6696
EP; 102/184
Str; 49
Dex; 49
Con; 152
Int; 160
Ego; 143
Pre; 95
Rec; 74
End; 56

Off; 143
CrC; 13.5
CrS; 50
Def; 51.3
Dod; 10
Avo; 20

Arms 185

Specializations:
Intelligence;
Enlightened 3
Tactician 2
Detect Vulnerability 3
Tinkering 2
Guardian;
Fortified Gear 3
Make it Count 3
Retribution 2
The Best Defense 2

1 point unspent.

options:
Administer
Ruthless
Overseer Aura
Impact

I'm leaning towards Admin and Overseer.

The Grimoire
Eldritch Bolts + Wiz
Eldritch Blast 3
Primary Stat - Intelligence
Sigils of the Primal Storm 3
Aura of Primal Majesty 2
Secondary Stat - Ego
Pillar of Poz
Concentration 3
Secondary Stat - Presence
Arcane Vitality
Eldritch Shield + Imbue
Circle of Arcane Power 2
Skarn's Bane 2

travel power: flight 2

other stuff:
Field Ops training; 3Con, 2End, 3int, 3ego, 2Rec
Ascetic; 5con, 5ego
Enduring; 8con
boundless reserves; 5con, 5end
healthy mind; 5con, 5int
Shrug it off; +5 con, +5 pre

flowcyto

Here's the Grimoire build I'd work towards when lvling to 40:

PowerHouse (Link to this build)

Archetype: The Grimoire

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

Talents:
Level 1: The Grimoire
Level 7: Shrug It Off
Level 12: Healthy Mind
Level 15: Ascetic
Level 20: Academics
Level 25: Diplomatic
Level 30: Showmanship

Powers:
Level 1: Eldritch Bolts
Level 1: Eldritch Blast (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Sigils of the Primal Storm (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Aura of Primal Majesty (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Pillar of Poz
Level 14: Concentration
Level 17: Arcane Vitality (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 21: Eldritch Shield (Rank 2)
Level 25: Circle of Arcane Power (Rank 2)
Level 30: Skarn's Bane (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Sigils of Ebon Weakness (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 40: Hex of Suffering (Rank 2, Rune of Lethargy)

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

Specializations:
Intelligence: Preparation (2/2)
Intelligence: Enlightened (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)
Overseer: Administer (3/3)
Overseer: Ruthless (2/2)
Overseer: Trapped (3/3)
Overseer: Conservation (2/2)
Mastery: Intelligence Mastery (1/1)

Make it Count is a small additive bonus- I'd skip it. Ya can add the stun adv to the end builder- but ideally shouldn't have to end build much as you gear up. Would mostly gear for Int and a bit of Con (and/or max health), Pres, and Dex

markhawkman

Ah, I see, thanks!

markhawkman

soo.. what to slot...
current gloves:
Diplomatic gauntlets
-27int/27ego/19def/67off/50CDred (impact prism 4 slotted)

drop from MegaD fight:
Ravaging Handguards
-+39Con/13def/44off/62CritS (1 Offslot, one Enhance slot)

not sure what I want to slot... lucky Gem and Dex Enhance?

flowcyto

Depends how much Dex ya had already. If there's no other Dex on ur gear otherwise then go for it, if otherwise then I'd prob take either an Int or Con enhancer. Gambler's is prob fine for the other mod slot.

markhawkman

I don't think I have much dex right now. I forgot to write it down though.

I had 51 dex, so I upped it. now my crit chance is almost 30.

markhawkman

update:
I'm now L33. And I have somewhat better gear.

Tsin'Xing:
Level 33
HP; 8061
EP; 85/183
Str; 50
Dex; 87
Con; 209
Int; 184
Ego; 122
Pre; 104
Rec; 55
End; 57

Off; 135.4
CrC; 29.6
CrS; 55
Def; 75.5
Dod; 10
Avo; 20

Arms 200

Specializations:
Intelligence;
Enlightened 3
Tactician 2
Detect Vulnerability 3
Tinkering 2
Guardian;
Fortified Gear 3
Make it Count 3
Retribution 2
The Best Defense 2
Administer 3
Ruthless 1

The Grimoire
Eldritch Bolts + Wiz
Eldritch Blast 3
Primary Stat - Intelligence
Sigils of the Primal Storm 3
Aura of Primal Majesty 2
Secondary Stat - Ego
Pillar of Poz
Concentration 3
Secondary Stat - Presence
Arcane Vitality
Eldritch Shield 2 + Imbue
Circle of Arcane Power 2
Skarn's Bane 2

travel power: flight 2

one point unspent

other stuff:
Field Ops training; 3Con, 2End, 3int, 3ego, 2Rec
Ascetic; 5con, 5ego
Enduring; 8con
boundless reserves; 5con, 5end
healthy mind; 5con, 5int
Shrug it off; +5 con, +5 pre

gear:
PO; 39con, 13def, 44off; mods - 36dex, 116CritS
SO; 14con, 14pre, 4.4def, 11off
PU; 33con, 33int, 11def; mod - +88minimap
SU; 11con, 3.5def, 25cdr, 51disc
PD; 29con, 29ego, 9.3def; mod - 329hp (note this is the mod it came with)
SD; 29int, 13def

markhawkman

so what would be the best mod choice for my primary defense? +hp is useful, but I have plenty of that.

flowcyto

Defense/impact works fine if ur comfortable w/ ur current max HP. It'll get a bit of a boost from Fortified Gear and feed into Offense a bit more w/ TBD.

markhawkman

Ah, good idea. I even have a mk4 prism.

markhawkman

Got Level 35, I haz teleportation now.

zedbrightlander1

Here is another Grimoire done up by Tammy Waffles.

http://champions-online.proboards.com/post/29802

Just for comparison.

I used her Tempest build. It calls for Dark Speed, which I have never managed to acquire, but I enjoy it even without DS.

Oh, yeah. I also use her Cursed / Scourge Guide.

markhawkman

hunh, cool. Hers has a pretty low Con stat. :P Then again, I probably like Con too much.

markhawkman

Hunh... I forgot to post here again after I got to level 40.... *points at sig*

Oh wait, I didn't update the skills list there...

markhawkman

current stats:
health 10139
energy 112/247

strength 80
dexterity 80
constitution 256
intelligence 254
ego 152
presence 187
recovery 85
endurance 103

Offense 212.5
CritC 28.2
CritS 73.3
Defense 108.4
Dodge Chance 10
Avoidance 20

Gear:
Silverback's Stalwart Vest (top priority to replace)
+29 con, +29 ego, +19 def(slotted with an impact prism)

Ameliorating Bracers(purple)
+338 HP, 37 Int, 9.7 def

Heroic Helmet of Topography(I like the minimap stat)
+51 Con(mod), +48 Pre(mod), +139 Minimap radius, +19 def, +171 CDR(modded)

Solid Eyepiece(green)
+16 con, +16 end, +5.1 def, 36 CDR, 36 CD

Acerbic Handguards(blue, recently acquired as a random drop in NemCon)
+48 con(mod), 53 Int, 17 def, 60 off, 79 CritStr(mod), 4.1 CritSev

Wise Bracer(blue, more NemCon loot)
18 pre, 5.7 def, 15 off, +42 CritStr

Part of why I'm posting this is I'm not sure what'd be the best things to get.

markhawkman

Awww... no ideas? Once I get enough SCR I'm planning to use it to buy a replacement for the Silverback vest.

flowcyto

Not familiar enough w/ the new gear being added (looks quite grindy though). Can ya post a more up to date version of the build that ur gearing for atm? (pref using the Planner)

markhawkman

Specializations:
Intelligence;
Enlightened 3
Tactician 2
Detect Vulnerability 3
Tinkering 2
Guardian;
Fortified Gear 3
Make it Count 3
Retribution 2
The Best Defense 2
Overseer:
Administer 3
Ruthless 2
Overseer Aura 2
Enhanced Gear 3
Intelligence Mastery

The Grimoire
Eldritch Bolts + Wiz
Eldritch Blast 3
Primary Stat - Intelligence
Sigils of the Primal Storm 3
Aura of Primal Majesty 3
Secondary Stat - Ego
Pillar of Poz 1
Concentration 3
Secondary Stat - Presence
Arcane Vitality 1
Eldritch Shield 2 + Imbue
Circle of Arcane Power 2
Skarn's Bane 3
Hex of Suffering 1
Sigils of Ebon Weakness 1

travel power: flight 3, Teleportation 2

5 advantage points unspent

other stuff:
Field Ops training; 3Con, 2End, 3int, 3ego, 2Rec
Ascetic; 5con, 5ego
Enduring; 8con
boundless reserves; 5con, 5end
healthy mind; 5con, 5int
Shrug it off; +5 con, +5 pre

yeah, not sure how the website thing works.

flowcyto

Here's how I'd do a full build for Grimoire atm:

PowerHouse (Link to this build)

Archetype: The Grimoire

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

Talents:
Level 1: The Grimoire
Level 7: Healthy Mind
Level 12: Shrug It Off
Level 15: Ascetic
Level 20: Coordinated
Level 25: Finesse
Level 30: Diplomatic

Powers:
Level 1: Eldritch Bolts
Level 1: Eldritch Blast (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Sigils of the Primal Storm (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Aura of Primal Majesty (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Pillar of Poz (Dizzying Impact)
Level 14: Concentration
Level 17: Arcane Vitality (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 21: Eldritch Shield (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 25: Circle of Arcane Power
Level 30: Skarn's Bane (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Sigils of Ebon Weakness (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 40: Hex of Suffering (Rank 2, Rune of Lethargy)

Travel Powers:
Level 6:
Level 35:

Specializations:
Intelligence: Preparation (2/2)
Intelligence: Enlightened (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)
Overseer: Administer (3/3)
Overseer: Ruthless (2/2)
Overseer: Impact (2/2)
Overseer: Trapped (3/3)
Mastery: Intelligence Mastery (1/1)

Imbue on the shield isn't really worth it, imo. Also, don't rank up Concentration- not worth the adv points, but do rank up Arcane Vit when ya can- its the rare good heal an AT has access to.

For gear, I'd guess that the Justice 2-set is nice for the Grimmy since it uses AoPM + Int PSS and can get good mileage from the extra stats. Onslaught and GCR gear are both very good for 2ndaries, but also quite grindy. Mercenary gear + unique-quality 2ndaries from the AH (or the 3-set Armadillo 2ndary gear) can be gotten pretty easily and can hold you over just fine, though.

I'd gear mostly for Int, w/ some Con, Dex, and Pres on the side. Crit rating and severity on offensive gear, Defense and maxHP boosts on defensive gear, and CD reduction on utility gear.

markhawkman

Ah, thanks, that's a lot to think about.

markhawkman

So what mods would you suggest for gear?

flowcyto

Bottom part of my last reply covers that, unless ya want more details?

markhawkman

soo.... it is time to rework the character as a FF. Things I dislike: I visualized the char as having melee abilities.... this build doesn't. Also the sigils... I just don't like them. flying around and blasting things to the next dimension? great! I just find sigils to be too awkward to be worth it really. Also.. doesn't fit the theme I had in mind.

flowcyto

Well yea, the Grimoire is still a ranged unit after all. But what type (or powersets) of melee attacks did you want it to have?

markhawkman

So... like/dislike on the current build:
Eldritch Bolts - I visualized the character as having energy projection abilities that she fires from her hands, this fits.
Eldritch Blast - ditto
Primary Stat - Intelligence - meh
Sigils of the Primal Storm - it's a very indirect way of attacking and just didn't make sense for the char.
Aura of Primal Majesty - works I guess
Secondary Stat - Ego - meh
Pillar of Poz - I kinda imagine it as her using a localized space distortion to violently repel people.
Concentration - works
Secondary Stat - Presence - enh
Arcane Vitality 1 - enh, self heal works thematically, but healing others is iffy.
Eldritch Shield 2 + Imbue - I like the shield
Circle of Arcane Power 2 - meh, useful but iffy
Skarn's Bane 3 - love it, it's cool how she directs the energy through a portal thingy
Hex of Suffering 1 - kinda works thematically. the character concept actually has the ability to disrupt another person's chi which is kinda like a DoT.
Sigils of Ebon Weakness 1 - never really liked it

Honestly, switching to dimensional damage would work thematically, but the magic powers kinda work as the character uses a mix of chi manipulation and space manipulation. As for swords... she uses a single blade that's usable one-handed, but meant for two.

flowcyto

Okay, so Sorcery + some SB (or TK blade) powers?

A 'Spellblade' we can do:

PowerHouse (Link to this build)

Archetype: Freeform

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

Talents:
Level 1: The Glacier
Level 6: Covert Ops Training
Level 9: Healthy Mind
Level 12: Acrobat
Level 15: Coordinated
Level 18: Boundless Reserves
Level 21: Investigator

Powers:
Level 1: Eldritch Bolts
Level 1: Eldritch Blast (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Aura of Primal Majesty (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Concentration
Level 11: Pillar of Poz (Rank 2, Dizzying Impact)
Level 14: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 20: Skarn's Bane (Rank 2, Rank 3, Accelerated Metabolism)
Level 23: Hex of Suffering (Rank 2)
Level 26: Ego Blade Dash
Level 29: Reaper's Caress (Rank 2, Cleaving Strikes)
Level 32: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 35: Force Shield (Rank 2, Force Sheathe)
Level 38: Ego Surge (Nimble Mind)

Travel Powers:
Level 6:
Level 35:

Specializations:
Intelligence: Preparation (2/2)
Intelligence: Enlightened (3/3)
Intelligence: Detect Vulnerability (3/3)
Intelligence: Expertise (2/2)
Warden: Fortified Gear (2/3)
Warden: Slaughter (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
Avenger: Ruthless (2/2)
Avenger: Round 'em Up (3/3)
Avenger: Offensive Expertise (2/2)
Avenger: Preemptive Strike (3/3)
Mastery: Avenger Mastery (1/1)

Here's a combo-blaster version of it- uses Reaper's Caress to proc Avenger Mastery, and follows that up w/ a fast-cast Eld Blast, using Hex for Preemptive Strike and to roll MSA. AoE is mostly using Hex, Skarn's, and/or Pillar. Its more dps focused than the Grimoire, but still should have pretty good self-healing. Gears mostly for Int and Con.

markhawkman

Oooh... that looks like fun.

markhawkman

Does it make a difference if I got shadow bolt as Eb by mistake?

flowcyto

Prob not, since ur T0 power is Eld Blast still, that should still unlock AoPM for the next power slot.

markhawkman

Yeah, I put everything else in the same.

markhawkman

Ok, so it's free mandatory respec time again.... also I got that new ULT power Crashing Incantation.

Not actually fond of how the melee worked out, it didn't do that much damage really.

flowcyto

Did you still want a 'spellblade' build? Or to try out the re-vamped ranged Sorc stuff?

markhawkman

Would the new magic sword thing skill be useful? I still like the idea of having melee attacks, but they were situational before.

flowcyto

You mean the Magic version of the old Pyro Blades? Sure, ya can maybe include both them and the Fire version now if ya want. I can make a build later or w/ a few days if ya want.

markhawkman

I was thinking of using Crashing Incantation as the big hit. I don't really see a compelling reason to have more than one melee attack.

flowcyto

iirc, the magic swords ur referring to are just a re-skin Magic-dmg version of Pyro Blades from the old Sorc trees. They're a separate temporary pet- not a melee attack that you control.

markhawkman

hmm... didn't know that. Maybe just replace Reaper's Caress with the Crashing Incantation?

flowcyto

Well, you can pair Reaper's Caress w/ Reaper's Embrace for more melee dps. Also switching to using FotT and gearing for Dex (instead of more Int), though this will weaken the ranged attacks a bit. Maybe something like:

http://powerhouse.nullware.com/powerhouse.html?v=13&n=&d=1423ObMGHQU0000M000C105M503A600J5037G00EB00MD03CJ03QG01L305EI04370500002WAM3SXU3UbT

Left a power slot open for w/e ya wanna add.

markhawkman

ENh, I'd rather stick with a ranged DPS build. That one looks like it's mostly melee.

flowcyto

Sure, I'll make one tomorrow if/when I get back.

flowcyto

Alright, I'd first suggest ya check out the Hexslinger if ya can access it. It looks good for a ranged dps AT. Main drawback is that it lacks Con SS, but that's not unusual for dps ATs. So it will be squishy (though it also has a threat wipe and Resurgence).

A ranged dps FF Sorc build prob won't look much diff from that AT- less dps potential, but more power options and stuff. Up to you how much ya wanna focus on dps vs. hybrid play w/ some healing and/or rezing and debuffing.

markhawkman

debuffing seems like a good idea.

flowcyto

Alright, throwing in many of Sorc's debuffs into one build, then:

PowerHouse (Link to this build)

Archetype: Freeform

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

Talents:
Level 1: The Grimoire
Level 6: Healthy Mind
Level 9: Shrug It Off
Level 12: Diplomatic
Level 15: Quick Recovery
Level 18: Negotiator
Level 21: Lasting Impression

Powers:
Level 1: Eldritch Bolts
Level 1: Eldritch Blast (Blinding Light, Bad Luck)
Level 6: Aura of Primal Majesty (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Concentration
Level 11: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 14: Pillar of Poz (Dilemma, Dizzying Impact)
Level 17: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 20: Skarn's Bane (Rank 2, Chaos Magic)
Level 23: Soul Beam (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Hex of Suffering (Rune of Lethargy)
Level 29: Sigils of Ebon Weakness (Rank 2, Inner Peace)
Level 32: Eldritch Shield (Rank 2)
Level 35: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 38: Rebirth

Travel Powers:
Level 6:
Level 35:

Specializations:
Intelligence: Enlightened (3/3)
Intelligence: Battle of Wits (2/3)
Intelligence: Detect Vulnerability (3/3)
Intelligence: Expertise (2/2)
Overseer: Administer (3/3)
Overseer: Ruthless (2/2)
Overseer: Impact (2/2)
Overseer: Trapped (3/3)
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)

using the Planner for these Sorc builds is getting annoying, rofl.

Hex applies Hexed and Root for Trapped, Eld Blast applies Jinx and Illumination, Pillar of Poz applies Disorient and can also Jinx, Ebon Sigils apply their dmg debuff (can take the 1-pt adv if you want them to be fewer but more portable), Overseer spec procs Impact on crits, and Skarn's can apply Hexed and also random debuffs w/ its adv. Soul Beam is there for ur single-target dps filler, if you need it for solo/killing. MSA can work as the EU here, as can Conjuring (the new one). Gears mostly for Int and Con.

markhawkman

would that work ok if I used Crashing incantation in stead of the ebon sigils?

flowcyto

If ya wanted to stick in an Ult, you could drop Eld Shield too. But yeah, axe the sigils if ya want; though their debuff is pretty nice.

markhawkman

hmmm... Is crashing considered a blast?

flowcyto

Nope, its an AoE ultimate power.

markhawkman

I guess it'd be op if it worked with Avenger Mastery to speed up blast powers? It's fun going ZapZapZapZapZapZap with Eldritch blast. So what is a good way to use Crashing Incantation?

flowcyto

You can use Preemptive Strike to buff non-blast ranged attacks like Crashing Incantation, though. Just quickly tap Eld Blast before using a heavy charged attack. That said, I wouldn't normally use Avenger for FFs aside from specific power setups (heavy maintain use for RA, blasts w/ high crit and AvMastery, etc).

markhawkman

So how would I make a build for that?

flowcyto

For what? Avenger's Preemptive Strike? Uh, well you already have a blast, so you'd just change at least one of the specs to Avenger. Prob not worth it just for that, though, since most of ur main attacks are maintains and the ultimate is on a long cd. You can use Relentless Assault and Avenger Mastery still, though, so Avenger can still be good:

Specializations:
Intelligence: Enlightened (3/3)
Intelligence: Battle of Wits (2/3)
Intelligence: Detect Vulnerability (3/3)
Intelligence: Expertise (2/2)
Avenger: Ruthless (2/2)
Avenger: Round 'em Up (3/3)
Avenger: Relentless Assault (3/3)
Avenger: Preemptive Strike (2/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Mass Destruction (2/3)
Mastery: Avenger Mastery (1/1)

Won't be as much support/debuffing as the Overseer spec I gave, but it can be good for dps.