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Help With TK Blades/Darkness Build?

bladedragon80bladedragon80 Posts: 146 Arc User
edited February 2019 in Builds and Roles
With the new stuff, I decided to go back to TK Blades/Darkness and see what I could do with it. First off, it works beautifully on the TK Blades part. The Darkness, however, feels lacking in some way?

I'm hoping there's someone who can give some advice on what is missing or if there is something I can change to make it work better? Stats are okay, damage output is fine mostly. Just I wanted the Darkness to be more crowd control/healing and it seems to be lacking that somewhere. My aim is as an off tank/support in this case.

Hoping to get some help on it!

EDIT: Wrong build in OP. Not even sure where that came from!

Post edited by bladedragon80 on

Comments

  • flowcytoflowcyto Posts: 12,740 Arc User
    edited February 2019
    Not much Darkness in there as is, and I prob wouldn't take a pet for a tank build, nor get normal ranks in the lunge, nor rank up the energy builder. Also lacking a normal self-heal power, or something like Sentinel Aura for Compassion. May also want to use R3 Invuln if making it an off-tank. You also have >1 ultimate listed, when you can only train in one at most.

    I assume you want to use the new Darkness form, since it procs w/ Mental States and scales w/ Pres. I prob wouldn't dilute the build's focus too much w/ the support/CC aspect and keep it more of an off-tank w/ some minor support functions. Example of that:

    https://aesica.net/co/herocreator.htm?v=31&n=&d=13670nOPYQZa000000L000F22FL7009A03F51JFG00K503FP0LLA04ON01LD0CER00L9035I002sib3SWh3BIL10000000000&e=

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

    Talents
    Level 1: The Witch (Con: 10, Int: 8, Pre: 10, Rec: 10)
    Level 6: Shrug It Off (Con: 5, Pre: 5)
    Level 9: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)
    Level 12: Lasting Impression (Pre: 5, Rec: 5)
    Level 15: Boundless Reserves (Con: 5, End: 5)
    Level 18: Prodigy (Pre: 5, End: 5)
    Level 21: Amazing Stamina (Rec: 5, End: 5)

    Powers
    Level 1: Shadow Bolt
    Level 1: Ego Weaponry (Rank 2, Stressed Out, Challenge!)
    Level 6: Shadow Manifestation
    Level 8: Invulnerability (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 11: Ego Blade Frenzy (Mental Block, Challenge!)
    Level 14: Telekinetic Reverberation
    Level 17: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 20: Ego Blade Annihilation (Rank 2, Mental Acuity, Challenge!)
    Level 23: Void Shift (Emerging Nightmares)
    Level 26: Resurgence (Rank 2)
    Level 29: Soul Vortex (Soul Drain, Fear Machine)
    Level 32: Masterful Dodge
    Level 35: Ebon Void (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 38: Aurora
    Adv. Points: 34/36

    Travel Powers
    Level 6:
    Level 35:

    Specializations
    Constitution: Unyielding (1/2)
    Constitution: Fuel My Fire (3/3)
    Constitution: Resilient (2/2)
    Constitution: Adrenaline Rush (2/2)
    Constitution: Armored (2/2)
    Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
    Warden: Slaughter (2/3)
    Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
    Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
    Protector: Fortified Gear (3/3)
    Protector: Bulwark (2/2)
    Protector: Defensive Expertise (3/3)
    Protector: Resolute (2/3)
    Mastery: Constitution Mastery (1/1)

    Can use EBFrenzy as pbAoE and as a turtling option w the dmg shield. Soul Vortex adds a bit of dmg and support here in debuffing w/ Dependency and also laying a healing rune. Main single-target rotation is to alternate between Ego Weaponry and charged EBA (and keeping Soul Vortex up). Gears mostly for Con, w/ some Pres for the toggle/form and bonus healing (and some crit rating/severity and cost discount on gear).
    <CO stuff> .: Petco :. // A basic FF building guide (see 1st reply) // PSA on Power Activation Delay // Ayonachan's Gift Horse (misc stat data)
    - Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
  • spinnytopspinnytop Posts: 16,450 Arc User
    Shadow Embrace's new healing advantage is fantastic, could be something to toss in there if you want something more shadowy lookin​​
  • bladedragon80bladedragon80 Posts: 146 Arc User
    Hold on. Just noticed after posting that the build's not showing right it seems. I didn't put Void Horror on there, for example. Going to see if I can fix it right.
  • bladedragon80bladedragon80 Posts: 146 Arc User
    Okay, weird. Somehow the HeroCreator put something else than what I had. In any case, this should be the correct build.

    Tank
    v3.29:31

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

    Talents
    Level 1: The Witch (Con: 10, Int: 8, Pre: 10, Rec: 10)
    Level 6: Survival Training (Dex: 3, Con: 3, Pre: 3, Rec: 2, End: 2)
    Level 9: Jack of All Trades (Str: 2, Dex: 2, Con: 2, Int: 2, Ego: 2, Pre: 2, Rec: 2, End: 2)
    Level 12: Field Ops Training (Con: 3, Int: 3, Ego: 3, Rec: 2, End: 2)
    Level 15: Command Training (Int: 3, Ego: 3, Pre: 3, Rec: 3)
    Level 18: Discipline Training (Str: 3, Int: 3, Pre: 3, End: 3)
    Level 21: Paramilitary Training (Str: 3, Con: 3, Rec: 3, End: 3)

    Powers
    Level 1: Kinetic Darts (Leeching Strikes)
    Level 1: Ego Weaponry (Rank 2, Stressed Out, Challenge!)
    Level 6: Ego Blade Astonish
    Level 8: Defiance
    Level 11: Ebon Void (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 14: Telekinetic Barrage (Dazzle, Instill Doubt, Challenge!)
    Level 17: Shadow Manifestation
    Level 20: Telekinetic Lance (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 23: Ego Sleep (Plagued by Nightmares)
    Level 26: Telekinetic Reverberation
    Level 29: Shadow Eruption (Blot, Work Up)
    Level 32: Dimensional Collapse (Envelope in Darkness, Glimpse of the Abyss)
    Level 35: Whirling Dragon Strike (Commanding Presence)
    Level 38: Aurora
    Adv. Points: 35/36

    Travel Powers
    Level 6: Prism Speed (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 35: Hoverboard (Rank 2, Rank 3)

    Specializations
    Constitution: Unyielding (2/2)
    Constitution: Fuel My Fire (1/3)
    Constitution: Resilient (2/2)
    Constitution: Quick Healing (2/3)
    Constitution: Adrenaline Rush (1/2)
    Constitution: Armored (2/2)
    Sentinel: Torment (2/2)
    Sentinel: Sentinel Aura (3/3)
    Sentinel: Rejuvenated (1/3)
    Sentinel: Wither (2/2)
    Sentinel: Genesis (2/2)
    Protector: Fortified Gear (3/3)
    Protector: Unrelenting (2/2)
    Protector: Bulwark (2/2)
    Protector: Debilitating Challenge (2/2)
    Protector: Resolute (1/3)
    Mastery: Sentinel Mastery (1/1)

    Devices
  • flowcytoflowcyto Posts: 12,740 Arc User
    If taking Shadow Eruption, then I'd prob get the Drag Back adv, since the ability to clump up mobs is nice (you already have other ways to stun/hold - Sleep, EBAstonish, and TK Barrage). Since the build doesn't use Darkness primarily for dps (ie. wanting to apply or refresh Devoid), I'd prob change Dimensional Collapse for something else (maybe just R3 Conviction, since it'd be boosted by bonus heal anyways). I'd prob pass on Quick Healing in Con PSS, since its pretty weak. I'd also forgo ranking up the energy builder. If taking Conviction, I'd also change Genesis and Rejuvenated in Sentinel for Moment of Need.

    The build is also lacking in any Active Defense. I may consider making room for at least R1 Masterful Dodge- maybe over the Ult or the self-res.
    <CO stuff> .: Petco :. // A basic FF building guide (see 1st reply) // PSA on Power Activation Delay // Ayonachan's Gift Horse (misc stat data)
    - Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
  • bladedragon80bladedragon80 Posts: 146 Arc User
    flowcyto wrote: »
    If taking Shadow Eruption, then I'd prob get the Drag Back adv, since the ability to clump up mobs is nice (you already have other ways to stun/hold - Sleep, EBAstonish, and TK Barrage). Since the build doesn't use Darkness primarily for dps (ie. wanting to apply or refresh Devoid), I'd prob change Dimensional Collapse for something else (maybe just R3 Conviction, since it'd be boosted by bonus heal anyways). I'd prob pass on Quick Healing in Con PSS, since its pretty weak. I'd also forgo ranking up the energy builder. If taking Conviction, I'd also change Genesis and Rejuvenated in Sentinel for Moment of Need.

    The build is also lacking in any Active Defense. I may consider making room for at least R1 Masterful Dodge- maybe over the Ult or the self-res.

    Hm. What about replacing the Sleep with an Active Defense? I find myself hardly using it here.
  • flowcytoflowcyto Posts: 12,740 Arc User
    edited February 2019
    Well, Sleep w/ adv can put up Fear and Disorient on tap, and proc Sent Mastery & Wither (though Astonish can also proc the spec debuffs). Its up to you.
    <CO stuff> .: Petco :. // A basic FF building guide (see 1st reply) // PSA on Power Activation Delay // Ayonachan's Gift Horse (misc stat data)
    - Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
  • bladedragon80bladedragon80 Posts: 146 Arc User
    Right. Dimensional Collapse replaced for an AD it is. Not sure on Masterful Dodge, though. I know people swear by it, but Unbreakable might be more of what I wanted.
  • flowcytoflowcyto Posts: 12,740 Arc User
    I'd prefer MD just cause it doesn't really need ranking and Unbreakable is a flat amount, but you can use either AD for mitigation.
    <CO stuff> .: Petco :. // A basic FF building guide (see 1st reply) // PSA on Power Activation Delay // Ayonachan's Gift Horse (misc stat data)
    - Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
  • bladedragon80bladedragon80 Posts: 146 Arc User
    Okay. Another thought I had was possibly replacing the Sleep with Life Drain there. Give it a good healing/DPS power to help out. I'll have to poke at it when I hit 40.
  • beerbanebeerbane Posts: 197 Arc User
    The combination of powersets got me thinking - I'm assuming a circle would have to be involved, but is a PBAoE monster possible by combining Madness Aura and Ego Blade Pandemonium (with Ego Blade Frenzy subbing when Pandemonium is on cooldown)?

    Does Seraphim as a passive bridge both damage types? If not, maybe NW then? Or a defensive passive if tanking... is the energy efficiency/power synergy not there for what amounts to one big DPS burst attack? Just though it would like amazing to have swords and boxes flying everywhere...
  • bladedragon80bladedragon80 Posts: 146 Arc User
    beerbane wrote: »
    The combination of powersets got me thinking - I'm assuming a circle would have to be involved, but is a PBAoE monster possible by combining Madness Aura and Ego Blade Pandemonium (with Ego Blade Frenzy subbing when Pandemonium is on cooldown)?

    Does Seraphim as a passive bridge both damage types? If not, maybe NW then? Or a defensive passive if tanking... is the energy efficiency/power synergy not there for what amounts to one big DPS burst attack? Just though it would like amazing to have swords and boxes flying everywhere...

    The problem I found is that Madness Aura basically depends upon having said objects around. If there are no objects, it won't give you that extra damage of flinging stuff around. I tried it in the PH before, and it seems as if it won't proc the damage without objects most of the time.
  • bladedragon80bladedragon80 Posts: 146 Arc User
    Okay. Life Drain makes a good DPS heal there alright. Unbreakable is what I went with, no ranks in it. Life Drain I tossed in Vampiric Sympathy, rank 2, and challenge just in case.
  • beerbanebeerbane Posts: 197 Arc User
    beerbane wrote: »
    The combination of powersets got me thinking - I'm assuming a circle would have to be involved, but is a PBAoE monster possible by combining Madness Aura and Ego Blade Pandemonium (with Ego Blade Frenzy subbing when Pandemonium is on cooldown)?

    Does Seraphim as a passive bridge both damage types? If not, maybe NW then? Or a defensive passive if tanking... is the energy efficiency/power synergy not there for what amounts to one big DPS burst attack? Just though it would like amazing to have swords and boxes flying everywhere...

    The problem I found is that Madness Aura basically depends upon having said objects around. If there are no objects, it won't give you that extra damage of flinging stuff around. I tried it in the PH before, and it seems as if it won't proc the damage without objects most of the time.

    Fair point - so Madness Aura notwithstanding, does anyone have thoughts on the best passive to bridge the two sets from a DPS perspective? NW probably?
  • flowcytoflowcyto Posts: 12,740 Arc User
    NW is always a good dps option. If you mean Darkness and TK, then Ego Form, Shadow Form, or even ID Mastery (more emphasis on TK blades) can also work for a dps build. Seraphim is more of the hybrid dps-healer choice.
    <CO stuff> .: Petco :. // A basic FF building guide (see 1st reply) // PSA on Power Activation Delay // Ayonachan's Gift Horse (misc stat data)
    - Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
  • bladedragon80bladedragon80 Posts: 146 Arc User

    flowcyto's better at that part. I tend towards an off-tank/support style build style here. Probably because I like to be the tough bruiser type. If they turn their attention to me, I want to hit back just as hard eventually.

    In any case, probably the best ones would be depending upon what Form toggle you take. Shadow Manifestation, for example, is all about ranged damage. Meaning you want to do some crazy ranged stuff. It's the reason why the build we've been working on has TK Lance in it. It uses up the Ego Leeches generated by TK Barrage or Ego Weaponry and does a good deal of spike damage.

    My overall suggestion is if you can manage it and want to bridge the two sets to make a good DPS? Stick to that ranged bit. It works VERY well.
  • beerbanebeerbane Posts: 197 Arc User
    Good thought on switching to more ranged. On passives, does Shadow Form buff ego blades directly? Or Ego/Id buff Darkness powers? The descriptions on the mental and magic sets' passives leaves me confused (paranormal, dimensional, etc).
  • silvergryphsilvergryph Posts: 63 Arc User
    beerbane wrote: »
    Good thought on switching to more ranged. On passives, does Shadow Form buff ego blades directly? Or Ego/Id buff Darkness powers? The descriptions on the mental and magic sets' passives leaves me confused (paranormal, dimensional, etc).

    Paranormal Damage = Ego Damage, Magic Damage or Dimensional Damage

    Shadow Form buffs all Paranormal Damage (base +25% at Rank 3 per the Wiki), so yes it buffs Ego Blades.

    Id Mastery buffs melee Paranormal Damage (base +42% at Rank 3 per the Wiki) and ranged Paranormal Damage to a lesser extent (base +21% at Rank 3 per the Wiki), so it will buff Ego Blades better than it buffs Darkness.

    Ego Form buffs all Paranormal Damage (base +25% at Rank 3 per the Wiki) and all Physical Damage to a lesser extent (base +13% at Rank 3 per the Wiki).

    Of course, each passive has other features to consider besides the damage bonus.
  • beerbanebeerbane Posts: 197 Arc User
    beerbane wrote: »
    Good thought on switching to more ranged. On passives, does Shadow Form buff ego blades directly? Or Ego/Id buff Darkness powers? The descriptions on the mental and magic sets' passives leaves me confused (paranormal, dimensional, etc).

    Paranormal Damage = Ego Damage, Magic Damage or Dimensional Damage

    Shadow Form buffs all Paranormal Damage (base +25% at Rank 3 per the Wiki), so yes it buffs Ego Blades.

    Id Mastery buffs melee Paranormal Damage (base +42% at Rank 3 per the Wiki) and ranged Paranormal Damage to a lesser extent (base +21% at Rank 3 per the Wiki), so it will buff Ego Blades better than it buffs Darkness.

    Ego Form buffs all Paranormal Damage (base +25% at Rank 3 per the Wiki) and all Physical Damage to a lesser extent (base +13% at Rank 3 per the Wiki).

    Of course, each passive has other features to consider besides the damage bonus.

    Great explanation - thank you for the info!
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