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Melee with Buffing/Healing Support

cptmillenniumcptmillennium Posts: 454 Arc User
in Builds and Roles
I'm experimenting with a different type of build for Guardsman, my shield-wielding hero. He's loosely based on Captain America, who I see not as a main damage dealer, healer or tank. Rather, he's someone who refuses to yield and inspires his allies to be their best and keep fighting. His only way to actively heal others comes from Gifts of the Storm from BCR. I figured I'd hit BCR, then Conviction. I've got him geared with Distinguished and Onslaught items, and he's extremely survivable with the constant healing and the renewable shields from Defensive Combo.

Guardsman - Freeform (Any / Multiple)
v3.41:33

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

Talents
Level 1: The Hero (Str: 8, Dex: 8, Con: 8, Int: 8, Ego: 8, Pre: 8, Rec: 6, End: 6)
Level 6: Acrobat (Dex: 5, Con: 5)
Level 9: Martial Focus (Str: 5, Dex: 5)
Level 12: Physical Conditioning (Str: 5, Con: 5)
Level 15: Paramilitary Training (Str: 3, Con: 3, Rec: 3, End: 3)
Level 18: Impressive Physique (Str: 5, Pre: 5)
Level 21: Shrug It Off (Con: 5, Pre: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Clobber
Level 1: Defensive Combo (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Retaliation (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Aura of Radiant Protection (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Form of the Tiger
Level 14: Dragon Kick (Rank 2, Dragon Rush)
Level 17: Demolish (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 20: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Gifts of the Storm)
Level 26: Indestructible
Level 29: Lock N Load (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Thunderbolt Lunge (Nailed to the Ground)
Level 35: Chi Manipulation
Level 38: Resurrection Serum
Adv. Points: 36/36

Travel Powers
Level 6: Athletics (Versatility)
Level 35: Swinging

Specializations
Presence: Repurpose (3/3)
Presence: Dominion (2/2)
Presence: Moment of Glory (3/3)
Presence: Force of Will (2/2)
Sentinel: Torment (2/2)
Sentinel: Caregiver (3/3)
Sentinel: Sentinel Aura (3/3)
Sentinel: Wither (2/2)
Arbiter: Enforcer (3/3)
Arbiter: Ruthless (2/2)
Arbiter: Arbiter Aura (3/3)
Arbiter: Preservation (2/2)
Mastery: Arbiter Mastery (1/1)

Devices
__________________________________________________
The poster formerly known as Lightwave!

Comments

  • flowcytoflowcyto Posts: 12,859 Arc User
    edited October 2019
    I guess the build is fine, if you don't care to have much of a focus on anything in particular. On one hand he's pretty versatile, but on the other hand he has all of that defense yet he's not a proper tank, not a great dps unit, and can't really replace a committed healer. I suppose as long as you're healing a clump of melee units a bit, not dying, and maybe putting out some ally reses then it's good overall for large groups.
    <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!
  • cptmillenniumcptmillennium Posts: 454 Arc User
    Kind of what I'm going for. A bit of a jack of all trades. The game provides so much freedom to create any type of character, but I still feel limited by traditional roles. I want to try something different that still offers some group utility. I'd take other powers for group heals but I'm having a hard time finding anything that doesn't look like I'm casting a spell or shooting a beam of light. The new heal in Might is close to what I'm after, but the animation is kind of absurd.
    __________________________________________________
    The poster formerly known as Lightwave!
  • flowcytoflowcyto Posts: 12,859 Arc User
    edited October 2019
    Yea, the game could use more healing options atm. Hoping that any Gadgeteering revamp brings in a bunch of them. That said, if you could find much extra utility in having a normal ally heal power, then I wouldn't necc let thematic issues hold you back. You can always suspend your disbelief a bit (for ex. I had a tech-based healer that took Arcane Vit to round it out, but just played it up as a medical solution being projected from special bracers he wore), but ultimately it's up to you if you want to make that sort of leap. Something like Empathic Healing or Warmth w/ Chest or Fist emanation could perhaps work better for the look than most others, though that's ofc for single-target or tank healing.
    <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: 16,467 Arc User
    Come back sometime and report how the build feels to use. Always interested to see where these sorts of ideas go, especially Arbiter Mastery since that's rarely used. That's the one where completing a combo heals a bunch of peeps around you right?
    Squishy DPS builds that can solo QWZ w/videos.
    My super cool CC build and how to use it.
  • flowcytoflowcyto Posts: 12,859 Arc User
    edited October 2019
    Yea, Arbiter Mastery heals you ~1% maxHP per combo, and nearby allies 3x that. It's interesting, if not a bit over-shadowed by Sentinel Mastery, and unfortunately doesn't proc Honor in its own tree.
    <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!
  • cptmillenniumcptmillennium Posts: 454 Arc User
    I'd considered Sentinel Mastery, but it sounds like it'd heal only allies and not yourself. Arbiter Mastery seems like it could work well with Defensive Combo, shielding you while you heal.
    __________________________________________________
    The poster formerly known as Lightwave!
  • spinnytopspinnytop Posts: 16,467 Arc User
    cptmillennium wrote: »
    I'd considered Sentinel Mastery, but it sounds like it'd heal only allies and not yourself. Arbiter Mastery seems like it could work well with Defensive Combo, shielding you while you heal.

    It heals everyone who hits the target. However, with Arbiter and Defensive Combo you might be looking at being damn near invincible in a lot of circumstances. With Sentinal you would have to interrupt those wonderful shields to apply a stun, which with this build looks like it'd bean fully charged Dragon Kicks. I say stick with Arbiter.
    Squishy DPS builds that can solo QWZ w/videos.
    My super cool CC build and how to use it.
  • cptmillenniumcptmillennium Posts: 454 Arc User
    Does the Caregiver spec affect the healing done via Gifts of the Storm?
    __________________________________________________
    The poster formerly known as Lightwave!
  • flowcytoflowcyto Posts: 12,859 Arc User
    edited October 2019
    Afaik, Gifts just takes 20% of inc healing and adds it in an aura around you. In that case, Caregiver would boost Gifts, but indirectly by boosting any normal healing you do to yourself towards that %age.
    <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!
  • cptmillenniumcptmillennium Posts: 454 Arc User
    That's what I'm hoping. Thanks Flow.
    __________________________________________________
    The poster formerly known as Lightwave!
  • flowcytoflowcyto Posts: 12,859 Arc User
    edited October 2019
    Oh wait, I forgot that Caregiver is only to allies. So I imagine it actually doesn't boost Gifts. That said, if you get any normal ally heals then it'll be good to pick up.
    <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!
  • vonqballvonqball Posts: 940 Arc User
    AoRP is still bugged right? I would avoid hybrid role.

    Kinda surprised you didn't include call to battle for the ally shields. Seems pretty thematic here.
  • flowcytoflowcyto Posts: 12,859 Arc User
    Call to Battle could be good for minor support, assuming he's fine w/ the yelling :x
    <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!
  • cptmillenniumcptmillennium Posts: 454 Arc User
    edited October 2019
    Yeah, I'm not sure the animation is what I'm after.

    Currently I'm using this build:

    Guardsman - Freeform (Any / Multiple)
    v3.41:33

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

    Talents
    Level 1: The Protector (Str: 10, Dex: 10, Con: 10, Rec: 8)
    Level 6: Acrobat (Dex: 5, Con: 5)
    Level 9: Martial Focus (Str: 5, Dex: 5)
    Level 12: Physical Conditioning (Str: 5, Con: 5)
    Level 15: Paramilitary Training (Str: 3, Con: 3, Rec: 3, End: 3)
    Level 18: Covert Ops Training (Str: 3, Dex: 3, Con: 3, Int: 3)
    Level 21: Survival Training (Dex: 3, Con: 3, Pre: 3, Rec: 2, End: 2)

    Powers
    Level 1: Clobber
    Level 1: Defensive Combo (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 6: Retaliation (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 8: Demolish (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 11: Form of the Master
    Level 14: Dragon Kick (Rank 2, Dragon Rush)
    Level 17: Chi Manipulation
    Level 20: Iniquity (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 23: Unbreakable
    Level 26: Lock N Load
    Level 29: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Gifts of the Storm)
    Level 32: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 35: Backhand Chop (Stinging Bee)
    Level 38: Aura of Radiant Protection (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Adv. Points: 36/36

    Travel Powers
    Level 6: Athletics (Versatility)
    Level 35: Swinging

    Specializations
    Presence: Repurpose (3/3)
    Presence: Selfless Ally (2/2)
    Presence: Moment of Glory (3/3)
    Presence: Force of Will (2/2)
    Sentinel: Torment (2/2)
    Sentinel: Caregiver (3/3)
    Sentinel: Sentinel Aura (3/3)
    Sentinel: Wither (2/2)
    Arbiter: Enforcer (3/3)
    Arbiter: Ruthless (2/2)
    Arbiter: Rend (2/2)
    Arbiter: Honor (2/2)
    Arbiter: Preservation (1/2)
    Mastery: Sentinel Mastery (1/1)

    Devices
    Slot 5: Primus Spark Shield



    This uses a lot of ideas from the Unarmed/DPS build from the Healer Builds guide post. I'm not in love with Iniquity's animation either, but it's not too bad, and it'd let me do some impressive single-target healing that would benefit from Caregiver, and I can easily spam it three times to proc Honor, while Selfless Ally makes it a free cast.

    What IS the deal with AoRP exactly? I've heard it's bugged before but I don't know precisely what the issue is.
    __________________________________________________
    The poster formerly known as Lightwave!
  • flowcytoflowcyto Posts: 12,859 Arc User
    Afaik, if you have >1 version of AoRP in a group then it can prevent you and other players from being able to block sometimes. I recall running into it a few times when I still played; if it's still around, then that's a real shame, as it's can be a really crappy bug to deal with.

    Also, is energy okay for you on the current build? I assume you're ditching the combo focus and using DK more w/ Sentinel Mastery, since the Might stuff itself won't proc FotM or Chi Manip.
    <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!
  • cptmillenniumcptmillennium Posts: 454 Arc User
    Energy is great actually. I mostly rely on DK for general purpose combat. It can be charged on the move, provides its own energy and can build stacks of FotM out of combat, as well as proccing Chi Manipulation. My typical rotation in heavy single target fights is something like DK -> DCx3 -> Demolishx2 or 3. There are heavier single target attacks available, but this one has Demolish built in, saving me a power slot and some advantage points, and it looks like a shield bash. I'm tempted to swap out Arbiter for Brawler for Setup.

    I'm still not sure I'm feeling the build. Tried it at cosmics last night and juggling BCR with Conviction while trying to get attacks in can be a bit tricky. I may end up swapping AoRP for Invulnerability after what you guys have told me, and going with Impressive Physique and Call to Battle after all. I don't love the animations, but the effects are exactly in line with what I'm after for this guy. I think he'd be more effective while also being less complicated to play.
    __________________________________________________
    The poster formerly known as Lightwave!
  • jaazaniah1jaazaniah1 Posts: 5,557 Arc User
    Is/was this something with any 2 AoRPs, or only if one of them is hybrid? I think I've been at cosmics lately with my current AoRPer and not seen a problem with tanks blocking when another support AoRP was there, but I could well be mistaken.
    flowcyto wrote: »
    Afaik, if you have >1 version of AoRP in a group then it can prevent you and other players from being able to block sometimes. I recall running into it a few times when I still played; if it's still around, then that's a real shame, as it's can be a really crappy bug to deal with.
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  • cptmillenniumcptmillennium Posts: 454 Arc User
    I've been playing with the build more and I'm starting to like the way it feels. Bountiful Chi helps keep up my stacks of focus even when trying to focus more on healing, and Iniquity is a fantastic single target heal I can use to support the tank through target assist. I swapped out Arbiter for Brawler for a bit of extra damage from how I'm playing, which is typically a round of DC followed by a charged Demolish. Think I'll keep it as-is for now, but I'll keep an eye out for issues with AoRP.

    Current build:

    Guardsman (support) - Freeform (Any / Multiple)
    v3.41:33

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

    Talents
    Level 1:
    Level 6:
    Level 9:
    Level 12:
    Level 15:
    Level 18:
    Level 21:

    Powers
    Level 1: Clobber
    Level 1: Defensive Combo (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 6: Retaliation (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 8: Demolish (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 11: Form of the Master
    Level 14: Dragon Kick (Rank 2, Dragon Rush)
    Level 17: Chi Manipulation
    Level 20: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Gifts of the Storm)
    Level 23: Lock N Load
    Level 26: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 29: Resurrection Serum
    Level 32: Iniquity (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 35: Unbreakable (Rank 2)
    Level 38: Aura of Radiant Protection (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Adv. Points: 36/36

    Travel Powers
    Level 6: Athletics (Versatility)
    Level 35: Swinging

    Specializations
    Presence: Repurpose (3/3)
    Presence: Selfless Ally (2/2)
    Presence: Moment of Glory (3/3)
    Presence: Force of Will (2/2)
    Sentinel: Torment (2/2)
    Sentinel: Caregiver (3/3)
    Sentinel: Sentinel Aura (3/3)
    Sentinel: Wither (2/2)
    Brawler: The Glory of Battle (1/3)
    Brawler: Penetrating Strikes (2/2)
    Brawler: Ruthless (2/2)
    Brawler: Setup (2/2)
    Brawler: Flanking (3/3)
    Mastery: Sentinel Mastery (1/1)

    Devices
    __________________________________________________
    The poster formerly known as Lightwave!
  • flowcytoflowcyto Posts: 12,859 Arc User
    edited October 2019
    Okay, if its working out for you then that's well enough. Adding Iniquity does mean you can pickup ally/tank healing if need be, and Selfless Ally will mitigate the self-dmg, so that's pretty nice to have available.
    <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!
  • cptmillenniumcptmillennium Posts: 454 Arc User
    Yeah, I can spam Iniquity without any loss of health, and it benefits from Caregiver. I also swapped Backhand Chop, which I'd taken for the Trauma advantage, for Resurrection Serum. Trauma doesn't seem to be useful very often.
    __________________________________________________
    The poster formerly known as Lightwave!
  • vonqballvonqball Posts: 940 Arc User
    edited October 2019
    You could try medical nanites. Nanites provides passive healing to everyone and a defense buff.. although a smaller one than AoRP.

    And ofc AoPM has long been the "jack of all trades" passive.
  • cptmillenniumcptmillennium Posts: 454 Arc User
    For this shield-wielding hero I wanted a pretty high defense, so AoRP feels like a better fit. Nanites is an interesting idea though. It's one of those powers I tend to forget exists!
    __________________________________________________
    The poster formerly known as Lightwave!
  • vonqballvonqball Posts: 940 Arc User
    Yeah, Nanites got buffed with the addition of damage resistance a ways back. Before that, it was totally outclassed by the other auras. It maybe still be the worst (I'm unsure), but it isn't that far behind anymore. It also plays quite nicely in hybrid mode, since the defense debuff is the same in either role. It also doesn't have any horrible bugs that I know of.
  • cptmillenniumcptmillennium Posts: 454 Arc User
    I'll take another look at it over the weekend. I'm also going to experiment with Compassion. I'd discounted it because the description makes it sound as though I'd never be able to build stacks while soloing, but I now understand I can trigger it with either BCR or Compassion.
    __________________________________________________
    The poster formerly known as Lightwave!
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