The Star

phazeun · September 2020

Hi everyone! I'm looking for some feedback on this build. The theme is a cosmic-powered hero that uses their energy to boost the defense of both themselves and their teammates. Essentially what I have is a super-sturdy AoRP healer. Thanks in advance!

Some questions:

I don't have a dedicated AoE attack. I personally don't like Vengeance's visuals and am looking for something to use instead. What would be a good alternative to use that shares similar visuals to the Celestial powerset? I'm thinking fire or force, but am unsure.
Should I include an energy unlock in this build? I recognize I won't have a large energy pool w/o AoPM and decent gear.
The block used is just for theme purposes, but I was also looking at Antagonize for the knock resistance. Thoughts?

The Star - Freeform (Any / Multiple)
v3.43:35

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

Talents
Level 1: The Hexslinger (Dex: 10, Int: 10, Ego: 10, Pre: 8)
Level 6: Acrobat (Dex: 5, Con: 5)
Level 9: Finesse (Dex: 5, Pre: 5)
Level 12: Shrug It Off (Con: 5, Pre: 5)
Level 15: Lasting Impression (Pre: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 18: Impresario (Dex: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 21: Amazing Stamina (Rec: 5, End: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Radiance
Level 1: Celestial Conduit (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Compassion
Level 8: Aura of Radiant Protection (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Retaliation (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Conviction (Rank 2, Reverence)
Level 17: Illumination
Level 20: Iniquity (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Arcane Vitality (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26:
Level 29: Ascension
Level 32: Indestructible (Rank 2, Unchained)
Level 35: Redemption (Salvation)
Level 38: Fiery Embrace
Adv. Points: 32/36

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

Specializations
Presence: Repurpose (3/3)
Presence: Selfless Ally (2/2)
Presence: Moment of Glory (3/3)
Presence: Force of Will (2/2)
Sentry: Precise (3/3)
Sentry: Sentry Aura (3/3)
Sentry: Fortify (2/2)
Sentry: Reinforce (2/2)
Sentinel: Eternal Spring (1/2)
Sentinel: Caregiver (3/3)
Sentinel: Sentinel Aura (3/3)
Sentinel: Moment of Need (3/3)
Mastery: Presence Mastery (1/1)

Devices
Slot 1: Benign Symbiote
Slot 2: Latent Psi
Slot 3: Voltanic Potential

jaazaniah1 · September 2020

Here is a similar concept that I use. I only have Star Barrage as my one attack, but it's sufficient (also helps with healing). The trick with Presence Master is that you want a shield of some sort to make the most of it. I am using Bionic Shielding for that, but Protection Field or Mindful Reinforcement would also work. With a high Presence and Compassion energy is not really an issue, especially since Iniquity doesn't use energy, but I took MSA anyway. If you worry about survival, you could set up a key bind to put Bionic Shielding on you.

Black Seraph 5 - Freeform (Support)
v3.44:36

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

Talents
Level 1: The Witch (Con: 10, Int: 8, Pre: 10, Rec: 10)
Level 6: Acrobat (Dex: 5, Con: 5)
Level 9: Finesse (Dex: 5, Pre: 5)
Level 12: Shrug It Off (Con: 5, Pre: 5)
Level 15: Diplomatic (Int: 5, Pre: 5)
Level 18: Lasting Impression (Pre: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 21: Prodigy (Pre: 5, End: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Radiance
Level 1: Iniquity (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Compassion
Level 11: Redemption (Salvation)
Level 14: Arcane Vitality (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Guard (Rank 2)
Level 20: Aura of Radiant Protection (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Fiery Embrace
Level 26: Vala's Light (Light Everlasting)
Level 29: Pillar of Poz (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Bionic Shielding (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 38: Star Barrage (Rank 2, Light Everlasting)
Adv. Points: 36/36

Travel Powers
Level 6: Fire Flight (Rank 2)
Level 35: Athletics (Rank 2)

Specializations
Presence: Selfless Ally (2/2)
Presence: Grandeur (3/3)
Presence: Brilliance (3/3)
Presence: Force of Will (2/2)
Sentinel: Eternal Spring (2/2)
Sentinel: Caregiver (3/3)
Sentinel: Sentinel Aura (3/3)
Sentinel: Moment of Need (2/3)
Sentry: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Sentry: Precise (3/3)
Sentry: Sentry Aura (3/3)
Sentry: Fortify (1/2)
Mastery: Presence Mastery (1/1)

Devices

flowcyto · September 2020

The block enhancer pick usually won't matter as much (sans Fluidity), as long as it's ranked and used well. You could also get Ascension's special adv if using Illum enough. That said, having both Arcane Vit and Conduit + Illum is a bit redundant for AoE healing. If you want to make room for an EU and/or a normal AoE then you could consider replacing 1-2 of those. Protection Field or Mindful Reinforcement are also something to consider if you want preemptive shielding. I'm unsure what you'd consider thematic enough for AoE, but maybe Star Barrage or TK Barrage would fit the bill? They are a bit costly, but could still work out (Skarn's Bane can be a cheaper option). Here's an example edit of it, keeping Conduit + Illum:

(Unnamed Build) - Freeform (Support)
v3.44:36

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

Talents
Level 1: The Witch (Con: 10, Int: 8, Pre: 10, Rec: 10)
Level 6: Diplomatic (Int: 5, Pre: 5)
Level 9: Lasting Impression (Pre: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 12: Negotiator (Int: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 15: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 18: Shrug It Off (Con: 5, Pre: 5)
Level 21: Healthy Mind (Con: 5, Int: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Radiance
Level 1: Celestial Conduit (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Compassion
Level 8: Aura of Radiant Protection (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Illumination
Level 14: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 17: Conviction (Rank 2, Reverence)
Level 20: Iniquity (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Star Barrage (Rank 2, Light Everlasting)
Level 26: Indestructible (Rank 2)
Level 29: Eldritch Shield (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Ascension (Judgment)
Level 35: Redemption (Rank 2, Salvation)
Level 38: Fiery Embrace
Adv. Points: 32/36

Travel Powers
Level 6:
Level 35:

Specializations
Presence: Repurpose (3/3)
Presence: Selfless Ally (2/2)
Presence: Moment of Glory (3/3)
Presence: Force of Will (2/2)
Sentinel: Eternal Spring (1/2)
Sentinel: Caregiver (3/3)
Sentinel: Sentinel Aura (3/3)
Sentinel: Moment of Need (3/3)
Sentry: Fortified Gear (2/3)
Sentry: Precise (3/3)
Sentry: Sentry Aura (3/3)
Sentry: Fortify (2/2)
Mastery: Presence Mastery (1/1)

Gears mostly for Pres, w/ some Con and Int.

phazeun · September 2020

Thank you both for these options! I really appreciate the input.

phazeun · October 2020

Hi! Sorry to sort-of necro this thread, but I am beginning to gear this hero, and wanted input on what direction I should take. (Since it is sort of related to the build, I didn't want to make a new forum post. Hope that is okay!)

Right now I am taking a look at investing in either the Distinguished or Virtuous gear. With the theme in mind, being a super-sturdy healer, I was originally leaning towards the Distinguished set. However, I recognize that Virtuous offers a pretty nice % in bonus healing, and also figure that with enough PRE, AoRP would probably cover for the defense bonus that Distinguished gets. So I guess my question is, which set should I be looking into? Are there any arguments for one set or another, or is it just up to personal preference? Thanks again!

flowcyto · October 2020

Virtuous' 3-set would be better overall for a healer's output, but you could go for 3-set Distinguished if you think that you need the extra leeway w/ difficult fights (can't heal if you're dead, ofc). That said, Virtuous' higher bonus heal can also help a bit more w/ self-heals, provided you have the time to recover from inc dmg. So yeah, you could make an argument either way, though I'd prob still default to Virtuous for an AoRP healer.

squirrelloid · October 2020

FWIW, if you're stacking Pre, your Repurpose spec means Justice probably gives more bonus healing than Virtuous does.

flowcyto · October 2020

squirrelloid wrote: »

FWIW, if you're stacking Pre, your Repurpose spec means Justice probably gives more bonus healing than Virtuous does.

Yea that's a good point, that Justice's 3-set is also a nice healing option if you're keeping Pres PSS's Repurpose (it can also interact w/ Vindicator's Aggressive Stance, though you're prob not gonna use that spec here).

phazeun · May 2021

Hi all! So, I'm bringing this character back for a slight update. I loved all of the suggestions given for this toon, but I want to take it a step further! A friend recommended that I try Ego PSS so I can make a crit-based healer (Stacking Pre, ofc). I wanted some feedback on this build I created. A few things:

I loved that I was able to use Celestial Conduit w/ Illumination to do some AoE healing, but it's not really reliable. So instead I decided to go Wisp w/ Guided advantage and Life Essence to get a stronger AoE heal. Thoughts?
I decided to take out Star Barrage and replace it with Shadow Embrace w/ healing advantage. I dunno, more healing etc. I liked Star Barrage, but energy was a bit of an issue.
So, I recognize that since I had originally gone Pre PSS w/ Repurpose it would have been better to use Justice Gear. I however am 2/3 through Virtuous. Would it make sense to start gearing for Justice, especially with Ego PSS now being the focus?
I decided to do a dual passive. I recognize AoRP will give me the defense I want, but it doesn't hurt to also carry AoPM just in case. Thoughts?

Here's the new build for review. Thank you in advance everyone!
Starbound - Freeform (Any / Multiple)
v3.44:36

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

Talents
Level 1: The Tenebrous (Con: 8, Ego: 10, Pre: 10, Rec: 10)
Level 6: Ascetic (Con: 5, Ego: 5)
Level 9: Shrug It Off (Con: 5, Pre: 5)
Level 12: Showmanship (Ego: 5, Pre: 5)
Level 15: Shooter (Dex: 5, Ego: 5)
Level 18: Finesse (Dex: 5, Pre: 5)
Level 21: Amazing Stamina (Rec: 5, End: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Radiance
Level 1: Celestial Conduit (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Compassion
Level 8: Aura of Radiant Protection (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Aura of Primal Majesty (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Ebon Void (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Conviction (Rank 2, Reverence)
Level 20: Iniquity (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Shadow Embrace (Draining Shadows)
Level 26: Will-o'-the-Wisp (Guide)
Level 29: Life Essence (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Transcendence
Level 35: Redemption (Salvation)
Level 38: Fiery Embrace
Adv. Points: 36/36

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

Specializations
Ego: Force of Will (2/2)
Ego: Insight (3/3)
Ego: Follow Through (2/3)
Ego: Sixth Sense (3/3)
Sentry: Precise (3/3)
Sentry: Sentry Aura (3/3)
Sentry: Fortify (2/2)
Sentry: Reinforce (2/2)
Sentinel: Eternal Spring (2/2)
Sentinel: Caregiver (3/3)
Sentinel: Sentinel Aura (3/3)
Sentinel: Moment of Need (2/3)
Mastery: Ego Mastery (1/1)

Devices
Slot 1: Inborn Tenacity
Slot 2: Benign Symbiote
Slot 3: Latent Psi
Slot 4: Voltanic Potential

flowcyto · May 2021

Yea, LE is a good heal when paired w/ the Wisp, as long as you get used to having a lifedrain-style heal. SEmbrace is also fine, though the healing adv is a self-heal. As for the gear- Justice is nice overall, but I may just stick to Virtuous here if you're already 2/3 in it.

AoPM is one of the most popular passives for a Support, so I wouldn't imagine switching to it often if you see it not being brought somehow. That said, it can be nice for smaller groups when it's less likely that you'll be w/ another Support using it. On the flip-side, it can be nice to bring a lesser-used aura. You could also save the 2nd aura passive as the last power/advs trained, in case you change your mind on it later (so re-training of it is much cheaper).

phazeun · May 2021

Okay, thanks Flow! Follow up question now. Would it be a better option to swap out Con SS with Dex SS because I am going for a crit-based build? Alternatively, I could go for an Int SS and swap out a power for MSA to help boost energy. Any thoughts?

flowcyto · May 2021

I guess you may need an EU now that you have LE and it's a bit more costly (at least, for when you're not using AoPM), but then I may consider getting Conjuring since it pairs well w/ the Wisp. Supernatural Power also works w/ LE + Wisp, but obv won't work for powers outside of SN ones. Swapping Con SS for Dex SS mostly depends on how much you are comfortable w/ switching some health for some crit. AoRP and a R3 block do reduce the need for more health, but you'll also have decent crit with 3/3 in 6th Sense and Pres-stacking as is. Also, Iniquity cannot crit, so more Dex would be for boosting stuff like LE and Conviction (and w/e nukes you take). Int SS could also be fine if you think you'll need more help w/ energy and are taking Conjuring or MSA (and w/ some small extra cd reduction). So, ultimately it's just up to you and what aspects you want to further shore up.

carrionbaggage · May 2021

If you're building for harder-hitting endgame content, I'd recommend a few things:

Ebon Void's Voracious Darkness is worth picking up for when you need to turtle a few seconds under heavy fire. It's worth noting that Retaliation's Indomitable advantage also scales well below about 2/3 health; I often recommend that to durable healers who don't like Ebon Void's aesthetic.
I would keep CON as a superstat.
Even with Repurpose, I prefer Virtuous (Precision/Fitness/Efficiency) over Justice. The healing difference is minor, and Virtuous offers better damage resistance and knock resistance.
I also like running both AoRP and AoPM. AoPM as a catch-all for most content, and switch to AoRP (if one isn't present) for hard-hitting team content like Cosmics.
I'd rank Athletics over Flight, for faster in-combat travel during missions, lairs, and Eidolon. Stacking Swift Wings mods can generate reasonable in-combat flight speed, but would be a waste if Athletics is a theme-viable option.
The Caregiver and Precise specs offer additive healing that hits heavy diminishing returns on a healer build. You could consider putting those points toward Fortified Gear and Genesis (if energy is an issue).
Wisp definitely has synergy with Conduit, but its Illumination advantage has a hard time reaching the tank line at Cosmics. I would probably squeeze in regular old Illumination, if you want to use Conduit as a multi-tank heal (but keep Wisp for Life Essence). Dropping a power is tricky, but I would choose Shadow Embrace and rely on Illumination-Conduit for AoE damage, supplemented by devices like Psionic Accelerator.
If you do pick up Psionic Accelerator, it could be worth considering Sentinel Mastery. And if you do choose Sentinel Mastery, a Poisoned Shuriken device is a good way to trigger both Poison and Sent Mastery prior to area damage phases at Cosmics (like Kigatilik's storms).
Could drop Fiery Embrace if you get a Phoenix Tear. But since you're still working on your Virt set, I assume Phoenix Tear isn't a short-term possibility.
If energy is tight without AoPM, I would steer the talents more toward END than DEX. And stack Cost Discount in utility gear, if you aren't already.

phazeun · May 2021

Thanks for the amazing feedback, friends! I have updated the build to reflect said-feedback.

I decided to just stick with AoRP. While I think having both AoRP and AoPM could be beneficial, I'd rather use the advantage points for other abilities.
So, I hear what you're saying about Illumination. After running the build in some content, I found that Wisp w/ adv did, in-fact, rarely hit all the tanks. So I swapped out Shadow Embrace in favor of Illumination to reflect that. Not sure how I feel about taking both Illumination and Wisp, but that's okay.
I feel that energy has really only been an issue while using Life Essence. While I do value the additional HP Con brings, I'm afraid that if I swapped out Int for Con I'd be running into energy issues until I can get a full set of gear running. Unfortunately my last Virtuous set is the utility primary, so I have a while to go before completing the set. If I did end up swapping out Int for Con, would I then not really need Conjuring EU?

Starbound - Freeform (Any / Multiple)
v3.44:36

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

Talents
Level 1: The Tenebrous (Con: 8, Ego: 10, Pre: 10, Rec: 10)
Level 6: Ascetic (Con: 5, Ego: 5)
Level 9: Shrug It Off (Con: 5, Pre: 5)
Level 12: Showmanship (Ego: 5, Pre: 5)
Level 15: Shooter (Dex: 5, Ego: 5)
Level 18: Finesse (Dex: 5, Pre: 5)
Level 21: Amazing Stamina (Rec: 5, End: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Radiance
Level 1: Celestial Conduit (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Compassion
Level 8: Aura of Radiant Protection (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Conjuring
Level 14: Ebon Void (Rank 2, Voracious Darkness)
Level 17: Conviction (Rank 2, Reverence)
Level 20: Iniquity (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Illumination
Level 26: Will-o'-the-Wisp (Guide, Cursed)
Level 29: Life Essence (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Transcendence (Rank 2)
Level 35: Redemption (Salvation)
Level 38: Fiery Embrace
Adv. Points: 36/36

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

Specializations
Ego: Force of Will (2/2)
Ego: Insight (3/3)
Ego: Follow Through (2/3)
Ego: Sixth Sense (3/3)
Sentry: Precise (3/3)
Sentry: Sentry Aura (3/3)
Sentry: Fortify (2/2)
Sentry: Reinforce (2/2)
Sentinel: Eternal Spring (2/2)
Sentinel: Caregiver (3/3)
Sentinel: Sentinel Aura (3/3)
Sentinel: Moment of Need (2/3)
Mastery: Ego Mastery (1/1)

Devices
Slot 1: Inborn Tenacity
Slot 2: Benign Symbiote
Slot 3: Latent Psi
Slot 4: Voltanic Potential

flowcyto · May 2021

I'm guessing that you'd prob still need an EU for LE after getting the Utility piece, assuming you are using it pretty heavily at least. It may be that you could more easily swap to Con SS once you get the full set, but keep the EU for LE and maybe just talent for some Int. Ofc, you can always copy the character over the PTS (assuming you have access to it) and test how the energy may be there, which can help you know in advance what it could be like, and/or if you want to make any changes to the build and test other things out w/o it having to affect your character on Live.

carrionbaggage · May 2021

If energy's a problem, I would lean toward END rather than INT, and run with the Mephitic energy unlock. Assuming you have some Cost Discount in your temporary utility gear, a little extra INT likely won't lower your power costs much further. Genesis in the Sentinel tree offers a nice discount for Life Essence; I would prioritize that above Caregiver and Eternal Spring, if energy is an issue.

Support role boosts your equilibrium and natural energy regeneration. That regeneration scales with your maximum energy. A little extra END also helps you store the large energy bursts from Compassion, so nothing goes to waste.

When you finish your gear, you could see how it feels to superstat CON and talent about 40 END. That should keep you energy-stable, as long as Compassion triggers periodically.

flowcyto · May 2021

Well, Int was suggested mostly for Conjuring here, not so much for the minor cost discount. Conjuring will generally be really easy to roll here w/ the Wisp, which is why I recommended it earlier.

carrionbaggage · May 2021

INT does make sense. The way I worded my comparison may have highlighted cost discount more than I intended. Mephitic scaling and support-role regen for END, Conjuring scaling and cost discount for INT; Wisp rolling either EU with its Debilitating Poison. I tend to value the support-role regen, but both options help shore up the energy deficiency.

flowcyto · May 2021

Yea, I can see either of them working out, potentially. Maybe Supernatural Power could also do it in a pinch, but it'd be nice to not have to dip to lower energy to trigger it w/ LE when you have other non-SN powers that you also have to sometimes use as a Support.

The Star

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