It seems that no one has had enough interest to post a Laser build with the new PA melee powers so here's my crack at it. BTW for those who don't/didn't know if you go electric form you can now use that in brawler role... Unlike back in the day for those who remember.
Name: Hero II
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Intelligence (Primary)
Level 10: Dexterity (Secondary)
Level 15: Strength (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Fist
Level 6: Academics
Level 9: Shooter
Level 12: Professional Athlete
Level 15: Covert Ops Training
Level 18: Martial Training
Level 21: Sniper Training
Powers:
Level 1: Laser Edge
Level 1: Lightwave Slash (Rank 2)
Level 6: Lightspeed Dash (Crippling Challenge, Nailed to the Ground)
Level 8: Plasma Cutter (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Electric Form (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Energy Shield (Rank 2, Laser Knight)
Level 17: Plasma Beam (Rank 2, Melta Cannon)
Level 20: Energy Wave (Rank 2, Reverse Polarity)
Level 23: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Unbreakable
Level 29: Ascension
Level 32: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 35: Resurgence
Level 38: Form of the Tempest (Rank 2)
Travel Powers:
Level 6: Rocket Jump (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Metallic Ooze Tunneling
Here's the link to the powerhouse
http://powerhouse.nullware.com/powerhouse.html?v=4&n=Hero%20II&d=1421ZRICbcfC3g0920098019E0C9G0315039D059J059L09J5039K00JE007D00QG00A601000200000000
This really isn't a leveling build even though I leveled with it... and it kinda sucked leveling to 23 without a heal so I would recommend switching your order around as most the powers come from the PA set.
THE BREAK DOWN
Ideally start your fight with Plasma Beam to pull in the mobs and stack plasma burn (at least 2 on your primary target) to set up your Plasma Cutter which does some nice damage with 2 stacks. In groups this is key as you DO NOT want to use lightspeed dash with CC on a boss unless your confident in your team/tank/personal pwnage. When the fight has already on you use Lightwave Slash to re-apply plasma burn -> Plasma Cutter
Energy Wave is for when you get swarmed, I took the Reverse Polarity advantage to pull in range mobs and runners to set up for LWS to PC (as well as looking epic)
Conviction for quick heals and to help trigger Molecular Self-Assembly paired with Unbreakable for PVP or when there's too many baddies on you. With high Intelligence popping Unbreakable and Resurgence when things get sticky is around a 12-15 second wait with decent gear at 40.
Ascension for retreating and to buff your Conviction self heal with enough speed to shoot out of the 50-100 foot attack range of most PVPers.
Form of the Tempest is really just a filler form as I really don't like not having one BUT the damage buff and energy return do help in the grand scheme of things
To sum it all up, this is a good change of pace build and if your like me and always wanted the laser sword to be more than "That one melee power buffed by Electric Form" then this has just enough flexibility for tailoring it to your play style while being able to go toe to toe with most.
Specializations are users choice though I would recommend going with at least one tree that gives the increase offense by 100% of your defense to avoid stacking items with offense and defense that way by becoming more resilient you become twice as dangerous.
Comments
Does anything with bruns/ruptures actually match the pure DPS of R3 or R2+PAcc Laser Sword when you can use it constantly? (Serious question, I have not tried a burn build, but LS R3 is insane)
When I did a LS build I simply focused on adding AOE damage while I was spamming laser sword using Sparkstorm. The problem is energy, but this build is doing pretty well so far running at level 30:
LINK
Name: Zparkz
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Dexterity (Primary) Crit crit crit, focus damage
Level 10: Endurance (Secondary) Energy (toyed with recovery here as well)
Level 15: Intelligence (Secondary) Energy and Cooldown, MSA
Talents:
Level 1: Sureshot
Level 6: Energetic
Level 9: Agile
Level 12: Brilliant
Level 15: Coordinated
Level 18: Accurate
Level 21: Investigator
Powers:
Level 1: Power Bolts
-Ranged EB, because tauts don't crit and crit = focus and focus = energy and energy = DPS
Level 1: Laser Sword (Rank 2, Particle Acceleration)
-Optional on Partical Acceleration. I am testing if I have enough energy to manage PAccel or should just stick with R3)
Level 6: Energy Shield (Laser Knight)
-Not dying = DPS
Level 8: Electric Form (Rank 2, Rank 3)
-Zot Zot
Level 11: Sparkstorm (Rank 2, Electric Personality)
-Zot Zot Zot!
Level 14: Lightspeed Dash
-If I had advantage points I may have gone with Void Shift + Emerging Nightmares
Level 17: Molecular Self-Assembly
-Energy Unlock: Tied to INT
Level 20: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Resurgent Reiki)
-Small heal. Another option is Resurgence with R2
Level 23: Protection Field (Rank 2, Rank 3)
-Return energy to you when you are hit, I just use it for self-bubble usually
-Not dying = DPS
Level 26: Energy Wave (Hardened Particle Matrix, Reverse Polarity)
-Pulsewave is against this Bubble, but I like it, especially as a double bubble, plus it's particle damage. Looks too cool to give up
Level 29: Form of the Tempest
-Damage and energy = win
Level 32: Dragon Kick (Lashing Dragon Tail)
-Stun and RUSH = win. Rush buff is kind of weak, but things add up and laser sword is a massive suckfest of energy. I charge this every once in a while after I have 8 ranks of focus. Avoidance is nice to have, so the advantage comes in handy.
Level 35: Evasive Maneuvers (Sleight of Mind)
-Aggro drop+ Dodge buff: not dying = DPS
Level 38: Electric Sheath (Rank 2, Matter ? Energy Union)
-A shield and a damage buff. Not the biggest fan of active offenses, but a holdbreaker with a damage shield is a no-brainer. It's kind of my Active OFFENSE and DEFENSE
Travel Powers:
Level 6: Teleportation
Level 35: Acrobatics (Versatility)
Specializations:
Dexterity: Combat Training (3/3) +offense = + defense = +offense = +critstrike
Dexterity: Gear Utilization (2/3) + gear ... see above
Dexterity: Deadly Aim (3/3) + crit severity
Dexterity: Expose Weakness (2/2) -Defenses
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2) + Offense/Defense
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3) +Crit Severity
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3) +single target crits
Vindicator: Modified Gear (2/2) +gear... see above
Warden: Fortified Gear (2/3) +gear... see above
Warden: Slaughter (3/3) +combo crits: Laser sword
Warden: Ruthless (2/2) +Crit Severity
Warden: The Best Defense (3/3) +offense = defense = fun
Mastery: Warden Mastery (1/1) +10% base damage on LS, Stacking buff
And by the way, don't you think you can take off the points from laser sword ad dump it into the advantage? You could dish out more dmg that way
Tap laser sword w/advantage + tap spam plasma cutter = dmg
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name: Cervando STR
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Strength (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Dexterity (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Master
Level 6: Physical Conditioning
Level 9: Martial Focus
Level 12: Acrobat
Level 15: Covert Ops Training
Level 18: Paramilitary Training
Level 21: Survival Training
Powers:
Level 1: Laser Edge
Level 1: Laser Sword (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Power Gauntlet (Crippling Challenge)
Level 8: Energy Shield (Rank 2, Laser Knight)
Level 11: Defiance (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Lightspeed Dash
Level 17: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 20: Crushing Wave (Rank 2, Disruptive Force, Challenging Strikes)
Level 23: Chest Beam (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Form of the Tempest
Level 29: Resurgence (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Electric Sheath (Matter ? Energy Union)
Level 38: Unbreakable
Travel Powers:
Level 6: Jet Boots (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Athletics
Specializations:
Strength: Physical Peak (3/3)
Strength: Aggression (2/2)
Strength: Brutality (2/2)
Strength: Overpower (3/3)
Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Tenacious (2/2)
Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
Protector: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Protector: Bulwark (2/2)
Protector: Exhausting Strikes (2/2)
Protector: Resolute (3/3)
Mastery: Protector Mastery (1/1)
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name: Cervando Current
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Strength (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Dexterity (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Master
Level 6: Physical Conditioning
Level 9: Martial Focus
Level 12: Acrobat
Level 15: Covert Ops Training
Level 18: Paramilitary Training
Level 21: Survival Training
Powers:
Level 1: Laser Edge
Level 1: Laser Sword (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Power Gauntlet (Crippling Challenge)
Level 8: Energy Shield (Rank 2)
Level 11: Defiance (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Lightspeed Dash
Level 17: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 20: Crushing Wave (Rank 2, Disruptive Force, Challenging Strikes)
Level 23: Chest Beam (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Form of the Tempest (Rank 2)
Level 29: Resurgence (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Electric Sheath (Rank 2, Matter ? Energy Union)
Level 38: Unbreakable
Travel Powers:
Level 6: Jet Boots (Rank 2)
Level 35: Athletics
Specializations:
Strength: Physical Peak (3/3)
Strength: Aggression (2/2)
Strength: Brutality (2/2)
Strength: Overpower (3/3)
Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Tenacious (2/2)
Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
Protector: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Protector: Bulwark (2/2)
Protector: Exhausting Strikes (2/2)
Protector: Resolute (3/3)
Mastery: Protector Mastery (1/1)
However, he still died too much whilst tanking Gravitar and I was unhappy. This may be because his gear sucks, as I need to completely re-equip him, but just in case I considered switching from STR to DEX to aid his dodges. This would certainly help vs the huge spike damage of that fight. Thus here is a proposed change, comments welcome:
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name: Cervando Dodge
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Dexterity (Primary)
Level 10: Strength (Secondary)
Level 15: Constitution (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Master
Level 6: Physical Conditioning
Level 9: Martial Focus
Level 12: Acrobat
Level 15: Covert Ops Training
Level 18: Paramilitary Training
Level 21: Survival Training
Powers:
Level 1: Laser Edge
Level 1: Laser Sword (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Power Gauntlet (Crippling Challenge)
Level 8: Energy Shield (Rank 2)
Level 11: Defiance (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Lightspeed Dash
Level 17: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 20: Crushing Wave (Rank 2, Disruptive Force, Challenging Strikes)
Level 23: Chest Beam (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Form of the Tempest (Rank 2)
Level 29: Resurgence (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Electric Sheath (Rank 2, Matter ? Energy Union)
Level 38: Unbreakable
Travel Powers:
Level 6: Jet Boots (Rank 2)
Level 35: Athletics
Specializations:
Dexterity: Combat Training (3/3)
Dexterity: Brush It Off (2/2)
Dexterity: Evasion (2/2)
Dexterity: Quick Reflexes (3/3)
Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Tenacious (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: Protector Mastery (1/1)
running defiance on a Con/Dex PC with super-stacked Dodge and Avoidance I still got dropped by Gravitar 2x, which impressed me
Gwan Foo Goldstein may actually need to block sometimes!
Thank You
Whilst I agree MD is better vs big hits, he has defiance which is good for that, but weak vs multiple small attacks, against which Unbreakable copes well. It also allows me to turtle whilst I spam conviction.
Having said that, I am considering the following build:
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name: Cervando Revitalize
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Intelligence (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Dexterity (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Fist
Level 6: Healthy Mind
Level 9: Coordinated
Level 12: Acrobat
Level 15: Covert Ops Training
Level 18: Paramilitary Training
Level 21: Field Ops Training
Powers:
Level 1: Laser Edge (It Burns)
Level 1: Laser Sword (Particle Acceleration, Crippling Challenge)
Level 6: Invulnerability (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Energy Shield (Laser Knight)
Level 11: Lightwave Slash (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Lightspeed Dash
Level 17: Crushing Wave (Disruptive Force, Challenging Strikes)
Level 20: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Rank 2, Resurgent Reiki)
Level 23: Masterful Dodge
Level 26: Resurgence (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 29: Form of the Master (Storm's Eye Prana)
Level 32: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 35: Conviction (Rank 2)
Level 38: Electric Sheath (Matter ? Energy Union)
Travel Powers:
Level 6: Jet Boots (Rank 2)
Level 35: Athletics
Specializations:
Intelligence: Preparation (2/2)
Intelligence: Enlightened (3/3)
Intelligence: Revitalize (3/3)
Intelligence: Expertise (2/2)
Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Tenacious (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: Protector Mastery (1/1)
I'd keep dex as primary for the spec tree. Int secondary with cost reduction gear will keep laser sword manageable, dex specs give you better crits/dodge. Consider parry w/ Elusive monk to layer more dodge into your build for some excellent defense, and to synergise with FotM.
Pretty.Pixie
Thanks for the feedback. The reasoning for this build is revitalize. The intention is to be able to activate the offensive and defensive buffs as often as possible and using them to boost damage and defense. I use revitalize on another PA build, coupled with the automated advantage on the EB and it works brilliantly. However, on this build I am thinking it won't be as efficient. Overall I do favor the DEX route. However, I will take Laser Knight rather than elusive monk as his theme is a modern day knight.
What is your opinion of the Cervando Dodge build?
The first thing that strikes me is your choice of Strength as a superstat. You don't need it for a form, as a spec tree or for knock back. That leaves the 20% melee bonus that soft caps at 70. Seems very inefficient. On top of that you have no SS to fuel either MSA (int) or Defiance (recovery), whilst using some energy hungry powers.
Also, the only dodge I saw was from your spec tree, which seems a bit underwhelming if you go for an actual defiance/dodge build. Of course gear can do a lot here.
Pretty.Pixie
I plan to build up some Int through Talents and gear to help with MSA.
I liked the idea of Power Bolt to build some energy at range before charging in.
Orbital Canon? Well, his other attacks use particle damage, so why not Might switch places with Masterful Dodge depending on how survival is going.
Still feel new to the nuances of the game. If anything seems grossly out of order I'm always interested in feedback.
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name: Speed Daemon
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Dexterity (Primary)
Level 10: Recovery (Secondary)
Level 15: Strength (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Fist
Level 6: Martial Focus
Level 9: Relentless
Level 12: Impresario
Level 15: Negotiator
Level 18: Coordinated
Level 21: Body and Mind
Powers:
Level 1: Power Bolts (It Burns)
Level 1: Lightwave Slash (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Lightspeed Dash
Level 8: Lightning Reflexes (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Laser Sword (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Energy Shield (Laser Knight)
Level 17: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Rank 2, Resurgent Reiki)
Level 20: Form of the Master (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 26: Masterful Dodge (Rank 2)
Level 29: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Immolation (Blazing Body)
Level 35: Orbital Cannon (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 38: Toxic Nanites
Travel Powers:
Level 6: Blazing Speed
Level 35: Electric Arc
Specializations:
Dexterity: Combat Training (3/3)
Dexterity: Gear Utilization (2/3)
Dexterity: Evasion (2/2)
Dexterity: Expose Weakness (2/2)
Dexterity: Quick Reflexes (1/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (2/3)
Vindicator: Mass Destruction (2/3)
Warden: Fortified Gear (2/3)
Warden: Slaughter (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Dexterity Mastery (1/1)
Good points. Changed him slightly to the following build, how does this look? I would like to take BCR with RR, but not sure what to drop, any advice?
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name: Cervando Dodge 2
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Dexterity (Primary)
Level 10: Intelligence (Secondary)
Level 15: Constitution (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Fist
Level 6: Coordinated
Level 9: Acrobat
Level 12: Healthy Mind
Level 15: Covert Ops Training
Level 18: Survival Training
Level 21: Paramilitary Training
Powers:
Level 1: Laser Edge
Level 1: Laser Sword (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Power Gauntlet (Crippling Challenge)
Level 8: Energy Shield (Rank 2)
Level 11: Defiance (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Lightspeed Dash
Level 17: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 20: Crushing Wave (Rank 2, Disruptive Force, Challenging Strikes)
Level 23: Chest Beam (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Form of the Tempest (Rank 2)
Level 29: Resurgence (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Electric Sheath (Rank 2, Matter ? Energy Union)
Level 38: Masterful Dodge
Travel Powers:
Level 6: Jet Boots (Rank 2)
Level 35: Athletics
Specializations:
Dexterity: Combat Training (3/3)
Dexterity: Brush It Off (2/2)
Dexterity: Evasion (2/2)
Dexterity: Quick Reflexes (3/3)
Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Tenacious (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: Protector Mastery (1/1)
Edit: Using parry assumes you spend most of your time in Melee, though.
Pretty.Pixie
Look at your energy cost per slash (make sure your Form is on and also your Travel Power if you intend to fight "mounted" [as they say in the cavalry] all the time). Now multiply that by 24 for your energy costs over 12 seconds.
Defiance and Forms procs every 4 seconds so take the sum of those energy gains and multiply by 3.
Energy Unlocks proc every 3 seconds, take that energy gain and multiply by 4.
Compare the two totals. Do you have enough energy under IDEAL conditions? If not, then the build has serious issues. If you are close, then in most cases, you need extra Endurance for when multiple procs occur close together so you don't WASTE energy.
I'm still trying to solve the issue myself, I am getting closer to an answer and will post when and if it actually works.
I realize it is less efficient, but it has to be laserknight for concept. I like resurgence as it is excellent to counter massive spike damage, such as Gravitar. I have tweaked the build some more, adding specializations to reduce energy costs and taken BCR instead of conviction. I know this means MSA will proc less, but I am hoping it won't make too much difference. Hopefully someone has tested both. My plan is too maximize defense and crits, the former to synergize with the best defense skill and the latter to fuel my energy via FotT.
You have pointed out the main problem I have encountered myself, spamming laser sword is expensive. I really hope you crack this as I would love more advice. I just hope I can stay in theme.