Healing Swashbuckler - any recommendations?

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• flowcyto Posts: 12,742 Arc User

  January 2014 edited January 2014

  Here's a stab (or slash) at it:
  
  PowerHouse (Link to this build)
  
  Archetype: Freeform
  
  Super Stats:
  Level 6: Intelligence (Primary)
  Level 10: Presence (Secondary)
  Level 15: Dexterity (Secondary)
  
  Talents:
  Level 1: The Hero
  Level 6: Coordinated
  Level 9: Finesse
  Level 12: Jack of All Trades
  Level 15: Acrobat
  Level 18: Martial Focus
  Level 21: Covert Ops Training
  
  Powers:
  Level 1: Sonic Blaster
  Level 1: Blade Tempest (Rank 2, Rank 3)
  Level 6: Form of the Tempest
  Level 8: Aura of Primal Majesty (Rank 2, Rank 3)
  Level 11: Parry (The Elusive Monk)
  Level 14: Dragon's Wrath (Rank 2, Tiger's Courage)
  Level 17: Sonic Arrow (Rank 2, Deadly Dissonance)
  Level 20: Sword Cyclone (Rank 2, Rank 3)
  Level 23: Vala's Light (Rank 2, Rank 3)
  Level 26: Protection Field (Rank 2)
  Level 29: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Resurgent Reiki)
  Level 32: Ascension
  Level 35: Resurrection Serum
  Level 38: Masterful Dodge
  
  Travel Powers:
  Level 6: Acrobatics (Rank 2, Rank 3, Versatility)
  Level 35: Earth Flight (Rank 2)
  
  Specializations:
  Intelligence: Enlightened (3/3)
  Intelligence: Tactician (2/2)
  Intelligence: Detect Vulnerability (3/3)
  Intelligence: Expertise (2/2)
  Warden: Fortified Gear (2/3)
  Warden: Slaughter (2/3)
  Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
  Warden: Elusive (1/2)
  Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
  Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
  Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
  Vindicator: Focused Strikes (2/3)
  Vindicator: Mass Destruction (3/3)
  Mastery: Intelligence Mastery (1/1)
  
  I replaced EotS w/ Sword Cyclone since the latter gives you stronger aoe and mobility (shouldn't really need the shield EotS provides, given ur heals, higher stats, and other defense options, but I can understand if you still want it).
  
  Made ur sonic power Sonic Arrow since, at full charge, it stuns in an area and applies Disorient (which is good for reducing mob/boss dmg to the team). I figured a nimble show-off hero would resort to mixing it up w/ some marksmanship once in a while to impress any on-lookers.
  
  AoPM was chosen as ur passive to keep you versatile and make good use of that Presence. I made Int ur PSS cause w/ AoPM it gives a great return on *all* stats, including Dex for crit chance. Dex and Pres should still prob be ur primary geared stats, but some Int on the side for cd /cost reduction and the Defense penetration is still good.
  
  MF and Protection Feild are both good shields, I just chose Protection Field cause it lasts longer and returns energy on hit targets, but MF w/ the energy return adv can work fine as well.
  I made Vala's Light ur no-cd heal cause ur melee and a short-range sphere aoe would be most fitting to someone whose grouped up in melee often.
  
  I chose Parry as the block because Elusive Monk gives you some extra dodge and knock resist while attacking (AoPM will give you 70-90ish Str innately at lvl 40, but more knock resist is always nice). Also to keep you crit-focused I gave you the ol' Wardicator spec, which also gives you better severity for attacks and heal crits. A more support-style alternative is to swap one of them out for Arbiter.
  
  Also added a res in there, to complete the healing repertoire.
  
  
  Kinda an oddball concept, but it could work. Let me know what ya think.

  <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!

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• oniganon Posts: 155 Arc User

  January 2014 edited January 2014

  Another example, similar to the above.
  
  PowerHouse (Link to this build)
  
  Super Stats:
  Level 6: Intelligence (Primary)
  Level 10: Presence (Secondary)
  Level 15: Dexterity (Secondary)
  
  Powers:
  Level 1: Sonic Blaster
  Level 1: Ricochet Throw (Rank 2, Rank 3)
  Level 6: Sonic Device (Rank 2, Rank 3)
  Level 8: Molecular Self-Assembly
  Level 11: Thunderbolt Lunge
  Level 14: Dragon's Wrath (Rank 2, Tiger's Courage)
  Level 17: Form of the Tempest
  Level 20: Sword Cyclone (Rank 2, Rank 3)
  Level 23: Aura of Primal Majesty (Rank 2, Rank 3)
  Level 26: Force Shield (Force Sheathe)
  Level 29: Protection Field (Rank 2, Rank 3)
  Level 32: Empathic Healing (Rank 2, Rank 3)
  Level 35: Unbreakable
  Level 38: Redemption (Rank 2, Salvation)
  
  Travel Powers:
  Level 6: Athletics (Rank 2, Versatility)
  Level 35: Teleportation
  
  Specializations:
  Intelligence: Enlightened (3/3)
  Intelligence: Tactician (2/2)
  Intelligence: Detect Vulnerability (3/3)
  Intelligence: Expertise (2/2)
  Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
  Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
  Warden: Elusive (2/2)
  Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
  Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
  Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
  Vindicator: Modified Gear (2/2)
  Vindicator: Mass Destruction (3/3)
  Mastery: Intelligence Mastery (1/1)

  ---

  | The Phoenix - A Fiery Jack of All Trades | The Nightmare - Dark Summoner | The Ranger - Archery/DB DPS |
  | The Packleader - Bestial Petmaster |

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• superalfgorn Posts: 558 Arc User

  January 2014 edited January 2014

  So, I get you want to play a D&D bard. At least that's how I see your PC
  
  Below I propose a version that uses "enchanted" fiery swords for its attacks. And goes full tilt on self- and group-healing with the Arbiter Mastery (this is why his PSS is CON). The bonus healing is provided not by PRE, but by Hybrid Role+Seraphim. Healing in the front lines comes from Arbiter Mastery (at lvl.40, of course), Seraphim+Adv, Conviction+Adv.
  
  Mental Discipline is there for Crits (that provide self healing) and damage.
  
  The energy builder should have the emanation point changed to head for a nice "scream" effect. If you want a more exotic spell-chant effect you can go with the Sorcery EB. Another sonic "spell" is Howl, granting Enrage to the group and Fear to enemies. Honestly I would skip Crushing Wave for another sword power, nevertheless you can fit it in.
  
  Of course you can cut the resurrection power for anything that you like more.
  
  
  PowerHouse (Link to this build)
  
  Name: Frontline Bard
  
  Archetype: Freeform
  
  Super Stats:
  Level 6: Constitution (Primary)
  Level 10: Dexterity (Secondary)
  Level 15: Intelligence (Secondary)
  
  Talents:
  Level 1: The Glacier
  Level 6: Field Ops Training
  Level 9: Survival Training
  Level 12: Ascetic
  Level 15: Jack of All Trades
  Level 18: Shooter
  Level 21: Academics
  
  Powers:
  Level 1: Kinetic Darts
  Level 1: Ego Weaponry (Rank 2, Siphoning Strikes)
  Level 6: Ego Blade Dash
  Level 8: Seraphim (Rank 2, Balance)
  Level 11: Mental Discipline (Rank 2, Rank 3)
  Level 14: Parry (The Elusive Monk)
  Level 17: Conviction (Rank 2, Reverence)
  Level 20: Howl (Make them Tremble)
  Level 23: Molecular Self-Assembly
  Level 26: Crushing Wave (Disruptive Force)
  Level 29: Ego Surge (Rank 2, Nimble Mind)
  Level 32: Masterful Dodge
  Level 35: Divine Renewal (Rank 2, Radiant Renewal)
  Level 38: Ascension (Rank 2)
  
  Travel Powers:
  Level 6: Acrobatics (Rank 2, Rank 3)
  Level 35: Teleportation
  
  Specializations:
  Constitution: Unyielding (1/2)
  Constitution: Tough (3/3)
  Constitution: Resilient (2/2)
  Constitution: Adrenaline Rush (2/2)
  Constitution: Armored (2/2)
  Warden: Fortified Gear (2/3)
  Warden: Slaughter (3/3)
  Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
  Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
  Arbiter: Enforcer (3/3)
  Arbiter: Ruthless (2/2)
  Arbiter: Arbiter Aura (1/3)
  Arbiter: Rend (2/2)
  Arbiter: Honor (2/2)
  Mastery: Arbiter Mastery (1/1)

  ______________________________________________________________
  My Characters
  
  

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• thearkady Posts: 337 Arc User

  January 2014 edited January 2014

  Thanks for the input so far!
  

  superalfgorn wrote: »

  So, I get you want to play a D&D bard. At least that's how I see your PC

  
  Technically, no. Practically, yes.
  
  It started out with "what kind of crazies could pop through interdimensional rifts and start acting all super-heroey". I did, however, pitched a D&D bard because it's a great class for a character that does all the right things for all the wrong reasons (and isn't a glory hound who just wants to get the girls the perfect superhero?). It turns out with a bit of house ruling, that worked fairly well in the GM's chosen superhero RPG.
  
  Unfortunately, the INT/PRE/DEX trio is set in stone, he won't led me budge on that. Same goes for using physical blades (though imo, ego blades would capture the spirit of the character, which is mostly having an inflated ego, better).
  
  Hmm, I might just go ahead and show him both a truer-to-paper AoPM build and this as a look-whats-possible in CO thing.
  
  Now to toss all the ideas around in my head and get a refined draft of my take on AoPMer up for further critique.

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• superalfgorn Posts: 558 Arc User

  January 2014 edited January 2014

  thearkady wrote: »

  I did, however, pitched a D&D bard because it's a great class for a character that does all the right things for all the wrong reasons (and isn't a glory hound who just wants to get the girls the perfect superhero?).
  
  [...]
  
  Unfortunately, the INT/PRE/DEX trio is set in stone, he won't led me budge on that. Same goes for using physical blades (though imo, ego blades would capture the spirit of the character, which is mostly having an inflated ego, better).

  
  Yeah bards are over-the-top in a cool way.
  
  That said given that the physical blades are necessary and the stats are set in stone AoPM has the best bard feel of all passives, at least in the spirit of Jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none.
  
  Keeping the Arbiter Mastery idea you could go with the following using Wind powers for sonic attacks (shouts).
  
  PowerHouse (Link to this build)
  
  Name:
  
  Archetype: Freeform
  
  Super Stats:
  Level 6: Dexterity (Primary)
  Level 10: Intelligence (Secondary)
  Level 15: Presence (Secondary)
  
  Talents:
  Level 1: The Hero
  Level 6: Jack of All Trades
  Level 9: Field Ops Training
  Level 12: Survival Training
  Level 15: Command Training
  Level 18: Sniper Training
  Level 21: Discipline Training
  
  Powers:
  Level 1: Wind Lash (Stiff Breeze)
  Level 1: Blade Tempest (Rank 2, Rank 3)
  Level 6: Form of the Tempest
  Level 8: Aura of Primal Majesty (Rank 2, Rank 3)
  Level 11: Thunderbolt Lunge
  Level 14: Eye of the Storm (Rank 2, Blade Beyond the Veil)
  Level 17: Dragon's Wrath (Rank 2, Tiger's Courage)
  Level 20: Mindful Reinforcement (Rank 2, Rank 3)
  Level 23: Parry (The Elusive Monk)
  Level 26: Molecular Self-Assembly
  Level 29: Wind Breath (Rank 2, Unstable Footing, Challenging Strikes)
  Level 32: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Resurgent Reiki)
  Level 35: Masterful Dodge
  Level 38: Ascension
  
  Travel Powers:
  Level 6: Acrobatics (Rank 2, Rank 3, Versatility)
  Level 35:
  
  Specializations:
  Dexterity: Gear Utilization (3/3)
  Dexterity: Brush It Off (2/2)
  Dexterity: Evasion (1/2)
  Dexterity: Deadly Aim (3/3)
  Dexterity: Quick Reflexes (1/3)
  Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
  Warden: Slaughter (2/3)
  Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
  Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
  Arbiter: Enforcer (3/3)
  Arbiter: Ruthless (2/2)
  Arbiter: Arbiter Aura (3/3)
  Arbiter: Rend (2/2)
  Mastery: Arbiter Mastery (1/1)

  ______________________________________________________________
  My Characters
  
  

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• thearkady Posts: 337 Arc User

  January 2014 edited January 2014

  I don't quite get Arbiter Mastery, tbh. It seems to rely on extensively using an attack that will be second choice most of the time - or am I looking at this the wrong way?
  
  After some thought, I'm inclined to simply go with the "sonic" attacks from Gadgeteering. It would fit the character, who's basically a guy who'd go and ste... appropriate this kind of gadget first thing he winds up in the Champions universe. (Well, maybe second thing, after fighting Foxbat for the right to stalk Sapphire.)
  
  My biggest problem is I haven't actually been on a melee toon for a while, so not sure how essential a lunge is these days. Considering you didn't put NTTG on it, I'm inclined to assume athletic maneuvering should pretty much do in PvE (?)
  
  Also, somewhat sceptical about Arbiter Mastery. It seems to me it'd apply ony to Blade Tempest. Isn't DEX Mastery for the added crit likely to matter more? My instinct says that in a team where Arbiter Mastery starts mattering, we're as good as dead anyways. What am I overlooking?
  
  Anyways, I'm currently leaning toward something along these lines:
  
  PowerHouse (Link to this build)
  
  Name:
  
  Archetype: Freeform
  
  Super Stats:
  Level 6: Dexterity (Primary)
  Level 10: Intelligence (Secondary)
  Level 15: Presence (Secondary)
  
  Talents:
  Level 1: The Hero
  Level 6: Jack of All Trades
  Level 9: Survival Training
  Level 12: Covert Ops Training
  Level 15: Sniper Training
  Level 18: Command Training
  Level 21: Field Ops Training
  
  Powers:
  Level 1: Sonic Blaster
  Level 1: Blade Tempest (Rank 2, Rank 3)
  Level 6: Form of the Tempest
  Level 8: Aura of Primal Majesty (Rank 2, Rank 3)
  Level 11: Empathic Healing (Rank 2, Rank 3)
  Level 14: Eye of the Storm (Rank 2, Blade Beyond the Veil)
  Level 17: Dragon's Wrath (Rank 2, Tiger's Courage)
  Level 20: Mindful Reinforcement (Rank 2, Rank 3)
  Level 23: Parry (The Elusive Monk)
  Level 26: Sonic Boom Generator (Rank 2)
  Level 29: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Resurgent Reiki)
  Level 32: Molecular Self-Assembly
  Level 35: Masterful Dodge
  Level 38: Ascension
  
  Travel Powers:
  Level 6: Acrobatics (Rank 2, Rank 3, Versatility)
  Level 35: Mystic Flight
  
  Specializations:
  Dexterity: Gear Utilization (3/3)
  Dexterity: Brush It Off (2/2)
  Dexterity: Evasion (1/2)
  Dexterity: Deadly Aim (3/3)
  Dexterity: Quick Reflexes (1/3)
  Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
  Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
  Warden: Tenacious (2/2)
  Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
  Arbiter: Ruthless (2/2)
  Arbiter: Arbiter Aura (3/3)
  Arbiter: Rend (2/2)
  Arbiter: Enhanced Gear (3/3)
  Mastery: Dexterity Mastery (1/1)
  
  What do you think?

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• superalfgorn Posts: 558 Arc User

  January 2014 edited January 2014

  Maybe you are right, Arbiter mastery is not so hot, but combo attacks can be buffed quite a bit, both Spec trees do so with increased Crit Chance and Increased damage. If you do not plan on using the mastery I think you would be better off with Vindicator for the additional dmg (+15% severity) and the health on kill spec.
  In this build by the way you are definitely right, without CON as a SS you will not heal the team as much.
  
  The lunge is good to trigger MSA, and in general to quickly and accurately move from one target to the next without overshooting (maybe I like to jump too much with Athletics). Honestly, I never considered NttG for PvE (I only do PvE btw) since very few enemies require it.
  
  Anyway the build looks good. Try leveling with it to get a feel of it!!

  ______________________________________________________________
  My Characters
  
  

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• thearkady Posts: 337 Arc User

  January 2014 edited January 2014

  D'oh, completely overlooked the lunge+MSA synergy. And that looks kind of essential, getting MSA with only BCR to trigger it reliably (active defense/offense do have kind of a long CD) seems kind of wasteful.
  
  I don't like giving up that heal though. In fact, I'd prefer being able to add a resurrect at high levels (I know that's stretching the bard "origin", but basically, that looks like it'd be the best way for this character to contribute to a Gravitar alert; without a CON SS, going in close seems rather risky...).
  
  I rather like the Arbiter tree concept-wise, the +5% to all melee damage in group is nice. Admittedly, the Sentry tree would be even nicer in terms of group buffs (+DR helps everyone), but it feels to much like a dedicated healer tree when the character should be more of a DPS off-healer.
  
  Having slept over it, I'm wondering if maybe INT PSS is the better way to go. I think it should let me skip MSA (more INT, REC, and END mean way more energy, anyways). Something along these lines:
  
  PowerHouse (Link to this build)
  
  Name:
  
  Archetype: Freeform
  
  Super Stats:
  Level 6: Intelligence (Primary)
  Level 10: Dexterity (Secondary)
  Level 15: Presence (Secondary)
  
  Talents:
  Level 1: The Hero
  Level 6: Jack of All Trades
  Level 9: Survival Training
  Level 12: Covert Ops Training
  Level 15: Sniper Training
  Level 18: Command Training
  Level 21: Field Ops Training
  
  Powers:
  Level 1: Sonic Blaster
  Level 1: Blade Tempest (Rank 2, Rank 3)
  Level 6: Form of the Tempest
  Level 8: Aura of Primal Majesty (Rank 2, Rank 3)
  Level 11: Empathic Healing (Rank 2, Rank 3)
  Level 14: Eye of the Storm (Rank 2, Blade Beyond the Veil)
  Level 17: Thunderbolt Lunge
  Level 20: Mindful Reinforcement (Rank 2, Rank 3)
  Level 23: Parry (The Elusive Monk)
  Level 26: Dragon's Wrath (Rank 2, Tiger's Courage)
  Level 29: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Resurgent Reiki)
  Level 32: Sonic Boom Generator (Rank 2)
  Level 35: Masterful Dodge
  Level 38: Resurrection Serum (I know R1 isn't much... but he's just a bard, not a cleric )
  
  Travel Powers:
  Level 6: Acrobatics (Rank 2, Rank 3, Versatility)
  Level 35: Mystic Flight (Rank 2)
  
  Specializations:
  Intelligence: Enlightened (3/3)
  Intelligence: Tactician (2/2)
  Intelligence: Detect Vulnerability (1/3)
  Intelligence: Tinkering (2/2) (or drop for more of the above?)
  Intelligence: Expertise (2/2)
  Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
  Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
  Warden: Tenacious (2/2)
  Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
  Arbiter: Ruthless (2/2)
  Arbiter: Arbiter Aura (3/3)
  Arbiter: Rend (2/2)
  Arbiter: Enhanced Gear (3/3)
  Mastery: Really not sure, is INT or Arbiter likely to be better here?
  
  Regardless, I think I'm going to tell my friend to give CO a shot now. It's pretty evident the question isn't so much whether the char can be done, it's what variant would be most effective.

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• superalfgorn Posts: 558 Arc User

  January 2014 edited January 2014

  Oh that the great thing about CO, you can easily replicate all superhero concepts and a lot of SCI-Fi and fantasy concepts too!
  
  In particular, if you plan to play as a group you can plan some extra cool syneriges.

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  My Characters
  
  

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