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Darkness Freeform
shaenthebrain
Posts: 111 Arc User
My first attempt at a more or less "pure" Darkness freeform build for self-sufficient DPS, soloing PvE content.
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name:
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Ego (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Endurance (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Disciple
Level 6: Impresario
Level 9: Coordinated
Level 12: Negotiator
Level 15: Acrobat
Level 18: Healthy Mind
Level 21: Quick Recovery
Powers:
Level 1: Shadow Bolt
Level 1: Shadow Embrace (Rank 2, Dark Displacement)
Level 6: Grasping Shadows
Level 8: Defiance (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Concentration
Level 14: Dark Transfusion (Rank 2, Blood Sacrifice)
Level 17: Spirit Reverberation
Level 20: Ebon Ruin (Rank 2, Nyctophobia, Paranormal Paranoia)
Level 23: Lifedrain (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Shadow Shroud (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 29: Ebon Void (Voracious Darkness)
Level 32: Summon Shadows (Devouring Darkness)
Level 35: Masterful Dodge
Level 38: Ego Surge (Rank 2, Nimble Mind)
Travel Powers:
Level 6: Shadow Wings (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Teleportation
Specializations:
Ego: Force of Will (2/2)
Ego: Insight (3/3)
Ego: Follow Through (2/3)
Ego: Sixth Sense (3/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Modified Gear (2/2)
Guardian: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Guardian: Ruthless (2/2)
Guardian: Find the Mark (2/3)
Guardian: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Ego Mastery (1/1)
Fairly self-explanatory. EGO for ranged damage, the spec tree, and Concentration scaling. CON for general survivability and Spirit Reverb scaling. END for a big max energy limit, combined with Dark Transfusion to get a big equilibrium. Basic plan is to summon shadow minions, open with Grasping Shadows to lay down fear (so the subsequent attacks can Reverb), then AoE the henchmen with Shadow Embrace and blast the villains with Ebon Ruin, Life Draining as needed. (Obviously, it's a retcon build, and I'd use Shadow Blast as the single-target hitter until I could retcon into Ebon Ruin.)
I wanted Regen as the passive, but if I'm reading things right, Dark Transfusion would make it useless. So I went with Defiance instead, which provides resistance and scales off of CON. Would I be better off with Invulnerability or Lightning Reflexes?
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name:
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Ego (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Endurance (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Disciple
Level 6: Impresario
Level 9: Coordinated
Level 12: Negotiator
Level 15: Acrobat
Level 18: Healthy Mind
Level 21: Quick Recovery
Powers:
Level 1: Shadow Bolt
Level 1: Shadow Embrace (Rank 2, Dark Displacement)
Level 6: Grasping Shadows
Level 8: Defiance (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Concentration
Level 14: Dark Transfusion (Rank 2, Blood Sacrifice)
Level 17: Spirit Reverberation
Level 20: Ebon Ruin (Rank 2, Nyctophobia, Paranormal Paranoia)
Level 23: Lifedrain (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Shadow Shroud (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 29: Ebon Void (Voracious Darkness)
Level 32: Summon Shadows (Devouring Darkness)
Level 35: Masterful Dodge
Level 38: Ego Surge (Rank 2, Nimble Mind)
Travel Powers:
Level 6: Shadow Wings (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Teleportation
Specializations:
Ego: Force of Will (2/2)
Ego: Insight (3/3)
Ego: Follow Through (2/3)
Ego: Sixth Sense (3/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Modified Gear (2/2)
Guardian: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Guardian: Ruthless (2/2)
Guardian: Find the Mark (2/3)
Guardian: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Ego Mastery (1/1)
Fairly self-explanatory. EGO for ranged damage, the spec tree, and Concentration scaling. CON for general survivability and Spirit Reverb scaling. END for a big max energy limit, combined with Dark Transfusion to get a big equilibrium. Basic plan is to summon shadow minions, open with Grasping Shadows to lay down fear (so the subsequent attacks can Reverb), then AoE the henchmen with Shadow Embrace and blast the villains with Ebon Ruin, Life Draining as needed. (Obviously, it's a retcon build, and I'd use Shadow Blast as the single-target hitter until I could retcon into Ebon Ruin.)
I wanted Regen as the passive, but if I'm reading things right, Dark Transfusion would make it useless. So I went with Defiance instead, which provides resistance and scales off of CON. Would I be better off with Invulnerability or Lightning Reflexes?
Post edited by shaenthebrain on
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Comments
1. Defiance only works when you are getting hit. If you plan on running Alerts, you will need Challenging Strikes and Crippling Challenge somewhere...or your passive becomes borderline useless.
2. When I make toons, I want 1 AoE fully ranked, and 1 Single Target fully ranked abilities. You might find room for Skarn's Bane R3 in there somewhere...that would make your toon the bane of some of the harder Alerts.
3. If you decide to keep Defiance, you don't need to rank it...Defiance is the only passive that can still reach its maximum potential at rank 1. If you decide to switch to another passive, you should save those points for it.
4. Ebon Void is a good block, and I realize it's in theme for you, but should you decide not to take the extra threat advantages, you will be better off with Force Shield/adv or Telekinetic Shield/adv. The reason is, when you tap those shields you retain some bonus while still being able to attack at full power. If you do take the extra threat advantages, you will have some time to block while still holding agro.
Remember: Half the people you know are below average...
Do not correct a fool, for he will hate you for it. Correct a wise man, for he will appreciate you for it.
Don't be like the Qularr. They would not last one round in the Interstellar Galactic Arena...
Handle @brayv
Name:
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Ego (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Endurance
Powers:
Level 1: Shadow Bolt
Level 1: Shadow Embrace (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Grasping Shadows
Level 8: Shadow Form (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Concentration (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Dark Transfusion (Rank 2, Blood Sacrifice)
Level 17: Spirit Reverberation
Level 20: Ebon Ruin (Rank 2, Rank 3, Nyctophobia)
Level 23: Lifedrain (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Shadow Shroud (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 29: Ebon Void (Voracious Darkness)
Level 32: Summon Shadows (Devouring Darkness)
Level 35: Masterful Dodge
Level 38: Rebirth (Grave Consequences)
Travel Powers:
Level 6: Shadow Wings (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Teleportation
Specializations:
Ego: Force of Will (2/2)
Ego: Insight (3/3)
Ego: Follow Through (2/3)
Ego: Sixth Sense (3/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Modified Gear (2/2)
Guardian: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Guardian: Ruthless (2/2)
Guardian: Find the Mark (2/3)
Guardian: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Ego Mastery (1/1)
Invulnerability worked well enough, but for once, I found running with an offensive passive in the Ranged Damage role to be sufficiently survivable. It works so much better than the Hybrid version. And you were right, Rank 3 on the attacks works better than any of the janky advantages.
Against bosses, are you cycling Shadow Embrace to proc Fear, then switching to Ebon Ruin?
Your new link leads to your old build.
Decent damage, surprisingly good survivability, and never runs out of energy. It tanks Alerts more often than not. It tanked the Harbinger during the Lemurian event with ease. It's most vulnerable to spike damage, much like a Regen build.
It could certainly be built more offensively, but it's well balanced as is.
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name: The Shroud
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Endurance (Primary)
Level 10: Dexterity (Secondary)
Level 15: Constitution (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Void
Level 6: Sniper Training
Level 9: Survival Training
Level 12: Acrobat
Level 15: Accurate
Level 18: Boundless Reserves
Level 21: Ascetic
Powers:
Level 1: Shadow Bolt (Despondency)
Level 1: Shadow Embrace (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Shadow Form (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Lifedrain (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Spirit Reverberation
Level 14: Ebon Ruin (Rank 2, Nyctophobia, Paranormal Paranoia)
Level 17: Ebon Void (Voracious Darkness)
Level 20: Ego Sprites (Rank 2, Slave Mentality)
Level 23: Inertial Dampening Field
Level 26: Summon Shadows (Rank 2, Devouring Darkness)
Level 29: Ego Surge (Nimble Mind)
Level 32: Shadow Shroud (Terrifying Visage)
Level 35: Masterful Dodge
Level 38: Dark Transfusion (Blood Sacrifice)
Travel Powers:
Level 6: Teleportation
Level 35: Power Flight (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Specializations:
Endurance: Readiness (3/3)
Endurance: Gear Utilization (2/3)
Endurance: Outburst (3/3)
Endurance: Hardened (2/2)
Guardian: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Guardian: Locus (2/2)
Guardian: Ruthless (2/2)
Guardian: The Best Defense (3/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: The Rush of Battle (2/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Mastery: Endurance Mastery (1/1)
Add a bit of +Healing gear, either in your secondary gear (Vigilante) or in your Primary Offense and he's quite difficult to kill.
If you prefer an offensive form over IDF, Form of the Tempest is about your only option, but is not ideal.
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name:
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Ego (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Endurance (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Void
Level 6: Coordinated
Level 9: Acrobat
Level 12: Healthy Mind
Level 15: Investigator
Level 18: Accurate
Level 21: Shooter
Powers:
Level 1: Shadow Bolt
Level 1: Shadow Embrace (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Shadow Form (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Concentration
Level 11: Lifedrain (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Dark Transfusion (Rank 2, Blood Sacrifice)
Level 17: Ebon Ruin (Rank 2, Rank 3, Nyctophobia)
Level 20: Grasping Shadows (Unyielding Agony)
Level 23: Spirit Reverberation
Level 26: Shadow Shroud (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 29: Masterful Dodge
Level 32: Ebon Void (Voracious Darkness)
Level 35: Summon Shadows (Rank 2, Devouring Darkness)
Level 38:
Travel Powers:
Level 6: Shadow Wings (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Teleportation
Specializations:
Ego: Force of Will (2/2)
Ego: Insight (3/3)
Ego: Follow Through (2/3)
Ego: Sixth Sense (3/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Modified Gear (2/2)
Guardian: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Guardian: Ruthless (2/2)
Guardian: Find the Mark (2/3)
Guardian: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Ego Mastery (1/1)
Rebirth and Ego Surge were both really just placeholders for the last power, about which I'm still consumed with indecision. I've left 2 advantage ranks unused for the same reason.
Hellbjorn: Why Ego Sprites? I'm intrigued.
Really? ~(o_O)~ You can lay down the fear and get the bonus energy with the same use of one power? I had no idea. That changes EVERYTHING.
Regarding Grasping Shadows, I find it slows me down. You'll get plenty of energy return from the random fears applied by your other powers and you'll kill faster without it, IMHO.
I am using this build at the moment and at the moment I like it alot, and I don't know, compare to for exemple munitions you need to go back to your E-builder for a brief 2 seconds before using lifedrain or shadow embrace, I don't know maybe it changes at top lvl, I am lvl 31 at the moment. Otherwise I do agree on the survivabillity alot, I rarely die in the heat of battle even tho I go down to 10% health I just punch it back up
Remember: Half the people you know are below average...
Do not correct a fool, for he will hate you for it. Correct a wise man, for he will appreciate you for it.
Don't be like the Qularr. They would not last one round in the Interstellar Galactic Arena...
Handle @brayv
With this build, why not go with Ego instead of Dex? Im fairly new to all this. Is the Crit% better dmg than general range dmg boost?
DEX as a secondary SS is far better than EGO, as crit damage is multiplicative whereas EGO ranged bonus damage is additive and subject to Cryptic math.
So far, I'm maintaining Shadow Embrace until the henchmen all die, then switching to Ebon Ruin to finish off the bosses.
Yes. That's why I'm gearing up DEX as my "4th super-stat."
You make a strong case. Seems as good a choice as any.
That's been my experience, now that I've tried it out.
Here's the current build:
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name:
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Ego (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Endurance (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Void
Level 6: Shooter
Level 9: Acrobat
Level 12: Accurate
Level 15: Ascetic
Level 18: Daredevil
Level 21: Boundless Reserves
Powers:
Level 1: Shadow Bolt
Level 1: Shadow Embrace (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Spirit Reverberation
Level 8: Lightning Reflexes (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Concentration
Level 14: Dark Transfusion (Rank 2, Blood Sacrifice)
Level 17: Lifedrain (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 20: Ebon Ruin (Rank 2, Rank 3, Nyctophobia)
Level 23: Ebon Void (Voracious Darkness)
Level 26: Shadow Shroud (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 29: Masterful Dodge
Level 32: Summon Shadows (Rank 2, Devouring Darkness)
Level 35: Ego Surge (Rank 2, Nimble Mind)
Level 38: Ego Sprites (Slave Mentality)
Travel Powers:
Level 6: Shadow Wings
Level 35: Teleportation
Specializations:
Ego: Insight (3/3)
Ego: Aggression (2/2)
Ego: Follow Through (3/3)
Ego: Sixth Sense (2/3)
Guardian: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Guardian: Locus (2/2)
Guardian: Ruthless (2/2)
Guardian: The Best Defense (3/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Modified Gear (2/2)
Mastery: Ego Mastery (1/1)
I already have an Invulnerable character, and the shiny particle effects don't really match with the character's look, so I switched over to Lightning Reflexes. Once I hit the late 20s, the character seemed to get a lot more squishy, so I switched back to a defensive passive.
First even as a primary I've heard that ego and strength hit diminishing returns hard around 70-80 points. So making them a primary stat is often overkill. My understanding is you can do better with dex primary, and ego secondary at most, or just drop one ego mod into gear and snag some extra with traits.
Also, end vs recovery as a secondary. I've been alternating back and forth as I level mine and it seems that recovery works a lot better. but I'm only mid-20s and don't have a lot of experience end game. With endurance as my secondary stat I can't fully charge any powers out of the gate. With recovery I can do two before switching to energy builders.
last, does locus really do much? I tried it on a couple other characters, but found it times out and goes back to zero too often and it builds too slow.
In terms of raw damage bonus, yes. However, that isn't the only reason to make STR or EGO the primary super-stat.
The STR and EGO specialization trees are both very good for the right builds.
For now, I'm going with CON and END as secondary super-stats, and I'm ranking DEX up with gear. I may switch that around later.
If you're using Enrage, then the damage bonus from Enraged stacks scales off of STR. If you're using Concentration, then the damage bonus from Concentration stacks scales off of the higher of EGO or INT. So a character using either form toggle has a reason to increase their STR or EGO above 70.
Similarly, the damage bonus (and energy gain) from the Focus stacks provided by the Martial Arts Form powers scales off of DEX.
I usually prefer increasing REC to increasing END. However, you'll get more out of Dark Transfusion if you increase END.
So far, no, not really. I'm considering swapping it out.
I'm going to try swapping Spirit Reverberation with Overdrive, for some more consistent energy gain. I'm also going to try supplementing Lightning Reflexes with Evasive Maneuvers.
Tenacious only stacks if you're getting hit and only boosts Offense, which if you're wearing endgame gear, is likely already hitting diminishing returns. You'll get some Defense boost with it through Aggressive Stance, but not much.
Thanks for the tip.
What do you think of Find The Mark?
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name:
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Ego (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Endurance (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Void
Level 6: Ascetic
Level 9: Boundless Reserves
Level 12: Daredevil
Level 15: Shooter
Level 18: Acrobat
Level 21: Accurate
Powers:
Level 1: Shadow Bolt
Level 1: Shadow Embrace (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Shadow Form (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Concentration
Level 11: Dark Transfusion (Rank 2, Blood Sacrifice)
Level 14: Overdrive
Level 17: Lifedrain (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 20: Ebon Ruin (Rank 2, Rank 3, Nyctophobia)
Level 23: Evasive Maneuvers
Level 26: Summon Shadows (Rank 2, Devouring Darkness)
Level 29: Shadow Shroud (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Ebon Void (Voracious Darkness)
Level 35: Masterful Dodge
Level 38: Ego Surge (Rank 2, Nimble Mind)
Travel Powers:
Level 6: Shadow Wings (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Teleportation
Specializations:
Ego: Force of Will (2/2)
Ego: Insight (3/3)
Ego: Follow Through (3/3)
Ego: Sixth Sense (2/3)
Guardian: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Guardian: Ruthless (2/2)
Guardian: Find the Mark (2/3)
Guardian: The Best Defense (3/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Modified Gear (2/2)
Mastery: Ego Mastery (1/1)
It primarily scales off of the higher of INT or END. I have Super-END, so quite a bit.
Remember: Half the people you know are below average...
Do not correct a fool, for he will hate you for it. Correct a wise man, for he will appreciate you for it.
Don't be like the Qularr. They would not last one round in the Interstellar Galactic Arena...
Handle @brayv
Spirit Reverberation isn't working for me. I either waste too much time with Grasping Shadows, or I just roll the dice with Shadow Embrace. There's no way I'm clogging my build up with Shadow Blast, or taking Void Shift just to lay down Fear. Overdrive seems like a far more consistent and straightforward energy unlock. I use Shadow Embrace and Life Drain, and I get energy back, done.
That means super-statting REC instead of END. That's fine with me. It also means I don't have much use for Dark Transfusion anymore, so that's going by the wayside.
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name:
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Ego (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Recovery (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Scourge
Level 6: Shooter
Level 9: Impresario
Level 12: Acrobat
Level 15: Wordly
Level 18: Ascetic
Level 21: Quick Recovery
Powers:
Level 1: Shadow Bolt
Level 1: Shadow Embrace (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Shadow Form (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Concentration
Level 11: Overdrive
Level 14: Lifedrain (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Ebon Void (Voracious Darkness)
Level 20: Ebon Ruin (Rank 2, Rank 3, Nyctophobia)
Level 23: Evasive Maneuvers
Level 26: Shadow Shroud (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 29: Summon Shadows (Rank 2, Devouring Darkness)
Level 32: Resurgence (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Ego Surge (Rank 2, Nimble Mind)
Level 38: Masterful Dodge
Travel Powers:
Level 6: Shadow Wings (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Teleportation
Specializations:
Ego: Force of Will (2/2)
Ego: Insight (3/3)
Ego: Follow Through (3/3)
Ego: Sixth Sense (2/3)
Avenger: Ruthless (2/2)
Avenger: Round 'em Up (3/3)
Avenger: Surprise Attack (2/2)
Avenger: Relentless Assault (3/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Modified Gear (2/2)
Mastery: Ego Mastery (1/1)
As far as Fear and Spirit Reverbation, I am thinking I will use Howl and Grasping Shadows to spread fear, so I will probably stick with that. It's hard to find information for this game relevant to the current patches. Does Spirit Reverbation's energy renewal still scale with CON? That's part of the reason I wanted to go with that as a secondary
Thanks guys!
This is the current plan, about as close as I can get to a "pure" freeform Void build:
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name:
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Ego (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Endurance (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Void
Level 6: Acrobat
Level 9: Shooter
Level 12: Accurate
Level 15: Finesse
Level 18: Ascetic
Level 21: Boundless Reserves
Powers:
Level 1: Shadow Bolt
Level 1: Shadow Blast (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Shadow Form (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Concentration
Level 11: Spirit Reverberation
Level 14: Shadow Embrace (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Ebon Ruin (Rank 2, Rank 3, Nyctophobia)
Level 20: Dark Transfusion (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Lifedrain (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Shadow Shroud (Rank 2)
Level 29: Ebon Void (Rank 2, Voracious Darkness)
Level 32: Summon Shadows (Rank 2, Devouring Darkness)
Level 35: Evasive Maneuvers
Level 38: Masterful Dodge
Travel Powers:
Level 6: Shadow Wings (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Inky Ooze Tunneling
Specializations:
Ego: Force of Will (2/2)
Ego: Insight (3/3)
Ego: Follow Through (3/3)
Ego: Sixth Sense (2/3)
Guardian: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Guardian: Ruthless (2/2)
Guardian: Find the Mark (2/3)
Guardian: The Best Defense (3/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Modified Gear (2/2)
Mastery: Ego Mastery (1/1)
He's not quite 40 yet, still leveling with a full set of Armadillo gear. When he hits 40, I'll outfit him in Heroic and Vigilante sets.
One Presence mod and one +5 PRE talent will give him PRE 70, which should help the heal from Life Drain.
Between 6th Sense, a DEX mod or two, and the Vigilante crit gloves with a crit gem, he'll have a decent enough crit chance. I'm only aiming for something like 25-30%; not enough to base the entire build around, but enough to make a noticeable difference.
Aside from that, the stat mods just go into the super-stats, both for their own merits and for their interactions with powers and specializations. CON gets more love than END, because there's a point at which this guy basically has infinite energy, and END effectively hits diminishing returns for him.
The 2nd rank of Ebon Void is purely for cosmetic purposes. The tiny shield looks goofy. If I were a more pure min-maxer, I'd drop those 2 points into a 3rd rank of Shadow Shroud, or a 2nd rank on another active offense.
Vindicator+Guardian has wound up working far better for me than Vindicator+Avenger, especially with the recent buff to Offense (which Guardian gives piles of with Best Defense).
Masterful Dodge is the active defense because 1) Dark Transfusion rules out Resurgence, and 2) I'm short on advantage points, and it's the one active defense that you don't have to rank up.
Evasive Maneuvers is also there because it doesn't require ranks to be useful. It's just a little extra survivability, especially convenient for a ranged attacker. (I wish I could give up a power or two for more advantage points!)
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
MD is an excellent choice, but since its fix, Unbreakable is as good if not better, even unranked. The initial shield no longer completely drops when overwhelmed and replenishes as it should on taking damage. This makes it an excellent choice, especially since the recent Dodge rework has made base Avoidance more difficult to come by.
In your case, as you have understandably not picked Bountiful Chi Resurgence to augment it, MD may not be as beneficial to you as Unbreakable would be (unless its theme-breaking, of course).
This turned out to be great advice, like everything else HellBjorn says. Unbreakable has been working incredibly well as an active defense for this guy.
He finally hit 40, and I got him geared up.
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name: Slender Jack
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Ego (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Endurance (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Void
Level 6: Acrobat
Level 9: Shooter
Level 12: Accurate
Level 15: Finesse
Level 18: Ascetic
Level 21: Boundless Reserves
Powers:
Level 1: Shadow Bolt
Level 1: Shadow Blast (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Shadow Embrace (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Shadow Form (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Concentration
Level 14: Spirit Reverberation
Level 17: Ebon Ruin (Rank 2, Rank 3, Nyctophobia)
Level 20: Dark Transfusion (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Lifedrain (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Ebon Void (Rank 2, Voracious Darkness)
Level 29: Shadow Shroud (Rank 2)
Level 32: Unbreakable
Level 35: Summon Shadows (Rank 2, Devouring Darkness)
Level 38: Evasive Maneuvers
Travel Powers:
Level 6: Shadow Wings (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Inky Ooze Tunneling
Specializations:
Ego: Force of Will (2/2)
Ego: Insight (3/3)
Ego: Follow Through (3/3)
Ego: Sixth Sense (2/3)
Guardian: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Guardian: Ruthless (2/2)
Guardian: Find the Mark (2/3)
Guardian: The Best Defense (3/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Modified Gear (2/2)
Mastery: Ego Mastery (1/1)
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
Quicker than using Shadow Blast, and it saves 2 advantage points.
Would've personally went with PSS Ego SSS Con/Dex, using Talents and maybe one mod to stack End.
Not entirely sure if Guardian/Warden + Vindicator is better than just Guardian + Warden, on a build that isn't using the Vindicator Mastery.
| The Phoenix - A Fiery Jack of All Trades | The Nightmare - Dark Summoner | The Ranger - Archery/DB DPS |
| The Packleader - Bestial Petmaster |
Actually, Vind mastery isn't that good in general. The boosts listed are additive and cap at around 10%, and not to many builds would have the ego/str mix to make it work. Guardian mastery is not that great even w/ a blast build just cause it still gives dodge rating (after the nerf, really doesn't grant much at all).
Ego mastery is always good, though. I'd still go w/ Guardicator, but Guardian/Warden is a workable alternative.
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
There really is no "everywhere else" for me. I start by maintaining Shadow Embrace until all the henchmen are dead. It's only then that I start up the single-target attacks, and that's a full charge of Shadow Blast followed by as many half-to-full charges of Ebon Ruin as it takes to kill the villain(s). So Paranormal Paranoia would be a losing proposition for me.
That's a great idea! I'd lose some range for the single-target stuff, but I could rake in energy returns by fearing and then Shadow Embracing entire groups at once.
One question, though: Does the fear take hold on foes who can't be put to sleep in the first place? If so, I'll hold onto Shadow Blast for fearing tough single targets (although I might strip the ranks from it and apply those elsewhere, keeping it strictly as a fear-applier).
As you can see from the linked image, between one rank 5 DEX mod, a Gambler's gem, Heroic crit gear, and Sixth Sense, he's already got a 36% crit chance on tooltip, not counting the +6% for single targets with Focused Strikes. That's more than enough for me. This isn't a dedicated crit build, so I wasn't shooting for more than a 25% crit chance with single targets anyway. I don't think even more DEX than he already has would help me more than the giant pool of energy that super-END gets me (and a correspondingly high equilibrium thanks to Dark Transfusion).
I'm actually considering going Wardicator on this one. The only things from Guardian I'm really interested in are the things it shares with Warden, and I'm wondering if I might get more use out of Elusive than I'm currently getting from Find The Mark (since my crit chance is already so much higher than I was shooting for). I feel like I'm doing enough damage, but I wouldn't turn down more survivability.
It does seem odd to want a bit more dmg from that and say you don't need Find the Mark, though, cause that spec talent's flat crit boost is quite a bit and good even for builds that aren't crit-heavy.
Elusive is a good talent in general, though, so again its up to ur pref.
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
So does anyone know if Ego Sleep (+Plagued By Nightmares) will lay down Fear on targets who can't be slept?
(oh, and the fear is only applied after the sleep duration is done or is broken early- something to keep in mind; its likely not going to be an immediate effect).
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
PM me if you don't want to talk about it here.
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
Role: Ranged Damage
Innate: The Void
EGO 15
CON 15
INT 10
END 15
PRE 10
Talents:
+5 END / +5 CON
+5 END / +5 INT
+5 END / +5 PRE
+5 CON / +5 INT
+5 CON / +5 EGO
+5 INT / +5 EGO
PSS: +80 EGO
SSS: +40 CON, +40 INT
Ego Mastery: +20 CON, +20 INT
Vigilante Gear: +132 EGO
Vigilante's Critical Belt
Vigilante's Armored Bracers
Vigilante's Efficient Eyepiece
Heroic Gear:
Heroic Gloves of Precision: Gambler's Lucky Gem
Heroic Breastplate of Defense: Impact Prism
Heroic Helmet of Speed: Impact Prism
Stat Mods:
+55 PRE
+55 CON
+55 CON
+55 INT
+55 INT
+55 INT
Totals:
EGO 237
CON 201
INT 251
END 30
PRE 70
Health 7,818
Energy 131
Offense 381.6 (+13% Damage)
Defense 297.1 (+70% Damage Resistance)
Critical Chance 34.1% (40.1% Single-Target)
Critical Severity 99.2%
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Powers:
Level 1: Shadow Bolt
Level 1: Shadow Embrace (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Shadow Form (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Concentration
Level 11: Spirit Reverberation
Level 14: Shadow Blast (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Ebon Ruin (Rank 2, Nyctophobia, Paranormal Paranoia)
Level 20: Lifedrain (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Dark Transfusion (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Ebon Void (Rank 2, Voracious Darkness)
Level 29: Shadow Shroud (Rank 2)
Level 32: Lock N Load (Rank 2)
Level 35: Unbreakable
Level 38: Nanobot Swarm (Rank 2)
Travel Powers:
Level 6: Shadow Wings (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Inky Ooze Tunneling
Specializations:
Ego: Force of Will (2/2)
Ego: Insight (3/3)
Ego: Follow Through (3/3)
Ego: Sixth Sense (2/3)
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: The Rush of Battle (2/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Mastery: Ego Mastery (1/1)
Mostly for theme, since I was trying to get as close as possible to an "essential" Darkness build. Also to avoid having the same powers on every single character I play. But I'll try swapping them out.
To that end, I've actually moved back away from the heavy-INT version (although I've been abusing that setup on a couple of other characters). But I kept Nanobot Swarm, which is quickly becoming an auto-include on all of my builds. Here's what I'm currently running:
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name: Slender Jack
Archetype: Freeform
Powers:
Level 1: Shadow Bolt
Level 1: Shadow Embrace (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Shadow Form (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Concentration
Level 11: Spirit Reverberation
Level 14: Dark Transfusion (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Ebon Ruin (Rank 2, Nyctophobia, Paranormal Paranoia)
Level 20: Lifedrain (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Shadow Blast (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Ebon Void (Rank 2, Voracious Darkness)
Level 29: Ego Surge (Rank 2, Nimble Mind)
Level 32: Lock N Load (Rank 2)
Level 35: Unbreakable
Level 38: Nanobot Swarm
Travel Powers:
Level 6: Shadow Wings (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Inky Ooze Tunneling
Super Stats:
Level 6: Ego (Primary) (+80)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary) (+40)
Level 15: Endurance (Secondary) (+40)
Talents:
Level 1: The Void (CON 15, END 15, DEX 13, EGO 15)
Level 6: Indomitable (EGO +8)
Level 9: Ascetic (CON +5, EGO +5)
Level 12: Daredevil (EGO +5, END +5)
Level 15: Boundless Reserves (CON +5, END +5)
Level 18: Acrobat (DEX +5, CON +5)
Level 21: Accurate (DEX +5, END +5)
Specializations:
Ego: Force of Will (2/2)
Ego: Insight (3/3)
Ego: Follow Through (3/3)
Ego: Sixth Sense (2/3)
Guardian: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Guardian: Ruthless (2/2)
Guardian: Find the Mark (2/3)
Guardian: The Best Defense (3/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: The Rush of Battle (2/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Mastery: Ego Mastery (1/1) (CON +20, END +20)
Gear:
Primary:
Heroic Gloves of Precision: Gambler's Lucky Gem R6, EGO R5 (+55), DEX R5 (+55)
Heroic Breastplate of Defense: Impact Prism R6, CON R5 (+55) x2
Heroic Helmet of Speed: Impact Prism R6, END R5 (+55) x2
Secondary:
Vigilante's Critical Belt (EGO +44)
Vigilante's Armored Bracers (EGO +44)
Vigilante's Efficient Eyepiece (EGO +44)
Total Stats:
EGO 300
CON 200
END 200
DEX 78