biostem

Not a perfect solution, but give a battle axe/ninjitsu scrapper a try!

When I'm deciding between a defender or corruptor, my focus tends to be on just how much do I want to focus on my blasts over my buff/debuff/heals, and whether my attacks are more about the upfront damage or if it's more about DoT. If it's the latter, then I feel that leverages "scourge" a bit more, so I'd go with the corruptor. If my priority is on the buffing/debuffing/healing powers, (especially if I want to take and maximize any leadership power), then I'll opt for a defender...

Here's my top 5, in no particular order: 1. I'm an altaholic, and I've embraced it, but I really wish there was a way to easily save and load all my window positions and layout - I find this to be one of the most frustrating hurdles to overcome with each new alt I create. 2. Whether we're the most intimidating edgelord demon from heck or the cutest little creature you can imagine, no enemies react to us one way or the other, and basically fight to the last man; I'd love a way to establish some sort of "air" about our character - like intimidating, calming, or otherwise, and have NPCs occasionally react to it. Further, it'd be great if we could somehow opt for a "non-lethal" option - even if it only results in an enemy playing a "I surrender" emote and an obvious teleport-out effect. 3. Similar or related to the "stealth kill-all" or other such complaints earlier in this thread, and also possibly related to my 2nd complaint, I'd love an ability to "interrogate" enemies to learn things like their "true" strength in that instanced mission, (i.e. getting clearer objectives and enemy positions marked on the map), as well as things like an express elevator key that allows us to head right to the top floor or such, and eliminate having to clear those additional floors. 4. While I appreciate how we can zoom, rotate, and even increase or decrease the light levels in the costume editor, what we cannot do is change the type of lighting we're working under; Anyone whose made a bunch of costumes will be able to tell you that different instances or even outdoor zones can alter how your character looks, and it'd be really nice if we had some tools to take that into account, within the costume editor. 5. The way the chat system handles changing zones/instances mid-conversation is rather annoying - you can be responding to someone's tell, and if you switch zones, it becomes "there is no one to respond to". Similarly, if you're recruiting for a team and get a lot of responses, it can scroll so fast or trying the quick reply key tags the wrong person; I'd love it it the chat system could stop scrolling once you click to respond, or otherwise handle tells/DMs a bit better - maybe highlight the person you're responding to in the chat window as well or something. Also related to this - how about a little icon or color indicator, (customizable by the user), to easily tell if someone you're chatting with is a hero, vigilante, rogue, or villain.

I'm all for custom options, though it'd look like you were awkwardly punching things instead of, well, clawing them, but if that's what people want...

There's a world detail distance and a character detail distance slider, IIRC...

TBH, I can't see them replacing elec armor's T9. Now, for ATs that don't currently get an elec APP, I could see this being added-in, but, again, since they generally don't duplicate powers a character can already get in their primary or secondary, I don't foresee them doing this for scrappers or stalkers. Perhaps for dominators or controllers...

Electrical Affinity has a rez, but what would you replace from the electrical or electricity affinity APPs or Mu Mastery?

Generally speaking, I use my APP/PPP pick to shore up some holes that my primary/secondary/AT may have. For 'trollers, that's typically defense, so I'd go with an APP/PPP with a defense-based armor. Mace mastery is the obvious choice, since it provides smashing/lethal/energy defense, which are all common damage types, especially in the late-game. The only downside is I don't think the other powers in the set are particularly great, (though you do then gain the ability to display the mace on your costume if you wanted). Ice mastery doesn't require you wield a weapon for the attacks, if that's an issue for you, has a defense-based armor, as well as a way to recover health & end via hibernate. Earth mastery, again, has the defense armor toggle, a self heal, and can stack additional mez effects, (though the hold is melee-based).

Welcome to HC! As for solo builds, I tend to lean toward sentinels or scrappers; If you want something with, IMHO, a lot of utility, I'd start with a dual-pistols/ninjitsu sentinel or a katana/ninjitsu scrapper. Both are solid, very solo-friendly builds that can also do well on a team. If you're leaning toward something a bit more on the control side, may I suggest a gravity/forcefield controller - it may seem like force field focuses mainly on ally-only buffs, (and it has a few), but it will also benefit you via dispersion bubble and personal force field. The former is important because it grants you some status protection, which is harder to come by for a controller. Alternatively, the sonic secondary set also provides some self-status protection AND some enemy debuffs, but the defense from force field is, IMO, better than the damage resistance from sonic, for a controller. The gravity primary is also a bit heavier on the direct damage and easy to utilize the "containment" mechanic, along with its own "impact" mechanic, for even more damage...

Some general thoughts & hopes for a 2nd season:

Love the cybernetic-beast look!

Love the design! Makes me wish we had all those pieces!

For future use...

And another, (for now, anyway): Title: "Testing the Limits" The team had grown. They were larger, more diverse, and, to be honest, Agent Aurum was starting to wonder if it might be more chaotic than efficient. But that was why they were here today—at their secret training facility deep within the heart of the city. They were about to engage in mock combat trials, each sparring session meant to help them better understand their new teammates' strengths, weaknesses, and most importantly, how they could work together. The facility was vast, with multiple rooms designed for different types of combat scenarios. The team stood in the central chamber, awaiting their instructions. “Alright, listen up,” Aurum began, voice steady as his robotic limbs moved with precision, adjusting the display on his wrist. “This is an exercise in strategy, coordination, and adaptability. Each of you is going to face off against a teammate. The goal isn’t to beat each other senseless, but to see how your abilities complement one another. Think of this as a ‘test run.’ I want to see synergy.” He turned to the group. Meg Alodon, towering and ready for action, cracked her knuckles. The Hawk, ever dramatic, leaned casually against the wall, his dual pistols at his side. Spectre, with her steely focus, surveyed the room, ready for whatever was coming. The Warden puffed out his chest, seemingly prepared to deliver a monologue even before the first match began. The Hummingbird bounced on her toes, practically vibrating with energy. Iron Owl, who’d barely spoken since his recruitment, was already tinkering with some gadgets. And The Scribe, standing off to the side, calmly flipping through a book, had yet to say much, but her quiet aura radiated confidence. Aurum gave a nod. “Let’s get started. Meg, you’ll pair up with The Warden. Hawk, you’re with Hummingbird. Spectre, you’re with Iron Owl. Scribe, you’ll be with me.” First Sparring Session: Meg vs. The Warden The first match was between Meg Alodon and The Warden. The towering shark woman cracked her neck as she sized him up. The Warden stood with his chest puffed, cape dramatically flowing behind him as he struck a pose. Meg rolled her eyes. “Is that really necessary?” “Oh, my dear Meg,” The Warden intoned, his voice deep and filled with unearned gravitas. “It’s not about necessity; it’s about presence.” Meg sighed. “Let’s just get to the fighting, alright?” The Warden raised a fist, ready to launch into one of his theatrical attacks—but before he could even make a move, Meg’s claws shot out, slashing at the air. She moved with a swift predatory grace, landing a few clean blows that sent his cape fluttering wildly. “Whoa!” The Warden yelped, stepping back as Meg closed in. “Your power… is impressive.” She grinned darkly. “Keep up, then.” To his credit, The Warden didn’t back down. He swiped his arm, and a gust of wind seemed to accompany the motion, knocking Meg off balance for just a second. It wasn’t much, but in that moment, he sprang into action, using his agility to try and land a few blows. Meg took the opportunity to demonstrate just how fast she could recover. She darted in, pinning The Warden down with her sheer strength, leaving him struggling beneath her grip. “I’m gonna take that as a win,” Meg grinned, releasing him and standing back. “Indeed,” The Warden said, pushing himself to his feet. “But I shall remember this.” Second Sparring Session: Hawk vs. Hummingbird Next up, The Hawk faced off against The Hummingbird. He couldn’t help but notice her endless enthusiasm as she zipped around in circles, the colors of her suit blurring with every spin. “So, uh, you wanna try to stay still long enough for me to actually shoot you?” Hawk said, adjusting his pistols and eyeing her carefully. Hummingbird zipped back and forth, too fast for Hawk’s usual precision. “I’m too fast for you!” she shouted, grinning from ear to ear. “Catch me if you can!” With a deep sigh, The Hawk started pulling out his more unconventional ammo. First, a small net shot from one of his pistols, designed to ensnare fast-moving targets. Hummingbird dodged it with ease, her speed a blur as she circled Hawk. "Nice try!" she giggled. "But I’m way faster than that!" Hawk smirked. "That’s what you think." In one fluid motion, Hawk switched tactics. He fired a stun grenade in her direction, expecting her to outrun it. Instead, she tried to dodge but miscalculated. The shockwave caught her, briefly stunning her and sending her tumbling to the ground. “Gotcha,” Hawk said, walking toward her as she slowly recovered, shaking off the effects of the grenade. She grinned. “Okay, okay, that was cool. I’m still faster, though.” “Well,” Hawk said with a wink, “the team’s got plenty of room for improvement. Just don’t blink next time.” Third Sparring Session: Spectre vs. Iron Owl Spectre and Iron Owl faced off next, and it was immediately clear this would be a different kind of match. Iron Owl didn’t waste time with grandiose gestures or flashy moves. He activated his robotic limbs, his mechanical body whirring with precision as he adjusted his armor for the fight. Spectre stood still, her golden crown gleaming, a stoic expression on her face. As Iron Owl advanced, she moved with inhuman speed, darting to one side and unleashing bolts of concentrated darkness. But Iron Owl was quick to adapt, using his mechanical arms to deflect the blasts, his enhanced reflexes allowing him to dodge or block with surprising agility. “You’re good,” Spectre said, narrowing her eyes. “But you’re not fast enough.” Iron Owl’s eyes flashed behind his goggles. “Speed isn’t always the solution,” he said, his voice mechanical but steady. “Sometimes, it’s about precision.” At that moment, one of Iron Owl’s robotic limbs shot forward, releasing a blast of energy that caught Spectre off guard. She staggered back, briefly losing her focus. She quickly recovered, but it was clear that Iron Owl’s combination of tech and tactics was effective at handling her speed. “You’re right,” Spectre admitted, now more impressed than ever. “I underestimated you.” Iron Owl didn’t speak further, simply nodding before re-engaging. It was clear the two had found an unexpected balance—her speed with his precision. Fourth Sparring Session: The Scribe vs. Agent Aurum The most anticipated match was set to be between The Scribe and Agent Aurum. While Aurum’s technological expertise and tactical genius made him a formidable opponent, The Scribe’s quiet, calculated nature made her a wildcard. No one was entirely sure how the two would face off. Aurum stood with his robotic limbs flexing, his golden armor gleaming under the bright lights. “Ready, Scribe?” he asked, his voice both confident and curious. The Scribe closed her book with a snap, her gaze sharp as she tilted her head slightly. “I’m always ready, Aurum.” Without warning, she darted forward with an unnatural speed, launching herself into the air with a single powerful motion, her dark robes swirling around her. Aurum raised an arm to deploy a series of small energy blasts—but before he could fire, The Scribe was already behind him, narrowly dodging the incoming shots. “You rely too much on your gadgets,” The Scribe said, her voice calm as she materialized a bolt of concentrated darkness in her hand, aiming it at Aurum’s back. But Agent Aurum was no slouch. He pivoted swiftly, using his robotic arms to deflect the attack just in time. “Not just gadgets. Strategy,” he replied, deploying a drone to assist him, its eyes glowing as it hovered above. The Scribe smirked, evading another blast. “Strategy is only effective when you can anticipate your opponent’s movements. You’re too predictable.” Aurum frowned slightly. He tried to deploy a net trap to corner her, but she flicked her wrist, sending out a dark wave that shattered the net before it even got close. “You’re good,” Aurum admitted, adjusting his stance, his robotic arms whirring as he recalibrated. “But I have a few tricks left.” And so the battle continued—The Scribe using her speed and precision with darkness to evade his attacks, while Aurum countered with his drones, calculating every move with military precision. The fight was less about brute force and more about outsmarting each other, each test of will and intellect pushing the boundaries of their abilities. In the end, The Scribe managed to land a final, well-placed blast of darkness, forcing Aurum to retreat a few steps, her calculated precision earning her the win. She stood back, wiping a small bead of sweat from her brow. “Well,” she said with a smile, “that was more fun than I expected.” Aurum, catching his breath, nodded. “I underestimated you. You’ve got a mind for this.” Unexpected Teamwork: Warden, Hummingbird, and Hawk The team took a break, and after a quick analysis of the previous rounds, Agent Aurum decided to switch things up. This time, they would work together in smaller teams—one team per scenario. “Warden, you’re with Hummingbird and Hawk. Let’s see how you all work together in a real scenario. And remember—use your brains as much as your brawn,” Aurum instructed. The three stepped into the arena, each one eyeing the others, trying to predict what might happen next. The Warden struck a pose, thinking he could lead the charge, but Hummingbird zipped past him in an instant, already scouting the field and finding a weak point in the training simulation’s structure. “Follow me!” Hummingbird shouted, her voice trailing behind her as she took off. The Warden blinked in surprise. “Wait for me!” But it was Hawk who proved to be the most surprising. He calmly assessed the field, using his pistols to deploy an array of munitions, while Hummingbird darted to confuse their mock adversaries. Warden, in his usual dramatic fashion, swooped in to make the final blow, but only after Hawk’s precision disabled their enemies’ defenses. By the end, it was clear that while each team member had different strengths, their real power came from how they worked together. Even if they weren’t always the most expected pairings, each of them brought something to the table that complemented the others' skills.

Title: "A Call for Reinforcements" It had been a long day, and the team had just wrapped up another successful mission. The Council had been foiled again, but with each victory, it became clearer that they couldn’t do it alone much longer. Agent Aurum stepped out of his power armor with a sigh, shaking his head as he surveyed his team. “We need reinforcements,” he said, wiping some dirt off his gleaming golden suit. “We can’t keep going at this pace without fresh blood. I’ve got a list of potential recruits we should check out.” Meg Alodon, already peeling off bits of armor, rolled her eyes. “Recruits? Sure. As long as they’re tough and can keep up. But let’s skip the speeches, alright? I’m not here for any ‘heroic monologues’ or soul-searching.” The Hawk, lounging on a nearby crate with a drink in hand, smirked. “I’m all for a few good speeches. But you know what, Meg? I like your style. I’ll talk to whoever has the best flair. Gotta bring in the drama.” Spectre, who had been silently watching the city through the window, spoke up. “I’m not sure what kind of recruits we’re looking for, but... maybe someone with some subtlety. We don’t need someone who draws attention just to draw attention.” Aurum nodded. “I agree. But we need a diverse team, and that means we’ll have to step out of our comfort zones. Let’s see who’s out there.” First Recruit: The Warden Meg Alodon took the first lead. With her no-nonsense attitude, she was the perfect fit to recruit The Warden, a self-proclaimed legendary hero who was known for his grandiose speeches and flair. A little too much flair, in fact. His dramatic poses and constant talk of his “storied legacy” often made him more of a city-side attraction than a real hero. She found him standing on top of a building, cape billowing in the wind, gazing off into the distance like he was in the middle of an action movie. Meg rolled her eyes and walked up, not bothering with pleasantries. "Hey, you," she shouted up to him. "You done staring into the sunset, or are you ready to join a team that gets things done?" The Warden turned slowly, struck by Meg’s blunt approach. “Ah, the strong, silent type! You are one who understands the gravity of my mission, aren’t you? You see, my cape represents—" “I don’t care about your cape. You’ve got skills, and we need someone who can handle themselves in the heat of a fight, not just pose for pictures.” Meg cut him off, her tone blunt but not unfriendly. “You in?” The Warden looked at his cape, then back at Meg. “Well... I suppose I could tone it down. For the greater good.” “Fine. Just no speeches on missions,” Meg grinned. “We don’t have time for that." Second Recruit: The Hummingbird Next up was The Hawk, who was given the task of recruiting The Hummingbird, the hyperactive speedster who was known for her bright, almost painfully colorful attire and her limitless energy. Normally, The Hawk would be more drawn to a dark, brooding type, but today, he was embracing the idea of mixing things up. When they found The Hummingbird, she was zipping around a local park, running circles around some confused pedestrians. Hawk watched for a moment before stepping forward with a grin. “Hey there! You’re quick, I’ll give you that. But we could use someone who knows how to have fun on the job. You in?” The Hummingbird stopped mid-spin, appearing right in front of him so fast that he almost flinched. “Fun? Fun? Oh my gosh, I love fun! I love speed! I love everything! And I’m so fast I could be everywhere and still get back in time for smoothies after!” Hawk smirked. “Smoothies, huh? I like the sound of that. How about we make it a deal? You join us, you get to keep the energy, but you also learn how to throw a punch or two. Sound like a plan?” “YES!” The Hummingbird practically screamed, bouncing up and down. “I’m totally in! Let’s go fight villains while drinking smoothies and having fun! This is going to be amazing!” “Uh... alright then,” Hawk said, slightly stunned by the enthusiasm but too entertained to back out now. “We’re gonna have to work on your focus though.” Third Recruit: The Iron Owl Spectre was tasked with recruiting The Iron Owl, a mechanical genius known for his quiet demeanor and his focus on innovation rather than heroics. Spectre had her doubts about bringing someone so focused on gadgets and machines, but there was no denying his talent. She wasn’t sure how he’d fit into the team, but she knew it was worth a try. When she found him, he was hunched over a workbench in his cluttered workshop, surrounded by a dozen half-finished robots. Spectre cleared her throat, unsure how to approach him. “You’re not busy, are you?” she asked softly. Iron Owl didn’t look up from his tools. “Depends. Are you here for the next build, or are you here to ask me to join your team?” Spectre glanced at the mess of wires and robotic limbs. “I’m not here for a gadget, though I’m sure you’ve got something good. I need someone who can think outside the box. You’re good with machines, but what about... taking on the unexpected?” Iron Owl stood, finally looking at her. “Unexpected? Sounds inefficient. But I suppose... if you're looking for someone who can design solutions on the fly, I could be of assistance.” “Good enough for me,” Spectre nodded. “But we’ll need more than just your gadgets. We need someone who can keep their head in the game.” Iron Owl gave her a rare, tiny smirk. “I’ve always been good at that.” He turned back to his workbench. “I’ll need a few adjustments to my systems, but count me in.” Final Recruit: The Scribe For their last recruit, Agent Aurum took the lead. He was tasked with finding someone who could bring an intellectual edge to the team—someone who could analyze situations from an angle the others might miss. So when he approached The Scribe, a quiet, scholarly hero known for her detailed knowledge of ancient texts and magical lore, it was a bit of an odd pairing. The Scribe was deep in thought, her nose buried in a tome in the library when Aurum found her. She looked up with mild surprise. “Can I help you?” she asked, her tone calm but curious. Aurum crossed his arms, looking over the dense collection of books surrounding her. “Actually, yes. We need someone who can bring a strategic mind to the table. You’ve got the knowledge and the intuition, but can you fight when it matters?” The Scribe blinked. “Fight? I... well, my knowledge is more in the realm of ancient magic and history. But I suppose if the situation calls for it, I can adapt.” “We need someone who doesn’t just adapt—we need someone who can think on their feet and work with the rest of us. You in?” Aurum asked, his voice both respectful and direct. The Scribe closed her book and stood up, a slow smile forming on her lips. “I’ve faced more than a few challenges in my time. I’ll join your team—if you can promise no one tries to steal my books.” “No stealing,” Aurum said with a grin. “I’m sure we can work something out.” The New Team After a long day of recruiting, the team reconvened at their headquarters. They had all managed to secure their new recruits, each one an interesting mix of personality and power. “Well, we’ve got a wild crew now,” Meg said with a grin. “Smoothies, capes, gadgets, and books... this should be fun.” Spectre crossed her arms. “I’m not sure if they’re all what I expected, but... I suppose we’ll see.” The Hawk laughed. “I’m already imagining the chaos we’ll cause.” Agent Aurum nodded. “It’s going to be a bumpy ride. But with this team, we might actually be able to take on the Council... and whoever else tries to stand in our way.”

I don't have many "Blappers", but generally speaking, I'd go with a defense-based APP/PPP armor, then combine that with other defense-granting powers, (mainly from general power pools, such as combat jumping, maneuvers, stealth, hover, weave, etc), and IO set bonuses...

For reference: Meg Alodon: Agent Aurum: The Umbral Hawk: The Lithe Spectre:

After adjusting the prompts several times and providing feedback, I think the resulting story, (utilizing some of my characters), came out pretty well - kind of reminds me of a PI radio mission... ☺️ Title: "The Hunt for the Deep End" As the sun dipped beneath the skyline of Paragon City, the glow of the city lights began to bleed into the growing darkness. Beneath the gleaming surface of this vibrant metropolis, danger lurked at every corner. And when it came to the Council, danger had a familiar, unmistakable face. The Council had long been one of the city’s most notorious criminal organizations, known for their combination of advanced technology and twisted genetic engineering. Ruthless, calculating, and always a step ahead of the law, the Council had recently set their sights on an ancient artifact with the potential to amplify any power—something no one could afford to let them control. To confront this growing threat, a team of elite individuals had come together, each bringing their unique talents and agendas. Meg Alodon was the first to charge, her towering, muscular form cutting a striking silhouette against the shadows. With her shark-like features, including ferocious claws and a mouth full of sharp teeth, she had the look of someone who would tear through anything in her way. Her sharp wit was just as dangerous as her physicality, and her bloodlust often fueled her drive to take down anyone who stood between her and her goals. "Looks like trouble’s already here," she growled, her claws slashing through a Council soldier’s armor as she advanced. “But trouble’s kind of my thing. Let’s make this quick.” Behind her, Agent Aurum was already surveying the scene. His golden power armor gleamed under the dim lights, and his four spider-like robotic limbs flexed, deploying drones and sensors. His well-structured frame made him appear almost statuesque, though his face, hidden beneath his helmet, conveyed only focused determination. Every move he made was calculated; every decision came with precision. “I’ve already detected multiple power fluctuations throughout the area,” he said, his voice calm and efficient. “We can’t afford to waste time. The Council has something bigger in play. Let’s move.” Following them was The Umbral Hawk, his presence felt even before his two specially modified pistols came into view. Cloaked in dark attire, with a mask hiding the lower half of his face, he moved with the confidence of someone who thrived on chaos. His eyes glinted with the thrill of combat, a man who would rather take a shot than listen to a villain’s monologue. “I’m sure there’s a villain speech just around the corner,” he said with a cocky smirk, twirling one of his pistols. “But I’m more interested in the action. Let’s see what we’re up against.” Lastly, The Lithe Spectre brought up the rear, her speed and agility making her almost invisible in the shadows. With a golden crown and laurel wreath resting upon her head, she emanated an air of quiet stoicism, though beneath the surface, doubt often lingered. The magical artifacts she wore gave her unnatural speed and the ability to wield devastating bolts of darkness. But she couldn’t help but wonder if her deeds were truly her own or the result of the artifacts’ influence. “Let’s finish this,” she said softly, her voice calm but carrying the weight of uncertainty. Together, they moved swiftly through the Council's underground complex, navigating traps and high-tech security systems with practiced ease. Meg led the charge, using her claws to shred through obstacles and Council agents alike. The others moved in perfect coordination, each one playing their part. Agent Aurum’s robotic limbs extended, deploying drones to scout ahead and deliver real-time data. His armor’s sensors mapped the area, providing vital information on enemy movements and weak points. As always, he was thinking several steps ahead. The Hawk was ever the opportunist, his pistols firing with deadly precision. Each round was carefully chosen—whether it was incendiary to light his enemies up, cryogenic to freeze them in place, or caustic to burn through their defenses. He reveled in the chaos, enjoying every moment of the battle. Spectre, moving like a shadow, struck from unexpected angles. With every motion, dark energy crackled around her, striking down foes with devastating force. Yet, every victory came at a cost, as the crown on her head pressed against her mind, its whispers urging her toward something darker. But she kept moving forward, pushing the doubts aside. After several skirmishes, the team arrived at the heart of the Council’s operation—a heavily fortified chamber housing the artifact. The room thrummed with dark energy, and in the center of it all floated the artifact, glowing faintly within a protective barrier. The Council leader stood nearby, his eyes gleaming with the promise of ultimate power. "Did you honestly think you could stop me?" he sneered, his voice full of arrogant certainty. “The artifact is mine. With it, I will reshape this city—and the world—according to my vision. You are nothing.” The Council had always been this way—arrogant and confident in their plans. But this time, the stakes were much higher. The artifact could change everything, and if the leader succeeded in harnessing its power, there would be no stopping him. Meg didn’t wait for a response. She launched herself at the leader, her claws aimed at his throat. But the artifact’s power flowed through him, and he barely flinched as she collided with him, her claws only grazing his armor. Agent Aurum’s mind worked quickly. His robotic limbs fired off an EMP pulse toward the force field surrounding the artifact. The field flickered briefly before stabilizing, but it was clear the defenses were weakening. The Hawk was already moving, his pistols flashing as he fired on the Council leader’s position, sending rounds that chipped away at his defenses. He kept moving, dodging attacks, and making sure the leader had no room to retaliate effectively. Spectre, too, was in motion. She darted forward, her speed unmatched, and sent waves of dark energy toward the Council’s forces. The bolts hit their targets with unerring precision, causing chaos among their ranks. Despite the battle around her, she could feel the pressure of the crown, urging her to give in—but she didn’t. Not yet. With a final coordinated strike, the team overwhelmed the Council leader. Meg’s claws found their mark, and the leader crumpled to the ground. The artifact’s glow began to fade as its protective barrier dissipated. As the dust settled, the team stood victorious, though the satisfaction of their win was short-lived. The Council had been thwarted—for now. But everyone knew that their fight was far from over. The Council would regroup, and they would come for the artifact again. "Now that was fun," Meg said, wiping blood from her claws with a grin. “Anyone else up for a drink?” Agent Aurum analyzed the data running through his visor, his expression unreadable. “We’ve bought the city some time, but the Council isn’t done. We’ll need to stay ahead of them.” The Hawk chuckled, reloading his pistols. “You know me—I’m always ready for the next round. Let’s see what other trouble they’ve got planned.” Spectre, ever silent, glanced at the artifact one last time. The crown’s whispers were faint now, but the doubts lingered. Still, she moved forward, shaking off the weight of it. “Let’s keep moving forward,” she said softly. “One battle at a time.” And with that, the team departed, knowing that victory today didn’t mean victory tomorrow. Paragon City was a city constantly teetering on the edge of chaos, and the team would be there, ready for whatever the Council—or any other threat—sent their way.

It's been a while, but there's a particular level range, (I want to say in the late teens to early 20s), where you're fighting a lot of CoT ghosts and, IIRC, Death Mages, that can just overwhelm you with tohit debuffs, and in that level range, you are sorely lacking the extra powers, slots, and/or IO set bonuses, to adequately combat them. Similarly, unless you specifically have slow resists, your recharge can also get floored, leaving you nigh incapable of defending yourself...

Was that added by the HC devs? Maybe they implemented it as an outdoor/possible combat zone instead of a "safe" interior one...

Ya lost me at sardines... BBQ... 😜

TBH, no - With 2 'trollers, containment won't be an issue, so you can really leverage the extra damage - maybe throw in a pool attack if you want to fill in some gaps - Toxic Dart is a surprisingly good choice, because unless I've misread the power info, it deals the extra containment damage up-front as lethal damage, instead of an additional toxic DoT...

Was that the series where the MC creepily rode his partner/mecha-horse, who then turned into a humanoid form?

Agreed - it's a "nice to have", but not a "must have", for most of my builds...

Of all the things requested over the years, this, frankly, seems like one of the most benign...