biostem

I've had pretty good results with a sonic/sonic - my general strategy is I rely on stealth + a stealth IO to allow me to get close enough to use siren's call to put most of the group to sleep, then pick off the remaining enemies with single target attacks. Lacking a self heal, I'll try fit in aid self or otherwise keep enough green insp's on hand to make up for the shortfall in that area. Sonic dispersion usually offers enough resistance and status protection to keep me on my feet, and if we're talking end game stuff, IO set bonuses and incarnates can easily plug any holes...

I have an illusion/trick arrow controller, and they are quite powerful, but I wanted to try something different..

If a person creates a character with the intention of gimping themselves, then there really is no "valid" or "invalid" pick. The question is whether the OP wants to actually put a concerted effort into playing this hypothetical character, or if it's just some sort of lark. You could roll any AT, and choose not to level them up at all, and wow! You've got yourself an exceptionally difficult character to solo. Maybe we could use some better parameters from the OP...

So my 1st answer, then - petless MM. And I responded to someone's false assertion about controllers doing bad damage. I even went on to clarify that *some* controllers may indeed do bad damage, if and only if you specifically select for that. At the same time, you can gimp any AT if you're truly trying to. Incorrect. I responded to someone saying that a particular AT does bad damage. Provide a specific combination of powersets and don't make blanket assertions. When someone makes blanket assertions, then gets called out on them, it's not the fault of the person that did that. Nice strawman, though.

I didn't get the impression that the OP was trapped in some geometry or under the world space, either...

Found it! Here it is...

I'd pair it with a primary that offers useful debuffs or soft control to kind of buy you time so your regen can keep you standing, like battle axe, stone melee, or even dark melee.

Brutal! Reminds me of one of the Return of the Living Dead movies, (IIRC), where the main character's GF had to do something similar to suppress her hunger after getting infected...

Indeed. Now cherry pick the most damaging controller combo and get back to me...

Dampening field can give you just that little bit of extra survivability you need to survive any hits that get through, and I usually stack a stealth IO w/ energy cloak so I can get into the middle of a group and hit energy drain to really top off my defense. Though you can use energize's end discount proactively, I find it best to save it as an "oh sh!t" heal. I'm also a bit biased here, but I like savage melee for the extra +recharge blood frenzy grants you, and if you don't care about the element of surprise as much, use savage leap to get into the enemies' midst to hit energy drain.

Definitely something to contemplate. Thanks!

I have a necro/elec. It is a great secondary, but I try to avoid repeats, at least not so close together...

I considered that, but to be honest, I have tons of characters with the more "traditional" support sets, so I wanted to go with something different. I've tried time a few times. I'm sure it's a great set, but I just can't get into it. Honestly, thermal radiation just doesn't appeal to me. Not sure why. I like my earth/pain controller, and I had fun with my thugs/sonic MM, but thermal just didn't click for me.

No doubt, and it is the only way to get those much sought-after whip attacks...

There are ways to supplements that, and I'm not talking about APPs, either. Then we have to compare ATs and their scalers as a whole, not just specific combinations, in which case my point still stands. You don't need a lot of INF to get good damage. Note I said "good", not "top-tier". Then look at the ATs as a whole, and not cherry-picked combinations of underperformers...

The easiest way to level a Kheldian, in my experience, is to embrace using Nova and Dwarf forms to their fullest. If we assume that you may deviate from that later on, then just stick with generic level 25 IOs - 6-slot the Nova & Dwarf base powers, (3 end mod, 3 tohit & 3 end mod, 3 dmg res, respectively), then add slots to any other power as needed. Those will act as your foundation, and should allow a pretty smooth journey to 50. After that, you can experiment with other builds using the other 2 builds you'll have then.

What's that large weapon on the left? Is that an in-game model?

Sure, build using only low-damage sets and you'll get a low damage character - that isn't surprising in the least. Build for damage, choosing sets with that in mind, and you'll do well. If *you* choose to solo using low-damage sets, then that's on you, not the AT...

Patently false. EDIT: To elaborate, Controllers have a damage scale of 0.55, so doubled with containment makes that 1.10, (Blasters have a ranged damage scale of 1.125 for comparison). https://homecoming.wiki/wiki/Damage#Damage_Scale

Man, this reminds me of trying to run to the appropriate origin store in Steel Canyon to buy DOs upon reaching level 12, back in the day...

Influential snacks or Infamous flatulence?

The biggest change was that the vulnerability effect was stripped from the 1st 2 attacks and made into a separate click power. In addition to that, they also get a passive always-on power that gives them a bit of extra perception and some debuff resistance.

Did you consider bribing them to play better?

This is only true if you don't properly leverage containment. Defenders are definitely a lot more direct in their ability to deal damage, thanks to their secondary, but if you have a primary you can leverage for more damage or -res, then the sky is very nearly the limit. With the proper binds, and once you get some slots in your powers, a tri-form does really well. It's getting over that hurdle that's the problem.

I have a couple of 50 MMs, but after playing mostly Sentinels and Tankers, I'm considering rolling another one. I'm not looking for a specific build, but general advice would be great. I'm currently considering a demons/ice or ninja/ice. What are your thoughts? I've already played necro, thugs, and bots to a high level, so I want to give other sets a try. Thanks for your input!