LaconicLemur

Just to clarify: my original suggestion is NOT an AT-centric TF, but a TF SETTING. A new "Extra Difficult with Cheese on Top" version for all current TF's and Trials that is not customized for each AT. That being said, a new TF would also be great. But the suggestion is to add content to address the issues brought up by the OP instead of tuning AT's.

Thanks. Added in the additional reward.

My crazy, stupid idea below. But hear me out! First off, I agree with the idea that tankers and brutes need to be differentiated better. And I really like the structure the OP used to put forward the argument. After having read 4 pages of the replies, no new suggestions seem any better. There is a lot of talk about giving tanks -res abilities. But then doesn't that take away from the support-themed AT's? I know this might sound stupid but: why not keep both (and all) AT's as-is? Instead, create a new Task Force / Trial setting that has a required team size of 5 (for example). Add in difficulties similar to those in the TF options, but built-in. Balance mission debuffs and spawn sizes so that Tanks are useful, and balanced for IO's, not SO's. Add the -res buffs to tank in that setting only, or whatever else that could be possible that's either team or AT specific. Give very good bonus rewards for completion. From reading the OP, it seems the main challenge is post-50, there's more content that is friendlier to brutes. So instead of adjusting the tank AT, why not adjust and add more content? Not only can it make tanks relevant again, but I can imagine it challenging other AT's as well. And personally, I would like to see something like that instead of the speed x TF's that get dull after a while.

Looks good, and in the end depends how you want to play it. This is the build I used to run way back. It's built for near-perma PA and soloing AV's. It could be pushed harder with the new enhs sets I'm sure. Iirc, I spec'd out of Spectral Terror because it didn't work well with AV's. Same thing with Flash. I also found EM Pulse completely underwhelming and most classic builds I read up at that time skipped it. My playstyle on this is 60% min/max'd and 40% "because I feel like it". Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.962 http://www.cohplanner.com/ Click this DataLink to open the build! Deathray Phantom PermaPA: Level 50 Mutation Controller Primary Power Set: Illusion Control Secondary Power Set: Radiation Emission Power Pool: Speed Power Pool: Fitness Power Pool: Leadership Power Pool: Leaping Ancillary Pool: Psionic Mastery Hero Profile: Level 1: Blind -- UnbCns-Hold(A), UnbCns-Hold/Rchg(3), UnbCns-Acc/Hold/Rchg(3), UnbCns-Acc/Rchg(5), UnbCns-EndRdx/Hold(5), FrtHyp-Plct%(7) Level 1: Radiant Aura -- DctWnd-Heal/EndRdx(A), DctWnd-EndRdx/Rchg(23), DctWnd-Heal/Rchg(25), DctWnd-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(25), DctWnd-Rchg(27) Level 2: Radiation Infection -- DarWtcDsp-ToHitDeb(A), DarWtcDsp-ToHitDeb/Rchg(11), DarWtcDsp-ToHitdeb/Rchg/EndRdx(15), DarWtcDsp-Slow%(15), HO:Enzym(17), UndDfn-DefDeb/Rchg/EndRdx(17) Level 4: Accelerate Metabolism -- EffAdp-EndMod(A), EffAdp-EndMod/Rchg(19), EffAdp-EndMod/Acc/Rchg(19), EffAdp-Acc/Rchg(21), EffAdp-EndMod/Acc(21), EffAdp-EndMod/EndRdx(23) Level 6: Spectral Wounds -- Apc-Dmg(A), Apc-Dmg/Rchg(7), Apc-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(9), Apc-Acc/Rchg(9), Apc-Dmg/EndRdx(11) Level 8: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(36), RechRdx-I(36) Level 10: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A) Level 12: Superior Invisibility -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A), EndRdx-I(13), EndRdx-I(13) Level 14: Super Speed -- Run-I(A) Level 16: Health -- NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(A), Mrc-Rcvry+(37) Level 18: Phantom Army -- SlbAll-Dmg(A), SlbAll-Dmg/Rchg(31), ExpRnf-Acc/Rchg(31), ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg(34), ExpRnf-Dmg/EndRdx(34), ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34) Level 20: Stamina -- EffAdp-EndMod(A), EffAdp-EndMod/Rchg(37), EffAdp-EndMod/Acc/Rchg(37), EffAdp-Acc/Rchg(40), EffAdp-EndMod/Acc(40), EffAdp-EndMod/EndRdx(42) Level 22: Lingering Radiation -- TmpRdn-Acc/Slow(A), TmpRdn-Dmg/Slow(27), TmpRdn-Acc/EndRdx(29), TmpRdn-Rng/Slow(29), TmpRdn-EndRdx/Rchg/Slow(31) Level 24: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(46) Level 26: Enervating Field -- EndRdx-I(A), EndRdx-I(36) Level 28: Tactics -- AdjTrg-ToHit(A), AdjTrg-ToHit/Rchg(42), AdjTrg-ToHit/EndRdx/Rchg(42), AdjTrg-EndRdx/Rchg(43), AdjTrg-ToHit/EndRdx(43) Level 30: Combat Jumping -- Jump-I(A), LucoftheG-Rchg+(50), Krm-ResKB(50) Level 32: Phantasm -- ExpRnf-Acc/Rchg(A), ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg(33), ExpRnf-Dmg/EndRdx(33), ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33) Level 35: Vengeance -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A) Level 38: Deceive -- CrcPrs-Conf(A), CrcPrs-Conf/Rchg(39), CrcPrs-Acc/Conf/Rchg(39), CrcPrs-Acc/Rchg(39), CrcPrs-Conf%(40) Level 41: Indomitable Will -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx(43), RedFrt-Def/Rchg(45), RedFrt-EndRdx/Rchg(45), RedFrt-Def(45) Level 44: Mind Over Body -- EndRdx-I(A), EndRdx-I(46), EndRdx-I(46) Level 47: Psionic Tornado -- Rgn-Dmg(A), Rgn-Dmg/Rchg(48), Rgn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(48), Rgn-Dmg/EndRdx(48), Rgn-Knock%(50) Level 49: Mutation -- Empty(A) Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A) Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A) Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A) Level 1: Containment Level 1: LEGACY BUILD Level 1: Prestige Power Dash -- Empty(A) Level 1: Prestige Power Slide -- Empty(A) Level 1: Prestige Power Quick -- Empty(A) Level 1: Prestige Power Rush -- Empty(A) Level 1: Prestige Power Surge -- Empty(A) Level 4: Ninja Run ------------

I skipped Hot Feet and Rain of Fire due to play style. I don't like the extra aggro and the end drain. It wasn't on my original toon for the same reason. Why is it considered the best power? Blasters don't have an immob to lock the mobs from running. I built for near 30-second Inferno instead. Hot Feet is a must-have on my Fire controller, though. My non-solo friendly but very team-friendly, squishy build. I run it to blow stuff up, not necessarily to survive. Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.962 http://www.cohplanner.com/ Click this DataLink to open the build! Level 50 Magic Blaster Primary Power Set: Fire Blast Secondary Power Set: Fire Manipulation Power Pool: Leaping Power Pool: Leadership Power Pool: Speed Power Pool: Concealment Ancillary Pool: Mace Mastery Hero Profile: Level 1: Flares -- Dvs-Acc/Dmg(A), Dvs-Dmg/EndRdx(3), Dvs-Dmg/Rchg(3), Dvs-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34), Dvs-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(48), Dcm-Build%(48) Level 1: Ring of Fire -- GrvAnc-Immob(A), GrvAnc-Immob/Rchg(5), GrvAnc-Acc/Immob/Rchg(33), GrvAnc-Acc/Rchg(33), GrvAnc-Immob/EndRdx(34), GrvAnc-Hold%(34) Level 2: Fire Ball -- SprDfnBrr-Acc/Dmg(A), SprDfnBrr-Dmg/Rchg(5), SprDfnBrr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(7), SprDfnBrr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(15), SprDfnBrr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(29), Ann-ResDeb%(43) Level 4: Combustion -- Obl-Dmg(A), Obl-Acc/Rchg(7), Obl-Dmg/Rchg(9), Obl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(9), Obl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(13) Level 6: Super Jump -- UnbLea-Stlth(A) Level 8: Fire Breath -- PstBls-Acc/Dmg(A), PstBls-Dmg/EndRdx(11), PstBls-Dmg/Rchg(11), PstBls-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(13), PstBls-Dmg/Rng(31), PstBls-Dam%(46) Level 10: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(A) Level 12: Aim -- AdjTrg-ToHit(A), AdjTrg-ToHit/Rchg(15), AdjTrg-ToHit/EndRdx/Rchg(17), AdjTrg-EndRdx/Rchg(36), AdjTrg-ToHit/EndRdx(36) Level 14: Fire Sword Circle -- SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg(A), SprBlsWrt-Dmg/Rchg(19), SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(23), SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(23), SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(25), FuroftheG-ResDeb%(43) Level 16: Build Up -- AdjTrg-ToHit(A), AdjTrg-ToHit/Rchg(17), AdjTrg-ToHit/EndRdx/Rchg(19), AdjTrg-EndRdx/Rchg(27), AdjTrg-Rchg(36) Level 18: Blaze -- Apc-Dmg/Rchg(A), Apc-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(29), Apc-Dmg(37), Apc-Acc/Rchg(37), Apc-Dmg/EndRdx(39), SprWntBit-Rchg/SlowProc(46) Level 20: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(21), RechRdx-I(40) Level 22: Tactics -- GssSynFr--ToHit/EndRdx(A), GssSynFr--Build%(37) Level 24: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A) Level 26: Cauterizing Aura -- Pnc-Heal/+End(A), Pnc-Heal(27), Pnc-Heal/EndRedux(50), Mrc-Rcvry+(50) Level 28: Consume -- Obl-Dmg(A), Obl-Acc/Rchg(31), Obl-Dmg/Rchg(31), Obl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), Obl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(40) Level 30: Acrobatics -- EndRdx-I(A) Level 32: Inferno -- Arm-Dmg(A), Arm-Dmg/Rchg(39), Arm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(39), Arm-Acc/Rchg(48), Arm-Dmg/EndRdx(50) Level 35: Vengeance -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A) Level 38: Scorpion Shield -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg(40), LucoftheG-EndRdx/Rchg(42), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(42), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(42), LucoftheG-Def(43) Level 41: Web Envelope -- Empty(A) Level 44: Web Cocoon -- BslGaz-Acc/Hold(A), BslGaz-Acc/Rchg(45), BslGaz-Rchg/Hold(45), BslGaz-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(45), BslGaz-EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(46) Level 47: Stealth -- Ksm-ToHit+(A) Level 49: Invisibility -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A) Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A) Level 1: Defiance Level 1: Prestige Power Dash -- Empty(A) Level 1: Prestige Power Slide -- Empty(A) Level 1: Prestige Power Quick -- Empty(A) Level 1: Prestige Power Rush -- Empty(A) Level 1: Prestige Power Surge -- Empty(A) Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A) Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A) Level 4: Ninja Run Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A) Level 2: Health -- NmnCnv-Heal(A), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(25) Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A) Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), PrfShf-EndMod(21) Level 50: Musculature Core Paragon Level 50: Rebirth Partial Radial Invocation ------------

Thank you! I updated with the correction and your added info, edited for brevity. Really appreciate it, and definitely not a nitpick.

If you click on the Sub-section text " Window and text scaling: " , it links to a page in ParagonWiki. Sadly, in doesn't seem to have options for the AH.

Could you give examples of how you use it?

Printable List of Power Themes by Archetype in GoogleDocs Want to make a gun-slinging space marine? Not sure what archetype and power choices to take? This googleDoc has printable lists of power themes by archetype. It is sorted into themes available for ranged only, melee only, or available in both ranged and melee flavours, to help you make your choice. Database-friendly worksheets also available If you'd rather have the information flattened for easier manipulation, database-friendly flattened views are also included. Notes I created this manually based on ParagonWiki and Mid's data. Judgement calls were made on which powersets were consolidated as a single theme. For example, Fire and Thermal were consolidated. LINK HERE Preview:

Two suggestions, one bug: (1) Can you please update the first post with links to the non-blind install directory? The one you link goes to a dead page. I found a link that does work, if you can update the first post: https://github.com/ImaginaryDevelopment/imaginary-hero-designer/releases/ (2) I'm used to just deleting the Mid's folder when I want an uninstall. It might be helpful to add to your post that to uninstall the "blind install" version, you need to go use the Windows Uninstall function. And/or add an uninstall shortcut in the startup folder that gets created. Bug 1: Custom directory and "Load last file at startup" configuration options are not persisting. version: HeroDesigner_Release_2.6.0.1_2019.07.21.00.zip Steps to recreate: Open Pine's. Navigate to: Options > Configuration > Update & Paths. Change the default Save Folder and uncheck "Load last file at startup". Close and Restart Pines. Go back and see if your changes are still there. You will see they reset to the default location.

Thanks for the pin!

Thanks! Updated the guide to fix the price and also a few more links added.

Hey I missed this. I love Frads. Is there a channel I can join? Else, I'm currently on the "Controllers" channel and I'd be happy to host messages and meet-ups and such there. Sign me up if this is still a thing.

City of Heroes is full of hidden settings and options that can make playing the game a lot easier. It's a mix of commands, binds, and in-game "hacks" that I run almost each time I start playing an alt. Most, if not all, of these have been posted in the forums. Almost all you can reference more info from ParagonWiki. Some are only available on the Homecoming servers. Here I've consolidated the ones I use the most and find the most helpful. Links to sources where I could find them. Note: Hero-side locations. Also, obviously there is subjectivity to what is useful. Would welcome posts on other ideas, or links to other sources that you find useful. *********************************************** Tweaking your HUD: - Map can be undocked from Compass/Nav bar and scaled so you can have a perma mini-map - Seeing and tracking additional combat info Powers Bar > Powers > Combat Attributes > right-click on attribute and "track" - Team buff icons and info Team window > Arrow on the right side to expand and view buffs for each teammate. Also to see their current location (sometimes buggy if they are on a mission map). - View numerical cooldowns for powers (ex. Hasten): Options>Windows>Beta - Command to consolidate buff icons "/optionset buffsettings [numCode]" 4096 - group window numeric stacking 16 - status window numeric stacking 1048576 - pet window numeric stacking - Change the font for chat and other texts (https://fonts.google.com/ has some good ones) - Change your mouse cursor size via Options *********************************************** Window and text scaling: - For scaling all windows, use the setting under Options - Chat window can be further customised under Options, including font size - For specific windows, you need to undock the particular window from its parent. Then you can use the "/window_scale [windowName] [scale]" command. Common windows are (with sample scaling): /window_scale compass 1.20 /window_scale Email 1.20 /window_scale PowerList 1.30 /window_scale Salvage 1.25 /window_scale Chat 1.10 /window_scale Enhancements 1.15 /window_scale Power 1.05 /window_scale Health 1.05 /window_scale contact 1.20 /window_scale Info 1.20 *********************************************** Helpful hacks: - Autofire for Hasten (or any power): Ctrl+ left-click on the power - Change your mission difficulty settings anywhere: click on the chat bubble icon on the chat window > "Notoriety" - P2W Vendor (Atlas Park, FBZ, Mercy Island, Grandville, Pocket D. Nova Praetoria is T4V in map) useful temp powers - starter kit (Look under "Prestige Powers") " Use Sands of Mu, Nemesis Staff or Black Wand (all free) for additional attacks. Useful until around level 15-22. Buy the generic Jet Pack for 5,000 influence per 30 mins of flight time. Buy at least 2 hrs' worth. - P2W Vendor useful temp powers - teaming kit (Look under "Prestige Powers") Team Transporter (to Mission); 10M influence Supergroup Portal (create an SG portal at your location); 10M influence Mission Transporter (user only); 1M influence Base Transporter; 1M influence Assemble The Team; 1M influence Reveal; 10k influence (reveals entire mission map when available. Can also reveal zones like Firebase Zulu. More helpful than you think) - Custom window maker. Step-by-step guide here. Popmenu guide here. Helpful for organising travel temp powers. Original guide here. Note: I could not get the window Edit option to work. Had to create a custom macro once then edited the custom.window in notepad. Note: This will add the custom window to *all* accounts using the same CoH game folder/directory. - How to manage your character setups when you have alt-itis (advanced guide) - Create macro for emailing yourself inf: /macro "Money" emailsendattachment Global Subject Infl AttachmentType InventoryLocation Message ->Not much known about command, but: AttachmentType values are: 2=inspirations, 11=salvage, 12=recipes; Global only works for single-name chars. -> ex: /macro "Money" emailsendattachment @MyGlobalName "More inf" 2000000 "0" "0" "Cash from @Name" *********************************************** Useful keybinds: - Creating keybinds and macros @ ParagonWiki - Bind Tray 1, Power 10 to mousebutton: "/bind button4, powexec_slot 10" (Or change via Options>Keybinds) - Change Tab to target nearest enemy: "/bind TAB "target_enemy_near" (Or change via Options>Keybinds) - Find custom targets (e.g. NPC to save, or boss to kill): "/bind alt+g beginchat /bind g target_custom_next [enemy]" (replace g as necessary. Can use partial name, like "Joe" instead of "Joe Smith") - Auto-convert any 3 small inspirations to a small purple (Luck) inspiration: "/bind p, insp_combine insight Luck$$insp_combine sturdy Luck$$insp_combine respite Luck$$insp_combine break_free Luck$$insp_combine awaken Luck$$insp_combine catch_a_breath Luck" (replace p as necessary) *********************************************** Useful commands: - Access auction house from almost anywhere: /ah - Print your current game coordinates: /loc - Print local time: /localtime - Clear chat: /clearchat - Clear all powers from all trays except any custom macros (useful after a respec): /cleartray - Export your build to a .txt file. You can then import the build into Mids Reborn: /buildsave --> In Mids, click "File => Open". Navigate to "<YourCOHDirectory>\<YourAccountName>\Builds". Select the "build.txt" file and click "Open" - In the Options window, you can save and load Options settings. Useful for having consistent options for all alts. Reminder: Task forces ONLY NEED 1 person to start. Full team not required. (setting is specific to Homecoming servers) Reminder: Null the Gull (Pocket D, bird on a truck villain-side) can change your alignment. Helpful if you want access to Villain Epic Powers. (Completing any arc will allow you to choose any Epic powerset. Black Scorpion arc is easiest.) *********************************************** Useful Supergroup Bases - Create an SG - go inside City Hall in AP and go to "Registration". All bases and items are free. - Invite alt to SG: "/altinvite [altName]" - To generate your SG code, type: "/sg_passcode [word]" - Install storage racks and tables to store salvage, enhancements, and inspirations. Permissions are editable. - Install invention tables to create IO's without going to a university. - Install beacons and portals to zones. You can install 10(?) beacons for each portal. Suggest 5 or less for ease of use. - Install a Pillar of Ice and Flame for access to Ouroboros missions - Install a merit vendor ATM - Install arcane/tech power items for energy and control if you want to install a rez station ("Teleport to base" option when killed ) - Base building video guide here *********************************************** Getting Around Quickly - Review the various teleport options that were revamped for HC in i27, such as the Long Range Teleporter Accolade - Earn the Long Range Teleporter by parking your character in Pocket D for 1 hour - Check the P2W Vendor for various Travel powers you can buy (see section above on useful P2W Vendor items) - Options to get the Ouroboros travel power (insta TP to Ouroboros with access to multiple city zones) (1) Ask someone to open an Oro portal. (2) Get the Midnighter Badge (see tip following this) and enter Cimerora (2B) Enter Recluse's Victory pvp zone (3) Complete a mission (any story arc) via the Pillar of Ice & Flame at a super group base (4) Complete a time-travel mission - Options for Midnighter Badge: access to Ouroboros, Cimerora story arcs and ITF (Imperious Task Force) (1) Go to Night Ward via the TUNNEL system and enter the mansion (5 minutes) (2) Complete Montague Castellana's story arc (3) Use LFG hack* - Getting to Cimerora for ITF's and more: Steel Canyon South, Founders Falls, or Croatoa - The smaller building to the right of the university. Has a crescent moon on top. - Getting to Shard Task Forces / Firebase Zulu: Long Range Teleport, TUNNEL system or use LFG hack* - Getting to Rikti War Zone: Long Range Teleport, SG base teleport beacon, LFG hack* (Lady Grey TF) or Vanguard Depots @ Atlas Park & PI - Earn the Monitor Duty or Rapid Response temp powers *LFG hack: click on the LFG tab in chat window, select task force in desired zone. Queue solo, make sure to lock the queue to current group (you). Click the green button and you will get transported to the TF starting contact's zone. *********************************************** Saving influence when starting out - XP and Influence gain options are in the Options Menu - XP boosters are available at the P2W vendor - Email influence to yourself using your @globalName from a richer alt - Need about 2.5 million influence to kit out to level 25 IO enhancements - Level 25 IO's are functionally equivalent to level 50 SO enhancements - @ Level 15, can go to University (Steel Canyon South) and talk to Administrator Lenk to learn about IO's - Universities and Vanguard HQ in RWZ have invention tables for crafting IO's - You can Memorise some recipes so that you never have to buy it again, thus 50% cheaper crafting cost. Useful if you plan to play multiple alts. *********************************************** Earning influence (check AH prices to confirm profit margins) - Buy "Inner Inspiration" (free) from the P2W vendor. Sell the inspirations you get for ~50k each. - Complete 1-2 TF's and convert merits to Enhancement Converters. They go for ~ 100k in the Auction House (AH). - Check the prices for the "Overwhelming Force Set". Join and complete a Summer Blockbuster (lvl 15+) and sell your (guaranteed) drop. - Know that the Auction House will blend all crafted IO's together, no matter what level. So a lvl 30 IO can be sold as a lvl 50 IO. - At any level, craft any PVP sets and sell. - Below level 30, craft and and convert any yellow healing recipes to get either Regen Tissue (lvl 10-30) or Miracle unique enhancements (+Regen and +Recovery, respectively). - Between level 30 to level 50, craft any yellow healing IO recipes you find, and spend 2 or more converters to get a Numina IO. Either sell the Numina or spend more converters to convert it to the Numina unique. Same idea for defense sets and LotG unique. - Craft and convert other enhancements to sell - Run an AE low-level mission and buy rares or recipe rolls from tickets gained to sell on the AH - Make a spines/fire brute and farm @ the AE buildings. Or look at other farming builds here. *********************************************** Ouroboros Story Arcs for Merits and Incarnate drops - *very* helpful to have Reveal Power (P2W vendor), and stealth/invis - Freakshow War (55 merits / ~ 1 hr). Note the board transit mission, the bosses don't come out until 3-5 mins after you enter the map. - Freakalympics (34 merits) - Smoke & Mirrors (12 merits) - Heather Townsend (Burden of the Past part 1) - 1 Emp Merit + random common Incarnate salvage + Incarnate salvage random roll - Other: The fast way to gain all 4 Accolade Powers, even solo. (passive +HP, +End, + Rcvry, etc.) - Other: - Guide to the Incarnate System *********************************************** Useful Powers & Generic slotting using generic IO or SOs** -Primary and Secondary generic slotting: 3x main effect + 1-2x end for toggles 3x main effect, 1/1/1 end / rech / acc for activated powers (at least 1 end for Brute damage); 3x main effect for clicky buffs 3x main effect + 2-3x rech for clicky buffs that have longer cooldowns 1-2x acc at first for damage-dealing powers - Stamina: 1-2, depending need as you level. Slot Performance Shifter Chance for +End when IO'ing. - Health: 1-2. Slot Panacea Unique while leveling if you can afford it. Slot Numina and Miracle uniques when IO'ing - Hasten: 2-3 RchrgRdxn - Leadership Pool (Maneuvers, Assault, Tactics, Vengeance): 1-2 EndRdxn then use as LotG "mule" slots for LotG IO's - Travel Powers: Super Jump (faster) or Flight / Mystic Flight are easiest to use when starting out. - Travel Powers: bind for using Teleport with mouse: option 1: /bind shift+lbutton "powexec_name Teleport" (target to teleport) option 2: /bind shift+lbutton "powexec_location camera:max Teleport" (1-click teleport to max distance) - Travel Power stealth uniques: Must slot on toggle travel power, won't work on non-toggle, e.g. Hurdle (I think) - When IO'ing, 5 of each bonus effect is max. Rest is ignored. For example, Luck of the Gambler (LotG) +7.5% recharge max is 5 enhancements of this type. The bonus of the 6th will not count. - Quick guide for understanding IO's (Gulbasaur) - The old forum is archived and each AT sub-forum has a consolidated list of build guides (circa 2012, aka issue 24) ** This is fairly subjective but should give an idea of what to aim for in general. Then tweaked to suit your AT and playstyle. *********************************************** Useful Software Mid's Reborn / Hero Designer and link for zip file/custom installer here. - Guide to using Mid's here. - Ctrl-T to see summary buff window - Defense softcap @ 45%, 59% for Incarnate (need more if fighting +5 enemies or those with high to-hit) - Resistance hardcap @ 90% for Brutes and Tanks. Epic ATs (khelds, soldiers, widows)@ 85%. All other ATs @ 75%. - Perma Hasten around +214% (depending on AT. Basically get recharge rate to 2 mins or less) - See the comment above under "Useful commands" about how to use /buildsave to export your build from COH and import it into the app Vidiot Maps - Best way to find badges and lore - Marks places of interest for PvP zone missions - Other stuff Hero Stats (HeroStats not working as of 2019-Dec) - live stats tracker and buff cooldown tracker Power themes by Archetype - For help creating thematic characters ******************** Abbreviations: AT - Archetype AE - Architect Entertainment FBZ - Firebase Zulu HUD - Heads-up Display IO - Invention Origin (Enhancement) LotG - Luck of the Gambler defense set (enhancement) P2W - Pay to Win PI - Peregrine Island SO - Single Origin (Enhancement)

Long time tank lurker; having played mostly squishies years ago. Here's my take on technical differences between Brutes and Tanks. I thought I'd post it since not everyone might know and it's a relevant thread. Please do correct where it's wrong. Base HP / Max HP: Tank (1874/3534) | Brute (1499/3212) Taunt: Tank: Gauntlet Inherent - AOE Taunt when using ST attacks Brute: Single-target taunt when using ST attacks Damage Limits @ Level 50: Tank (400%) | Brute (775%) Modifier differences Melee at Level 50 . Tank vs. Brute. For example, Tank Damage Scale is 0.8, Brute Damage Scale is 0.75; difference = 0.05 Damage Scale 0.05 Defense Buff 0.025 Max HP Buff 0.025 Defense Debuff 0.625 Damage Debuff 0.625 ToHit Debuff 0.625 Heal Self * 37.481 Damage Resist 0.025 * I'm guessing paragonwiki numbers really meant 1.x, so the difference should be .38 Modifier differences at Ranged Level 50 Defense Buff 0.585 Damage Buff 0.63 Max HP Buff 0.63 ToHit Buff 0.63 Defense Debuff 0.63 Damage Debuff 0.63 ToHit Debuff 0.63 Source: paragonwiki.com AT pages for tank and brute Note: The modifier differences are somewhat confusing to me. I assume it means that tanks gain marginally more from group buffs affecting melee attacks, and get more affected by debuffs linked to attacks on them at melee range. And similar thinking for ranged, except a larger difference in effects. I had this conversation in a pug about tanks and brutes before I looked at the numbers. The numbers show brutes can do more damage. I intuit with IO's brutes can also have the same sturdiness as tanks. BUT. Most brutes play like scrappers. As a squishy, I'm far more comfortable with a tank meat shield on a pug than a rando brute meat shield. And IO's (and level?) also seem to make a big difference in a brute's ability to function as a tank. So if a brute isn't of the tank mindset and at least somewhat IO'd, it seems they aren't as reliable as tanks. I'm not sure if that changes at post-50 content. I'd rather have a tank because I know what I'm getting, and steamrolling content at a 20% slower rate isn't something that will bother me. I also like the tidy mob clumps, and tanks seem to be better at that. tl;dr: Brutes are mathematically better but playstyle and familiarity matters a lot.

Here's my take on fire/em with ranged @ 35%, and smashing, lethal, and energy soft-capped. If power boost is active (every 4 seconds), then ranged is ~ 41% and you are also soft-capped on negative e. Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.962 http://www.cohplanner.com/ Click this DataLink to open the build! Mistress Blaze fire nrg: Level 50 Mutation Blaster Primary Power Set: Fire Blast Secondary Power Set: Energy Manipulation Power Pool: Leadership Power Pool: Fighting Power Pool: Speed Power Pool: Flight Ancillary Pool: Mace Mastery Hero Profile: Level 1: Flares -- MlsFur-Acc/Dmg(A), MlsFur-Dmg/EndRdx(3), MlsFur-Dmg/Rchg(3), Thn-Acc/Dmg(5), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx(5), Thn-Dmg/Rchg(7) Level 1: Power Thrust -- KntCmb-Acc/Dmg(A), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx(7), KntCmb-Dmg/Rchg(9), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(27) Level 2: Fire Ball -- Ann-Acc/Dmg(A), Ann-Dmg/Rchg(9), Ann-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(11), Ann-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(11), Ann-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(13), Ann-ResDeb%(13) Level 4: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(17), DefBuff-I(17) Level 6: Build Up -- Empty(A), Empty(19) Level 8: Energy Punch -- KntCmb-Acc/Dmg(A), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(19), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx(21), KntCmb-Dmg/Rchg(21) Level 10: Fire Blast -- Thn-Acc/Dmg(A), Thn-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(23), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx(23), Thn-Dmg/Rchg(25) Level 12: Assault -- Empty(A) Level 14: Aim -- Empty(A), Empty(25) Level 16: Boxing -- Empty(A) Level 18: Blaze -- SprWntBit-Acc/Dmg(A), SprWntBit-Dmg/Rchg(27), SprWntBit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(29), SprWntBit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(29), SprWntBit-Rchg/SlowProc(31), SprWntBit-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(31) Level 20: Energize -- Empty(A) Level 22: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(33), RechRdx-I(33) Level 24: Tough -- RctArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctArm-ResDam/Rchg(34), RctArm-EndRdx/Rchg(34), StdPrt-ResKB(34), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(36), GldArm-3defTpProc(36) Level 26: Blazing Bolt -- StnoftheM-Acc/Dmg(A), StnoftheM-Dmg/EndRdx(36), StnoftheM-Acc/ActRdx/Rng(37) Level 28: Weave -- GifoftheA-Def/EndRdx(A), GifoftheA-Def(37), GifoftheA-Def/Rchg(37), LucoftheG-Rchg+(39), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(39), LucoftheG-Def(39) Level 30: Power Boost -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(31), RechRdx-I(33) Level 32: Inferno -- SprBlsWrt-Rchg/Dmg%(A), SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(40), SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(40), SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(42), SprBlsWrt-Dmg/Rchg(42), SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg(46) Level 35: Scorpion Shield -- GifoftheA-Def/EndRdx(A), GifoftheA-Def/Rchg(42), GifoftheA-EndRdx/Rchg(43), LucoftheG-Rchg+(43), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg(43), LucoftheG-Def(45) Level 38: Fly -- BlsoftheZ-Travel(A), BlsoftheZ-ResKB(40) Level 41: Web Envelope -- EnfOpr-Acc/Rchg(A), EnfOpr-EndRdx/Immob(45), EnfOpr-Acc/EndRdx(45), EnfOpr-Immob/Rng(46), EnfOpr-Acc/Immob/Rchg(46) Level 44: Vengeance -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A) Level 47: Web Cocoon -- SprEnt-Acc/Hold(A), SprEnt-Hold/Rchg(48), SprEnt-End/Rchg(48), SprEnt-Acc/Hold/End(48), SprEnt-Acc/Hold/End/Rchg(50), SprEnt-Rchg/AbsorbProc(50) Level 49: Hover -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(50) Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A) Level 1: Defiance Level 1: Prestige Power Dash -- Empty(A) Level 1: Prestige Power Slide -- Empty(A) Level 1: Prestige Power Quick -- Empty(A) Level 1: Prestige Power Rush -- Empty(A) Level 1: Prestige Power Surge -- Empty(A) Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A) Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A) Level 4: Ninja Run Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A) Level 2: Health -- NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(A), Mrc-Rcvry+(15) Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A) Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), PrfShf-EndMod(15) Level 50: Musculature Radial Paragon Level 50: Assault Core Embodiment Level 0: Portal Jockey Level 0: Task Force Commander Level 0: The Atlas Medallion Level 0: Freedom Phalanx Reserve ------------

Strange, it worked for me. I'm using 2.21 of Pine's. It's not that big a deal, really. You can follow the build advice on that link I posted and just fill out the offensive power IO sets as you feel like. http://www.cohplanner.com/mids/download.php?uc=1506&c=693&a=1386&f=HEX&dc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

I'm new too. Someone posted a Guide to soft-capping Invuln tank defense here: https://forums.homecomingservers.com/index.php/topic,2077.0.html tl;dr: Use 5 Reactive Armor sets and 2 sets of Kinetic Combat + some uniques like Steadfast and Gladiator Armor on your Defense powers. 6-slot Taunt. bonus: don't need to use purples. I built around that with Invuln / Staff. I did slot purples into the attack powers, but those look to be completely optional. I don't think I even need the LotG's. It's really only helpful for Dull Pain atm. I might change that up in a future respec. | Copy & Paste this data into Mids' Hero Designer to view the build | |-------------------------------------------------------------------| |MxDz;1519;704;1408;HEX;| |78DA6594D952134114867B92899090405892B0253049209900115CAADCAA2C4B70A| |1C042416F53A37442CAA9244E8225975EF80CDE88E00BF802BE854BA94FA05E28B8| |EF8E27737E62CA4C157CDD7FF7E9FECFE9EE2CDE9AF53F3C7BFBA450FCA74DA35AC| |DAD18A5EBD26ABB60D4D62DC314F4054E59B5FCBA393A5B5E2DD00829319E949B95| |7959AACAECF9D2CD75B3242DE36AD12CD6368630BC284D29B3CB35239FCF9D2916D| |66AC55241F897CA6533BB208D0AF5024E676FCCE7F4962B52AE76EDCD5A955675AD| |58E99DAB14AF65E7688FC2466ED1A8D6A4B5D14F4E26E8EFB197FE2975A7B65B24A| |89152852B0EC698AAC6DCD1043E5B154B84388D5D64EEBB042E33DBE78951553CA1| |F5155E5F55B05EFB08D387FD7CD8CF1F519C98A714E3E61897BB6E72461541B0077| |C4F5E3C58D7F3D3C563BF987DBF419B19FEC37C46EBB621D7369DF70C1E703B63FD| |49EEF78F331FE9427831D70BDF9DA8C3207C0FC277848EB583EB223A6CFA84424A0| |04AC0513E92DF2ED4AEEB08FB891D658E1E038F832798BB14D3CD319E6ED459439D| |35D4593BC7754EAC703F81BA7FA2D85EF64FC90A11422E21780F23A704724822B70| |F1417C19E9112FB489699E315F00668315355A64AFB0CF03E9E813EC5D18683600F| |331602637C8E498DF992CE6608673E84B114A883CF694E147944E15F473E3AF2C82| |08F173477C4B978B66BE43041758BCC7F8C93DF38AFA7C471AF52E00FF235865CC6| |C639BFC914732A0DEA6086B9FF0EF33BC5A651C3F43D95C736C1FBCC992D701B7CC| |0FCA6F1BBACFB9ED8642F935BE036B39B7C6771BBB2A86798B46968D3D086D5C67B| |AD5F03BA85BADA78ED76A66574BA459969510EB628875A9485166549C5B6A4288EE| |20DD21B67C57EEB6BFC4608658A73DCF9A7B9942B9C8FFF32B3739ECFF85D735C9A| |E3769BB5BB7C1EAFC20D3FF6EBA6F69BA6F667AA7B08ED2F4DEDAF4DEDBF5E85F2F| |E| |-------------------------------------------------------------------|

I am lvl 40 to re-making my fire/fire/? blaster as well. I went near same as the OP -- no rain, fire sword, hot feet, nor burn. It's my team AOE dps monster. Mobs are pretty much dead before any of those powers do any real damage. At level 40, I alternate Inferno with this AOE chain. My AOE attack looks like: build up+aim -> fireball + run next to tank (get FS if avail) -> greater sword circle -> combustion. Usually by that time only stragglers are left, easily mopped with blaze+flares and fire cage if needed. By the time scrappers find the next live target, I've killed them too. Slightly exaggerating, but not by much. Especially when you have support team members. I think I will be tinkering with the build a bit. I may possibly need a solo build with generic IOs and then bling out my team build. I am going for max damage with res/def as an afterthought. All my slots and set IO's will be to maximize my AOE attack chain effectiveness and Inferno cd. Definitely not a build for soloing at low levels. Incredibly squishy. I pack purples for sure. Still susceptible to mez's and kb's until I buy the proper sets. Not so bad, I just pack a few break frees. Last night I had an 8-man team with 2(!) kins. Inferno was up nearly every mob, and Fulcrum Shift damage bonus often maxed. I had a blast. (Pun intended). There wasn't even a tank to herd -- the controller would debuff and immob, I would do my AOE attack chain, and everything burned to bits. Definitely gives that "I kill stuffz fast" feeling when you see the damage numbers tick all over the mobs. The build is probably not optimal but it really is so much fun to play.

I think the reason that didn''t work for me is because I didn't bother to fill the entire room. New items are created at the bottom of the base. Sometimes in bringing the items up, that particular item loses its ability to clip. In any case I will play around with the clipping options to see if I can reduce the number of times I have to use it.

I completely agree with the spirit of the OP. The one thing I would add is that I'm not sure "Add any AT you want" will work for certain types of content. Such as: +4 Task/Strike Forces and maybe even +4 radio missions. At least not without willing to accept there will be chaos and perhaps it will take longer. And even then, that doesn't necessarily mean Holy Trinity. All-controllers are my most memorable zerg teams for those. The challenge I see with building teams in CoH is that people expect to roll missions a certain way; yet by design there are different ways to play through the content. Sometimes tanks want to herd, sometimes they don't. Sometimes people would rather stealth but others want XP. Some play as if on +4 difficulty even if it's just +0. I wouldn't trade the flexibility, but I do wish there was some way to manage everyone's expectations more easily. I really miss having zerg teams to run with, but most people are happy to just roll through +0, +2 content. And that's fine. I'll keep an eye out for friendly-but-zergy SG's or channel groups, but I won't force pugs to play how I play. PS Also not just veterans of other MMO's but CoH went through a huge change between issues so that COH'ers who left early may not realise how teams can roll differently in i25. PPS On a separate note, I think Channels are the way to go instead of Coalitions/SG's unless people want the experience of SG raids (are they even enabled in Homecoming?).

I did read the stickied cheat sheet before I posted. But I figured out the problem. I need to F3 (Enable room clipping) constantly -- it's *not* persistent. So the steps I followed are: 1) Add item anywhere the game allows it. 2) Deselect item. 2) Enable room clipping, F3. 3) Select item and place. Hold down shift while dragging to place vertically above the base ceiling. I assume I need to F3 each time I want to place another item "outdoors". Might want to add that to the cheat sheet, unless I'm doing something wrong.

I saw the bases showcased in Leandro's twitch stream. I've managed to build on top of the base, but it won't allow me to put anything past the vertical height of the original base walls. How do I get past this restriction? I see at least two other bases on the stream that do this. One had a really cool destroyer shooting missiles at an arachnos copter.

Not a supergroup, but I created a global channel for Controllers. /chat_join Controllers Who we are: No one in particular! But looking for other people who like running Controller alts. Of course other AT's are welcome also. Activity: None planned, but it will be nice if we get enough members so that scheduled "all-controller" teams could be formed to faceroll.. er, I mean tackle highest-difficulty content. Also help others with build questions and the like. SG Base: None. You can use your own or join another. Just join our channel anyways. Looking for: Anyone that rolls a Controller alt or is interested in rolling one. Also looking for others to help get the channel going. Contacts: @pyrotechnique

Not a supergroup, but I created a global channel for Controllers. /chat_join Controllers Who we are: No one in particular! But looking for other people who like running Controller alts. Of course other AT's are welcome also. Activity: None planned, but it will be nice if we get enough members so that scheduled "all-controller" teams could be formed to faceroll.. er, I mean tackle highest-difficulty content. Also help others with build questions and the like. SG Base: None. You can use your own or join another. Just join our channel anyways. Looking for: Anyone that rolls a Controller alt or is interested in rolling one. Also looking for others to help get the channel going. Contacts: @pyrotechnique