Crysis

I'm old I guess. I can't stand reading Discord. Too immediate, hard to browse/search what I'm looking to find. I don't even use our forum search tool, however, I tend to use Google to search the forums using the "site:" command. But I think you are right. The immediacy of communications is the social norm of today, whereas the post-and-playback approach was forums of yesterday.

This. I think testing numbers may improve a bit once that happens, but with the continuing shrinkage of the playerbase, we likely still face challenges. I really wonder how much longer until we merge server instances. I’m very active over on Reddit as well, and I’m shocked how many people over there don’t even know these forums exist, let alone peruse them. Perhaps a “MOTD” pop up inviting people to come test future patches may help get the word out a bit that there is a test server and stuff is happening over there?

You can safely rest assured that on current HC live, Abraxus is running away, so you can save him and the other 40 toons till “last.” j/k I too have a couple alts in Comic Con. Always fun to kick my own ass.

I’ve posted this before but for any Storm used struggling with END pre-Incarnates: -Victory Rush works quite well as a recovery boost pre-50. Two slots of ENDMOD and you are golden as long as you target defeated +2 bosses. Stormies often have high recharge anyways and in my builds this power is up almost every other spawn. -SG base improve END recovery power is almost as good as some IO slotting bonuses. -Recovery Serum temp power from P2W vendor is better than loading up on blues and cheap. I actually use all three until I get Ageless T4’d.

Ok I get it. You’ll do better on a S/L farm since it’s fairly easy to softcap defenses of your henchman for those two damage types. And avoid spawns that dish out heavy AOE attacks. You also will do better if you have an outdoor city map with spawns spaces a good distance apart. And Id highly recommend an AOE immobilize from one of the epic/patron pools if you don’t have one already. Aggro management is what will keep your T1’s alive longer. Taking at least one single target attack from your primary and proccing it out for damage is also a good tactic. Really that’s all there is to it. Choosing what spawns to farm and min/max your build for them and the map you’ll be using is same method used by all farmers. The big difference is you want to throttle the pace of of incoming aggro whereas many other farmers would want to maximize the amount of aggro they can grab at once. Your bodyguard mode will keep you mostly safe but you don’t want to resummon your T1’s every spawn.

I _can_ farm with my min/max Thugs/Storm build. But at 20-30 mins clear time, I can do 5 of the same map with my Spines/Fire cheap build so....why bother? If you want to farm, build a farmer. I actually PL’d my Spines/Fire with a Fire/Kin on the Battle Maiden map. Took all of 8 hours.

Overall, loving the MM henchman updates. Robots are very good now, already were best of the henchmen. But on my Thugs, the Arsonist still seems to run into melee all the time, and thus dies quickly. He has always been suicidal but I’m wondering if he’s working as intended due to the recharge of his ranged powers, or perhaps he’s just pulling more aggro than his peers now that he’s one of the few to get close up for his fire attacks?

Really good idea. Seconded.

Totally rebuilt my main from Live. I was a BS/Regen scrapper on Main, knight themed. Made it a BS/Shield stalker on HC, same theme but with a backstory that covered the “dark years” to justify why he changed. The stalker changes in i24, plus the Crit-on-demand ATO procs, just made it a far more effective build. I couldn’t say no. Besides, Regen had already been nerfed to oblivion back on Live and I had retired him in disgust. Good to play him again.

Biggest complaint I have about all the primaries is the T1 pets. From 40-50, once you’ve got all your henchman IO kitted, they really come into their own and the MM class can shine. WIth yesterday’s patch changes, its even better. But in Incarnate content, even with the level shifts, your T1’s are going up against the purple patch and it’s just hard for them to contribute much even if they can survive. Especially on densely packed maps where it’s really hard to keep them focused on the current spawn while taking aggro fire from the one next to them.

Tanker. I made a big, giant burly tanker with arms and legs as thick as tree trunks. Jumped into melee and started swinging. I hadn’t yet discovered herding. I swing down my mighty fists and realize I may as well be Tyrannosaurs Rex because these big giant massive arms do absolute crap for damage. Then I discovered Fire/Ice and Fire/Fire tanking and thought the rest of the tank set must just be “broken.” I mean I get it now....you can’t have that much survivability and top end damage as well. Tankmage and all that. But at the time (Game launch back in 2003/04) it really made me think Tankers as a class must be busted or something.

Thanks for the tips, I didn’t realize Achilles wouldn’t stack. Does it matter which power gets which -RES debuff proc?

Just exported my in-game build for a different thread, so I know this one works without error when using the Mids File/Open command. Try it. And no, at least this one doesn't show slot levels. build.txt FireStormCorr.mxd

Here you go. I based this on the other Fire/Storm builds elsewhere in the forums. Then tweaked it just a bit based on my experience with my Thugs/Storm MM. It's been a beast of a build, far more durable than the "no healing" approach would have you think it would be. I'm often last toon standing in 8 man groups. NOTE: you'll be able to eek out a little more +DEF if you are willing to +5 boost all the LOTG's and not attune them. I always build Attuned because I exemp down very often. If you don't, and have the influence, it may be worth your time. Also, you can get a bit more +TOHIT if you slot Tactics with a Cyto Hami-O, and even boost it. But mind you that both of these offer only a BIT (like 1-1.5%) more than what I'm showing so I'm not sure it matters. 45% +DEF to Ranged/Melee, and 40% to E/NE Resists are decent at 51% S/L Recharge is permahasten and perma soul drain Cons for some: No self heal, no other heal, no status protection. Knockback is dealt with, however, at -8 mag. Villain Plan by Mids' Reborn : Hero Designer 2.6.0.7 https://github.com/ImaginaryDevelopment/imaginary-hero-designer Click this DataLink to open the build! Level 50 Magic Corruptor Primary Power Set: Fire Blast Secondary Power Set: Storm Summoning Power Pool: Leadership Power Pool: Fighting Power Pool: Leaping Power Pool: Speed Ancillary Pool: Dark Mastery Villain Profile: Level 1: Flares -- Thn-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(A), Thn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(50), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx(50), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(50), Thn-Dmg/Rchg(50), Thn-Acc/Dmg(50) Level 1: Gale -- SuddAcc--KB/+KD(A) Level 2: Fire Ball -- Rgn-Dmg/EndRdx(A), Rgn-Acc/Rchg(50), Rgn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(50), Rgn-Knock%(50), Rgn-Dmg/Rchg(50) Level 4: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(50), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(50) Level 6: Rain of Fire -- SprScrBls-Rchg/+End(A), SprScrBls-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(50), SprScrBls-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(50), PstBls-Dam%(50) Level 8: Boxing -- Empty(A) Level 10: Steamy Mist -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(50), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(50) Level 12: Aim -- GssSynFr--Build%(A), GssSynFr--ToHit/Rchg/EndRdx(50), GssSynFr--ToHit(50), GssSynFr--Rchg/EndRdx(50), GssSynFr--ToHit/Rchg(50), GssSynFr--ToHit/EndRdx(50) Level 14: Tactics -- GssSynFr--ToHit/EndRdx(A) Level 16: Freezing Rain -- AchHee-ResDeb%(A) Level 18: Blaze -- SprMlcoft-Acc/Dmg(A), SprMlcoft-Rchg/Dmg%(50), SprMlcoft-Dmg/Rchg(50), SprMlcoft-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(50), SprMlcoft-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(50), SprMlcoft-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(50) Level 20: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(50) Level 22: Tough -- UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(A), GldArm-3defTpProc(50), UnbGrd-ResDam(50), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(50), UnbGrd-EndRdx/Rchg(50) Level 24: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(50), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(50) Level 26: Blazing Bolt -- StnoftheM-Acc/Dmg(A), StnoftheM-Dam%(50), StnoftheM-Dmg/ActRdx/Rchg(50), StnoftheM-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(50), StnoftheM-Dmg/EndRdx(50) Level 28: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A) Level 30: Super Speed -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A), BlsoftheZ-Travel/EndRdx(50) Level 32: Inferno -- Arm-Dmg/Rchg(A), Arm-Dam%(50), Arm-Acc/Rchg(50), Arm-Dmg/EndRdx(50), Arm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(50) Level 35: Tornado -- OvrFrc-Acc/Dmg/End(A), OvrFrc-Dmg/End/Rech(50), OvrFrc-Acc/Dmg/End/Rech(50), OvrFrc-Dam/KB(50), OvrFrc-Acc/Dmg(50), AchHee-ResDeb%(50) Level 38: Lightning Storm -- SuddAcc--KB/+KD(A), SprScrBls-Dmg/Rchg(50), SprScrBls-Acc/Dmg(50), SprScrBls-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(50), FrcFdb-Rechg%(50) Level 41: Dark Consumption -- Obl-Acc/Rchg(A), Obl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(50), Obl-%Dam(50), Obl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(50), Obl-Dmg/Rchg(50), Obl-Dmg(50) Level 44: Dark Embrace -- UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(A), UnbGrd-ResDam(50), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(50), UnbGrd-Max HP%(50), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(50) Level 47: Soul Drain -- SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(A), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(50), SprAvl-Dmg/EndRdx(50), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(50), SprAvl-Rchg/KDProc(50), FuroftheG-ResDeb%(50) Level 49: Super Jump -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A), BlsoftheZ-Travel(50) Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A) Level 1: Quick Form 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: Scourge Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A) Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A) Level 4: Ninja Run Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A) Level 2: Health -- Pnc-Heal/+End(A) Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A) Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), PrfShf-EndMod(50) Level 50: Agility Core Paragon Level 50: Ageless Core Epiphany Level 50: Assault Core Embodiment Level 50: Diamagnetic Core Flawless Interface Level 50: Banished Pantheon Radial Superior Ally Level 50: Pyronic Core Final Judgement ------------

Your turn is coming, they will be looked at soon. In the meantime, ENJOY HAVING YOUR PETS LOOK JUST LIKE YOU!

Hit vet level 12 last night, T4’d out all but Lore pets. Softcapped Ranged and Melee and FINALLY got my END manageable thanks to Ageless. Re Water vs Fire, I may try a Water/Storm next, but honestly I never really missed the heal. With high DEF and standing under Lightning Storm, you don’t really get hit all that often. Grab the Accolades to get a little extra health and Fire/Storm is a pretty solid beast build for damage. Seeing the screen covered with SCOURGE notifications during ITF’s has been gloriously fun. I seldom even fire off my Judgement AOE as little survives my native powers.

I respec out of both Snowstorm and Hurricane by 38. Neither serves much purpose late game.

My Fire/Storm is at lvl 46 now. Endurance management on Storm is a mini game all by itself. I strongly suggest for leveling: Victory Rush from Leadership pool...it’s better than it gets credit for P2W +Recovery temp buff....buy 8 hours worth P2W Recovery Serum (Buy 50 charges) Improved Recovery empowerment buff from SG Combinations of all the above will tide you over until you can get your IO sets all slotted at 50 and get your Incarnate powers. Fire/Storm can be a very high recharge build and if so, it will double your END issues. Use everything at your disposal.

This. Exactly how I have mine slotted on almost all my various Storm/ or /Storm builds. And it’s very easy to chain the +100% recharge between the powers so that I spend most of each spawn sitting on +250% or greater, which means everything is effectively recharged by time I get to next spawn. However, the side effect of this, as mentioned elsewhere, is that Storm is already an insanely high END build. All that added recharge just makes this situation worse. Most of the builds shown are T4’d incarnate builds when you can use Ageless, Cardiac, etc to manage the END. But for the 55+ levels PRIOR to getting there, you’ll need to find other ways to manage END. For me, I’ve made good use of Victory Rush and all the various +Recovery temp powers, accolades and buffs I could make in my base and/or obtain from the P2W vendor. Otherwise, I find myself with 2-3% END/s recovery vs. 2-3% END/s usage and can’t do anything. So keep that in mind when reviewing any Storm builds. Only applicable while leveling, obviously, but that’s a big part of the game.

Been doing this for awhile during off-peak times of the day to T4 out multiple incarnate powers so I have "alternative slotting" abilities. With practice, I can routinely run this in under 8 mins including travel times to missions. -Set mission difficulty at -1/1 -Stealth and ignore anything other than mission objectives -Call Contact while traveling to next mission entrance, they never change, post second mission -P2W Reveal power for first mission, only focus on two objectives, ignore anything else -Only focus on winged opponents and those around them in second mission. I've found the objectives at end of first big room on first floor or upstairs and then the second and third in first room main or upper in second floor, followed by hallway and/or 'ruined' room on second floor. Often at end of hallway with detective, which you can ignore, on second floor. -On third mission, use lowest order responses to Hua to get by him without fighting. Then stealth to first two glowies, usually at first major T intersection, inside the warehouse room or on the upper floor. Ignore the special characters on upper catwalk hallways. Then go to last section of map and find the boss, dispatch and hit the glowie. Ignore any other attacks/encounters. -On fourth mission, Reveal to get to end without engaging anything. Choose to kill them both, small ambush easily defeated follows. Routinely 7-8 mins for me, can almost do it blindfolded. My VR drop rate hasn't been great, but I usually get two common and an Emp per arc. Has allowed me to T4 out entire toons by lvl 12 vet status pretty routinely. And double T4 Alpha, Destiny and Hybrid by lvl 16. Much, much faster than BAF, LAM, Apex/Tin Mage once you figure in all the league assembly, waiting for some idiot to press the green button, etc.

What’s this “defend” nonsense? You own this game or something? People can do whatever they want to do. It’s a sandbox. Someone wants to PL someone else for free, have at it. Someone else wants to be compensated for their time to PL others? Fine, let it be. Technically, any time you join a higher level team you are PL’ing yourself. That’s how this game has always been. AE just allows it to be optimized.

My farmer is T4’d out and I just used Brigg’s $Comic Con$ (note the dollar signs) exemp farms tonight and generated about 150mm in influence in under an hour. It’s working same as it always did.

I'll let someone else chime in on emotes, not my thing. On Stealth, for personal stealth, you can always park (or dismiss) your henchman, ghost stealth to end of mission and/or glowies, then summon them only as needed. So no, not useless at all. There's also the Tankermind approach to play where Stealthing to center of mob for alpha is always helpful. For Stealth-providing powers like Steamy Mist, I can't tell you number of times that's allowed me to get into setup range before attacking. Very useful. And don't forget the +DEF from some Stealth powers.

Confirmed on Excelsior. I have a 39 DP/Rad Corr. If I fire off HOB with nothing around me, no +DEF. Unslotted, with hitting at least 1 target, +12 DEF. EDIT: Tried on my DP/MC Blaster, no targets hit with HOB = no +DEF bonus. Any target hit with HOB, +9.xx% DEF.

I think all the Fiery Aura brutes farming AE have figured this out which is why we love BP Lore pets.