Zeraphia

Normal PUGs? I can't say I actually ever have. Not even a "hey, we're on discord, feel free to join." SG iTrials? Yes, many times. Pre-planned "record" speed task forces where we're all trying to get the fastest times possible? I have. My view on voice in discord as someone who has an unmistakably "Cali girl" voice, is that it is a necessary evil sometimes. I learn to gauge who is emotionally charging/inappropriate and avoid those individuals or having to engage with them in my play time. The game is first and foremost about having fun, I am not a customer service representative and never have been. I have received unwarranted advances that I have not reciprocated before. My advice if the person is not imperative to the group is to A. learn as much as you possibly can about the activity to not need directions and ask leaders beforehand if there is anything you should know B. Right click that person's name in the call and use the slide feature to turn their volume to as low as possible. 🙂

I've actually come to the same "conclusion" that you have. At one point, I had like 80+ level 50's that I power-leveled to "try them out" and several of those combinations didn't work out for me as well as I had hoped. Nothing on the game, I'm glad I made them and even "wasted" my time on them because they were cornerstones into what I did and didn't like. I did end up deleting a few combinations, yet oddly I've re-rolled a few! I still may end up re-rolling some of my oldies and trying out a new build for them. However these days I am very careful when I make new toons that its build is finished and I have a clear concise goal for that character's existence as well as an appropriate theme. I have branched out of trying to find the "best of all" combinations for things and I've now dabbled more into more fun themes that are still very effective that have elements of gameplay I truly enjoy. 🙂

Please, do not fall into the "meta" trap. What matters most here is that you are *enjoying* this character, and you are finding aspects of this character that you like. You can make anything work if you build it properly and design it to successfully do tasks. Truth be told, even if you end up disliking this combination, you have a thousand character slots to find a combination that you do like and enjoy. 🙂 Your first few characters shouldn't be about finding the perfect combination, they should be for feeling out things that you really love and want to focus on. Cheers on coming back! HC has added some major QoL features to the game. ❤️

This is my version... Perma-PA no ageless/FF procs needed. Gapless ranged attack chain. Blind -> Mental Blast -> Spectral Wounds -> Repeat, continuously! Doubled Freezing Rains 39% ranged defense (really high considering everything in melee won't really be an issue, you'll have gapless ranged attack chain for safety and whatever gets in melee will be stunned) Thunder Clap is your go-to AoE aoe control, yes the mag 2 stun is low but it is excellent for a illusion controller which usually lacks these harder aoe controls. All attacks are properly slotted to deliver high damage to the best of their abilities. 75% capped S/L resists, decent resists to everything else. Takes Ageless, and can go without Clarion due to Indomitable Will being your go-to Mez protection! Hero 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 Controller Primary Power Set: Illusion Control Secondary Power Set: Storm Summoning Power Pool: Speed Power Pool: Fighting Power Pool: Leaping Power Pool: Leadership Ancillary Pool: Psionic Mastery Hero Profile: Level 1: Spectral Wounds -- Dcm-Acc/Dmg(A), Dcm-Dmg/EndRdx(13), Dcm-Dmg/Rchg(13), Dcm-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(15), Dcm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(17) Level 1: Gale -- Empty(A) Level 2: Blind -- GldJvl-Acc/Dmg/End/Rech(A), NrnSht-Dam%(17), UnbCns-Dam%(23), GldNet-Dam%(25), GhsWdwEmb-Dam%(11), GldJvl-Dam%(11) Level 4: Deceive -- CrcPrs-Conf%(A), CrcPrs-Conf/EndRdx(5), CrcPrs-Conf(5), CrcPrs-Conf/Rchg(7), CrcPrs-Acc/Conf/Rchg(9), CrcPrs-Acc/Rchg(9) Level 6: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(7) Level 8: Superior Invisibility -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A) Level 10: Steamy Mist -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(40), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(42), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg(42), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(42) Level 12: Boxing -- Empty(A) Level 14: Tough -- StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), GldArm-3defTpProc(15) Level 16: Freezing Rain -- RechRdx-I(A) Level 18: Phantom Army -- SlbAll-Build%(A), SlbAll-Dmg/Rchg(19), ExpRnf-Acc/Rchg(19), ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(21), ExpRnf-EndRdx/Dmg/Rchg(21), ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg(23) Level 20: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(34), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(34), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg(37), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(37), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(27) Level 22: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A) Level 24: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), Rct-ResDam%(25) Level 26: Super Speed -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A), BlsoftheZ-Travel/EndRdx(43) Level 28: Thunder Clap -- SprWiloft-Rchg/Dmg%(A), SprWiloft-Acc/Conf/Hold/Immob/Sleep/Stun/Fear/EndRdx/Rchg(29), SprWiloft-Acc/Conf/Hold/Immob/Sleep/Stun/Fear(29), SprWiloft-Conf/Hold/Immob/Sleep/Stun/Fear/Rchg(31), SprWiloft-EndRdx/Rchg(31), SprWiloft-Acc/Conf/Hold/Immob/Sleep/Stun/Fear/EndRdx(31) Level 30: Flash -- UnbCns-Hold(A), UnbCns-Hold/Rchg(46), UnbCns-Acc/Hold/Rchg(46), UnbCns-Acc/Rchg(48), UnbCns-EndRdx/Hold(50) Level 32: Phantasm -- ExpRnf-+Res(Pets)(A), SvrRgh-PetResDam(33), ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg(33), ExpRnf-Dmg/EndRdx(33), ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34) Level 35: Tornado -- OvrFrc-Dam/KB(A), ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(36), ExpRnf-EndRdx/Dmg/Rchg(36), ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg(36), ExpRnf-Dmg/EndRdx(37) Level 38: Lightning Storm -- Apc-Dam%(A), Apc-Dmg/Rchg(39), Apc-Dmg/EndRdx(39), ExpStr-Dam%(39), GldJvl-Dam%(40), GldJvl-Acc/Dmg/End/Rech(40) Level 41: Mental Blast -- Dcm-Acc/Dmg(A), Dcm-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(43), Dcm-Dmg/EndRdx(43), Dcm-Dmg/Rchg(50), Dcm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(50) Level 44: Psionic Tornado -- Rgn-Dmg(A), Rgn-Dmg/Rchg(45), Rgn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(45), Rgn-Acc/Rchg(45), Rgn-Dmg/EndRdx(46) Level 47: Mind Over Body -- RctArm-ResDam(A), RctArm-ResDam/EndRdx(48), RctArm-ResDam/Rchg(48) Level 49: Indomitable Will -- RechRdx-I(A) Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A) Level 1: Containment 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 -- Run-I(A) Level 2: Health -- Pnc-Heal/+End(A), Mrc-Rcvry+(3) Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A) Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-EndMod(A), PrfShf-EndMod/Rchg(3), PrfShf-End%(27) Level 0: Portal Jockey Level 0: Task Force Commander Level 0: The Atlas Medallion Level 0: Freedom Phalanx Reserve Level 50: Ageless Core Epiphany Level 50: Support Core Embodiment Level 50: Degenerative Core Flawless Interface Level 50: Pyronic Core Final Judgement Level 50: Agility Radial Paragon ------------

I've found that every single ATO proc works exceptionally well in toggle auras contrary to popular belief. The numerous enemies it hits provide a "check" for the aura (meaning a lot of procs overall) and work without having to use any special power to activate them in ST. +1

Reverting the nerf would be a great start, and for most (self-included) that would be fine to make it feel like a "viable" set again. That is the first and foremost. Everything else is "nice" but could be lived without imo. Popular ideas: -Turn Stun into an AoE damage power (that Stuns one enemy target and "splashes" outward like Thunder Strike), or at least replace it with Whirling Hands on Stalkers so that they have a singular AoE power. -Allow Stalkers to crit EM hits. Yes, they will hit like freight trains, but we have GPB and Devastating Blow now so EM's "crazy numbers" aren't as much of an anomaly as they once were. -Animation cut slightly on Total Focus. -Port the set to Scrappers, they're the "middle" of all the melee ATs, if Stalkers and Tankers can have it, I don't see why Scrappers can't anymore. All of these are very nice, a combination of all of them could lead to an "overpowered" set but I think it is a mixed bag. Personally, I think one of the best things would be experimentation. See how the set interacts with the various different buffs recommended by the community and judge as a team and community whether or not these buffs are overpowered or lead to the set feeling more "complete and modern."

This is quite a substantial "bump" for a thread as old as this, but I do feel it is justified. We *need* more control sets, and we especially need a more natural-themed control and tech control set. Wind control is a very interesting concept and I think this should be one of the things that HC focuses on when they have the resources and time available. I was honestly disappointed when Electric Affinity took precedent over it, but alas you don't always get the things you want and that is okay. I think in addition, there was a lot more interest even in Dark Melee revamps overshadowing EA's creation... There is a huge surge lately for air/wind control, and I think this is a great direction.

This is a simple statement but this is something I've never gotten: Dominators are considered a 10 on the "control" scale on screen. Controllers are considered a 10 on the "control" scale on screen. Dominators can get double magnitudes and control durations via their inherent and better accuracy as well with domination. Controllers only have... longer base durations? I don't really see how they can both be on the same 10/10 scale when one AT is just far superior to the other numerically and empirically. IMO, there needs to be some buffs like these proposed to aid Controllers to getting near that 10/10 control level as advertised.

With the event of Mids and the massive amount of data now compiled in an easy-to-access fashion (a bit unlike live) with the volumes of comparisons "firing up" a beta toon for free with complete slotting has enabled us to do, I find myself rarely making "bad" character decisions. I greatly appreciate the work that the community has actually done to allow us to have an easier time and make more compact decisions in character slotting and outlooks (devs AND players alike). When I initially came back, I made some "duds" (fire/kin troller *sorry*, robots/FF mm, mind/psi dom, etc.) that for various reasons just didn't hack it for me. There are clearly huge fanbases for these characters, however I do not enjoy them for various reasons, and I think that is totally okay. If I end up not liking a character, it exposes me to elements for other characters I might not care for either, and it exposes me to elements even in a "crappy" set that I don't care for that I will like a lot more. Everything is a learning opportunity, chasing numbers and making characters solely off of performance standards alone was a mistake I got sucked into and something I regret. However, there will *always* be a side for the min-max of me that will squeeze whatever I can out of a character to get its best performance and if its best performance just isn't something I can really "get into the groove" with, it may end up shelved. 😕 TLDR; what WILL make you give up on a character is chasing it solely for performance without any ties to a theme or genuine interest in the powersets themselves, and it will make you give on the game itself which is a shame.

The biggest thing I'd overhaul would be customization visual effects and costume pieces. Look, love the Fiery Aura look, but running the auras 24/7 can get a bit visually redundant and it sometimes obscures character designs. I think possibly making an option cosmetically that allows for a complete transparent option for the power effects on you (particularly for resistance armor toggles/"adaptations"), whilst still retaining the in-game benefits the power grants you would be delightful. Another example is the offensive adaptation of Bio Armor's pom-pom hands, no matter how I recolor that I'm never truly satisfied. 🤔 Another thing would be the option of, as other posters have claimed, "vanta-black" an actually BLACK version of the aura effects and not just a more muted grey. Further, there are some costumes pieces (some not all**) used for NPCs that would be lovely to use for customization of our characters. For example, Ghost Widow's hair, I don't find to be a truly "unique" element of who she is as a character, and I find straight long flowing hair to hardly be a "rare" trait by any means even in a real-world standard.

Barely 20 here, I'm looking for where I can apply for my social security.

You don't even want to know what we call "pizzas" here in Florida if you think Pineapple is concerning...

Gosh, this actually rings so true. Between everything going on right now and the events I would feel pressure to "host" I lost touch with what was fun with this game and took a short break. I've re-evaluated the ways I am going to spend my time to focus on truly having fun and enjoying the game for the beautiful customization and content it offers. Sometimes I really think the perspective of having fun for the delight of the game gets lost in the fray of things. 🙂

I actually did not know this! Makes Assault Radial much more attractive to me now 🙂 !

This is true. I think it depends though on a number of factors: 1. Are your pets already soft-capped or near soft-capped, or even so far beyond soft capped that the +defense from the Support Core is less meaningful? If so, Assault Radial may very well be the way to go. (Robots/FF is a "key" one if your FF's go above and beyond what is needed for defense). 2. Are you playing typically at high difficulties, or low ones? If you're typically lawnmowering most mobs as an MM at a speedy pace and looking for a "fun boost" Assault Radial is a very good way to go. 3. Are you okay with resummoning pets frequently to use the Assault Radial? There are lots of people who aren't, it can expire mid-battle and you have no choice if you want to use Radial again other than to A. resummon the pets in combat putting you at risk B. making you unable to use it where you could just pop Support Core whenever. 4. Do you have high end costs? Support Core helps with that. In more situations than not, I have to say Support Core ends up being more beneficial to me. However, if you are a DPS chaser or the difficulties are so easy for you that you don't find any real benefit to Support Core, then Assault Radial may be your jam.

Hello all! I had a little bit of an idea, it was maybe (for new content) to create a few co-op zones if/when the devs ever get the resources to do so. There are a few level 50 co-op zones, but none that really exist in the 10-35 range. I think possibly introducing some new "island monster" maps or areas of great threats nationally in other zones that would be of interest to Recluse and the Freedom Phalanx to intervene. This could possibly foster new task force opportunities and content for both sides, and allow you to play redside a little bit more leisurely rather than be stricted to villain-only areas for a large portion unable to team up with the vast majority of heroic friends. Possibly even have higher level task forces in these same areas for more 50+ content and special enemy interest groups/factions. Just an idea, I think redside is lacking a bit in content and is a bit neglected, and there is some desire around for a co-op zone, although it isn't true "red-side content" it would serve as some additional new leveling and teaming opportunities with larger audiences! Thoughts?

This is such a side topic, but this is right up my alley. I want an outer space/Rikti homeland type of adventure area so bad!

Fully agree and this is all true, but I'm going to say this in Fire's defense... It is safer than Energy. Energy requires you to be in melee range, which can be "scary" for a Dominator at times and force you into bad situations when teaming on a stream rolling team where you'd want to go straight into attacking due to your controls not keeping tempo with the group. Can result in unwanted deaths. Certain AV's before you can lock them down will inevitably annihilate you with this set. Buyer beware. Energy also has slow animations, and this can be deadly for a low-hp Dominator. Say another group gets aggro'd to you and you're mid-way through TF, that can very well also result in an unwanted death. Personally, I've done Fiery Assault before, tried Energy Assault, explored both. I think there are definite pros and cons, especially with respect to EA's much harder hitting AoE, but for me and my friends, we've found the safety and speed that Fiery delivers makes it safer, leads to less deaths, and allows for faster burst damage.

I believe there already is a slow interface in Gravitic Interface (?) but that said, I would mind an iteration of cold damage in game-play with some sort of debuff. I think the more options the merrier.

I love this suggestion, and I firmly welcome the gold-side creativity to the character bios I'm sure would arise! 🙂

Once upon a time, if this was live many years ago, I would've ardently said no if I was old enough back then to understand. However, given this is HC and the mass epidemic of AE farm leveling gone to new heights with double XP P2W boosters, I support the suggestion.

There is something satisfying about sticking it to a giant dark blue cheeseball that never gets old...

I've got to agree more with these posts, though I *do* recognize that you are very slot starved as a "Kheld." Perhaps make it so that you have extra slots but those slots don't necessarily contribute to set bonuses? So for instance, Nova and Dwarf forms get a "special" (not talking exact numbers here but spitballing) 6 slots to fulfill basic accuracy/damage/recharge/endurance slotting? I'm sure this would be a nightmare to code these special slots that don't accept set bonuses, but it would be a nice compromise if it could be done to help. Also to add, would likely be attached to being used only in form powers, and are optional to cancel if you wish to just fully slot the powers with set enhancements.

The Clouded Senses proc iirc is a decent proc that does actually get used on several of the powers. However, there are many procs that are probably not the best of ideas, in general I find this to be best as a "mule" for chasing a set bonus.

See, I have many cool character concepts in mind, but the legs are currently so large... I want some with "small" legs, some "fairy" characters or very short ones for my own creative purposes. I understand this is probably a lot of work, but it is just a suggestion. Currently, I feel as if the lowest leg settings for the characters are just "normal" proportions for most human beings...