tjknight

So, I want to take a Sentinel through all the Praetorian content. That means starting off in Nova Praetoria at level one and ending in Night Ward at level 40. I would like to complete as many of the arcs possible without switching sides to Hero or Villain. That means I'm looking for a Sentinel combo that does well at lower levels and before set bonuses. Also, something that can handle psi damage attacks. I was considering Dual Pistols/Ninjutsu but I'm not 100% sure. Any thoughts or suggestions folks?

Congrats.. quite the accomplishment!

I suspect we're going to see quite a few Naruto's running around.

Whoa..wait whut! Where is this at?

I'm probably going to be laughed off the boards for these two.. but I believe an often overlooked combo is Necro/Thermal. You get resists that rival Demon/Thermal, variety in damage types (dark,. toxic), Forge on the Knights is awesome, and then to -to hit debuffs from the pets are nice. Combined with Thermals strong heals and debuffing powers it's a very strong combo. Oh and Zombies can self-heal as well, making them even tankier. Another overlooked option is Bots/Cold, I know it might look a little weird, but you get high defense pets combined with a solid Buff/debuff set. So if you want something powerful that's a little bit different, either one is a solid choice IMHO>

Trick Arrow is awesome on Defenders but noticeably weaker on Masterminds. TA for MM's is better on Pet Sets that not only can buff themselves, but buff you as well. With that in mind I'd go Demons or Robots. Here's an old Demon/TA build that might give you some ideas.. Villain Plan by Mids' Villain Designer 1.962 http://www.cohplanner.com/ Click this DataLink to open the build! Level 50 Magic Mastermind Primary Power Set: Demon Summoning Secondary Power Set: Trick Arrow Power Pool: Leadership Power Pool: Presence Power Pool: Fighting Power Pool: Speed Ancillary Pool: Mu Mastery Villain Profile: Level 1: Summon Demonlings -- BldMnd-Acc(A), BldMnd-Dmg(3), BldMnd-Acc/Dmg(5), BldMnd-Dmg/EndRdx(7), BldMnd-Acc/EndRdx(7), BldMnd-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(25) Level 1: Entangling Arrow -- GrvAnc-Acc/Immob/Rchg(A), GrvAnc-Acc/Rchg(37) Level 2: Lash -- ExpStr-Dam%(A), FrcFdb-Rechg%(3), CrsImp-Acc/Dmg(5), CrsImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(11), CrsImp-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), CrsImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(43) Level 4: Glue Arrow -- ImpSwf-Acc/Slow(A), ImpSwf-Dam%(37), ImpSwf-EndRdx/Rchg/Slow(37), ImpSwf-Acc/EndRdx(40), ImpSwf-Dmg/Slow(46), ImpSwf-Rng/Slow(46) Level 6: Enchant Demon -- EndRdx-I(A) Level 8: Corruption -- WntBit-Acc/Dmg(A), WntBit-Dmg/Rchg(9), WntBit-Rchg/SlowProc(9), WntBit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(11), WntBit-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(25) Level 10: Assault -- EndRdx-I(A) Level 12: Summon Demons -- SvrRgh-Acc/Dmg(A), SvrRgh-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(13), SvrRgh-PetResDam(13), BldMnd-Acc/Dmg(19), BldMnd-Dmg(23), BldMnd-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(23) Level 14: Tactics -- AdjTrg-ToHit/EndRdx(A), RctRtc-ToHit/Rchg(15), RctRtc-ToHit(15) Level 16: Poison Gas Arrow -- LthRps-Acc/Rchg(A), LthRps-Acc/Sleep/Rchg(17), LthRps-Acc/Sleep(17), LthRps-EndRdx/Sleep(50) Level 18: Hell on Earth -- CaltoArm-+Def(Pets)(A), ExpRnf-+Res(Pets)(19) Level 20: Acid Arrow -- AchHee-ResDeb%(A), TchofLadG-%Dam(21), PstBls-Dam%(21), RechRdx-I(40) Level 22: Provoke -- MckBrt-Taunt(A), MckBrt-Taunt/Rchg(43), MckBrt-Taunt/Rng(46), MckBrt-Taunt/Rchg/Rng(50) Level 24: Kick -- KntCrs-Acc/KB(A) Level 26: Summon Demon Prince -- BldMnd-Acc/Dmg(A), BldMnd-Acc(27), BldMnd-Dmg(27), BldMnd-Dmg/EndRdx(29), BldMnd-Acc/EndRdx(31), BldMnd-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(31) Level 28: Disruption Arrow -- RechRdx-I(A), EndRdx-I(29) Level 30: Tough -- RctArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctArm-ResDam(31), RctArm-EndRdx(33), RctArm-ResDam/Rchg(33), RctArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(33), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(34) Level 32: Abyssal Empowerment -- EndRdx-I(A) Level 35: Oil Slick Arrow -- TmpRdn-Acc/Dmg/Slow(A), TmpRdn-EndRdx/Rchg/Slow(36), PstBls-Dmg/Rchg(36), PstBls-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(36) Level 38: Weave -- RedFrt-Def(A), RedFrt-EndRdx(39), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx(39), RedFrt-Def/Rchg(39), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(40) Level 41: Charged Armor -- Ags-Psi/Status(A), StdPrt-ResKB(42), Ags-ResDam/EndRdx(42), Ags-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(42), Ags-ResDam(43) Level 44: EMP Arrow -- Lck-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(A), Lck-EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(45), Lck-%Hold(45), Lck-Acc/Hold(45) Level 47: Maneuvers -- RedFrt-Def(A), RedFrt-EndRdx(48), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx(48), RedFrt-Def/Rchg(48), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(50) Level 49: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A) Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A) 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 1: Supremacy Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A) Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A) Level 2: Health -- NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(A) Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A) Level 2: Stamina -- EndMod-I(A), EndMod-I(34) Level 4: Ninja Run Level 50: Spiritual Partial Core Revamp ------------

I'm not the best with builds. I also know the general wisdom is that Pain Domination is better utilized on Corruptors (and MM's) than Defenders. But there's a few things about Pain Dom on Defenders that I like: - Overall Better Buffing and Debuffing Values - Strong Self Damage Buffs that also heal allies - A nice resistance and Defense Debuff in Anguishing Cry - Word of Pain's +Resistance to All (which includes Psi resistance) All of that plus Defenders get access to their buffs much earlier than Corruptors or MM's do. With that being said I took a stab at building a Pain Domination / Dark Blast Defender. I know it's not optimal and needs help, so I'm hoping to get some advice. Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.962 http://www.cohplanner.com/ Click this DataLink to open the build! Dark Pain: Level 50 Science Defender Primary Power Set: Pain Domination Secondary Power Set: Dark Blast Power Pool: Leaping Power Pool: Speed Power Pool: Leadership Ancillary Pool: Soul Mastery Hero Profile: Level 1: Nullify Pain -- DctWnd-Heal/EndRdx(A), DctWnd-EndRdx/Rchg(5), DctWnd-Heal/Rchg(9), DctWnd-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(37), DctWnd-Heal(40) Level 1: Dark Blast -- Apc-Dmg/Rchg(A), Apc-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(3), Apc-Acc/Rchg(9), Apc-Dmg/EndRdx(15), Apc-Dam%(37) Level 2: Gloom -- Dcm-Acc/Dmg(A), Dcm-Dmg/EndRdx(3), Dcm-Dmg/Rchg(7), Dcm-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(11), Dcm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34) Level 4: Soothe -- DctWnd-Heal(A), DctWnd-Rchg(5), DctWnd-Heal/EndRdx(7), DctWnd-EndRdx/Rchg(11), DctWnd-Heal/Rchg(34) Level 6: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A), Krm-ResKB(29), UnbLea-Stlth(31) Level 8: Enforced Morale -- EndRdx-I(A) Level 10: Super Speed -- EndRdx-I(A) Level 12: Soothing Aura -- DctWnd-Heal(A), DctWnd-EndRdx/Rchg(13), DctWnd-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(13), DctWnd-Heal/Rchg(15), DctWnd-Rchg(21) Level 14: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A) Level 16: Tenebrous Tentacles -- GrvAnc-Immob/Rchg(A), GrvAnc-Acc/Immob/Rchg(17), GrvAnc-Acc/Rchg(17), GrvAnc-Immob/EndRdx(25), GrvAnc-Hold%(25) Level 18: World of Pain -- UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(A), TtnCtn-ResDam/Rchg(27), RechRdx-I(19), ImpSki-ResDam/Rchg(19), RechRdx-I(23), RechRdx-I(46) Level 20: Night Fall -- Rgn-Dmg/EndRdx(A), Rgn-Dmg/Rchg(21), Rgn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(23), Rgn-Acc/Rchg(29), Rgn-Knock%(31) Level 22: Dark Pit -- Stp-Acc/Rchg(A), Stp-Acc/Stun/Rchg(31), Stp-EndRdx/Stun(40), Stp-Acc/EndRdx(45), Stp-KB%(45) Level 24: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A), Ksm-Def/Rchg(42), Ksm-EndRdx/Rchg(43), Ksm-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(43), Ksm-Def/EndRdx(43), Ksm-ToHit+(50) Level 26: Anguishing Cry -- AnlWkn-Acc/DefDeb(A), AnlWkn-Acc/Rchg/EndRdx(27), AnlWkn-Acc/Rchg(46) Level 28: Assault -- EndRdx-I(A) Level 30: Conduit of Pain -- RechRdx-I(A) Level 32: Painbringer -- EffAdp-EndMod(A), EffAdp-EndMod/Rchg(33), EffAdp-EndMod/Acc/Rchg(33), EffAdp-Acc/Rchg(33), EffAdp-EndMod/Acc(34), EffAdp-EndMod/EndRdx(46) Level 35: Life Drain -- Dcm-Acc/Dmg(A), Dcm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(36), Dcm-Dmg/EndRdx(36), Dcm-Dmg/Rchg(36), Dcm-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(37), TchoftheN-Acc/Heal(50) Level 38: Tactics -- AdjTrg-ToHit(A), AdjTrg-ToHit/Rchg(39), AdjTrg-ToHit/EndRdx/Rchg(39), AdjTrg-EndRdx/Rchg(39), AdjTrg-ToHit/EndRdx(40) Level 41: Soul Drain -- Mlt-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(A), ScrDrv-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(42), ScrDrv-Acc/Rchg(42) Level 44: Power Boost -- RechRdx-I(A) Level 47: Soul Storm -- BslGaz-Acc/Rchg(A), BslGaz-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(48), BslGaz-EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(48), BslGaz-Acc/Hold(48) Level 49: Vengeance -- HO:Membr(A), LucoftheG-Rchg+(50) Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A) 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 1: Vigilance Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A) Level 4: Ninja Run Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A) Level 2: Health -- RgnTss-Regen+(A), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(45) Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A) Level 2: Stamina -- EndMod-I(A) Level 50: Spiritual Core Paragon ------------

The key to creating a good leveling Dom is pairing a Primary that gets a solid AoE control early with a good damage dealing secondary. For example both Electric and Plant get early access to an AoE control (Seeds of Confusion / Static Field). So that's why you'll see those primaries suggested often for leveling. Combine with a good damage set (like Fire or Psi) and you're good to go. Also, being careful to lock things down first before moving in for attacks is vital. Mezzes are your defense held, stunned, sleeping and confused enemies can't damage you. And avoid opening with AoE immobilizers. Those just draw aggro your way. So if playing a Mind Dom, my preference is to sleep mobs with Mass Hypnosis. Then pick off enemies one by one. You can also use Mesmerize & Confuse to keep enemies out of the fight if Hypnosis isn't up.

Man I'm so sorry I missed this. Going to join the channel though.

I have lvl 30+ish Necro/Nature. Haven't played him much lately. But, Nature makes my squishy Zombies very tough. My pets (and team mates) survive quite well, much to my surprise. So taking that and Dr Causality's post into consideration, I say it's worth a try.

I wouldn't mind Mercs borrowing two powers from the Nemesis group. 1) Bayonet replacing Brawl 2) Vengeance being granted to the lieutenants. I.e. when a lieutenant dies vengeance is automatically cast.

Ninjitsu.. no seriously.

Sentinels start off good and stay good. You give up some damage, but you're not faceplanting every five minutes either. Not dissing blasters, they are awesome, especially late game. But I don't want to wait 50 levels and get incarnates before I feel awesome. A lot of people balk at 25% less damage than a blaster. To that I say "so what"! My sentinel still plows through content solo. And if I'm on a team, he feels more than adequate to get the job done. Also, late game sentinels..are just amazing. That's the thing nobody ever talks about, or sweeps quickly under the rug. I'd even argue, late game Sentinels are very much overpowered.

Sonic/Devices seriously looks like an excellent combo. Especially with the buff targeting drone recently received. I never had a 50 blaster before, so this might be a good idea for me to try.

ooops.... well my old man eyes must have misread that.

This right here. People keep saying this, but it hasn't been my experience. I have a lvl 50+ Fortunata, and she tears through content. There have been very few incidents where I've felt her damage lacking. If I were the OP I'd give a Psi Sentinel a try, but I'd probably go Psi/Regen just because regen is so low maintenance.

Confirmed. Ice/Plant is apparently the FOTM pvp build. In fact it looks like the builds most likely to reach 50 is dominated by farming and pvp builds. *Interesting*

I go curious about this subsection, and the more I investigate, this list appears to be mostly Farming and PvP builds. Which is interesting.

I've played this game for a very long time, and I've never leveled a 50 blaster. Blasters frustated me way too much and I gave up on them. I have leveled several Dominators in the past to 50. So I noticed on the Flavour of the Month mentioned Ice/Plant blasters. Apparently, this blaster combo frequently makes it to level 50, just behind farming brute builds. My assumption that this is so because this combo probably plays similarly to a Domintor. In that it locks mobs down and then blasts them to smithereens while they're held. My second guess would be something like Fire/Plant/Cold might be a good choice. So am I close, far off... any Ice/Plant blasters out there want to chime in? *Edit: Further research indicates this might be a favored PvP build, but I'm still curious to hear more*

No 50 Mercs/Traps? I do find that surprising.

Well one thing that's obvious to me, (and others have said it) people like themed pairings. Which makes perfect sense since this is a comic book themed game. Most iconic characters have elemental themes (Iceman, Killer Frost, Fire, Liz Sherman, Black Lightning, Electro, etc.. etc..). So after some thinking the top pairings for Sentinels makes sense, people overwhelming choose theme over min-maxing. My most played Sentinel is my Rad/Rad, and he'd be 50 by now if it weren't for my altaholic tendencies :). My Dark/Nin would actually be a rarer choice to level up, since there aren't that many of them.

Had a level 50+ Fire/Psi dom back in the day. Overall (as long as you put Flashfire back), the build doesn't look bad. I used FlashFire + Fire Cages to keep mobs stunned, and in place. And if they stay in place you're free to unleash your AoE's on them. Plus they can't fire back. Good luck.

Well for Controllers Mind/Kin was often 'the solo build' back in the day. So it makes a lot of sense Mind works out well for dominators. It locks down spawns really well, and allows the Dom to safely blap. I'm pretty shocked by the sheer dominance that Empathy has with Defenders. Like.. wow. Also, in general how low powerful sets like Pain, Traps, Cold, Thermal, and Sonic rank among the Defenders. Inversely, Masterminds seem to make good use of sets that aren't as popular for Defenders and Corruptors. Very interesting.

Some people slot the Achilles Heel -resistance debuff proc into the mercs. To help with damage But they are pricey. Best thing to do is to look around for a mercs/anything build and see how it's suggested to slot them.

So the Flavour of the Month report is out. I'm surpised we're not discussing it here yet. What shocked me the most were the top three most popular Sentinel Power combos: