Build Critique: Dark Control/Savage Assault

[oedipus_tex]

It's been years since I played Dark Control to 50 (and never on a Dom) and the is also my first trip with Savage Assault. It took me a while to come up with a concept. I wanted something with clean lines that contrasted drastically with the "evil mcdark" mood of Dark Control. Finally I arrived on this:

 

 

(Ignore the AT listed in that description, I rerolled the character several times with different powersets until I found a good match for abilities/graphics and concept).

 

I'm looking for some help with his build. I made a couple of assumptions in this build:

• The pet is firing its cone power, which offers -ToHit. Combined with Fearsome Stare and other general -ToHit flying around, this should hopefully softcap me to Ranged and Slash/Lethal in most situations
• It sure looks like Call Hawk recharges as fast as it animates, which if I'm not mistaken means I've satisfied all my Ranged ST attack needs with a single power. Is that a correct assumption?
• I went with the Ice epic pool, not sure if that's a wise double-down on a Defense armor. Since I didn't take Tough either, my Slash/Lethal resists are very low. Big mistake? 
  • On the plus side, Hoarfrost adds +HP which is effectively Resist All, though I am not certain how far that carries
• I'm still figuring out ideal places to put procs. I feel like I could trade some Defense for procs, but where?
• Should I swap the slotting on Fearsome Stare and Heart of Darkness?

 

 

Villain Plan by Mids' Villain Designer 1.962
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

late Fee 2: Level 50 Natural Dominator
Primary Power Set: Darkness Control
Secondary Power Set: Savage Assault
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Flight
Ancillary Pool: Ice Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Dark Grasp -- BslGaz-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(A), BslGaz-Rchg/Hold(3), BslGaz-Acc/Rchg(3), BslGaz-Acc/Hold(5)
Level 1: Call Swarm -- Acc-I(A)
Level 2: Living Shadows -- Rgn-Dmg(A), PstBls-Dmg/Rng(5)
Level 4: Maiming Slash -- SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg(A), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(9), SprBlsCol-Rchg/HoldProc(9), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx(11), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(11)
Level 6: Possess -- CrcPrs-Conf(A), CrcPrs-Conf%(13), CrcPrs-Conf/EndRdx(13), CrcPrs-Conf/Rchg(15), CrcPrs-Acc/Conf/Rchg(15), CrcPrs-Acc/Rchg(17)
Level 8: Fearsome Stare -- SprDmnGrs-Acc/Conf/Hold/Immob/Sleep/Stun/Fear(A), SprDmnGrs-Conf/Hold/Immob/Sleep/Stun/Fear/Rchg(17), SprDmnGrs-EndRdx/Rchg(19), SprDmnGrs-Acc/Conf/Hold/Immob/Sleep/Stun/Fear/EndRdx(19), SprDmnGrs-Acc/Conf/Hold/Immob/Sleep/Stun/Fear/EndRdx/Rchg(21), SprDmnGrs-Rchg/Fiery Orb(21)
Level 10: Unkindness -- PstBls-Acc/Dmg(A), PstBls-Dmg/EndRdx(23), PstBls-Dmg/Rchg(23), PstBls-Dmg/Rng(25), PstBls-Dam%(25), AchHee-ResDeb%(27)
Level 12: Heart of Darkness -- SprAscoft-Acc/Conf/Hold/Immob/Sleep/Stun/Fear(A), SprAscoft-Conf/Hold/Immob/Sleep/Stun/Fear/Rchg(27), SprAscoft-EndRdx/Rchg(29), SprAscoft-Acc/Conf/Hold/Immob/Sleep/Stun/Fear/EndRdx(29), SprAscoft-Acc/Conf/Hold/Immob/Sleep/Stun/Fear/EndRdx/Rchg(31), SprAscoft-Rchg/+Dmg%(31)
Level 14: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(31)
Level 16: Spot Prey -- GssSynFr--Build%(A)
Level 18: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A), Ksm-ToHit+(33)
Level 20: Super Speed -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A)
Level 22: Haunt -- ExpRnf-Acc/Rchg(A), ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg(33), ExpRnf-Dmg/EndRdx(33), ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34)
Level 24: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(46)
Level 26: Shadow Field -- BslGaz-Acc/Hold(A), BslGaz-EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(34), BslGaz-Acc/Rchg(34), BslGaz-Rchg/Hold(36), UnbCns-Hold/Rchg(46)
Level 28: Blood Craze -- DctWnd-Heal/Rchg(A), NmnCnv-Heal/Rchg(36), Mrc-Heal/Rchg(36)
Level 30: Hover -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A)
Level 32: Umbra Beast -- ExpRnf-Acc/Rchg(A), OvrFrc-Dam/KB(37), ExpRnf-EndRdx/Dmg/Rchg(37), ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg(37), ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(39), SlbAll-Build%(39)
Level 35: Call Hawk -- Thn-Acc/Dmg(A), Thn-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(39), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(40), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx(40), Thn-Dmg/Rchg(40), Thn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(42)
Level 38: Feral Charge -- Obl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(A), Obl-%Dam(42), Obl-Dmg(42), Obl-Acc/Rchg(43), Obl-Dmg/Rchg(43), Obl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(43)
Level 41: Sleet -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 44: Frozen Armor -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A), GldArm-3defTpProc(45), Rct-ResDam%(45), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(45), LucoftheG-Def(46)
Level 47: Ice Storm -- Rgn-Dmg/EndRdx(A), Rgn-Acc/Rchg(48), Rgn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(48), Rgn-Dmg/Rchg(48), Rgn-Knock%(50)
Level 49: Hoarfrost -- DctWnd-Heal/Rchg(A), NmnCnv-Heal/Rchg(50), Pnc-Heal/Rchg(50)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Domination 
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 -- Mrc-Rcvry+(A), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(7)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- EndMod-I(A), PrfShf-End%(7)
Level 50: Musculature Radial Paragon 
------------
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Set Bonus Totals:

• 17% DamageBuff(Smashing)
• 17% DamageBuff(Lethal)
• 17% DamageBuff(Fire)
• 17% DamageBuff(Cold)
• 17% DamageBuff(Energy)
• 17% DamageBuff(Negative)
• 17% DamageBuff(Toxic)
• 17% DamageBuff(Psionic)
• 12.88% Defense(Smashing)
• 12.88% Defense(Lethal)
• 6% Defense(Fire)
• 6% Defense(Cold)
• 24.75% Defense(Energy)
• 24.75% Defense(Negative)
• 6% Defense(Psionic)
• 12.25% Defense(Melee)
• 24.75% Defense(Ranged)
• 6% Defense(AoE)
• 8% Enhancement(Stunned)
• 8% Enhancement(Held)
• 8.8% Enhancement(Terrorized)
• 12% Enhancement(Confused)
• 16% Enhancement(Immobilized)
• 55% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 16% Enhancement(Sleep)
• 98.75% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
• 6% SpeedFlying
• 30.52 HP (3%) HitPoints
• 6% JumpHeight
• 6% SpeedJumping
• Knockback (Mag -4)
• Knockup (Mag -4)
• MezResist(Confused) 42.5%
• MezResist(Held) 42.5%
• MezResist(Immobilized) 42.5%
• MezResist(Sleep) 42.5%
• MezResist(Stunned) 42.5%
• MezResist(Terrorized) 42.5%
• 24.5% (0.41 End/sec) Recovery
• 20% (0.85 HP/sec) Regeneration
• 15% ResEffect(SpeedFlying)
• 15% ResEffect(RechargeTime)
• 15% ResEffect(SpeedRunning)
• 8.25% Resistance(Smashing)
• 8.25% Resistance(Lethal)
• 14.25% Resistance(Fire)
• 14.25% Resistance(Cold)
• 3% Resistance(Energy)
• 3% Resistance(Negative)
• 0% Resistance(Smashing)
• 0% Resistance(Lethal)
• 0% Resistance(Fire)
• 0% Resistance(Cold)
• 0% Resistance(Energy)
• 0% Resistance(Negative)
• 0% Resistance(Toxic)
• 0% Resistance(Psionic)
• 6% SpeedRunning

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Edited November 10, 2019 by oedipus_tex

[oedipus_tex]

BTW one hilarious thing I've discovered about Savage Assault is the teleport in Feral Charge doesn't care if you are Hovering/Flying. So the weird synergy is I can turn Hover on and still be able to quickly teleport right on top of enemies to attack them at melee/cast Heart of Darkness.

[MunkiLord]

I don't have my build in front of me(or access to Mid's), but I do know you slotted Fearsome Stare the same as I did and I like the Orb there. I personally use Fearsome Stare the most consistently of all my primary powers, so orbs are constantly floating around and I like it. I don't know if that's actually the best use, but it works well.

[Mercurias]

Looks like a neat build, Tex! How does it play? 

[oedipus_tex]

I managed to get the build to perma-dom so far. Haven't finished buying all the necessary slots, so very low defense overall. but its still Imostly) fine.

 

I'll probably rethink my slotting of Fearsome Stare. The Chance for Fiery orb is fine. But I don't need the whole set slotted. I could add some procs here.

 

I just hit incarnate Alpha level 2. 

 

Overall impressions are very positive. Plus it's fun to play. Can someone recommend video filming software? I could video a short mission.

Edited November 13, 2019 by oedipus_tex

[oedipus_tex]

I was able to make a short video of this partial build, which you can view here: 

 

 

 

Note defense is still low and endurance management is poor. More work is needed to complete this build. You'll note I'm not the best player and struggle a little with which power to pick when. Settings are at +0/x4 for demo purposes.

 

 

[Siderous]

I play dark / savage and love it.  I currently have standard IO sets, no purps or ATOs, but I am permadom and hasten.  My defences S/L are close to cap, but not there yet.  I dont die though.. I start fights with fearsome stare then feral strike(tp) then depending on spawn either Fury attack or my AoE stun.  Then just use a combo of SThold and melee attacks, feral strike around battle field.  I splash on the crows depending on where I am.  AoE hold for emergencies.  I'm at work so dont have build, but again basic.  I didn't take the immobilizes.  Mobs are either feared or stunned. 

 

Great solo and in teams.

Edited November 14, 2019 by Siderous
Included wrong power... play d/d controller too...

[VV]

I really like this idea. I have a hawk-person concept that is current Ice/Savage and I don't really like it. It was supposed to be Wind/Savage, but we don't have Wind/. Dark/Savage seems like a great combo. I have never tried Dark/ Control and I love the concept. I notice you did not take Vicious Slash or Rending Fury. Was that just because of concept or because they suck?

 

With Blood Craze, I'm just thinking, a Dom with a heal. Wow

[Outrider_01]

Love that bio, former employee maybe?  I could relate 😂

[oedipus_tex]

3 hours ago, Outrider_01 said:

Love that bio, former employee maybe?  I could relate 😂

 

No, I just really wanted to make a Dark Control character who wasn't too emo for his shirt. 😉

[Outrider_01]

1 hour ago, oedipus_tex said:

 

No, I just really wanted to make a Dark Control character who wasn't too emo for his shirt. 😉

lol just funny to see something about a dinosaur business from another era 😄

[Tonio]

Questions from a newb...

1. Why slot a single Ragnarok (and a single Positron's Blast) in Living Shadows?
2. My mids is showing you can't slot Obliteration into Feral Charge... am I reading your build correctly?

[oedipus_tex]

1 hour ago, Tonio said:

Questions from a newb...

1. Why slot a single Ragnarok (and a single Positron's Blast) in Living Shadows?
2. My mids is showing you can't slot Obliteration into Feral Charge... am I reading your build correctly?

 

1. I was low on slots and wanted to achieve as much damage as possible with just two slots. Purple sets provide a higher modifier than any other set type. I grabbed Positron's Damage/Range to try to extend the range of the otherwise short cone at a least a little. In retrospect, I should probably consider adding more procs, because I've been experimenting with damage procs in other builds and they help significantly.

 

2. I just checked in game and it seems you're right. Maybe I have an outdated version of Mids, because it lets me slot it there, but when I tried in game it doesn't work. Looks like Feral Charge takes single target and not PBAOE damage IOs.

Edited November 23, 2019 by oedipus_tex

[Frosticus]

1 hour ago, oedipus_tex said:

 

 

2. I just checked in game and it seems you're right. Maybe I have an outdated version of Mids, because it lets me slot it there, but when I tried in game it doesn't work. Looks like Feral Charge takes single target and not PBAOE damage IOs.

Ya, I'd like it to take pbaoe sets for the purposes of accessing some additional sets. It is a 15ft pbaoe attack w/5 target cap I believe?

 

however it rolls procs like it is a single target attack, so.... beggars cant be choosers I suppose. 

[VV]

Just checked in game and Feral Charge does take Melee Damage sets. But, it definitely hits multiple targets. It is described as single target in the description, but it is not. Very weird. Mids claims it takes PBAOE sets, but it does not.

Edited November 27, 2019 by VV

[Cassandra Gothame]

Indeed Feral Charge does take Melee Damage IOs, so I put the Winter's Bite set in that for the Chance to Hold. It's beautiful watching it hit multiple targets.

[oedipus_tex]

The Dominator AT is the only one that is totally transformed by IOs. Other ATs benefit a lot from IOing up, but Dominators almost become another archetype. 

 

The Domination power was updated at one point to make the leap from non-perma dom to perma-dom less drastic, but its still evident. That's why I don't see Domination turning from a clickable to an always-on. The perma-doms put in too much effort to get there, and the making perma-dom the default mode would totally change the class levels 1 - 50.

[VV]

My D/S is up to 41 now. Got Feral Charge at 38 and it is literally life-changing. /Savage is just an insane secondary in terms of Dom playstyle.

[Frosticus]

2 hours ago, VV said:

My D/S is up to 41 now. Got Feral Charge at 38 and it is literally life-changing. /Savage is just an insane secondary in terms of Dom playstyle.

it really is.

My issue with the set though is that it is pushing me to try out an epic set other than fire and ice.  Namely power mastery and mu mastery. 

power because feral charge gives you the mobility to actually use ET effectively even in a team setting. Usually by the time you get to a target they are dead by the time ET finishes animating. But feral charge lets you close the gap instantly to unload ET before the scrapper/stalker can chunk them down. 

 

Mu mastery for surge of power because I just want to port around fighting without concern of whether everything is locked down before I jump in.