Thugs/Storm Leveling and Post-50 Builds

[Crysis]

I was inspired by reading a few posts like this one on this AT:

 

 

I have a SG mate who plays her Thugs/Time like a monster and have always enjoyed MM's in general, so thought I'd give Thugs and Storm a whirl just for the "Slightly Managed Chaos" approach.

 

The issue is most builds posted are always T4 Incarnate builds, and the vast majority don't work AT ALL, or very poorly, until/unless you are fully T4'd out on all Incarnates and have all your purples and "Superiors" slotted.  This one was absolutely zero exception to that rule.  I sucked END like nobody's business, and had I used the posted Post-50 builds, it would have been mostly unplayable.  Usually about 1.5 battle/attack cycles would run me dry.  Gale + Tornado + Freezing Rain + Lightning Storm and maybe a shot of one of my single target attacks to pull a runner was about all I could do before going dry.  

 

I did manage to hit the S/L softcap for +DEF, and almost for Energy also.  Recharge was decent as-is, but since I had Force Feedback +Recharge procs in Gale, Tornado and Lightning Storm, it wasn't uncommon for me to be at 230-250% recharge for most of the spawn.  This of course meant that Burnout was up pretty often, about every other spawn, but I couldn't make the best use of it in most instances outside of AV battles because I had no END to cast Burnout, let alone Double Gang War/Lightning Storm.  I mostly fought +3/x8, or +2/x8 when soloing stuff like Arachnos with stacking -DEF.  I would get mezzed (I have no mezz protection) but it wouldn't matter as it would wear off while my henchmen just chewed everything up.  The only time I've died from mezz was when I got held on the opener, which was rare.  Even Carnies weren't much of an issue, as long as I was willing to drop out of Bodyguard mode and use the "Attack my Target" on the Master Illusionist to focus on her and not the phantoms.

 

Victory Rush actually worked fairly well.   I'd always use it on the Boss of the spawn and at +2/+3 it would fairly reliably give me a nice +Recovery (2-3%) and -END discount (>50%) buff for a bit.  

 

So here is how I leveled.  No purples, no Catalyzed enhancements, just all Attuned pre-50 IO sets.

 

Note: I respecc'd out of Hurricane and O2 boost once I got Gang War.  Hurricane just wasn't that useful to me and the O2 heal was so pitiful that I'd just drag/drop Healing inspirations over to my pets instead.  Like I said, I didn't die all that often and I don't tankermind with this build, as my Storm "pets" are my alpha openers and with everything flopping up and down, Hurricane was just an unnecessary END hog.

 

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 Natural Mastermind
Primary Power Set: Thugs
Secondary Power Set: Storm Summoning
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Sorcery
Ancillary Pool: Mace Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Call Thugs -- MarofSpr-Dmg(A), MarofSpr-EndRdx/+Resist/+Regen(50), ExpRnf-+Res(Pets)(50), ExpStr-Dam%(50), SuddAcc--KB/+KD(50), SvrRgh-Acc/Dmg(50)
Level 1: Gale -- SuddAcc--KB/+KD(A), FrcFdb-Rechg%(50)
Level 2: Dual Wield -- WntBit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(A), WntBit-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(50), WntBit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(50), WntBit-Dmg/Rchg(50), WntBit-Rchg/SlowProc(50), GldJvl-Dam%(50)
Level 4: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(50), LucoftheG-Def(50)
Level 6: Equip Thugs -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 8: Assault -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 10: Steamy Mist -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(50), LucoftheG-Def(50), StdPrt-ResKB(50), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(50), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(50)
Level 12: Call Enforcer -- MarofSpr-Acc/Dmg(A), MarofSpr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(50), CaltoArm-+Def(Pets)(50), ShlBrk-%Dam(50), TchofLadG-%Dam(50), GssSynFr--Build%(50)
Level 14: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(50)
Level 16: Freezing Rain -- AchHee-ResDeb%(A)
Level 18: Gang War -- CmmoftheM-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(A), CmmoftheM-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(50), CmmoftheM-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(50), EdcoftheM-PetDef(50), SvrRgh-PetResDam(50), CmmoftheM-Rchg/PetAoEDef(50)
Level 20: Boxing -- Empty(A)
Level 22: Tough -- GldArm-3defTpProc(A), UnbGrd-Max HP%(50), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(50), UnbGrd-ResDam(50), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(50)
Level 24: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), ShlWal-Def(50), ShlWal-Def/EndRdx(50), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(50), Rct-ResDam%(50)
Level 26: Call Bruiser -- MarofSpr-Dmg/EndRdx(A), MarofSpr-Acc/EndRdx(50), ExpStr-Dam%(50), SuddAcc--KB/+KD(50), SlbAll-Build%(50), SlbAll-Dmg(50)
Level 28: Arcane Bolt -- GldJvl-Dam%(A), Thn-Acc/Dmg(50), Thn-Dmg/Rchg(50), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx(50)
Level 30: Super Speed -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A), BlsoftheZ-Travel/EndRdx(50)
Level 32: Upgrade Equipment -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 35: Tornado -- AchHee-ResDeb%(A), FrcFdb-Rechg%(50), OvrFrc-Dam/KB(50), OvrFrc-Dmg/End/Rech(50), OvrFrc-Acc/Dmg/End(50), OvrFrc-Acc/Dmg/End/Rech(50)
Level 38: Victory Rush -- EndMod-I(A), EndMod-I(50)
Level 41: Burnout -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(50)
Level 44: Lightning Storm -- GldJvl-Dam%(A), FrcFdb-Rechg%(50), GldJvl-Acc/Dmg(50), GldJvl-Acc/Dmg/End/Rech(50), SuddAcc--KB/+KD(50), GldJvl-Acc/End/Rech(50)
Level 47: Scorpion Shield -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(50), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(50), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(50)
Level 49: Web Envelope -- TraoftheH-Dam%(A), TraoftheH-Acc/Rchg(50), TraoftheH-Acc/EndRdx(50), TraoftheH-EndRdx/Immob(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 -- Clr-Stlth(A)
Level 1: Supremacy 
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run 
Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Mrc-Rcvry+(A), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(50)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), PrfShf-EndMod(50)
Level 1: Punk 
Level 1: Arsonist 
Level 12: Enforcer 
Level 26: Bruiser 
------------

 

 

Now....I'm 50.  I've unlocked Alpha and about to start the T4 Incarnate grind.  So, I'm moving closer to some of the other builds I've seen posted, with a few changes.  This one has better +Recovery, softcapped S/L/E and higher base Recharge.  

 

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 Mastermind
Primary Power Set: Thugs
Secondary Power Set: Storm Summoning
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Sorcery
Ancillary Pool: Mace Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Call Thugs -- SprMarofS-EndRdx/+Resist/+Regen(A), SprMarofS-Dmg(3), ExpRnf-+Res(Pets)(3), ExpStr-Dam%(5), SuddAcc--KB/+KD(5)
Level 1: Gale -- SuddAcc--KB/+KD(A), FrcFdb-Rechg%(46)
Level 2: Dual Wield -- SprWntBit-Rchg/SlowProc(A), SprWntBit-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(7), SprWntBit-Dmg/Rchg(7), SprWntBit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(9), SprWntBit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(9), GldJvl-Dam%(11)
Level 4: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(11), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(13)
Level 6: Equip Thugs -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 8: Assault -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 10: Steamy Mist -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(13), LucoftheG-Def(15), StdPrt-ResKB(15), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(17), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(33)
Level 12: Call Enforcer -- SprMarofS-Acc/Dmg(A), SprMarofS-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(17), ShlBrk-%Dam(19), CaltoArm-+Def(Pets)(19), GssSynFr--Build%(21), TchofLadG-%Dam(21)
Level 14: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(23)
Level 16: Freezing Rain -- AchHee-ResDeb%(A), Rgn-Acc/Rchg(45), Rgn-Knock%(46)
Level 18: Gang War -- SprCmmoft-Rchg/PetAoEDef(A), SprCmmoft-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(23), SprCmmoft-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(25), EdcoftheM-PetDef(25), SvrRgh-PetResDam(27), SprCmmoft-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(27)
Level 20: Boxing -- Empty(A)
Level 22: Tough -- GldArm-3defTpProc(A), UnbGrd-Max HP%(29), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(29), UnbGrd-ResDam(31), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(31)
Level 24: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(31), ShlWal-Def(33), ShlWal-Def/EndRdx(33)
Level 26: Call Bruiser -- SprMarofS-Dmg/EndRdx(A), SprMarofS-Acc/EndRdx(34), SlbAll-Dmg(34), SlbAll-Build%(34), ExpStr-Dam%(36), SuddAcc--KB/+KD(36)
Level 28: Arcane Bolt -- GldJvl-Dam%(A), Thn-Acc/Dmg(36), Thn-Dmg/Rchg(37), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx(37)
Level 30: Super Speed -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A), BlsoftheZ-Travel/EndRdx(37)
Level 32: Upgrade Equipment -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 35: Tornado -- FrcFdb-Rechg%(A), AchHee-ResDeb%(39), OvrFrc-Dmg/End/Rech(39), OvrFrc-Acc/Dmg/End(39), OvrFrc-Dam/KB(40), OvrFrc-Acc/Dmg/End/Rech(40)
Level 38: Web Envelope -- GrvAnc-Immob/EndRdx(A), GrvAnc-Immob(40), GrvAnc-Immob/Rchg(42), GrvAnc-Acc/Immob/Rchg(42), GrvAnc-Acc/Rchg(42)
Level 41: Scorpion Shield -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(43), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(43), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg(43)
Level 44: Web Cocoon -- UnbCns-Acc/Hold/Rchg(A), GhsWdwEmb-Dam%(45), UnbCns-Dam%(45)
Level 47: Lightning Storm -- SuddAcc--KB/+KD(A), GldJvl-Acc/Dmg(48), GldJvl-Dam/Rech(48), GldJvl-Acc/End/Rech(48), FrcFdb-Rechg%(50), GldJvl-Dam%(50)
Level 49: Burnout -- 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 -- Clr-Stlth(A)
Level 1: Supremacy 
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run 
Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Mrc-Rcvry+(A), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(46)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), PrfShf-EndMod(50)
Level 1: Punk 
Level 1: Arsonist 
Level 12: Enforcer 
Level 26: Bruiser 
Level 50: Pyronic Core Final Judgement 
Level 50: Longbow Core Superior Ally 
Level 50: Support Core Embodiment 
Level 50: Agility Core Paragon 
Level 50: Reactive Core Flawless Interface 
Level 50: Clarion Total Core Invocation 
------------

 

This has REALLY helped my END sucking.  I still see that blue bar shrink pretty fast, and I am a bit panicked that I don't have Victory Rush to refill it, but I know help is available with some of my Incarnate Alpha and Destiny trees.  But, I'd really like some input on where I could slot differently to still accomplish the following:

 

A) Maintain my Softcap +DEF to S/L/E that this build accomplishes

B) Keep my END maintenance from being a mini-game in itself while I'm playing the mini-game of minion management

C) Possibly eek out a bit more damage.  I'm happy with what I'm doing, but always feel like I should be taking Musculature for my MM's.  

D) Could really use some advice on Alpha, Destiny and Hybrid T4 choices in accomplishing the above.  I know several different ways to pump up my DEF and damage, but not sure which combination is best.

E) I thought about taking Provoke from Presence pool but frankly, Arcane Bolt seems to do just fine picking off runners or pulling aggro back to me.  The Thunderstrike +DEF bonus was really what I wanted and couldn't find a way to get that with Provoke.  But I certainly could swap that out if someone thinks it a better choice.

 

TIA for your ideas on improving this!

 

 

Edited January 4, 2020 by Crysis

[ScarySai]

The core issue with /storm is the endurance. You can make it work without incarnates, but not without playing conservatively and limiting procs.

 

I have a very aggressive playstyle with my /storms, so I prefer to lean on incarnates solo and just hope buffs from other players fill the gaps in TFs.

 

I'll post a mids build when I get to the comp later. I was experimenting with victory rush, which could solve a lot of problems.

 

Also, give intuition a look. It's much better than radial musc for /storm.

Edited January 4, 2020 by ScarySai

[Crysis]

Yes, END definitely remains an issue even with the Post-50 build.  

 

Intuition huh?  Seems like many of those bonuses would be wasted on this build since I don't have a lot of those powers (other than some Def Debuff).  I'll look more closely at them.  At this stage though, Cardiac seems like the only way to fix the END issues.

[StrikerFox]

The quick and easy answer is just go Ageless Destiny. That would solve your end issues and add a lot of recharge for Burnout, Gang War and Storm powers. 

 

If Ageless is not an option, I think slotting will need to be worked on. More end reduction/recovery and damage. Force Feedback probably doesn't have much use if the build doesn't have the endurance to cast the powers. Also Burnout slaughters endurance. Around 50e to cast, reduces max end by -25%, which in turn reduces recovery.

 

Here's my Mercs/Storm build. Endurance management isn't perfect but it can go 8 minutes of nonstop casting Gale, FR, Tor and LS, before end bottoms out. It's good during gameplay, no fight lasts that long and end replenishes while running from group to group. Haven't had any issues with this build though I haven't solo'd any Malta lately.

 

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