Savage Melee/ Shield

[Bob the Painter]

I like going into a fresh character with a blue print. I don't yet feel confident enough in Mids to pull something together from scratch. I've seen advice and build discussions about Savage Melee and about Shield, but always separately. I could just pluck what I want from each, which I plan to do when I have some experience with the toon. If anyone has played this combo and would like to share their build with me, please do. Or if you've played part of the combo and your Mids-fu is strong, I'd be overjoyed if you took the time to share your wisdom with me or even to make something I could go off of. 

 

Previously I made a Psi/Bio. It was fun at the beginning, but I wasn't too happy with where it ended up late game. Partly because I was more or less responsible for the build and because of the limitations of Psi in late game. Do yall think SM/Shield is better in any way than Psi/Bio? Anything I should try that I might have missed on my first rodeo with Stalkers?

 

Thanks in advance, folks.

[Frosticus]

honestly if psi resistance bothered you on a set that does a good amount of mixed damage, then a pure lethal set will probably disappoint as well.

 

is sm/shield better than psi/bio? better at what?

[Bob the Painter]

Both resistance and limited AOE rubbed me wrong. I did notice the lethal focus. I'm a little worried that I'll run into similar damage issues, which is why I asked for feedback now rather than later. As a Psi/ I dreaded going against Carnies, Arachnos, and 5th Column robos.

 

Is it better or worse in any way, in your opinion. Is it more fun? Is it more survivable? Is it more versatile? How does the damage compare? I came here hoping to gather the general opinion of the combo along with any build advice that others might have.

[Frosticus]

for me savage is hands down the most fun melee set. It is fairly fast and savage leap is my favorite power in the game (along with feral charge).

 

the combo would have considerably more aoe damage than psi/bio. but likely less st damage in actual gameplay scenarios. 

 

you've played bio so you know it can be quite hardy if you time your clicks well and watch for stacking debuffs. shield can be made ultra survivable too. Albeit with less care and attention required during battle. 

 

I personally feel that shield benefits a bit more from incarnates than bio but that is just my opinion. 

 

I love my sav/bio, I've done plenty of solo tfs amd most AVs go down easily. 

I'm also leveling a sav/shield. 

 

 

[Bob the Painter]

This is my first attempt at a build. Its rough, so any advice would be appreciated. 

All advice is welcome, but I have questions specifically about:

• Order of Powers/Slots, I placed slots without thought to what level they should be taken.
• Is Rending Flurry worth picking?
• How should I slot Hemo?
• If I don't take fighting pool powers, what should I take in their place?
• What should single target rotation look like?

Spoiler

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!

Rex Sr.: Level 50 Technology Stalker
Primary Power Set: Savage Melee
Secondary Power Set: Shield Defense
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Mu Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Maiming Slash -- SprAssMar-Rchg/Rchg Build Up:50(A), SprAssMar-Acc/Dmg:50(3), SprAssMar-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(3), SprAssMar-Dmg/Rchg:50(5), SprAssMar-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(5), SprAssMar-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(7)
Level 1: Hide -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A)
Level 2: Deflection -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A), RedFrt-Def:50(7), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx:50(9), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:50(9)
Level 4: Shred -- Obl-Dmg/Rchg:50(A), Obl-Dmg:50(23), Obl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(23), Obl-%Dam:50(25), Obl-Acc/Rchg:50(25), Obl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(27)
Level 6: Assassin's Frenzy -- SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg:50(A), SprStlGl-Dmg/Rchg:50(13), SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(13), SprStlGl-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(15), SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(15), SprStlGl-Rchg/Hide%:50(17)
Level 8: Battle Agility -- Rct-ResDam%:50(A), Rct-Def:50(11), Rct-Def/EndRdx:50(11), Rct-Def/Rchg:50(27), Rct-EndRdx/Rchg:50(48), Rct-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:50(50)
Level 10: Build Up -- GssSynFr--Build%:50(A)
Level 12: Kick -- KntCmb-Acc/Dmg:35(A), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx:35(33), KntCmb-Dmg/Rchg:35(33), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:35(33)
Level 14: Super Speed -- WntGif-ResSlow:50(A)
Level 16: Active Defense -- RechRdx-I:50(A)
Level 18: Rending Flurry -- SprAvl-Acc/Dmg:50(A), SprAvl-Dmg/EndRdx:50(29), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(29), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(31), Erd-%Dam:30(31), Obl-%Dam:50(31)
Level 20: Tough -- StdPrt-ResDam/Def+:30(A), GldArm-3defTpProc:50(21), UnbGrd-Max HP%:50(21)
Level 22: Against All Odds -- EndRdx-I:50(A)
Level 24: Combat Jumping -- RedFrt-Def:50(A), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx:50(50), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:50(50)
Level 26: Hemorrhage -- Mk'Bit-Acc/Dmg:50(A), Mk'Bit-Dmg/EndRdx:50(36), Mk'Bit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(36), Mk'Bit-Dmg/Rchg:50(37), Mk'Bit-Dam%:50(37), Mk'Bit-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:40(37)
Level 28: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A), RedFrt-Def:50(34), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx:50(45), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:50(46)
Level 30: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx:50(34), RedFrt-Def:50(34), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:50(36)
Level 32: Savage Leap -- Obl-Dmg:50(A), ScrDrv-Dam%:50(40), Erd-%Dam:30(40), FuroftheG-ResDeb%:50(40), Arm-Dam%:50(42), Obl-%Dam:50(42)
Level 35: Shield Charge -- Obl-Dmg:50(A), Obl-Acc/Rchg:50(42), Obl-Dmg/Rchg:50(43), Obl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(43), Obl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(43), Obl-%Dam:50(45)
Level 38: Hasten -- RechRdx-I:50(A), RechRdx-I:50(45)
Level 41: True Grit -- RgnTss-Regen+:30(A)
Level 44: Zapp -- StnoftheM-Dam%:50(A), Apc-Dam%:50(46), Dvs-Acc/Dmg:50(46), Dvs-Dmg/EndRdx:50(48), SprWntBit-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg:50(48)
Level 47: Grant Cover -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A)
Level 49: Ball Lightning -- Ann-Acc/Dmg:50(A), Ann-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(39), PstBls-Dam%:50(39), Ann-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(39)
Level 1: Assassination 
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:50(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run 
Level 2: Swift -- Run-I:50(A)
Level 2: Health -- Mrc-Rcvry+:40(A), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+:50(17), Pnc-Heal/+End:50(19)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I:50(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%:50(A), PrfShf-EndMod:50(19)
Level 44: Quick Form 
Level 1: Blood Frenzy 
Level 50: Musculature Core Paragon 
Level 50: Cryonic Core Final Judgement 
Level 50: Preemptive Total Radial Conversion 
Level 50: Carnival Core Superior Ally 
Level 50: Rebirth Radial Epiphany 
Level 50: Assault Core Embodiment 
------------
------------
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)
• 18.5% Defense(Smashing)
• 18.5% Defense(Lethal)
• 8.5% Defense(Fire)
• 8.5% Defense(Cold)
• 7.88% Defense(Energy)
• 7.88% Defense(Negative)
• 6% Defense(Psionic)
• 17.88% Defense(Melee)
• 9.75% Defense(Ranged)
• 11% Defense(AoE)
• 1.35% Max End
• 76.25% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
• 48% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 3.75% Enhancement(Max EnduranceDiscount)
• 7.5% SpeedFlying
• 149.1 HP (12.38%) HitPoints
• 7.5% JumpHeight
• 7.5% SpeedJumping
• MezResist(Confused) 73.75%
• MezResist(Held) 73.75%
• MezResist(Immobilized) 73.75%
• MezResist(Sleep) 73.75%
• MezResist(Stunned) 73.75%
• MezResist(Terrorized) 73.75%
• MezResist(Teleport) 100% (20 % chance)
• 8% (0.13 End/sec) Recovery
• 12% (0.6 HP/sec) Regeneration
• 35% ResEffect(SpeedFlying)
• 35% ResEffect(RechargeTime)
• 35% ResEffect(SpeedRunning)
• 27% Resistance(Smashing)
• 27% Resistance(Lethal)
• 19.5% Resistance(Fire)
• 19.5% Resistance(Cold)
• 5.25% Resistance(Energy)
• 5.25% Resistance(Negative)
• 4.5% Resistance(Toxic)
• 4.5% Resistance(Psionic)
• 7.5% SpeedRunning
  

 

[Coyote]

I'm not saying that you should necessarily follow my plan, but I looked at Hemorrhage, and I love the idea of an attack cycle that builds up 4 Frenzy (but not 5) and then fires Hemmorhage after Assassin's Frenzy. That way you get 8 stacks over 2 activations, instead of 5 and then 0 because you were Exhausted on the 2nd repetition.

 

So, looking at activation times, it seemed to me that Shred would fit very nicely in a Maiming - Shred - Assassin's - Hemoslaughter cycle, building up 4 Frenzy. However, Shred would be kind of weak as a single-target attack. I think it's great since it has a decent cone that reliably hits 2 targets, and can hit 3-5 on a corner pull without much difficulty, but as part of a single target rotation, it's a bit lacking.

 

But... any other attack I'm going to put in there wouldn't be great in any case, so I don't want to get and slot another attack when Shred works and also helps in AoE. So, how to make Shred actually useful in a single-target rotation? I think I hit on an answer: slot it up with 4 slots base as an attack. Since it has a good recharge, you can get away without Recharge slotting and get good values, or else you can put 3 of the ATO set that gives Smash/Lethal Defense if you're building for that (though you get Recharge enhancing, and you actually don't want that). This gives you 2 slots, and you can fill them with Achilles Heel and Fury of the Gladiator to get 2 -Res IOs into a single power. Now, the power averages about 14% -Res debuffing per use, and about 20% long-term on an AV since you can't stack each debuff, just extend the duration. Even with lower damage stats, a 20% -Resistance debuff is well worth putting into the cycle, and turns Shred into a good part of a single-target rotation. Since Maiming is pretty good and AF & Hemo are great, you end up with a very nice looking single-target rotation while still slotting up a power that can be used in AoE situations.

[Bob the Painter]

The -Res seems like a solid plan. I hadn't considered that before. Do you think that is a stronger rotation than swapping in a snipe like Zapp or Moonbeam for Shred?

I'm still familiarizing myself with SM. How much of a loss is it going from four stacks of frenzy to three? Is that a big loss in damage for a crit hemo?

[Haijinx]

Must be fast since if you alternate telenukes you will basically be a ranged AOE. 

 

 

[Frosticus]

imo, blood stacks are a bit like combo points. I wouldn't rely on them, or else you will always feel like you are coming up short. 

hidden hemo is more important than stacks hemo, but both is better than baseline. 

 

fury -res is so good in savage leap. I don't think I'd ever move it out of there. On a /shield where I would often follow savage leap with shield charge that is doubly so. I'm personally not a fan of shred. It's an ok power, pretty good even as far as melee cones go. It is just too slow for me and a big part of savage is that you can excel in aoe (and st) with minimal thought to positioning. 

 

If I really cared about a seamless st chain I'd probably use ring of fire (3 dam procs). That way I'd still have fireball to open up my aoe onslaught with.  *I might actually look into that on my new sav/shield as /bio has so many clicks that the odd gap is less worrisome. 

 

I don't have a seamless st chain on my sav/bio. At least not one that optimizes stacks, assassin's focus, hidden and hemo. The person that solves that will have one heck of a build if they can still squeeze in crazy aoe and a bunch of damage procs. 

 

Against AV's I sometimes have to wait a bit to make sure hemo follows AS. It still pulls sub 2 min pylons so I'm ok with that as I've focused more on burst aoe and burst st. That suits my typical play experience more than running dps chains.

 

I think savage (stalker version) still has a lot of untapped potential as there are so many moving parts. I've played it a lot and still don't feel I've mastered it

 

 

[Coyote]

4 hours ago, Frosticus said:

I'm ok with that as I've focused more on burst aoe and burst st. That suits my typical play experience more than running dps chains.

 

Exactly. The difference is due to different goals in optimizing.

Optimizing for AoE, where most of the action and XP is, means putting the -Res in larger AoE powers, in this case Leap.

Optimizing for AVs, where the lack of optimization might actually make a difference (lower AoE damage, considering how high either Sav/Bio or Sav/Shield are in AoE, will slow down fights a bit but rarely result in actual problems, just slower success), means putting into something that's going to be in a single-target DPS rotation. And usually the only good AoEs to fit into single-target DPS rotations are those smaller cones like Shadow Maul or Shred, which are not going to be as good as single-target attacks but at least are going to be in the ballpark, along with higher chances to proc the IO on a single target.

 

As you say, there are so many different options in the set that builds can go in very different ways and still be optimized, just for very different goals.

[Frosticus]

I guess I agree. 

but still with savage leap on a 15ish sec cycle procing 3.5 rpms at 89% there is still good incentive to throw it into your st rotation if your endurance can support it. Which still leads me to think fury -res belongs in there.

 

I'm contemplating a respec to use ring of fire on my sav/bio/mu

even with the sizable gaps in my current chain once I resolved my endurance this evening , so I could use savage leap and did some more runs the build is consistently pulling 1:45-1:50 pylon runs without hybrid. (everything is t3)

between ring of fire completing the chain of AS>hemo>maiming>ring>maiming with just tiny gaps and high uptime of melt armor,  I'm thinking it could possibly....maybe... with the big bad /bio scrappers (not tw) while still retaining way better aoe than those combos. 

 

ring would also be useful in practical terms as AVs often run from me. 

 

long story short, savage is really good on stalkers. 

[Bob the Painter]

So I've been playing a bit recently. Have my SM/Shield in the late 30s now. Thanks for the discussion above, it's helped me form my opinion of the build and given some direction.

Taking the discussion into consideration, I've made the build below for when I hit 50. I welcome any positive criticism. I did not take slot levels into consideration. I also feel like damage powers are a little thin in the early levels so it may not play as well when examplared way down. Thanks in advance, everyone.

 

Spoiler

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!

Rex Sr.: Level 50 Science Stalker
Primary Power Set: Savage Melee
Secondary Power Set: Shield Defense
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Blaze Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Maiming Slash -- SprAssMar-Rchg/Rchg Build Up:50(A), SprAssMar-Acc/Dmg:50(3), SprAssMar-Dmg/Rchg:50(3), SprAssMar-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(5), SprAssMar-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(5), SprAssMar-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(7)
Level 1: Hide -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A)
Level 2: Deflection -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx:50(7), RedFrt-Def:50(9), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:50(9)
Level 4: Battle Agility -- Rct-ResDam%:50(A), Rct-Def:50(11), Rct-Def/EndRdx:50(11), Rct-EndRdx/Rchg:50(13), Rct-Def/Rchg:50(13), Rct-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:50(15)
Level 6: Assassin's Frenzy -- SprStlGl-Rchg/Hide%:50(A), SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg:50(15), SprStlGl-Dmg/Rchg:50(17), SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(17), SprStlGl-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(19), SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(19)
Level 8: Build Up -- GssSynFr--Build%:50(A)
Level 10: Super Speed -- WntGif-ResSlow:50(A)
Level 12: Kick -- FrcFdb-Rechg%:50(A)
Level 14: Tough -- GldArm-3defTpProc:50(A), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+:30(21), UnbGrd-Max HP%:50(21)
Level 16: Active Defense -- RechRdx-I:50(A)
Level 18: Rending Flurry -- ScrDrv-Acc/Dmg:50(A), ScrDrv-Dmg/EndRdx:50(23), ScrDrv-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(23), Obl-%Dam:50(25), Erd-%Dam:30(25), ScrDrv-Dam%:50(27)
Level 20: Against All Odds -- EndRdx-I:50(A)
Level 22: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx:50(27), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:50(29), LucoftheG-Def:50(29), LucoftheG-EndRdx/Rchg:50(50)
Level 24: Hasten -- RechRdx-I:50(A), RechRdx-I:50(31)
Level 26: Hemorrhage -- Mk'Bit-Acc/Dmg:50(A), Mk'Bit-Dmg/EndRdx:50(31), Mk'Bit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(31), Mk'Bit-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:50(33), Mk'Bit-Dmg/Rchg:50(33), Mk'Bit-Dam%:50(33)
Level 28: Combat Jumping -- ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP:50(A), RedFrt-Def:50(34), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx:50(34), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:50(46)
Level 30: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A), RedFrt-Def:50(34), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx:50(36), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:50(36)
Level 32: Savage Leap -- Obl-Dmg:50(A), Obl-%Dam:50(36), FuroftheG-ResDeb%:50(37), Erd-%Dam:30(37), ScrDrv-Dam%:50(37), Arm-Dam%:50(39)
Level 35: Shield Charge -- Obl-Dmg:50(A), Obl-Acc/Rchg:50(39), Obl-Dmg/Rchg:50(39), Obl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(40), Obl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(40), Obl-%Dam:50(40)
Level 38: True Grit -- Prv-Absorb%:50(A), TtnCtn-ResDam:50(50)
Level 41: Ring of Fire -- Thn-Acc/Dmg:50(A), Thn-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(42), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx:50(42), TraoftheH-Dam%:50(42), Apc-Dam%:50(46)
Level 44: Melt Armor -- AchHee-ResDeb%:20(A), TchofLadG-%Dam:50(45), ShlBrk-%Dam:30(45), ShlBrk-DefDeb:30(45), ShlBrk-Acc/DefDeb:30(46)
Level 47: Fire Ball -- Dtn-Acc/Dmg:50(A), Dtn-Dmg/EndRdx:50(48), Dtn-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(48), PstBls-Dam%:50(48)
Level 49: Grant Cover -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A)
Level 1: Assassination 
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:50(A), Clr-EndRdx:50(50)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run 
Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Health -- Pnc-Heal/+End:50(A), Mrc-Rcvry+:40(43), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+:50(43)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%:50(A), PrfShf-EndMod:50(43)
Level 1: Blood Frenzy 
Level 50: Musculature Core Paragon 
Level 50: Preemptive Total Radial Conversion 
Level 50: Carnival Core Superior Ally 
Level 50: Barrier Core Epiphany 
Level 50: Assault Core Embodiment 
Level 50: Ion Core Final Judgement 
------------
------------
Set Bonus Totals:

• 14% DamageBuff(Smashing)
• 14% DamageBuff(Lethal)
• 14% DamageBuff(Fire)
• 14% DamageBuff(Cold)
• 14% DamageBuff(Energy)
• 14% DamageBuff(Negative)
• 14% DamageBuff(Toxic)
• 14% DamageBuff(Psionic)
• 12.88% Defense(Smashing)
• 12.88% Defense(Lethal)
• 8.5% Defense(Fire)
• 8.5% Defense(Cold)
• 10.38% Defense(Energy)
• 10.38% Defense(Negative)
• 6% Defense(Psionic)
• 12.25% Defense(Melee)
• 11% Defense(Ranged)
• 11% Defense(AoE)
• 3.75% Enhancement(Max EnduranceDiscount)
• 71.25% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
• 57% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 7.5% SpeedFlying
• GrantPower Preventive Medicine (10 % chance, if Scourge)
• 144.6 HP (12.01%) HitPoints
• 7.5% JumpHeight
• 7.5% SpeedJumping
• MezResist(Confused) 71.25%
• MezResist(Held) 71.25%
• MezResist(Immobilized) 71.25%
• MezResist(Sleep) 71.25%
• MezResist(Stunned) 71.25%
• MezResist(Terrorized) 71.25%
• MezResist(Teleport) 100% (20 % chance)
• 8.5% (0.14 End/sec) Recovery
• 20% (1 HP/sec) Regeneration
• 20% ResEffect(SpeedFlying)
• 20% ResEffect(RechargeTime)
• 20% ResEffect(SpeedRunning)
• 38% Resistance(Smashing)
• 38% Resistance(Lethal)
• 15.5% Resistance(Fire)
• 15.5% Resistance(Cold)
• 11.75% Resistance(Energy)
• 11.75% Resistance(Negative)
• 9.5% Resistance(Toxic)
• 9.5% Resistance(Psionic)
• 7.5% SpeedRunning

 

Edited January 15, 2020 by Bob the Painter

[Seroster01]

5 hours ago, Bob the Painter said:

So I've been playing a bit recently. Have my SM/Shield in the late 30s now. Thanks for the discussion above, it's helped me form my opinion of the build and given some direction.

Taking the discussion into consideration, I've made the build below for when I hit 50. I welcome any positive criticism. I did not take slot levels into consideration. I also feel like damage powers are a little thin in the early levels so it may not play as well when examplared way down. Thanks in advance, everyone.

 

  Reveal hidden contents

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!

Rex Sr.: Level 50 Science Stalker
Primary Power Set: Savage Melee
Secondary Power Set: Shield Defense
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Blaze Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Maiming Slash -- SprAssMar-Rchg/Rchg Build Up:50(A), SprAssMar-Acc/Dmg:50(3), SprAssMar-Dmg/Rchg:50(3), SprAssMar-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(5), SprAssMar-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(5), SprAssMar-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(7)
Level 1: Hide -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A)
Level 2: Deflection -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx:50(7), RedFrt-Def:50(9), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:50(9)
Level 4: Battle Agility -- Rct-ResDam%:50(A), Rct-Def:50(11), Rct-Def/EndRdx:50(11), Rct-EndRdx/Rchg:50(13), Rct-Def/Rchg:50(13), Rct-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:50(15)
Level 6: Assassin's Frenzy -- SprStlGl-Rchg/Hide%:50(A), SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg:50(15), SprStlGl-Dmg/Rchg:50(17), SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(17), SprStlGl-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(19), SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(19)
Level 8: Build Up -- GssSynFr--Build%:50(A)
Level 10: Super Speed -- WntGif-ResSlow:50(A)
Level 12: Kick -- FrcFdb-Rechg%:50(A)
Level 14: Tough -- GldArm-3defTpProc:50(A), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+:30(21), UnbGrd-Max HP%:50(21)
Level 16: Active Defense -- RechRdx-I:50(A)
Level 18: Rending Flurry -- ScrDrv-Acc/Dmg:50(A), ScrDrv-Dmg/EndRdx:50(23), ScrDrv-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(23), Obl-%Dam:50(25), Erd-%Dam:30(25), ScrDrv-Dam%:50(27)
Level 20: Against All Odds -- EndRdx-I:50(A)
Level 22: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx:50(27), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:50(29), LucoftheG-Def:50(29), LucoftheG-EndRdx/Rchg:50(50)
Level 24: Hasten -- RechRdx-I:50(A), RechRdx-I:50(31)
Level 26: Hemorrhage -- Mk'Bit-Acc/Dmg:50(A), Mk'Bit-Dmg/EndRdx:50(31), Mk'Bit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(31), Mk'Bit-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:50(33), Mk'Bit-Dmg/Rchg:50(33), Mk'Bit-Dam%:50(33)
Level 28: Combat Jumping -- ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP:50(A), RedFrt-Def:50(34), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx:50(34), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:50(46)
Level 30: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A), RedFrt-Def:50(34), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx:50(36), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:50(36)
Level 32: Savage Leap -- Obl-Dmg:50(A), Obl-%Dam:50(36), FuroftheG-ResDeb%:50(37), Erd-%Dam:30(37), ScrDrv-Dam%:50(37), Arm-Dam%:50(39)
Level 35: Shield Charge -- Obl-Dmg:50(A), Obl-Acc/Rchg:50(39), Obl-Dmg/Rchg:50(39), Obl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(40), Obl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(40), Obl-%Dam:50(40)
Level 38: True Grit -- Prv-Absorb%:50(A), TtnCtn-ResDam:50(50)
Level 41: Ring of Fire -- Thn-Acc/Dmg:50(A), Thn-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(42), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx:50(42), TraoftheH-Dam%:50(42), Apc-Dam%:50(46)
Level 44: Melt Armor -- AchHee-ResDeb%:20(A), TchofLadG-%Dam:50(45), ShlBrk-%Dam:30(45), ShlBrk-DefDeb:30(45), ShlBrk-Acc/DefDeb:30(46)
Level 47: Fire Ball -- Dtn-Acc/Dmg:50(A), Dtn-Dmg/EndRdx:50(48), Dtn-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(48), PstBls-Dam%:50(48)
Level 49: Grant Cover -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A)
Level 1: Assassination 
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:50(A), Clr-EndRdx:50(50)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run 
Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Health -- Pnc-Heal/+End:50(A), Mrc-Rcvry+:40(43), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+:50(43)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%:50(A), PrfShf-EndMod:50(43)
Level 1: Blood Frenzy 
Level 50: Musculature Core Paragon 
Level 50: Preemptive Total Radial Conversion 
Level 50: Carnival Core Superior Ally 
Level 50: Barrier Core Epiphany 
Level 50: Assault Core Embodiment 
Level 50: Ion Core Final Judgement 
------------
------------
Set Bonus Totals:

• 14% DamageBuff(Smashing)
• 14% DamageBuff(Lethal)
• 14% DamageBuff(Fire)
• 14% DamageBuff(Cold)
• 14% DamageBuff(Energy)
• 14% DamageBuff(Negative)
• 14% DamageBuff(Toxic)
• 14% DamageBuff(Psionic)
• 12.88% Defense(Smashing)
• 12.88% Defense(Lethal)
• 8.5% Defense(Fire)
• 8.5% Defense(Cold)
• 10.38% Defense(Energy)
• 10.38% Defense(Negative)
• 6% Defense(Psionic)
• 12.25% Defense(Melee)
• 11% Defense(Ranged)
• 11% Defense(AoE)
• 3.75% Enhancement(Max EnduranceDiscount)
• 71.25% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
• 57% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 7.5% SpeedFlying
• GrantPower Preventive Medicine (10 % chance, if Scourge)
• 144.6 HP (12.01%) HitPoints
• 7.5% JumpHeight
• 7.5% SpeedJumping
• MezResist(Confused) 71.25%
• MezResist(Held) 71.25%
• MezResist(Immobilized) 71.25%
• MezResist(Sleep) 71.25%
• MezResist(Stunned) 71.25%
• MezResist(Terrorized) 71.25%
• MezResist(Teleport) 100% (20 % chance)
• 8.5% (0.14 End/sec) Recovery
• 20% (1 HP/sec) Regeneration
• 20% ResEffect(SpeedFlying)
• 20% ResEffect(RechargeTime)
• 20% ResEffect(SpeedRunning)
• 38% Resistance(Smashing)
• 38% Resistance(Lethal)
• 15.5% Resistance(Fire)
• 15.5% Resistance(Cold)
• 11.75% Resistance(Energy)
• 11.75% Resistance(Negative)
• 9.5% Resistance(Toxic)
• 9.5% Resistance(Psionic)
• 7.5% SpeedRunning

 

I'll kinda-sorta repost some of the stuff I put in another thread that seems applicable to the build you linked:

 

I would strongly suggest keeping AS under 58% +recharge slotted, as anything below that will give the Hide proc a 90% chance to trigger on every use. This is a big deal for Savage because Hemorrhage from stealth is probably your most damaging single target ability, and with decent slotting & end-game levels of recharge reduction you can basically cycle AS>Hemo every 3-5 seconds.  The slotting I chose was 3 Stalker's Guile (Acc/Dmg, Acc/Dam/End/Rech, and the proc), a Mako's Dam/End at 50+5, the ToD NE proc, and the Hecatomb NE proc. With that slotting you'll end up with 56% Acc, 87% Dam, 56% EndRdx, and 46% recharge time. If you throw in any damage boosting alpha you'll hit the applicable ED cap, and as the Hecatomb will have ~84% chance to proc & the ToD ~65%, the 2 procs will typically be more impactful than getting to the ED cap even if you exemp out of Incarnate range. Those 2 procs seem to have quite a bit of impact on how killy he is, partially because they proc a lot but also because it's a significant source of damage that isn't lethal (At 50 it's around 180 NE damage when they both proc). Considering that Shield is positional defense rather than typed defense I'm not sure that 3 Guiles in 2 powers is an ideal expenditure of resources, so you might want to put 5 slots elsewhere & just the proc in Frenzy. Still, that would end up as 5% Melee defense & a 30% accuracy boost instead of 2.5% & 15%, and the extra Acc is very helpful for Leap since it probably won't have any Acc enhancement.

 

The other bit that I'll point out, which is pretty minor all things considered, is that I don't think the stealth IO you put in Sprint will have any actual impact, at least in PVE. With just Stalker Hide in effect my guy, who's in the 20-ish range of Vet levels, has never been seen by mobs that don't outright ignore stealth (most commonly encountered of those types are Rikti drones, but I think there's a few others). Given that they're pretty cheap & you seem to be going for a set bonus, it's pretty much whatever... but you'd probably be better served putting the other IO from that set in there since that would actually have a mathematical impact, however minor. That said, I hear things function differently in PVP (but I've never really engaged in it myself) so if that's what that is there for then feel free to ignore this part.

 

I'll throw in my build if you want to have a look at how things are slotted, but some of my build goals were probably pretty different for a /Bio character than what you'd want out of a /Shield build.

 

Spoiler

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 Stalker
Primary Power Set: Savage Melee
Secondary Power Set: Bio Armor
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Soul Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Maiming Slash -- Hct-Dmg(A), Hct-Dmg/Rchg(3), Hct-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(3), Hct-Acc/Rchg(5), Hct-Dmg/EndRdx(5), TchofDth-Dam%(7)
Level 1: Hide -- ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(A)
Level 2: Hardened Carapace -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(7), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(9), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(9), GldArm-3defTpProc(11)
Level 4: Shred -- Arm-Dmg/EndRdx(A), Arm-Dmg/Rchg(11), Arm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(13), Arm-Acc/Rchg(13), Erd-%Dam(15), AchHee-ResDeb%(15)
Level 6: Assassin's Frenzy -- SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg(A), SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(17), SprStlGl-Rchg/Hide%(17), Mk'Bit-Dmg/EndRdx(19), TchofDth-Dam%(19), Hct-Dam%(21)
Level 8: Boundless Energy -- PrfShf-EndMod(A), PrfShf-End%(21), Pnc-Heal(48), Pnc-Heal/+End(50)
Level 10: Environmental Modification -- LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(23), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(23), Ksm-ToHit+(25)
Level 12: Build Up -- RctRtc-ToHit/Rchg(A), RctRtc-Pcptn(25), GssSynFr--Build%(27)
Level 14: Hover -- WntGif-RunSpd/Jump/Fly/Rng(A), WntGif-RunSpd/Jump/Fly/Rng/EndRdx(34), WntGif-ResSlow(34), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(34)
Level 16: Adaptation 
Level 18: Rending Flurry -- SprAvl-Acc/Dmg(A), SprAvl-Dmg/EndRdx(27), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(29), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(29), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(31), SprAvl-Rchg/KDProc(31)
Level 20: Ablative Carapace -- Pnc-Heal/EndRedux(A), Pnc-EndRdx/Rchg(31), Pnc-Heal/Rchg(33), Pnc-Heal/EndRedux/Rchg(33), Pnc-Heal(33)
Level 22: Kick -- Empty(A)
Level 24: Placate -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 26: Hemorrhage -- SprAssMar-Acc/Dmg(A), SprAssMar-Dmg/Rchg(36), SprAssMar-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(36), SprAssMar-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(36), SprAssMar-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37), SprAssMar-Rchg/Rchg Build Up(37)
Level 28: DNA Siphon -- SprStlGl-Dmg/Rchg(A), SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(37), SprStlGl-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(39)
Level 30: Tough -- UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(39), UnbGrd-EndRdx/Rchg(39), UnbGrd-Max HP%(40), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(40)
Level 32: Savage Leap -- Arm-Dmg(A), Arm-Dam%(40), FuroftheG-ResDeb%(42), Erd-%Dam(42), ScrDrv-Dam%(42), Obl-%Dam(43)
Level 35: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(43)
Level 38: Moonbeam -- Apc-Dmg(A), Apc-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(43), Apc-Dam%(45), Apc-Acc/Rchg(45), Apc-Dmg/EndRdx(45), CldSns-%Dam(46)
Level 41: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(A), LucoftheG-Def(46), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(46)
Level 44: Tactics -- RctRtc-ToHit(A), RctRtc-ToHit/Rchg(48)
Level 47: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(A), LucoftheG-Def(48), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(50)
Level 49: Shadow Meld -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg(50)
Level 1: Assassination 
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 -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run 
Level 2: Swift -- Flight-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Mrc-Rcvry+(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A)
Level 1: Blood Frenzy 
Level 16: Defensive Adaptation 
Level 16: Efficient Adaptation 
Level 16: Offensive Adaptation 
Level 38: Quick Form 
Level 0: Born In Battle 
Level 0: High Pain Threshold 
Level 0: Invader 
Level 0: Marshal 
Level 50: Musculature Radial Paragon 
------------

 

[Bob the Painter]

Reviving my thread from a few weeks ago. I have reached 50 and still having a blast. I tweaked my build above slightly, but it more or less is the same as the one I most recently posted. For brevity's sake, I won't bother posting again. It feels very sturdy overall and I love the aoe I'm able to do.

 

The one problem I've encountered is End. Even with accolades, I'm running into issues fairly quickly unless my team happens to have a Kin.

I know purples are often a source of decent recovery. What would be a good place to slot purple set(s)? The reason I don't currently use many is they generally lack def or s/l res which I was trying to maximize when making the build.

 

What about Incarnates. I am currently running Musculature and Rebirth. I've been considering switching either to Cardiac or Ageless, but I'm hesitant. With Cardiac giving +range, I'm not sure if it'll bug out Savage Leap as I've read range is supposed to bug the damage. And Rebirth I like as a panic button. Its the only one I have in my build currently. Ageless is awesome, but it doesn't really help with cascading failure. 

 

What have y'all done to solve your endurance issues on a SM/SD? Feels like a lot of toggles and frequently-rotated, end-heavy attacks. 

[Frosticus]

I don't find my sav/shield wanting for damage. Yes musculature is nice, but not as nice as being able to steam roll almost without pause.

I went cardiac

 

I went melee core hybrid because you can rotate it with OWtS for very high levels of survivability.

 

Rebirth was my initial inclination, but I ended up going ageless radial. Global rech is always welcome as is the full end bar every couple minutes as I can still burn through it even with cardiac. But the reason I took it is because if you double stack active defense you have 70% DDR. With ageless radial that increases to cap (95%) for 90 sec and 91% for the remaining 30 sec.  For me, nothing says cascading failure like watching your defense get stripped away due to a lack of DDR.

[BazookaTwo]

Not to Necro, but can someone toss me a bind or macro that does each of these?

 

Savage leap+ costume change

Shield Charge+ costume change. 

 

My stalker, Bury N Hyde, is a Mr Hyde/Werewolf shifter, you see. 

[InvaderStych]

10 hours ago, BazookaTwo said:

Not to Necro, but can someone toss me a bind or macro that does each of these?

 

Shouldn't be too tough. You can use either a bind or a macro, the "cc" command (or "cce" if you want to use a costume change emote), and the "$$" operator to tack the costume change onto the power execution.

 

They'll look slightly different as Shield Charge is a location power and Savage Leap is a targeted power. Easiest is to use "powexec_location target ..." with shield charge to skip clicking on the location reticle, but that's a matter of choice. I like to target my Shield Charge and bind it to one of the thumb buttons on my mouse. For Savage Leap I just move the icon to a location in my tray that is triggered by a thumb button.

 

First take a look at this post for more info on macro icons and costume stuff, as doing this with wings/flight is a regular ask:

 

 

For your purposes, replacing the Flight toggle commands with "powexec_location target Shield Charge" and just "powexec_name Savage Leap" (edited) while keeping everything after the "$$" the same should work.  Assuming here that you want to swap costume A with Charge and costume B with Leap.

 

 

This is a great thread on binds/macros in Homecoming in general.

 

Edited December 9, 2023 by InvaderStych
powexec_name is probably the right one