how does phalanx fighting work? AND how does grant cover work?

[Figuremeout]

I am building in mids and... I'm at a loss. How does this power affect my defenses based on the number of teammates next to me?

 

On a side note: How does Grant Cover work? Do I get any of the bonuses at all? (From the set)

 

Can I give lowbies LoTG with grant cover?

Edited April 19, 2020 by Figuremeout

[Caulderone]

You get 5% (unenhanceable) Defense to Melee/Ranged/AoE for having the power.

 

You get 3% (enhanceable) Defense to Melee/Ranged/AoE for each Ally within 8' of you, up to 3 times.

 

Generally, it is best to plan on just having the 5% defense.  Having teammates within 8 of you is unreliable in most cases.

 

Edit:  Great 1 slot wonder.  Slot a LotG, Kismet, or either of the +Resist IOs.

Edited April 19, 2020 by Caulderone

[Figuremeout]

Thank you!

[Psyonico]

Grant cover only affects allies, no you cannot give them set bonuses by slotting then into Grant cover

[Caulderone]

5 hours ago, Figuremeout said:

On a side note: How does Grant Cover work?

17 minutes ago, Psyonico said:

Grant cover only affects allies, no you cannot give them set bonuses by slotting then into Grant cover

Doh!  I am a big idiot for this.  I had Phalanx Fighting and Grant Cover all mixed up in my head for some reason.

 

Phalanx Fighting is what I described.

 

Grant Cover gives you Defense Debuff Resistance and -Recharge Resistance, and gives the defense bonuses to others only.

The bonuses for IOs slotted in Grant Cover apply to you only.  Those do not pass along to the allies.

GC is a great one slot wonder, too.

Edited April 20, 2020 by Caulderone

[Frostweaver]

Grant cover may not affect you, but it's still a decent mule for reactive defenses/LOTG/Kismet/Shield wall procs. As is phalanx fighting.
Since you have much more important slotting priorities for deflection.
But it's nice not to have to dip too heavily into useless pool powers to get 5 LOTG's going... and it's even nicer to be able to slot, say, a full set of reactive defenses or even red fortunes without cutting into your recharge.

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!

Shelbie: Level 50 Magic Tanker
Primary Power Set: Shield Defense
Secondary Power Set: Savage Melee
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leadership

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Battle Agility -- Rct-ResDam%(A), Rct-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(3), Rct-Def/Rchg(3), Rct-EndRdx/Rchg(5), Rct-Def/EndRdx(5), Rct-Def(7)
Level 1: Savage Strike -- SprGntFis-Rchg/+Absorb(A), SprGntFis-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(7), SprGntFis-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(9), SprGntFis-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(9), SprGntFis-Dmg/Rchg(11), SprGntFis-Acc/Dmg(11)
Level 2: Deflection -- RedFrt-Def(A), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx(13), RedFrt-Def/Rchg(13), Ags-Psi/Status(15), Ags-ResDam(15), Ags-ResDam/EndRdx(17)
Level 4: Shred -- SprMghoft-Rchg/Res%(A), SprMghoft-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(21), SprMghoft-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(23), SprMghoft-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(23), SprMghoft-Dmg/Rchg(25), SprMghoft-Acc/Dmg(25)
Level 6: Active Defense -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 8: Against All Odds -- Taunt-I(A)
Level 10: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(27), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(27), Ksm-ToHit+(29)
Level 12: Phalanx Fighting -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 14: True Grit -- Pnc-Heal/+End(A), Prv-Absorb%(29), Prv-Heal(31), Pnc-Heal(31), ResDam-I(31), ResDam-I(33)
Level 16: Vicious Slash -- Hct-Dam%(A), Hct-Dmg/EndRdx(33), Hct-Acc/Rchg(33), Hct-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34), Hct-Dmg/Rchg(34)
Level 18: Super Jump -- BlsoftheZ-Travel/EndRdx(A)
Level 20: Kick -- Empty(A)
Level 22: Tough -- UnbGrd-Max HP%(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(34), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(36), UnbGrd-EndRdx/Rchg(36), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(36), UnbGrd-ResDam(37)
Level 24: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(37)
Level 26: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 28: Rending Flurry -- Arm-Dam%(A), Arm-Dmg/EndRdx(37), Arm-Acc/Rchg(39), Arm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(39), Arm-Dmg/Rchg(39), FuroftheG-ResDeb%(40)
Level 30: Blood Thirst -- AdjTrg-Rchg(A), AdjTrg-ToHit/EndRdx(40), AdjTrg-EndRdx/Rchg(40), AdjTrg-ToHit/EndRdx/Rchg(42), AdjTrg-ToHit/Rchg(42), AdjTrg-ToHit(42)
Level 32: One with the Shield -- StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), ImpArm-ResPsi(43), GldArm-3defTpProc(43)
Level 35: Hemorrhage -- Mk'Bit-Dam%(A), Mk'Bit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(43), Mk'Bit-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(45), Mk'Bit-Dmg/Rchg(45), Mk'Bit-Dmg/EndRdx(45), Mk'Bit-Acc/Dmg(46)
Level 38: Savage Leap -- Obl-%Dam(A), Obl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(46), Obl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(46), Obl-Dmg/Rchg(48), Obl-Dmg(48)
Level 41: Assault -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 44: Shield Charge -- ScrDrv-Dam%(A), ScrDrv-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(48), ScrDrv-Acc/Dmg(50), ScrDrv-Dmg/Rchg(50), ScrDrv-Dmg/EndRdx(50)
Level 47: Tactics -- GssSynFr--Build%(A)
Level 49: Grant Cover -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Gauntlet
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 -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(A), Mrc-Rcvry+(17)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), PwrTrns-+Heal(19), PrfShf-EndMod(19), PwrTrns-EndMod(21)
Level 1: Blood Frenzy
Level 50: Cardiac Core Paragon
------------

 

[Figuremeout]

7 hours ago, Frostweaver said:

Grant cover may not affect you, but it's still a decent mule for reactive defenses/LOTG/Kismet/Shield wall procs. As is phalanx fighting.
Since you have much more important slotting priorities for deflection.
But it's nice not to have to dip too heavily into useless pool powers to get 5 LOTG's going... and it's even nicer to be able to slot, say, a full set of reactive defenses or even red fortunes without cutting into your recharge.
 

  Reveal hidden contents

 

 

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!

Shelbie: Level 50 Magic Tanker
Primary Power Set: Shield Defense
Secondary Power Set: Savage Melee
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leadership

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Battle Agility -- Rct-ResDam%(A), Rct-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(3), Rct-Def/Rchg(3), Rct-EndRdx/Rchg(5), Rct-Def/EndRdx(5), Rct-Def(7)
Level 1: Savage Strike -- SprGntFis-Rchg/+Absorb(A), SprGntFis-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(7), SprGntFis-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(9), SprGntFis-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(9), SprGntFis-Dmg/Rchg(11), SprGntFis-Acc/Dmg(11)
Level 2: Deflection -- RedFrt-Def(A), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx(13), RedFrt-Def/Rchg(13), Ags-Psi/Status(15), Ags-ResDam(15), Ags-ResDam/EndRdx(17)
Level 4: Shred -- SprMghoft-Rchg/Res%(A), SprMghoft-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(21), SprMghoft-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(23), SprMghoft-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(23), SprMghoft-Dmg/Rchg(25), SprMghoft-Acc/Dmg(25)
Level 6: Active Defense -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 8: Against All Odds -- Taunt-I(A)
Level 10: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(27), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(27), Ksm-ToHit+(29)
Level 12: Phalanx Fighting -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 14: True Grit -- Pnc-Heal/+End(A), Prv-Absorb%(29), Prv-Heal(31), Pnc-Heal(31), ResDam-I(31), ResDam-I(33)
Level 16: Vicious Slash -- Hct-Dam%(A), Hct-Dmg/EndRdx(33), Hct-Acc/Rchg(33), Hct-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34), Hct-Dmg/Rchg(34)
Level 18: Super Jump -- BlsoftheZ-Travel/EndRdx(A)
Level 20: Kick -- Empty(A)
Level 22: Tough -- UnbGrd-Max HP%(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(34), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(36), UnbGrd-EndRdx/Rchg(36), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(36), UnbGrd-ResDam(37)
Level 24: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(37)
Level 26: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 28: Rending Flurry -- Arm-Dam%(A), Arm-Dmg/EndRdx(37), Arm-Acc/Rchg(39), Arm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(39), Arm-Dmg/Rchg(39), FuroftheG-ResDeb%(40)
Level 30: Blood Thirst -- AdjTrg-Rchg(A), AdjTrg-ToHit/EndRdx(40), AdjTrg-EndRdx/Rchg(40), AdjTrg-ToHit/EndRdx/Rchg(42), AdjTrg-ToHit/Rchg(42), AdjTrg-ToHit(42)
Level 32: One with the Shield -- StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), ImpArm-ResPsi(43), GldArm-3defTpProc(43)
Level 35: Hemorrhage -- Mk'Bit-Dam%(A), Mk'Bit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(43), Mk'Bit-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(45), Mk'Bit-Dmg/Rchg(45), Mk'Bit-Dmg/EndRdx(45), Mk'Bit-Acc/Dmg(46)
Level 38: Savage Leap -- Obl-%Dam(A), Obl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(46), Obl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(46), Obl-Dmg/Rchg(48), Obl-Dmg(48)
Level 41: Assault -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 44: Shield Charge -- ScrDrv-Dam%(A), ScrDrv-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(48), ScrDrv-Acc/Dmg(50), ScrDrv-Dmg/Rchg(50), ScrDrv-Dmg/EndRdx(50)
Level 47: Tactics -- GssSynFr--Build%(A)
Level 49: Grant Cover -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Gauntlet
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 -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(A), Mrc-Rcvry+(17)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), PwrTrns-+Heal(19), PrfShf-EndMod(19), PwrTrns-EndMod(21)
Level 1: Blood Frenzy
Level 50: Cardiac Core Paragon
------------

 

 

 

 

I have this, as my build since you both were so helpful: 

 

Spoiler

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 Mutation Tanker
Primary Power Set: Shield Defense
Secondary Power Set: Battle Axe
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Sorcery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Deflection

• (A) Reactive Defenses - Defense/Endurance/RechargeTime
• (7) Reactive Defenses - Scaling Resist Damage
• (9) Reactive Defenses - Defense/RechargeTime
• (9) Reactive Defenses - Endurance/RechargeTime
• (11) Reactive Defenses - Defense/Endurance
• (11) Reactive Defenses - Defense
  

Level 1: Beheader

• (A) Superior Might of the Tanker - Recharge/Chance for +Res(All)
• (34) Superior Might of the Tanker - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge
• (34) Superior Might of the Tanker - Accuracy/Damage
• (36) Superior Might of the Tanker - Damage/Recharge
• (36) Superior Might of the Tanker - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
• (36) Superior Might of the Tanker - Damage/Endurance/Recharge
  

Level 2: Battle Agility

• (A) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Increased Global Recharge Speed
• (3) Luck of the Gambler - Defense
• (3) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Endurance
• (5) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Recharge
• (5) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Endurance/Recharge
• (7) Shield Wall - +Res (Teleportation), +5% Res (All)
  

Level 4: True Grit

• (A) Gladiator's Armor - TP Protection +3% Def (All)
• (13) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance
• (15) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Recharge
• (15) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge
• (17) Reactive Armor - Resistance
• (17) Reactive Armor - Endurance
  

Level 6: Active Defense

• (A) Endurance Reduction IO
  

Level 8: Against All Odds

• (A) Endurance Reduction IO
  

Level 10: Hasten

• (A) Recharge Reduction IO
• (13) Recharge Reduction IO
  

Level 12: Phalanx Fighting

• (A) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Increased Global Recharge Speed
  

Level 14: Hover

• (A) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Increased Global Recharge Speed
• (19) Shield Wall - Defense/Endurance
• (19) Shield Wall - Defense/Recharge
• (33) Shield Wall - Defense
• (33) Shield Wall - Endurance/Recharge
• (34) Shield Wall - Defense/Endurance/Recharge
  

Level 16: Boxing

• (A) Empty
  

Level 18: Grant Cover

• (A) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Increased Global Recharge Speed
  

Level 20: Whirling Axe

• (A) Armageddon - Damage
• (21) Armageddon - Damage/Recharge
• (21) Armageddon - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
• (31) Armageddon - Accuracy/Recharge
• (33) Armageddon - Damage/Endurance
• (42) Armageddon - Chance for Fire Damage
  

Level 22: Tough

• (A) Reactive Armor - Resistance
• (23) Reactive Armor - Endurance
• (23) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge
• (29) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Recharge
• (29) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance
• (31) Steadfast Protection - Resistance/+Def 3%
  

Level 24: Weave

• (A) Serendipity - Defense
• (25) Serendipity - Defense/Endurance
• (25) Serendipity - Defense/Recharge
• (27) Serendipity - Defense/Endurance/Recharge
• (27) Serendipity - Endurance
• (31) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Increased Global Recharge Speed
  

Level 26: Shield Charge

• (A) Fury of the Gladiator - Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge
• (37) Fury of the Gladiator - Accuracy/Damage
• (37) Fury of the Gladiator - Damage/Endurance/Recharge
• (37) Fury of the Gladiator - Damage/Recharge
• (39) Fury of the Gladiator - Accuracy/Damage/End/Rech
  

Level 28: Swoop

• (A) Perfect Zinger - Taunt/Recharge
• (39) Perfect Zinger - Accuracy/Recharge
• (43) Pulverizing Fisticuffs - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge
• (46) Pulverizing Fisticuffs - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
• (50) Pulverizing Fisticuffs - Accuracy/Damage
  

Level 30: Spirit Ward

• (A) Empty
  

Level 32: Cross Punch

• (A) Fury of the Gladiator - Accuracy/Damage
• (42) Fury of the Gladiator - Chance for Res Debuff
• (42) Fury of the Gladiator - Accuracy/Damage/End/Rech
• (43) Fury of the Gladiator - Damage/Recharge
• (43) Fury of the Gladiator - Damage/Endurance/Recharge
  

Level 35: Cleave

• (A) Empty
  

Level 38: Pendulum

• (A) Perfect Zinger - Accuracy/Recharge
• (39) Perfect Zinger - Taunt/Recharge
• (40) Avalanche - Damage/Endurance
• (40) Avalanche - Accuracy/Damage
• (40) Avalanche - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance
  

Level 41: Arcane Bolt

• (A) Empty
  

Level 44: Rune of Protection

• (A) Reactive Armor - Resistance
• (45) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Recharge
• (45) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance
• (45) Reactive Armor - Endurance/Recharge
• (46) Reactive Armor - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge
  

Level 47: Taunt

• (A) Mocking Beratement - Recharge
• (48) Mocking Beratement - Taunt
• (48) Mocking Beratement - Taunt/Recharge
• (48) Mocking Beratement - Taunt/Range
• (50) Mocking Beratement - Accuracy/Recharge
• (50) Mocking Beratement - Taunt/Recharge/Range
  

Level 49: Kick

• (A) Empty
  

Level 1: Brawl

• (A) Empty
  

Level 1: Gauntlet 

Level 1: Prestige Power Dash

• (A) Empty
  

Level 1: Prestige Power Slide

• (A) Empty
  

Level 1: Prestige Power Quick

• (A) Empty
  

Level 1: Prestige Power Rush

• (A) Empty
  

Level 1: Prestige Power Surge

• (A) Empty
  

Level 1: Sprint

• (A) Empty
  

Level 2: Rest

• (A) Empty
  

Level 4: Ninja Run 

Level 2: Swift

• (A) Empty
  

Level 2: Health

• (A) Empty
  

Level 2: Hurdle

• (A) Empty
  

Level 2: Stamina

• (A) Energy Manipulator - EndMod/Recharge
• (46) Energy Manipulator - EndMod
  

------------

 

[Thezanman]

It’s not entirely accurate to say Grant Cover doesn’t affect you. It doesn’t give you defense, but it does give you defense debuff resistance and recharge debuff resistance, both of which are very useful.