Dark Armor Reassessment

marcussmythe · May 22, 2019

Since early in CoH, Ive been in love with resist sets, espc broad-spectrum, no-holes resist sets.

Of course, I’ve also know that if resist is king, defense is the queen and the whole is more than the sum of the parts. Healing is also necessary, and if you run out of END, you are done no matter what.

And thus, Ive had a love/hate affair with Dark Armor. It covers almost every resist base and has an incredible self heal, coupled with fun soft control and what the heck a DPS Aura, too.

It also provides only a little DEF, and it takes your END like the big kids take lunch money.

Thus the love/hate, but that was many years ago.

Since then, weve gotten innate fitness, IOs, and a Staff set that does wonderful things to endurance costs. Has anyone taken a Dark Armor tank out for IOs and Staff and Sets to see if we can get it to softcap, feed its endurance needs, and then go out and do things while having the entire trinity of resilience covered? Can we use Incarnate End Reduction to get away from Staff and pursue better DPS while we are at it? (Fire keeps talking to me, cause I wanna be a Balrog)?

Does this way lie madness?

marcussmythe · May 22, 2019

And it can, apparently, be done - not sure about END stability even in IO Land, but its worth a shot...

45% or better to all positions (okay, 44.7% AOE, but who is counting!) Some ACC Debuff, and the dark-ranged-bomb of Obliteration can be dropped for another big acc debuff in Darkest Night if you are really worried.

90% S/L/F/C/Psi, 86% Negative, 61% Toxic, 55% Energy

Dark Regeneration heals for 1100 hit points every 11 seconds, assuming it hits one target. If it hits two or more, its a full heal.

Offensive is classic fire single target/aoe goodness. Survival is high enough that the agility can (and probably should!) be switched out for something more offensive or endurance friendly. Won't know overall how END handles until I get there - but I think it will be okay.

Whatcha think? More KB Protection? I know hover/flight on a tank is wierd, but thats a personal preference.

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.962

http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Balrogish: Level 50 Magic Tanker

Primary Power Set: Dark Armor

Secondary Power Set: Fiery Melee

Power Pool: Fighting

Power Pool: Flight

Power Pool: Leadership

Power Pool: Speed

Ancillary Pool: Soul Mastery

Hero Profile:

Level 1: Death Shroud

(A) Superior Might of the Tanker - Accuracy/Damage
(3) Superior Might of the Tanker - Damage/Recharge
(3) Superior Might of the Tanker - Recharge/Chance for +Res(All)
(5) Superior Might of the Tanker - Damage/Endurance/Recharge
(5) Superior Might of the Tanker - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge

Level 1: Scorch

(A) Superior Blistering Cold - Accuracy/Damage
(7) Superior Blistering Cold - Damage/Endurance
(7) Superior Blistering Cold - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance
(9) Superior Blistering Cold - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
(9) Superior Blistering Cold - Damage/Endurance/Accuracy/RechargeTime
(11) Superior Blistering Cold - Recharge/Chance for Hold

Level 2: Dark Embrace

(A) Unbreakable Guard - +Max HP
(11) Unbreakable Guard - Resistance
(13) Unbreakable Guard - Resistance/Endurance
(13) Unbreakable Guard - Resistance/Endurance/RechargeTime

Level 4: Murky Cloud

(A) Gladiator's Armor - Resistance
(15) Gladiator's Armor - Recharge/Resist
(15) Gladiator's Armor - Resistance/Rech/End
(17) Gladiator's Armor - End/Resist
(17) Gladiator's Armor - TP Protection +3% Def (All)
(19) Gladiator's Armor - Recharge/Endurance

Level 6: Obsidian Shield

(A) HamiO:Ribosome Exposure

Level 8: Dark Regeneration

(A) Numina's Convalesence - Heal/Endurance
(19) Numina's Convalesence - Heal/Endurance/Recharge
(21) Numina's Convalesence - Endurance/Recharge
(21) Numina's Convalesence - +Regeneration/+Recovery
(23) Numina's Convalesence - Heal
(23) Numina's Convalesence - Heal/Recharge

Level 10: Boxing

(A) Empty

Level 12: Cloak of Darkness

(A) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed
(25) Luck of the Gambler - Defense
(25) Karma - Knockback Protection
(27) Reactive Defenses - Scaling Resist Damage
(27) Shield Wall - +Res (Teleportation), +5% Res (All)

Level 14: Tough

(A) Steadfast Protection - Resistance/+Def 3%

Level 16: Weave

(A) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed
(29) Luck of the Gambler - Defense

Level 18: Cloak of Fear

(A) Dark Watcher's Despair - To Hit Debuff/Endurance

Level 20: Hover

(A) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed
(29) Luck of the Gambler - Defense

Level 22: Maneuvers

(A) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed
(31) Luck of the Gambler - Defense

Level 24: Fly

(A) Freebird - +Stealth

Level 26: Fire Sword

(A) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage
(31) Mako's Bite - Damage/Endurance
(31) Mako's Bite - Damage/Recharge
(33) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge
(33) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge
(33) Mako's Bite - Chance of Damage(Lethal)

Level 28: Hasten

(A) Recharge Reduction IO
(34) Recharge Reduction IO

Level 30: Fire Sword Circle

(A) Superior Avalanche - Accuracy/Damage
(34) Superior Avalanche - Damage/Endurance
(34) Superior Avalanche - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance
(36) Superior Avalanche - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
(36) Superior Avalanche - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge
(36) Superior Avalanche - Recharge/Chance for Knockdown

Level 32: Build Up

(A) Recharge Reduction IO
(37) Recharge Reduction IO

Level 35: Incinerate

(A) Superior Gauntleted Fist - Accuracy/Damage
(37) Superior Gauntleted Fist - Damage/RechargeTime
(37) Superior Gauntleted Fist - Accuracy/Damage/RechargeTime
(39) Superior Gauntleted Fist - Damage/Endurance/RechargeTime
(39) Superior Gauntleted Fist - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/RechargeTime
(39) Superior Gauntleted Fist - RechargeTime/+Absorb

Level 38: Gloom

(A) Superior Winter's Bite - Accuracy/Damage
(40) Superior Winter's Bite - Damage/RechargeTime
(40) Superior Winter's Bite - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance
(40) Superior Winter's Bite - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
(42) Superior Winter's Bite - Damage/Endurance/Accuracy/RechargeTime
(42) Superior Winter's Bite - Recharge/Chance for -Speed & -Recharge

Level 41: Greater Fire Sword

(A) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage
(42) Mako's Bite - Damage/Endurance
(43) Mako's Bite - Damage/Recharge
(43) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge
(43) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge
(45) Mako's Bite - Chance of Damage(Lethal)

Level 44: Breath of Fire

(A) Ragnarok - Damage/Recharge
(45) Ragnarok - Damage
(45) Ragnarok - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
(46) Ragnarok - Accuracy/Recharge
(46) Ragnarok - Damage/Endurance

Level 47: Dark Obliteration

(A) Superior Frozen Blast - Accuracy/Damage
(48) Superior Frozen Blast - Damage/Endurance
(48) Superior Frozen Blast - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance
(48) Superior Frozen Blast - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
(50) Superior Frozen Blast - Damage/Endurance/Accuracy/RechargeTime
(50) Superior Frozen Blast - Recharge/Chance for Immobilize

Level 49: Taunt

(A) Perfect Zinger - Taunt/Recharge
(50) Perfect Zinger - Taunt/Recharge/Range

Level 1: Brawl

(A) Kinetic Combat - Accuracy/Damage

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) Panacea - +Hit Points/Endurance
(46) Miracle - +Recovery

Level 2: Hurdle

(A) Empty

Level 2: Stamina

(A) Performance Shifter - Chance for +End

Level 50: Assault Radial Embodiment

Level 50: Reactive Radial Flawless Interface

Level 0: Portal Jockey

Level 0: Task Force Commander

Level 0: The Atlas Medallion

Level 0: Freedom Phalanx Reserve

Level 50: Agility Radial Paragon

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

TungstenShark · May 22, 2019

Since early in CoH, Ive been in love with resist sets, espc broad-spectrum, no-holes resist sets.

A man after my own heart! I was forced to stop playing CoH early in its career (Issue 3 or 4). Back then DA was not an option for Tankers so I was working on making a Scrapper as tough as possible with Dark Armor. I would definitely like to give DA a shot again on a new toon. My only other Tanker right now is Stone/Ice. I'll be keeping an eye on this thread to see how your experience is. Good luck!

marcussmythe · May 22, 2019

Funny thing - I tried the same trick with other 'Pure Res' sets, like Elec and Radiation.

That 5% DEF that Dark Armor gets makes a HUGE difference in softcapping. Defense bonuses get more and more expensive (in terms of powers/slots) the deeper you have to scrounge for them. As you can see in the above build, we were getting into 'painful sacrifice' land here - +rchg is much more limited than I prefer - but to softcap the Radiation or Elec Tank takes it to a 'whole nother level'

Softcapping Shield would be a good bit easier - but the resists wouldnt bet there (also, Id miss having a massive, fast recharging self heal!). Softcapping the likes of WP/Invuln/Bio is also easier - but those are TYPED Defense, and positional defense is just shorthand for 'and then you get murdered by psionic mobs'.

Staff would probably be -better-, formally speaking, but I've no concept in mind for a Dark/Staff, but a big demon of fire and shadow? Thats easy mythology. It also leads to my unusual obsession with taking hover and fly, even on melee characters - Balrogs have wings and fly, and you cant convince me otherwise. :)

marcussmythe · May 23, 2019

I'll be keeping an eye on this thread to see how your experience is. Good luck!

That has inspired me to keep a log of that experience, for what its worth.

Creation: Went Dark Armor/Titan Weapons, as I -really- like the flaming sword for concept. TW is an end hog of epic proportions, so this is going to be a wild ride...

Lvl 10 Update:

Stopped for the night at level 10. Im more ‘TW’ than ‘DA’ a this point - a toggle might get used for a tough fight, if I have blue candy, but most of my survival is coming out of the +DEF in the first attack - and the -wonderful- heal out of DA. Having bruising on a low-damage attack that Ill eventually not need the buff from is a bummer, but for now, paired cone AOEs are very rewarding!

I do recommend getting the first three powers ASAP and using the prestige enhqncements, particularly in the third power, the damaging cone. With judicious use of inspirations, Im running my missions at -12x4 already (no bosses!), and the XP flows like wine. Beast Run plus Sprint carries you a long way (though leaving it running will crash the bar!), but a need for verticality and character concept just lead to ‘flight’ (hover, much later, will be a DEF buff).

Already looking forward to DOs into Stamina. Not much to report otherwise yet - but Ill affirm again that at low levels, with simple enhancements and few slots and limited END income, the self heal is the winner of the set. Lack of KB protection in mezz prot is noticed - will be IO patching when possible.

In the meantime, a reformed balrog has some Hellions to educate on the matter of not calling up that which one cannot put down...

Lyrium · May 23, 2019

Im running my missions at -12x4 already (no bosses!),

How is the XP killing mobs 12 levels lower than you? :p

marcussmythe · May 23, 2019

Slow leveling!

;)

But on a tank, Im usually tempted to pile in crowds as soon as I have any kind of AOE and enough resilience to face them - especially when (as now!) Im in a level bad where Ive done every mission under the sun so many times (No, Twinshot, I dont need to tour the zones finding out aboit Hospitals and Police Stations again. Thank you.)

Sovera · May 23, 2019

Staff's Mastery of Soul (45% end reduction with three stacks) completely takes care of the endurance woes of DA, almost making them a pairing in heaven. Later on this can be changed for another of the masteries, the +res or the +rech. Guarded Spin also gives 15% defense to lethal and melee for what it is worth.

Staff is pretty farm material being composed of several AoEs that can be ran back to back.

marcussmythe · May 26, 2019

Update - lvl 23.

I think Ive made a mistake.

IOs slotted. I was hoping it would help.

Got Acrobatics, because Knockback comes on every attack in CoH, it seems.

Still at -1/x3 or 4 or so, to leverage my AOE. This may be a mistake. Rogue PPD slow me, and those assault rifles pile up DEF debuffs.

Maybe I should step away from toggles that make me tough and focus on the damage or fear one.

End Redux everywhere. It helps some. TW has moments of momentum fueled glory - but they slurp my END bar like its nothing, and the rest of the time everything I need is on recharge.

Thought for the day - if youve never seen AT/Powerset Combo, there’s probably a reason. If you see AT/Powerset Combo everywhere, theres probably a reason.

Justaris · May 26, 2019

I played a DA tank at 50 before the shutdown, and it did require some substantial IO investment, but the result was by far the best Tanker experience I've had. Probably the single most important element was the Theft of Essence proc in Dark Regeneration. It was slow going in the early levels, but once you start layering some real Defense into the build and beginning to solve some of the endurance issues it takes off. Mine was DA/Elec, I've pasted the final build below. Even without really high-end items like the Gladiator'a Armor +Def IO, it was a very strong build. Even better once you start to layer Incarnate content on top of that. I'd encourage you to stick with it.

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.96

http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Tin Mage Mk. V: Level 50 Magic Tanker

Primary Power Set: Dark Armor

Secondary Power Set: Electrical Melee

Power Pool: Fighting

Power Pool: Speed

Power Pool: Flight

Power Pool: Leaping

Ancillary Pool: Soul Mastery

Hero Profile:

Level 1: Dark Embrace -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), S'fstPrt-ResKB(3), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(3), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(5), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(5), RctvArm-ResDam(7)

Level 1: Charged Brawl -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(7), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(9), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(9)

Level 2: Murky Cloud -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(11), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(11), RctvArm-ResDam(13), GA-3defTpProc(37)

Level 4: Death Shroud -- Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(A), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(13), Erad-%Dam(15), C'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg(15), C'ngBlow-Dmg/EndRdx(17), C'ngBlow-Acc/Rchg(17)

Level 6: Obsidian Shield -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(19), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(19), RctvArm-ResDam(21), ImpArm-ResPsi(21)

Level 8: Jacobs Ladder -- Erad-Acc/Rchg(A), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(23), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(23)

Level 10: Taunt -- Mocking-Taunt(A), Mocking-Taunt/Rchg(25), Mocking-Taunt/Rchg/Rng(25), Mocking-Acc/Rchg(27), Mocking-Taunt/Rng(27), Mocking-Rchg(29)

Level 12: Dark Regeneration -- Sciroc-Acc/Rchg(A), Nictus-Acc/EndRdx/Heal/HP/Regen(29), Nictus-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(31), Theft-+End%(31), Mocking-Acc/Rchg(31)

Level 14: Cloak of Darkness -- Krma-ResKB(A), LkGmblr-Def(33), LkGmblr-Rchg+(33)

Level 16: Thunder Strike -- Erad-Dmg/Rchg(A), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), Empty(40)

Level 18: Boxing -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(36), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(36), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(36)

Level 20: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A)

Level 22: Tough -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam(33), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(37), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(37)

Level 24: Weave -- LkGmblr-Def(A), LkGmblr-Rchg+(39), GftotA-Def/EndRdx(39), GftotA-Def(39)

Level 26: Fly -- Zephyr-ResKB(A)

Level 28: Chain Induction -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(40), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(40), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(42)

Level 30: Build Up -- RechRdx-I(A)

Level 32: Oppressive Gloom -- Amaze-Stun(A), Amaze-ToHitDeb%(34), Amaze-Acc/Stun/Rchg(42), Amaze-Acc/Rchg(42), Amaze-EndRdx/Stun(43)

Level 35: Combat Jumping -- LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(A), LkGmblr-Def(43), LkGmblr-Rchg+(45)

Level 38: Lightning Rod -- Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(A), Erad-%Dam(43), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(45), Sciroc-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(45), Sciroc-Dmg/EndRdx(46), SMotTanker-Rchg/Res%(46)

Level 41: Air Superiority -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(46), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(48), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(48)

Level 44: Soul Tentacles -- Acc-I(A)

Level 47: Darkest Night -- HO:Enzym(A)

Level 49: Soul Transfer -- Erad-Acc/Rchg(A), Erad-Dmg/Rchg(50), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(50)

Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)

Level 1: Prestige Power Surge -- Empty(A)

Level 1: Prestige Power Dash -- Empty(A)

Level 1: Prestige Power Quick -- Empty(A)

Level 1: Prestige Power Rush -- Empty(A)

Level 1: Sprint -- ULeap-Stlth(A)

Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)

Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A)

Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)

Level 2: Health -- Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(A), Mrcl-Rcvry+(48)

Level 2: Stamina -- EndMod-I(A), EndMod-I(50)

Level 1: Gauntlet

Level 1: Prestige Power Slide -- Empty(A)

Level 4: Ninja Run

Level 0: Freedom Phalanx Reserve

Level 0: Task Force Commander

Level 0: The Atlas Medallion

Level 0: Portal Jockey

Level 50: Void Core Final Judgement

Level 50: Diamagnetic Radial Flawless Interface

Level 50: Warworks Core Superior Ally

Level 50: Ageless Radial Epiphany

Level 50: Resilient Core Paragon

Level 50: Melee Core Embodiment

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

Tremalion · May 26, 2019

Probably the single most important element was the Theft of Essence proc in Dark Regeneration.

This. I played the heck out of a SS/DA brute back on live and thid was by far the most important IO he ever slotted. I cannot overstate it. I also think you'll find the high-end performance of /DA very satisfying, so stick with it.

marcussmythe · May 26, 2019

Grabbed a Theft of Essence. Given a crowd, it seems to make the self heal endurance neutral, which is a big help. Still struggles pretty badly, but TW is also famous for late maturing. I may just have to accept suffering now as the price paid for not hating certain foes (psi!!!!) endgame.

In the meantime, I suppose I can use him on TFs. A defender buff or two will fix most of what ails the build at the moment.

redtwister666 · May 27, 2019

I'm working on DA/Staff Tank, but I'm not sure what order to put things, and if I should be putting in Tough/Weave/Boxing. Right now, I am only level 5 and wow it is grindy to solo compared to my Ill/Rad troller, but I guess that is to be expected. I used to play a stone/ice tanker and while I could not solo, I could tank at +4 levels fairly easily, but this looks to be a different play style.

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.96

http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

DarkHoleandStick: Level 49 Magic Tanker

Primary Power Set: Dark Armor

Secondary Power Set: Staff Fighting

Power Pool: Leaping

Power Pool: Speed

Power Pool: Fitness

Ancillary Pool: Energy Mastery

Hero Profile:

Level 1: Dark Embrace

(A) Resist Damage
(3) Resist Damage
(7) Endurance Reduction
(9) Resist Damage
(31) Resist Damage
(40) Endurance Reduction

Level 1: Mercurial Blow

(A) Accuracy

Level 2: Murky Cloud

(A) Endurance Reduction
(3) Resist Damage
(5) Resist Damage
(9) Resist Damage
(31) Resist Damage
(42) Endurance Reduction

Level 4: Guarded Spin

(A) Damage Increase
(5) Accuracy
(7) Accuracy
(11) Damage Increase
(33) Damage Increase
(34) Damage Increase

Level 6: Super Jump

(A) Jumping

Level 8: Death Shroud

(A) Accuracy
(25) Damage Increase
(25) Damage Increase
(43) Accuracy
(43) Damage Increase
(43) Damage Increase

Level 10: Precise Strike

(A) Empty

Level 12: Dark Regeneration

(A) Accuracy
(13) Accuracy
(13) Healing
(15) Healing
(15) Healing
(46) Healing

Level 14: Hasten

(A) Recharge Reduction
(19) Recharge Reduction
(19) Recharge Reduction

Level 16: Eye of the Storm

(A) Accuracy
(17) Damage Increase
(17) Accuracy
(29) Damage Increase
(33) Damage Increase
(33) Knockback Distance

Level 18: Cloak of Darkness

(A) Defense Buff
(29) Endurance Reduction
(45) Endurance Reduction
(45) Defense Buff
(45) Defense Buff

Level 20: Cloak of Fear

(A) Accuracy
(21) Endurance Reduction
(21) Endurance Reduction

Level 22: Obsidian Shield

(A) Endurance Reduction
(23) Endurance Reduction
(23) Resist Damage
(31) Resist Damage
(37) Resist Damage

Level 24: Staff Mastery

Level 26: Stamina

(A) Endurance Modification
(27) Endurance Modification
(27) Endurance Modification

Level 28: Oppressive Gloom

(A) Accuracy

Level 30: Serpent's Reach

(A) Empty

Level 32: Soul Transfer

(A) Healing

Level 35: Innocuous Strikes

(A) Accuracy

Level 38: Sky Splitter

(A) Accuracy

Level 41: Conserve Power

(A) Recharge Reduction

Level 44: Physical Perfection

(A) Empty

Level 47: Focused Accuracy

(A) Empty

Level 49: Combat Jumping

(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 1: Combo Level 1

Level 1: Combo Level 2

Level 1: Combo Level 3

Level 20: Form of the Body

Level 20: Form of the Mind

Level 20: Form of the Soul

Level 1: LEGACY BUILD

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

Sovera · May 27, 2019

Don't grind solo, Redtwist. Seriously, do three Death from Below and you'll be level 17 in a bit less than half an hour. You're only going to start enjoying the game once you are level 22 at least.

DA/Staff is apparently a godly combo with staff mitigating the huge costs of DA even before 22 and as someone who played a brute to level 20 using that combo, yeah, even unslotted I had my endurance only slowly diminishing despite all the toggles I had picked up along the way. The only annoying thing is that the combo relies on keeping three stacks going, and all AoEs but the first will clear the stacks. Something I find is a sin in other sets as well where we'd like to keep, for example, Savage melee's stacks and not use them.

falconloft · May 27, 2019

I ran a dark armor/elec tank back on live that had softcapped defenses, but I don't remember the build, and I tossed al the old mids files back when I thought I'd never play again. :/

redtwister666 · May 28, 2019

@sovera

Took a little over 30 minutes, but yeah, that was super advice. Went DfB to 16, did a DiB and am already 18. I get why no one takes a movement power at 14 any longer.

I do miss running mishes in the Hollows... for some godforsaken reason.

Justaris · May 28, 2019

I'd save the Fighting pool for a respec later on once you've got a fair amount of Defense from IOs and you're looking for Weave to push you up a bit more. You likely won't need Tough that much and it's a lot of picks early on for not much benefit. Once you have the IOs in place, a respec to put in all three powers at once is I think a better way to go.

While you're still in the process of leveling, it's probably going to be dead weight more than anything until you have the other pieces there to combo with it.

Lazarus · May 28, 2019

I would also suggest a savage melee dark armor as SM has a nice +rec and -end redux in it.

redtwister666 · June 5, 2019

Been working on the character more, it is quite fun so far at 25. Does anyone feel that Death Shroud isn't quite worth it? Neither the damage nor the taunt from it seem very strong.

Also, what do you think about Oppressive Gloom?

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.96

http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

DarkHoleandStick: Level 50 Magic Tanker

Primary Power Set: Dark Armor

Secondary Power Set: Staff Fighting

Power Pool: Fighting

Power Pool: Speed

Ancillary Pool: Energy Mastery

Hero Profile:

Level 1: Dark Embrace

(A) HamiO:Ribosome Exposure
(3) HamiO:Ribosome Exposure
(7) HamiO:Ribosome Exposure
(9) HamiO:Ribosome Exposure
(15) HamiO:Ribosome Exposure
(40) HamiO:Ribosome Exposure

Level 1: Mercurial Blow

(A) Analyze Weakness - Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge
(13) Analyze Weakness - Accuracy/Recharge
(37) Analyze Weakness - Accuracy/Defense Debuff
(50) Damage Increase IO

Level 2: Murky Cloud

(A) Gladiator's Armor - Resistance
(3) Gladiator's Armor - Resistance/Rech/End
(5) Gladiator's Armor - End/Resist
(9) Gladiator's Armor - TP Protection +3% Def (All)
(19) Gladiator's Armor - Recharge/Endurance
(42) Gladiator's Armor - Recharge/Resist

Level 4: Guarded Spin

(A) Superior Might of the Tanker - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
(5) Superior Might of the Tanker - Damage/Recharge
(7) Superior Might of the Tanker - Accuracy/Damage
(11) Superior Might of the Tanker - Damage/Endurance/Recharge
(33) Superior Might of the Tanker - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge
(34) Superior Might of the Tanker - Recharge/Chance for +Res(All)

Level 6: Obsidian Shield

(A) HamiO:Ribosome Exposure
(11) HamiO:Ribosome Exposure

Level 8: Precise Strike

(A) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage
(25) Mako's Bite - Damage/Endurance
(43) Mako's Bite - Damage/Recharge
(43) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge
(43) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge

Level 10: Taunt

(A) Perfect Zinger - Accuracy/Recharge

Level 12: Dark Regeneration

(A) Numina's Convalescence - Heal/Endurance
(13) Numina's Convalescence - Endurance/Recharge
(15) Numina's Convalescence - Heal/Recharge
(25) Numina's Convalescence - +Regeneration/+Recovery
(34) Numina's Convalescence - Heal/Endurance/Recharge
(36) Numina's Convalescence - Heal

Level 14: Death Shroud

(A) Overwhelming Force - Accuracy/Damage
(37) Overwhelming Force - Endurance/Recharge
(45) Overwhelming Force - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance
(46) Overwhelming Force - Damage/Endurance/Recharge
(46) Overwhelming Force - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge
(46) Overwhelming Force - Damage/Chance for Knockdown/Knockback to Knockdown

Level 16: Eye of the Storm

(A) Fury of the Gladiator - Accuracy/Damage
(17) Fury of the Gladiator - Damage/Recharge
(17) Fury of the Gladiator - Damage/Endurance/Recharge
(19) Fury of the Gladiator - Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge
(21) Fury of the Gladiator - Accuracy/Damage/End/Rech
(21) Fury of the Gladiator - Chance for Res Debuff

Level 18: Cloak of Fear

(A) Dark Watcher's Despair - To Hit Debuff/Endurance

Level 20: Staff Mastery

Level 22: Cloak of Darkness

(A) Shield Wall - Defense/Endurance
(27) Shield Wall - Defense/Recharge
(34) Shield Wall - Endurance/Recharge
(36) Shield Wall - Defense/Endurance/Recharge
(36) Shield Wall - Defense
(37) Shield Wall - +Res (Teleportation), +3% Res (All)

Level 24: Boxing

(A) Empty

Level 26: Tough

(A) HamiO:Ribosome Exposure

Level 28: Weave

(A) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed
(29) Luck of the Gambler - Defense

Level 30: Serpent's Reach

(A) Apocalypse - Damage
(31) Apocalypse - Damage/Recharge
(31) Apocalypse - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
(33) Apocalypse - Accuracy/Recharge
(33) Apocalypse - Damage/Endurance

Level 32: Hasten

(A) Recharge Reduction IO
(42) Recharge Reduction IO
(42) Recharge Reduction IO

Level 35: Innocuous Strikes

(A) Obliteration - Damage
(45) Obliteration - Accuracy/Recharge
(45) Obliteration - Damage/Recharge
(48) Obliteration - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
(48) Obliteration - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge
(48) Obliteration - Chance for Smashing Damage

Level 38: Sky Splitter

(A) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage
(39) Mako's Bite - Damage/Endurance
(39) Mako's Bite - Damage/Recharge
(39) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge
(40) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge
(40) Mako's Bite - Chance of Damage(Lethal)

Level 41: Conserve Power

(A) Recharge Reduction IO

Level 44: Physical Perfection

(A) HamiO:Golgi Exposure

Level 47: Focused Accuracy

(A) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Endurance

Level 49: Oppressive Gloom

(A) Stupefy - Accuracy/Endurance
(50) Stupefy - Endurance/Stun
(50) Stupefy - Stun/Range

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 1: Combo Level 1

Level 1: Combo Level 2

Level 1: Combo Level 3

Level 20: Form of the Body

Level 20: Form of the Mind

Level 20: Form of the Soul

Level 2: Swift

(A) Flight Speed

Level 2: Health

(A) Healing IO
(29) Healing IO
(31) Healing IO

Level 2: Hurdle

(A) Jumping

Level 2: Stamina

(A) Endurance Modification IO
(23) Endurance Modification IO
(23) Endurance Modification IO
(27) Endurance Modification IO

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

jack_nomind · June 5, 2019

Been working on the character more, it is quite fun so far at 25. Does anyone feel that Death Shroud isn't quite worth it? Neither the damage nor the taunt from it seem very strong.

Also, what do you think about Oppressive Gloom?

1. Death shroud is leagues better with procs. Avalanche and Overwhelming Force add chance to KD, and Fury of the Gladiator adds chance for -res. I'm currently using it as a quasi-mule for the entire Overwhelming Force set, which also nets a +4 KB protection. At Incarnate levels, it can also apply your Interface procs.

2. OG by default only stuns minions. If you can stack other sources of Stun with it (for example, the Unspeakable Terror: Stun Bonus proc in Cloak of Fear), it becomes much better. It's also not terrible to run all three taunt auras just to have the lockdown.

3. The Control Hybrid is interesting for DA/ tankers. I haven't tried it yet but I'm curious what kind of effect I'd get from either core or radial branches.

marcussmythe · June 5, 2019

I tend to avoid the toggle damage/disorient auras on Dark, focusing more on hard protection than on soft. Thats a matter of taste, and Im sure Im not using all the potential of the set - I tend to treat Dark as a solid, broad based resist chassis with an amazing self heal and just enough DEF to pet me softcap the thing to positional attacks.

Ive no doubt someone who took the entire set and planned for using the entire set could do even more with it - I just tend to like to save power slots and END for my secondary.

redtwister666 · June 5, 2019

Thanks for the feedback.

I'm trying to decide if there is enough value in Death Shroud and Cloak of Fear in particular. I don't think I would take Oppressive Gloom until 49 and maybe I just want other stuff by that point. I definitely don't use the auras against bosses, but they seem to do some decent crowd control vs. Minions and Lts.

Staff Mastery with Form of the Soul is really good for END management, even with 5+ toggles on.

Ah well, I can always respec again too.

Can you get some of the Armor Sets at 50? I thought some of them were only available up to a limited level. That's why I wasn't using them. Or is that just Mid's being out of date?

jack_nomind · June 5, 2019

Can you get some of the Armor Sets at 50? I thought some of them were only available up to a limited level. That's why I wasn't using them. Or is that just Mid's being out of date?

¿que?

redtwister666 · June 5, 2019

Sorry, that was poorly phrased: Some enhancements in Mid's Hero Generator seem to have a level cap.

If you select an Enhancement Set, you see

Eradication

Set Type: Melee (PBAoE)

Level Range: 10 to 30

Level Range seems to me to mean that you can't get that enhancement above level 30, but am I misunderstanding that?

Rylas · June 5, 2019

If you select an Enhancement Set, you see

Eradication

Set Type: Melee (PBAoE)

Level Range: 10 to 30

Level Range seems to me to mean that you can't get that enhancement above level 30, but am I misunderstanding that?

Those are the levels that those recipes will drop at. You can still slot a level 30 Eradication in your character at level 50. Its values will still be at the level 30 mark, but on the plus side, when you exemplar down as far as level 27, you'll still get their bonuses.

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