Wondering about potential pros and cons of a human / dwarf warshade

[EnjoyTheJourney]

Human only warshades seem to have five key limitations, as follows:

 

1. Damage falls behind multiple other ATs 

2. Debuffs can noticeably and even substantially limit effectiveness (especially recovery debuffs and defense cascade failure)

3. Mezzes take micro to manage and/or clarion as the destiny incarnate pick

4. Keeping mobs away from pets means taking the presence pool 

5. If there are no corpses around for a while then sustain tends to be more difficult (especially after eclipse drops)

 

Most of these are situational and so not necessarily a big limitation on how much we can enjoy playing a warshade (and they are awesome fun, despite their limitations). Still, I was wondering if a bi-form warshade (dwarf / human) could help for managing these limitations. With that in mind I put together a build for which the key points to mention are as follows:

 

 

Pros:

 

Ageless radial destiny incarnate helps for endurance management and noticeably boosts debuff resistance for all team members

Dwarf form has a good damage multiplier; single target melee damage will be quite good 

Dwarf form offers a free "break free" whenever mezzed in human form

Dwarf form offers good resistances and a heal that recharges quickly for when defeated mobs are not present

Dwarf form has a taunt power, which helps for keeping pets alive

Nuke (Quasar) is available about every 40 seconds, with up to 2(!) mires to boost its damage

Burnout is available for when eclipse misfires

Unleash potential and vengeance offer occasional and substantial boosts to defense totals; they can sometimes be active together, pushing defenses to softcap

12 points of knockback protection from IOs while in human form means less occasions in which knockback makes eclipse or sunless mire miss all targets

A dwarf / human form warshade will probably be easier to play than all human when exemp'd down to lower levels because of built-in mez protection and better sans-eclipse resists

 

 

Cons:

 

Less defense than some all human builds

Considerably less mez potential than all human builds

Changing forms takes some micro and slightly reduces DPS

The dwarf form MTX doesn't appeal to everybody

 

Feedback is welcome and appreciated!

 

The build described above ... (Edit - the build directly below seems decent enough, but is probably inferior to the one given in the post immediately below)

 

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!

Bi-form dwarf human warshade: Level 50 Magic Warshade
Primary Power Set: Umbral Blast
Secondary Power Set: Umbral Aura
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Force of Will

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Ebon Eye -- SprKhlGrc-Acc/Dmg(A), SprKhlGrc-Dmg/Rchg(33), SprKhlGrc-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), SprKhlGrc-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), SprKhlGrc-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), SprKhlGrc-Rchg/FormBuff(50)
Level 1: Absorption -- GldArm-3defTpProc(A)
Level 2: Shadow Bolt -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(31), RechRdx-I(31)
Level 6: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 8: Hover -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 10: Super Speed -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A)
Level 12: Sunless Mire -- SprAvl-Rchg/KDProc(A), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg(13), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(13), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(15), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(48), SprAvl-Dmg/EndRdx(50)
Level 14: Tactics -- RctRtc-Pcptn(A)
Level 16: Shadow Cloak -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 18: Gravity Well -- CrsImp-Acc/Dmg(A), CrsImp-Dmg/EndRdx(27), CrsImp-Dmg/Rchg(27), CrsImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(29), CrsImp-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(29)
Level 20: Black Dwarf -- UnbGrd-Max HP%(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(31), UnbGrd-ResDam(45), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(46)
Level 22: Stygian Circle -- Pnc-Heal/EndRedux/Rchg(A), Pnc-Heal(23)
Level 24: Burnout -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(25)
Level 26: Vengeance -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 28: Weaken Resolve -- CldSns-ToHitDeb(A), CldSns-Acc/ToHitDeb(42), CldSns-Acc/Rchg(42), CldSns-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg(43), ShlBrk-%Dam(43), AchHee-ResDeb%(43)
Level 30: Nebulous Form -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A)
Level 32: Dark Extraction -- ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg(A), ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34), ExpRnf-+Res(Pets)(36), ExpRnf-EndRdx/Dmg/Rchg(36), SlbAll-Build%(36), CaltoArm-+Def(Pets)(37)
Level 35: Quasar -- Arm-Dam%(A), Arm-Dmg(37), Arm-Dmg/Rchg(37), Arm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(39), Arm-Acc/Rchg(39), OvrFrc-Dam/KB(50)
Level 38: Eclipse -- PrfShf-Acc/Rchg(A), EffAdp-Acc/Rchg(39), PreOptmz-Acc/Rech(40), Ags-ResDam/Rchg(40), Ags-ResDam(40), TtnCtn-ResDam(42)
Level 41: Project Will -- HO:Nucle(A)
Level 44: Unleash Potential -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(45), Ksm-ToHit+(45), Rct-ResDam%(46)
Level 47: Starless Step -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A)
Level 49: Stygian Return -- DctWnd-Heal(A)
Level 20: Black Dwarf Antagonize -- PrfZng-Acc/Rchg(A)
Level 20: Black Dwarf Drain -- ThfofEss-+End%(A), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg(3), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx(3), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(5), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(5), SprBlsCol-Rchg/HoldProc(33)
Level 20: Black Dwarf Mire -- Obl-%Dam(A), Obl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(7), Obl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(7), Obl-Dmg(9), Obl-Acc/Rchg(48), FuroftheG-ResDeb%(48)
Level 20: Black Dwarf Smite -- SprEssTrn-Acc/Dmg(A), SprEssTrn-Dmg/Rchg(9), SprEssTrn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(11), SprEssTrn-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(11), SprEssTrn-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(15), FrcFdb-Rechg%(46)
Level 20: Black Dwarf Step -- BlsoftheZ-Travel/EndRdx(A)
Level 20: Black Dwarf Strike -- Hct-Dam%(A), Hct-Dmg/EndRdx(17), Hct-Dmg(17), Hct-Dmg/Rchg(19), Hct-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(19)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Dark Sustenance 
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: Shadow Step -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Clr-Stlth(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run 
Level 10: Shadow Recall -- WntGif-ResSlow(A)
Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Prv-Absorb%(A), Pnc-Heal/+End(21), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(23), RgnTss-Regen+(25)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), PrfShf-EndMod(21)
Level 0: Freedom Phalanx Reserve 
Level 0: Portal Jockey 
Level 0: Task Force Commander 
Level 0: The Atlas Medallion 
Level 50: Musculature Core Paragon 
Level 50: Ion Core Final Judgement 
Level 50: Seers Radial Superior Ally 
Level 50: Ageless Total Radial Invocation 
Level 50: Assault Radial Embodiment 
Level 50: Reactive Core Flawless Interface 
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Edited July 20, 2020 by EnjoyTheJourney

[EnjoyTheJourney]

I tweaked the build several times since the OP, enough that anybody looking earlier incarnations of the build inputted into the OP would probably give erroneous feedback, at this point. 

 

The overall main pros and cons seem to be still true. But, there's been a fair amount of refinements in the use of procs, in where IO sets are slotted, and in a few other issues. The results are higher damage and 5% more global recharge. The modified build is given below, and will hopefully be made even better based on feedback from others. 

 

Thank you in advance!

 

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!

Bi-form dwarf human warshade: Level 50 Magic Warshade
Primary Power Set: Umbral Blast
Secondary Power Set: Umbral Aura
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Force of Will

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Ebon Eye -- SprKhlGrc-Acc/Dmg(A), SprKhlGrc-Dmg/Rchg(33), SprKhlGrc-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), SprKhlGrc-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), SprKhlGrc-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), SprKhlGrc-Rchg/FormBuff(50)
Level 1: Absorption -- GldArm-3defTpProc(A)
Level 2: Shadow Bolt -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(31), RechRdx-I(31)
Level 6: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 8: Hover -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 10: Super Speed -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A)
Level 12: Sunless Mire -- SprAvl-Rchg/KDProc(A), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg(13), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(13), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(15), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(48), SprAvl-Dmg/EndRdx(50)
Level 14: Tactics -- RctRtc-Pcptn(A)
Level 16: Shadow Cloak -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 18: Gravity Well -- SprEssTrn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(A), SprEssTrn-Rchg/Global Heal(27), SprEssTrn-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(27), Mk'Bit-Dam%(29), UnbCns-Dam%(29)
Level 20: Black Dwarf -- UnbGrd-Max HP%(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(31), UnbGrd-ResDam(45), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(46)
Level 22: Stygian Circle -- Pnc-Heal/EndRedux/Rchg(A), Pnc-Heal(23)
Level 24: Burnout -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(25)
Level 26: Vengeance -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 28: Weaken Resolve -- CldSns-ToHitDeb(A), CldSns-Acc/ToHitDeb(42), CldSns-Acc/Rchg(42), CldSns-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg(43), ShlBrk-%Dam(43), AchHee-ResDeb%(43)
Level 30: Nebulous Form -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A)
Level 32: Dark Extraction -- ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg(A), ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34), ExpRnf-+Res(Pets)(36), ExpRnf-EndRdx/Dmg/Rchg(36), SlbAll-Build%(36), CaltoArm-+Def(Pets)(37)
Level 35: Quasar -- Obl-%Dam(A), Obl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37), Obl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(37), Obl-Dmg/Rchg(39), Obl-Acc/Rchg(39), OvrFrc-Dam/KB(50)
Level 38: Eclipse -- PrfShf-Acc/Rchg(A), EffAdp-Acc/Rchg(39), PreOptmz-Acc/Rech(40), Ags-ResDam/Rchg(40), Ags-ResDam(40), TtnCtn-ResDam(42)
Level 41: Project Will -- HO:Nucle(A)
Level 44: Unleash Potential -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(45), Ksm-ToHit+(45), Rct-ResDam%(46)
Level 47: Starless Step -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A)
Level 49: Stygian Return -- DctWnd-Heal(A)
Level 20: Black Dwarf Antagonize -- PrfZng-Acc/Rchg(A)
Level 20: Black Dwarf Drain -- ThfofEss-+End%(A), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg(3), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx(3), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(5), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(5), SprBlsCol-Rchg/HoldProc(33)
Level 20: Black Dwarf Mire -- Arm-Dam%(A), Arm-Dmg/EndRdx(7), Arm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(7), Arm-Dmg/Rchg(9), Arm-Dmg(48), FuroftheG-ResDeb%(48)
Level 20: Black Dwarf Smite -- SprEssTrn-Acc/Dmg(A), SprEssTrn-Dmg/Rchg(9), SprEssTrn-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(11), GldStr-%Dam(11), Mk'Bit-Dam%(15), FrcFdb-Rechg%(46)
Level 20: Black Dwarf Step -- BlsoftheZ-Travel/EndRdx(A)
Level 20: Black Dwarf Strike -- Hct-Dam%(A), Hct-Dmg/EndRdx(17), Hct-Dmg(17), Hct-Dmg/Rchg(19), Hct-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(19)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Dark Sustenance 
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: Shadow Step -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Clr-Stlth(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run 
Level 10: Shadow Recall -- WntGif-ResSlow(A)
Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Prv-Absorb%(A), Pnc-Heal/+End(21), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(23), RgnTss-Regen+(25)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), PrfShf-EndMod(21)
Level 0: Freedom Phalanx Reserve 
Level 0: Portal Jockey 
Level 0: Task Force Commander 
Level 0: The Atlas Medallion 
Level 50: Musculature Core Paragon 
Level 50: Ion Core Final Judgement 
Level 50: Seers Radial Superior Ally 
Level 50: Ageless Total Radial Invocation 
Level 50: Assault Radial Embodiment 
Level 50: Reactive Core Flawless Interface 
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[EnjoyTheJourney]

Further changes were made to the build. Vigor replaced musculature for the alpha incarnate and assault radial replaced assault core. The key reason for these changes is that double mire pretty much caps damage anyways, and so double hit is better than bonus damage (assault) and the damage boost from musculature ends up being wasted a fair percentage of the time. The boosts from vigor core (healing, end reduction, accuracy) are all helpful. Also, Banished Pantheon core is replacing Seers Radial for Lore; -regen and more damage are both good to have.

 

A key change was to replace the "Overwhelming Force" knockback to knockdown IO with a "Sudden Acceleration" knockback to knockdown IO. This was important because the OF KB to KD IO was not functioning, meaning my warshade was blowing mobs back with every nuke. Since quasar is used a *lot* that was problematic on teams. But, the SA KB to KD IO functions exactly as intended. 

 

The new build plays very well for a wide variety of content. Dual mires + nuke works very well (now that it is knockdown, rather than knockback). Perma-eclipse with burnout as a backup also works very well. And, dwarf form is quite beefy with a vigor-boosted heal.

 

As expected, cascading defense failure and recovery debuffs are the biggest challenges. Most everything else is survivable, except in cases of driver error. 🙂

 

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!

Bi-form dwarf human warshade: Level 50 Magic Warshade
Primary Power Set: Umbral Blast
Secondary Power Set: Umbral Aura
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Force of Will

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Ebon Eye -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Absorption -- GldArm-3defTpProc(A)
Level 2: Shadow Bolt -- SprKhlGrc-Acc/Dmg(A), SprKhlGrc-Dmg/Rchg(33), SprKhlGrc-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), SprKhlGrc-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), SprKhlGrc-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), SprKhlGrc-Rchg/FormBuff(50)
Level 4: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(31), RechRdx-I(31)
Level 6: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 8: Hover -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 10: Super Speed -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A)
Level 12: Sunless Mire -- SprAvl-Rchg/KDProc(A), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg(13), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(13), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(15), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(48), SprAvl-Dmg/EndRdx(50)
Level 14: Tactics -- RctRtc-Pcptn(A)
Level 16: Shadow Cloak -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 18: Gravity Well -- SprEssTrn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(A), SprEssTrn-Rchg/Global Heal(27), SprEssTrn-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(27), Mk'Bit-Dam%(29), UnbCns-Dam%(29)
Level 20: Black Dwarf -- UnbGrd-Max HP%(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(31), UnbGrd-ResDam(45), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(46)
Level 22: Stygian Circle -- Pnc-Heal/EndRedux/Rchg(A), Pnc-Heal(23)
Level 24: Burnout -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(25)
Level 26: Vengeance -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 28: Weaken Resolve -- CldSns-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(A), CldSns-Acc/ToHitDeb(42), CldSns-Acc/Rchg(42), CldSns-%Dam(43), AchHee-ResDeb%(43)
Level 30: Nebulous Form -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A)
Level 32: Dark Extraction -- ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg(A), ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34), ExpRnf-+Res(Pets)(36), ExpRnf-EndRdx/Dmg/Rchg(36), SlbAll-Build%(36), SlbAll-Dmg/Rchg(37)
Level 35: Quasar -- Obl-%Dam(A), Obl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37), Obl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(37), Obl-Dmg/Rchg(39), Obl-Dmg(39), SuddAcc--KB/+KD(50)
Level 38: Eclipse -- PrfShf-Acc/Rchg(A), EffAdp-Acc/Rchg(39), PreOptmz-Acc/Rech(40), Ags-ResDam/Rchg(40), Ags-ResDam(40), TtnCtn-ResDam(42)
Level 41: Project Will -- HO:Nucle(A)
Level 44: Unleash Potential -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(45), Ksm-ToHit+(45), Rct-ResDam%(46)
Level 47: Starless Step -- Acc-I(A)
Level 49: Stygian Return -- DctWnd-Heal(A)
Level 20: Black Dwarf Antagonize -- Taunt-I(A)
Level 20: Black Dwarf Drain -- GldStr-%Dam(A), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg(3), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx(3), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(5), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(5), SprBlsCol-Rchg/HoldProc(33)
Level 20: Black Dwarf Mire -- Arm-Dam%(A), Arm-Dmg/EndRdx(7), Arm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(7), Arm-Dmg/Rchg(9), Arm-Dmg(48), FuroftheG-ResDeb%(48)
Level 20: Black Dwarf Smite -- SprEssTrn-Acc/Dmg(A), SprEssTrn-Dmg/Rchg(9), SprEssTrn-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(11), GldStr-%Dam(11), Mk'Bit-Dam%(15), FrcFdb-Rechg%(46)
Level 20: Black Dwarf Step -- BlsoftheZ-Travel/EndRdx(A)
Level 20: Black Dwarf Strike -- Hct-Dam%(A), Hct-Dmg/EndRdx(17), Hct-Dmg(17), Hct-Dmg/Rchg(19), Hct-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(19), Mk'Bit-Dam%(43)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Dark Sustenance 
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: Shadow Step -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Clr-Stlth(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run 
Level 10: Shadow Recall -- WntGif-ResSlow(A)
Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Prv-Absorb%(A), Pnc-Heal/+End(21), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(23), Mrc-Rcvry+(25)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), PrfShf-EndMod(21)
Level 0: Freedom Phalanx Reserve 
Level 0: Portal Jockey 
Level 0: Task Force Commander 
Level 0: The Atlas Medallion 
Level 50: Ion Core Final Judgement 
Level 50: Ageless Total Radial Invocation 
Level 50: Assault Radial Embodiment 
Level 50: Reactive Core Flawless Interface 
Level 50: Vigor Core Paragon 
Level 50: Banished Pantheon Core Superior Ally 
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Edited July 27, 2020 by EnjoyTheJourney