WAR MACE!...War Mace?

[Infinitum]

3 hours ago, Onlyasandwich said:

With current proc mechanics

Yeah... Its kinda scary to be too attached to cutting edge proc slotting, because its all but a certainty that those mechanics will be adjusted at some point in the future.

 

So I keep it pretty simple with minimal proc use on my builds while still being very effective with them.

[Onlyasandwich]

5 minutes ago, Infinitum said:

minimal proc use on my builds

This is fair enough, but I don't think they're going to make procs useless or anything.

 

In the case of heavily leveraging a combo of dam/acc and proc only slotting on something like Gloom while pursuing global recharge, I certainly wouldn't rely on this high level performance staying forever.

 

However, dropping an extra proc or two in even a normally slotted power is still very impactful, especially if it's a purple proc. HOs, combining sets, and heavy proc use will still be the best way to reach beyond ED and the damage cap. As long as you can still achieve your other build goals, it's all gravy.

Edited December 29, 2020 by Onlyasandwich

[Infinitum]

53 minutes ago, Onlyasandwich said:

This is fair enough, but I don't think they're going to make procs useless or anything.

 

In the case of heavily leveraging a combo of dam/acc and proc only slotting on something like Gloom while pursuing global recharge, I certainly wouldn't rely on this high level performance staying forever.

 

However, dropping an extra proc or two in even a normally slotted power is still very impactful, especially if it's a purple proc. HOs, combining sets, and heavy proc use will still be the best way to reach beyond ED and the damage cap. As long as you can still achieve your other build goals, it's all gravy.

Yeah, i get gunshy when i hear the word adjustment from being an avid EM user on Live pre nerf - granted HC has completed thoroughly positive changes (even when nerfing somehow) but im still gunshy.  So yeah im avoiding heavy proc use until i know what those changes will be.

 

here is an updated build with your and a few other peoples suggestions.  Mitigation stayed relatively static - but added attacks on your suggestions.

 

Unregistered - Tanker (Shield Defense - Warmace).mxd

 

Hero Plan by Mids' Reborn : Hero Designer 3.0.0.0
https://github.com/Reborn-Team/Hero-Designer

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Science Tanker
Primary Power Set: Shield Defense
Secondary Power Set: War Mace
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Energy Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Deflection -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-EndRdx/Rchg(3), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(3), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(5), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(5), ImpArm-ResPsi(7)
Level 1: Bash -- SprGntFis-Acc/Dmg(A), SprGntFis-Dmg/Rchg(7), SprGntFis-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(9), SprGntFis-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(9), SprGntFis-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(11), SprGntFis-Rchg/+Absorb(11)
Level 2: Battle Agility -- ShlWal-Def/EndRdx(A), ShlWal-Def(13), ShlWal-Def/Rchg(13), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(15), ShlWal-EndRdx/Rchg(15), ShlWal-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(17)
Level 4: True Grit -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(21), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(21), UnbGrd-EndRdx/Rchg(23), ImpArm-ResPsi(23), GldArm-3defTpProc(25)
Level 6: Fly -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A), BlsoftheZ-Travel/EndRdx(25), BlsoftheZ-Travel(27)
Level 8: Active Defense -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 10: Combat Jumping -- Rct-ResDam%(A)
Level 12: Kick -- FrcFdb-Rechg%(A)
Level 14: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(27)
Level 16: Against All Odds -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 18: Phalanx Fighting -- ShlWal-Def/Rchg(A), ShlWal-Def/EndRdx(29), ShlWal-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(29), ShlWal-Def(31)
Level 20: Build Up -- GssSynFr--ToHit(A), GssSynFr--ToHit/Rchg/EndRdx(31), GssSynFr--ToHit/Rchg(31), GssSynFr--ToHit/EndRdx(33), GssSynFr--Build%(33), GssSynFr--Rchg/EndRdx(33)
Level 22: Jawbreaker -- SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg(A), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx(34), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(34), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(36), SprBlsCol-Rchg/HoldProc(36)
Level 24: Tough -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(36), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(37), UnbGrd-EndRdx/Rchg(37), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(37), ImpArm-ResPsi(39)
Level 26: Shield Charge -- SprAvl-Dmg/EndRdx(A), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg(39), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(39), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(40), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(40), SprAvl-Rchg/KDProc(40)
Level 28: Clobber -- Hct-Dmg(A), Hct-Dmg/Rchg(42), Hct-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(42), Hct-Acc/Rchg(42), Hct-Dmg/EndRdx(43), Hct-Dam%(43)
Level 30: Weave -- ShlWal-Def/EndRdx(A), ShlWal-Def(43), ShlWal-Def/Rchg(45), ShlWal-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(45)
Level 32: Hover -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 35: Focused Accuracy -- GssSynFr--ToHit/EndRdx(A)
Level 38: Shatter -- SprMghoft-Acc/Dmg(A), SprMghoft-Dmg/Rchg(45), SprMghoft-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(46), SprMghoft-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(46), SprMghoft-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(46), SprMghoft-Rchg/Res%(47)
Level 41: Physical Perfection -- PrfShf-End%(A)
Level 44: Crowd Control -- SuddAcc--KB/+KD(A), ScrDrv-Acc/Dmg(47), ScrDrv-Dam%(48), ScrDrv-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(48), ScrDrv-Dmg/Rchg(48), ScrDrv-Dmg/EndRdx(49)
Level 47: Afterburner -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(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 -- Clr-Stlth(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run 
Level 2: Swift -- Flight-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Mrc-Rcvry+(A), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(17), Pnc-Heal/+End(19), Prv-Absorb%(19)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A)
Level 50: Melee Core Embodiment 
Level 50: Resilient Core Paragon 
Level 0: Freedom Phalanx Reserve 
Level 0: Portal Jockey 
Level 0: Task Force Commander 
Level 0: The Atlas Medallion 
Level 50: Ageless Radial Epiphany 
Level 50: Degenerative Core Flawless Interface 
Level 50: Longbow Radial Superior Ally 
Level 50: Mighty Radial Final Judgement 
------------

[Infinitum]

I swapped the placement of Kick and Jawbreaker also but forgot to save - so yeah jawbreaker would need to come much earlier in the build.

[Onlyasandwich]

Looks fairly solid to me, Infinitum!

 

• A note - crowd control doesn't need sudden accel. It is natively a knockdown only power. Just throw an armageddon or fury proc in there I guess.
• I'd also switch the sets in Jawbreaker and Shatter. You'll get good use out of the Gfist ATO proc that way. The hold proc in Blist Cold doesn't really matter here.
• The free slots could also go to Explosive Strike in kick for closer to cap ranged defense.
• I'm not totally certain on the rationale behind picking up both hover and combat jumping. It doesn't serve a lotg mule purpose, and they are exclusive to one another.

 

I still wouldn't want to go without Taunt or Whirling myself. Even keeping with the current build, I would probably drop the energy pool in favor of a taunt pickup and one other one-slot wonder. Maybe conserve power if I felt end-hungry. With those 3 extra slots, you could even make one of those two powers whirling and do a nice 4-slot enhancement.

 

Overall, it's a reasonable compromise build for someone who values high universal resists and easier end management over the extra damage and luxury of taunt.

 

Personally, I find my shield tankers plenty tough (unkillably so)  just focusing on S/L resist, my incarnate softcaps, and whatever other resists I pick up along the way! The ATO proc makes up for a lot of the difference in situations where other resists matter more.

 

One somewhat related question - I don't see many folks doubling up on recharge in Active Defense as I like to do. Do you ever find yourself wanting for DDR? I find it makes a big difference to keep the AD double stack up in troublesome cascade failure territory. The extra animation tax is annoying, but it keeps me going..

 

 

 

 

[Infinitum]

3 hours ago, Onlyasandwich said:

I'm not totally certain on the rationale behind picking up both hover and combat jumping. It doesn't serve a lotg mule purpose, and they are exclusive to one another.

They arent actually - you can use both at the same time.

 

3 hours ago, Onlyasandwich said:

One somewhat related question - I don't see many folks doubling up on recharge in Active Defense as I like to do. Do you ever find yourself wanting for DDR? I find it makes a big difference to keep the AD double stack up in troublesome cascade failure territory. The extra animation tax is annoying, but it keeps me going..

Nah especially if you get ageless radial - but for the most part i am normally double stacked on active defense with just one rech enh.

 

3 hours ago, Onlyasandwich said:

Personally, I find my shield tankers plenty tough (unkillably so)  just focusing on S/L resist, my incarnate softcaps, and whatever other resists I pick up along the way! The ATO proc makes up for a lot of the difference in situations where other resists matter more.

yeah for the most part thats true, and on content like that i slot up Musc and Assault - but if you are running anything +4 in the shard, or praetorian content, or anything with debuffers or heavy energy/psi/toxic it gets hairy without having resilient or sometimes Melee core.   You are right though probably 80 percent of the rest of the game you are unkillable.

[Infinitum]

3 hours ago, Onlyasandwich said:

I'm not totally certain on the rationale behind picking up both hover and combat jumping. It doesn't serve a lotg mule purpose, and they are exclusive to one another.

Had to make sure i wasnt delusional  lol i just logged back in to check - you can use both at the same time and you get both bonuses also.

 

I use hover a good bit too - its reliable in certain annoying situations where you have to fight in the air - or where you may need that extra oomph of defense.

[Onlyasandwich]

2 minutes ago, Infinitum said:

They arent actually - you can use both at the same time.

Why on earth did I think this? It must be a holdover in my brain from flight/SJ being exclusive. 

 

In that case, it's a great combo for a build that has an extra power pool pick.  I definitely feel you on some of the incarnate content and Shadow Shard. Your approach would work better in some of those scenarios I'm sure!

 

 

[Golden Azrael]

I'm doing an Electric Armour/War Mace tank.

 

Currently at 27% melee.  

 

I've got all the melee attacks.

I've got all the defences bar the 'No.9' power surge.

 

It's like a mini-regen tank.  As close without getting full blown regen.?  I guess I'll need some slow debuff protection in there.  (Need to keep Energize turbo-ing along...)

 

Any thoughts on a build outline above?

 

Energy Res' capped, ofc.  Close with Smashing at around 83%-88%.  

 

Got the Two Tanker ATs fitted.  PReventative Medicine in the heal/end reduction power.

 

Thought about going 6 slot Power Sink.  Pre-emptive?  Power Transfer?

 

Using Health for the 'Unique' and end procs.  Will get Physical fitness to mule the Perf' unique.  Haven't fitted CJ yet.  (GOing to put the 5% res' unique in their and Winter's Gift.)

 

Haven't got hasten yet.  

 

Got Tough.  Weave.  (Not full slotted Weave yet.)  

 

Put Obliteration in Crowd Control (Help eek that melee def' higher...)

 

L40.  Which leaves me Hasten, CJ, Probably Foc' Acc' and Phys' Perfection over and out?

 

I wondered about doing some 'proc' damage.  But maybe getting the melee cap on def' is more important 1st?

 

I like War Mace.  Could do with 'sexying' up a bit.  HC devs listening?  Whether it's an exotic mechanic or a sexy jump and 'head splitter' animation.  I guess it's got stuns... 😉

 

Thoughts?

 

Azrael.

Edited February 24, 2022 by Golden Azrael

[PeregrineFalcon]

11 minutes ago, Golden Azrael said:

I like War Mace.  Could do with 'sexying' up a bit.  HC devs listening?  Whether it's an exotic mechanic or a sexy jump and 'head splitter' animation.  I guess it's got stuns... 😉

 

Thoughts?

Nooooooooo!

 

War Mace already got a serious overhaul and buff by... Castle I believe. It doesn't need any more buffs and it especially doesn't need an "exotic mechanic" or combo mechanic or whatever mechanic.

 

Geez. Why does everyone want a combo mechanic added to everything? Go play Mortal Combat if you want to be all about combos all of the time.

[Bill Z Bubba]

Agreed that warmace is just fine. I run Clobber, Jawbreaker, Shatter, repeat for ST and Clobber, Shatter, Crowd Control for AoE on my clawswarmace/bio scrapper. Could easily go S, CC, WM, repeat, I think, for AoE as well. Very enjoyable set.

Edited February 24, 2022 by Bill Z Bubba

[Gobbledygook]

4 minutes ago, Bill Z Bubba said:

Agreed that warmace is just fine. I run Clobber, Jawbreaker, Shatter, repeat for ST and Clobber, Shatter, Crowd Control for AoE on my claws/bio scrapper. Could easily go S, CC, WM, repeat, I think, for AoE as well. Very enjoyable set.

WM attack chain on claws/bio?

I see what you did there.

[Bill Z Bubba]

1 minute ago, Gobbledygook said:

WM attack chain on claws/bio?

I see what you did there.

 

DOH!

[Onlyasandwich]

4 hours ago, Bill Z Bubba said:

DOH!

I'm just picturing your WM character wielding your Claws character like an oddly shaped demonic bludgeon.

[Bill Z Bubba]

2 hours ago, Onlyasandwich said:

I'm just picturing your WM character wielding your Claws character like an oddly shaped demonic bludgeon.

 

I will beat a M#&^F#&f#&$^# with another M#^$%#F#&#$^!