Demon/Dark build request

[Agorazium]

I hate asking for builds from scratch but after putting 10+ together in Mids I am desperate. Currently leveling a Demon/Dark which is a ton of fun, way more engaging than other MMs I've tried in the past, but have no idea what to do with the endgame build. It seems impossible with these sets to softcap defense, get high resists, AND high recharge and recovery which is how I usually build my characters.

 

My main question is how much defense do I really need? I have one build that gets around 35% S/L defense and 67% resists, but the end per second is insane, the recharge is low, and and several powers are underslotted. I tend to open with Darkest Night -> Fearsome Stare while in Bodyguard mode, but once those two debuffs are both up my pets and I barely get hit, so I'm wondering if I would be safe leaving my defense/resist around 20/50% instead?

 

To clarify - I've done my research and looked at every build I can find on here for advice. However, I want to take all three whip attacks - not only are they thematic, they're super satisfying to use and a big part of why I enjoy this combo so much - and I haven't found a build in the forums that does that.

 

Out of /Dark, I planned on skipping the hold and Black Hole. BH is just bad, and I would rather take an APP hold to use as a proc bomb.

 

Any help would be appreciated - even just advice on what metrics I should shoot for with Def/Res/Rech would be helpful. I've never taken an MM to 50 so I think my biggest issue is just a lack of knowledge of what the build goals should be. I play exclusively on teams and have no plans to solo unless I'm forced to.

[Agorazium]

This is my most recent attempt. Fairly tanky but the 1.87 end/sec seems prohibitive and I dislike having HT, Tar Patch, Tough, Weave and Tactics with only 1-2 slots each. Even if I were to drop Tough and Weave to lower end costs, however, that only gets me two extra slots which are not going to achieve a whole lot elsewhere. I also forgot until a moment ago that the demon shields give me +15% resistance so I probably do not need Tough in the first place and could drop it for...CJ? Hasten? Spirit Ward? What do I do???

 

This Villain build was built using Mids Reborn 3.0.4.7
https://github.com/Reborn-Team/MidsReborn

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Mutation Mastermind
Primary Power Set: Demon Summoning
Secondary Power Set: Dark Miasma
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Fighting
Ancillary Pool: Soul Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Corruption -- Thn-Acc/Dmg(A), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx(3)
Level 1: Twilight Grasp -- ThfofEss-+End%(A), TchoftheN-Heal(3), TchoftheN-Acc/EndRdx/Heal/HP/Regen(5)
Level 2: Summon Demonlings -- SprCmmoft-Acc/Dmg(A), SprCmmoft-Rchg/PetAoEDef(5), SprMarofS-Dmg(7), SprMarofS-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(7), SprMarofS-Acc/EndRdx(9), SprMarofS-EndRdx/+Resist/+Regen(9)
Level 4: Lash -- SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg(A), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx(15), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(15), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(17), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(17), TchofDth-Dam%(19)
Level 6: Enchant Demon -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 8: Crack Whip -- PstBls-Acc/Dmg(A), PstBls-Dmg/EndRdx(19), PstBls-Dmg/Rng(21), PstBls-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(21), PstBls-Dam%(23), Ann-ResDeb%(23)
Level 10: Tar Patch -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 12: Summon Demons -- SprMarofS-Acc/Dmg(A), SvrRgh-Dmg/EndRdx(25), SprMarofS-Dmg/EndRdx(25), SvrRgh-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(27), SvrRgh-Acc(27), SvrRgh-PetResDam(29)
Level 14: Darkest Night -- SphIns-ToHitDeb(A), SphIns-Acc/ToHitDeb(29), SphIns-Acc/Rchg(31), SphIns-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg(31), SphIns-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(31)
Level 16: Shadow Fall -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(33), Rct-Def/EndRdx(33), Rct-Def(33)
Level 18: Hell on Earth -- EdcoftheM-PetDef(A), CaltoArm-+Def(Pets)(34), ExpRnf-+Res(Pets)(34), RechRdx-I(34), RechRdx-I(36)
Level 20: Fearsome Stare -- SphIns-ToHitDeb(A), SphIns-Acc/ToHitDeb(36), SphIns-Acc/Rchg(36), SphIns-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg(37), SphIns-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(37), GlmoftheA-Dam%(37)
Level 22: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), Rct-Def/EndRdx(39), Rct-ResDam%(39)
Level 24: Tactics -- GssSynFr--ToHit(A), GssSynFr--ToHit/EndRdx(45)
Level 26: Summon Demon Prince -- SprCmmoft-Dmg/EndRdx(A), SprCmmoft-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(39), SprCmmoft-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(40), SprCmmoft-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(40), SlbAll-Build%(40), ImpSwf-Dam%(42)
Level 28: Boxing -- Empty(A)
Level 30: Tough -- UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(A), UnbGrd-ResDam(42)
Level 32: Abyssal Empowerment -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 35: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(42)
Level 38: Dark Embrace -- ImpArm-ResDam(A), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(43), GldArm-3defTpProc(43)
Level 41: Soul Tentacles -- Rgn-Dmg(A), Rgn-Acc/Rchg(45), Rgn-Dmg/Rchg(45), Rgn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(46), Rgn-Dmg/EndRdx(46), TraoftheH-Dam%(46)
Level 44: Soul Storm -- NrnSht-EndRdx/Hold(A), GhsWdwEmb-Dam%(48), UnbCns-Dam%(48), GldNet-Dam%(48)
Level 47: Dark Servant -- CldSns-ToHitDeb(A), CldSns-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg(50), CldSns-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(50), CldSns-%Dam(50)
Level 49: Howling Twilight -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 1: Supremacy 
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Health -- Mrc-Rcvry+(A), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(11), Pnc-Heal/+End(11)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), SynSck-EndMod(13), SynSck-EndMod/+RunSpeed(13)
Level 2: Cold Demonling 
Level 26: Demon Prince 
Level 12: Ember Demon 
Level 2: Fiery Demonling 
Level 2: Hellfire Demonling 
Level 12: Hellfire Gargoyle 
------------

Edited April 28, 2021 by Sovereigne

[BGSacho]

You're right, you can reduce the endurance usage significantly by just dropping fighting. You only need ember shield + your epic armor(dark embrace) to reach 75% S/L + 1(negative in this case) res. Weave isn't really getting you to def softcap, you'll be relying on your debuffs for that anyway. You'd need to slot Summon Demons with some +resistance to achieve this, I usually slot Res + Res/End from Unbreakable Guard. Unbreakable Guard is an amazing resistance set for /Dark. x2 UG gives end discount, which scales all your end recovery. x4 gives +S/L/Melee defense and +Max HP. I also use that in the epic armor.

I think your build has taken way too many primary attacks, especially for /Dark, you just won't have the endurance to spam them, and it's putting a lot of pressure on your slotting. I would drop Tentacles down to 2 slots(x2 Annihilation for the end bonus, which is actually superior to end recovery in your build) and consider if you really want to keep Lash and Crack Whip both, depending on whether you feel you need more ST or more AoE(I always prefer more ST).

I don't think the full sets in Lash/Crack Whip are as good as frankenslotting the powers. Use force feedback to make up the lost recharge, you will still come out ahead on damage. Fill in as many procs as you can, enough accuracy to hit reliably(~30%-ish) and damage/endurance if there's nice 2 or 3 slot bonuses. For example, my regular slotting for Crack Whip is x2 Annihilation, x2 Positron, FF, 1 damage proc(bombardment/javelin/explosive, doesn't really matter). If you use soul tentacles often and use crack whip for damage, you might even consider dropping x2 Annihilation for 1 damage proc + 1 acc/dmg/end slot instead. Similarly, Lash can be slotted with Hecatomb x2, force feedback, 2 more damage procs and something that gives acc/dmg. Same idea for Soul Storm, except here you can also take recharge to hit slot bonuses without worry.

The major difference between Lash and Soul Storm is a tradeoff between damage and endurance. Lash is significantly more DPS, but also significantly worse DPE(damage per endurance). Since you're suffering from both slot and endurance problems, I'd drop Lash or Crack Whip in favor of Soul Storm.

Once you drop 1 or 2 of the damage powers, you'll have some slots to work with. Here's some powers I think are underslotted or overslotted:

Twilight Grasp - needs one more Acc/Healing to cap out accuracy, this is one of your most spammed powers so it's worth it. The slot bonus also gives +9% global accuracy which is nice as well.
Fearsome Stare - doesn't really need the damage proc unless you plan on spamming it, the damage contribution is fairly small
Dark Servant vs Darkest Night - Night is actually a pretty weak power and not worth slotting IMO. It's useful for tough fights because it layers -damage on top of your powers, but you wouldn't really want to use it all the time. If you are using it all the time, I'd definitely drop one more of the attacks. Instead, the slots should go to Dark Servant for 5 Siphon + Cloud Senses damage proc. The Dark Servant produces a *ton* more -hit and -damage, it's way better to buff that and have enough recharge to keep it up constantly.

Speaking of recharge, you can take hasten instead of focusing so much on slotting recharge sets.
I think Tar Patch deserves an extra recharge slot, it's a bigger damage contribution to have it up all the time, or even better, to be able to stack it(yes, the -res stacks!).

I normally slot Howling Twilight more(more end and recharge) because I use it often, but that's more of a personal preference.

I think the pet slotting could use a bit of optimization. You can slot 4/6 Command into Hell on Earth + 2 auras - I think that's more efficient than the current slotting. The rest of the summons don't really need the recharge, and with enough fiddling, you can fit 1 aura in demonlings and 1 aura in prince or demons.

Here's the build with some of my suggestions. The pets still need more fiddling to achieve acc/dmg/end goals - I normally slot them with Intuition Radial in mind so I don't have a slotting ready without incarnates. There's a lot more that can be done with the build, and I think it's definitely worth dropping 1 more attack so you can fill those unused power slots with useful stuff(CJ, hover, fly, plenty of other choices to be made).

 

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 Mutation Mastermind
Primary Power Set: Demon Summoning
Secondary Power Set: Dark Miasma
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Soul Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Summon Demonlings -- ExpRnf-+Res(Pets)(A), Empty(3), SprMarofS-Dmg(3), SprMarofS-Acc/Dmg(5), SprMarofS-Acc/EndRdx(5), SprMarofS-EndRdx/+Resist/+Regen(7)
Level 1: Twilight Grasp -- ThfofEss-+End%(A), TchoftheN-Heal(7), TchoftheN-Acc/EndRdx/Heal/HP/Regen(9), TchoftheN-Acc/Heal(9)
Level 2: Lash -- Hct-Dam%(A), Hct-Dmg/EndRdx(11), TchofDth-Acc/Dmg(11), TchofDth-Dam%(13), FrcFdb-Rechg%(13), GldStr-%Dam(15)
Level 4: Darkest Night -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 6: Enchant Demon -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 8: Crack Whip -- FrcFdb-Rechg%(A), Bmbdmt-+FireDmg(19), Ann-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(21), PstBls-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(21), PstBls-Dam%(23), Ann-ResDeb%(23)
Level 10: Tar Patch -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(43)
Level 12: Summon Demons -- SprMarofS-Dmg/EndRdx(A), SprMarofS-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(25), UnbGrd-ResDam(25), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(27), Empty(27), Empty(29)
Level 14: [Empty] -- Empty(A)
Level 16: Shadow Fall -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), GldArm-ResDam(29), Rct-Def/EndRdx(31), Rct-Def(31), GldArm-3defTpProc(31), GldArm-End/Res(33)
Level 18: Hell on Earth -- SprCmmoft-Rchg/PetAoEDef(A), SprCmmoft-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(19), SprCmmoft-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(33), SprCmmoft-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), SvrRgh-PetResDam(34), CaltoArm-+Def(Pets)(34)
Level 20: Fearsome Stare -- SphIns-ToHitDeb(A), SphIns-Acc/ToHitDeb(34), SphIns-Acc/Rchg(36), SphIns-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg(36), SphIns-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(36)
Level 22: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), Rct-Def/EndRdx(37), Rct-ResDam%(37), Ksm-ToHit+(37), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(43)
Level 24: Tactics -- AdjTrg-ToHit(A), AdjTrg-ToHit/EndRdx(39)
Level 26: Summon Demon Prince -- SprCmmoft-Acc/Dmg(A), SprCmmoft-Dmg/EndRdx(39), SlbAll-Dmg/EndRdx(39), Empty(40), SlbAll-Build%(40), ImpSwf-Dam%(40)
Level 28: [Empty] 
Level 30: Howling Twilight -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 32: Abyssal Empowerment -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 35: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(42)
Level 38: Dark Embrace -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(42), UnbGrd-Max HP%(42), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(46), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(50)
Level 41: Soul Tentacles -- Ann-ResDeb%(A), Ann-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(43)
Level 44: Soul Storm -- GldJvl-Dam%(A), GhsWdwEmb-Dam%(45), NrnSht-Dam%(45), Apc-Dam%(45), UnbCns-Dam%(46), UnbCns-Acc/Rchg(46)
Level 47: Dark Servant -- SphIns-ToHitDeb(A), SphIns-Acc/ToHitDeb(48), SphIns-Acc/Rchg(48), SphIns-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg(48), SphIns-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(50), CldSns-%Dam(50)
Level 49: [Empty] -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Supremacy 
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Health -- Mrc-Rcvry+(A), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(15), Pnc-Heal/+End(17)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), SynSck-EndMod(17)
Level 2: Cold Demonling 
Level 26: Demon Prince 
Level 12: Ember Demon 
Level 2: Fiery Demonling 
Level 2: Hellfire Demonling 
Level 12: Hellfire Gargoyle 
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 4: Ninja Run 
------------

 

Edited April 28, 2021 by BGSacho

[BGSacho]

What to do with the rest of the slots is a good question. Here's some options:

- some +def - CJ, hover(+fly optional). Makes up for the loss of Weave and gets you close enough on defense that you can pop a purple to softcap yourself in tough fights.
- the new teleport powers - especially fold space is great at bunching up stuff.  Fold space, root them in place, blast their face. Works well with hover, since you can hover-aim your Fearsome Stare/Tentacles/Crack Whip to hit everyone.
- sorcery? Not really a powerful pick, but thematic. Enflame is very good DPE, arcane bolt can replace Lash/Soul Storm(it uses the same purple proc as Soul Storm, but Lash + Arcane Bolt is heavy on the endurance). Spirit Ward is meh but it's okay on the gargoyle(the prince has enough def to shrug off most hits compared to it). Rune of Protection is nice in tough fights, and just as a quick break free, plus it's one more place to slot more unbreakable guard!@# There's a theoretical 50% res, 45% def build replacing the epic armor with fighting + sorcery + mace mastery, but it's pretty far away from your current concept, and requires a lot of slot and power sacrifices.

 

[DocMidknight]

  Here's my demon/dark MM that I run...near unkillable with ranged soft cap and s/l hard capped resists. Have taken her on many challenging TF's, missions, AV hunts and monster hunts and she's usually the one left standing........I can solo most GM's on her and have done well with a few AV's but haven't tested them all out solo yet

 

This Villain build was built using Mids Reborn 3.0.3.1
https://github.com/Reborn-Team/MidsReborn

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Demon dark2: Level 50 Magic Mastermind
Primary Power Set: Demon Summoning
Secondary Power Set: Dark Miasma
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Fighting
Ancillary Pool: Soul Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Summon Demonlings -- OvrFrc-Dam/KB(A), SvrRgh-PetResDam(3), SvrRgh-Acc/Dmg(3), EdcoftheM-PetDef(5), SprMarofS-Acc/Dmg(5), SprMarofS-Acc/EndRdx(7)
Level 1: Twilight Grasp -- CldSns-ToHitDeb(A), CldSns-Acc/ToHitDeb(7), CldSns-Acc/Rchg(9), CldSns-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg(9), CldSns-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(11), CldSns-%Dam(11)
Level 2: Lash -- Hct-Dam%(A), Hct-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(43)
Level 4: Darkest Night -- CldSns-ToHitDeb(A), CldSns-Acc/ToHitDeb(13), CldSns-Acc/Rchg(13), CldSns-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg(15), CldSns-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(17), CldSns-%Dam(34)
Level 6: Enchant Demon -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 8: Hover -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(34), BlsoftheZ-Travel(40), BlsoftheZ-Travel/EndRdx(46)
Level 10: Howling Twilight -- Ann-ResDeb%(A), Bmbdmt-+FireDmg(46)
Level 12: Summon Demons -- SprMarofS-Dmg(A), SprMarofS-Dmg/EndRdx(17), SprMarofS-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(19), SprMarofS-EndRdx/+Resist/+Regen(19), SprCmmoft-Rchg/PetAoEDef(21), SprCmmoft-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(21)
Level 14: Fly -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A)
Level 16: Shadow Fall -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), Rct-Def(36), Rct-ResDam%(36)
Level 18: Hell on Earth -- ExpRnf-Acc/Rchg(A), ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg(23), ExpRnf-Dmg/EndRdx(23), ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(25), ExpRnf-EndRdx/Dmg/Rchg(25), ExpRnf-+Res(Pets)(31)
Level 20: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(36), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(37)
Level 22: Tactics -- GssSynFr--ToHit(A), GssSynFr--ToHit/Rchg(31), GssSynFr--ToHit/Rchg/EndRdx(33), GssSynFr--Rchg/EndRdx(33), GssSynFr--ToHit/EndRdx(33), GssSynFr--Build%(34)
Level 24: Boxing -- Acc-I(A)
Level 26: Summon Demon Prince -- SlbAll-Build%(A), ImpSwf-Dam%(27), SprCmmoft-Acc/Dmg(27), SprCmmoft-Dmg/EndRdx(29), SprCmmoft-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(29), SprCmmoft-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(31)
Level 28: Tough -- GldArm-3defTpProc(A), GldArm-ResDam(37), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(43), StdPrt-ResKB(48)
Level 30: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), RedFrt-Def(37), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx(43)
Level 32: Abyssal Empowerment -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 35: Night Fall -- Rgn-Knock%(A), Rgn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(42)
Level 38: Dark Servant -- CldSns-%Dam(A), CldSns-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(39), CldSns-ToHitDeb(39), CldSns-Acc/ToHitDeb(39), CldSns-Acc/Rchg(40), CldSns-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg(40)
Level 41: Petrifying Gaze -- BslGaz-Acc/Hold(A), BslGaz-Acc/Rchg(42), BslGaz-Rchg/Hold(42), BslGaz-EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(48)
Level 44: Fearsome Stare -- CldSns-%Dam(A), CldSns-Acc/ToHitDeb(45), CldSns-ToHitDeb(45), CldSns-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg(45), GlmoftheA-Acc/Rchg(46), GlmoftheA-Dam%(48)
Level 47: Tar Patch -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 49: Dark Embrace -- UnbGrd-Max HP%(A), UnbGrd-ResDam(50), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(50), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(50)
Level 1: Supremacy 
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Clr-Stlth(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Swift -- Flight-I(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Pnc-Heal/+End(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- EndMod-I(A), EndMod-I(15)
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 4: Ninja Run 
Level 50: Void Radial Final Judgement 
Level 50: Diamagnetic Radial Flawless Interface 
Level 50: Agility Core Paragon 
Level 50: Ageless Core Epiphany 
Level 50: Melee Radial Embodiment 
Level 50: Born In Battle 
Level 50: Invader 
Level 50: High Pain Threshold 
Level 50: Marshal 
Level 1: Cold Demonling 
Level 26: Demon Prince 
Level 12: Ember Demon 
Level 1: Fiery Demonling 
Level 1: Hellfire Demonling 
Level 12: Hellfire Gargoyle 
------------

[DocMidknight]

  I have an alternate build where I went ice epic which changed my resist to defense, capped s/l/r defense but my resist were in the 30's.....never could bring myself to make it though. Standard opening is HT to stun and debuff, tar patch, fearsome stare, nightfall and popping ageless when needed for my endurance 

[Agorazium]

13 hours ago, BGSacho said:

You're right, you can reduce the endurance usage significantly by just dropping fighting. You only need ember shield + your epic armor(dark embrace) to reach 75% S/L + 1(negative in this case) res. Weave isn't really getting you to def softcap, you'll be relying on your debuffs for that anyway. You'd need to slot Summon Demons with some +resistance to achieve this, I usually slot Res + Res/End from Unbreakable Guard. Unbreakable Guard is an amazing resistance set for /Dark. x2 UG gives end discount, which scales all your end recovery. x4 gives +S/L/Melee defense and +Max HP. I also use that in the epic armor.

I think your build has taken way too many primary attacks, especially for /Dark, you just won't have the endurance to spam them, and it's putting a lot of pressure on your slotting. I would drop Tentacles down to 2 slots(x2 Annihilation for the end bonus, which is actually superior to end recovery in your build) and consider if you really want to keep Lash and Crack Whip both, depending on whether you feel you need more ST or more AoE(I always prefer more ST).

I don't think the full sets in Lash/Crack Whip are as good as frankenslotting the powers. Use force feedback to make up the lost recharge, you will still come out ahead on damage. Fill in as many procs as you can, enough accuracy to hit reliably(~30%-ish) and damage/endurance if there's nice 2 or 3 slot bonuses. For example, my regular slotting for Crack Whip is x2 Annihilation, x2 Positron, FF, 1 damage proc(bombardment/javelin/explosive, doesn't really matter). If you use soul tentacles often and use crack whip for damage, you might even consider dropping x2 Annihilation for 1 damage proc + 1 acc/dmg/end slot instead. Similarly, Lash can be slotted with Hecatomb x2, force feedback, 2 more damage procs and something that gives acc/dmg. Same idea for Soul Storm, except here you can also take recharge to hit slot bonuses without worry.

The major difference between Lash and Soul Storm is a tradeoff between damage and endurance. Lash is significantly more DPS, but also significantly worse DPE(damage per endurance). Since you're suffering from both slot and endurance problems, I'd drop Lash or Crack Whip in favor of Soul Storm.

Once you drop 1 or 2 of the damage powers, you'll have some slots to work with. Here's some powers I think are underslotted or overslotted:

Twilight Grasp - needs one more Acc/Healing to cap out accuracy, this is one of your most spammed powers so it's worth it. The slot bonus also gives +9% global accuracy which is nice as well.
Fearsome Stare - doesn't really need the damage proc unless you plan on spamming it, the damage contribution is fairly small
Dark Servant vs Darkest Night - Night is actually a pretty weak power and not worth slotting IMO. It's useful for tough fights because it layers -damage on top of your powers, but you wouldn't really want to use it all the time. If you are using it all the time, I'd definitely drop one more of the attacks. Instead, the slots should go to Dark Servant for 5 Siphon + Cloud Senses damage proc. The Dark Servant produces a *ton* more -hit and -damage, it's way better to buff that and have enough recharge to keep it up constantly.

Speaking of recharge, you can take hasten instead of focusing so much on slotting recharge sets.
I think Tar Patch deserves an extra recharge slot, it's a bigger damage contribution to have it up all the time, or even better, to be able to stack it(yes, the -res stacks!).

I normally slot Howling Twilight more(more end and recharge) because I use it often, but that's more of a personal preference.

I think the pet slotting could use a bit of optimization. You can slot 4/6 Command into Hell on Earth + 2 auras - I think that's more efficient than the current slotting. The rest of the summons don't really need the recharge, and with enough fiddling, you can fit 1 aura in demonlings and 1 aura in prince or demons.

Here's the build with some of my suggestions. The pets still need more fiddling to achieve acc/dmg/end goals - I normally slot them with Intuition Radial in mind so I don't have a slotting ready without incarnates. There's a lot more that can be done with the build, and I think it's definitely worth dropping 1 more attack so you can fill those unused power slots with useful stuff(CJ, hover, fly, plenty of other choices to be made).

 

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 Mutation Mastermind
Primary Power Set: Demon Summoning
Secondary Power Set: Dark Miasma
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Soul Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Summon Demonlings -- ExpRnf-+Res(Pets)(A), Empty(3), SprMarofS-Dmg(3), SprMarofS-Acc/Dmg(5), SprMarofS-Acc/EndRdx(5), SprMarofS-EndRdx/+Resist/+Regen(7)
Level 1: Twilight Grasp -- ThfofEss-+End%(A), TchoftheN-Heal(7), TchoftheN-Acc/EndRdx/Heal/HP/Regen(9), TchoftheN-Acc/Heal(9)
Level 2: Lash -- Hct-Dam%(A), Hct-Dmg/EndRdx(11), TchofDth-Acc/Dmg(11), TchofDth-Dam%(13), FrcFdb-Rechg%(13), GldStr-%Dam(15)
Level 4: Darkest Night -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 6: Enchant Demon -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 8: Crack Whip -- FrcFdb-Rechg%(A), Bmbdmt-+FireDmg(19), Ann-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(21), PstBls-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(21), PstBls-Dam%(23), Ann-ResDeb%(23)
Level 10: Tar Patch -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(43)
Level 12: Summon Demons -- SprMarofS-Dmg/EndRdx(A), SprMarofS-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(25), UnbGrd-ResDam(25), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(27), Empty(27), Empty(29)
Level 14: [Empty] -- Empty(A)
Level 16: Shadow Fall -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), GldArm-ResDam(29), Rct-Def/EndRdx(31), Rct-Def(31), GldArm-3defTpProc(31), GldArm-End/Res(33)
Level 18: Hell on Earth -- SprCmmoft-Rchg/PetAoEDef(A), SprCmmoft-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(19), SprCmmoft-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(33), SprCmmoft-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), SvrRgh-PetResDam(34), CaltoArm-+Def(Pets)(34)
Level 20: Fearsome Stare -- SphIns-ToHitDeb(A), SphIns-Acc/ToHitDeb(34), SphIns-Acc/Rchg(36), SphIns-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg(36), SphIns-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(36)
Level 22: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), Rct-Def/EndRdx(37), Rct-ResDam%(37), Ksm-ToHit+(37), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(43)
Level 24: Tactics -- AdjTrg-ToHit(A), AdjTrg-ToHit/EndRdx(39)
Level 26: Summon Demon Prince -- SprCmmoft-Acc/Dmg(A), SprCmmoft-Dmg/EndRdx(39), SlbAll-Dmg/EndRdx(39), Empty(40), SlbAll-Build%(40), ImpSwf-Dam%(40)
Level 28: [Empty] 
Level 30: Howling Twilight -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 32: Abyssal Empowerment -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 35: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(42)
Level 38: Dark Embrace -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(42), UnbGrd-Max HP%(42), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(46), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(50)
Level 41: Soul Tentacles -- Ann-ResDeb%(A), Ann-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(43)
Level 44: Soul Storm -- GldJvl-Dam%(A), GhsWdwEmb-Dam%(45), NrnSht-Dam%(45), Apc-Dam%(45), UnbCns-Dam%(46), UnbCns-Acc/Rchg(46)
Level 47: Dark Servant -- SphIns-ToHitDeb(A), SphIns-Acc/ToHitDeb(48), SphIns-Acc/Rchg(48), SphIns-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg(48), SphIns-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(50), CldSns-%Dam(50)
Level 49: [Empty] -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Supremacy 
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Health -- Mrc-Rcvry+(A), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(15), Pnc-Heal/+End(17)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), SynSck-EndMod(17)
Level 2: Cold Demonling 
Level 26: Demon Prince 
Level 12: Ember Demon 
Level 2: Fiery Demonling 
Level 2: Hellfire Demonling 
Level 12: Hellfire Gargoyle 
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 4: Ninja Run 
------------

 

Thank you!!! This looks like an excellent build which fits almost everything I wanted into it. I will probably spend the next 8 hours moving slots around because I'm insane but this is a huge help. Combat Jumping is an easy choice, but I do have one follow-up question: how valuable is Assault for MMs? In theory it seems like it would amp their damage up quite a bit, especially since Demons/ is light on proc opportunities, but I'm not sure if it's a better option than Oppressive Gloom (for extra control) or Vengeance (for an oh-shit button).

Edited April 28, 2021 by Sovereigne

[Force Redux]

Feel free to check out my guide at the top of this forum.

[Agorazium]

4 minutes ago, Force Redux said:

Feel free to check out my guide at the top of this forum.

I’ve been reading that religiously since I rolled the character 😁

[Force Redux]

49 minutes ago, Sovereigne said:

I’ve been reading that religiously since I rolled the character 😁

If I can help with questions, just poke me 🙂

[brasilgringo]

This is my current live build.

 

This Villain build was built using Mids Reborn 3.0.4.7
https://github.com/Reborn-Team/MidsReborn

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Voidcaller: Level 50 Magic Mastermind
Primary Power Set: Demon Summoning
Secondary Power Set: Dark Miasma
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Soul Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Summon Demonlings -- CmmoftheM-Acc/Dmg(A), CmmoftheM-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(3), CmmoftheM-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(3), CmmoftheM-Rchg/PetAoEDef(5), OvrFrc-Dam/KB(5), EdcoftheM-PetDef(7)
Level 1: Twilight Grasp -- TchoftheN-Acc/EndRdx/Heal/HP/Regen(A), TchoftheN-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(7), TchoftheN-Acc/Heal(9), ThfofEss-+End%(9)
Level 2: Lash -- CrsImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(A), HO:Nucle(11), TchofDth-Dam%(11), Hct-Dam%(13), ExpStr-Dam%(13), FrcFdb-Rechg%(15)
Level 4: Darkest Night -- SphIns-ToHitDeb(A), SphIns-Acc/ToHitDeb(19), SphIns-Acc/Rchg(19), SphIns-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg(21), SphIns-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(21)
Level 6: Enchant Demon -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 8: Tar Patch -- TmpRdn-EndRdx/Rchg/Slow(A)
Level 10: Howling Twilight -- Artl-End/Rech/Rng(A), Ann-ResDeb%(23)
Level 12: Summon Demons -- MarofSpr-Acc/Dmg(A), MarofSpr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(23), SlbAll-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(25), SlbAll-Build%(25), ResDam-I(27), ResDam-I(27)
Level 14: Crack Whip -- PstBls-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(A), PstBls-Dam%(29), HO:Nucle(29), Bmbdmt-+FireDmg(31), ExpStr-Dam%(31), FrcFdb-Rechg%(31)
Level 16: Shadow Fall -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), ShlWal-Def/EndRdx(33), ShlWal-Def(33), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(33), GldArm-3defTpProc(34), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(34)
Level 18: Hell on Earth -- MarofSpr-Dmg(A), MarofSpr-EndRdx/+Resist/+Regen(34), Dmg-I(36), CaltoArm-+Def(Pets)(36), SvrRgh-PetResDam(36), ExpRnf-+Res(Pets)(37)
Level 20: Fearsome Stare -- CldSns-ToHitDeb(A), CldSns-Acc/ToHitDeb(37), CldSns-Acc/Rchg(37), CldSns-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg(39), CldSns-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(39), CldSns-%Dam(39)
Level 22: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), Ksm-EndRdx/Rchg(40), Rct-ResDam%(40), BlsoftheZ-Travel(40), BlsoftheZ-ResKB(42)
Level 24: Super Speed -- BlsoftheZ-Travel/EndRdx(A), BlsoftheZ-ResKB(42)
Level 26: Summon Demon Prince -- MarofSpr-Acc/EndRdx(A), MarofSpr-Dmg/EndRdx(42), SlbAll-Dmg(43), ImpSwf-Dam%(43), UnbCns-Acc/Hold/Rchg(43), HO:Nucle(45)
Level 28: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(45), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(45)
Level 30: Tactics -- HO:Cyto(A)
Level 32: Abyssal Empowerment -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 35: Dark Embrace -- RctArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(46), RctArm-ResDam/Rchg(46), RctArm-ResDam(46)
Level 38: Dark Servant -- SphIns-ToHitDeb(A), SphIns-Acc/ToHitDeb(48), SphIns-Acc/Rchg(48), SphIns-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg(48), SphIns-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(50), CldSns-%Dam(50)
Level 41: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(50)
Level 44: Oppressive Gloom -- HO:Endo(A)
Level 47: Vengeance -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 49: Victory Rush -- EndMod-I(A)
Level 1: Cold Demonling 
Level 1: Fiery Demonling 
Level 1: Hellfire Demonling 
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Supremacy 
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Pnc-Heal/+End(A), Mrc-Rcvry+(15), Prv-Absorb%(17)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), PrfShf-EndMod(17)
Level 12: Ember Demon 
Level 12: Hellfire Gargoyle 
Level 26: Demon Prince 
------------

[BGSacho]

On 4/28/2021 at 11:08 PM, Sovereigne said:

Thank you!!! This looks like an excellent build which fits almost everything I wanted into it. I will probably spend the next 8 hours moving slots around because I'm insane but this is a huge help. Combat Jumping is an easy choice, but I do have one follow-up question: how valuable is Assault for MMs? In theory it seems like it would amp their damage up quite a bit, especially since Demons/ is light on proc opportunities, but I'm not sure if it's a better option than Oppressive Gloom (for extra control) or Vengeance (for an oh-shit button).

This question used to bug me a lot. Initially I was very dismissive of assault - MM pets already have about 225% damage, so assault can't be contributing that much. When I finished my pet damage calculator I went back and did the numbers on assault vs a fully slotted and procced out damage power. For reference, Lash does about 40 dps at 1.8 EPS(endurance per second), assuming you're spamming it on cooldown with a reasonable amount of global recharge(100%-ish). Demons do about 80 baseline dps(before enhanced damage, procs, etc), so assault is giving you about 9 dps at 0.27 EPS(assuming you just slot 1 endurance in it). This actually makes it a very efficient power for damage if you have power slots to spare and are struggling for enhancement slots. For the rest of your questions, I've also spent hours upon hours tweaking the final slots and powers in my build, and I don't really have a definitive answer. Gloom is really nice, you're going to be in the thick of it if you're tanking already, combos well with Howling Twilight(mag 4 aoe stun!), and is fairly cheap. I play solo a lot so I don't put a lot of value on vengeance, but it might be really good for you. I've actually taken Victory Rush in many of my builds, especially before they're completely kitted out - you can go full ham on the damage spam for 2 minutes, really helps mission clear times.

Here's some other powers I've experimented with:

CROSS PUNCH - this is my favourite power ever, but it's so unthematic for a Demons/Dark "sorcerer". Cross Punch does so many things for you:

- it gives you access to the pbaoe -res proc, which MMs don't really have access to(noone takes charge mastery). This on its own pretty much makes it a top tier pick, as -20% res is a bigger damage contribution than pretty much anything else you can slot, even vs AVs it's better than a damage proc.
- it actually does respectable single target damage - it's about 20% worse than Lash at 32 dps, 1.98 eps. However, it's not a single target power, and you can quite often engineer hitting more than 1 enemy with it
- speaking of hitting stuff with it, every enemy hit gives you a +10% recharge buff for 6 seconds. Yeah, every enemy you hit. Fooling around with this and fold space, I've managed to hit up to 5 enemies with it. It also casually gives +5% tohit for each enemy hit, because why not.
- 50% recharge not enough for you? You can also slot force feedback into it. I heard you like recharge, so I put some recharge on your recharge.

The drawbacks of Cross Punch, especially for Demons/Dark, is that it takes a lot of power slots(5), plus you don't really need fighting. But the power is so powerful, it tempts me all the time.

Speaking of -res, one thing Demons/Dark doesn't have access to is Achilles Heel, which is why thugs aren't too far behind in terms of -res. Experimentation has Corrosive Vial, which can fit both Annihilation and Achilles Heel, and proc them very reliably. Unfortunately, it's also quite expensive and doesn't really have 100% uptime, and the AoE is not too impressive. There's also the question of what to take to get to it - injection is kinda sorta useful for minions, but requires way too much micromanagement, maybe if it lasted 2 or 3 minutes instead of 1. Toxic Dart is just crap for MM. Adrenal Booster is kinda meh. I'd rate Experimentation roughly on the same level as sorcery.

Weaken Resolve is another way to grab Achilles Heel for bosses, but it really doesn't do anything else, and you need to dedicate a few slots to get the accuracy up to par...meh. The rest of the pool isn't very interesting, but Unleash is pretty good for /Dark, if you use it to softcap your defenses just before tough fights. 

Aid Self + Field Medic is a great way to restore your endurance, but it feels like a huge waste on /Dark - you take 3 powers just to recover endurance, since you don't care at all about the healing.

That's all I've experimented with.
 

Edited April 30, 2021 by BGSacho

[Tacheyon]

9 hours ago, BGSacho said:

Speaking of -res, one thing Demons/Dark doesn't have access to is Achilles Heel, which is why thugs aren't too far behind in terms of -res. Experimentation has Corrosive Vial, which can fit both Annihilation and Achilles Heel, and proc them very reliably. Unfortunately, it's also quite expensive and doesn't really have 100% uptime, and the AoE is not too impressive. There's also the question of what to take to get to it - injection is kinda sorta useful for minions, but requires way too much micromanagement, maybe if it lasted 2 or 3 minutes instead of 1. Toxic Dart is just crap for MM. Adrenal Booster is kinda meh. I'd rate Experimentation roughly on the same level as sorcery.

 

If you are looking at Demons and wanting to place a -res proc, look at Crack Whip.  It is a cone yes, but a decent size attack does it's own -res and can slot both a Annihilation -Res plus a Force Feedback +Recharge.  Plus it saves you having to get a whole bunch of powers to try for one proc (especially because it doesn't stack, just refreshes).

 

[brasilgringo]

3 hours ago, Tacheyon said:

 

If you are looking at Demons and wanting to place a -res proc, look at Crack Whip.  It is a cone yes, but a decent size attack does it's own -res and can slot both a Annihilation -Res plus a Force Feedback +Recharge.  Plus it saves you having to get a whole bunch of powers to try for one proc (especially because it doesn't stack, just refreshes).

 

Not sure if it works, but I put the Annhil - RES into Howling Twilight which I use offensively every time it is up.  Not sure if it just affects the target or everything in the AOE but hoping it's the latter.

Level 10: Howling Twilight -- Artl-End/Rech/Rng(A), Ann-ResDeb%(23)

Edited April 30, 2021 by brasilgringo