Dark Melee / Shield Defense

[Sevorizzle]

So I've been working on this build for a while, or rather I made this character a long time ago and now I'm trying to redo the build after the Dark Melee changes (if that tells you how long ago I made them) and I think I finally got something I like. I copied the build on test and it feels pretty good, though I'm not sure I have the crit proc in the right place, and shadow maul still feels a bit like its eating up my entire attack chain.

 

I dunno, I originally wanted to include a ranged patron power, but I couldn't find the slots for it, then I tried dropping various powers from Dark but each time I did that my attack chain felt weird.

 

Maybe I just don't have a good grasp on the new bits of dark yet, anyway if anyone has some tips about the build or anything I would love to hear em. Main goal was to hit softcaps, then get some global recharge, accuracy, hp, damage and resistance bonuses where I could roughly in that order.

 

Spoiler

This Hero build was built using Mids Reborn 3.1.2.5
https://github.com/LoadedCamel/MidsReborn

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Zoltarisa: Level 50 Natural Scrapper
Primary Power Set: Dark Melee
Secondary Power Set: Shield Defense
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Body Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Smite -- SprScrStr-Acc/Dmg(A), SprScrStr-Dmg/Rchg(11), SprScrStr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(37), SprScrStr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(39), SprScrStr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(39), SprScrStr-Rchg/+Crit(46)
Level 1: Deflection -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(3), LucoftheG-Def(3), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(5), GldArm-3defTpProc(5), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(7)
Level 2: Battle Agility -- RedFrt-Def/EndRdx(A), RedFrt-Def/Rchg(7), RedFrt-EndRdx/Rchg(9), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(9), RedFrt-EndRdx(17), RedFrt-Def(47)
Level 4: Combat Jumping -- ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(A), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(31)
Level 6: Shadow Maul -- SprCrtStr-Acc/Dmg(A), SprCrtStr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37), SprCrtStr-Dmg/Rchg(39), SprCrtStr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(43), SprCrtStr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(43), SprCrtStr-Rchg/+50% Crit(43)
Level 8: Siphon Life -- Hct-Dmg/Rchg(A), Hct-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(40), Hct-Acc/Rchg(40), Hct-Dmg/EndRdx(42), Hct-Dam%(42), Heal-I(42)
Level 10: Active Defense -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 12: Kick -- FrcFdb-Rechg%(A)
Level 14: Tough -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(15), UnbGrd-Max HP%(15)
Level 16: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(17), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(19), LucoftheG-Def(19)
Level 18: Dark Consumption -- Arm-Dmg/Rchg(A), Arm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(45), Arm-Acc/Rchg(45), Arm-Dmg/EndRdx(46), Arm-Dam%(46), Erd-%Dam(48)
Level 20: True Grit -- NmnCnv-Heal/EndRdx(A), NmnCnv-Heal/Rchg(21), NmnCnv-Heal(21), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(23), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(23), UnbGrd-ResDam(25)
Level 22: Phalanx Fighting -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 24: Against All Odds -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 26: Soul Drain -- SprAvl-Acc/Dmg(A), SprAvl-Dmg/EndRdx(27), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(27), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(29), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(29), SprAvl-Rchg/KDProc(31)
Level 28: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(31), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(34), Rct-ResDam%(34)
Level 30: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(50)
Level 32: Midnight Grasp -- Mk'Bit-Acc/Dmg(A), Mk'Bit-Dmg/EndRdx(33), Mk'Bit-Dmg/Rchg(33), Mk'Bit-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(33), Mk'Bit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), Mk'Bit-Dam%(40)
Level 35: Shield Charge -- Obl-Acc/Rchg(A), Obl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(36), Obl-%Dam(36), Obl-Dmg/Rchg(36), Obl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(37)
Level 38: Assault -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 41: Grant Cover -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 44: Tactics -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 47: Conserve Power -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 49: Physical Perfection -- PrfShf-End%(A), PwrTrns-+Heal(49)
Level 1: Critical Hit 
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- HO:Micro(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Prv-Absorb%(A), Mrc-Rcvry+(13), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(13), Pnc-Heal/+End(25)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-EndMod(A), PrfShf-EndMod/Rchg(11), PrfShf-End%(45), SynSck-EndMod/+RunSpeed(47), PwrTrns-+Heal(50)
Level 4: Ninja Run 
Level 50: Assault Core Embodiment 
Level 50: Musculature Radial Paragon 
Level 50: Pyronic Core Final Judgement 
Level 50: Reactive Core Flawless Interface 
Level 50: Ageless Radial Epiphany 
Level 50: Portal Jockey 
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[Onlyasandwich]

Dark/Shield is indeed an outstanding combo, and the Dark buffs only made it better!

 

A few broad notes:

• Shadow Maul is a bad place for the Crit strikes ATO proc, as it appears you suspect. You want this in either Siphon or Midnight Grasp. I would advise ignoring the rest of the set and parting out the proc, or at most bringing it to 4 slot if you really need the aoe def.
• Touch of Fear is now a staple power. I would at least test it to see what you think. Properly slotted, it does very solid aoe damage on a quick cooldown. The key here is proper proc slotting - you want to use melee aoe procs, and not fear ot -tohit, as those only hit single target.
• Shadow Maul benefits greatly from procs as well. This is a great place for Ragnarok purple proc, which is largely wasted in Dark Consumption. It will offer much better returns in Maul.
• You can swap a lotg to grant cover from combat jumping to free up a slot.
• Stamina is a bit overslotted. I would at most slot it with endmod, perf shift proc, power transfer proc. The other two slots would be better served in say slotting up touch of fear. Assault would be a prime candidate to drop in favor of touch of fear.
• The numina heal slotting in True grit is also a bit of a waste. The return on +HP value is pretty low and the set bonuses aren't very good- these would be more easy slots to siphon.
• Maneuvers is a bad defense return on slot investment. I would leave it at lotg and a plussed out def lotg myself at most, possibly even just base slot lotg. You can get better defense returns by reworking other powers with these slots. Blezzing of Zephr is a prime candidate here for shoring up any ranged or aoe you lose, as is explosive strike as a mule in kick. If you really like 4 slotting it, make 2 of them reactive to match the scaling IO for better set bonuses.
• Consider a more hybrid/proc based slotting approach for siphon life. It's base damage is not amazing - it only truly comes into its own with procs. I don't even worry about the heal enhancement, as I cycle it enough to provide meaningful healing just by using it baseline.
• Since you have a decent heal in your attacks, power transfer heal proc is a bit less attractive. These are other potentials that you could use for touch of fear or other fun.

 

I don't have a build thrown together right now on this combo, but do have a recent /shield stalker I built. You might find the /shield choices helpful in approaching a softcap strategy:

 

Spoiler

This Villain build was built using Mids Reborn 3.1.2.5
https://github.com/LoadedCamel/MidsReborn

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Lost Transmission: Level 50 Science Stalker
Primary Power Set: Electrical Melee
Secondary Power Set: Shield Defense
Power Pool: Teleportation
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Ancillary Pool: Mu Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Charged Brawl -- SprAssMar-Rchg/Rchg Build Up(A), SprAssMar-Acc/Dmg(3), SprAssMar-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(3), SprAssMar-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(5)
Level 1: Hide -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(15)
Level 2: Deflection -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), Rct-Def(5), Rct-Def/EndRdx(11), Rct-ResDam%(13), RctArm-ResDam(13), RctArm-ResDam/EndRdx(15)
Level 4: Battle Agility -- RedFrt-Def(A), RedFrt-EndRdx(17), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx(19), RedFrt-Def/Rchg(19), RedFrt-EndRdx/Rchg(39), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(39)
Level 6: Assassin's Shock -- SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg(A), SprStlGl-Dmg/Rchg(7), SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(7), SprStlGl-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(9), SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(9), SprStlGl-Rchg/Hide%(11)
Level 8: Build Up -- GssSynFr--Build%(A), GssSynFr--ToHit/EndRdx(29), GssSynFr--Rchg/EndRdx(34), GssSynFr--ToHit/Rchg/EndRdx(39), GssSynFr--ToHit/Rchg(40), GssSynFr--ToHit(40)
Level 10: True Grit -- RctArm-ResDam(A), RctArm-ResDam/EndRdx(21), RctArm-ResDam/Rchg(27), Prv-Absorb%(31), Prv-Heal(50)
Level 12: Teleport -- BlsoftheZ-Travel(A), BlsoftheZ-Travel/EndRdx(17)
Level 14: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), BlsoftheZ-Travel(31), BlsoftheZ-Travel/EndRdx(46)
Level 16: Active Defense -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 18: Chain Induction -- SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg(A), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx(21), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(23), GldStr-%Dam(23), TchofDth-Dam%(25), Hct-Dam%(25)
Level 20: Against All Odds -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 22: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(27)
Level 24: Kick -- ExpStr-Dmg/KB(A), ExpStr-Acc/KB(37), ExpStr-Dam%(37)
Level 26: Thunder Strike -- SprAvl-Acc/Dmg(A), SprAvl-Dmg/EndRdx(40), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(42), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(42), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(42), Arm-Dam%(43)
Level 28: Tough -- StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(A)
Level 30: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(31)
Level 32: Lightning Rod -- Arm-Dmg/EndRdx(A), Arm-Dmg(33), Arm-Dmg/Rchg(33), Arm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), Arm-Acc/Rchg(34), Erd-%Dam(50)
Level 35: Shield Charge -- Obl-Dmg(A), Obl-Acc/Rchg(36), Obl-Dmg/Rchg(36), Obl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(36), Obl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37), Obl-%Dam(43)
Level 38: One with the Shield -- GldArm-3defTpProc(A)
Level 41: Combat Teleport -- BlsoftheZ-Travel(A), BlsoftheZ-Travel/EndRdx(43)
Level 44: Zapp -- SprWntBit-Acc/Dmg(A), SprWntBit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(45), SprWntBit-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(45), Apc-Dam%(45), GldJvl-Dam%(46), StnoftheM-Dam%(46)
Level 47: Ball Lightning -- SprFrzBls-Acc/Dmg(A), SprFrzBls-Dmg/EndRdx(48), SprFrzBls-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(48), SprFrzBls-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(48), SprFrzBls-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(50)
Level 49: Grant Cover -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 1: Assassination 
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 -- Pnc-Heal/+End(A), Mrc-Rcvry+(29)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), PrfShf-EndMod(34)
Level 49: Quick Form 
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: Ageless Radial Epiphany 
Level 50: Ion Core Final Judgement 
Level 50: Degenerative Core Flawless Interface 
Level 50: Musculature Radial Paragon 
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[Sevorizzle]

Hey thank you for all this, everything you say makes sense and I'm gonna poke around and see if I can make some changes.