Radiation Emission / Radiation Blast - Proton inspired - Alternate Self.

[Soulsifter]

 Hello it's me again 🙂

 

 I'm taking a tour of the ATs ( as you do ) and have started with a defender as of yesterday. I'm taking Proton as a starting base with the idea that since he is multiple beings ( either real or fashioned ) I would tap further into that thought process and create another. His outfit subtly calls to Protons look but is different.

 

My further idea was for him to be party-centric. I want him to do well solo, but shine in a group. 

 

I've read a lot in the forums before creating my Mids.

 

A few things to address:

 

I had Irradiate in, and opted to take it out in favor of choking cloud, later in the build.

 a) Reasoning - I have plenty of attacks - I needed some control aspect to allow me to wade in, when needed, and give heals or deliver my hard hitting Pbaoe's ( realizing that Irradiate is one as well ) 

 b) Further reasoning - I've grown fond of using Neutrino and X-ray as a rapid fire "Always something to hit with" option while the hard hitters are on cooldown and/or I'm healing/buffing. I furthered their utility via enhancement options.

 

I really wanted to be durable. Defenders evoke the idea of toughness, so I wanted to lean into it. I did the best I could but honestly feel like this is one of my better first attempts. 

 

I like it. 

 

https://api.midsreborn.com/build/download/Fxwur0u3Iwjx164N

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thermopyle  - Hero Defender
Build plan made with Mids' Reborn v3.7.5 rev. 21
──────────────────────────────

• Primary powerset: Radiation Emission
• Secondary powerset: Radiation Blast
• Pool powerset (#1): Leadership
• Pool powerset (#2): Fighting
• Pool powerset (#3): Leaping
• Pool powerset (#4): Speed
• Epic powerset: Energy Mastery

──────────────────────────────

Powers taken:

Level 1: Radiant Aura

• A: Numina's Convalesence: Heal/Endurance
• 9: Numina's Convalesence: Endurance/Recharge
• 15: Numina's Convalesence: Heal/Recharge
• 15: Numina's Convalesence: Heal/Endurance/Recharge
• 21: Numina's Convalesence: Heal
• 23: Numina's Convalesence: +Regeneration/+Recovery

Level 1: Neutrino Bolt

• A: Gladiator's Javelin: Accuracy/Damage
• 7: Gladiator's Javelin: Chance of Damage(Toxic)
• 11: Achilles' Heel: Chance for Res Debuff
• 11: Touch of Lady Grey: Chance for Negative Damage
• 13: Shield Breaker: Chance for Lethal Damage
• 13: Invention: Damage Increase

Level 2: X-Ray Beam

• A: Gladiator's Javelin: Accuracy/Damage
• 3: Gladiator's Javelin: Chance of Damage(Toxic)
• 3: Touch of Lady Grey: Chance for Negative Damage
• 5: Shield Breaker: Chance for Lethal Damage
• 5: Invention: Damage Increase

Level 4: Accelerate Metabolism

• A: Preemptive Optimization: Accuracy/Recharge
• 31: Preemptive Optimization: EndMod/Endurance
• 33: Preemptive Optimization: EndMod/Recharge
• 33: Preemptive Optimization: EndMod/Accuracy/Endurance
• 33: Preemptive Optimization: EndMod/Accuracy/Recharge
• 34: Preemptive Optimization: EndMod/Endurance/Recharge

Level 6: Maneuvers

• A: Luck of the Gambler: Defense/Increased Global Recharge Speed
• 9: Reactive Defenses: Defense/Endurance
• 23: Reactive Defenses: Defense/Endurance/RechargeTime
• 50: Reactive Defenses: Scaling Resist Damage

Level 8: Boxing

• A: Chromatin Exposure

Level 10: Combat Jumping

• A: Luck of the Gambler: Defense/Increased Global Recharge Speed
• 25: Kismet: Accuracy +6%

Level 12: Super Jump

• A: Blessing of the Zephyr: Run Speed, Jump, Flight Speed, Range/Endurance
• 37: Blessing of the Zephyr: Knockback Reduction (4 points)
• 46: Winter's Gift: Slow Resistance (20%)

Level 14: Tactics

• A: Gaussian's Synchronized Fire-Control: Chance for Build Up

Level 16: Proton Volley

• A: Superior Vigilant Assault: Accuracy/Damage
• 17: Superior Vigilant Assault: Accuracy/Damage/Endurance
• 17: Superior Vigilant Assault: Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/RechargeTime
• 19: Touch of Lady Grey: Chance for Negative Damage
• 19: Sting of the Manticore: Chance of Damage(Toxic)
• 21: Gladiator's Javelin: Chance of Damage(Toxic)

Level 18: Vengeance

• A: Luck of the Gambler: Defense/Increased Global Recharge Speed

Level 20: Tough

• A: Gladiator's Armor: Resistance
• 27: Gladiator's Armor: TP Protection +3% Def (All)
• 27: Unbreakable Guard: Resistance
• 37: Unbreakable Guard: Resistance/Endurance
• 46: Unbreakable Guard: +Max HP

Level 22: Hasten

• A: Invention: Recharge Reduction
• 25: Invention: Recharge Reduction

Level 24: Cosmic Burst

• A: Superior Winter's Bite: Accuracy/Damage
• 34: Superior Winter's Bite: Damage/RechargeTime
• 34: Superior Winter's Bite: Accuracy/Damage/Endurance
• 36: Superior Winter's Bite: Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
• 36: Superior Winter's Bite: Recharge/Chance for -Speed & -Recharge

Level 26: Weave

• A: Luck of the Gambler: Defense/Increased Global Recharge Speed
• 29: Shield Wall: Defense/Endurance
• 31: Shield Wall: Defense/Endurance/Recharge
• 31: Shield Wall: +Res (Teleportation), +5% Res (All)

Level 28: Neutron Bomb

• A: Superior Defender's Bastion: Accuracy/Damage
• 39: Superior Defender's Bastion: Damage/Recharge
• 39: Superior Defender's Bastion: Damage/Endurance/Recharge
• 40: Superior Defender's Bastion: Accuracy/Damage/Endurance
• 40: Superior Defender's Bastion: Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge
• 40: Superior Defender's Bastion: Recharge/Chance for Minor PBAoE Heal

Level 30: Atomic Blast

• A: Superior Vigilant Assault: Damage/RechargeTime
• 36: Superior Vigilant Assault: Damage/Endurance/RechargeTime
• 37: Superior Vigilant Assault: RechargeTime/PBAoE +Absorb
• 42: Obliteration: Damage
• 42: Obliteration: Chance for Smashing Damage

Level 32: Radiation Infection

• A: Achilles' Heel: Chance for Res Debuff
• 45: Enzyme Exposure
• 45: Enzyme Exposure

Level 35: Conserve Power

• A: Invention: Recharge Reduction

Level 38: Temp Invulnerability

• A: Steadfast Protection: Resistance/Endurance
• 39: Steadfast Protection: Resistance/+Def 3%
• 42: Steadfast Protection: Knockback Protection
• 43: Gladiator's Armor: Resistance
• 43: Gladiator's Armor: End/Resist

Level 41: Lingering Radiation

• A: Pacing of the Turtle: Accuracy/Slow
• 43: Pacing of the Turtle: Damage/Slow
• 45: Pacing of the Turtle: Accuracy/Endurance
• 46: Pacing of the Turtle: Chance of -Recharge

Level 44: Choking Cloud

• A: Superior Entomb: Accuracy/Hold
• 48: Superior Entomb: Hold/Recharge
• 48: Superior Entomb: Endurance/Recharge
• 48: Superior Entomb: Accuracy/Hold/Endurance
• 50: Superior Entomb: Accuracy/Hold/Endurance/Recharge
• 50: Superior Entomb: Recharge/Chance for +Absorb

Level 47: Super Speed

• A: Blessing of the Zephyr: Run Speed, Jump, Flight Speed, Range/Endurance

Level 49: Assault

• A: Karyoplasm Exposure

──────────────────────────────

Inherents:

Level 1: Vigilance

Level 1: Brawl

• (Empty)

Level 1: Sprint

• A: Celerity: +Stealth

Level 2: Rest

• A: Invention: Interrupt Reduction

Level 1: Swift

• A: Invention: Run Speed

Level 1: Hurdle

• A: Invention: Jumping

Level 1: Health

• A: Panacea: +Hit Points/Endurance
• 29: Miracle: +Recovery

Level 1: Stamina

• A: Performance Shifter: EndMod
• 7: Performance Shifter: Chance for +End

Level 12: Double Jump

Level 49: Quick Form

Level 47: Speed Phase

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 13 by Soulsifter

[Psylenz0511]

From what you have posted, I would assume you do not care to exemp down to help on lowbie task forces. You have lingering radiation selected at level 41.

 

On my Rad/* defenders */rad corruptors, I have to have EM Pulse for the burst -regen in fights with the hard targets, bosses, elite bosses, archvillains, monsters, and giant monsters.

I also run a high recharge build and actually use EM Pulse as often as possible to neuter large spawns where I can. I took recall friend, Teleport, and  Fold Space for just such emergencies.

 

You wouldn't have to use EM Pulse as frequently as I do, but it's very nice for boss fights.

 

By the way, I do not 'wade in' to large groups with choking cloud, I teleport directly in the middle to hold as many minions as possible. With the lockdown +mag 2 hold proc in choking cloud, most lieutenants and even bosses will be held,

 

Random nitpick, 3 slots seems  like a lot in super jump. I do like how you procc'ed out neutrino bolt and x-ray beam. I didn't take mutation on my later builds of Rad/* defenders I get the day job resurrection to patch up the team after fights. I end up getting myself killed tracking down defeated allies and using mutation in the middle of hot fights.

 

Enjoy your rad-ness

[Soulsifter]

Thanks 🙂 Pizza for you! 

 

Been exemplaring a lot actually. It works how I like, so far. I've not made a single change and am at 29 as I type this. So far, in exemplaring (sic) down I have been so tough as to be able to hold the line while others get sorted after splitting from the group, and straying from the healer (me). A surprising aspect to be sure 😄 

 

I wanted to fit in teleport, but... I just could seem to talk myself out of any other pool. 

 

3 slot for super jump is strictly chasing ranged def and slow resist. It's one of the cheapest ways to that defensive type I could find.

 

Mutation just seemed... meh. Besides using the corpses of unfortunate or foolhardy team mates to make the rest of the team my merry band of murder puppets has proven very nice at low levels. 

 

This is on a budget. I'm not anywhere near Daddy Warbucks status. SO's will have to work, for now.

 

I'm excited to see what the two PBAOE's bring to my table. I haven't got a chance to use them yet.

 

Soon. . . 

Edited November 14 by Soulsifter

[Uun]

• Skipping Enervating Field is a huge mistake. It's a core power and provides -res and -dmg. Doesn't require more than 1-2 endred IOs. Radiation Infection at lvl 32? Again this is a core power and should be taken much earlier. Not sure how you made it to lvl 29 without either of these. Spamming Radiant Aura and Accelerate Metabolism doesn't make you a Rad defender.
• Slotting Neutrino Bolt and X-Ray Beam for procs yields poor returns. The chance for procs to fire is based on the base recharge of the power, with longer recharges resulting in higher chances to proc. Also, taking both T1 blasts is almost never a good idea. I would drop Neutrino Bolt for Irradiate (which has very good proc chances). 
• Tactics needs to be running in order for Gaussian's %BU proc to fire. You need endred slotted to run Tactics.
• Pacing of the Turtle is a poor choice in Lingering Radiation. The power is valuable because of its -regen (which stacks), not because of its slow. Slot 1 acc IO and 1-2 rech IOs.
• While the set bonuses are very nice, Choking Cloud doesn't require accuracy or recharge. Slot 2-3 end/hold IOs are redeploy the remaining slots.
• Slotting HOs in Boxing and Assault is pointless. Boxing will never be used and can be left empty and Assault gets 1 endred IO.
• Musculature Core is the wrong choice for your Alpha slot. You want Musculature Radial or Intuition Radial.
• You want Support Radial, not Support Core. Core provides double buffs for pets, but you don't have any.

[Soulsifter]

I want to ask, because I have played this to 30.

 

Is your advice motivated at all, by actually playing a build origin to completion, without any assistance from your other toons? Or as a respec fully funded, with nice crispy full sets of level up with you enhancements? 

 

The reason I ask is this has played, letter perfect to the build planner, like a dream. The two toggles you suggest would cause massive endo issues, and keep in mind I've had level matching IO's in the entire time. At low levels, when you can (supposedly should) take those, the mobs die so fast it's a waste to even apply them. Most times when you're picking your target it gets burned down. Tried that, moved on, take 'em later and feel fine. 

 

Again, PLAYED, not a 2D Mids builder, theorycrafted build. 

 

You say HO are pointless for boxing/assault, they wont be used. But boxing has been used, at low levels, where I'm playing, not farming, or PLing. I'm soloing arch missions or doing TF's appropriate to my level.

 

As far as neutrino and xray poor returns, again, they have been amazing. My experience and your notion do not align. Since I've grouped I have been one of, if not THE, strongest heroes, in each of them. 

 

My experience informs my choices and I'm finding the advice I get must be taken with a grain of salt. Builds, in a vacuum, to ooo and ahh at numbers is not what I'm after. If a new ( or returning player - like me ) took this build, with DO's or SO's I bet they find it a great experience.  

 

I've looked at a lot of defender mids builds, my defenses, recharge, DPS, and regen are right there with most of them. 

 

I do appreciate the Incarnate advice, I'm not there yet. The walls of text in the Mids planner make my eyes gloss over so I just pick one based on a quick glance and move on. I'll figure that out in a month or so. I hope.

 

 

 

 

Edited November 14 by Soulsifter

[Teklord]

I am actually playing a rad/rad defender with a much different build using both of those toggles. I am having zero issues and I level by running TFs.

 

If you are enjoying yourself than great, but don't denigrate the extreme value of both RI and EF.

[Uun]

You posted asking for advice. I offered advice. Whether you agree with the advice is up to you. I play all my builds from origin to completion through teaming and TFs with minimal assistance from my other toons. To date, I have taken 60 characters to lvl 50 with no farming or power leveling going back to 2005.

 

The dmg/end HO in Assault is pointless because the power can't be enhanced for damage nor can the damage buff be enhanced at all. The only enhancements it accepts are endred and recharge.

 

My statement regarding your proc chances in Neutrino Bolt and X-Ray Beam isn't a notion, it's math. Neutrino Bolt has a 1.5s recharge and a 1.0s activation time. Each 3.5 PPM proc slotted in it has a 14.6% chance to fire, barely higher than the 10.25% minimum chance. X-Ray Beam has a 4.0s recharge and 1.67s activation time, resulting in a 33.1% chance to fire. By comparison, each 3.5 PPM proc slotted in Irradiate has a 37.8% chance to fire against each target hit (up to 16).

 

https://homecoming.wiki/wiki/Procs_Per_Minute

[Without_Pause]

I had a Level 50 Rad/sonic on Live. RI and EF were taken asap. RI has a known issue with animation time. At least now the toggles last past when the target has been arrested as compared to much of the time on Live where that wasn't true. RI also enables easier use of the Vet powers you can get at the S.T.A.R.T. vendor, and these are vastly better than Boxing. You have Neutrino Bolt which is practically on auto with any reasonable recharge. There is no realistic reason for using Boxing. You even have RI slotted with a -Res Proc for an AoE Debuff. I would want that happening asap even if the toggle itself goes away. EF with Defender levels of -Res? Inject that into my veins. 

 

In case it matters, I've played /rad a number of times, and my current attempt at it is 41, so yes, I have played it. I barely justify Boxing on a Brute. Also note I soloed my Rad/sonic on Live so yes I am rather aware of what those toggles do for the build. 

[Without_Pause]

1 minute ago, Uun said:

My statement regarding your proc chances in Neutrino Bolt and X-Ray Beam isn't a notion, it's math. Neutrino Bolt has a 1.5s recharge and a 1.0s activation time. Each 3.5 PPM proc slotted in it has a 14.6% chance to fire, barely higher than the 10.25% minimum chance. X-Ray Beam has a 4.0s recharge and 1.67s activation time, resulting in a 33.1% chance to fire. By comparison, each 3.5 PPM proc slotted in Irradiate has a 37.8% chance to fire against each target hit (up to 16).

Slotting the Achilles' Heel: Chance for Res Debuff in NB is the last place I would put it. You want that in an AoE as mentioned above.

[Nemu]

You only have 2 picks from your primary until level 32. And along that journey picked up and invested fully into 2 pools.

 

I’m all for people having fun with their builds. But if you come seeking advice, this build is not very balanced. You are essentially playing a weak wannabe sentinel for 31 levels, no matter how effective you think your build is.

 

Any build can be made “tough,” but that is not the measure of the value that all builds bring to the team. 

Edited 21 hours ago by Nemu