EchoSoKar

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  1. Wow.
    Scads of information here.
    Sadly, I have no money to make use of any of it here... but alas. Another day.
    I will definitely have to make up an in-game model sheet... with appropriate markers and indications, of course.
  2. Tanking
    An insider's guide by Echo So'Kar

    >>Introduction
    The Tools
    The Primaries
    Echo's Guide To Tanking
    Self-Rez

    Greetings.

    I am a tank.
    I protect my team.
    I am the first in, and the last out.
    I will lay down my life in the defense of my team.
    When I say run, you will run. I will not be following.
    For I am a tank.

    This is your mantra as an effective tank.
    If your team members are dying, then you are not doing your job as effectively as you can.
    That being said, a tank is not a meat shield.
    A tank is not someone who simply stands in the way and takes the damage.
    Tanking is an art, a profession. Not a hobby.

    There are three tools that a tank has at their disposal:

    Introduction
    >>The Tools
    The Primaries
    Echo's Guide To Tanking
    Self-Rez

    1) Taunt Auras
    2) Gauntlet
    3) Taunt

    More detail on those to follow.

    Tankers, like all ATs, have a primary and a secondary.
    Certain primaries are 'better' at certain tasks than others; that being said, all tankers, when done correctly, can do all things.
    As well, even the 'best' tanker sets, when played inefficiently, can be absolute garbage.
    I have seen Stone tanks, in Granite, fall. Sometimes even quickly.
    Yet I have seen Dar Armour, the 'worst tanker set evar!' tank the seemingly impossible.
    It all depends on how well you can use the tools you have available.

    1) Taunt Auras
    All primaries have at least one. Some are more effective than others.
    A taunt Aura is a toggle power that constantly affects targets around you; be that doing damage, reducing damage or toHit, or slowing them. This, in turn, causes them to nreally not like you, and voila! You have aggro.

    2) Gauntlet
    The Tanker Inherent power. Every time you punch an enemy in the face, they, for obvious reasons, won't like you anymore. Neither will their buddies. It's essentially a mini-taunt, every time you attack.

    3) Taunt
    The oft-argued power that every tanker secondary gets. Is it needed? Some say yes, others, no.
    I do not think it is 'needed', but it is certainly useful. See Aett_Thorn's guide to Taunt Myths for your easy-to-follow guide to taunt.
    I have it, but only because Willpower's taunt aura does not do the job as effectively as I'd like it to.

    Introduction
    The Tools
    >>The Primaries
    Echo's Guide To Tanking
    Self-Rez

    ->Dark Armour
    ->Ice Armour
    ->Invulnerability
    ->Fiery Aura
    ->Stone Armour
    ->Willpower
    ->Electric Armour
    ->Shield Defense

    Here they are: The primaries, and what they do.
    Keep in mind, what I state here is if the primary in question is done right; done wrong, everything can be pretty darn bad.

    Dark Armour
    Very good resistances all round. Near-capped negative reisistance, pretty swell Smashing/Lethal resist.
    Best damn self-heal in the game
    Has a self-rez
    Taunt Aura: Death Shroud. Pretty good. Standard damaging aura, does negative damage.
    Echo's Issues: takes a lot of endurance to run everything you want to. No immob or KB resistance.
    Good secondaries: Fire, for that extra bit of "Ha ha, now you're dead!"; can be really bad for end use
    Dark, for the synergy, as well as the amazing end-recovery power
    Stone, for the stacking stuns
    Electric, for the extra end-stealing that can sometimes occur

    Ice Armour
    Solid defenses
    Typed defense, not situational (smash/lethal, fire, as opposed to Melee/ranged/AoE)
    Has a self-heal
    Has a wicked regen/end-recovery power; can be abused; I personally don't like it
    Past level 26, never worry about end again.
    Taunt Aura: Has two, actually. Chilling Embrace, I would say, is one of the best hate-magnets in the game. Icicles is not bad, little end-heavy, and does lethal damage.
    Echo's Issues: I don't have any, really. Pretty solid set.
    Good secondaries: Ice, for the typed damage synergy
    Stone, for the benefits of the end-recovery in Energy Absorption
    Energy, for the same reasons as Stone
    Super Strength, because now you can use HandClap!

    Invulnerability
    Can easily cap Smashing/Lethal resistances
    Has a pretty darn good self-heal; can almost be permanent
    Taunt Aura: Decent in what it does; reduces opponent's accuracy, increased your own defense. Sadly, you don't get it til 18, which means that you'll have to rely on other methods to effectively tank at the lower levels
    Echo's Issues: Again, I have no qualms with this set, aside from a sad amount (recently improved) of defense debuff resistance.
    Good secondaries: All secondaries go well with invulnerability.

    Fiery Aura
    Easily capped fire/cold resistance
    Amazing Self-heal
    Good end-recovery power in Consume
    Has a self-rez
    Taunt Aura: Blazing Aura. Does fire damage, pulses slowly. Not bad, as Auras go.
    Echo's Issues: No KB or immob resistance, and that makes me a sad panda.
    Good Secondaries: Fire, for the disgusting amounts of fire damage that can be produced with this combination
    Stone, for the Burn/Fault combination. Very nasty
    Ice, for Burn/Ice Patch

    Stone Armour
    Typed defense
    Basic armours are a bit lack-luster
    One of few tank sets with built-in psi defense
    Granite is a beast, but neuters your offensive abilities
    Rooted slows you down, but otherwise is phenominal
    Taunt Aura: Mudpots. Fire damage, slows enemies. takes a butt-load of end to use.
    Echo's Issues: Stone shines with Granite, but Granite Armour does nothing else but make you practically indestructible.
    Good Secondaries: Fire/Super Strength/Energy, to make up for your lack of damage potential
    Dark, to provide a bit of extra end recovery

    Willpower
    My personal favorite set
    A bit harder to cap smashing/lethal resistance
    Wicked psi resistance
    Gets Fast Healing and Quick Recovery
    Has a self-rez
    taunt Aura: Rise to the Challenge is beastly in regards to the amount of regen that is plausible, but otherwise isn't nice in terms of aggro holding. Taunt is very useful here.
    Echo's Issues: Aggro management is key.
    Good secondaries: Everything is good, but Stone, energy, and fire shine when paired with Quick Recovery and Stamina.

    Electric Armour
    Near-capped energy resistance at level 6
    You get Energize, which is a nice heal power, Lightning Reflexes, which is Quickness in a nutshell, and Power Sink. All in one set.
    Imperfect KB and immob resistance
    Power Surge has a nice EMPulse effect when it wears off
    Taunt Aura: Lightning Field. Does energy damage.
    Echo's Issues: I have none.
    Good Secondaries: Anything works, but I find that the high-end secondaries (fire/stone/energy) shine again. Besides, having Seismic Smash on an 8-second recharge is beastly.

    Shield Defense
    Situational defense
    Grant Cover is nice; has a nice def debuff resistance, as well as defense for your group
    Shield Charge is freaking awesome. Not gonna lie.
    Taunt Aura: Against All Odds. Gives you a +damage based on the number of enemies around you. Always a plus
    Echo's Issues: I've found that this set can be very hard to get good defenses. Best I've every been able to do, even with planning software like Mids, is around 22-25% defense.
    Good Secondaries: Everything goes; can't use Dual Blades, for obvious reasons. Ice also gets a good plus, from the +damage of AaO.

    Introduction
    The Tools
    The Primaries
    >>Echo's Guide To Tanking
    Self-Rez

    So you want to be a Tanker, do you?
    Well, it's not just your average dog-and-pony show.
    Take Blasters. What do they do?
    They kill stuff.
    They have to set up their AoE's, but there isn't much more to it than that.
    Apologies to actual Blasters out there.
    Tanks, on the other hand... we work hard.
    If even one team mate dies, even once, during a mission, I consider the mission a failure, because I wasn't doing my job.

    How to tank:
    First, you need your defenses. If you can't stand up to what's coming your way, how can your team? This is your number one priority.
    Beef up your defenses, be that resistance or defense, depending. IO's have come down in prices lately, at least from what I've seen. Aegis for resistance and Luck of the Gambler for defense are very good.
    Second, you need to look at your ability to hold aggro.
    How do you do it?
    Well, you need to look at your primary. If your taunt Aura isn't very good at holding it on its own, then you need to invest in beefing up your taunting in your powers (all tanker secondary powers can be slotted for taunt duration), of pick up that dreaded power, Taunt.
    If you want more information about Taunt, Cuirceus NA has a very good guide here/ You may want to peruse it.
    Third, and this is your lowest priority, you need to look at your damage. If you are the only major damage dealer in your group, then you need to step up and do some damage. What happens when you solo? You going to spend an hour wailing away at a Malta Operative, simply because you have two Training Enhancements in Knockout Blow? No. You aren't. So crank that damage up, and kill stuff.
    Because the best taunted enemy is a dead taunted enemy.
    Tanking is an active process. It's not just standing in one place and spamming Taunt. You go to a group, herd them somewhere, maybe get another group, take them somewhere else. If possible, make sure that the enemies, especially the ones with cone attacks, are facing away from the rest of your team. That way, only you take the damage, and not them. trust me. The squishy controllers and defenders and blasters will thank you.
    Remember. If you're standing in one place, you may be missing something.

    Introduction
    The Tools
    The Primaries
    Echo's Guide To Tanking
    >>Self-Rez

    Some primaries (Fire, Dark, and Willpower) have a self-revive power that can be used, should you fall in battle. I personally don't like these. I don't plan on dying often enough to use them. For those rare occasions that it happens, I have either temporary powers to do it, or I use inspirations. It's what they're for.
    That being said, I have seen Fire tanks absolutely devastate an entire spawn of enemies when they hit Rise of the Phoenix and blast the entire group with fire damage.
    I just say 'That was cool. Let's see you do it again.'
    Dark is kinda nifty; you need to hit something in order to use Soul transfer, and depending on how many you hit will then give you back health and end.
    Willpower has Resurgence; it increases your damage and toHit for 90 seconds, then drops both for 45 seconds afterward.
    Again, I don't like them or use them...
    But if you want to, I suggest you do some research on it first to see if it's right for you.

    As always, this has been my long-winded guide.
    If you have any questions on tanking, whether that be my credentials or experience, or just general questions, drop me a line here on the forums, in-game (@Echo So'Kar), or the like.
    Thanks for reading.
    If you have any guide feedback, just let me know, and I'll do my best to edit.
  3. My big 'ol tank, and namesake, Echo So'Kar is a WP/SS.
    There are two things I cannot tank effectively.
    Lord Recluse, and likely Hamidon. Don't know, never tried.
    Yes, WP has a fairly crappy aggro aura.
    But that's why I got Taunt, and Footstomp. I hold aggro like a machine.
    Surviving burst damage: What burst damage?
    I've gone wall-hopping in Cim with only half my toggles, and been fine. Little leaky, but fine.
    My s/l is not capped. I have crap in the way of def debuff resistance.
    But I constantly amaze people with what I can handle.
    I attempted a Reichsman TF when it first came out, and the rest of my team had done if before.
    So when we found the Invulnerable Reichsman in the first mission, everyone was saying "Just let him kill you!"
    I don't 'let' anyone kill me. I wanted to see what I could do.
    I lasted a full three and a half minutes against him.
    Then he pulled a little ***** move, and ganked me.
    But still.

    The aggro-holding, I would say, is WP's only downfall.
    That, and no burst healing.
    But when you have a near 10% regeneration, you don't need burst healing.

    In terms of stone tanks who never turn off granite:
    Go play something else.
    I tank better than you do.

    Just my two influence.
    Echo
  4. I posted this originally in the Champion thread, but I figured I'd place a link in here, since I'm here as a lurker a lot.

    So.

    It's a formal party!

    For those who would like to help, that would be greatly appreciated.
    I would also like to ask if any artists out there, be they budding, marginal, or fan-freaking-amazing-tastic ones would like to pitch in for a grand prize of sorts, a portrait or something.
    I am not expecting anyone to do anything... just a little help for what could turn out to be a great night of fun and entertainment.

    Echo
  5. Date yet to be determined; likely a summation of those who have expressed interest in it.
    I will be speaking with some artists, to see if they are willing to pitch in their extensive skills for the event.
    If all goes well, I'd like to do this every year.

    Amy:
    That would be much appreciated.
    As my highest villain is only 34, I don't have much in the way of Infamy kicking around.

    Any help anyone would like to give would be greatly appreciated.
    Special recognition will be given out to everyone who helps.
  6. I like player events.
    They provided needless entertainment for everyone (theoretically), and, best of all, they keep Echo out of trouble.
    Which is always a good thing.
    So.
    Here it is in its semi-formed entirety...

    A formal event.
    Tux, evening dresses, the works.
    Possible contest of some sort... not sure about details.
    Possible prizes include:
    Straight-up Influence/Infamy
    IOs
    A portrait done by one of the mass amounts of amazing artists, assuming one of
    them is willing to do so.
    Other prizes as idea-fied by my fellow Champions.

    Ideas on how to make this work?
    Feedback?
    Suggestions?
    I only ask that if you don't think this is a good idea, please indicate why not, what you would do better, etc.
    Thank you.
    Echo
  7. EchoSoKar

    Fire/Cold

    I'll have to give /stone a try, then.
    Should be a hoot!
  8. EchoSoKar

    Fire/Cold

    Just started one, and, looking through the powers, it looks awesome.
    At least 6 powers that slow, including Hot Feet.
    Wow.
    Nothing goes anywhere any time.
    But other than that...
    Is it still worth it?
    Grinding all the levels I need to make this amazing?
  9. EchoSoKar

    What's this?

    So is it even worth getting people together for it?
  10. EchoSoKar

    What's this?

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Bubbawheat View Post
    Sounds like a fun idea. Any plans in place to help avoiding "mr. random button" winning?
    If it looks random, it likely is.
    If it's random, it doesn't win.
    If it looks like you tried to put something together, and it just fails and hurts the eye, then we may have a contender.
  11. Already posted in the Screenshots forum.

    At this location.
  12. EchoSoKar

    What's this?

    It's windy out. Paper flutters down the deserted street; you don't notice anything.
    But on the next lamp post, you do see something...
    It's an advertisement. For some sort of contest...


    Saturday, May 1, 10:00 MST
    The Losers Are The Winners Costume Contest
    Tired of losing every single costume contest you enter in?
    Wouldn't you rather win one for a change?
    Well, now you can.
    The winner of this contest is the one with the worst costume!
    Sounds bad, you say.
    But. There's a prize. 5 million influence goes to the winner of this contest, going towards up to two new costumes! What's more, the winner will also receive design advice from yours truly, Echo So'Kar!
    Second prize gets a cool million, towards a costume of their choice.
    Third gets a pretty swell 250,000, also towards a costume.

    Who is this open to?
    Everybody!
    Heroes and Villains can participate in this contest; that's why I'm holding it in Pocket D.

    Now. I understand that some people won't use this towards a costume, and simply spend it on whatever they want.
    Your choice, really.

    It's that simple!
    Be there, or be square! Contest starts at 10:15 sharp, according to my clock.

    For those that are lazy and didn't want to read everything:
    Who: anyone with a bad costume
    What: Costume contest to judge the worse costume on Champion
    When: May 1, 10:00 MST
    Where: Pocket D
    Why: Because I see a lot of bad costumes, and want to help

    Small things I'll need:
    If anyone would like to pitch in their aid and/or support, I welcome it. Send me a message here, or in game (@Echo So'Kar) if you want to help.
    Extra judges are appreciated, as well as anyone who can give some extra costume advice for the winner.

    That is all, heroes and villains.
    Echo So'Kar
  13. EchoSoKar

    Alien-themed SG

    Never said rp.
    But there aren't any themed SGs on Champion?
    Huh. Thought I saw some a while ago...
  14. EchoSoKar

    Alien-themed SG

    Anyone who's a direct alien, uses alien technology, are bonded with alien life forms, have been in contact with aliens, or who really just think aliens are just plain cool would be able to join.
    I think it's a good idea. I've seen all sorts of alien-themed heroes running about, and now we could have a central place to put them.
  15. EchoSoKar

    Alien-themed SG

    Howdy.
    Two questions.
    Anyone know if there is an alien-themed SG on Champion? Hero-side?
    If not, would anyone be interested in one?
    Aaaand...
    DISCUSS!
  16. Links in the sig. More pictures can be provided as required.
  17. EchoSoKar

    Shockwave query

    Thanks everyone. I'll definitely pick it up in 26 levels.
  18. EchoSoKar

    Shockwave query

    Howdy.
    I have a new claws/SR scrapper, and I have some questions about Shockwave.
    I know that its damage is nice, huge cone, nice range... but the knockback. I'm still torn on it.
    Any suggestions? Why take it? Why not? I would like to think I'm skilled enough to position myself properly... but sometimes I panic a bit, and I hate when people screw with my mobs when I'm on my tank.

    Solutions?
  19. Quote:
    Originally Posted by Dark_Forgiven View Post
    Too slow! Hah!
    Dang!
    Missed that one!
  20. I would like to put in Echo So'kar.
    Echo
    Echo is quite heroic; she discovered her powers when she was 16, saving an elderly couple from a runaway bus. She is a Willpower/Super Strength tanker, with the ability to fly. She has been known to have an angry streak in her; she once put a supervillain in a comatose state from pummeling them with everything from her fists, chunks of concrete, and light poles. She is essentially a good person, and she always tries her best in every situation. Giving up is never, ever an option.
    She has bench pressed four and a half tons before.
    She originally hails from Vancouver, Canada, though she is very interested in Europe.
    Echo is willing to do almost anything once; she has tried many, many things in her travels and journey to Hero of the City.

    Hope that's enough information.
  21. Quote:
    Originally Posted by Kamina View Post
    there needs to be someone in the back shouting "show us ur bewbs!"
    Show us yer bewbs!
    It had to be said.