Gashes

Well, for budget builds, it easier to seperate primaries from secondaries.

ice/ is very cheap (unless you want the LOTG +7.5% recharges).
armors can be frankenslotted with 4 def/end (maximizing both defense and endurance, same as 6 slotted SO). A bit expensive, but you'll find, if you 4 slot armors, you can get cheaper lower levels (e.g. LOTG def/end in the 30's)
hoarfrost - doctored wounds, great set
EA, hibernate - You can also use cheap sets. doc wounds end/rech, rech, and heal/rech about max out hibernate for recharge (end/rech are dirt cheap, but the end/ part wont help).
EA can be frankenslotted wtih end/rech x2 and recharge (max recharge. a 4th slot can be a cheap endmod IO.

I find crushing impact to be a great set for attacks, you can get +7% (global) accuracy and 5% recharge. You have a kin-fender, but SB is 50%, but will you always be certain they will be there?

anotehr nice thing about doctored wounds and crushing impact, they are cheap to craft too.

The cheapest build is just go SO's.
I used to go 2 accuracy, 3 damages and either 1 recharge or end red. Ice has EA, so endruance recovery wont be a problem.


Rylas had some good tips, but finding +SL defense can be expensive and no budget was stated. Mocking beratement can be 4 slotted for 2.5% SL defense and is dirt cheap.
if you have extra slots, drop 2 into rage for retified reticle (1.88% SL).
if you want you can take hand clap and slot taunt (mocking beratement) into it.

as for AOE minded, you have 2 real options: pyre (for fireball), or energy (energy torrent), assuming you dont go ebil for patron pools. laser beam eyes have -14% def debuff, and energy torrent is knockdown.

I have the following issues:
"Stone Armor is probably the most popular Tank in the game. It is one of the easier armors in the game to work with"
Um, easier armors? Needed rooted for status protection alone makes it the least fun, slowest, and no easier.
also granite is -65% recharge (not 50%). I'd also mention TP is preferred method of travel when using granite.

For fire tank, 71% SL is only possible with tough (since tough is a power pool, that snippet deserves a mention).
Also fire tanks have no native KB protection (need an IO, or acrobatics).
Fiery embrace does NOT increase damage like build up, it gives
http://www.cityofheroes.com/news/pat...patch_not.html
Fiery Embrace power now adds bonus fire damage for all Melee Power Set attacks instead of being a normal damage Buff. All Melee Power Set attacks made for 20 seconds after activating Fiery Embrace will do bonus damage based on that attack's damage. This bonus damage IS affected by enhancements and outside buff/debuff effects. At low levels, this means Fiery Embrace will have lower impact than the old implementation, while at high levels or on teams with lots of +Damage effects, you will see increased damage output.

Unstoppable in invulnerabilty is base 70% to all but psi, it does not hardcap (you can hardcap with your other powers and passives, though).

You said electric armor can hardcap SL resistance. How? I get 77% with tough. 85% only with cardiac incarnate power. I'm not aware of any IO's that give any decent resistance.

You mention power sink for electric but not energy absorption for ice tanks? Ice can also get 100% recharge debuff resistance with EA (you can walk/run over caltrops!).

For dark armor, dark regen, you didnt mention the endurance cost. It is very significant. Oppressive gloom, my regen is greater than the -hp it provided. But foes hit with it tend to stagger away from you.
cloak of fear works great with presence pool (but it is a very low accuracy, high endurance hog by itself. base accuracy is 50%).

but, I did read your mini-guide



My nitpick,

I think most people are clueless on Lore (I am). Too many pets, too many levels. Hard to see strengths/weaknesses.

I would recommend cardiac for the alpha. Your an electric tank, and that extra % ED-immune damage resistance, greatly increases your resistance (try it in mids).
I believe SL resistance popped up to 85% (with tough) (offhand)

Well, I dont have a fire/ss, but I'll give my main's build.
I'm sure there are better tweaks or builds, but this meets my playstyle perfectly.
My main is an invul/ss.

In fact, only my main has 2 builds. First is recharge/damage orientated. more for solo, small teams, or incarnate leagues (so many buffs). I put in the KB +rech proc in both footstomp and energy torrent. I find it helps keep dull pain very near perma. I'm flip-flopping on keeping them or replacing them with a damage proc.
I have fly because she has wings, and I wanted some concept built in

The 2nd is my team build, when I need to survive with minimal buffs (I do use inspirations, but I feel they are a crutch and bad design decision of the devs).
The goal is maximum survivability, and my team members can kill stuff.
I added aid self for hard hitting AV's, not for the billion mobs with DOT damage (e.g. Cot).
I find it works great for AV's, helped me survive recluse.
I also shot ABOVE the softcap, to avoid cascade failure (e.g. if you are at 45%, hit by a rularuu with -20% def debuff (your resistance is 50%), your at 35%, and now your getting hit more, and defense plunges. Suffered this with Cimeroans. Some extra SL (I wanted 55%, but unless that insane pvp 3% def IO is given to me, not happening) defense for security.
No fly, but I do have a jetpack (ninja jump, etc). Jetpack looks stooopid when you have wings, btw ...

No pvp IO's, I think the game succeeds because its NOT pvp centric (and thy mostly suck, esp performance/price ratio). My combat build has purples.

I have incarnate powers, but dont list them. Typically cardiac (tier 3), etc.
I also have rage, and global +accuracy, so I dont worry about my attack accuracy being low (+30% accuracy, +37% to hit due to rage). My defense build is only rage (+32% to hit).

Since IO's tend to be great at +def, typically all my tanks use this.
typical defense tanks (ice, shield) I go more for recharge, accuracy, etc.
My dark tank is more fear based (presense pool), and it may go dual build,
as it is a monster on the endurance with no support or -recovery.

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.942
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

tellania3 solo: Level 50 Mutation Tanker
Primary Power Set: Invulnerability
Secondary Power Set: Super Strength
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Ancillary Pool: Energy Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Temp Invulnerability -- ImpArm-ResDam(A), ImpArm-ResDam/Rchg(11), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(11), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(37)
Level 1: Jab -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(7), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(25), KntkC'bat-Knock%(33)
Level 2: Dull Pain -- Dct'dW-Heal(A), Dct'dW-Rchg(3), Dct'dW-EndRdx/Rchg(3), Dct'dW-Heal/Rchg(5), Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(5)
Level 4: Resist Physical Damage -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(A)
Level 6: Air Superiority -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(7), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(21), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(34)
Level 8: Unyielding -- ImpArm-ResDam(A), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(9), ImpArm-ResDam/Rchg(9), ImpArm-ResPsi(15)
Level 10: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(33)
Level 12: Haymaker -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(13), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(13), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(15), Hectmb-Dam%(43)
Level 14: Fly -- Winter-ResSlow(A)
Level 16: Boxing -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(34), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(34), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37)
Level 18: Invincibility -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), LkGmblr-Def(19), LkGmblr-Def/Rchg(19)
Level 20: Tough -- ImpArm-ResDam(A), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(43), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(46), ImpArm-ResDam/Rchg(46)
Level 22: Knockout Blow -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(23), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(23), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(25), RechRdx-I(36), Zinger-Dam%(40)
Level 24: Weave -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), LkGmblr-Def(42), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(42)
Level 26: Tough Hide -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), LkGmblr-Def(27), LkGmblr-Def/Rchg(27), Ksmt-ToHit+(31)
Level 28: Rage -- HO:Membr(A), HO:Membr(29), HO:Membr(29)
Level 30: Taunt -- Taunt-I(A)
Level 32: Unstoppable -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(33)
Level 35: Hurl -- Apoc-Dam%(A), Apoc-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(36), Apoc-Dmg/EndRdx(42), Apoc-Acc/Rchg(45), Apoc-Dmg/Rchg(46)
Level 38: Foot Stomp -- Armgdn-Dam%(A), Armgdn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(39), Armgdn-Acc/Rchg(39), Armgdn-Dmg/EndRdx(39), Armgdn-Dmg/Rchg(40), FrcFbk-Rechg%(43)
Level 41: Conserve Power -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(48)
Level 44: Physical Perfection -- P'Shift-End%(A), EndMod-I(45), EndMod-I(45)
Level 47: Energy Torrent -- Ragnrk-Dmg/Rchg(A), Ragnrk-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(48), Ragnrk-Acc/Rchg(48), Ragnrk-Knock%(50), Ragnrk-Dmg/EndRdx(50), FrcFbk-Rechg%(50)
Level 49: Resist Energies -- Aegis-Psi/Status(A)
Level 0: Freedom Phalanx Reserve
Level 0: Portal Jockey
Level 0: Task Force Commander
Level 0: The Atlas Medallion
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- ULeap-Stlth(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Gauntlet
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Heal-I(A), Numna-Heal/EndRdx(17), Numna-Heal(17), Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(31), Mrcl-Rcvry+(31), RgnTis-Regen+(40)
Level 2: Stamina -- P'Shift-End%(A), P'Shift-EndMod(21), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg(36), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc(37)

You can always dual build. One with an emphasize on granite and maybe +recharge, the other, non-granite (You can keep granite as the emergency button), but more for a solo/small team play style.

For me, trying to get a happy medium was more of a gimp on both parts, but going dual build, relieved a lot of pressure of trying to compromise.

Hmmmm. Got a tip mission after 'forevah', ran it successfully, waited for clockwork to show up, fought them, got bored, exited. No badge, no indication of working the alignment bar, but, the mission was still there immediately (do the mobs IN the tip drop tips that could be halloween?), so not sure if the mission didnt end correctly, or I (somehow) got a tip drop for the same mission, in the mission (it was a different location).
Completed the second, nothing (no badge, reward screens, etc).

So, since I NOW have the book that can rewrite reality, can I rewrite reality to give myself a badge? I want the 'I have power to rewrite the universe, but all I did was get this stupid badge' badge.

My stoner has tough. Not needed on granite, but it is a godsend when solo, small teams, when you can actually tank without granite (no -dam, -rech, etc). Rooted still stucks though. I use weave (always) and tough on small teams and solo, but then, you can always do the dual build thing ;-)

hehe, actually it was police band missions. I believe it was malta (titans). It doesnt happen often, but I saw myself pushed back and knocked down on against the wall (team of 8). Also happened (a few times) against nemesis, esp if it spawns a group of snipers, and your fighting one group and they all shoot at the same time.

I tend to leave it on, after my first KB in a mission. Cant tank on your back.
It is one of those things, you dont know if you need it until it happens. Lost a few teammates on the malta ambush (very small room, all that aoe). If I had rooted, in all odds, I would have tp'd behind the mobs, drew most of the aoe's away (meh, scrappers can defend themselves).

I also use it for option B (from CMA), no endurance == no granite == ooopsies

Does it happen often? no. But on a team of 8, any endurance drain or knockback, I'll leave it on.

Sorry to reply 5 days later on a near dead thread ...

I fully slotted my stone/fire for +run speed bonuses. While in granite, it felt like (non sprint) running, as soon as I clicked rooted .... All those bonuses were wasted. Found it much better to go +recharge and simply TP as necessary. I hate TP, if you ever been -recharge on a stoner ... you'll appreciate that extra recharge. CMA mentioned crushing impacts already.

Just saying, granite+rooted, no speed bonus, and only a friendly kin, will help you. WHy rooted? regen and knockdown protection (I have been knocked down quite a few times in granite). Just a thought

One aspect not mentioned, you can make very uber builds with mids' .... Being able to afford all the pieces necessary for that build ... something else. KC can be a very pricey set, more than some purples. If your sitting upon billions, or have most of the components, then dont worry. But if you dont, you might find your perfect tank a bit beyond your capability to purchase

Honestly, most of your 'important totals' (e.g. damage, hasten) are average and irrelevant.
WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO?

Make the toughest tank? Make the most damaging stoner??

Quick comment:
Your defense is unusually high (I assume IO's?), but your resistance should be closer to 78%. Forget IO bonuses in granite armor, max it out (def/res). You could go 2 RES, 1 res/end. There is NO set bonus worth sacrificing 14% resistance.

What is the rest of your defense? Should be around 32% from well slotted granite (everything else is gravy). Do you have the 3% def IO?

without your build, we cant make proper comments on synergy of powers. If you have this build, but 1 attack, well ...

I can get 218% regen with no IO bonuses, so you have a very nice regen bonus.
Your health is a bit low. Did you include accolades? An extra 10% goes VERY well towards survivability.

My only comment: beef up that resistance.

I'm in.

mind/rad or ill/storm (prob ill/storm, but lets see what the group brings)

I agree, but what are the values? If its 1/2 health value, then having to take 2 powers for it isnt worth it. If itx 2x value (e.g. fast healing), then it looks like I'm doing (again) serious respec's.

I would expect for a dual passive power, its probably less than health.
FA eats so much endurance, you will still loose out (recovery wise) in the end.
Conserve power, while a nice power, recharge is too high for my personal taste.