Local_Man

I use an 9-button mouse, and bind a lot of my controls to it.

Button 4 is a heal. If I don't have a heal power, I set up a bind for green inspirations. Other buffs (like Rad's Accelerate Metabolism) may be bound to Shift+Button4.

Button 5 is usually a toggle that I may need to turn on and off during combat. On my Stone Tank, this is Rooted. On */Storm controllers, this is Hurricane. Shift+Button5 and Ctrl+Button5 may be other toggles that get turned on and off.

Button 6 is the tilt-wheel-left, is bound to "u" for my primary powers that are not primary attacks put in tray slots 1-6. It is often used for location-targeted AoE powers. Additional powers from my primary are often bound to Shift+u, Ctrl+u and Alt+u.

Button 7 is tilt-wheel-right, bound to "o," and I do the same thing for secondary powers. For example, on */Storm controllers, I bind Freezing Rain to "o." Lightning Storm is Shift+o and Tornado is Ctrl+o.

Button 8 is bound to "h" for my travel powers.

Button 9 is bound to "i" for anything else I might need.

Individual buff binds, like Speed Boost or O2 Boost, FF, Thermal and Cold shields are set up on the keypad to select the teammate and apply the buff with one keypress.

Pet controls are set up using the keypad + Alt.

I set up all my binds with various Ultra Binds in CityBinder, making it easy to change or adjust them at any time.

Not long after I first got CoH, I was looking for inspiration for character names everywhere. Looked in the newspaper and saw a headline, "Local Man awarded Congressional Medal of Honor." (Actually, it was a posthumous award from the war in Iraq . . . very sad.) I thought to myself, "So, who is this Local Man who shows up in the newspaper all the time?" I am particularly fond of puns and subtle jokes, so I went with it.

I thought I was so clever . . . until I did a search and found this article from the Washington Post.

Made a character and really liked him. When it came time to pick global names, I chose @Local_Man, and the same name on the forums. It turns out that his sidekick, Area Man, ended up being my favorite and first 50, and it took me a long time to finally get the original Local Man to 50. I eventually grabbed the "Local Man" name on most of the servers, but there are a few folks out there with my name on their toons on other servers.

Spiritfox -- On hasten: Just because you can't get perma-PA at lower levels doesn't mean that Hasten isn't useful. Leveling up, Phantom Army is the most important power to any Illusionist, and you want it up as much as possible. Hasten and AM are your best tools for that, even if they are not up all the time.

I recommend getting AM early (in the first 12 levels), and then fitting in Hasten as soon as you can after getting PA (unless you chose Super Speed for travel, in which case you should already have it) and Stamina. In the sample build in my guide, I think it came at 24, just after Stamina at 22. Any later than that, and you'll spend a lot of levels waiting around for PA to recharge.

Mutation is nice to have, but far from necessary. Everyone can get a self-rez temp power from the Safeguard in levels 15-20. You can get a rez ally power from a day job accolade. And you can make Wakies from 3 same-type inspirations.

Just so you have it for comparison, here is my Ill/Storm build -- I don't have it finished yet, but this is what I am working towards. It is about 11 seconds away from being Perma-PA . . . I didn't want to make the sacrifices in terms of powers or influence to get there, so I think this is good enough. The only purple set I have is the Confuse set, which is usually not too expensive and gives that nice 10% Recharge.

I like having Snow Storm on my Ill/Storm. It fills the gap some for Illusion's lack of AoE control. It is a huge help on the ITF, where those yelling bozos resist most mez powers, but can be slowed quite effectively. It is also my only way to knock down fliers. I think the benefits of Slow and -Recharge powers are underappreciated in this game . . . a lesson I learned with my Ice/Storm controller.

As stated in my guide, I am a big fan of having a single-target blast from the APP sets to go with Illusion. Since Storm doesn't have a self-heal or any Endurance Recovery, Hibernate takes care of both.

If you really want Recall Friend, you could replace O2 Boost. I like having that heal for my Phantasm and to un-stun teammates, but it is not essential.

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.601
http://www.cohplanner.com/
Click this DataLink to open the build!
Ill-Storm Build: Level 50 Technology Controller
Primary Power Set: Illusion Control
Secondary Power Set: Storm Summoning
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fitness
Ancillary Pool: Ice Mastery
Hero Profile:
Level 1: Blind -- BasGaze-Acc/Hold(A), BasGaze-Acc/Rchg(3), BasGaze-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(11), BasGaze-Rchg/Hold(11), HO:Perox(15), HO:Nucle(42)
Level 1: Gale -- Acc-I(A)
Level 2: Spectral Wounds -- Decim-Acc/Dmg(A), Decim-Dmg/EndRdx(3), Decim-Dmg/Rchg(5), Decim-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(5), Decim-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34), Thundr-Acc/Dmg(42)
Level 4: Deceive -- CoPers-Conf/Rchg(A), CoPers-Acc/Conf/Rchg(7), CoPers-Acc/Rchg(13), CoPers-Conf(34), CoPers-Conf%(42)
Level 6: Snow Storm -- TmpRdns-EndRdx/Rchg/Slow(A), TmpRdns-Rng/Slow(7), EndRdx-I(46)
Level 8: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(9), RechRdx-I(9)
Level 10: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 12: Steamy Mist -- S'fstPrt-ResKB(A), ImpArm-ResDam(13), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(15), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(27), LkGmblr-Rchg+(31)
Level 14: Super Speed -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 16: Freezing Rain -- LdyGrey-DefDeb(A), LdyGrey-DefDeb/Rchg(17), LdyGrey-DefDeb/Rchg/EndRdx(17), LdyGrey-Rchg/EndRdx(27), LdyGrey-%Dam(37), RechRdx-I(40)
Level 18: Phantom Army -- ExRmnt-Acc/Rchg(A), ExRmnt-Acc/Dmg(19), ExRmnt-Dmg/EndRdx(19), ExRmnt-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(21), ExRmnt-EndRdx/Dmg/Rchg(21), RechRdx-I(23)
Level 20: Health -- Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(A), Numna-Heal(34), Mrcl-Rcvry+(46)
Level 22: Stamina -- EndMod-I(A), EndMod-I(23), EndMod-I(25)
Level 24: Hurricane -- DarkWD-ToHitDeb(A), DarkWD-ToHitdeb/Rchg/EndRdx(25), DarkWD-ToHitDeb/EndRdx(43), DarkWD-Slow%(43), FrcFbk-Rechg%(43)
Level 26: Spectral Terror -- Abys-Acc/Rchg(A)
Level 28: Thunder Clap -- Stpfy-Acc/Rchg(A), Stpfy-EndRdx/Stun(29), Stpfy-Acc/EndRdx(29), Stpfy-Stun/Rng(31), Stpfy-Acc/Stun/Rchg(31)
Level 30: O2 Boost -- Heal-I(A)
Level 32: Phantasm -- BldM'dt-Acc/Dmg(A), BldM'dt-Dmg(33), BriL'shp-Acc/Dmg(33), BriL'shp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(33)
Level 35: Tornado -- ExRmnt-Acc/Rchg(A), ExRmnt-Acc/Dmg(36), ExRmnt-Dmg/EndRdx(36), ExRmnt-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(36), ExRmnt-EndRdx/Dmg/Rchg(37), RechRdx-I(37)
Level 38: Lightning Storm -- Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(39), Dev'n-Dmg/Rchg(39), Dev'n-Hold%(39), Entrpc-Dmg/Rchg(40), Entrpc-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(40)
Level 41: Hibernate -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 44: Ice Blast -- Decim-Acc/Dmg(A), Decim-Dmg/EndRdx(45), Decim-Dmg/Rchg(45), Decim-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(45), Decim-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(46)
Level 47: Frost Breath -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(48), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(48), Posi-Dmg/Rng(48), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(50)
Level 49: Frozen Armor -- LkGmblr-Def(A), LkGmblr-Rchg+(50), DefBuff-I(50)
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Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Containment

First, I suggest you take a look at my Ill/Rad guide section on Illusion powers, and some of the strategy tips related to the illusion powers. It may help you a bit.

I also have an Ill/Storm at 50, as well as several Illusion and Storm characters at 50 and various lower levels -- I have a lot of experience with both sets. Not trying to say that I'm the great expert or anything, as each person has to adjust to his or her playstyle, but I can suggest some things based upon my experience and playstyle.

You skipped Deceive, which I think is one of the best powers in the Illusion set. My guide explains why in detail. You can use it to take out the single biggest problem foes before the fight begins. You can use it in so many different ways, from taking out a problem foe, helping you get a glowie without aggro when stealthing a mission, getting that one straggler to rejoin the group, controlling that guy pounding on your head when Blind is recharging, etc.

You skipped Steamy Mist, too, which I consider to be a very good power. I can't tell you how many times it has saved my teams from rounding a corner only to come almost face-to-face with a group that instantly aggros. The foes usually don't see us. Steamy also provides a bunch of other benefits that add up to a lot.

On Teleport: My first level 50, my Ill/Rad, had teleport and still has it. It is part of his "personality." I respec'ed out for a while and it just didn't feel right. Teleport has some nice advantages -- Recall Friend as a pre-req is always nice, it is the only travel power you can use while immobilized or slowed, and you can teleport past obstructions. It is not easy to use, but you can get used to it.

However, other travel powers have some advantages. On my Ill/Storm, I chose Super Speed. Why? Steamy Mist + Super Speed = Full Invisibility in PvE. This allowed me to skip both Superior Invis AND Group Invis, and still provide the team with continual AoE stealth + Resistance to 3 types of Damage + a small amount of Defense + a good place for a Karma or Steadfast Protection -Knockback IO. The vertical issues for Super Speed are easy to deal with now-a-days, with the GvE Jump Jet, the Raptor Pack and Zero-G Pack, and now Ninja Run + Hurdle. Plus, Super Speed gives great battlefield maneuverability -- get in just the right position to use Hurricane, Lightning Storm, Flash or Thunderclap, or even Gale, or to lead the pets into the fight. Since I had Hasten already, I had one more powerslot for my character, too. And skipping invisibility gave me another.

Hurricane: It takes some real practice and thought to use effectively. It is NOT a "run it all the time" power. Hurricane is a "use it for a short time in certain situations" power on an Ill/Storm, especially a team-oriented Ill/Storm. (I have it bound to an extra button on my mouse to be able to toggle on and off quickly.) It has four main uses. (A) As a positioning tool, to shove foes where you want them. (B) As a trapping tool, to catch foes in a cul-de-sac, alcove or corner and pound on them. (C) As a ToHit Debuff power, where you can "kiss" foes with the outer edge of the 'cane to apply the substantial ToHit Debuff. For foes with knockback protection, you can get close. (D) As a "panic button" power, where you turn it on to push all the foes way and debuff their ToHit, just so you can escape and lick your woulds. This works for helping members of your team, too. For uses A and C, it takes some practice -- try turning on Hurricane and Super Speed, and running in circles around the outer edges of groups gathered around a tank. You can push them closer to the tank, making a tighter group for AoE attacks and into your Freezing Rain, while making it almost impossible for the foes to hit anybody. If you can master this, it is great for a farming team. I have had teams astounded at how effective this technique can be.

Hurricane allows the "Corner of Doom." Trap foes in a corner or alcove, then hit them with Lightning Storm, Tornado, Freezing Rain, Phantom Army, Phantasm, and use your single target and AoE attacks. Even bosses die quickly.

Thunderclap vs Flash: One is a mag 2 stun that only affects minions, but recharges pretty quickly. The other is a Mag 3 Hold with a long recharge. Both are nice tools to have, but not essential. I find Thunderclap to be much more useful on characters with another AoE stun (Earth/Storm, Grav/Storm, Fire/Storm) to stack. Tornado has a stun that will stack with Thunderclap, but Tornado is very chaotic. I have Thunderclap on my Ill/Storm presently, but I have seriously considered changing to Flash. Both are useful, but I most often use Thunderclap because it looks cool.

Assault: I generally don't think that the Leadership provides all that much of a benefit to most controllers UNLESS you are able to stack it with other characters using Leadership. Some people love it. I find that other powers are more fun than a toggle that just sits there, drains my endurance for a small increase in the team damage. But get several people with it, and it makes a big difference.

Tornado: On my Ill/Storm, I love having Tornado, but I don't use it much. It causes too much chaos in most situations. I use it (a) for AVs and other foes with lots of knockback protection, (b) for foes with really high defense, since it is auto-hit. It is great against Paragon Protectors who have just a sliver of health left, and who have just hit MOG. (c) "panic button" situations where throwing all foes every which way is a good thing. (d) situations where I have a high chance of getting mezzed. Since Tornado is a pet, it will keep doing its thing even if I'm frozen.

Everyone's playstyle is different, so my experiences may not work for you. I think Storm is a tough set to play the first time, but once you learn some skills and techniques, there is something good in every power in the set . . . yes, even Gale.

That's a pretty nice build. I would make a few minor changes, though. Try moving Ling Rad and Hasten back a bit, so you can take Fly at 14 and Stamina by 20 or 22. That will help if you exempt to lower level TFs. Consider swapping out Group Invis for Combat Jumping. You lose the ability to invis the team, but you get a low-cost toggle that will give you Immob protection, minor hold protection and jumping maneuverability. Consider changing from Swift to Hurdle if you do that.

You also have no knockback protection. You could give up the Flyspeed in Hover for a Karma or Zephyr. If you need slots, you could consider giving up some slots from Ling Rad, since the 3.75% recharge is pretty small. I would probably give that up for some Flightspeed in Fly.

These are just suggestions of things to think about.

Level 35 Mind/FF

"Bubble, Bubble is a lot of toil and trouble when everything is Confused, Slept or Held."

And my Fire/Sonic is only level 12, so I can't say much about the combo . . .

I may add more later if I think of any.

Stacking Rad is wonderful. I would consider a Fire/Rad or a Plant/Rad. Actually, the more I think about it, the Plant/Rad would make a great pairing. Phantom Army to draw the aggro, then Seeds + Roots provides AoE control and damage. Ill/Rad has the single target damage, while Plant/Rad has the AoE damage to help take down the minions faster.

See my guide for the strategy on why taking down the minions fast is beneficial.

Basically, no. Illusion is focused on distraction, and has limited AoE damage. It is great against tough single targets, though. You have Blind and Spectral Wounds, single target attacks. Then Phantom Army provides three single target attacks, and Phantasm has a single target blast and a fairly narrow cone. Of course, you have limited control over how the pets use their attacks. As stated above, Phantom Army do not get buffed by your kinetic powers. Add to this the synergy problems that a */Kin has with Phantasm's knockback, and it is not at all ideal.

Can you farm with it? Sure, but it will take a while. Fire and Plant are the two sets with the most AoE damage.

On your build . . . as I said, there are a lot of ways to get a perma-PA build. But in my opinion, the Stealth pool is a mistake. You slotted up Stealth, which is far inferior invisibility than Superior Invis. Granted, SI uses a lot of endurance, but it is far superior. Or, if you want combat invisibility at no ongoing EndCost, take Group Invis. If you need extra places for a LotG Recharge, there are a lot of other options. And taking Grant Invis just as a mule for a Karma -Knockback? Why not Group Invis?

My opinion is that Deceive should be chosen much earlier in the build. It can be a key power to make low level content easier. It can make a difference even when you exemp down for lower level TFs or teams.

By not slotting Blind for damage, you are giving up a lot. If you want to use that expensive purple hold set, consider using Flash or EM Pulse.

If you are going for Defense as a goal for IO set bonuses, then consider using the Ice APP set, which has a Defense-based armor. Ice Blast works great for your Blind-SW-Blast-SW attack chain. And Hibernate is a great "panic button" power if an AV is getting the best of you.

I use the Contagious Confusion proc in Deceive in all three of my level 50 Illusion controllers. It is wonderful -- it turns a single target confuse power into an occasional Mass Confusion, plus gives me an added chance to confuse a Boss in one shot. Deceive already has a 20% chance to stack an extra mag, but this proc adds another 33%.

No, it does not generate any aggro, or I wouldn't use it in Deceive.

I also have one in Arctic Air on my Ice/Storm. That proc made Arctic Air far more effective by making the confuse effect happen much more often. I think it ends up doing more net damage than a damage proc. Take a look at the Arctic Air thread for some of that discussion.