WanderingAries

Hmm, normally things don't go to hell unless I Leave a place. This is certainly a first, unless me taking >6yrs to finally work on my Kheld builds was the 7th sign?

So...if it didn't come across as obvious, most of my existing builds were created pre-i13. A time when I'm pretty sure I knew what was up Except for the intricacies of Khelds. That's why I left them for last on my list of things to learn. I came back around late i18~i19 ish (pre-Freedom) and I've felt like a noob since. :-/

You hit the nail on the head when you say that I misunderstood LF as being an actual form change like Squid/Crab. Understanding this also clarified that a true tri-form consists of Human/Squid/Crab, not Human/Crab/LF. IDK why I forgot about Squid during this whole discussion, but that definitely solves one quandry. So yeah, LF will definitely find its way into the build. To be clear, this first build being discussed is Human/Crab form only and PvE geared.

*shoves juicebox into everybody's hands and cookies in their mouths*

Now about the slotting, it sounds to me like I'm being told that, for the most part, (de)buffs are essentially useless in attack powers and should generally be replaced by: 1-Acc, 3-Dam, 1-Rech/Reduc? I do recall seeing many builds like that ages ago, but always figured those were geared more towards PvP builds than PvE as that was all the rage and RAIDs actually existed.

Perhaps I need to understand my tools better as well. While I'm really not into 'by the numbers' or 'optimized builds' it sounds like I need to find out how to decide the effectiveness of each power I'm slotting. So far I've been slotting as you can see and correct based on the level of ED being imposed. IE: If I see that I'm only gaining 5% between yellow/red on the ED text in Mids, then I slot something else. I quickly noticed that the defensive powers tend to hit that way before offensive powers do. IE: I've seen attack powers with numbers like 120%, but shields that hit red at like 45%.

I did a quick read through the referal thread and found a few points of interest.

Firstly, I'm pondering whether I should add some form of Cloak, but if the build is solid enough, then by the time I get Crab form (not to mention the human shields) then I may not find that I'd need the protection/advantage as I'm not taking the TP power either. Keep in mind that I rarely respec to adjust the build based on say focusing on one form so whatever becomes final will exist to serve as the complete strand of DNA for the life of the character. Unless of course something completely changes how powers work in such an extreme that forces a change. IE: things like ED and the end of 6-slot (dis)advantage.

Also, with all the various types of O's out there, bare in mind that we'll only ever be talking about plain vanilla IOs. If for no other reason than the fact that they are WAY easier to avoid mistaking say a buff for a debuff when purchasing things at a store. (don't tell me you've never had that DOH moment!) I'm quite certain that I'm able to continue to craft to my heart's content on my badger (that and she still needs one more crafting badge damn it!) and while my inf tree is relatively small, I'm not above convincing a few NPCs to spare some loose change.

I'll come back when my head is a bit clearer and I've had a chance to look at everything better.

It'd be a P.I.T.A., but if you were conscerned about losing the lump sum of loot within the base (and had the patience to re-build up prestige), then you could start a new SG and gradually move stuff from the one base to the new one. Once the move was complete, then you could kick everybody out, and then quit the group. That would solve the issue in a long round about way. Unfortunately you lose all the prestige related stuff from the first base/group.

Oh and I do recall such a discussion before as well. It boiled basically down to it'd be nice, but in a politically correct sort of way they said that it wouldn't be fair to step in on individual SG policies, etc.

The reason I brought up the OpenGL is because 99% of the games out there are coded to use the software intensive DirectX, not the hardware intensive OpenGL. IE: why everything else runs fine, but not CoX.

If it helps, we normally call this Rubber Banding and it's usually caused by connection issues between your PC and the game servers. If it keeps happening, then post in the other forum as per the recomendations above.

IDK where to find the setting in that particular SS, but you should be able to add the launcher and game to the safe list. That should correct the issue. As for your not so clean system, I'd do what you can to make sure that's fully bleached so you don't sit there with a time bomb on your hands.

A quick search came up dry on Amz and eBay, hopefully someone will stop in that knows more about this type of system. I can think of a few that are probably perusing the forums right now. Worst case, might have to consider swapping the motherboard/PSU, but this is an Alienware (IE: custom) thing so IDK for certain how 'easy' that would be.

This is why the thread exists, feedback! :-p

If this was a human form only build, then I'd definitely pull out all the stops powers wise, but I figured since this First build is dual form and the crab uses primarily melee, then I'd let the human form do the ranged (making trays easier to manage and helping to focus things a little).

As for the slotting, going back to not following numbers, if you couldn't tell, I was looking more at spreading the love (enh effect wise) as I've never really gotten around to testing things otherwise. I can see the logic of maximizing damage, but I was always afraid of losing that extra effect. Way back, before inherent Stamina, I used to 1-2 slot EndRed in my attacks, but this always took slots away from other powers I felt. Granted, many of my builds are still just slightly modified from the days of the original 6-slot build era and I haven't had the time to sit down with each toon to maximize their potiential. Probably because I have too much fun creating, but now that I'm kinda server slot restricted maybe I'll be able to re-evaluate each toon (atleast the ones that aren't locked).

Overall, give or take a few tweaks, do you think it's worth it to wait until i24 for whatever those changes are or should I be ok for now. The key issue being, will Mids as it's currently configured be able to handle an accurate build pre-i24 or are there changes ingame that Mids currently won't let you fake-it for now?

I'm looking at the Mids screen now and I've started looking at powers that I Won't take. IE: things related to group fly and probably not the team heal as I'll be treating this more like a Tank than a Healer. I think that when I'm in Human form I'll be using Ranged powers since the Crab is Melee geared.

Not Taking:
Bright Nova
Radiant Strike
Incandescant Strike
Glowing Touch

Group Energy Flight
Light Form

White Dwarf Step (I'll probably just run into the crowd as it is :-p)

Here's a Tentative Dual Form build. I think I'm over slotting something as I've got a couple things that show as being red percentages.

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.96
http://www.cohplanner.com/
Click this DataLink to open the build!
Ange des Tenebres: Level 50 Natural Peacebringer
Primary Power Set: Luminous Blast
Secondary Power Set: Luminous Aura
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leadership
Hero Profile:
Level 1: Gleaming Bolt -- Acc-I(A), Dmg-I(3), RechRdx-I(15), DefDeb-I(33)
Level 1: Incandescence -- ResDam-I(A), ResDam-I(5), ResDam-I(40)
Level 2: Glinting Eye -- Acc-I(A), Dmg-I(3), RechRdx-I(15), DefDeb-I(33)
Level 4: Shining Shield -- ResDam-I(A), EndRdx-I(5)
Level 6: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(9), RechRdx-I(11)
Level 8: Gleaming Blast -- Acc-I(A), Dmg-I(9), RechRdx-I(17), DefDeb-I(33), KBDist-I(37)
Level 10: Essence Boost -- Heal-I(A), RechRdx-I(11), ResDam-I(43), RechRdx-I(45)
Level 12: Proton Scatter -- Range-I(A), Acc-I(13), RechRdx-I(13), DefDeb-I(34)
Level 14: Thermal Shield -- ResDam-I(A), EndRdx-I(17)
Level 16: Quantum Shield -- ResDam-I(A), EndRdx-I(19)
Level 18: Inner Light -- ToHit-I(A), RechRdx-I(19)
Level 20: White Dwarf -- ResDam-I(A), EndMod-I(34), EndRdx-I(42), ResDam-I(46), EndMod-I(46), EndRdx-I(46)
Level 22: Reform Essence -- Heal-I(A), RechRdx-I(23), Heal-I(43), RechRdx-I(45)
Level 24: Conserve Energy -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(40)
Level 26: Pulsar -- Acc-I(A), Dsrnt-I(27), RechRdx-I(37)
Level 28: Quantum Acceleration -- DefBuff-I(A)
Level 30: Solar Flare -- Acc-I(A), Dmg-I(31), RechRdx-I(31), DefDeb-I(34)
Level 32: Quantum Flight -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 35: Restore Essence -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 38: Dawn Strike -- Acc-I(A), Dmg-I(39), RechRdx-I(39), DefDeb-I(39), KBDist-I(40)
Level 41: Photon Seekers -- Acc-I(A), Dmg-I(42), RechRdx-I(42), KBDist-I(43)
Level 44: Maneuvers -- DefBuff-I(A), EndRdx-I(45), DefBuff-I(48), EndRdx-I(48)
Level 47: Assault -- EndRdx-I(A), EndRdx-I(48)
Level 49: Tactics -- ToHit-I(A), EndRdx-I(50), ToHit-I(50), EndRdx-I(50)
Level 1: Brawl -- Acc-I(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Rest -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 1: Cosmic Balance
Level 1: Energy Flight -- Flight-I(A)
Level 10: Combat Flight -- Flight-I(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Flight-I(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Heal-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- EndMod-I(A), EndMod-I(7), EndMod-I(7)
Level 1: Prestige Power Slide -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Dash -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Quick -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Surge -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Rush -- Empty(A)
Level 20: White Dwarf Antagonize -- Acc-I(A)
Level 20: White Dwarf Flare -- Acc-I(A), Dmg-I(23), RechRdx-I(27), DefDeb-I(31), KBDist-I(36)
Level 20: White Dwarf Smite -- Acc-I(A), Dmg-I(21), RechRdx-I(25), DefDeb-I(29), KBDist-I(36), Dsrnt-I(37)
Level 20: White Dwarf Step -- Empty(A)
Level 20: White Dwarf Strike -- Acc-I(A), Dmg-I(21), RechRdx-I(25), DefDeb-I(29), KBDist-I(36)
Level 20: White Dwarf Sublimation -- Heal-I(A)
------------
------------

Also, if a defense AT has auto powers, then I'll tend to take those first, but generally speaking I'll take powers in order that they're available and/or the order of attack speed/strength (fast/low to slow/high).

For reference, here's one of my older toons that uses just about all the AT powers (she's a pure dark brute), but keep in mind that I haven't adjusted for things like being able to get fly at 4(?).

Villain Plan by Mids' Villain Designer 1.96
http://www.cohplanner.com/
Click this DataLink to open the build!
Shadow of Cygnes: Level 50 Mutation Brute
Primary Power Set: Dark Melee
Secondary Power Set: Dark Armor
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Soul Mastery
Villain Profile:
Level 1: Shadow Punch -- Acc-I(A), Dmg-I(3), RechRdx-I(25), ToHitDeb-I(34), Taunt-I(40)
Level 1: Dark Embrace -- ResDam-I(A), EndRdx-I(5), ResDam-I(15), EndRdx-I(31)
Level 2: Smite -- Acc-I(A), Dmg-I(3), RechRdx-I(25), ToHitDeb-I(34), Taunt-I(40)
Level 4: Murky Cloud -- ResDam-I(A), EndRdx-I(5), ResDam-I(15), EndRdx-I(31)
Level 6: Hover -- Flight-I(A)
Level 8: Shadow Maul -- Acc-I(A), Dmg-I(9), RechRdx-I(9), ToHitDeb-I(34), Taunt-I(40)
Level 10: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(11), RechRdx-I(11)
Level 12: Obsidian Shield -- ResDam-I(A), EndRdx-I(13), ResDam-I(13), EndRdx-I(31)
Level 14: Fly -- Flight-I(A)
Level 16: Dark Regeneration -- Heal-I(A), RechRdx-I(17), Heal-I(17), RechRdx-I(29), Heal-I(36), RechRdx-I(37)
Level 18: Dark Consumption -- EndMod-I(A), RechRdx-I(19), EndMod-I(19), RechRdx-I(29), EndMod-I(36), RechRdx-I(37)
Level 20: Cloak of Darkness -- DefBuff-I(A), EndRdx-I(23), DefBuff-I(23), EndRdx-I(36)
Level 22: Taunt -- Range-I(A)
Level 24: Siphon Life -- Acc-I(A)
Level 26: Soul Drain -- Acc-I(A), Dmg-I(27), RechRdx-I(27), ToHit-I(37), Taunt-I(43)
Level 28: Cloak of Fear -- Acc-I(A)
Level 30: Death Shroud -- Acc-I(A)
Level 32: Midnight Grasp -- Acc-I(A), Dmg-I(33), RechRdx-I(33), Immob-I(33), ToHitDeb-I(43), Taunt-I(46)
Level 35: Oppressive Gloom -- Acc-I(A)
Level 38: Soul Transfer -- RechRdx-I(A), Dsrnt-I(39), EndMod-I(39), Heal-I(39), Dmg-I(46)
Level 41: Soul Tentacles -- Range-I(A), Acc-I(42), RechRdx-I(42), Dmg-I(42), Immob-I(43)
Level 44: Gloom -- Range-I(A), Acc-I(45), RechRdx-I(45), Dmg-I(45), ToHitDeb-I(46)
Level 47: Summon Widow -- RechRdx-I(A), Acc-I(48), RechRdx-I(48), Dmg-I(48)
Level 49: Dark Obliteration -- Range-I(A), Acc-I(50), RechRdx-I(50), Dmg-I(50)
Level 1: Brawl -- Acc-I(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Rest -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 1: Fury
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Flight-I(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Heal-I(A), Heal-I(7), Heal-I(21)
Level 2: Stamina -- EndMod-I(A), EndMod-I(7), EndMod-I(21)
Level 1: Prestige Power Slide -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Dash -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Quick -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Surge -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Rush -- Empty(A)
Level 50: Void Radial Final Judgement
Level 50: Cardiac Core Paragon
Level 50: Seers Radial Superior Ally
Level 50: Spectral Core Flawless Interface
Level 50: Ageless Core Epiphany
------------

I've basically switched to basic IOs completely, but avoiding sets like the plague. Be it simplicity or a reflection of the amount of time and understanding available for game, that's just a part of the game I've decided to leave be. Well, that, AE, and anything resembling PvP for the most part.

I think I've always slotted this way, but I too slot based on a fully Mids templated build. I don't really pay attention to the numbers all that much so I'm sure that my slotting isn't optimal and honestly it doesn't bug me that much. For the most part, all of my toons get the 3 slots of inherent Health/Stamina because a 4th slot is wasteful and I'm not even sure you can do that anymore since they've cleared out six slotting.

I used to take Hasten at 10 as a staple power and max it right away, but with all the changes over the last few issues I've slowly dragged out the slotting and taken it earlier in some cases. If the AT didnt' include a flight, then I'd have taken it during that same Lvl grouping.

I guess the best way to describe what I'm looking to build is two fold. Or in essence, two builds and then I'll play with them over time to see which I like best since I'm kinda locked with slots. One build will be a Human/Crab build and the other a Tri-form. I decided not to go Human only on my PB because my WS is going to be geared that way and I'm trying Not to make my alts too close in build.

I'll have to look into the various tray binds and such that are Kheld specific as we do this too. Since I'm primarily a keyboard user, I try to stick to three active trays with the 3rd normally being powers either rarely used or that house always on toggles. IE: On my MM's, all of the pets and pet buffs are on the third tray. Again, the binds will likely consist of the Num Pad as clicking and my dexterity are always at odds.

To help give you an idea of how I normally take powers, here's a general concept. I'll alternate Primary/Secondary AT powers, starting at the 5th power I'll sneak in an outside power pool. If I'm building a toon that I've never tested all the powers out before, then I'll focus on the AT powers, making sure to get my Hasten/Fly in before 20. Once I've used up all the AT powers, then I'll pad with something like auto-powers that buff and don't need lots of slots or something like Leadership. Worst case, if I really just want to finish the build and pad powers, then I'll choose a pool, take the powers, but not slot/use them. Again, I have a hard enough time using 3 trays.

I guess step one here would be to help decide on what powers make a Dual form (Human/Crab) PB. What powers are geared more for the tri-form (IE: what I don't need to take for the first build). Since Khelds get toggle-activated powers (that temp tray), then I'd have to keep those in mind for Enh slotting of course, but that can come last.

Hopefully this helps clear things up some?!

Sometimes older drivers are more stable, but I'm kinda wondering if the sound card being used might have issues since you've gone through complete reinstalls, etc.

So far I've been told that I should drop to single slot on Health. Any other specific suggestions? I think I'm going to look for both a Human/Crab form build as well as a tri-form build and then use the games alternate build function to test them out.

Ok, so my really old Kheld builds (been putting off because of the whole advanced setup issues) need to be played since atleast One of them is sitting in one of my unlocked server slots. I can't remember if I wanted this one to be a Dual (Human/Crab) form or Tri-form, but being my first "going to 50" Kheld I wanted to test out all the Architype powers and minimize slotting to other powers.

I do keep a general standard slotting for inherents:
Hasten: 3 slots, filled between L6-12ish
Health: 3 slots, L2/7/21
Stamina: 3 slots, L2/7/21

Here's what's been sitting in my Mids file forever:
Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.96
http://www.cohplanner.com/
Click this DataLink to open the build!
Ange des Tenebres: Level 49 Natural Peacebringer
Primary Power Set: Luminous Blast
Secondary Power Set: Luminous Aura
Power Pool: Speed
Hero Profile:
Level 1: Gleaming Bolt -- Acc-I(A), Dmg-I(3), RechRdx-I(15)
Level 1: Incandescence -- ResDam-I(A), ResDam-I(5)
Level 2: Glinting Eye -- Acc-I(A), Dmg-I(3), RechRdx-I(15)
Level 4: Shining Shield -- ResDam-I(A), EndRdx-I(5)
Level 6: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(9), RechRdx-I(11)
Level 8: Gleaming Blast -- Acc-I(A), Dmg-I(9), RechRdx-I(17)
Level 10: Essence Boost -- Heal-I(A), RechRdx-I(11)
Level 12: Proton Scatter -- Range-I(A), Acc-I(13), RechRdx-I(13)
Level 14: Thermal Shield -- ResDam-I(A), EndRdx-I(17)
Level 16: Quantum Shield -- ResDam-I(A), EndRdx-I(19)
Level 18: Inner Light -- ToHit-I(A), RechRdx-I(19)
Level 20: White Dwarf -- ResDam-I(A)
Level 22: Reform Essence -- Heal-I(A), RechRdx-I(23)
Level 24: Conserve Energy -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 26: [Empty]
Level 28: [Empty]
Level 30: [Empty]
Level 32: [Empty]
Level 35: [Empty]
Level 38: [Empty]
Level 41: [Empty]
Level 44: [Empty]
Level 47: [Empty]
Level 49: [Empty]
Level 1: Brawl -- Acc-I(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Rest -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 1: Cosmic Balance
Level 1: Energy Flight -- Flight-I(A)
Level 10: Combat Flight -- Flight(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Flight-I(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Heal-I(A), Heal-I(7)
Level 2: Stamina -- EndMod-I(A), EndMod-I(7)
Level 1: Prestige Power Slide -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Dash -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Quick -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Surge -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Rush -- Empty(A)
Level 20: White Dwarf Antagonize -- Acc-I(A)
Level 20: White Dwarf Flare -- Acc-I(A)
Level 20: White Dwarf Smite -- Acc-I(A), Dmg-I(21)
Level 20: White Dwarf Step -- Range-I(A)
Level 20: White Dwarf Strike -- Acc-I(A), Dmg-I(21)
Level 20: White Dwarf Sublimation -- Heal-I(A), RechRdx-I(23)
------------
------------

probably had something to do with the image code being stuck in RAM. I was Going to suggest flushing the browser's cache. :-p