I find myself doing just fine with just a Storm Kick > Cobra Strike > CAK combination. So far they're slotted 1 Acc, 2 Dam, 1 Rech. I'm currently level 26 on the MA/Regen scrapper.
Basically, Crane Kick would be the only one I could see that wouldn't hurt to be rid of. That is, if you're more willing to deal with KB than the ugly animation on CAK 
This is the build I think im going with.
Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.803
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Level 50 Magic Scrapper
Primary Power Set: Martial Arts
Secondary Power Set: Shield Defense
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Medicine
Ancillary Pool: Body Mastery
Hero Profile:
Level 1: Storm Kick -- T'Death-Acc/Dmg(A), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx(3), T'Death-Dmg/Rchg(3), T'Death-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(5), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(5), T'Death-Dam%(7)
Level 1: Deflection -- LkGmblr-Def(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(42), LkGmblr-Rchg+(45)
Level 2: Cobra Strike -- T'Death-Dam%(A), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(7), T'Death-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(9), T'Death-Dmg/Rchg(9), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx(11), T'Death-Acc/Dmg(11)
Level 4: Battle Agility -- LkGmblr-Def(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(43), LkGmblr-Rchg+(46)
Level 6: Focus Chi -- GSFC-ToHit(A), GSFC-ToHit/Rchg(13), GSFC-ToHit/Rchg/EndRdx(13), GSFC-Rchg/EndRdx(15), GSFC-ToHit/EndRdx(15), GSFC-Build%(17)
Level 8: Boxing -- Mako-Acc/Dmg(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx(17), Mako-Dmg/Rchg(19), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(19), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(21), Mako-Dam%(21)
Level 10: Active Defense -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 12: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 14: Health -- Mrcl-Heal/EndRdx(A), Mrcl-EndRdx/Rchg(23), Mrcl-Heal/Rchg(23), Mrcl-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(36), Mrcl-Heal(36), Mrcl-Rcvry+(46)
Level 16: Against All Odds -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 18: Crippling Axe Kick -- Mako-Acc/Dmg(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx(25), Mako-Dmg/Rchg(25), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(27), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(27), Mako-Dam%(29)
Level 20: Stamina -- P'Shift-EndMod(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg(33), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc/Rchg(33), P'Shift-Acc/Rchg(34), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc(34), P'Shift-End%(34)
Level 22: Aid Other -- Heal-I(A)
Level 24: Aid Self -- Numna-Heal/EndRdx(A), Numna-EndRdx/Rchg(39), Numna-Heal/Rchg(42), Numna-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(43), Numna-Heal(43), Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(45)
Level 26: Dragon's Tail -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(29), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(31), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(31), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(31), Oblit-%Dam(33)
Level 28: Grant Cover -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A)
Level 30: Tough -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(A)
Level 32: Eagles Claw -- Mako-Acc/Dmg(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx(39), Mako-Dmg/Rchg(40), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(40), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(40), Mako-Dam%(42)
Level 35: Shield Charge -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-%Dam(36), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(37), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(37), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(37), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(39)
Level 38: Phalanx Fighting -- Empty(A)
Level 41: True Grit -- Mrcl-Heal(A), Mrcl-Heal/Rchg(45), Mrcl-Heal/EndRdx(46)
Level 44: Conserve Power -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 47: Physical Perfection -- P'Shift-EndMod(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg(48), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc/Rchg(48), P'Shift-Acc/Rchg(48), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc(50), P'Shift-End%(50)
Level 49: Weave -- LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(A), LkGmblr-Rchg+(50)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Critical Hit
Level 4: Ninja Run
Quote:
The CAK animation can be changed to a punch now (power customization), Its the only reason I actually use it now. I did not like the original animation at all.
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Originally Posted by Nwknight
Basically, Crane Kick would be the only one I could see that wouldn't hurt to be rid of. That is, if you're more willing to deal with KB than the ugly animation on CAK |
BIOSPARK :: DARKTHORN :: SKYGUARD :: WILDMAGE
HEATSINK :: FASTHAND :: POWERCELL :: RUNESTAFF
Quote:
Don't be swayed by text descriptions like "moderate smashing damage". Crippling Axe Kick is your second highest DPS attack. I don't consider the debuff particularly important except that it allows you to slot an Achilles' Heel proc. Personally, I'd drop Eagle's Claw - too long of an attack for the damage done for my taste. And don't use Boxing. Take it to get into Tough and Weave but don't slot or use it. It's not nearly as good as the attacks in your primary. You CAN use it as a set mule, but I only use set mules as a last resort.
|
Originally Posted by USA America
I respec'd to try out cobra strike. I have all the melee powers except Thunder kick. I have boxing which I'd like to put a set in, but I really need to get rid of one power. Its down to crane kick or crippling axe kick. CAK is only mod damage, but has some debuffs. crane kick is higher damage, but has that nasty KB.
Thoughts? |
"That's because Werner can't do maths." - BunnyAnomaly
"Four hours in, and I was no longer making mistakes, no longer detoggling. I was a machine." - Werner
Videos of Other Stupid Scrapper Tricks
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Werner
.....it allows you to slot an Achilles' Heel proc
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oooooohhh ! This is news to me 
was that another GR change that I missed ?
Because the new Mids does not show that you can slot defense-debuffs. (Not at home so cannot check in-game).
BIOSPARK :: DARKTHORN :: SKYGUARD :: WILDMAGE
HEATSINK :: FASTHAND :: POWERCELL :: RUNESTAFF
Quote:
I gathered that eagles claw was awesome sauce now that it will give you a crit boost for 2 sec. was reading about eagles claw+dragons tail for killer aoe crits. Is this not true?
|
Originally Posted by Werner
Don't be swayed by text descriptions like "moderate smashing damage". Crippling Axe Kick is your second highest DPS attack. I don't consider the debuff particularly important except that it allows you to slot an Achilles' Heel proc. Personally, I'd drop Eagle's Claw - too long of an attack for the damage done for my taste. And don't use Boxing. Take it to get into Tough and Weave but don't slot or use it. It's not nearly as good as the attacks in your primary. You CAN use it as a set mule, but I only use set mules as a last resort.
|
Quote:
I hadn't heard about the crit boost. It's not displayed in the power description, but they could have missed updating the text.
|
Originally Posted by USA America
I gathered that eagles claw was awesome sauce now that it will give you a crit boost for 2 sec. was reading about eagles claw+dragons tail for killer aoe crits. Is this not true?
|
"That's because Werner can't do maths." - BunnyAnomaly
"Four hours in, and I was no longer making mistakes, no longer detoggling. I was a machine." - Werner
Videos of Other Stupid Scrapper Tricks
Ill see if i can find it in the patch notes. I don't have eagles claw yet as she is only 29.
-edit-
here it is
Scrappers Eagle Claw: Eagles Claw now increases the Critical Chance of Martial Arts attacks by 33% for 2 seconds after it has been activated.
Quote:
Well, I haven't TRIED slotting defense debuffs, but the power description says it's -7.5% defense, so I made the assumption. Let me go check in game.|
Originally Posted by Biospark
oooooohhh ! This is news to me was that another GR change that I missed ? Because the new Mids does not show that you can slot defense-debuffs. (Not at home so cannot check in-game). |
BAH! Yeah, it won't let me slot for it, even though the power does it. I'm giving you bad advice. Still, great power. I'm bummed, though.
"That's because Werner can't do maths." - BunnyAnomaly
"Four hours in, and I was no longer making mistakes, no longer detoggling. I was a machine." - Werner
Videos of Other Stupid Scrapper Tricks
Quote:
Yeah, I'm 25, so I can't really check things either.
|
Originally Posted by USA America
Ill see if i can find it in the patch notes. I don't have eagles claw yet as she is only 29.
|
"That's because Werner can't do maths." - BunnyAnomaly
"Four hours in, and I was no longer making mistakes, no longer detoggling. I was a machine." - Werner
Videos of Other Stupid Scrapper Tricks
Quote:
That is true.|
Originally Posted by USA America
I gathered that eagles claw was awesome sauce now that it will give you a crit boost for 2 sec. was reading about eagles claw+dragons tail for killer aoe crits. Is this not true?
|
(sigh)
Martial Arts is the real odd-ball of scrapper primary's. It is iconic in it's stature. I mean, who DOESN'T want to be whippin' tail like Bruce Lee?
But in implementation, it has an odd mixture of status effects, debuffs, and unique mechanics. This allows you to fire different attacks in different sequences to do different things.
Looking for more AOE, combined with good mitigation? Eagle claw immediately followed by dragon tail. With a saturated mob-field, this combo raises DT's damage by roughly 30 percent, which does not suck at all. Plus it knocks most of them down, which can let you pop an inspiration, click a power, or bug out it needed.
Looking to shut down that pesky Super Stunner/Master Illusionist/Chief Soldier? Eagle claw and then cobra strike as often as is required to stun them out and drop them.
Need to get rid of a dude RIGHT NOW for some time to click some stuff? Crane Kick his naughty self waaaay over there.
Want to crank out as much single target dps as you can stand, while also getting more mitigation than most scrappers can generate at all? Cobra, Storm, and CAK your way to success.
MA is like the swiss army knife. It's kinda funny lookin' and not super good at anything, but it's got a lot of neato little gadgets goin' for it.
Yeah I dumped crane kick, figure to use boxing if I have to to fill a chain. Wanted to get self heal, but had to drop combat jumping too 
I have been testing with the changes in MA now, and Crane Kick seems to be your best power to drop. CAK is now your second hardest hitting attack, plus second highest DPS according to Werner.
I don't know if you will get very high recharge on your /Shields without forgoing the soft-cap, but Boxing is a decent filler attack if you find yourself with gaps.
Echoing the sentiment that you just don't drop the CAK. And I'd have to disagree with the archaic assumption that MA is more swiss-army than specialized: I'm thoroughly convinced it can do possibly the highest spike damage out of all Scrappers, thanks to the animation times of its strongest abilities, sans Eagle's Claw. But even EC has a further +Crit self buff, to either exploit with CAK or DT for even more insane damage.
Really wanting to see some high-level comparisons run with the new improvements, backed by equivalently monstrous IO-set slotting.
Someone (I forget who) did the DPS calculations in the Beta thread.
SK - CAK - SK - CK (or CS) - Repeat was the best DPS.
However, that said, you can still use EC in the chain and not be hurting all that much. Martial Arts had basically become a lot like Fire Melee...one top chain, but quite a few different ways to make a chain and not be to far away from the best DPS.
And EC + DT equals more AOE damage basically.
As for what to drop, I'd be a tough choice for me (well I skip TK), as I love the animations (and CAK's damage...I hate it's animation), and wanted to fit them all into my MA/WP for sure.
However if you really want to drop one, I'd say either CAK (worse animation but more damage) or CK (CS gives you the uppercut animation...I coulldn't not take it now).
There's always dropping a travel power though.
BrandX Future Staff Fighter
The BrandX Collection
Quote:
Thank you, I was about to ask what is considered the best chain. |
Originally Posted by BrandX
Someone (I forget who) did the DPS calculations in the Beta thread.
SK - CAK - SK - CK (or CS) - Repeat was the best DPS. However, that said, you can still use EC in the chain and not be hurting all that much. Martial Arts had basically become a lot like Fire Melee...one top chain, but quite a few different ways to make a chain and not be to far away from the best DPS. And EC + DT equals more AOE damage basically. As for what to drop, I'd be a tough choice for me (well I skip TK), as I love the animations (and CAK's damage...I hate it's animation), and wanted to fit them all into my MA/WP for sure. However if you really want to drop one, I'd say either CAK (worse animation but more damage) or CK (CS gives you the uppercut animation...I coulldn't not take it now). There's always dropping a travel power though. |
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Keep in mind that top chain requires about +225% recharge in Storm Kick, with comparable recharge in the other attacks as well. Even with Hasten, that is still a big number to reach without external buffs.
I think it was Moonlighter who made a list of possible attack chains, with the original top SK-CK/CS-SK-CAK chain still on top.
Quote:
That's right! It was Moonlighter! Thanks for remembering |
Originally Posted by SpiderTeo_OC
Keep in mind that top chain requires about +225% recharge in Storm Kick, with comparable recharge in the other attacks as well. Even with Hasten, that is still a big number to reach without external buffs.
I think it was Moonlighter who made a list of possible attack chains, with the original top SK-CK/CS-SK-CAK chain still on top. |
And that is correct, the best chain isn't the easiest to obtain. Which is why I mentioned there are other chains one could use that still delivers awesome DPS, evenif it's slightly less than the top chain.
BrandX Future Staff Fighter
The BrandX Collection
Quote:
Yes the debuff is unenhanceable and CAK is the better power of crane kick
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Originally Posted by Werner
Well, I haven't TRIED slotting defense debuffs, but the power description says it's -7.5% defense, so I made the assumption. Let me go check in game.
BAH! Yeah, it won't let me slot for it, even though the power does it. I'm giving you bad advice. Still, great power. I'm bummed, though. |
Pinnacle
Langar Thurs-Katana/SR 50; Hejtmane-DM/DA 50
Rogue Spear-Spines/DA 50; Hypnosis-Ill/Rad 50
Sir Thomas Theroux-DM/SR 50; Melted Copper-Fire/Shield 50
Byzantine Warrior-DB/ELA 50;Blade Tempo-50 DB/EA
I respec'd to try out cobra strike. I have all the melee powers except Thunder kick. I have boxing which I'd like to put a set in, but I really need to get rid of one power. Its down to crane kick or crippling axe kick. CAK is only mod damage, but has some debuffs. crane kick is higher damage, but has that nasty KB.
Thoughts?