GameAmp: Ice/Storm anti-stalker build

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Hobsnob

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Ice/Storm anti-stalker build

I wanted to make an ice/storm build, mainly becuase I really like the ice set, and also to kick in some stalkers.

With Artic Air (anti-stealth); hurricane (knockback, -acc); and Ice slick/Freezing rain (knockdown), I figured it would work well.

However, when using the hero builder, I found that there were a lot of cool powers I would have to skip to get these ones in 1st. I did put in manouvers and tactics in to get the +perception of tactics.

So, will the -stealth of Artic Air mean tactics is obsolete? or will the combination of all the powers mean I won't need to see them anyway? Also, does knockback kill hide?

04/12/06 09:36

LordXenophon

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RE: Ice/Storm anti-stalker build

Those are all good questions and I can't answer all of them. I don't play much PvP, but it seems obvious how you plan to defeat the Stalkers.

In my opinion, it's overkill at lower levels. You can wait to get some of those powers. Your Hurricaine will make it very hard for a stalker to get within striking range, so you can afford to put the others off a little while; perhaps not for very long, but you have time to pick up an attack or a travel power in between. You still want the leadership powers because it will help you to spot stalkers at a distance, before they enter your Hurricaine. Your Ice Slick won't be useful until you've already spotted a stalker or know for sure that one is coming, so your leadership is actually more important. Arctic Wind I've never used, so I can't say anything about that one.

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04/13/06 13:38

Hobsnob

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RE: Ice/Storm anti-stalker build

If I were to get tactics, I would have to drop two powers from my current build. I have now got artic air, and have played around with it, and I like it a lot. So that is staying. You mentioned Ice Slick is only useful once the stalker is sighted. However, it is of profound use PvE, so that also has to stay. Flash Freeze, Glacier, and Jack Frost must all stay too.

So I have to look at the Storm Summoning set. I can easily drop Snow Storm - with the many slowing powers another (and another end-draining toggle) is not needed. Everthing else in the set I would like. Thunder Clap is already not in the build (however, is this useful?), and tornado, which is often put down, I would like for the 'coolness' factor. If I take all this into account, Freezing Rain seems to be the one most likely to go. Would this be a wise move?

Hobsnob

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04/15/06 12:09

blacktomcat

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RE: Ice/Storm anti-stalker build

QUOTE

First, the stuff I can address. I would say Freezing Rain does too much to get rid of it (cold damage, DR debuff, slow and a chance at knockdown). Thunder Clap does not have a very high magnitude (2, I think), so it is skippable. True, Snow Storm is ANOTHER slow power and an end-draining toggle, but it's a slow and toggle that CAN'T MISS! Just my argument for it. :) As for the rest, do you mind posting your build so we can take an objective look?

***THIS POST HAS BEEN EDITED***

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04/17/06 09:27

singularity

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RE: Ice/Storm anti-stalker build

From what I've heard, Thunder Clap only works on minions. A 31 was talking about how he tried it on a level 8 lieut and it didn't do a thing, so I guess that's definitely gone. And as far as Tornado goes, here is the review of infernal storm:

http://cityofheroes.gameamp.com/coh/viewPo...!powerView=true

***THIS POST HAS BEEN EDITED***

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04/17/06 09:40

xtreme_hippy

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Joined: 06/23/2005
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RE: Ice/Storm anti-stalker build

QUOTE

Thunder Clap is already not in the build (however, is this useful?), and tornado, which is often put down, I would like for the 'coolness' factor. If I take all this into account, Freezing Rain seems to be the one most likely to go. Would this be a wise move?

Very unwise indeed, Freezing rain is one of the centre pieces of the Storm set, why, not getting it would be like making a Rad/Rad defender and skipping radiation infection and enervating field! *wink wink*

Freezing rain has a nifty slow, hefty resitance and defense debuffs, acts like a mini ice slick with the extra knockdown, and adds in a touch of damage, that, while not particularly massive, never hurts.

Thunder Clap I would avoid, it seems useful on the surface, but with the abundance of soft control already offered by the ice set, a minion mag disorient really isn't necesary, since you have no disorent in your primary to stack it with.

Just my two pounds sterling, but I will personally hunt you down wielding a bazooka if you don't take Freezing rain.

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04/17/06 11:14

Thundarpants

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Joined: 12/18/2004
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RE: Ice/Storm anti-stalker build

QUOTE

So, will the -stealth of Artic Air mean tactics is obsolete? or will the combination of all the powers mean I won't need to see them anyway? Also, does knockback kill hide?

The -stealth of AA only works up close and personal. The sphere of effect is kinda small. Tactics are a must for any PVP player and will allow you to break through some stacked stealth builds from a greater distance.

The problem you are going to have is the abundance of powers to choose from. At some point you'll have to decide are going to focus on PvP or PvE with that set. There are too many good powers, too few choises.

Thunder Clap does suck in both PvE and PvP. Too bad too. I love the animation.

Just my opinion on an Ice/Storm Troller would be to focus on those slow powers a bunch. That would mean keeping Snow Storm. Stacked with Ice Storm(or is it Freezing Rain?) and Ice Patch, you could make a knockup zone that would be extreemly hard to get out of, while the rest of your PvP team pummels the enemy.

Stacking Arctic Air and Hurricane can be a bit endurance draining so keep it in mind when you slot.

I have friends that use Tornado in PvP and their enemies cus them for it. I'd have to say that's an endorsement for it if any.

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04/17/06 13:19

Hobsnob

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RE: Ice/Storm anti-stalker build

Here is what I have cooked up just now. I couldn't be bothered to go into enhancements, as we are more talking about powers here.

1. Block of Ice, Gale
2. Frostbite
4. O2 Boost
6. Artic Air
8. Hover
10. Assault/Maneuvers
12. Ice Slick
14. Fly
16. Swift.
18. Flash Freeze
20. Health
22. Stamina
24. Tactics
26. Glacier
28. Hurricane
30. Freezing Rain
32. Jack Frost
35. Tornado
38. Lightning Storm
41. Indomitable Will (Psionics Mastery)
44. Mind Over Body
47. Psionic Tornado
49. Steamy Mist

I thought that if it was an anti-stalker build there wasn't much point having steamy mist in soon.

Hobsnob

04/17/06 13:46

Thundarpants

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Joined: 12/18/2004
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RE: Ice/Storm anti-stalker build

That's a solid power set no matter what side you're playing. It's almost why I don't like Ice/Storm and Ill/Storm. Too many good powers that have to get passed up.

Personally, I love Fly. It's my all time favorite movement power. But, my friends that PvP tell me it's the worst travel power to have. Teleport being the best, and Jumping second. Just food for thought. I'm not all that good at PvP myself. I just ask the players I know do it, and that scare me when watching them at work. (If you see a Scrapper called Burger Face in a PvP zone on Liberty you have 2 choices, run or die! I'm glad he's one of my friends!)

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04/17/06 14:18

xtreme_hippy

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Joined: 06/23/2005
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RE: Ice/Storm anti-stalker build

As far as I know, the only things that wake a slept opponent are damage, and any of Knockback/down/up effects.

06/18/06 11:19

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