Dark/Dark/? Brute

So, just played around a little redside, getting some Accolades GM badges with some of the crew, when I went to level up and realized something. I don't have a leveling plan for him lol.

So that being said, and while I'm a mere 20, what is a recommended Patron/Ancillary Pool power set? I'm thinking Dark just to keep the theme, but then again looking at Energy Mastery for Superior Condition and Physical Perfection is tempting to me as well. Then, there is the added difficulty of slots. From all I can recall, a Dark armor character is slot intensive and you have to juggle a LOT with your powers and slot priority.

http://www.cohplanner.com/mids/download.php?uc=1273&c=494&a=988&f=HEX&dc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

I don't feel like dark armor is any more slot intensive than other builds, it's more that people just don't fully comprehend proper slotting for brutes.

I noticed you had your toggles 4 slotted. Is that to add an end reduction to each?

Like mentioned in another thread, if you slot each attack for end redux, you'll get more mileage out of it. Being as you don't need to slot damage as a brute that frees up some space, allows you to drop the 4th slots from your toggles and frees up the build a lot.

As far as epic/patron pools, I suggest sticking with dark for 2 reasons...
1. It goes with your theme (yes. i really just said that)
2. More importantly, gloom is AMAZING! In addition, Dark obliteration is pretty sexy and darkest night can help with your survivability against hard targets(eb's, av's, etc)

I understand the brute is a lowbie still, but i highly recommend confirming your alignment as villain or hero, whichever you prefer and start running the Signature Story Arcs and tips missions. It an easy way to pick up hero/villain merits which will make purchasing a few procs much easier on you financially.

Performance Shifter +End, Theft of Essence +End, Miracle +End, Blessing of the Zephyr Knockback protection(i opted to remove acro in my mockup. its just 1 more toggle on an already toggle heavy build. you can also opt for a cheaper karma/steadfast kb io.

This build is like yours and just a very basic slot guide for how I would level up this brute. I slapped the procs in as a reminder. Also, you should check out the thread in this forum on brute endurance management. Vae has a build that illustrates frankenslotting, a cheap way to max out your character without relying on lowlevel set bonuses.

Code:

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Yes, I went 4 slots in each of my shields for an End Redux. Figured when I get to putting the big money in, I could make changes.

I'll have to give Vae's End management thread a read.

I thought of getting KB IOs for powers, but I seriously hate KB, which is why I'm just going to stick with Acro.

Good to know about the Dark Patron Power. Looking over it looked nice, but without any real experience on any of them figured I'd ask.

Thurmin post the data chunk so I can take a look.

Here is a new variation of my build. I'm still uncertain about overall slotting, what powers to take vs not take etc.

Figured this build would be the most optimal for solo play and team play.

As with all my builds, I have pipe dreams of getting them soft capped on type and/or positional defense, or at least reach the 35+ mark.

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I've tried this build a few times, and it always gives me headaches.

35% SM/L Def, but you have Darkest Night & OG to help with survivability.


Not as much recharge as I'd like, but slots are at a real premium here.

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