Shield Spec build regarding Intimidation and Demolition

[legweng]

So, I'm going to post my build, but I have some questions about putting points into

Intimidation and Demolition. This build is for PvP, but still a viable tanking spec for raids.

 

http://www.torhead.com/skill-calc#801GRGrdoroMZMsr0oZb.1

 

First off, why put points into *elemental* skill points when we use Ion Cell which is energy

damage? The only skills I know that use elemental are Ion Pulse, Pulse Cannon, Explosive

Surge, and Energy Blast (didn't take it). I just think that you might be better off taking those 2 points in Intimidation and putting them into Counterattack. Possibly even taking those 2 points out of Heavy Stock and putting them into Counterattack as well. I know I chose Demolition, but only because 10 seconds off Cryo Grenade is garbage, and I want Gut over Energy Blast. If it was 30 seconds off the cooldown, I would totally pick Containment Tactics over Demolition. I just don't know why Bioware doesn't make most of our abilities elemental, or AT LEAST Ion Cell damage. I'm curious to know what everyone thinks of this build, and if they have any pointers or info about this, just let me know.

[Uzirael]

The whole elemental damage, and not elemental damage is...hard to explain. I'd rather have elemental damage added, because some of the off attacks that get used, are elemental. Uh, it basically helps keep your total damage up there.

 

I'd personally take 2 off of Steely Resolve, and remove Smoke Grenade. Put full points into Defensive Measures, and some into Counter-attack.

 

As a past 32 BH Powertech (mirror class) I tried the whole "melee" thing with it, and found it to not be so great, but instead close range in general to be better. Basically, I initially invested a lot into Stockstrike, and Gut only to find myself not using them enough to get their whole worth, and was more moving around just outside of melee range; thereby making abilities around the 10m range preferred.

 

I never understood people's obsession with Static Surge, and Static Shield, or Smoke Grenade. I feel, putting points into defenses, holds, and good burst skills (90% armor pen for High Impact Shot) to work better/fit the class more. I still use Stockstrike, don't get me wrong, but I don't focus on it, like a lot of Vanguard/Powertechs do. (It's good to get in the proc from Ion Cell for example, so I can then use High Impact Shot.) This can be a falling as you miss the rest of the classes abilities.

 

This is an example build I've been reworking, but it has done me good a lot so far. I tend to not die, and still deal out damage, and give good protection.

http://www.torhead.com/skill-calc#801hRRrbRMoZbsbZbIbb.1

 

Lastly, if you want to focus more on melee, then you would probably be better off dropping Neural/Ion Overload, and instead grabbing Battlefield Training, and Cell Generator. Then moving Ion Shield onto Defensive Measures.

[SpamAassassin]

Uzirael: That build doesn't make sense to me. Why do you have points in skills that benefit Ion Cell as well as skills that benefit Plasma Cell?

[Uzirael]

Superheated Plasma is the only Plasma skill, and is required for High Friction Bolts. High Friction adds 30% armor pen, and makes High Impact generate ammo.

It's only 3 skills, and they could probably be put somewhere better. I'm still working on that, so I don't know if I'll leave High Impact at 60% and put some into Counterattack or not. Obviously those points will be towards 40-50 level so I'm not worried about it yet.

Edited January 2, 2012 by Uzirael

[Riulassher]

Obsession with Smoke Grenade?

 

It's our best defensive CD both in PVE and in PVP, if you can deal with randomness.

 

It's a pure force multiplier ability when used properly.