User:Ram0s/buildarchive/b51

The Obsidian Tank takes the high armor/health/durability of the warrior class, and adds to it the defensive capabilities of the Elementalist Earth Magic enchantments. It's purpose is to take/hold aggro and soak up damage. It is strictly a PvE build with little use outside of very high level areas like the Domain of Anguish and Sorrow's Furnace, where variations of this build have been a staple for ages. It pairs very well with a monk bonder build.

Attributes and Skills

 * Optional skill slot can be replaced by:
 * Resurrection Signet
 * Endure Pain
 * Lightbringer's Gaze
 * Sliver Armor
 * Glyph of Lesser Energy
 * Wary Stance (necessary for 100% success in gloom)

Equipment

 * Armor
 * Gladiator's or Radiant Armor, with a Rune of Superior Vigor and Rune of Superior Absorption.
 * The last two armor upgrade slots can be taken by Runes of Attunement or Vitae.
 * Weapons
 * A +5 energy axe/sword of Enchanting.
 * A Strength Shield with a "Sheltered by Faith" inscription and a Shield Handle of Devotion.
 * An Earth Focus with a "Sheltered by Faith" or "Faith is My Shield" inscription and a Focus Core of Devotion. Both available from Kehjim in The Kodash Bazaar or Grif Ebonmane in Command Post.

Usage

 * Balthazar's Spirit from a monk is needed for energy management.
 * Cast Stoneflesh Aura and perhaps Armor of Earth before pulling.
 * Take the enemies into a corner if possible, then take two steps off the wall to block them.
 * If with a Spell Breaker monk, use Obsidian Flesh when Spell Breaker begins to run out.
 * Use Grasping Earth to keep them from moving too much.
 * Refresh protective enchantments as they end, as energy allows.

Counters

 * Skills that cause longer cast times (Migraine)
 * Dazed
 * Heavy enchantment removal (Obsidian Flesh will guard against most)

Variants
Replace Grasping Earth with Ward Against Foes when facing enemies that have lots of hex removal.