Let's talk about Tanks?

[Robin of Spiritwood]

How do you build your Tanks?

Tried out a Swordsman Protector. It gets an AOE buff Encouragement to give 30% damage reduction to everyone in the area. For just 1 VP. That's quite good, and it's a Level 2 perk.
It significantly saves money on armour repairs in early game.

This just works well with a tight formation, together with the Companion sword and Team Strike.

Lv5 upgrades Bulwark( 70% DR) and Riposte are also pretty good. If you have Deflection from a shield, Riposte is great. If you have low guard with a 2-hander and no shield, Deflection from Bulwark makes up for it. It's possible to have Protection, shield Deflection AND Bulwark giving Deflection on engagement, but that is overkill.

The most effective tank is probably Brute Destroyers, since they impose Weakening (50% damage reduction) by whacking the enemy. Hitting somebody else's enemy is a great way to salvage them.

[worldofthelost]

I'm still learning a bit on how to deal with tanks. Once I think I have a good setup, I realize that I've screwed myself by having aspects of AOE attacks and AOE buffs that just won't mesh without doing damage to my troop.

I do have a tank will full plate and a two handed sword that has been able to make three kills in one round while running around, literately, like an idiot.

[General Malaise]

I think the Brutes make the best. As you say, because of Weakness really screwing up the enemy attack. You can upgrade that Weakening Blow, to give Vulnerability if they already have weakness - meaning the next attack will be a Crit.

You can give Reposte to every engaged unit by using Ovation. That simply must be the best possible to way to spend 2 Valour Points. You can upgrade Ovation to give to Inspiration to everyone not engaged - meaning they can travel twice as far. It's great to use this early on. Get a few engaged, then use to allow the heavy hitters to get right into the soft underbelly.

[General Malaise]

Originally posted by worldofthelost:

I'm still learning a bit on how to deal with tanks. Once I think I have a good setup, I realize that I've screwed myself by having aspects of AOE attacks and AOE buffs that just won't mesh without doing damage to my troop.

I do have a tank will full plate and a two handed sword that has been able to make three kills in one round while running around, literately, like an idiot.

I personally wouldn't call a 2 handed sword a tank. I'd say shields for tanks. 2 Handed Sword is a damage dealer, and a great one at that.

I'm not liking Plate Armour for anyone to be honest. Your 2 Handed Sword wants to get amongst 3 as much as possible, and he needs mobility for that. That's how I see it anyway. My 2 Handed Sword has taken out 3 Archers in a single turn before now.

[Romain]

> caporal armor (more armor and guard than any other armor)
> shield
> armor layer of the tracker (3% guard)
> leather belt item (+5% guard value when engaged)
> deviation skill
> Trait : thick skin (+3% guard) or shield connoisseur (+5% guard with shield)
> Weakening skill from the destroyer

I won't use risposte with a tank. Because his riposte won't deal much damage. lvl5 passive providing Deviation will be my choice (with swordman) and lvl5 passive providing Protection (-30% damage) with my brute.