Something to tank about

[Deathrydar]

Originally Posted by Tenlaar [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

This is where I tend to fall on the issue as well. I regard paladin as the slightly better group tank in basically any situation where FD splitting isn't needed, but the increased ease of getting places and the easier time soloing through fear kiting makes me enjoy the SK more.

I believe it all comes down to the human that is controlling the Paladin or the Shadow Knight.

[Tenlaar]

If you're a higher level SK and you aren't using Shadow Vortex to keep up with agro buildup on mes'd mobs so that when their turn is up all that you need is a Disease Cloud to wake them up and they're stuck on you?

Well, I don't think you're playing an SK very well...

[sciception]

Originally Posted by Tenlaar [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

This is where I tend to fall on the issue as well. I regard paladin as the slightly better group tank in basically any situation where FD splitting isn't needed, but the increased ease of getting places and the easier time soloing through fear kiting makes me enjoy the SK more.

This difference between the two is pretty small 1-50, but the styles are much different. When I played an Enchanter, I loved Paladins and cursed SK's.

[sciception]

Originally Posted by Tenlaar [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

If you're a higher level SK and you aren't using Shadow Vortex to keep up with agro buildup on mes'd mobs so that when they're turn is up all that you need is a Disease Cloud to wake them up and they're stuck on you?

Well, I don't think you're playing an SK very well...

Sure this makes sense, but again, not necessary most of the time. Sounds like a mana drain when you could have used darkness and taunt. 40 mana a cast, I assure you I wouldn't use that to break every mezz. Only the dangerous ones like maybe The Froglok King or something that could kill my Enchanter. Probably not even then.

[GreldorEQ]

Don't forget lvl 30 Wave of Enfeeblement, PBAE 0 damage Str debuff. SK stat taps are the expert-level SK spells, combine with Taunt and your chanter will rarely get hit. SK is the only tank with AE taunt at 40 mana/cast.

[Danth]

Originally Posted by sciception [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

SK-related comments

Alright I'll elaborate. If you play the SK as a "one button wonder" you're mediocre. Shadow Vortex doesn't get used as often as the other aggro spells, but it has its uses and is a valued part of the spellbook.

Its most obvious and popular use is building hate on mesmerized targets. This doesn't merely save the Enchanter from being hit, it also saves his rune spell and hence saves him money. They appreciate that. As a corollary you also use it on targets which might have to be mesmerized, such as pulls where you know in advance that you might get adds you have to switch to mid-battle (obvious but far from only example is hate breaks where you might get golems adding in). for the same reason it's also the go-to spell for aggro'ing loose mobs that haven't been controlled yet. Don't you HATE it when some brain-dead SK dots multiple monsters making 'em almost unmezzable for duration?

In addition to the above in P99's past Shadow Vortex got used for building aggro on rooted but non-engaged creatures. Snare didn't stack with root in the original game, and on P99 if a spell couldn't land (as opposed to a resist) it built no aggro, hence Clinging couldn't be used for that purpose (this aggro mechanic may have been changed--we'll see). You don't use Disease Cloud on rooted targets since the direct damage component can and does break root.

The easily-kept and readily-applied buff component acts as a low-maintenance junk buff in an era where clicky-related junk buffs are not easily obtained. I really hate it when symbol of naltron gets dispelled. Doesn't everyone?

Calling a mode of gameplay mediocre isn't an insult. Mediocre will by definition get the job done most the time. It's not wholly ineffective. It simply means the player who operates it in that fashion won't be getting the most out of his character in more advanced situations. Groups can invite a mediocre SK and usually beat the content. However the good player will distinguish himself.

EDIT: Greldor is right about the AE. It's low-aggro but situationally useful for rounding up packs on incoming. It tends to not be used much, and even then usually not for many levels after it's first learned, so many players forget about it entirely.

Danth

[sciception]

Originally Posted by Danth [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Mediocre SK stuff.

Sure, at 39 you get the ability to do this. It may help if you have a mediocre Enchanter. I guess I would prefer a mediocre SK over a constantly OOM one, but hey that's just me. At best it's situational and I can agree that it could help in certain circumstances. I'd like to mention that this post was simply my opinion on the ranking's of each tank for leveling purposes. How you actually want to play your SK is up to you. I am playing a Paladin.

EDIT: Greldor is right about the AE. It's low-aggro but situationally useful for rounding up packs on incoming. It tends to not be used much, and even then usually not for many levels after it's first learned, so many players forget about it entirely.

Dude, that spell is useless the very second a healer heals. Even if you are out of LoS and cast this first, the second you get them into camp and someone heals it's over. Low agro is an understatement.

Danth

[Vizax_Xaziv]

Warriors will be dual-wielding Obsidian Shards around the mid-20s most likely. Makes their threat gen a whole better if still unreliable

[sciception]

Originally Posted by Vizax_Xaziv [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Warriors will be dual-wielding Obsidian Shards around the mid-20s most likely. Makes their threat gen a whole better if still unreliable

Yup, but their is only 1 Predator in 1 camp for the entire server. What's after that? The low DPS ratio of that weapon isn't going to last long and procs are dexterity based, which isn't exactly the large races strong suit. Sure, pray for Shaman rain and a hell of a supporting cast I suppose. Also, getting this at 19'ish shouldn't be a problem for most groups.

[Vizax_Xaziv]

I generally defer to the opinions of Danth in any matters of Knightly-concern.