Build/Link Request: Up to date tanking build.

[CombatLibrarian]

So I've been looking around/searching the various forums, and I can't seem to find much that is thought out, finished, and current, and doesn't require things I don't have access to, so here's what I'm looking for, hopefully someone can point me in the right direction:

A Tanking build that will last me through to endgame/epics. I see posts extolling intimitanking, and some saying dps tanking is currently the only way to go, I'm not quite sure. Maybe one that can do both? Viable or no?
I have access to Monk and FvS, should they be needed.
I have access to 32-Pt. Builds. I do not have level 20s to reincarnate, nor do I plan on grinding something to 20 and reincarnating just to get a viable build.
I have access to Drow (although this is probably unlikely to be used, I know.)
I don't have access to Warforged, I don't care to have access to Warforged. Humans, dwarves, elves, halflings, drow, all fine. Warforged, no thanks, I just don't care for 'em.
I would -prefer- human, but if something else is going to produce a clearly superior build, I'm willing to go for it.
If the build happens to be fun to play, this is also a bonus :D

Thanks in advance for any help anyone can provide :)

[Freeman]

I skimmed the title and first only read "date tanking build". That led me down a bizarre train of thought that left me too amused and giddy to read the rest of the post. I think I need more sleep. Or more caffeine. Something like that.

[Aaxeyu]

So I've been looking around/searching the various forums, and I can't seem to find much that is thought out, finished, and current, and doesn't require things I don't have access to, so here's what I'm looking for, hopefully someone can point me in the right direction:

A Tanking build that will last me through to endgame/epics. I see posts extolling intimitanking, and some saying dps tanking is currently the only way to go, I'm not quite sure. Maybe one that can do both? Viable or no?
I have access to Monk and FvS, should they be needed.
I have access to 32-Pt. Builds. I do not have level 20s to reincarnate, nor do I plan on grinding something to 20 and reincarnating just to get a viable build.
I have access to Drow (although this is probably unlikely to be used, I know.)
I don't have access to Warforged, I don't care to have access to Warforged. Humans, dwarves, elves, halflings, drow, all fine. Warforged, no thanks, I just don't care for 'em.
I would -prefer- human, but if something else is going to produce a clearly superior build, I'm willing to go for it.
If the build happens to be fun to play, this is also a bonus :D

Thanks in advance for any help anyone can provide :)

If you really want to play a tank, and don't want your way there to be painful I recommend that you start as a DPS and when you have enough gear to to reach high AC (70+ standing) you either TR or LR into the tank build.

Good tank bases would be dwarf 20 fighter, dwarf 18 fighter/2 rogue, human 18 paladin/2 fighter, human 18 paladin/2 rogue.

Spec as defensivly as you can and get an epic SoS for when you don't need to use a shield.

[sigtrent]

This one is 28pts but you could take it up to 32

Its both Hate and Intim although its Intim is only so/so
http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?p=1714658#post1714658

I really like this one, it tries to be solid DPS and solid Intim and can swap enhancements to switch from Defender to Kensei quite easily. Premium class build I think. Hate tanking is limited due to broken agro on the stances at the moment but intim is top notch.
http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?p=1726301#post1726301

If you like solo play, this one is interesting, a bit like the first but includes rogue for UMD, evasion, lockpicking etc...
http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?p=3187222#post3187222

[unbongwah]

Do you have access to tomes as well? It affects how one plans one's builds.

[CombatLibrarian]

Do you have access to tomes as well? It affects how one plans one's builds.

Not as a general rule, unless it's a couple +1s (I -could- do a bit of farming for those). I don't have near the cash needed to drop on the AH for +2 tomes, and I'm not going to drop the massive amounts of turbine points needed to kit a character out in +2's that way.

[unbongwah]

Here's a couple of tank builds to give you some ideas. Neither is minmaxed or anything, but it sounds like you don't have the resources squirreled away for a minmaxed tank anyway. Both should do good DPS while hitting fairly high AC (if you're willing to do the gear grind). Dwarf versions of either would have more HPs, could potentially hit higher AC, and gain free dwarven axe proficiency; but would lose skill pts & a feat.

First up, a THF pally Defender of Siberys:


Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.5.1
DDO Character Planner Home Page (http://www.rjcyberware.com/DDO)

Level 20 Lawful Good Human Female
(1 Fighter \ 18 Paladin \ 1 Rogue)
Hit Points: 328
Spell Points: 205
BAB: 19\19\24\29\29
Fortitude: 24
Reflex: 18
Will: 14

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Abilities Base Stats Modified Stats
(32 Point) (Level 1) (Level 20)
Strength 16 22
Dexterity 12 12
Constitution 14 14
Intelligence 12 13
Wisdom 8 8
Charisma 15 20

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Intelligence used at level 5
+1 Tome of Charisma used at level 12
+3 Tome of Charisma used at level 17

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Base Skills Modified Skills
Skills (Level 1) (Level 20)
Balance 5 5
Bluff 2 5
Concentration 2 5
Diplomacy 2 5
Disable Device 5 5
Haggle 6 9
Heal -1 -1
Hide 1 1
Intimidate 6 28
Jump 7 11
Listen -1 -1
Move Silently 1 1
Open Lock 5 5
Perform n/a n/a
Repair 1 1
Search 5 5
Spot 3 3
Swim 3 6
Tumble 5 5
Use Magic Device 6 31

Level 1 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+4)
Skill: Disable Device (+4)
Skill: Haggle (+4)
Skill: Intimidate (+4)
Skill: Jump (+4)
Skill: Open Lock (+4)
Skill: Search (+4)
Skill: Spot (+4)
Skill: Tumble (+4)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+4)
Feat: (Human Bonus) Toughness
Feat: (Selected) Two Handed Fighting


Level 2 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 3 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack


Level 4 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 5 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 6 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Combat Expertise


Level 7 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Two Handed Fighting


Level 8 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 9 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons


Level 10 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 11 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 12 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Two Handed Fighting


Level 13 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 14 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 15 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Extend Spell


Level 16 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 17 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 18 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Skill Focus: Use Magic Device


Level 19 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 20 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Paladin Armor Class Boost I
Enhancement: Rogue Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Unyielding Sovereignty
Enhancement: Follower of the Sovereign Host
Enhancement: Human Adaptability Strength I
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery I
Enhancement: Paladin Courage of Good I
Enhancement: Paladin Bulwark of Good I
Enhancement: Paladin Bulwark of Good II
Enhancement: Paladin Bulwark of Good III
Enhancement: Paladin Bulwark of Good IV
Enhancement: Paladin Focus of Good I
Enhancement: Paladin Resistance of Good I
Enhancement: Paladin Resistance of Good II
Enhancement: Paladin Resistance of Good III
Enhancement: Paladin Divine Righteousness I
Enhancement: Paladin Divine Sacrifice I
Enhancement: Paladin Divine Sacrifice II
Enhancement: Paladin Exalted Smite I
Enhancement: Paladin Exalted Smite II
Enhancement: Paladin Exalted Smite III
Enhancement: Paladin Extra Lay on Hands I
Enhancement: Paladin Extra Smite Evil I
Enhancement: Paladin Extra Smite Evil II
Enhancement: Paladin Extra Smite Evil III
Enhancement: Paladin Extra Smite Evil IV
Enhancement: Paladin Defender of Siberys I
Enhancement: Paladin Defender of Siberys II
Enhancement: Paladin Defender of Siberys III
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Paladin Charisma I
Enhancement: Paladin Charisma II
Enhancement: Paladin Toughness I
Enhancement: Paladin Toughness II
Enhancement: Paladin Toughness III
Enhancement: Paladin Divine Might I
Enhancement: Paladin Divine Might II
Enhancement: Paladin Divine Might III


Rogue splash is for UMD; the extra skill pts are just a free perk. Fighter splash is for the extra feat and tower shield proficiency. If you can't afford the +1 INT tome before lvl 6, take Extend or SF UMD at lvl 6 and delay CE until you can take a +1 INT tome. The +1 CHA tome can be taken anytime; I included it at lvl 12 to indicate that's when Divine Might II is available. The +3 CHA is necessary for DM III, but that can be delayed to lvl 20 (or skipped entirely if you never pull one). You could go base DEX 10 CHA 16 so you only need a +2 CHA tome, but I wanted to leave open the option of taking Dodge feat with +1 DEX tome in case you're really trying to max AC - your call, though.

In DPS mode, you'll use 2H weapons (preferably falchions) + PA; in tank mode, you'll go S&B + CE. You could also swap Extend or SF UMD for khopesh, bastard sword, or dwarven axe to use when going S&B; khopesh would have higher DPS on a single target, but the other two would get glancing blows.

I listed this with the enhs for DoS, but it can easily be specced for HotD or KotC instead while leveling, then switched to DoS w/enh reset when you decide you're ready for tanking.

Next is a TWF rogue 2 / fighter 18 Stalwart Defender based on Big Rock Candy:


Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.5.1
DDO Character Planner Home Page (http://www.rjcyberware.com/DDO)

Level 20 True Neutral Human Male
(18 Fighter \ 2 Rogue)
Hit Points: 344
Spell Points: 0
BAB: 19\19\24\29\29
Fortitude: 14
Reflex: 13
Will: 6

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Abilities Base Stats Modified Stats
(32 Point) (Level 1) (Level 20)
Strength 16 24
Dexterity 16 18
Constitution 15 16
Intelligence 12 13
Wisdom 8 8
Charisma 8 8

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Dexterity used at level 6
+1 Tome of Intelligence used at level 8

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Base Skills Modified Skills
Skills (Level 1) (Level 20)
Balance 7 16
Bluff -1 -1
Concentration 2 3
Diplomacy -1 -1
Disable Device 5 5
Haggle 3 3
Heal -1 -1
Hide 3 4
Intimidate 3 39
Jump 7 29
Listen -1 -1
Move Silently 3 4
Open Lock 7 8
Perform n/a n/a
Repair 1 1
Search 5 5
Spot 3 3
Swim 3 7
Tumble 7 8
Use Magic Device 3 25

Level 1 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+4)
Skill: Disable Device (+4)
Skill: Haggle (+4)
Skill: Intimidate (+4)
Skill: Jump (+4)
Skill: Open Lock (+4)
Skill: Search (+4)
Skill: Spot (+4)
Skill: Tumble (+4)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+4)
Feat: (Selected) Least Dragonmark of Sentinel
Feat: (Human Bonus) Toughness


Level 2 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Two Weapon Fighting


Level 3 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Oversized Two Weapon Fighting (swap for Power Attack at higher lvl)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Focus: Piercing Weapons


Level 4 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 5 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Specialization: Piercing Weapons


Level 6 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Lesser Dragonmark of Sentinel


Level 7 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Two Weapon Fighting


Level 8 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 9 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Combat Expertise
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Piercing Weapons


Level 10 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+8)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 11 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 12 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Selected) Skill Focus: Use Magic Device


Level 13 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 14 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Specialization: Piercing Weapons


Level 15 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Skill Focus: Intimidate


Level 16 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 17 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 18 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Bullheaded
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Focus: Piercing Weapons


Level 19 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 20 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Superior Weapon Focus: Piercing Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Class Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Class Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Class Boost III
Enhancement: Fighter Extra Action Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost III
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost IV
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Mastery I
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Mastery II
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Mastery III
Enhancement: Fighter Stalwart Defender I
Enhancement: Fighter Stalwart Defender II
Enhancement: Fighter Stalwart Defender III
Enhancement: Fighter Heavy Pick Specialization I
Enhancement: Fighter Heavy Pick Specialization II
Enhancement: Human Adaptability Constitution I
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery I
Enhancement: Deneith Intimidation I
Enhancement: Deneith Intimidation II
Enhancement: Human Versatility I
Enhancement: Human Versatility II
Enhancement: Fighter Item Defense I
Enhancement: Fighter Item Defense II
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Racial Toughness III
Enhancement: Fighter Intimidate I
Enhancement: Fighter Intimidate II
Enhancement: Rogue Dexterity I
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I
Enhancement: Fighter Strength II
Enhancement: Fighter Strength III
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness II


The Least DM is mostly for the Intim bonus; Lesser DM is optional. For a change of pace I went with heavy picks, but it can be switched to the all-mighty khopesh; just take Slash feats instead of Pierce and trade, say, Lesser DM for khopesh. Skills: max UMD & Intim, the rest spread as you see fit; I went with Jump & Balance. At lower levels you'll wear heavy armor or mithril full plate; once you take rogue 2 at lvl 10, you'll switch to light armor.

As with the DoS build, the +1 INT tome (& CE) can be delayed if you don't have it before lvl 9. But the +1 DEX tome before lvl 7 is pretty important, otherwise it screws up your TWF feat progression. If you don't have one on an alt, you might want to farm for enough plat to buy one off the AH first. [Worst-case scenario: put lvl 4 stat pt into DEX; use human Adaptability to bump STR +1.] One nice feature about this build is it can go Kensai or SD at almost any time with an enh reset, depending on whether you want to focus on DPS or AC tanking. GWF & SWF can both be dropped if you decide to SD full-time, though.

So which build is better? Honestly, it depends on your priorities. The DoS has higher saves, some nice bonuses to burst DPS, some spells & healing ability, a couple of immunities, and a higher UMD score; plus pally auras provide a nice free buff to party members. OTOH, the SD has higher Intim (despite CHA being a dump stat), Evasion (though it may take a little effort to get Reflex saves high enough to really benefit), and I'm guessing higher overall DPS. I'm not sure which is the better hate-tank, in part because I can never remember which hate-tanking abilities work right and which don't. :p

Anyway, hopefully someone will point out if I made any bone-headed mistakes here. Honestly, there's nothing ground-breaking about either build; they're just tweaked versions of other tank builds I've seen.