The FoW Tank

Lord Sojar

The Fallen One

Join Date: Dec 2005

Oblivion

Irrelevant

Mo/Me

15 Nov 2006 at 08:59 - 1

The build doesn't take much. It does pretty decent dmg, especially to casters, but you have an EXTREMELY hard time dying even against abyssals. Monks will need to heal you here and there, just tell them to bring Dwanya's Kiss.

You will need the following:

Max 70AL Armor with all blessed Insignias.
Superior Vigor
15%>50 or 15% enchanted scythe with +30HP. Other mod is optional. I guess 20% enchant wouldnt be a bad thing.

Attributes:

Mysticism: 3+1+11
Scythe Mastery: 2+10
Earth Prayers: 10+1

Skills: Mystic Sweep, Signet of Pious Light, Mystic Regeneration, Mystic Vigor, Vital Boon, Faithful Intervention, Conviction, Avatar of Balthazar [e].

Pull Faithful Intervention up and always keep it up. Next, put up Mystic Vigor, then Vital Boon, then Mystic Regeneration. Turn on Conviction and Avatar of Balthazar. Run into combat. You will have SS on you. Group the baddies into the tightest ball you can, so you strike at least 2 of them, preferrably 3. Everytime you hit ONE of them, you gain 25 HP. So if you hit 2, you gain 50. You can completely ignore SS with this build if you position correctly. mesmer will shatter you, which is why the order was important. mystic regen grants you +12 hp regen, which maxes @ 10 anyways. It has a very short recharge, coming in at only 5 secs. Vital boon is next, at a manageable 8 secs. These two are your cover enchants, and can easily be reapplied. If you are getting VERY low on HP, cast signet of pious light on yourself for a nice quick heal, and continue until u dont have enchantments left. Get Faithful intervention up ASAP, then mystic vigor, Start swinging again. Get boon and regen back up when u can. Conviction MUST stay up @ all times! Avatar of Balthazar should be used almost all the time, especially when against Abyssals.

If all goes accordingly, you should never die except maybe when facing skeletons. Kill them with Mystic Sweep and your holy dmg before they get you.

ANOTHER VARIATION:

If you want to be a pure tank, then do the following:

Reduce Scythe Mastery to 9. Take out signet of pious light and mystic Sweep.

Take your additional attribute points and add them into Earth Prayers.

Add Veil of Thorns and Armor of Sanctity. You should now not take any damage, you but you will not be able to deal much either. This is the pure tank concept.

Goodluck.

Skuld

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Sep 2005

Thousend Tigers Apund Ur Head [Ttgr]

15 Nov 2006 at 12:08 - 2

Do you do ok with -110hp from runes, 20% ench mod and no survivor armour? o.O

Hidden Prayers

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Dec 2005

15 Nov 2006 at 13:28 - 3

Personally I'd go avatar of dwayna over avatar of balthazar.
Why worry about SS and other hexes when you can just remove them and receive a heal afterwards? There are a number of skills that can still be used to boost armor to levels of those used by avatar of balthazar.

And of course, you have to be able to kill all groups < 1 minute otherwise you're toast

Lourens

Forge Runner

Join Date: Mar 2006

15 Nov 2006 at 15:28 - 4

why the points in scythe and the -75hp for +3 scythe when u are a ""TANK""?

Arkantos

The Greatest

Join Date: Feb 2006

15 Nov 2006 at 16:13 - 5

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lourens

why the points in scythe and the -75hp for +3 scythe when u are a ""TANK""? If theres enough defence in a tank build, you don't add more defence, you add offence. A warrior with dolyak signet @ 10 strength has 126 armor vs elemental, 146 armor vs physical. Add WY! and you have 146/166. In FoW, thats good enough for a tank. So, would you rather add more defence, or add offence and be more useful?

Lourens

Forge Runner

Join Date: Mar 2006

15 Nov 2006 at 17:33 - 6

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arkantos

If theres enough defence in a tank build, you don't add more defence, you add offence. A warrior with dolyak signet @ 10 strength has 126 armor vs elemental, 146 armor vs physical. Add WY! and you have 146/166. In FoW, thats good enough for a tank. So, would you rather add more defence, or add offence and be more useful? -75hp is still bad for a tank

+1 is fine

Arkantos

The Greatest

Join Date: Feb 2006

15 Nov 2006 at 17:39 - 7

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lourens

-75hp is still bad for a tank

+1 is fine Why have +1 when you can have +3 and still survive easily?

Lord Sojar

The Fallen One

Join Date: Dec 2005

Oblivion

Irrelevant

Mo/Me

15 Nov 2006 at 20:54 - 8

Keep in mind guys, Dervish have +25 HP from their armor, unlike the other classes. I have 475HP without vital boon with those runes on.

This build works very very well. And yeh, the offense is for the skeleton army. When you are tanking them, you deal HOLY dmg. So Mystic Sweep on any of the casters does typically 125-250dmg in ONE hit. Not bad for a tank.

Avatar of Dwanya, eh...tried it. I can ignore SS completely by hitting two foes or more. Avatar of Balth add UNREMOVEABLE armor and allows you to dish out high dmg vs the skeleton army. It also allows you to run into combat quickly and aggro the mob before you PuG decides to follow you. By the time they catch you, you have the attention of the baddies.

Try the build, I am sure you will like it. The groups I have played it with have LOVED me, and I have received NUMEROUS compliments.

drupal

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Sep 2006

15 Nov 2006 at 21:51 - 9

Lord Sojar

The Fallen One

Join Date: Dec 2005

Oblivion

Irrelevant

Mo/Me

15 Nov 2006 at 23:12 - 10

Quote:

Originally Posted by drupal

Great build! Where does the Dervish get 125HP from? Probably you could equip 2 Major Runes and lose "just" 70Hp? Just your normal Scythe attacks benefit from the 13 points in Scythe Mastery not Mystic Sweep. That is true. I just realized that. Yeh, Major Scythe would work also then. Good Suggestion. I will change the build.

LOL. Typo, 25HP, not 125. :P I will correct that.

EDIT: Build Updated: Superior Mysticsm now used for +5 energy gain on enchantments end. Major Scythe can be used, as it doesn't effect the +dmg of Mystic Sweep. Hope this works a bit better. BTW, I never had an issue with low HP on this build. If you have a bonder and they put Life Bond and Life Barrier on you, GAME OVER, GG FoW.

EDIT #2: Added a new build variation using additional dmg reduction. It works quite well, but you can no longer deal much dmg.

drupal

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Sep 2006

16 Nov 2006 at 20:55 - 11

Now your build is absolutely perfect. Dammit that I'm not that far in the game and can't try.

If you got a superior vigor rune and a +30hp scythe grip you actually don't lose that much health. 505hp(+25hp through armor) + 50hp (rune) + 30hp (scythe) - 110hp = 475hp.

Oh man, I really love the dervish.

Kijik Oni Hanryuu

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Feb 2006

the 7th level of HELL! J/K Somewhere in GW assassinating things

[acid]members of the KAWS alliance

16 Nov 2006 at 21:21 - 12

I think my build that I use would be FoW worthy....anyone with access to FoW wanna try it?

forgot to mention, it's the Mystic Tank build, I posted it up here

The Winds Silence

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Aug 2006

Nightfallen Jahai

[KOC]

17 Nov 2006 at 00:39 - 13

i saw a derv use this in fow, he helped me get my fow armor, but he was SOLOING mobs while we just stood back and watched, he needed a few cover enchants from the monks, but could take on pretty much everything in fow, it was crazy, so yea. this build is tight

Lord Sojar

The Fallen One

Join Date: Dec 2005

Oblivion

Irrelevant

Mo/Me

17 Nov 2006 at 11:31 - 14

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Winds Silence

That was me. LOL.

Rahja = Deux. Grats again Seraph on your FoW.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kijik Oni Hanryuu

I think my build that I use would be FoW worthy....anyone with access to FoW wanna try it?

forgot to mention, it's the Mystic Tank build, I posted it up here Yeh Oni, saw your build. It lacks conviction which helps in tanking, but, otherwise, I agree with you. It is FoW worthy.

justadude

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Oct 2006

R/Mo

17 Nov 2006 at 17:02 - 15

Does armor of sanctity really have such a good effect?

drupal

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Sep 2006

17 Nov 2006 at 18:27 - 16

You have a very high armor with Avatar of Balthazar and take just like 10damage or a bit more and Armor of sanctity reduces the damage till 21

Maybe a dumb thought but can you do a video pls? Just if you got enough time, caugh

xiao1985

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Nov 2005

20 Nov 2006 at 03:45 - 17

i use the pure tank variation and make much progress... armor of sanctity and convition makes a big difference... i add in reaper's sweap as elite for deep wound + damage, and sig of pious light+vital boon for emergency heal for both me and my team mates...

Nokkers

Academy Page

Join Date: Oct 2006

I Like Pancakes [CAKE]

21 Nov 2006 at 04:53 - 18

are you soloing or tanking for a group?

Kijik Oni Hanryuu

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Feb 2006

the 7th level of HELL! J/K Somewhere in GW assassinating things

[acid]members of the KAWS alliance

22 Nov 2006 at 01:10 - 19

He's tanking for a group, the large problem with making a dervish tank, is that by being able to tank they can't do major damage, and can only apply a small amount of pressure due to the high power of the scythe.

The Dervish can very well be described as an assassin/warrior hybrid, with it being able to do both if set correctly, with the right scythe mastery and XXXX Prayers build, the Dervish has amazing potential for damage output, but can't hardly take a hit. While inversely the dervish can set for a tank build and never dip below 85% health, but can't dole out very much damage... I tip my hat to anyone that can pull off a strong tanking build, while at the same time running high damage.

Lord Sojar

The Fallen One

Join Date: Dec 2005

Oblivion

Irrelevant

Mo/Me

27 Nov 2006 at 03:59 - 20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kijik Oni Hanryuu

Vex

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Apr 2005

Oregon

27 Nov 2006 at 05:50 - 21

Secondary dosnt matter?

Scourgey

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Sep 2005

27 Nov 2006 at 09:32 - 22

I don't see how this build is able to deal with Knockdown. A good tank has to be able to deal with this in some form.

And for a tank you need as many hitpoints as possible. That's the whole point, if something goes wrong you want to be able to live without a healer for as long as possible.

byteme!

Forge Runner

Join Date: Jan 2006

On Earth

W/P

27 Nov 2006 at 10:01 - 23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scourgey

Vex

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Apr 2005

Oregon

27 Nov 2006 at 10:22 - 24

heh its not to bad on solo PvE either. I went out and just killed random things and did real well...just gotta be quick and watch when your enchants ware off so that you can re enchant however most everything dies before that happens. Alot of fun not to mention you look cool when you have avatar of Balth up lol. Style points are allways a bonus

Nice build.

One more thing also remember vital boon boosts hp aswell so even if you loose hp you still gain those back with vital boon which also has a quick recharge time just keep it up and you should do ok.

Scourgey

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Sep 2005

27 Nov 2006 at 13:00 - 25

Quote:

Originally Posted by byteme!

Can't remember name but Dervishes have a skill to counter knockdown. Any other tank comparisons you wanna bring up? You are thinking of Fleeting stability which he hasn't put in. This is necessary in FOW, unless you like being KD constantly by the Abyssals (which you can't afford to be with dervish as you need to recast enchantments).

Warrior tanks bring dolyaks signet, balanced stance is pretty crap for tanking as skeletial mobs in FOW use wild blow.

Also Shatter enchantment is nasty in FOW. You can't really want to afford a shatter enchant spike which not only will remove your defensive abilities, but will also cause damage. Which is why you should not have superior runes.

Not saying this build cannot tank, I'm saying it's not as reliable as a FOW warrior tank with dolyaks in FOW (which is what the topic is about)

Arkantos

The Greatest

Join Date: Feb 2006

27 Nov 2006 at 13:08 - 26

Pre cast some enchantments, go tank the abyssal. If you have a decent group he'll be dead after 1 Earth Shaker.

Lord Sojar

The Fallen One

Join Date: Dec 2005

Oblivion

Irrelevant

Mo/Me

29 Nov 2006 at 21:59 - 27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arkantos

Pre cast some enchantments, go tank the abyssal. If you have a decent group he'll be dead after 1 Earth Shaker. Bingo! Arkantos has got the idea down. And btw, this tank actually deals, get this, DAMAGE. With avatar of balth, you deal holy dmg to the skeleton army. Thus, you can actually dish out some decent dmg whilst the rest of your group deals with some break offs.

@ Comments on shatter enchantment. Yeh, it hurts, that is why you put up you fastest recharging enchantments LAST, so you can simply reapply them. Vital boon then Mystic Regen. So they shatter both.... whoopty do, put them back up. Continue tanking. Abyssals, lol, KD. Ignore it, your enchants last 20 seconds or more (with +20% enchant mod). Cast right at aggro circle, run in, your group should drop the nasty KDers within 10-15 secs if they are a well organized good group.

Hope this clarifies some of the flamers nit-picks about the build. This build, sadly, isnt quite as easy to run as the warrior tank with good ol dolak sig and watch yourself. Sorry to make a challenge.

moondog v1.0

Pre-Searing Cadet

Join Date: Nov 2006

CANADA

LOW

Mo/

01 Dec 2006 at 01:11 - 28

great build love it sooooooooooo much ty

The Juggerrnaught

Pre-Searing Cadet

Join Date: Jul 2006

Death Givers [DG]

W/Mo

14 Dec 2006 at 06:39 - 29

hey this build is really nice, but we all would surely like a video of this with explanations to noobs for how to manage the enchantments and how to deal with enchantment removal and by noobs i mean me and maybe couple more ppl :P

thank you for a kick ass build like this!!

Juggerrnaught

drupal

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Sep 2006

16 Dec 2006 at 23:28 - 30

It's really simple just try it on tengus or something, they shatter too. The order of you enchantments is important. Mystic regeneration should be always up so cast at first and Vital Boon can be used as a cover enchantment. If you want the full healing from Mystic Vigor roll them up to a tight bundle so that you can hit all 3 with attack.

WarKaster

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Dec 2006

Los Angeles

SlingBlades

D/Mo

15 Jan 2007 at 21:36 - 31

i got a chance to use this build last night when a me and bunch of my guild members when FoW....... It was f-ing sweet....awesome build

guild boy

Academy Page

Join Date: Jul 2006

SoCal

[LaSt]

W/D

17 Jan 2007 at 23:58 - 32

nice build!!

Just_ A_Nightmare

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Feb 2007

10 Feb 2007 at 09:48 - 33

Would this build work as good inb general pve playin thru NF storyline as good as it does in FOW?

boarderx

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Feb 2007

[PIG]

12 Feb 2007 at 13:48 - 34

1st off I am loving this build especially in a 5 man FOW group (and ppl love me in their groups too).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scourgey

You are thinking of Fleeting stability which he hasn't put in. This is necessary in FOW, unless you like being KD constantly by the Abyssals (which you can't afford to be with dervish as you need to recast enchantments).

well, i see your points but have you tried the build? It works wonders! the KD is a pain but isnt a problem (1/4 second casts FTW!) If ppl do have a problem there then its time for Fleeting Stability.

Quote: Originally Posted by Scourgey Also Shatter enchantment is nasty in FOW. You can't really want to afford a shatter enchant spike which not only will remove your defensive abilities, but will also cause damage. Which is why you should not have superior runes. Shatter Enchatment doesnt affect this build enough where i even notice it, if enchtments are cast right and covered right then it can only help you (remove vital boon and i get healed anyway).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scourgey

Not saying this build cannot tank, I'm saying it's not as reliable as a FOW warrior tank with dolyaks in FOW (which is what the topic is about). again, i see your point but i dont agree with it. With a AL of 70+40+24 that is great for dmg reduction as a tank (i find that i charge into groups with out using my Avatar even) the monk loves me cuz i can self suffice for a bit while the aggro gets locked on me. Dolyaks also practically freezes you in place (thumbs down).

Again you made valid points but the evidence is in the build. Try the build, it work awesome, then after the party leaves i'll go solo parts of the beach. Cuz not only does this have self healing, armor buffs, and energy managment, it also deals great amounts of damage (avatar of balth is awesome vs the undead army, hitting for 100+).

silent but true

Academy Page

Join Date: Mar 2007

OOUS

N/E

23 May 2007 at 14:46 - 35

gr8 idea I mite try ur build or alter my v high regen fow build 2 hav some of your skills

phool

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Jan 2007

23 May 2007 at 16:30 - 36

I'm more partial to shadow form tanks in FoW so no monks are needed but yeah, played 5 man with a guy running this build and it went very fast. I don't see why you recommend blessed, not windwalker?

Every time i lag

Banned

Join Date: Jan 2007

Belgium

Murder Death Sadists Of Doom [MDSD]

E/Me

23 May 2007 at 16:33 - 37

no sup runes and its fine xd

Nkah Sennyt

Awaken from hiatus.

Join Date: Apr 2006

Riding the spiral.

No Fun Allowed [Vdya]

23 May 2007 at 17:02 - 38

Necro nono.