[PvE] The Rock (W/E)

Profession: W/E
Name: The Rock
Type: PvE
Category: Support Tank
Attributes:
(flexible)
earth - 10
hammer - 10 + 1
strength - 7 + 1 + 1
tactics - 9 + 1

depending on which side skills you choose, it is possible to drop one attribute line altogether and pump up the other 3.

Skills Set:
main skills -
counter blow
belly smash
earthshaker {elite}
aftershock
armor of earth
healing signet
side skill 1
side skill 2

side skills -
irresistable blow - for a more offensive style
berserker stance - for ias, more damage and quicker charge of adrenaline
ward vs. melee - added protection for the whole party
"i will survive" - for condition heavy areas
"watch yourself" - additional armor for the whole party
dolyak signet - armor of earth + dolyak anyone = a lot of armor

Summary:
this is a tried and true tanking build, and it is amazing since it allows me to both tank for myself as well as protect the softer targets. self tanking builds are only good if you can ensure aggro on yourself. however, in non-ideal situations (which is the case in most pugs), this build allows me to stay effective by becoming a protector instead of a tank. counter blow, belly smash, earthshaker, "watch yourself", and ward vs. melee all allow you to protect anyone being attacked and knockdown is the ultimate snare. this is a party friendly build designed for bodyguard tanks. it is a build that can both stand on its own and help ensure survival of the softer targets. it's also a good mix of both offense and party defense.

Notes & Concerns: the only places where the build is weak are places with enchant stripping, blinds, and enemies that cannot be knocked down. enchant strippers always suck, but i usually get so loaded with monk enchants that those get stripped first.

Credit: Strider Kaaru