Hey Forum Folks,

Wanted to post my new T7 Dragonknight tank build here incase you're looking for something that can deal with the new no stamina while blocking. DKs are still very effective tanks and here's my new setup.

Post on my site HERE

Video
https://youtu.be/Slo2FSB1yrY

Objective

The goal of T7 is that people can use this as a template in order to compensate for the lack of stamina regeneration in Update 7 Imperial City. My usual tank setup used magicka with high stamina regeneration through champion points and drinks over food. This build does the opposite, using high stamina pool, massive reduce block cost and powerful ultimate regeneration to active the all important Battle Roar passive.

The new stamina change might be controversial, but it’s not crippling. I also want something that players can pick up easy, without farming gear for hours or the need of PvP sets. The downside of the build is it relies on high champion points to compensate for lack of resource regeneration. You can still play it with low CP (sub 200), but you won’t be able to pull off all the tricks. Another downside is the need for the PvP Caltrops (Razor morph). It acts as such a strong AoE taunt that it cannot be avoid.

However, the build can hold up to the new content WITH the old gear sets, skills and near setup. With this build be the “BEST TANK EVER 2015?” Probably not, but if you want to get through the two new Veteran Dungeons, you can with T7.

Resources via Ultimates + Reduce block cost via champion points and armor + Max resistance through skills = new tanking

Skills



Sword and Shield One

• Extended Chains (morph of Fiery Grip | Ardent Flame skill line) – This is a pull AND a leap essentially. It’s great for pulling in mobs than quickly taunting them or pulling yourself to a target that cannon be stunned (like a boss). “Rip and grip” it’s the reason we love DK tanks.
• Pierce Armor (morph of Puncture | One-Hand and Shield skill line) – A powerful debuff and a single target taunt makes this ability a must have. I like the added spell resistance debuff Pierce Armor provides making the morph choice of my tank.
• Choking Talons (morph of Dark Talons | Draconic Power skill line) – This acts as a AoE root and damage debuff to the enemies. I prefer this morph for pure tanking and it’s ability to control mobs on the battlefield is second to none.
• Defensive Stance (morph of Defensive Posture | One-Hand and Shield skill line) – Reducing block cost and increasing block mitigation is essential for a pure DK tank. It also acts as a Engine Guardian proc tool spam casting this to get a flood of resources.
• Coagulating Blood (morph of Dragon Blood | Draconic Power skill line) – A powerful self heal that also gives a minor vitality buff for extra healing received. Since I run Tri-potions with alchemy passive of Medicinal Use, I no longer need Green Dragon Blood.

Sword and Shield Two

• Hardened Armor (morph of Spiked Armor | Draconic Power skill line) – This is our main buff to maintain for major spell resistance and armor. It also gives us a powerful health shield to start combat and returns physical damage.
• Inner Fire (no morph needed | Undaunted skill line) – A magicka based range taunt that is useful if we’re low on stamina. If you have tons of stamina, go for the stamina based morph but I play it safe.
• Razor Caltrops (morph of Caltrops | Alliance War Assault skill line) – A massive AoE snare which acts like a taunt. It’s my primary way to hold agro on a large group of mobs. If you don’t PvP, use Eruption as a substitute (morph of Ash Cloud | Earthen Heart skill line).
• Heroic Slash (morph of Low Slash | One-Hand and Shield skill line) – This is a single target damage debuff and hits pretty hard single target. It also generates a bit of ultimate over time essential to our resource regeneration.
• Igneous Shields (morph of Obsidian Shield | Earthen Heart skill line) – A minor shield that gives us back stamina, ultimate and 5% weapon power, yeah it’s a must have.

Rotation and Use

Buff with Defensive Stance, Hardened Armor, Igneous shields and Coagulating Blood, throw Caltrops while closing the gap, taunt with Pieces Armor and debuff with Heroic Slash. Now go into buff/debuff cycle.

Primary Buffs – Hardened Armor to reach hard cap in resistance. Other buffs to maintain is Mountains Blessing (20 seconds) Defensive Stance and Coagulating Blood.

Primary Debuffs – Heroic Slash for single target, Choking Talons for area or multiple mobs and Pierce Armor.

Extra Magicka – Use Blood and Igneous Shields to get ultimate.

Extra Stamina – Place Razor Caltrops down, Heroic Slash and Defensive Stance.

Gear




Footman – Comes from Dragonstar Arena (VR 13 normal VR 14 vet).
Hist Bark – Craftable four trait found here: Greenshade Rootwatch Tower, Rivenspire Trader’s Rest and Shadowfen Hatchling’s Crown.
Engine Guardian – Helm from Darkshade Cavern, Shoulders through Undaunted.

Alternatives – Alessia’s Bulwark is a good craftable set that can be used at any level. Soulshine and Unassailable and Akaviri Dragonguard are decent drop sets while leveling.
Champion Points

deltiasgaming.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/T7-Champion-Points.jpg

Priorities

Blessed in the Mage for more healing
Block Expert in the Warrior for reduce block cost
Magician for reduce magicka cost


Miscellaneous

Attributes – all stamina (64).
Werewolf/Vampire – Neither since I don’t use their abilities.
Mundus – Atronach for more casting though Warrior is good for DPS focused stamina build.
Races – 1) Imperial 2) Dunmer 3) Nord.

Will X race work with Y build

Generally yes. I’ve stamina DPS on a Nord and magicka tanked on a Khajiit. It can be done, but it won’t be optimal. If you’re asking for advice, tank those three races ideally, but anything with more health, magicka and stamina can work.