Magicka vs Stamina DK tank?

Savage_Audacity · April 2016

Hello, I am currently leveling a Nord DragonKnight tank. I am trying to decide whether a magicka or stamina build would be more effective overall for my goal. My vision for this tank is to be able to last extended periods of time without a healer as well as provide buffs to the group such as igneous weapons and warhorn. So my main question is do you think stamina or magicka DK tanks (Nord) are more effective AND WHY?
A few other questions I have include:
1. Is burning embers or resolving vigor a more effective heal in comparison to their magicka/stamina counterparts?
2. How important is it for tanks to be able to deal damage in endgame content (Vet dungeons and trials)?
3. How much max health, Stamina, and magicka Do i need as a stamina or magicka tank?
4. Where Should I allocate my CP as a magicka or stamina tank?

Averya_Teira · April 2016

I think both are viable, but stamina DK has a slight edge. I'm no expert though...

Oh_Skrivva · April 2016

I wouldn't say I'm the best tank or good tank (I've tanked all vet dungeons, yet to be main in tank trials only off tank). But I feel like I can control my chances of survivability with a magic build tank since Regen nerf to blocking as well as the off chance the healer is not a Templar and cant assist with my stamina with shards (or the healer is not the greatest and cant throw one out every now and again). Also since I run engine guardian boss set. It can proc quite often with a embers spam (embers is cheap and a good heal). I've actually survived a execute phase on my dk dps while group was down by blocking and rotating embers hits in everytime boss hit me. I've seen Stam dk tanks in action and they are definitely viable. I just prefer magic due to my play style and only run as tank if friends need one or for daily pledge.

MaxwellC · April 2016

1. You're a nord so vigor + igenous will always be better but burning embers is the better heal.

2. It's important to do some damage though it doesn't have to be significant but just some extra DPS is useful in the way of heavy attacks + skill animation cancel.

3. I'd say 25k health + and you're fine. I run my stamina DK with max health/regen food and I sit around 21k health but I never die because my shields always up. Stamina needs to be over 25k if you're stamina with 10k magicka vise versa for magicka.

4. If stamina tank/Magicka both need to allocate 75 would be good but half can go into block while the rest into spell resistance. Then add some CP around 45 in each physical reduction/magicka reduction (more if you can into both after allocating 75 into steed for that armor increase with shields).

Hope that helps.

Savage_Audacity · April 2016

Thanks for the comments guys!

Refuse2GrowUp · April 2016

Prismatic Glyphs are your friend. Makes it very easy to focus more magicka or stamina but still have plenty other resource and health. They make for efficient DK tanks, but are soooo expensive.

NBrookus · April 2016

Either magicka or stam tanking works fine for DKs. Having tried both, I prefer magicka tanking, and my tank is an orc so def no magicka buffs there. I run a sustain/regen oriented build; I can last a long time without orbs, shards, or heals. (It is much more pleasant with them.)

2. If the tank has to do damage to clear a vet dungeon, your group DPS is very weak. You should be making their DPS and heals work better. On the other hand, if the DPS is truly excellent... they don't need you at all for that 4 man dungeon anyway. Don't drive yourself batty being a sub-par DPS.

3. Depends on playstyle, content difficulty, and skill of healer. I would start with health in the 29-30k ballpark and reduce until you or your regular healers feel strained, and revisit as your skill and build change. If you are PUGging a lot or doing trials, you may want to stay at that level. I've PUGged with healers that didn't heal me at all.