NB tanking (sap tank)

pcar944
pcar944
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so I had a question about this because I've been wanting to do this for a long time.

I am using Black Rose and Desert Rose, all pieces are gold and STURDY, 3 stat, arcane rings, prismatic enchants on everything.

I have a BUNCH of questions - which Mundus to use, what enchants to put on my jewelry (which is Arcane)

what kind of stats should I be aiming for, and if I should have more stam then mag (per change done prior)

is it worth going 5-1-1 or 5-2 (if so, which 2 LA or Med?)

I have even more questions mechanics wise since neither Deltia nor Gilliam have updates for Horns of the Reach + I'm using sets way different from theirs

like YouTube has a few NB tank builds using Ice Staves on the back bar ... which I'm sure would work on other classes as well, but I haven't seen this done during any of my "pugging the dungeons"
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  • IxSTALKERxI
    IxSTALKERxI
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    The concept of sap tanks died in morrowind update with siphoning attacks change.

    I mean sure, you can technically make a tank that casts sap essence and call it a 'sap tank' but it's not really the same as the sap tank that people have referred to in the past.

    It's probably best just to call it a 'NB tank' at this point.
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  • Brrrofski
    Brrrofski
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    Yeh, Morrowind killed it. You sarcifice your damage for sustain at which point, be a dk...

    I'm loving warden tanking though. The healing you can provide your group is great.
  • Etchos
    Etchos
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    Just like Morrowind killed Templar Healers................. Remember that?

    Saying Morrowind killed saptanks is a massive exaggeration. It changed them sure............but killed them? nah.

    While they are never going to be meta they are super fun. Remember that guys..........fun? the reason games exist.

    Gilliam has done a video update to his bloodletter build based on Morrowind which wont be too different from a Horns of the Reach version. Close enough for you to get the basics down and adjust what you need to suit your playstyle.

    In short the answer to all your questions is "whatever suits your playstyle"

    Personally I use sword and board and a resto staff but if the healer is doing his job double sword and board will work.

    With the sets you are using you probably need more health than what some other builds would need as the set isn't healing you. Most sap tanks would lean towards sets that boost healing or provide healing as you do damage hence the obsession with Baharas Curse.

    I run 5-1-1 but as long as you have the heavy 5 piece bonus it doesn't really matter.

    Jewelry........if you have problems with magicka sustain then recovery. If not id usually boost my damage in some way as more damage = more healing in a typical sap tank set up. But your sets are not going to provide that benefit so you will need to work out which gap you want to plug and plug it.

    I don't use sturdy as I'm not needing to block too much (sets healing through normal damage) Block only needed when its a big hit coming. So its never a problem. I therefore try to run all infused with tri enchants for resources across the board. But again given you wont be picking up the usual sap tank return to health you will likely be blocking more. so maybe sturdy is ok.........

    To be honest I think you need to do a lot of working out yourself. Because the sets you are using are so different to what I have seen being used for this the normal answers don't apply. You could watch the bloodletter video for morrowind but unless you change your sets all the answers in it wont be relevant to you. Not saying what you are running is wrong. Its just different........and the thing about different is that videos wont give you the answer. you need to experiment yourself.

    What race are you running?

  • Artis
    Artis
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    Is it pve or pvp? What is this build supposed to tank? Trials? Normal dungeons?

    Sets don't seem to be okay for PvE. In PvE you "compete" with tanks that provide their group with buffs, so you need to do that too. Look at Ebon, Alkosh, etc.

    If you can't run what DK tanks run (or something even better if there is any) - then what's the point? Basically, you should run pretty much the same gear. And vary armor enchants maybe to capitalize on the strengths of your class.

    But as someone said above - you can't spam sap to aoe/off heal and restore magicka at the same time, because siphoning attacks don't work like that anymore.
  • pcar944
    pcar944
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    my NB is Argonian + swallow soul for more healing on my SnB bar (also a vamp, not sure if I would keep this)

    reason why I went with these sets is exactly that - changes to Siphoning strikes

    sure could do Bahraha's and Leeching - I already have both sets with weapons/shields infused and all jewelry, that's not a big deal at all for me right now

    I wanted to try these sets because the amount of resources and ultimate generation from Bloodspawn

    that is also why I was asking about the Ice staff on back bar, because ideally could swap to it and use blockade and elemental drain/succeptability for even more regen for the whole group because while "pugging" I see a lot of Healers not using this ability and hurting mag DPS and being the fact that Siphoning was changed so much, this could be a really good idea?

    I gave this some thought before going out and farming this gear etc, I'm just wondering what kind of stats I should try to aim for mag/stam/health wise, then I can play it by ear and decide which enchants and mundus I can run
    Edited by pcar944 on September 5, 2017 8:18PM
    One Tamriel killed PVP

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  • kendellking_chaosb14_ESO
    kendellking_chaosb14_ESO
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    Etchos wrote: »
    Just like Morrowind killed Templar Healers................. Remember that?

    Saying Morrowind killed saptanks is a massive exaggeration. It changed them sure............but killed them? nah.

    While they are never going to be meta they are super fun. Remember that guys..........fun? the reason games exist.

    Gilliam has done a video update to his bloodletter build based on Morrowind which wont be too different from a Horns of the Reach version. Close enough for you to get the basics down and adjust what you need to suit your playstyle.

    In short the answer to all your questions is "whatever suits your playstyle"

    Personally I use sword and board and a resto staff but if the healer is doing his job double sword and board will work.

    With the sets you are using you probably need more health than what some other builds would need as the set isn't healing you. Most sap tanks would lean towards sets that boost healing or provide healing as you do damage hence the obsession with Baharas Curse.

    I run 5-1-1 but as long as you have the heavy 5 piece bonus it doesn't really matter.

    Jewelry........if you have problems with magicka sustain then recovery. If not id usually boost my damage in some way as more damage = more healing in a typical sap tank set up. But your sets are not going to provide that benefit so you will need to work out which gap you want to plug and plug it.

    I don't use sturdy as I'm not needing to block too much (sets healing through normal damage) Block only needed when its a big hit coming. So its never a problem. I therefore try to run all infused with tri enchants for resources across the board. But again given you wont be picking up the usual sap tank return to health you will likely be blocking more. so maybe sturdy is ok.........

    To be honest I think you need to do a lot of working out yourself. Because the sets you are using are so different to what I have seen being used for this the normal answers don't apply. You could watch the bloodletter video for morrowind but unless you change your sets all the answers in it wont be relevant to you. Not saying what you are running is wrong. Its just different........and the thing about different is that videos wont give you the answer. you need to experiment yourself.

    What race are you running?

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  • Flameheart
    Flameheart
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    Sap tanks are "dead" in that way, that you aren't able to chainspam it anymore as a tank in trash groups as you could formerly preMorrowind. The nerfs to sustain in general and Siphoning Attacks do not allow that anymore, even with the best shard or bubble support.

    On the other hand NB tanking is still viable for 4-man-stuff (every class can tank 4-man-stuff on an almost equal level btw, it's just a matter of skills and gear setup) and Sap Essence is still a viable skill, but now more situational for getting initial aggro in trash groups or a bit group healing in cases of emergency.

    Edited by Flameheart on September 6, 2017 7:26AM
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  • Brrrofski
    Brrrofski
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    Etchos wrote: »
    Just like Morrowind killed Templar Healers................. Remember that?

    Saying Morrowind killed saptanks is a massive exaggeration. It changed them sure............but killed them? nah.

    While they are never going to be meta they are super fun. Remember that guys..........fun? the reason games exist.

    Gilliam has done a video update to his bloodletter build based on Morrowind which wont be too different from a Horns of the Reach version. Close enough for you to get the basics down and adjust what you need to suit your playstyle.

    In short the answer to all your questions is "whatever suits your playstyle"

    Personally I use sword and board and a resto staff but if the healer is doing his job double sword and board will work.

    With the sets you are using you probably need more health than what some other builds would need as the set isn't healing you. Most sap tanks would lean towards sets that boost healing or provide healing as you do damage hence the obsession with Baharas Curse.

    I run 5-1-1 but as long as you have the heavy 5 piece bonus it doesn't really matter.

    Jewelry........if you have problems with magicka sustain then recovery. If not id usually boost my damage in some way as more damage = more healing in a typical sap tank set up. But your sets are not going to provide that benefit so you will need to work out which gap you want to plug and plug it.

    I don't use sturdy as I'm not needing to block too much (sets healing through normal damage) Block only needed when its a big hit coming. So its never a problem. I therefore try to run all infused with tri enchants for resources across the board. But again given you wont be picking up the usual sap tank return to health you will likely be blocking more. so maybe sturdy is ok.........

    To be honest I think you need to do a lot of working out yourself. Because the sets you are using are so different to what I have seen being used for this the normal answers don't apply. You could watch the bloodletter video for morrowind but unless you change your sets all the answers in it wont be relevant to you. Not saying what you are running is wrong. Its just different........and the thing about different is that videos wont give you the answer. you need to experiment yourself.

    What race are you running?

    But you have to trade damage for sustain. So you now just sustain. Bring nothing much to your group. Useless damage, low amount of healing. So what's the point? DK and Wardens bring a lot more.

    Trust me, I loved Saptank. It allowed for complete out of the box style to tanking. But it's pointless now. It's not even fun anymore. Too much micro managing. It pains me to say it. Just check the forum, I've been running it for a long time. I tried it after Morrowind and they have taken all identify away from it (ie using two sets to do what one skill was doing prior). It has zero damage and little utility.

    On the flip I've made a Warden tank and it's great fun. Provides insane healing to the group as well.

    Any tank can use baharas and leeching. No idea why people think that's what a saptank is. Bloodthorn is a good start. Criminally underrated set. I was using it with spell power cure and grothdrarr last time I played mine.
    Edited by Brrrofski on September 6, 2017 7:42AM
  • Brrrofski
    Brrrofski
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    Flameheart wrote: »
    Sap tanks are "dead" in that way, that you aren't able to chainspam it anymore as a tank in trash groups as you could formerly preMorrowind. The nerfs to sustain in general and Siphoning Attacks do not allow that anymore, even with the best shard or bubble support.

    On the other hand NB tanking is still viable for 4-man-stuff (every class can tank 4-man-stuff on an almost equal level btw, it's just a matter of skills and gear setup) and Sap Essence is still a viable skill, but now more situational for getting initial aggro in trash groups or a bit group healing in cases of emergency.

    Exactly. A saptank was running in, doing damage, self healing and a bit of group healing and sustaining like a champ. Now every pull is like every other tank. Other tanks aren't as "selfish" though. Before, it was fine because you were doing damage, but now you have to drop that so you can sustain.
  • RavenSworn
    RavenSworn
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    I guess it's time to redefine the workings of a sap tank. previously, you can always deal damage, heal and maintain sustain at the same time. now it's different. a MAGnb tank now has to work towards its strengths, rather than be an allrounder like a dk.

    Have you given thought on how some 'staple' choices for the sap tank needs to change? take for example, Swallow Soul. Perhaps it's much better to take Funnel health simply because it gives you to deal damage and heal at the same time? Swallow soul buff, which in turn can be replaced by race change to Argonian or even a whole new set, something like Sanctuary?

    Also how about taking sets to a different level? maybe using Dragonguard and Sanctuary, for the ult gen and also to gain the vitality buff for the group. maybe instead of Sanctuary you use Lich? or Spinners for the added damage. or hell, even the treasure hunter set which increases your spell critical and in turn buffs the group with minor savagery up at all times?

    again it's about using the class to its strengths, rather than trying to add an advantage for the class. that's imo anyway. I've always feel that we need to move onwards and try to find other ways to get this build back to its great self.
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  • Flameheart
    Flameheart
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    Brrrofski wrote: »
    Flameheart wrote: »
    Sap tanks are "dead" in that way, that you aren't able to chainspam it anymore as a tank in trash groups as you could formerly preMorrowind. The nerfs to sustain in general and Siphoning Attacks do not allow that anymore, even with the best shard or bubble support.

    On the other hand NB tanking is still viable for 4-man-stuff (every class can tank 4-man-stuff on an almost equal level btw, it's just a matter of skills and gear setup) and Sap Essence is still a viable skill, but now more situational for getting initial aggro in trash groups or a bit group healing in cases of emergency.

    Exactly. A saptank was running in, doing damage, self healing and a bit of group healing and sustaining like a champ. Now every pull is like every other tank. Other tanks aren't as "selfish" though. Before, it was fine because you were doing damage, but now you have to drop that so you can sustain.

    It has advantages and disadvantages. As a tank built more for sustain (and group support of course) it won't matter much in groups where DDs do the dps they should do (25k-30k+ ST depends on boss and mechanics, 40-50k+ AoE depending on number of adds in trash groups at max CP). The best support you can give such guys is pulling the adds as close together as possible (Swarm Mother) for ground dots and AoE dps skills and giving them as much warhorns as possible. Your own added dps (even preMorrowind with a Sap build) won't make any remarkable difference and will be in the one-digit percent range. Magicka NB tanks have a unique class skill (magicka based) for evading attacks completely. So you don't need the stamina expensive Evade buff from the medium armor skill line. Ebon + Tavas (ultireg in case of evading) would be a good combo.

    If you are pugging and get DDs who aren't worth the DD icon in the group tool, then you are right, it became even worse. Formerly you could get even such a group going as a tank by adding some dps with Sap in trash groups. Now I just click the "leave group button" after the first trash group where DDs need almost a minute to get it down.

    If people aren't happy with that they may direct their concerns to Zenimax. I just react to changes, adapt as much as possible and am not guilty of other consequences.

    Edited by Flameheart on September 6, 2017 9:12AM
    Sometimes the prey turns and nips us... it's a small thing.

    So let the snow flakes and unicorns dance alone until they melt or vanish from existence, we will finish up with those smart enough to stay in the glowing circle of love.

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  • Brrrofski
    Brrrofski
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    RavenSworn wrote: »
    I guess it's time to redefine the workings of a sap tank. previously, you can always deal damage, heal and maintain sustain at the same time. now it's different. a MAGnb tank now has to work towards its strengths, rather than be an allrounder like a dk.

    Have you given thought on how some 'staple' choices for the sap tank needs to change? take for example, Swallow Soul. Perhaps it's much better to take Funnel health simply because it gives you to deal damage and heal at the same time? Swallow soul buff, which in turn can be replaced by race change to Argonian or even a whole new set, something like Sanctuary?

    Also how about taking sets to a different level? maybe using Dragonguard and Sanctuary, for the ult gen and also to gain the vitality buff for the group. maybe instead of Sanctuary you use Lich? or Spinners for the added damage. or hell, even the treasure hunter set which increases your spell critical and in turn buffs the group with minor savagery up at all times?

    again it's about using the class to its strengths, rather than trying to add an advantage for the class. that's imo anyway. I've always feel that we need to move onwards and try to find other ways to get this build back to its great self.

    I always used funnel anyway. You never needed the minor vitality.
  • Brrrofski
    Brrrofski
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    Flameheart wrote: »
    Brrrofski wrote: »
    Flameheart wrote: »
    Sap tanks are "dead" in that way, that you aren't able to chainspam it anymore as a tank in trash groups as you could formerly preMorrowind. The nerfs to sustain in general and Siphoning Attacks do not allow that anymore, even with the best shard or bubble support.

    On the other hand NB tanking is still viable for 4-man-stuff (every class can tank 4-man-stuff on an almost equal level btw, it's just a matter of skills and gear setup) and Sap Essence is still a viable skill, but now more situational for getting initial aggro in trash groups or a bit group healing in cases of emergency.

    Exactly. A saptank was running in, doing damage, self healing and a bit of group healing and sustaining like a champ. Now every pull is like every other tank. Other tanks aren't as "selfish" though. Before, it was fine because you were doing damage, but now you have to drop that so you can sustain.

    It has advantages and disadvantages. As a tank built more for sustain (and group support of course) it won't matter much in groups where DDs do the dps they should do (25k-30k+ ST depends on boss and mechanics, 40-50k+ AoE depending on number of adds in trash groups at max CP). The best support you can give such guys is as much warhorns as possible. Your own added dps won't make any difference and will be in the low one-digit percent range. Magicka NB tanks have a unique class skill (magicka based) for evading attacks completely. So you don't need the stamina expensive Evade buff from the medium armor skill line. Ebon + Tavas (ultireg in case of evading) would be a good combo.

    If you are pugging and get DDs who aren't worth the DD icon in the group tool, then you are right, it became even worse. Formerly you could get even such a group going as a tank by adding some dps with Sap in trash groups. Now I just click the "leave group button" after the first trash group where DDs need almost a minute to get it down.

    If people aren't happy with that they may direct their concerns to Zenimax. I just react to changes, adapt as much as possible and am not guilty of other consequences.

    I'm not happy with it. They made it generic and boring. It lost it's identity. So I tried a Warden tank. It's a lot of fun and adds a lot to your group.

    Still makes me sad how they ruined saptanks though. It was the most fun i've had in Pve. I was still running it in PvP effectively. PvP may still work well currently in all fairness, haven't tried it yet though.
    Edited by Brrrofski on September 6, 2017 9:09AM
  • Qbiken
    Qbiken
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    Think I´ve only seen 1 or 2 saptanks since I started playing this game. Whenever I see one (Be it PvP or PvE) I feel like David Attenburg narrating a very rare species of animal, not seen by man since many decades xD
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