If you're looking for pre-trial gear options, a really effective setup is:

Monster set: 2 Bloodspawn
Set 1: Torug's Pact
Set 2: Akiviri Dragonguard

The only downside is that Dragonguard pieces can be very expensive, so if you would like a cheaper build but one that is still effective then run:
Set 1: Ebon
Set 2: Torug's Pact

The first combination will give you ult's more frequently which will boost your group's DPS and as a DK it will help with your sustain. Until you get your full Alkosh set, it's important to run Torug's Pact to debuff the the bosses which leads to higher DPS. And in some vet DLC dungeons, such as Falkreath Hold, it is essential that your group has the highest amount of DPS possible or you're going to be in for a very painful ride.

Edit:
There are also times where you should be greedy as a tank (such as in vet Moon Hunter Keep). In those instances, the best thing to do is:
Set 1: Ebon
Set 2: Plague Doctor

For most content though you won't need more than 35k health. When you're trying new content out for the first time you can wear greedy sets to give you more health, but as you become more familiar with the content you will be fine wearing just Alkosh + Torug's in 90% of the vet content (both dungeons and trials).

Thanks everyone for the replies!

@Psyonico & @SaltySudd
Torug's looks to me more like semi-offensive set. Since I'm sure that initially I'll be doing a bunch of very dumb mistakes in DLC runs I think I should minimize my squishiness. Same goes about Akiviri Dragonguard.

@Royaji & @MartiniDaniels
Actually, I was thinking about Batallion Defender but for some reason decided that selfish Cyro crest will serve better. Now when you reminded me about those unlucky dps, maybe it's indeed better to prevent them from dying rather than later stand in the aoe circle under the shower of spells and rezzing them.

I guess for now I'll get two sets for testing: Plague Doctor and Batallion Defender. I'll test them with Ebon and Lord Warden and compare the feeling.

Then, after I learn the content better I'll try the suggested semi-offensive sets.

Excellent ideas

Honestly

StormChaser3000 wrote: »

Thanks everyone for the replies!

@Psyonico & @SaltySudd
Torug's looks to me more like semi-offensive set. Since I'm sure that initially I'll be doing a bunch of very dumb mistakes in DLC runs I think I should minimize my squishiness. Same goes about Akiviri Dragonguard.

@Royaji & @MartiniDaniels
Actually, I was thinking about Batallion Defender but for some reason decided that selfish Cyro crest will serve better. Now when you reminded me about those unlucky dps, maybe it's indeed better to prevent them from dying rather than later stand in the aoe circle under the shower of spells and rezzing them.

I guess for now I'll get two sets for testing: Plague Doctor and Batallion Defender. I'll test them with Ebon and Lord Warden and compare the feeling.

Then, after I learn the content better I'll try the suggested semi-offensive sets.

Honestly mistakes in the newer dungeons mean death no matter how tanky you are.

Get your resistances maxed or dang close. Get your health up over 40k. And in the red tree spend your points only in ironclad, hardy, ele defender, and thick skinned. Iron clad being most important. Don’t waste co in healing received or bastion. But you might need to also boost physical resistance when wearing heavy armor.

Do all that and you are going to like your tankiness.

Icy_Waffles wrote: »

Honestly using crest of Cyrodiil, bloodspawn, and an utility set,

Or

1 pc chokethorn, 1 pc shadowrend, with crest of Cyrodiil and fortified brass-

Makes tanking ridiculously easy and effective.

The crazy heals from crest of Cyrodiil shouldn’t be underestimated.

Theoretically Crest of Cyrodiil should be better when you are being hit hard and rarely. Battalion Defender should be better when you are being hit often and not as hard.

I've already gotten Battalion Defender this evening. Gonna test it soon after some adjustments.

Bands of Imperium is also a good survivability and assisting allies set similar to ebon.

So yesterday I finally tested my new setup (2 Lord Warden + 5 Ebon + 5 Plague Doctor) in veteran Bloodroot Forge.

It was not golded gear (all purple) and some pieces had wrong enchants but it worked quite well I'd say...as long as you follow mechanics. Green dragon blood was working really good on my DK thanks to the big health pool provided by Plague Doctor. It's really good for learning since it allows to miss a couple heavy hits (not headshot tho) and stay alive.

I had a bit tough time at the very last fight with Earthgore tho when its 3 clones were attacking me at the same time and I had to hold block almost all the time. Our healer was doing quite nice job by dropping synergies for me, but next time I should bring some stamina potions to sustain better.

Compared to my old experience in vet FH when I was in my thunderbug setup this run felt easier (even tho it still took 2 hours to be finished since most of the pug members were still getting used to the mechanics + unfortunately we had to change 2 healers before we got an expert). But the biggest difference was is that I actually liked this run. IDK, maybe mechanics was more interesting or maybe because there were awesome and patient people in my group. Great thanks to them again if they see this post.