Curse

PRO · Jul 30, 2011, 06:18 PM // 18:18

So I decided i want to start using my Cathan Targe. The only problem is, I've never made tactics builds.
So all you veteran tactics warriors, throw your experience this way.

The build needs to be based off this shield:

The build can utilize sword or axe, i have no preference. This is for PvE.

I put together a build that is working great for now, but I would like opinions and insight from people that know tactics better than me.

PvXDecode

artemis-fowl · Jul 30, 2011, 08:19 PM // 20:19

Steady Stance+Drunken Blow, very good dmg+no energy lose+u can inflict many conditions+u get adrenaline

Califorun · Jul 30, 2011, 11:18 PM // 23:18

First off - how do you use pvxdecode into forums? I spent a bit of time searching around in stickies and on google as well, and there are no hints on how to do it... simply pasting in the pvxcode from the textbox beneath the build does not work, nor does flanking it in HTML tags, etc =(

but ANYWAYS
Unless you're going for riposte-style builds, which aren't all that effective unless you're soloing or you make sure to engage melee enemies well ahead of your group, an axe will be the best weapon for tactics due to "Fear Me!" critical chance greatly increasing an axe's damage... so you are on the right track!

That being said, the build you've got looks very usable, but I would suggest to make sure that your tactics attribute is at 15 (major tactics rune + tactics helm) so that you can constantly maintain Soldier's Stance for the blocking and IAS. I would also bring Cyclone Axe and Whirlwind Attack to unlock the high AoE damage that an axe can dish out when you've got the high crit chance from "Fear Me!". With Cyclone Axe, it can get a bit tight on energy so you might want to drop "To the Limit!" and bring "For Great Justice!" instead for the added adrenaline (for more whirlwind attack spam). This is along the lines of what I use. Take out Brawling Headbutt if you wish to bring a resurrection:

http://www.gwpvx.com/Special:PvXDeco...ame=&Go=Submit

Soldier's Stance is definitely one of the best tactics elites but I also like to use others... a lot of them are best with sword for blocking/riposting, but specifically for axe I enjoy using steady stance:

http://www.gwpvx.com/Special:PvXDeco...ame=&Go=Submit

Edit: I notice that your shield requires 8 strength in order to have the +30hp bonus, so these builds aren't necessarily optimal; they're just suggestions... or if you are able to re-modify that shield to have a different handle that doesn't depend on strength then that would work as well. I do not tend to invest much into strength in my tactics builds since I prefer to max tactics/weapon mastery for the most critical strikes and high attack skill damage.

PRO · Jul 31, 2011, 10:18 AM // 10:18

thanks for the ideas and the insight!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Califorun

First off - how do you use pvxdecode into forums?

Unfortunately that is just an image, cropped and uploaded with imageshack. The pvxdecode is a link to just that

Quote:

Originally Posted by Califorun

I would suggest to make sure that your tactics attribute is at 15 (major tactics rune + tactics helm)

Yea i was thinking i needed that, but i hate using more then minors on my warrior, habit from pvp i guess. Didn't even realize till now how much more efficient a tac headpiece would be.... oops

Quote:

Originally Posted by Califorun

Cyclone Axe and Whirlwind Attack

it always seems like im not attacking enough enemies for these to be useful, but i will def give a try.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Califorun

if you are able to re-modify that shield

its a pre-order shield, can't mod

Bandwagon · Jul 31, 2011, 05:28 PM // 17:28

Disrupting Chop is pretty underwhelming in PvE, your probably going to kill w/e your going to interrupt anyway. SY! is always useful.

Califorun · Jul 31, 2011, 07:27 PM // 19:27

@PRO

Soldier's Stance is usually the only elite where I use more than a minor rune simply because it is worth the health compromise to maintain the stance.

As for Cyclone Axe + Whirlwind, they are incredibly good especially with a ritualist who can put splinter weapon on you... just make sure you are balling enemies by running in first with your party following behind and flag heroes as needed. It works pretty well since Soldier's Stance provides defense to survive the initial onslaught.

Since your shield is stuck the way it is, you can go with a variation on the Soldier's Stance build that you are currently running. I would take out Disrupting Chop (like Bandwagon said) and replace it with Agonizing Chop, replace Penetrating Blow and Penetrating Chop with Cyclone Axe and Whirlwind Attack. You can also replace "To the Limit!" with "For Great Justice!", since "To the Limit!"'s adrenaline gain is not very good and the +50hp isn't game-breaking since your health shouldn't drop that low very often anyways. These changes should allow you to do a lot more damage since, as it is for most warrior builds, the goal is to output serious damage and provide a meatshield for your mid and backline. Adding in "Save Yourselves!" (also what Bandwagon said) or a resurrection in the final optional slot is a good idea for extra party support... "Watch Yourself!" can be a good alternative or augmentation to "Save Yourselves!" since it's less adrenaline and you can upkeep it more reliably.

That's just my two cents! You might end up with something like this:

http://www.gwpvx.com/Special:PvXDeco...ame=&Go=Submit

Since you'll have 8 in strength you won't be able to get 15 in tactics without taking a superior rune which I wouldn't recommend... up to you what to do about that... perhaps just use a major rune so you're at 14 tactics and you can nearly but not quite maintain Soldier's Stance.

cataphract · Aug 01, 2011, 09:23 AM // 09:23

Why not go crazy and reach all four requirements on the shield?

Dragon Slash, Dismember, Sun and Moon Slash, Power Attack, Thrill of Victory, Executioner's Strike, Frenzy, FGJ!

It's far from optimal but could be really fun to run. I'd go pugging with it for increased dosage of lulz.

Relyk · Sep 12, 2011, 12:59 PM // 12:59

http://www.gwpvx.com/Special:PvXDeco...Submit+Q uery

Use the ever for Dsperation/Drunken Blow from tactics and spam with scythe using WE. +2 strength for Warrior's Endurance.

wilebill · Sep 15, 2011, 12:53 PM // 12:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Califorun

That being said, the build you've got looks very usable, but I would suggest to make sure that your tactics attribute is at 15 (major tactics rune + tactics helm) so that you can constantly maintain Soldier's Stance for the blocking and IAS. I would also bring Cyclone Axe and Whirlwind Attack to unlock the high AoE damage that an axe can dish out when you've got the high crit chance from "Fear Me!". With Cyclone Axe, it can get a bit tight on energy so you might want to drop "To the Limit!" and bring "For Great Justice!" instead for the added adrenaline (for more whirlwind attack spam). This is along the lines of what I use. Take out Brawling Headbutt if you wish to bring a resurrection:

http://www.gwpvx.com/Special:PvXDeco...ame=&Go=Submit

Tried out your first build, really works well even though all I have for a tactics shield is Geoffer's Bulwark.