AA Spec for Small Group Tank

[Ndyrin]

<p>Hi all,</p><p>I did some searching of previous threads but couldn't find one on my precise question, so here we go.</p><p>I am a monk who almost exclusively tanks for a small group (Mystic and Illusionist).  My question for the monk experts:  for this situation, what would the best Brawler/Monk aa setup be?  I'm heading down the INT tree right now and think that's a good choice (have an open mind, though), but I'm not sure what other brawler tree would be good (WIS for multi-mob aggro?) and I have no idea where to go in the Monk aas.  </p><p>In addition, what order do you think I should do the trees?  I have 22aas now as a Lvl 20 monk.</p><p>Please explain your reasoning too, if you have the time.  I always learn a lot from that!</p><p>Thanks so much!</p>

[Splor]

I'm a bruiser so I can't tell you how to setup your Monk tree, but I will tell you a decent way to setup your brawler tree<div></div><div>First keep on the INT line and get your Crits. Not only will they increase you DPS greatly, but help for keeping control of mobs. Second I'd say go 4-4-8 WIS. This gives you another AOE ability + AOE aggro + damage. Multiple mob encounters will stick to you, single targets mobs will still be getting the extra shot of damage as well. Bah, I'm required elsewhere, someone else will finish this or maybe I'll finish it later. That should get you started.</div>

[Ndyrin]

<p>Don't go away!  I'm hanging on your every word!  ;D</p><p>So, INT and WIS is the current advice for the brawler line, which was something along what I was thinking myself, although I have been tempted by AGI.  Anyone else have any thoughts?  Splorch, have you returned from your mission?  </p>

[Splor]

I'm home now. I was at college when I was typing my post had someone asking me for help. Once you get 4-4-8 WIS. You can choose what ever way you want to finish, but I'd recommend that until you hit level 70 and have the ability to reach 70 AA's, you do something along the lines of4-4-8-8-2 WIS4-4-8-7 INTYou'll have the most bang for your buck, as well as have plenty of survivability. Some people would say go for the end ability on INT and its nice for soloing, but its not a smart setup for small groups.

[Athenodorus]

I second Splorch re: Int/Wis. Crane Flock (the end wis line) is amazing for your DPS and aggro once every 3 minutes. At the moment I am Int/Wis/Agi and loving it.  Re: Your monk tree, get 5/5 in Enhance: Heal as soon as possible. The +% is additive, so it's a great boost. Remember that as a monk, you can heal other people. However, I'm far from an expert tank, still being level 73 (and get destroyed in places like Karnor's.)

[Wildfury77]

<p>I'm a level 55 monk/88 AA. I usually play as a MT/Raid Tank so far.....</p><p>I would concur:</p><p>1) INT + WIS line for KOS AA. INT line helps DPS and the final skill is very useful for a monk tank. Wisdom helps hold AoE agro.</p><p>2) Address your weaknesses: </p><ul><li><b>Maximise mitigation</b> ---> by keeping armor upgraded, add mitigation adorns to wristsx2 and forearms. Keep your mitigation buff (Face of the Mountain+upgrades) upgraded!</li><li><b>Agro management</b> ---> Monks hold agro by doing decent dps AND taunting. This means you must keep taunts,CAs and Weapons upgraded! Dragon Stance should be on. Wisdom line helps hold AoE agro. Always check that any group member with hate transfer has remembered to target you! Also if you have any other tanks in group make sure they have turned off their equivalents of Dragon Stance and tell them not to taunt!</li><li><b>Power management</b> ---> Monks who MT will BURN through power <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> Make sure you have power totems as well as drink. Totems minimise unnecessary power breaks!</li></ul><p>I would strongly recommend becoming an alchemist! and keeping it 5-10 lvls ahead of your adventure class. Potions and Adept IIIs cheapily.....need i say more <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>If you enjoy tradeskilling consider Tinkering as well ---> You can make cool items later on that will help your group and yourself. Transmuting is also nice but most certainly not for a TSkill newbie!</p>