Weapon and Achievement options going into tier 7

[C]

<DIV>My berserker is lvl 58, and crunch time is fast approaching.  I need to make a decision on what weapon(s) I should buy for the next tier and what achievement lines will be of most use to me <STRONG>and </STRONG>not be rendered useless by my choice of weapon/shield.  I am also in a quandary as to whether I should be mainly tanking in defensive or offensive stance.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Currently I am using a one-handed sword and tower shield, am tanking in defensive stance, and am following the wis and int AP lines (yes, I know, the wis line requires a hammer, exactly the kind of conflict I want to avoid when and if I use my free ap respec).  I expect to be MT for guild groups, but will never be a raid tank.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>My pally friend always tanks in offensive stance, and has recommended that I also do so, except in the toughest conditions.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>So, a few questions for those of you with tier 7 experience:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>1.  What single-handed weapon do you recommend? (ie sword, hammer, axe)</DIV> <DIV>2.  What 2-handed weapon do you recommend?</DIV> <DIV>3.  Should I stick with a tower shield or go for a buckler ( for agi line)?</DIV> <DIV>4. Which 2 ap lines should I follow, that will fit with the weapon choices above?</DIV> <DIV>5. Should I be primarily tanking in defensive or offensive stance?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Any advice you can give will be gratefully received.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Yours,</DIV> <DIV>Bewildered</DIV>

[Keowrath]

Hi, I'm a 69 Zerker who went through a similar quandry recently. I've been T7 since KoS came out but took a break for a few months and came back somewhat... lacking.In answer to your questions, as you've said you're a group tank not a raid tank, I'm also the same from that aspect. I always traveled in offensive stance and very rarely used a shield. That WAS until recently. With how tough mobs are now in T7 I find myself usually using a sword and shield in groups and using my defensive stance the majority of the time.1. As far as single weapon to recommend, what do you have access to? I prefer to use a sword. Not because of any benefits but because that's what I want my character to use. I have piercers and crushing weapons too but I'll always try to use my swords/s if I can. If you're looking at it from a what's best point of view look on the broker, check ogaming to see what weapons are available. Obviously try to find one with highest DR as possible and go from there.2. Again, with 2 handers, my character is a Berserker and I want him portrayed that way. At the moment I use a Kettleleaders Katana and I love it, they can be picked up very cheaply, might not have the best of stats but has an incredible DR for the 20gp it sells for on my server... It's a sword, I want my character to use swords. If you do raid (even though you're not the main tank) there will be way better out there. again, look on the broker or ogaming to see what is available and make your choice from there. Look for high as possible DR.3. I said that recently I've been using a sword and shield while grouping. Now I use a tower shield as I didn't go down the STA AA line which gives you double attack with a buckler... The STA line from what I understand makes our dps crazy. Mobs are hitting HARD in T7, I want all the protection I can get so I go with the Kite shield. If you decide to go down the STA line, it would make sense to carry both. I think the buckler could be used most of the time but some of the harder mobs are going to want a full kite shield.4. AA's are really your own personal preference. I originally started to go down the INT line. I wanted the increase in attack speed and the haste buff that comes with using a sword (Did I say I like swords?) but worked out with Open Wounds running and a nice haste Item along with our own haste buffs the line is pretty pointless due to the fact I'm usually sitting at capped haste. I'm currently pursuing the AGI STR lines. Agility line adds to our AoE skills. I built my zerker to be just that, an aoe death machine and the STR help chances of critical hits. Like I said above the highest dps we can get is with the STA line but I can't bring myself to equip a buckler <span>:smileyhappy:</span>Have you read the stickied post at the top of the berserker forums? It explains all the AA lines in detail. If you really want to have your weapon compliment your AA line, I would highly recommend reading it and then start look at weapons after.5. If it's a tough mob you want to be in defensive no questions, my girlfriend is a Templar and she says how much easier it is to keep me alive while Def tanking. I still use my offensive stance. In fact it's MY preferred stance but tanking in HoF, Den of the Devourer, PoA and the new Nek castle, you will want to be in Defensive.At the end of the day, these are all the choices that define you and your character. People will give you advise but it's the choices that you make in the end. I'm a competent (I think <span>:smileytongue:</span>) group tank and I've gone against a few of the "normal" decisions made by our class. But I have fun and to me that's what's important.Keowrath.<div></div>

[Fazzarya]

<P>Parse yourself with a buckler and the stam line and your buckler hate will dissipate!</P> <P>I hate them too, but the dps difference is just ridiculous.</P>