Still tanking at 34...

[stfields]

<DIV>I know back when the agility nerf came, many of us in the monk community felt a little deflated when some of the level 45+ monks that post here said they can no longer tank.  Has any of this changed?  What about the level 40 monks?  Are they still tanking?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I spent the weekend using up all my vitality.  I pretty much duoed with a Mystic in EL killing blue ^^ and white ^^ beetles, badgers and wasps.  They must've "fixed" something in that last patch.  The Mystic would debuff the mob (I'm guessing str/sta and slows) and would then dot.  I rarely needed a ward or a heal.  Of course, each battle would drain our power down to under a bub.  </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>So, I still see hope at 35... but the "unknown" is coming soon.  </DIV>

[xrippe]

<DIV>I just hit 34 also and have never had a problem tanking or soling.  Im very happy with Monks =)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Yenyang Angrydragon</DIV> <DIV>34 Ogre Monk</DIV> <DIV>Kithicore</DIV>

[Kharza Xorlarr]

Still tanking at 35.. almost 36. I spent all weekend as MT for most of the groups in RE and RV (rats and lamia's). No problems here tanking and enjoying being a Monk again (I have noticed that Karmic Focus Adept 3 was a decent upgrade and coupled with FoTM Adept 1 makes me a stellar meat shield).Kharza 35 Monk Mistmoore

[FamilyManFir]

Responses are mixed. I asked much the same question last week (<a href="http://eqiiforums.station.sony.com/eq2/board/message?board.id=6&message.id=9714" target=_blank>here</a>) and got some positive, some negative answers. A couple of 40+ Monks said, we're good, a couple said, we're not. FWIW I got answers from several lvl 50 Monks who said, we're comparable to plate tanks now.I'd say, prospects are decent. I'm keeping my Monk on the shelf right now but that's just because I've already put quite some time into an alt 'Zerker. I really miss my Monk, though, and I might pick him back up once my 'Zerker is 30+. We'll see.BTW, check out this <a href="http://eqiiforums.station.sony.com/eq2/board/message?board.id=6&message.id=9642#M9642" target=_blank>message</a>. SomeDudeCRO linked to a couple of clips on how to bunch up mobs in front of you by "circle-strafing." Excellent technique for any tank (with a shield, anyway, and what respectable plate tank doesn't have a shield?) to work on, but particularly important for Monks. It's pretty well established that the Deflection of Monks and Bruisers only works in a 120 degree arc in front of them, though some diehards are unconvinced. More work is still awaiting on proving or disproving that.

[Solaera_E]

I just made 44 a few days ago and got Spider Stance. I've noticed a major impact on tanking ability going from Sweeping Crane to Spider stance. Spider Stance gives +15 defense, +15 deflection, +10% haste, while, from what I recall, Sweeping Crane is -10 (or so) weapon skills, +6(?) defense, +10 tranquility. Anyhow, that extra defense and deflection have a very very noticable impact on my tanking ability. Tanking from 41-43 in particular were getting pretty bad in terms of taking damage, and Spider Stance has helped immensely. Anyhow, my theory about some of the tanking issues is that the 44+ don't see some of the issues facing the high 30's low 40's monks. This might be due to having Spider Stance (which is always on, I see no reason to ever turn it off) that the folks under 44 do not have. In my experience, there are definitely some disparities tanking before 44 (but seemingly less so after 44) compared to some of the other fighter classes since defense skills are at much lower levels relatively speaking. Guardians, for example get Dig In at level 30 which has a similar boost to defensive values. Shadow Knights also get Lucan's Pact at 30 as another example. I'm guessing other fighters also get defensive buffs. Monks have to wait until 44 though to get a defensive boost of this magnitude, so there is a pretty big disparity in defense skill values. I'm no expert on the other fighter classes, so I may be off, but I definitely can tell you that 44 has been a pretty positive turning point in my tanking ability.

[stfields]

<DIV>Thanks for the posts <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I've been doing what is called "circle strafing" for a while now.  I picked up on it in my 20s when I was trying to trio those swarm beetles (groups of 6) in TS.  It makes a huge difference in how well we mitigate damage.  </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>One of the best ways to learn it is to first read that guy's post... then head to a place like Forest Ruins or TS.  Engage one of the groups of 8+ deer.  They are perfect to learn how to do this.  When you manage to get 7-8 in front of you, FD and start over.  </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Doing this in a dungeon is doable, just takes some getting used to.  The difference is pretty amazing <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  Good luck!</DIV>

[xrippe]

<DIV>When you have to keep mobs in front of you in a dungeon try to make use of a wall.  Putting your back against a wall is great to keep them herded in front of you.</DIV>