Stamina line DPS considered

[Wildfury77]

Received a lot of negative feedback for this setup:Stamina 4/4/4/8 = which gives extra avoidance from shield, extra hitpoints, AoE taunt and +50% DPSStrength 5/8/8/8 = Criticals, Defence, damage + debuffLets look at some maths just considering the stamina part of itSingle handed cobalt weapon = 49.7 DPS with the 50% DPS bonus = 74.55Duel wield cobalt weapon = 31 DPS x2 = 62......So the 50% bonus overtakes standard duel wield, that and the fact that your swashie has higher avoidance and hitpoints helps too. (Remember that poisons effect 1 hand only and that shields have proc damage too).If we now factor in the strength line ------> we have a massive bonus to strength, critical hits AND defence.Your swashie is now deadly and tough as nails!Why wouldn't a melee artist want to deal out insane damage and be able to take it too if the MT does fall?

[SageGaspar]

Not a bad idea, and I actually tried something similar, but make sure you like your swashy carrying around a shield before you do it.It sounds sorta stupid, but I gave it a shot and just couldn't stand watching my swashbuckler with a sword and board, hehe. It just takes the wind out of my sails

[Mathe]

There are two factors that are kind of overlooked. One is that second hand weapons can still have their procs go off, which does give them an advantage in that regard, and there are some rather nice procs on some of the dual wield weapons past level 60. The other is that DPS, to my understanding, caps at 100%. It might not sound like a big deal, but it means you will be overflowing with less buffs, and gaining no extra benefit. The STR imbued ring proc will essentially sit you at 100%, that means Ruthless Cunning and Finesse have no benefit if that proc is up, or very minimal ones, and any group DPS increase would not matter. However, for a dual wielder, all those things will keep adding up, so potentially just from the DPS buff view, dual wielders are still better off (I can buff to about 50-60% without this line, and it is that number mainly because ring proc and Rutheless Cunning do not stack, and I don't have Perfect Finesse yet).

Standard wise, you will have more damage or at least pretty equivalent damage. However, the line isn't going to boost your damage much, if at all. Auto-attack damage is about 20% of your total, knocking it around 10-20% is only effecting your total DPS about 2-4%, give or take depending from situation to situation and equipment. Those numbers tend to bounce around a lot depending on a lot of factors.

It is a great line if you want to take more damage, without sacrificing damage, but it isn't an end all damage line by any means. Other than INT, the other lines also have damage boosting abilities.

[Rokjin]

As calculated in my reply to your same post on the brigand forums, you gain a 12.5% boost to auto-attack with the +50% DPS.

To the poster above, I'm not sure if the +50% DPS is like a permenant version of the +DPS buffs we get from Ruthless Cunning/STR rings. If it was the same as those, then yes, it would be quite crappy. If it isn't, then it's not that bad.

Can anyone with this line pipe in and state whether it actually shows the +50% DPS in their persona sheet under DPS?

The off-hand proc could be conutered in that there are shields with procs as well (SBS comes to mind in particular). I do not know if there are any though in T7 that are equivalent though.

I've calculated it out before, and it seems that the STR line boosted overall DPS all-around by ~4.5%. I did some calculations for the AGI line boost yesterday and it seemed to be an ~5-6% boost in overall DPS when flanking, which will probably work out roughly to be the same as the STR DPS boost, since you won't be flanking 100% of the time.

The STA and WIS line boosts are different because they help with auto-attack. So depending on your playstyle and your auto-attack to CA damage ratios, it will vary. Assuming a 25/75 ratio (which seems to be roughly standard in soloing/grouping), the STA line will give you a ~3% boost to overall DPS. You would have to be at roughly 35/65 ratio of auto-attack to CA damage to get the ~4.5% boost to overall DPS that would match the STR or AGI line DPS boosts.

Now looking at WIS line, with the 25/75 ratio, you get a ~7.25% boost to your overall DPS (which does not count in the 72% more procs you get, which the WIS line is unique in). At the 35/65 ratio, you get a ~10% boost.

So nothing will beat the Wisdom line for DPS boost, which would make sense since it also has the biggest costs associated with it. The loss of stats from no off-hand, loss of proc from another item in the off-hand slot (whether it be shield or weapon) and the high break-even cost involved offset the DPS boost advantage of it. Situationally, the other lines will also be better. STR will give the biggest DPS boosts for quick solo fights that are over by the time you finish spamming your CAs. AGI will probably give better damage when your always grouping/raiding. WIS line will give best returns when grouping/raiding over extended periods and longer fights where you get longer periods of time to auto-attack. STA will be the same, though to a much lesser degree.

Message Edited by Rokjin on 04-10-200608:51 AM

[the flu]

It shows up on your persona sheet as a  dps modifier (and is actually 54%).

[Rokjin]

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the fluke wrote:It shows up on your persona sheet as a  dps modifier (and is actually 54%).

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Ew. Definitely NOT worth taking then, especially since the STA line ultimate isn't very good either.

[Luk]

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Wildfury77 wrote:Received a lot of negative feedback for this setup:Stamina 4/4/4/8 = which gives extra avoidance from shield, extra hitpoints, AoE taunt and +50% DPSStrength 5/8/8/8 = Criticals, Defence, damage + debuffLets look at some maths just considering the stamina part of itSingle handed cobalt weapon = 49.7 DPS with the 50% DPS bonus = 74.55Duel wield cobalt weapon = 31 DPS x2 = 62......So the 50% bonus overtakes standard duel wield, that and the fact that your swashie has higher avoidance and hitpoints helps too. (Remember that poisons effect 1 hand only and that shields have proc damage too).If we now factor in the strength line ------> we have a massive bonus to strength, critical hits AND defence.Your swashie is now deadly and tough as nails!Why wouldn't a melee artist want to deal out insane damage and be able to take it too if the MT does fall?

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I'm not ingame atm, so can't check this myself, but aren't cobalt dual wields DR 37.4 or somewhere close to that? Also STA lvl 4 at max ranks is 56% DPS buff.

[Keldo]

How can you say the STA ultimate is not any good?  If you are a taking Swash, the entire reason you do the line is for the last ability.What is bad about rock solid aggro, 400+ extra mit, 5% extra hp, 5% extra chance to block?Sure, you don't need defensive stance sometimes, vs easy content or grinding experience, but that doesn't mean it is useless.  For what it is designed for, making a swash into a viable tank, it does its job perfectly and a swashbuckler fully invested in STA could probably tank as well as an equally equipped fighter.

[Wildfury77]

DPS figures are from ogaming....pretty sure they're right, they have an ingame examine graphic -----> Sorry to burst your duel wield bubble but it looks like my sword+shield out DPS's you heheA few points1) Sorry yes your right its 54%....even better, good point 2) Shields proc damage too....3) Why would i not take the last ability? because I want a balance of DPS/toughness. IMHO the +defence from the strength line, the shields avoidance and the extra hitpoints already adds enough defence. Maxed out critical bonus seems more flexible than the last skill in the stamina line. I picked this setup so i can offtank/emergency when needed but in no way wish to ignore my DPS!!(stamina 4/4/4/8 strength 5/8/8/

[Keldo]

So what advantage does this give over the wisdom line?  When you compare 4% chance to riposte/parry to a round shield the difference is 1%.  If you go more than 4 points in Freehand Reversal you actually have a better chance to 'block' than you would with a shield (if you did not get the last ability).  Assuming you wanted to take Coule, this gives you an additional 16 to parry, defense making you even 'tougher'.As far as DPS, I think we have established that 54% DPS mod vs 72% double attack is not even a contest.  The number one reason this isn't even a contest is DPS is easily capped by us just with our own self buffs and an imbued ring.  Both DPS and Haste are easily capped with a good group, haste being easier obviously, and 54% always on isn't so hot when you are busting over the cap fairly easily without it.  So what DPS are you really gaining here?  At best you break even.I think you are fooling yourself with this setup.  The Stamina line is designed for tanking, that is why you get a taunt, and that is why the final ability gives you hold the line (the core of a warriors tanking setup).  So if you are taking it for what, uh the 4% extra hp (which is MAYBE 200 hp at 70) and the DPS mod that isn't really helping?  The wisdom line offers much more in the realm of 'emergency off tank' and more DPS to boot.

[verydanger]

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Wildfury77 wrote:DPS figures are from ogaming....pretty sure they're right, they have an ingame examine graphic -----> Sorry to burst your duel wield bubble but it looks like my sword+shield out DPS's you heheA few points1) Sorry yes your right its 54%....even better, good point 2) Shields proc damage too....3) Why would i not take the last ability? because I want a balance of DPS/toughness. IMHO the +defence from the strength line, the shields avoidance and the extra hitpoints already adds enough defence. Maxed out critical bonus seems more flexible than the last skill in the stamina line. I picked this setup so i can offtank/emergency when needed but in no way wish to ignore my DPS!!(stamina 4/4/4/8 strength 5/8/8/

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Hrrrm Ogaming, why not just log into the game and check there? Cobalt DW is 37.2, Cobalt 1H is 49.7. It has been like that since LU16.49.7 / (2 x 37.2) = 0.67Now boost 0.67 by 54%, and you get 1.028. Thats 2.8% DPS increase for the STA line. But then again, this way of increasing your DPS comes at a serious cost. It will make you VERY prone to capping the DPS mod, heck with your 5 min recast selfbuffs (and imbued STR ring) you can reach it on your own! And lets not talk about grouping with coercers, berserkers, dirges, bruisers, furys, etc. One must conclude that the STA line is NOT meant to be a DPS boost, at best it will break even, and at times it will just make you cap DPS and actually lose out on damage.As for shields procing damage, what shield are you talking about? I know the fabled T5 roundshields from Zalak proc damage upon succesful hit, but if defense is any issue you wouldnt be using them (their shield factor is very low compared to T7 shields). So that leaves the imbued ironwood roundshield I guess? 5% to proc a small amount of damage, when you are hit? Not even for a full-time tank do I find this proc worthwhile, let alone for a class that most of the time wont be getting hit.

[tawek]

The main benefit of the Stamina line is taunts in the second and last abilities.
The extra hit points help  (level 1: +24 stamina, level 3: +4% extra hp, level 5: +5% extra hp), but what the line lacks is better avoidance. (Until/if you get the level 5 skill (+5% to block), the better avoidance you get from a scout shield isn't much better than from wisdom)

 

Losing some dps is acceptible, but, in my opinion, the tanking branch should have a clear defensive advantage over strength and wisdom.

 

I wonder if a minimum stamina line might be better.  It'd give you the defensive benefits from the strength line a lot sooner (sta 4/1, str 4/4/8  = total cost 22 points).  Afterwards, you'd probably go for str 4/4/8/8 to max your aggro generation through extra criticals and debuffs.

 

The full stamina build would give you more hit points and auto-attack dps when using a shield to tank, but only spending 5 points to get your taunt would leave a lot of points to spend on other things.  And when you didn't need that AOE taunt, you'd probably switch to dual wield for better dps.

 

If you can find a good 1H/dual wield rapier (which I've had trouble doing) an interesting alternative might be:  sta 4/1 agi 4/4/4/4/8
Sailwind lets you spam skills in 80% of the time, which would be good for an early grab of aggro, and Walk the Plank so you can use your flanking attacks while tanking (without a complex dance which may confuse your group-mates)

 

On the other hand, Keldoth is right.  The end Stamina skill, 50% chance to taunt for 244 when damaged, plus all the extras, sounds awesome for holding aggro against lots of grouped mobs.  It's expensive in AA points, but for. say, a swashie/healer duo, that'd make for a great team.

 

Message Edited by tawek21 on 04-12-2006 06:41 AM

[Luk]

to get the proc effect of your rank 5 STA ability you need to have a round shield equiped and be in defensive stance, you therefore not only loose some DPS, but also loose your interrupt and damage proc, plus 75 odd points to your slash and pierce skills.

[tawek]

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Licit wrote:
to get the proc effect of your rank 5 STA ability you need to have a round shield equiped and be in defensive stance, you therefore not only loose some DPS, but also loose your interrupt and damage proc, plus 75  odd points to your slash and pierce skills. [I presume you mean 25 each for piercing, slashing and crushing]

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Lukia,

 

Your general point is worth making: to get the benefit of a really good aggro buff, plus more hit points and mitigation, you need to be in defensive stance, and so lose dps from dual wield, the offensive stance interrupt proc, and some points in your melee skills.

 

However, the penalty to slashing and piercing isn't as severe as you make it sound.  For the level 60 defensive stance, Agile Slashing, you lose 23 points of slashing and piercing if it's adept 3.

(http://eqiiforums.station.sony.com/eq2/board/message?board.id=33&message.id=9044)

 

It'll be a higher penalty if you have say an adept 1 for your level 60 defensive stance, less if you use a level 46, 32, or lower defensive stance.

 

If you are level 60+, one tactic might be to buy a master 1 version of the level 32 stance, smirking defense.  The defensive benefits will be less than the level 60 level stance, but the offensive penalties are also less, and level 32 masters aren't too expensive on the broker.

 

I don't do anything like enough tanking to justify the stamina line, but if you do, the final skill must be quite attractive.

Message Edited by tawek21 on 04-13-2006 03:38 PM

[MaestroX]

The Stamina line is PERFECT!

...but only if you are planning on playing your DPS character as a tank instead.  The numbers to set yourself up as a pseudotank are there and viable, but as has been mentioned, on both this and the brigand forums, it comes at a great cost! 

[Luk]

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tawek21 wrote:

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Licit wrote:
to get the proc effect of your rank 5 STA ability you need to have a round shield equiped and be in defensive stance, you therefore not only loose some DPS, but also loose your interrupt and damage proc, plus 75  odd points to your slash and pierce skills. [I presume you mean 25 each for piercing, slashing and crushing]

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Lukia,

 

Your general point is worth making: to get the benefit of a really good aggro buff, plus more hit points and mitigation, you need to be in defensive stance, and so lose dps from dual wield, the offensive stance interrupt proc, and some points in your melee skills.

 

However, the penalty to slashing and piercing isn't as severe as you make it sound.  For the level 60 defensive stance, Agile Slashing, you lose 23 points of slashing and piercing if it's adept 3.

(http://eqiiforums.station.sony.com/eq2/board/message?board.id=33&message.id=9044)

 

It'll be a higher penalty if you have say an adept 1 for your level 60 defensive stance, less if you use a level 46, 32, or lower defensive stance.

 

If you are level 60+, one tactic might be to buy a master 1 version of the level 32 stance, smirking defense.  The defensive benefits will be less than the level 60 level stance, but the offensive penalties are also less, and level 32 masters aren't too expensive on the broker.

 

I don't do anything like enough tanking to justify the stamina line, but if you do, the final skill must be quite attractive.

Message Edited by tawek21 on 04-13-2006 03:38 PM

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you are forgetting something here, the offensive stance gives you (at the level 55 master) 40 points to your offensive skills, thus an overall loss of around 75 points, this would be higher for level 69 adept 3 and master.

also I recently respeced away from the STA line, I had some fun with it to grind to 70, even tanked the Vault off Barren Sky at 69, only lost aggro to a 70 assassin once, and that was also without the rank 5 ability, its a nice variance for some to look at, however for me, the added DPS and higher overall proc rates from the WIS line is too valuable for raiding, add to that the crits from the STR line.

[AFBi]

How do you switch lines?

 

After reading this I might switch, but I only uses stam once.

[Luk]

you can respec your achievemnets at any time by visiting the Achievement Councillor in the mage tower in SQ (in the library part) each time you respec you will have to pay for it, this starts off cheap, but raises in cost each time you do it, finally capping at 13plat per respec.

[Debunkt]

Beware custom UI users: some will not display the free AA respec given to you on the Achievements tab.

I was using FetishNF and the Achievements tab did not display the free respec button. Once I unloaded the custom UI it showed up.

I'm sure you can still save the free one and buy the respec but just fyi, you do get a free one.

[Malad]

Late to the discussion here but I was thinking of going down Stamina line but only 5 points to get the AOE taunt.

Place the rest in wisdom and maybe some strength.

That way when you want to tank you can equip a shield and when you want to dps you just do not have a shield equiped.

I duo with a Templar a lot and just think Stamina line will help out a ton with the taunts.

Just not sure if it is worth it to go to teh end ability or stop 5 points in.

[Wargod1968]

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Maladen wrote:

Late to the discussion here but I was thinking of going down Stamina line but only 5 points to get the AOE taunt.

Place the rest in wisdom and maybe some strength.

That way when you want to tank you can equip a shield and when you want to dps you just do not have a shield equiped.

I duo with a Templar a lot and just think Stamina line will help out a ton with the taunts.

Just not sure if it is worth it to go to teh end ability or stop 5 points in.

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Academically (I'm only 8pts into STR myself), I'd suggest either doing STR + STA, or STR + WIS.

If you go WIS + STA, you only benefit from one line at a time (since WIS line precludes the use of a shield, as you know, I'm sure).

I don't think your call is a bad one, but you'd get more milage from the STR line than WIS line if you want to use a shield frequently, and taunt as a mini-tank. The +Crit, +Def and De-Crit attack are all very good; they may not compare to the WIS line, but they give you the benefit of using STA line whenever you want, and having the shield always in the offhand.

Just my .02. I do think the end STA ability is worth it, if you intend on really having a tanking role, either in small groups, or as an offtank in larger groups. The passive bonuses and huge increase to mitigation plus proc taunts really seem to cement the intention of the line.

[SageGaspar]

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Wargod1968 wrote:

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Maladen wrote:

Late to the discussion here but I was thinking of going down Stamina line but only 5 points to get the AOE taunt.

Place the rest in wisdom and maybe some strength.

That way when you want to tank you can equip a shield and when you want to dps you just do not have a shield equiped.

I duo with a Templar a lot and just think Stamina line will help out a ton with the taunts.

Just not sure if it is worth it to go to teh end ability or stop 5 points in.

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Academically (I'm only 8pts into STR myself), I'd suggest either doing STR + STA, or STR + WIS.

If you go WIS + STA, you only benefit from one line at a time (since WIS line precludes the use of a shield, as you know, I'm sure).

I don't think your call is a bad one, but you'd get more milage from the STR line than WIS line if you want to use a shield frequently, and taunt as a mini-tank. The +Crit, +Def and De-Crit attack are all very good; they may not compare to the WIS line, but they give you the benefit of using STA line whenever you want, and having the shield always in the offhand.

Just my .02. I do think the end STA ability is worth it, if you intend on really having a tanking role, either in small groups, or as an offtank in larger groups. The passive bonuses and huge increase to mitigation plus proc taunts really seem to cement the intention of the line.

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+Crit on STR doesn't really do a whole hell of a lot, and decrit is very very tiny. I'm going STR+WIS just for torporous and I think I'll put the last couple points in crit because, what the hell, hehe. Not much else to spend it on.I can see WIS + STA working out though. WIS gets you top DPS, STA gets you top tanking ability. Situationally you can do either. If you're tanking all the time then WIS is a waste, but if you ever drop into a DPS role, with STA + WIS you can just take off your shield and be doing tons of damage.

[Malad]

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SageGaspar wrote:

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Wargod1968 wrote:

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Maladen wrote:

Late to the discussion here but I was thinking of going down Stamina line but only 5 points to get the AOE taunt.

Place the rest in wisdom and maybe some strength.

That way when you want to tank you can equip a shield and when you want to dps you just do not have a shield equiped.

I duo with a Templar a lot and just think Stamina line will help out a ton with the taunts.

Just not sure if it is worth it to go to teh end ability or stop 5 points in.

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Academically (I'm only 8pts into STR myself), I'd suggest either doing STR + STA, or STR + WIS.

If you go WIS + STA, you only benefit from one line at a time (since WIS line precludes the use of a shield, as you know, I'm sure).

I don't think your call is a bad one, but you'd get more milage from the STR line than WIS line if you want to use a shield frequently, and taunt as a mini-tank. The +Crit, +Def and De-Crit attack are all very good; they may not compare to the WIS line, but they give you the benefit of using STA line whenever you want, and having the shield always in the offhand.

Just my .02. I do think the end STA ability is worth it, if you intend on really having a tanking role, either in small groups, or as an offtank in larger groups. The passive bonuses and huge increase to mitigation plus proc taunts really seem to cement the intention of the line.

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+Crit on STR doesn't really do a whole hell of a lot, and decrit is very very tiny. I'm going STR+WIS just for torporous and I think I'll put the last couple points in crit because, what the hell, hehe. Not much else to spend it on.

I can see WIS + STA working out though. WIS gets you top DPS, STA gets you top tanking ability. Situationally you can do either. If you're tanking all the time then WIS is a waste, but if you ever drop into a DPS role, with STA + WIS you can just take off your shield and be doing tons of damage.

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Was sort of my thought with the STA + WIS idea.  When in small groups which often is myself, a brigand, and a templar friend I would use shield and have all the tanking goodies but when I get into a real group or go on a raid I could not use the shield and go into DPS mode.  Since in both cases I would be using 1H weapons I would not need to worry about only using swords or having multiple  sets (more then you already carry incase immune) to go between DPS and tank.

Plus while in tank mode the extra Wisdom would help a bit with magic using creatures helping you take a hit better.

So yes I do tank all the time when in my small group, which is majority of my play time, my guild does raid and I do get into 'real' groups too.

My main concern with this idea is that if you do not basically max some of the Wis line I get the impression you will be doing sub-par damage which going to end talent in both lines may sort of preclude.

Since release I played a tank to duo with my friend because it was so darn effective but I loved my Brigand and it sort of seems this way I can have my cake and at it too.

 

[SageGaspar]

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Maladen wrote:

Was sort of my thought with the STA + WIS idea.  When in small groups which often is myself, a brigand, and a templar friend I would use shield and have all the tanking goodies but when I get into a real group or go on a raid I could not use the shield and go into DPS mode.  Since in both cases I would be using 1H weapons I would not need to worry about only using swords or having multiple  sets (more then you already carry incase immune) to go between DPS and tank.

Plus while in tank mode the extra Wisdom would help a bit with magic using creatures helping you take a hit better.

So yes I do tank all the time when in my small group, which is majority of my play time, my guild does raid and I do get into 'real' groups too.

My main concern with this idea is that if you do not basically max some of the Wis line I get the impression you will be doing sub-par damage which going to end talent in both lines may sort of preclude.

Since release I played a tank to duo with my friend because it was so darn effective but I loved my Brigand and it sort of seems this way I can have my cake and at it too.

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The extra WIS isn't really going to do anything for you, but if I was doing a build like this I think I'd go for a basic template STA 4-4-4-4-8 WIS 4-4-4-8. That's 45 AA, and you have five more to distribute any way you want to make your tanking better. I'd think about either health percentage or AE taunt from the STA line, but it's up to you at that point.

[Severed Ha]

For the Stamina build since you are basically going with the Mini Tank with partial DPS.. I would actually look at doing.. 

• 1-Pickpocket
• Stamina 4-4-4-4-8
• Wisdom 4-4-4-4-8
• 1 point Freeby..  put it where ever you feel is good.

 The Wisdom line is there for when you wish to be doing just DPS. While the Stamina AND Wisdom are a great defense build.. Need to remember that the last AA ability in Wisdom line is Coule.  That adds +16 to Parry, Defense, Slash, Pierce, Ranged..(At lvl 70).  Add that in to the Defense stance of the Stamina line and then you are talking major defense added as the Round Shield alone gives you 12% chance to block(modified by agility.. Believe at 350ish agility it comes to around 14%)  Not only that the Coule also helps offset the negative effect of the - to your offensive skills.  Also depending on the situation you can also just go with no shield when tanking from time to time if you feel like it.  As the last thing in Stamina line dont require a shield to be in hand also if I remember correctly.

Note..  Just with Wisdom line at 4-4-4-4-8, Defensive gear and Defensive stance I was actually able to get about 1-1.5% better avoidance then going with the 4-4-4-4-8 in Stamina with Round shield in the same gear...  For fun I equiped the Shield once in just the Wisdom line and think that only added about 1-2% avoidance.  This was with out any points in Stamina line though also.  I Figure if I went with this set up in the gear I am in now I would be getting roughly 65% or more for total Avoidance while in Defense stance.  So basically we could in fact be the Middle tank instead of just DPS and such.(Currently with Wisdom line 4-4-4-4-8, Str 4-4-1 I believe..  when in defense stance Im usually at 60% avoidance)

[Ventureinoz]

Considering the impending change to the WIS line I might give this line a try. My only question is,  why is the SBS such crap protection for swashies ?  most other cheap shields leave it in the dust.

I understand the protection rating for it is much higher for other classes. Is this a bug ?

 

What other shields should we been looking into ? 

[Severed Ha]

The current Round Shield that I have used recently in my Stamina testing was Bulwark of the Brave.  Its not the best but its also not the worst Shield you can get.  Im sure there are plenty others that you can find that may be better.  As for a General list I dont think there is one up as of yet.

[Malad]

Yes I can see Wisdom line and being in defensive stance working well but the whole point of the stamina line is the ability to hold aggro better which Wis line does not give.

Now keep in mind I am a brigand so I have all of 2 aoe attacks (one being a snare) and both on a relatively long timer.  So while I had no trouble tanking most single^^^ encounters that are yellow and below with a templar backing me it can get interesting trying to hold aggro against multiple creature encounters.

Maybe just going to the aoe taunt in Sta will handle this and then rest of points could be plowed into something else like Wisdom and when you wanted to taunt you just equip shield real fast taunt then unequip it.

I am wondering if that would not result in over all better damage and still keep ability to hold aggro and of course take a hit or 2 high.

If I could somehow only work getting FD into this I would be in heaven as I dearly miss the brigand FD we had on our sneak line.