User:Vallen Frostweaver/Build Archive/Hammer Stance Tank

This is a PvE build that focuses on the stance renewing ability of "On Your Knees!" combined with a powerful ranger stance that increases attack speed and blocks attacks. With high elemental armor and near constant physical blocking, this build is highly resistant to most damage and can deal it's share as well.

Equipment

 * Max furious hammer of fortitude.
 * It's often beneficial to bring along an extra hammer with an elemental damage mod such as an icy hammer grip to help damage enemies resistant to physical attacks.
 * Max Sentry's armor or it's equivalent for additional armor while in a stance.

Usage

 * 1) Lead with Troll Unguent before charging into combat if you think you might be the target of heavy fire (especially if charging a group of casters instead of physical attackers).
 * 2) Use Lightning Reflexes next to build adrenaline with Crude Swing to help (as you should be blocking 75% of attacks you will have a lower chance of interruption).
 * 3) Use Dryder's Defenses if Lightning Reflexes runs out or use it first if you need extra elemental protection when charging enemies with elemental attacks.
 * 4) Make sure you are in a group of foes before executing the next step for the best effect. It is best to already be surrounded by foes rather than seeking targets.
 * 5) Start the chained attack sequence with Earth Shaker to knock down your foes, then Crude Swing to build adrenaline back up and damage opponents while they are down (which also helps avoid interruption), then Yeti Smash while they are getting up to finish the chain.
 * 6) Either Earth Shaker chain again or use Earth Shaker to knock down your foes and "On Your Knees!" to recharge your stances.
 * 7) Optional slot:
 * 8) * to counter blindness if expected.
 * 9) * to help build adrenaline when you need it most.
 * 10) * to spread degen and damage.
 * ,, , or for speed options.

Counters

 * On hit hexes such as Empathy or Spiteful Spirit.
 * Blindness.
 * Adrenaline/energy drain.
 * Anti-block/stance skills.

Variants

 * For a non-AoE version switch out the 3 hammer skills for one of the below combos:
 * ,, and - Deep Wound combo
 * ,, and - Weakness combo
 * ,, and - Twin combo
 * ,, and - Knockdown combo
 * ,, and - Damage combo