I have been putting time into my favorite off-meta spec in SoD. In phase 1, the damage was almost there, but the tools necessary to compete with better classes were not there. Now, in phase 2 where you have 3 charges including Intervene, the tools to keep up are now there, but the damage values are low. Here’s what I think needs to happen:
Right now, at the beginning of a fight, Devastate is kind of a gamble to open with. It does less damage than a Furious Thunder-buffed Thunder Clap, so if Shield Slam is down and you want to maximize damage, you Thunder Clap instead of Devastate. I know Devastate is a scary move to make good because Armor reduction is the best damage stat in the game aside from hit%. That being said, Devastate should at least do more damage than Thunder Clap in single-target.
There should be more defensive or damage tools for this build as well. You could do it like Dual Wield Spec for Hunters and make a Shield Specialization rune to add various passive buffs. I personally would like to see it done with damage cooldowns. I think moves like Shield Charge from WoW: DF or the original Shockwave from WoW: WotLK would work great. I know it’s hard trying to add buffs to Warrior since they are typically the best class in PvE/group PvP, but Protection needs some love! I think SoD is a great opportunity to figure out how to make Tank classes PvP-viable again, as they haven’t been good in retail since Cataclysm. I want to see people CHOOSING to PvP as a tank before SoD’s life-cycle is over!
3 Likes
Rune of the fortress: Receive 1000% more block value from strength. Shield bash now knocks down your target. Amor and defence now contributes to block value and spell resistance.
1 Like
rppvp server
1 Like
Rune of Shield Absorption
Whenever you are struck by a direct damaging magic effect, you have a chance equal to your block rating for your shield to store a portion of the energy, causing your next Shield Slam or Shield Bash to deal bonus magic damage of the same spell school. (damage can be tuned for balance.)
In addition, gain the Spell Reflect ability:
Reflects the next spell cast on you within 5 seconds. If successful, gain 10 rage. 35 second cooldown.
1 Like