How defence works, for newcomers!

[Smellybelly]

Wanted to clarify some things for all our new players wich might be difficult to grasp at first glance.

Defence works like this:
If its a
A) Spell- Then it 1: checks for your disrupt value, if you disrupt (resist) then nothing happens
2: Check for block, if you block nothing happens
3: You fail disrupt and block, it check your resists value and modify dmg and then it checks your chance to be crit and modify dmg
B: Ranged attack 1: checks for your Dodge value, if you dodge then nothing happens 2: Check for block, if you block nothing happens 3: If it hits, it checks armor value and then crit to modify damage.
C: Melee attack, it checks 1: Block, if you block nothing happens. 2: Parry, if you parry then nothing happens. If it hits, it checks armor and your chance to be crit and modify dmg. If it is a magic melee attack, such as swordmasters spirit dmg, then it checks your resists instead of armor to calculate dmg.

If you play a tank:
If you guard someone and they recieve damage and you are within range of your guard ability to work (limited range so stay close to your guarded target) then half that dmg gets applied to you and you have a block chance and then if you fail block, a chance to parry the dmg you get from guard. In open RVR there can be TONS of attacks coming to you from guard and as such, if you use a 2H weapon you will melt fast.
SnB gives vastly higher survivability at the cost of some added dmg from 2H spec.
If its scenarios then the amount of attacks directed towards you and your guarded target is somewhat less and a 2H tank can work well if the healers are experienced enough. A Tank should never ignore his defensive skills though and should always have renown specced into futile strikes, parry, block (if using a shield) and some dodge disrupt never hurts. Initiative is good for everyone to have since some attacks debuff inititaive

Toughness is calculated as well before damage applies and toughness works against all types of dmg but its effect is somewhat limited.

Your prios as a Sword and board tank should be: Parry/Block, Resists, Chance to be Crit as low as possible (for PvE this it is crucial to be at 0% to be crit for the starter dungeons and then even some % negative to be crit for the endgame dungeons) Wounds and Armor.

For PvE tanking you should not focus on toughness at all, focus on crit immunity, wounds, block and parry and as much armor as possible. PvE bosses have extremly high armor ignore attacks so negating as much of that as possible is again, crucial. Mixing sets such as for example 2 piece ruin for armor buff and 4 piece Vanq with added jewelry that boost block/parry and wounds, or even armor is a tried and working setup.

I may have forgotten something so feel free to add to the list if you know any tips and tricks.

And lastly, welcome to RoR