Obviously Ironbreaker and Blackguard share the same mechanic. However, the means by which the classes gain resources for their mechanic are slightly different.
As it stands right now (and as it did on live) the Blackguard can gather resources (Hate) the following ways:
- Dark Protector
- Taking Damage
- Giving Damage
These means to gather Hate Blackguards have 3 means by which to build their Hate which is essential to a Blackguards success (as is the case for most classes, regarding their mechanic).
Meanwhile, the Ironbreaker can only gather resources (Grudges) the following ways:
- Oathfriend
- Taking Damage
Their is a third way that requires using the tactic, Rising Anger, which allows the Ironbreaker to build Grudges when giving damage.
The Perceived Problem
This third means of acquiring Grudges takes up a valuable tactic slot. Without using Rising Anger it can be an arduous task trying to gather Grudges. Even more so, if the Ironbreaker has high block, parry, dodge, or disrupt rating it further hinders the Ironbreakers ability to build Grudges. Clearly rotating Oathfriend to friendly players you see getting hit can help the situation but does not always resolve the issue.
In addition, it is common sense (or should be) that you do not hit tanks first, you save them for last. That rule is especially true for Ironbreakers as they have a reputation for being defensive (as do Blackguards). More often than not (from my experiences), this mean that without running Rising Anger tactic my only means of building Grudges comes from rotating my Oathfriend ability to those that are taking the most damage.
As it stands for most classes one tactic slot is already occupied by an essential stat boost to guarantee that class performs at optimal proficiency. In the case of the Ironbreaker, you are nearly required to slot Rising Anger (To build Grudges) and Rugged (Toughness increase). This in end-game ultimately leads to Ironbreaker only having two tactic slots to utilize. In my opinion, this is puts Ironbreaker at a slight disadvantage in comparison. I by no means am stating that I believe Ironbreaker to be a nerfed or gimp class. I have always played Ironbreaker and they are one of my favorite tanks to play as well as being one of the most versatile; being able to become a practically unkillable defensive tank and a powerful offensive tank and being able to be played comfortably in the middle of those extremes.
Solution
I believe the resource building mechanic for Ironbreaker is in need of change. I would propose that the Ironbreaker mechanic build Grudges the following way:
- Oathfriend
- Giving Damage
And then allowing the Rising Anger tactic to be repurposed to build Grudges when taking damage.
I believe that by allowing Ironbreaker Grudges to build naturally by giving damage it would help the Ironbreaker to be able to build Grudges at a much more reliable rate and not require an additional tactic slot to be required.
Conclusion
I would not go as far as to say allow the Ironbreaker mechanic to function exactly as the Blackguard mechanic. I presume that the reason the mechanics were different was for the reason of balance issues and I would not want to alter the balance of the two classes, assuming that is why their resource building methods are different.
I am open to any critiques or criticisms offered but please be constructive. If you oppose what I have suggested please have reasoning and sufficient conditions as to why you believe the suggestion would not work. Also if you believe the system works fine as it is, I respect that, but please offer supporting evidence as to why it works fine as it is and what you believe the projected imbalance would occur from these proposals coming to fruition.
Thank you
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