9 replies to this topic

[OrcishDonut]

I want to use her as tank, so I have her tactics set to "Tank", and more or less using all the defaults that come with that. However. Very, very much of the time she just stays by my mage and Anders, even when Isabel is out there doing melee attacks and there are no monsters or bad guys near my mage and Anders.  I'm looking for some insight into how to make Aveline always look first to go to where the baddies are, especially when Isabel is out there fighting them.

(FYI, I will most likely look to do something similar in DA:I, when I finish DA2.)

Thanks in advance for any help.

[straykat]

Aveline is one of the few I almost set on default. Tanks tend to play themselves in all of their games.

 

As for Isabela, give her Goad.

 

 

You won't be doing the same thing in DAI btw. The tactics suck. There isn't much to set up. But like I said, tanks play themselves.. even in that game.

[OrcishDonut]

Ah yes, I do see the Goad ability for Isabel, thanks straykat.

[springacres]

Make sure you have Aveline's behavior set to Aggressive as well as Tank.  One option should be above the other.

[OrcishDonut]

OK, I did not notice that, thanks.

[cJohnOne]

Uh actually I turn off shield defense.  Her defense is higher but her offense is lower so there's that.  You can get by with very little constitution and put more into Strength.

 

But you can play however way you want.

[AshenSugar]

I typically use a custom tactics setup based around a heavy Battlemaster build, that prioritises her keeping her own and companions energy constantly topped up, does negligible DPS, but allows her to shrug off most normal kinds of damage,  but it definitely helps to have her behaviour set to aggressive; that way she'll rush ahead as soon as an enemy(s) is spotted and keep them occupied, allowing my mages to lay down an almighty storm of AOE.

 

I generally find tanks quite boring to control, and so the more I can automate them, and just let them get on with it the happier I am. Like the guy above I found the ultra-dumbed-down tactical options in Inquisition to be among the most disappointing aspects of that game

[straykat]

I typically use a custom tactics setup based around a heavy Battlemaster build, that prioritises her keeping her own and companions energy constantly topped up, does negligible DPS, but allows her to shrug off most normal kinds of damage,  but it definitely helps to have her behaviour set to aggressive; that way she'll rush ahead as soon as an enemy(s) is spotted and keep them occupied, allowing my mages to lay down an almighty storm of AOE.

 

I generally find tanks quite boring to control, and so the more I can automate them, and just let them get on with it the happier I am. Like the guy above I found the ultra-dumbed-down tactical options in Inquisition to be among the most disappointing aspects of that game

 

You should post that build. I kind of spread her points around, I don't give her too much from Battlemaster, but it's not a bad idea.

[AshenSugar]

I'm on a new replay right now, and still on Act II, so the latest version of the build I'm tinkering with isn't complete yet. When I hit level cap, I'll post the completed version.

 

For me Battlemaster is absolutely the way to go when it comes to building a solid, all-purpose tank. The Rally/Unite ability, keeps Aveline, and the rest of the party nicely topped up with mana and stamina, as well as letting them share the benefits of Aveline's other defensive talents. I like to have this as a priority cast on the tactics screen, that way I can get away with only putting around 18 points into Willpower for the none-Mage party members, allowing them to really stack up their DPS stats instead.

 

Fearless Synergy boosts defence for all party members, reduces damage taken, and provides a constant, passive taunt that affects all foes in proximity to the aura, allowing Aveline to round up enemies like iron filings to a magnet and keep them focussed upon her, then we have the remaining talents that keep Aveline's stamina maxed out pretty-much most of the time.

 

I favour Constitution when assigning stat points, because I don't care about DPS, and can gain sufficient fortitude from other talents, and have two other Sustained abilities active 24/7 - Turn the Blade and Shield Defence, that's a whopping three sustained abilities running constantly, but it doesn't matter, because the Battlemaster talents allow her to quickly recuperate energy.  I also grab all passives that reduce/mitigate damage or boost protection.

 

This generally makes Aveline almost invulnerable to normal attacks. I also use the free DLC belt 'The Irons' to boost elemental resistance. The only things that can really hurt her are damaging AOE attacks, such as the ones generated by Arcane Horrors. She's pretty much useless against the Sky Horror in MotA, but then, that's what I bring other party members along for.

[OrcishDonut]

AshenSugar, I agree, it would be nice if you would post that build for Aveline.