Issue with TBN

[TouchandFeel]

TBN is both better and worse than the other frequent use tank defensive abilities depending on the context in which you look at it.

It is better in that it can negate more damage than the others in many instances of high damage to the point where it can virtually act like a mini Hallowed Ground that you can use regularly. It's shorter recast also gives it more flexibility to when to use it, although it's overall frequency of use is still gated by the speed of MP gain. It also stacks better with other defensive abilities since it is a shield and not another % damage mitigation ability. There is a lot of stuff that makes TBN an amazing ability.

It is worse because the dps loss if it isn't broken then requires the player to only use it in instances where there will be enough incoming damage. Having to hold on to the ability limits how often you can use it, so while it has a short recast you will often not be using it anywhere near that frequently outside of the early parts of wall to wall dungeon pulls. You also have to pay attention to and manage your MP so you don't get caught with your pants down and a buster about to smash you in the face, but that is sort of the whole game-play of DRK so it really isn't an issue, at least in my eyes.

The other tank frequent use defensive abilities have no caveats to their use so you can use them to reduce a little damage from fluff and then stack it for a buster. TBN on the other hand can't be used for fluff or it won't break and is used for busters mainly.

Basically it boils down to TBN in most cases reducing more damage when it is used but being used less frequently, essentially balancing it out overall.

The main issues with DRK's defensive kit is Dark Mind in content where physical damage is prominent and the less than user-friendly Living Dead.

The only real changes that TBN could use right now is maybe a second or two more to it's duration, which may end up happening along with all the other tank frequent defensives also maybe getting some duration boost based on the answer from the recent live letter, and looking into the delay when activating the ability, which all the frequent defensives have to a point but TBN's seems just a bit longer.

I'd be fine with Dark Arts making that Edge/Flood a DH+Crit, but simply for the extra dps aspect of it, not going to say no to more damage, but I wouldn't say such is necessary to "fix" TBN.