Fights I love: Elder Stonebark

One of the best things about Ulduar is the fact that the trash requires a little more than the traditional tank and spank. Now, Elder Stonebark obviously isn’t trash (being equivalent to Sartharion’s drake minions) but the same principle applies. You don’t just sit there and occassionally hop in a portal.

No, this guy you kite.

Elder Stonebark has this lovely ability called Fists of Stone which he’ll cast on average twice in the fight. When he applies this to himself, his melee hits can apply the Broken Bones debuff. All and all, this equals a dead tank.

As Paladins though, we are uniquely equipped to deal with this eventuality. The trick is to sit far back from the fight, at max range for your taunt. When you see Stonebark casting Fists of Stone (using Quartz is very helpful for this), taunt and make a run for it.

Take him back along the lake behind you, and along the shore towards the door. Don’t go too far because Stonebark will despawn if he gets too close to the entrance to the Conservatory of Life.

Fists of Stone lasts for 10 seconds, so the original tank should be prepared to taunt back as soon as it’s safe.

Lastly, always remember to strafe away rather than keep your back to him. You’ll be able to use some avoidance assuming you don’t have Broken Bones. (And keep your Divine Protection handy, just in case).

There’s definitely something to be said about a fight you tank by running away.