Engineering and tanks in Cataclysm
Engineering is the profession of kings, and I am overjoyed that it continues to be a great source of tools for tanks in the next expansion. When I first picked up Engineering (well, for the second time, having dropped it previously before Wrath) I was mainly lured back by the armor tinker, and eventually tinkers gaining stats made my decision worth it in the long run. I went from crackpot to visionary. As for Cataclysm, in addition to being able to carry over the parachute and rocket boots from 80 (although more in a sec about the latter), we can upgrade the armor tinker, and add another damage reduction toy to the pile–with a shocking twist.
Something old
Mind-Amplification Disk — Unfortunately this is turning into a belt enchant in Cataclysm, so the brief renaissance it enjoyed after 4.0.1 (when it stacked with the tanking arcanum and both gave a stamina bonus) will soon be over.
Flexweave Underlay — The agility from this cloak used to be pretty incredible before every one jumped on the armor train in ICC. The stats are gone, but the parachute remains. Enjoy it in Cata.
Nitro Boosts — Well, the good news is these are still in Cataclysm, but the bad news is they possibly fail more often and share a cooldown with the Grounded Plasma Shield. However, my understanding is that they cannot fail inside a raid zone, so that first downside is moot. The latter though will require forethought. Considering these are the closest thing I have to a gap closer, I am anxious about their application in a raid setting.
Something new
Reinforced Bio-Optic Killshades — A “free” helm that potentially will last us most of T11, outside of tier sets and heroic-level gear. Very exciting to have a useful pair of goggles that won’t be replaced quickly, like the previous goggles were by Naxx25 gear.
Grounded Plasma Shield — Potentially our most promising new toy, and yet has some caveats with it. For one, (like mentioned) it shares a cooldown with the rocket boots. Moreover, the backfire from this tinker can be dangerous. One backfire I’ve seen mentioned is the device leaks Goblin Rocket Fuel on you, causing self-damage (yikes), and the other is that there’s a chance you’ll have a Plasma Misfire! which will then… attack all enemies within 40 yards and taunt them. I suppose that’s better than the original downside of the item, which was you had no avoidance while the effect was active. We’ll just have to see this in action, either way.
Quickflip Deflection Plates — No downside to this device, thankfully. Probably the best way to use it (since it has such a short cooldown) is to macro it to Crusader Strike/HotR and roll it off-cooldown to reduce damage taken over time and save healer mana. Like a secondary, less-potent Divine Protection.
Something to blow mats on for fun
Loot-a-Rang — Theoretically never have to bend over to loot an enemy again.
Goblin Barbecue — Now we provide the Fish Feasts!
And two pets, a rabbit and a fel reaver.
Plus tons of other things I don’t have the time to list. There’s something for everyone, but most importantly, some really awesome stuff for us.
Armory Feed
@hazmacewillraid
17 November 2010 at 12:35 pm #
Oh, I think I just peed myself a little. So many new goodies!
@Feisttherogue
17 November 2010 at 12:36 pm #
Don’t get ahead of yourself… Something for everyone… unless you’re a physical DPS.
Tazik Shocker is terrible, we have no glove tinker. :(
Leatherworking Uber Alles for us.
@hazmacewillraid
17 November 2010 at 12:39 pm #
Yeah, I peed prematurely there. Oh well.
Antigen’s last blog ..An Automatic Killer
@Rhidach
17 November 2010 at 1:02 pm #
I’ve heard that before!
@Rhidach
17 November 2010 at 1:02 pm #
I retract my closing flourish, you guys got screwed.
@resonate1794
17 November 2010 at 12:36 pm #
I forsee a lot of LOLs from that 40-yard-aggro misfire effect from the Plasma Shield.
Well, LOLs if you survive, that is. If that misfires in a dungeon, I’m going to guess that you’ll get asked to pay peoples’ repair bills.
Resonate’s last blog ..Welcome to Guarded By the Light
I’m so happy I started Engineering while leveling my current tankadin instead of on my soon-to-be worgen.
As a Holy pally, I’m looking forward to stacking the Synapse Springs tinker (480 sp for 12s/60s) with our other cooldowns when the raid goes pear shaped. That ability to go super saiyan and maybe avoid a wipe is far more useful to me than a constant tiny buff in the background.
Zabery’s last blog ..Glyph of the Long Word in the Cataclysm Beta
@Orthien
17 November 2010 at 2:08 pm #
Ah Rhid once again you have impeccable timing. I was just considering whether to drop mining after the Cata mat rush for BS or Eng.
After reading this its settled Orth will have Engineering and I will have to dump BS onto an alt for the gold making bonus.
Orthien’s last blog ..The Long Delay and New Progression
Not so sure about those goggles…
Cogwheel gems only come in secondary stat varieties, which would make the goggles great for an avoidance set, but not so great for EH fights.
Button’s last blog ..Tanking the Elemental Bosses
Loot-a-rang? Pshaw! I enjoy backtracking to loot corpses while the tank charges ahead with no healing.
Cardboard Assassin? Now we’re talkin’!
Joe Ego’s last blog ..Prepare Your Bags and Bank For Cataclysm
Personally i just love engineering since it started to stack with normal enchants. I macroed the rocket (on gloves) to my Avenging Shield (looks really awesome!) and usually charge in with my rocket boots. All the new stuff is amazing!
I’m so glad I copied you and leveled Jewel Crafting (monies!) and Engineering when I choose to roll a pally tank. I owe you, bro. Get over here…. /bearhug
Oh engineering, I forsee many fun mishaps to come in Cataclysm! Never change <3
Lidanya's last blog ..Once more
@mrgriims
17 November 2010 at 7:27 pm #
Hmm gonna have to look into pwrleveling eng then.
Currently on beta, nitro boosts are applied to the belt.