Stone Melee and Fire Aura is a pretty endheavy combination. Brutes deal more damage than tanks, therefore take less attacks to kill their enemies, therefore you use less endurance. It might not be huge but it is worth mentioning.
My very first character in this game, 5 years ago or so, was a Fire/Stone tank. He got deleted around i7 or so.
I did a Stone/FA Brute around i14, and given the recent changes to Burn and Fiery Embrace that's the one I'd definitely go with now, especially with i19 coming.
The Brute version also has a big slotting advantage by virtue of the fact that his attacks are fueled by Fury, so a Brute can get away (and should) slot attacks for Acc and End, followed by Recharge and then Damage.
Getting Seismic Smash at level 18 is also superb for a Brute. The thing hits like a truck!
Thanks guys
My Stone/Fire brute is one of my favorites - I reeeeeeeaaaaallly like playing him and am waiting on I19 for him to be even more awesome.
Current:
Fridgerato - Traps/Ice (Frdm)
Gadgetron - Grav/TA (Lbrty)
Ice/Kin Guide
I know most of the time a brute will out dps a Tanker I was just wondering if anyone could offer any insight between the two with regards to Stone Melee and Fiery Armor.