Talk:Maokai/@comment-3532889-20110407010119/@comment-203.206.80.18-20110412150834

your probably better off starting with a dorans, as its really only early game you need that mana regen boost , as hes super mana hungry early on if your harrassing loads with his saplings. then rushing a crystal cataylst to later build into a ROA. this should give you all the staying power you need to control your lane. Though unless your doing quite well id suggest getting some armor or magic resist first before finishing off the ROA ,depending on what you need. sunfire cape and frozen heart are good options. i dont normally bother with a thornmail unless they are really really dps heavy. spirit viseage goes well with his passive and gives a few other nice bonuses. banshees veil as well or a warmogs are both good choices. i really think rod of ages ought to be your main core item, gives you the hp and mana you need and a small but nice boost to your ap, maokai has alot of good damage abilities so its a waste not to add something to them. your not really a support style tank, maokai is made for engaging with his twisted advance and ult , you really need to be able to soak up some good ammounts of damage. if by my last item slot i seem to be tanky enough i will get a deathcap to really put some decent damage out, but besides the ROA , being tanky is your priority.

so ideal build for me would be ROA, warmogs , sunfire cape , mercury treads , frozen heart , then either spirit viseage /force of nature /banshee veil /GA.