For the start, if your playing a physical opponent in lane, go the Shield first item. If your playing a magical opponent in lane, go Rune first item.
As with most tank/bruiser builds, some of these items can be swapped out. If they have a magical in lane first, you can go Sanguine Lash first item instead of Gladiators Shield. Yogis Necklace is also a good item to go if you'd like more health in the build, but if the opposing team has a Soul Reaver or Heartseeker, it may not be the best item to go. If they have an even split of magical/physical gods, and the god in your lane is a physical god, this build will just simply roll over people. I'd also like to say if they have a heavy physical god split, going Void Shield (Prot debuff passive) or Umbral Link (great lifesteal synergy with Lash and Carver) at some point in the build is great. If the split is magical favored, Genii's Guard is a really good item, or Oni Hunter's Garb. Shifters Shield is another great shout for a hybrid item, The Reaper for insane lifesteal and more damage, and Magi's Cloak for a free beads every 90 seconds and extra tankyness.
If they have double Crit gods on the other team.
If they have more CC (crowd control), than Healing.
When they have equal amounts of healing and CC, keep Brawlers Beat Stick, and replace Dwarven Palate with Spirit Robe.
