The Panzer (Off)Tank - Updated 2/3/2013

Wall of Absolution - Provides necessary mana regen and allows Vulcan to handle basic attack pokes while setting up turrets on the fly. A solid early buy for any mode.

Void Stone - Necessary additional magic damage while gaining magic protection early on. This may seem replaceable, but Vulcan does still require risky positioning at times in order to secure kills with turret placement. The aura seems to synergize well as Vulcan is often close to his towers to maintain their regen.

Spear of the Magus - Once your basic protections are in effect, the Spear is a very affordable way to maximize the turrets' damage output. Turrets do not apply on hit effects, but are still considered damage abilities. Therefore, you have a very good chance at applying these stacks quickly and capitalizing on magical penetration.

Divine Ruin - Divine ruin is often considered situational, but there will almost always be a tank god with plenty of life regen. This will help apply a considerable amount of damage after the stacks have taken effect, as well as obviously countering any gods with healing abilities.

Chronos Pendant - Simply adds more mana regen to your build, plenty of cooldown reduction to give you more opportunities to set up your turrets, and a nice addition of focus to further amplify the slowing of your already buffed turrets.

I find that Inferno Cannon is top priority, next to Overdrive. This build will have either turret slowing your enemies, but your Cannon is your where all of your damage lies. Also, when Overdrive is used, your Inferno Cannon has the same firing radius as the Thumper, in combination with plenty of damage.

Invest only one point into Backfire, as it is not a reliable escape ability as much as it is for last hitting.

Thumper is obviously your second most viable investment. Setting this up behind an engaging/fleeing opponent will often catch them off guard and keep them in range of your Inferno Cannon for much longer.

Vulcan is a fantastic god when it comes to backdoor ganks, but even more useful in denying your opponents ganks. Never be afraid to get up and close to a teammate being run down and placing a Thumper in his path. If the pursuing god is confident enough to continue through the radius of your Thumper, quickly set up an Inferno behind him or at any nearby escape route. A well timed Overdrive with the right turret positioning can quickly put an end to your opponent's confidence and keep your allies safe.

Patience is key with Vulcan. Spamming your turrets for farming creeps too early will leave you drained and incapable of supporting others and/or saving yourself. An appropriate Ares pull or Hercules slam can give you plenty of time to place a Thumper right under their feet and follow up with and inferno in their assumed path of retreat.