Gated Late-game items @riotmeddler
In the recent post about the state of the game you mentioned looking into making items for tanks that are having difficulties staying alive long enough late game against sustained magic damage. What if you made stronger items that were gated behind the player having to first buy 3 to 4 "tank items" first before they would unlock for late-game? That, or buying your fourth or fifth item could unlock a buff to the character's ability to take hits.