Question from a n00b Guardian

[Trajaian]

<DIV>I have always played a healer. That being said, I decided to roll this toon on AB server. I am nuts about it.</DIV> <DIV>My question is this. I am just starting out. Currently level 15. I am not using a shield right now, I use a 2h Sword, and do pretty darn good. I know at higher levels I should use a shield, but I cannot find a good 1h weapon. I know I am still new, and if I were in a group, I would use a shield, just for survivability reasons. I seem ok soloing using a nice 2h. Is a shield more or less mandatory in a group? What type should I use? There are so many choices. Any input is appreciated.</DIV> <DIV>Thanks in advance.</DIV> <DIV>Trecia Telrunya</DIV>

[Memmoch]

Go to wailing caves and do the quest there for the 1hb (ent guy gives it). As far as 2h, 1h+shield, DW question as far as grouping goes.  Basicly it depends on your gear and spells.  It also has alot to do with your group make up, good healers allow you to up your DPS some, crappy healers or poorly equiped and you'll need ever bit of avoidance a shield provides. <div></div>

[Jackula]

In an ideal group, you are using a shield because:-other classes are doing so much more dps than you would be doing even if you were using a 2 hander or 2 dual wield weapons that it is irrelevant for you to focus on trying to top the dps chart-the heroic mobs your battling hit rather hard and you need every bit of protection you can muster-you're fighting a steady stream of mobs and not needing extra heals allows the healer to keep up with the pace of chain pulling-knocking down caster/healer mobs with your shield attack helps you interrupt and take down those targets quicker while denying them the use of some of their magik, even if only for a short while-you are tired of people giving you the evil eye for not having your shield equippedGroups are rarely ideal, and the lower your level, the less it seems to matter.  If you are doing fine with your 2 hander continue to use it.  I recommend getting used to always having a shield and 1 hander on you though.  In your near future it will become more necessary.  Until then, slash and hack away with whatever weapon(s) you have available.   If you notice you're starting to get trounced alot or your healers can't keep up, it's time to change.Soloing is different.  When fighting alone, it is often better to dish out as much damage as you can as fast as you can, rather than to sit back and try to soak it up.  I found soloing with dual wield was far more effective until I got  quite a few AA points under my belt.  It would require a very good two hander now to tempt me away from my sword and board config.<div></div>

[Mad_Magician]

Answer from a nOOb Guardian (also mainly playing a healer). My preference is to have a nice tower shield and 1h weapon for when I am the MT, but when I am the off-tank switch to dual-wield for the added DPS. It all really depends on the group make-up.