Paladin Playstyle?

[Dragonlor]

<DIV> <DIV>I had a couple of questions on the playstyle of an EQ2 Paladin (having never played EQ before).  I have heard that Guardians are the classical tank focused on defense and able to withstand many blows (while dealing out only moderate to low damage).  I have heard that Berserkers forego defense in favor of more DPS.  If this is accurate, where does that put Paladins?  Somewhere in the middle or are they more like Guardians with a few heals?  Or, as I hope, do they play totally differently than the Guardian or Berserker?  Thanks!</DIV></DIV>

[Harovan]

Imagine an equilateral triangle with the edges named "Berserker", "Guardian" and "Templar". The paladin is about in the center of this triangle. We can tank, but not as good as a guardian (I know, I know, but still... Sony is Sony). We can dish out, but not as good as a Berserker. And we can heal, but not as good as a templar. <div></div>

[Kyrran]

<DIV> <P><SPAN><FONT size=2>The above posters description is a reasonable one – although I’d take a Berserker out of the mix entirely. We hover somewhere between a Guardian and a Templar (with more emphasis towards the former). Guardians make more efficient main tanks than us, no doubt. I tend to view that more as a reflection of their line of taunts than anything else though.</FONT></SPAN></P> <P><SPAN><FONT size=2>As a Paladin, the very best place for you in a group structure is as the main <B>assist</B>. I highlight that last word intentionally. Contrary to popular perception, we actually fulfil the requirements of a ‘support’ class admirably. Wards, AC transfer, heals, secondary taunts….all of these, and more, are the tools of a class designed to have the ability to support a primary tank – and the best place to do that is in picking off the targets that a Guardian retains agro on.</FONT></SPAN></P> <P><SPAN><FONT size=2>Now, that isn’t to say that we do a bad job of playing the role of a main tank. In fact, in some respects, the very skills we can offer a Guardian in support allow us a degree of versatility denied them.</FONT></SPAN></P> <P><SPAN><FONT size=2>To answer your question directly, your hope is pretty much spot on. We should play differently from your average tank – because we’re not confined to one role. Paladins, on my server of choice, represent the highest proportion of the server population. As a result, I’ve seen countless Paladins running around and, unfortunately, a great number of them fail to realise the potential inherent in the class (at least, to my mind – can you say subjective?).</FONT></SPAN></P> <P><SPAN><FONT size=2>Don’t look for a class classification. In all honesty, you’ll generally find that most classes, when well played, defy traditional descriptions. Get out there and play the class – see what it can and can’t do….then find a way to make what you can’t do happen anyway! *grin*</FONT></SPAN></P></DIV>

[Putka]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Harovan wrote:<BR>Imagine an equilateral triangle with the edges named "Berserker", "Guardian" and "Templar". The paladin is about in the center of this triangle. We can tank, but not as good as a guardian (I know, I know, but still... Sony is Sony). We can dish out, but not as good as a Berserker. And we can heal, but not as good as a templar.<BR><BR> <BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>Hehe that was awesome, it's 100% true <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> Paladins are so versatile.. I'm actually kind of surprised at our DPS capabilities. If I spam all my combat arts I usually steal aggro from the MT unless they keep taunting all the time <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />. It's lots of fun trying my best to pull mobs off the guardian without taunting hehe :smileyvery-happy: And our healing is no joke either, I'm able to duo yellow heroic mobs with a chanter of equal level <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P> <P>great class..</P>

[Araknar]

<P>I agree with everything said above but would like to add...</P> <P> </P> <P>unlike guardians we do not need the standard group (ie healer tank blah blah) to function, we re versatile enough that I generally just duo/trio with dps classes, no healers at all other than my own skills and can quite happily and safetly deal with yellow con ^^ mobs, the key is power usage and actually being skilled with your class, which is cool<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> </P> <P> </P> <P>Also we solo exceptionally well. I don't want to say how I do it, not because i think its some secret but more because paladins are so versatile that if your left to work it out yourself you may come up with a completely different style to me and still do as well or better, as I don't know if my way is the best way, its just the way that works for me<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> </P> <P> </P> <P>In short take your time and you ll enjoy the class and find your very own playing style with your paladin that suites you<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P> <P> </P> <P>Steelle</P> <P>lvl39 Paladin</P> <P>Kithicor</P>

[Coho1]

<P> I play the role of OT. This is where a pali really shines. IMO  That way  we can assist in healing as needed. I can run and defend healers/magicusers from adds. Have some AOE if asked for.  We can MT if needed. </P> <P> </P>