Am I doomed to be sub-par?

[prisoner]

<DIV>First,  let me say a big thanks to all the beta/test Paladins who have brought us a treasure trove of information regarding the new changes.  It makes it alot easier when we have an idea what to expect when the change goes live.  </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Now,  on to the title of my post.  I notice alot of the feedback and information comes from those who have high level/raid/rare crafed equipped characters.  I probably will never achieve that kind of equipment.  Grand total I have made 1.5 plat since I started on the day of release.  With this,  I have been fairly lucky.  I have been able to get adept1/app4 skills for all my important spells and a set of common pristine crafted armor for levels 30 and now 40.  I even picked up imbued chest/legs/shield/rings.  (Thank the stars for good deals and fair crafters on my server!)  I've even been able to semi-twink my 2nd account of a froglok fury.  My question though is it going to be enough?  I know the devs say that they are balancing things vs a character with crafted gear/app3 spells,  but is it truly balanced towards them?  This is going to be me for my entire eq2 career.  I don't want to be a liability to my groups as a sub-par tank.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Is there anyone who plays test that is outfitted like the above that can put to rest my worries?  Is there a really huge disparity between the types of gear?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Arxis - Human Paladin, Leader of Hexen on Kithicor </DIV> <DIV>Veiros - Froglok Fury on Kithicor</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>17</DIV>

[Dwergux]

<P>As far as I can see, Paladins will become great tanks, but they will become lesser DPS players.</P> <P>This seems to be more like what a Paladin should be according to my book. The damage we currently do is a little too much, so downgrading that seems ok. The tradeof for less damage output is better taunts and better defensive stances.</P> <P>Our healing arts are increased by granting us groupheals and a spell to evenly divide all damage that the party has taken over all its members.</P>

[Mattim]

I don't play beta or have a character high enough on test to know at the 40+ range, or really a range that would have any tangible information. I do know they've said that what a gear is described as (treasured, handrafted, etc) should play a role in how well it does its job, which makes sense as fabled equipment really should be fabled, etc. Handrafted is at the bottom of this list.Although, even with the current system, for the most part handrafted *is* the bottom of the list for stats and it works fine. Playstyle is important, imo, over gear and alot of people who maybe won't say it feel the same. General speaking though, if you're just out there grouping and enjoy it you'll probably meet alot of the same people with similiar playstyles and gear so things will all be even anyhow. Occasionally you'll run across a chest drop that will directly or indirectly upgrade you but otherwise your playing field will be quite similiar to those around you.

[djhbeek]

well, you have to watch out what you assume in some cases.  never mind the little siggy at the bottom of this, on TEST, i am an UBER lv 16 crusader geared up on chest drops from mobs in Antonica, and a mix of app1s, app4s, and 1 or 2 adept1s i've been lucky enough to get.  at this level, i don't see alot of difference with pre-combat changes verses post combat-changes.  maybe a tiny nerf, but not much.  and honestly, removing the casting times on combat arts makes the game more fun.  i'm currently in Antonica soloing oranges and yellows, and take on a green or possibly blue group mob if i want a challenge. now people will probably complain about my comments being TOO low end ... <span>:smileysad:</span> -- wtb crusader adepts on test.  pm me if you have them.  keep in mind i got like 1g TOTAL .... <div></div>