When to upgrade..

[Runestone]

I am currently a level 26 Paladin. I keep all my spells and abilities (Adept I). My question is.. At what point do I start thinking about spending serious cash on things like Master I's? Keep in mind I am a new player and I don't have unlimited funds like most who have been around for 2 years. For the moment in my estimation I blow through levels WAY too fast to even think about spending that kind of money. I realize I am asking this too soon (for my level) but at what point does this become really important in my career?<div></div>

[Midsong]

<div></div>Really important? Raiding. If it isn't rather difficult content for your level, you don't need them.They aren't needed for single group content, at least up to 50. Not sure about after that yet. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />Unless you can't complete content, but then I'd recommend upgrading gear first and then try different group setups or strats first.Adept III's are much cheaper and easier to get than masters in general. You can make them yourself as well.<div></div><p>Message Edited by Midsong on <span class=date_text>08-01-2006</span> <span class=time_text>05:59 PM</span>

[JarredDarque]

honestly, gear wise, you should always be in Rare Armor or better  from lvl 20 on.  I am finding that common crafted armor isnt geting mitigation much above 35% for any tier starting in T3.  You CANNOT adequately tank with mitigation that low.  Rare armor pushes upwards up 45-50% for some of the tiers which is servicable.In the mean time, the only spells I would worry about upgrading, and only to adept III unless you get a free master, are your taunts.  If you strictly solo, then your heal and ward as well, otherwise, you wont be doing hard enough content to need ad 3's and masters for all tiers.These spells you need to upgrade as soon as you can.  Some are lower lvl (T3) some are a bit higher up spells, (T5)IntercedeAmendsRescuethe lvl 35 AOE from one of the adventure packsStarting at lvl 57, you need to upgrade every spell ASAP to adept III or better.  These spells are not replaced before or at lvl 70.<div></div>

[Rarlin]

<P>Assuming you're a real Paladin and not a Pally that thinks it's job is DPS... :smileyvery-happy:</P> <P> </P> <P>Just get your taunts and defensive stances in Adept III if you're really strapped on cash (at this point).  As far as gear is concerned, drops from heroics and named is now going to be better than even rare armor in many cases so as long as you're grouping quite a bit, you'll probably get decent armor along the way.  Save your money for when you hit T5 and on IMO.  Most of the levels just fly by until then anyway...</P>

[Squelch]

I usually just went with rare Chest and Legs, the rest regular. Worked for me, im lvl 70, ledgendary and fabled out now <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Runestone]

Thanks for all the replies. I haven't been worried about it for my current level (26) at all. I got rare chest/legs/1H/2H I think the other pieces of armor are wasted Steel (since they really don't offer much more) I have been concentrating on Str/Sta/Agi (pretty much exclusivly). To answer someone else in the thread.. I am also aware that Paladins are <b><i>not</i> </b>dps. I have been MT in a few groups now, and with my gear and Adept I spells I haven't as of yet lost aggro to anything (named, yellow and even a few orange con) or been killed due to lack of HP. Some fights are more challenging then others to hold aggro but if it wasn't a challenge I would easily become bored and reroll. Thats probably why I chose a Paladin for tanking. I like a bit more of a challenge. The <b>real</b> tanks have it <i>too</i> easy IMO. <span>:smileywink:</span><div></div>

[Turb]

The problem comes if the people you group with have Master DPS spells/skills. Then you're holding them back.But if you're doing OK, great <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />I'd make sure you get Ad3 of these, in rough order of priorityaoe tauntsingle tauntdefensive stanceshield bash with tauntthe hate transfer skill (amends at higher levels)wardyour protection skill (raises your DEF skill when cast on others)With these you should do well. The aoe taunt will debuff and improve your spell attacks. Use your self ward as the heals will add hate for you, as will putting in a group heal once in a while if you've been AOE'd. The healer shouldn't mind <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />Good luck!