Hullo Drakkenshield and Vanisher123,
I read the thread and I like Kecks-Kithicor's advice best.
When I soloed a Templar on the lower levels, I liked putting on some spiked shoulder armor and a spiked shield. Strange thing was that I found the damage from the spikes was higher when my INT was high, but not changed much by +piercing gear or strength. Good plate armor and some spikes was effective on multiple monster encounters, at even con or higher when I couldn't hit as well with my weapon. With multiple green monsters I could use about any gear and skills, as long as I had Steadfast to avoid interrupts and a few good direct damage spells. I like the short cast time smite spells with a heroic opportunity.
I'm not sure why, but in general just basic MC level mitigation seems great. Not much change after about 50% damage prevented by mitigation. When I look for better armor I look for a balance between INT and WIS. I put about zero weight on any AGI. Other than blocking with my shield, avoidance and AGI didn't help. My health seems always good, so STA hasn't been a concern.
My best AA lines were STR for Steadfast defense in the Cleric tree to avoid interrupts, and the Smites down the middle in the Templar tree for damage. I've not been impressed with the shield and melee AA compared to avoiding interrupts and doing direct spell damage while keeping reactive heals to maintain about 80% health. I like to avoid over healing and wait to heal until I have a bubble or two down.
I'm a level 59 Templar now. One of my most fun things is to go to Maj'Dul and kill a bounch of beggers and citizens. Sometimes a crazy profit or two -- or a thief or three. Eventually my Rujarkian Orc faction is friendly. I go visit my friends in the clefts, stab their bosses in the back, take their treasure chests. Hmm...maybe I'm not a very good Templar.
Cheers,ThrythLevel 59 Templar on Antonia Bayle