B
Belomar
Guest
Let's discuss defensive tanks for a bit. I've been thinking of levelling one lately, and I need to figure out what to go for. Currently, I see three viable alternatives:
Paladin: Specced with 42 shield. Pros: Chants (endurance + AF), FH. Cons No determination, low weaponskill, low shield spec, dexterity does not rise with levelling.
Armsman: Specced 50 shield/50 weapon. Pros: High shield, determination, cheap IP, dexterity is 3rd raising stat, Soldier's Barricade, high weaponskill. Cons: No group utility (except for SB), gimped without end chant (or end pots).
Mercenary: Specced 50 shield/50 weapon. Pros: High shield, determination, cheap IP, dexterity is 2nd raising stat, Dirty Tricks, Evade I. Cons: Lower HP than armsmen, lower weaponskill(?) than armsmen, no group utility, gimped without end chant (or end pots).
Looking at this breakdown, it is clear that mercs and armsmen are superior to paladins in the specific role of guard duty due to determination and the potential to max shield without sacrificing something else. Furthermore, it appears that a s/s merc would make the best defensive tank because of having the highest dexterity at level 50 than armsmen. Also, Dirty Tricks is a defensive ability that works best in a guard role.
So, what's y'all's take on this? Do mercs make the best blockbots or not? And, if merc, is it worth going for a Saracen for the extra dex, or should you stick with Briton?
Paladin: Specced with 42 shield. Pros: Chants (endurance + AF), FH. Cons No determination, low weaponskill, low shield spec, dexterity does not rise with levelling.
Armsman: Specced 50 shield/50 weapon. Pros: High shield, determination, cheap IP, dexterity is 3rd raising stat, Soldier's Barricade, high weaponskill. Cons: No group utility (except for SB), gimped without end chant (or end pots).
Mercenary: Specced 50 shield/50 weapon. Pros: High shield, determination, cheap IP, dexterity is 2nd raising stat, Dirty Tricks, Evade I. Cons: Lower HP than armsmen, lower weaponskill(?) than armsmen, no group utility, gimped without end chant (or end pots).
Looking at this breakdown, it is clear that mercs and armsmen are superior to paladins in the specific role of guard duty due to determination and the potential to max shield without sacrificing something else. Furthermore, it appears that a s/s merc would make the best defensive tank because of having the highest dexterity at level 50 than armsmen. Also, Dirty Tricks is a defensive ability that works best in a guard role.
So, what's y'all's take on this? Do mercs make the best blockbots or not? And, if merc, is it worth going for a Saracen for the extra dex, or should you stick with Briton?