Posted by T ot W on July 24, 2000 at 17:33:32:
In Reply to: I know that posted by Tracker of the Wicked on July 24, 2000 at 14:20:51:
Ignore the above post. I don't know why I sounded like a dick. I really did mean to be helpful in there. So, where you are in error in your observations/assumptions. 1. You are way over exaggerating the failure rate of 100% TD (templars defense). Personally, I succeed >80-90% with it, and I know you probably do, too. Next, on to how I see 2h stacking up against shield. 1. Maledicts (!@!). Personally, with my paladin? I don't like fighting foes that flee and sleep/wither/fill in the blank. I could die to a moron that way. I don't like being disarmed. I like making people bleed when they're fleeing from me. I like disarming without having to use the skill. Thus, I like maledicts. Shields has *zero* maledicts. 2h has lots and lots of fun ones to play with. This is not to say that 2h is better than shield. Shield has plenty of things going for it (slightly better tank while you're ranking, etc.). It is to say that the two are evenly balanced. Finally, on to your difficulties: 1. Re: nodisarm 2h weapons. They can not disarm what they can not see. In conclusion, I started playing this class with a feeling that necromancers were overpowered. Now, I am realizing that *EVERY* class is overpowered (well, except maybe warriors). Heh. Seriously. Every class is extremely hard core and geared to a end, and I am impressed. This is to say that if you feel the 2h manuevers/spec suck, especially in relation to shield specs, then, sorry, but you are doing something wrong and not utilizing the powers. And, to the Immortals, if I had one suggestion, it would be "extra granted skills" relating specifically to a 2h or shield spec, just to give a little extra complexity (this may already been done and I don't have them). Wrath to the Wicked.
2. Not every TD has a two round lag.
2. Damage. 2h manuevers do more damage.
3. Lag. shield manuevers (as far as I know, haven't played one) are all 2roundlaggers. 2h manuevers differ in lagtime to use.
4. Versatility. In your post you say (inaccurately) that you "give up shield block." You don't. You have a choice before the battle whether you want to use your manuevers or use the shield block. You even have a choice in the battle. Shield spec doesn't give you that choice, and, again, you can do more than just damage with 2h spec.
5. The lag caused by shield jab, and the infrequency with which it is caused does not greatly appeal to me.
2. Re: No helpfiles on special manuevers. Look at assassins. This is not unpredented. It does, however, suck. But, it encourages you to experiment and get better, and rewards the time you spend.
3. Lack of success. Again, you are greatly overexaggerating with TD. The strikes do not succeed so very often, but then, they're pretty damn powerful, don't you think? And, do you really think it's fair if they hit as much as a warriors specs do (Given everything else a paladin has going for him)? I'm happy with how often they land now.