I'm a career DRK, but leveled up PLD as my secondary job. Before Abyssea, I had leveled my PLD all the way to 64. After Abyssea, I got tired of camping birds in ToAU and just left PLD alone until recently when I started joining my LS Fell Cleave parties.
Now, my PLD is 85 and I'm finding myself completely unsure of what to do as far as gear besides the new AF gear in Abyssea. I'm not even sure if that gear is "good" or not in the eyes of Paladin players.
My current grasp on the situation is that Paladins have no problem generating enmity, but it comes down to swapping between -PDT/-MDT gear and DD gear. Correct me if I'm wrong on this.
So, my current PLD gear is just a Perle set with some VIT/DEF accessories thrown in and every guide I read on PLD equipment stops at 75 and all say the same thing: Defense and VIT only! Therefore I've come here to ask for advice on what gear to use. First, gear I can use right away off of Perle or AH or a simple farm, then gear I should eventually shoot for. So far the only things I'm told I should take time investing in are Honorbound and the new AF gear. I don't know anything outside of those.
Now, as far as skill-ups, my sword and sheild skills need topping off. Especially shield. What strategy do you recommend for me to get effecient skill-ups? Someone suggested decking out in -PDT gear, grabbing a ton of Mandies and then going afk, but I have no -PDT gear to speak of. Seriously, I'm a gimped PLD in gear and skills.
I love the job, though, so I want to use it to great potential. I hope many of you full-time or intelligent PLDs can help me out.
And please, no "level ninja" responses. I'm well aware of PLD's current Abyssea situation, but I am serious about having a strong PLD secondary and need some help.