Paladin: Possibilities

[Zyeriis]

@Byrth
I definently see the point in the HNM example you gave as to their level vs our levels. I will add something along those lines in my next modifications post.

As for the starting point about how fSTR is a concession to 1H, the examples you gave aren't really relevant anymore as they mostly apply to pre-abyssea exping (because abyssea made standard exp parties not worth the trouble). I know you admitted that it doesn't have a big impact on endgame, which is generally what this thread is about: PLD once it is 90+.

In any case, the problem with DDs being able to survive better (or as well as) than Paladin. Some people want a DD buff to PLD, some people want something different. Reworking the formulas would balance things out a bit more wouldn't it? I'm not just talking defensive wise here either. Reworking fSTR formulas would benefit PLD as well, by bringing DDs down a bit, and moving PLD up a bit. DDs would focus more on offensive gear full-time because of the adjustment (not that they don't already do that) while PLD would be able to focus more on VIT and other things if they felt inclined to do so. I guess it wouldn't make a huge difference but it would bridge the gap at least a little bit more, if you understand what I'm trying to say that is. Some might call that a DD nerf, while half-true, it would also be boosting something else in the process (mob toughness, player toughness while lowering player attack [slightly] and damage output thus resulting in lower enmity rate, making it slightly more difficult to continuously cap CE and tank). It would cause a ripple effect. Whether it would be good enough, too good, or not good at all, I can't really say.

[Byrth]

In any case, the problem with DDs being able to survive better (or as well as) than Paladin. Some people want a DD buff to PLD, some people want something different. Reworking the formulas would balance things out a bit more wouldn't it? I'm not just talking defensive wise here either. Reworking fSTR formulas would benefit PLD as well, by bringing DDs down a bit, and moving PLD up a bit. DDs would focus more on offensive gear full-time because of the adjustment (not that they don't already do that) while PLD would be able to focus more on VIT and other things if they felt inclined to do so. I guess it wouldn't make a huge difference but it would bridge the gap at least a little bit more, if you understand what I'm trying to say that is. Some might call that a DD nerf, while half-true, it would also be boosting something else in the process (mob toughness, player toughness while lowering player attack [slightly] and damage output thus resulting in lower enmity rate, making it slightly more difficult to continuously cap CE and tank). It would cause a ripple effect. Whether it would be good enough, too good, or not good at all, I can't really say.

You haven't been reading the update notes if you think they're going to nerf DDs at this point. If you're going to campaign for fSTR changes, campaign to make the penalties of negative fSTR more severe. This will (unfortunately) hurt your own damage pretty badly (see my example, imagine a negative number instead of positive), but it will give you the damage reduction with VIT that you seem to be looking for.

[Zyeriis]

You haven't been reading the update notes if you think they're going to nerf DDs at this point. If you're going to campaign for fSTR changes, campaign to make the penalties of negative fSTR more severe. This will (unfortunately) hurt your own damage pretty badly (see my example, imagine a negative number instead of positive), but it will give you the damage reduction with VIT that you seem to be looking for.

No denial that's unlikely they'll nerf DDs at this point but, it never hopes to try and suggest a balancing out. Anyway, yeah that would give the VIT/damage reduction but, as I'm trying to say, that's not the only aspect to it. A slight nerf to DDs (fSTR formulas) would result in less efficient hate holding for them. Naturally, it wouldn't be enough and it would likely people get angry. I can't honestly say otherwise. I am also aware that it would hurt PLD pretty badly damage wise but, that's a trade-off I'm willing to accept if it means I can do stuff and be useful as PLD as a tank that is at least somewhat on par with blink tanking and with DDs tanking.

I am also not forgetting that getting hurt damage wise on PLD would hurt it's enmity just as badly, if not worse, than DDs (strictly DDing-wise in terms of enmity gain/enmity holding and that DDs would still be able to cap out on enmity almost as fast as they can now). That is why PLD needs more enmity tools. Every little idea I've posted can attribute to this potential adjustment. Every little bit helps in some way.

All of that being said, it is probably not the most elegant solution (or a true solution) but, it would help ever so slightly. Which is what I'm going for: slight adjustments as to not overpower the job and break my stance on wanting it brought up to an equal level, tanking wise.