Why is Guarding just so...bad?

[Shadotter]

I like the idea of making guard more useful, especially since I've read that it becomes really the only source of defense when using counterstance.

[Leonlionheart]

because mnk needs more defensive statistics.

[Cursed]

because mnk needs more defensive statistics.

I suppose you would prefer it if WAR got some decent native defense abilities/traits?
ofc, so they could just zerg shit without needing any support and down everything in 30-45 seconds with no real penalties or challenge.

[TRiPP]

I enjoy this conversation. I think it's comical as hell to be honest.
However, I don't understand why some people are getting so overly defensive over asking for some visual proof. Anyone can say things, and even if it's researched, people would still like to witness it. Because even with the proper data and proof to prove what you're stating is in fact truth. People just want to witness it so that they can pick up on a few things. They're not going to just go there to cheer you on, they're going there to see what equipment you have, and ask you which atmas you're using, etc. Essentially, it's like your monk going in and dealing let's just pull out a random number 20K without a brew on a Victory Smite. (Reread that in case, you're feeling illiterate and wondering how it would be possible for a Monk to deal that much damage. In fact. Let me make it easier for those who like to jump to conclusion.) Sure, your party saw it, but will anyone else believe you? Even if you had stacked up the proper Strength, and proper atmas? Hell no.

Everyone learns differently, it shouldn't be any surprise that it would be the same with anything statistics wise. Because sometimes seeing is more believing then taking someone's word without showing them a visual. Either way, I'm enjoying this conversation. Please continue. Just thought I'd jump in and say something. In b4 puffing your face like a balloon and getting offended because I'm letting you know that people learn things differently, remember. I'm not attempting to prove you wrong. I'm just helping alleviate miscommunication. While Guard may be completely useless or not useless at all. (Not choosing a side to be honest.) The blue number is still nice.

I suppose you would prefer it if WAR got some decent native defense abilities/traits?
ofc, so they could just zerg shit without needing any support and down everything in 30-45 seconds with no real penalties or challenge.

Ahaha, that my friend is called an FC Party. However, and unfortunately it requires a Red Mage. Or sooner or later a White mage. Because they'll eventually give WHM Phalanx as well.
However, the question stands do they need that many traits of Fencer? Seems like such a waste on a job that mains a two handed weapon. (For warrior mind you.)

Regardless, take it as you will. Offensive or not. Just thought I'd point it out. Take it easy.

[Peldin]

because mnk needs more defensive statistics.

Well, we're not invincible yet, and we can't one-shot everything yet... so we still need plenty of upgrades. (sarcasm intended)

[Paksenarrion]

Just an FYI, SE made a comment about adjusting the difficulty of gaining Parry skill in their thread for DRK. I made a post regarding an adjustment to Guard as another thing they can look into. You can find that post here, with the original quote and link to the source.

http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/th...765#post160765

[Segasaturn]

Guard for me has been a handy skill to have when tanking solo... that is enough to want it to be a functional on top of that my skill is now 250 and i see it proc on bosses and other hard mobs while its NOT alot, it helps....
My biggest problem is Skilling up Guard spending years in a zone trying to Get it to skill up is not ok... it shouldnt be THAt hard... Guard should Natually lvl with teh job as you play it SE needs to fix this...

[Lazus]

I think they should give mnk and pup some kind of guard mastery which would increase guard rate and give tp when you block.

[Kyrial]

I think they should give mnk and pup some kind of guard mastery which would increase guard rate and give tp when you block.

They already have Tactical Guard, which gives TP when you guard. :P But yeah, a trait that increased the activation rate (or even a JA that did so) would be very welcome.

[Leonlionheart]

They already have Tactical Guard, which gives TP when you guard. :P But yeah, a trait that increased the activation rate (or even a JA that did so) would be very welcome.

Hmmm...

Opposite of counterstance:

Guardstance: 5min recast 5min duration: increases the rate of guard by 50% but reduces defense to base and puts counter rate at 0%. Maybe up KA to scale it to even usable...