Shield changes

[Alhanelem]

So wait, after this is implemented, I will lose all of my shield abilities that I gained from lvl 25-50 sentinel, because my gladiator is only lvl 24?

Well, we don't know what rank gladiator will learn them. It could be different from what it is now- but I really wonder how tehy're going to set it up, because most classes learn something every other level right now, and it's going to be every 5 levels after this update. Yes, some skills will be removed (e.g. multiple tiers of some spells and abilities) but that's still too many skills for them to be learned in longer intervals.

Shields were a handy tool for THM/CONs to have if they felt they wanted to use it when they were soloing (and it was also a good way to boost up the shield skill, prior to its planned removal...). Considering you gave up a small bit of damage in order to use one, it's only worth using if you're soloing and using the skills that come with it. It didn't harm anyone for these classes to equip the shield skills.

However, my concern isn't just for these two classes. It's for any future class that might be able to use a shield. Should they really be forced to level up a class they might not otherwise want to play just to be able to get the full use out of their equipment?

[Estellios]

However, my concern isn't just for these two classes. It's for any future class that might be able to use a shield. Should they really be forced to level up a class they might not otherwise want to play just to be able to get the full use out of their equipment?

If defense and damage mitigation is something the class needs they would probably learn their own skills for use with a shield. Just think of the current abilities as Gladiator abilities that require a shield equipped.

[TinnySnips]

I think the point is kinda being missed here. There will be no shield skills, period. Gladiator may gain a few of the abilities that currently belong to shield, but there will only be 15 gladiator abilities at level 50, so I can't see those shield skills making the cut unless they are very beneficial to the Gladiator's role. Even if Gladiator inherits every ability from shield, it's still not a shield ability. It will be a gladiator ability.

You can argue that you should get a return on your investment in leveling shield, but very few people specifically leveled shield. It's always been a silly tacked on class, and it levels as you level another class. Very few people leveled shield. Most people ended up with shield leveled as a side effect.

Every class will be losing some skills that are situationally useful. If you are worried about losing out on abilities that you currently possess, then Shield is probably the least of your concerns.

[Alhanelem]

I think the point is kinda being missed here. There will be no shield skills, period. Gladiator may gain a few of the abilities that currently belong to shield, but there will only be 15 gladiator abilities at level 50, so I can't see those shield skills making the cut unless they are very beneficial to the Gladiator's role. Even if Gladiator inherits every ability from shield, it's still not a shield ability. It will be a gladiator ability.

You can argue that you should get a return on your investment in leveling shield, but very few people specifically leveled shield. It's always been a silly tacked on class, and it levels as you level another class. Very few people leveled shield. Most people ended up with shield leveled as a side effect.

Every class will be losing some skills that are situationally useful. If you are worried about losing out on abilities that you currently possess, then Shield is probably the least of your concerns.

That's another factor i've forgotten about. They can't use the current skill learning setup without sacrificing some skills or making multiple skills learned per level.

I'm sure we'll be able to sub skills from gladiator, but the point is, we didn't have to do that before.

As long as the appropriate skills are still available through gladiator, I can't complain TOO much, as it's akin to leveling a subjob, but still, I can't say I like this chaing.