For a while now PLD has been classified as the "simple" tank class and that it is "boring" to play, and I will agree to a point. PLD has a lower point of entry skillwise and it is more simple when played at its most base level of Shield Oath on, Flash and Halone combo. If played this way it is very simple and easily becomes boring. However that is not all their is to PLD.

I see people say that PLD is all about their shield, but IMO this is only partially true, there is one major factor being left out here, PLD wields a sword and a shield.

Now I'm not saying this just for the point of semantics, but because by looking at the combination of the sword and the shield as a set that the PLD brings to bare, it changes the PLD from a Halone Waltzing turtle into a deadly dancer of defense and offense.

The sword+shield/offense+defense balance is manifested through Sword Oath and Shield Oath and balancing their usage to their fullest (i. e. oath dancing).
When in Shield Oath you are prioritizing your shield and defense, while in Sword Oath your focus is on your sword and offense. When you strategically weave between them you create a wonderful ebb and flow to combat where you are pulling back to protect yourself from devastating hits and then utilizing openings (whether in mechanics or through smart CD usage) to press the offensive. Shifting into Sword Oath, popping Fight or Flight+Bloodbath+Sentinel/Rampart and then unloading Spirits+Circle+Fracture is a thing of beauty.

It is this dance between offense and defense/sword oath and shield oath that I find completely changes the style and feel of PLD and makes it much more fun to play and more effective.

So as Paladins, remember we are not just stuck with a shield to hide behind, we have a sword as well and should make full use of it.