DSR observation: PLD Sheltron does not block while stunned

[ZiziT]

Our group runs WAR/PLD and we also ran into this problem. We resolved it by having me (the WAR) use Nascent Flash on the PLD during that set of tankbusters while I use Holmgang. I believe any tank composition can work around Sheltron by using The Blackest Night/Intervention/Heart of Corundum/Nascent Flash on each other, rather than on themselves.

I'd like to refrain from debating whether or not Sheltron and blocking should be adjusted; I just wanted to provide a possible solution in the meantime.

[Storm-Driver]

Our group runs WAR/PLD and we also ran into this problem. We resolved it by having me (the WAR) use Nascent Flash on the PLD during that set of tankbusters while I use Holmgang. I believe any tank composition can work around Sheltron by using The Blackest Night/Intervention/Heart of Corundum/Nascent Flash on each other, rather than on themselves.

I'd like to refrain from debating whether or not Sheltron and blocking should be adjusted; I just wanted to provide a possible solution in the meantime.

My group came up with a similar solution, where we just moved around CDs so I had some more up for the tether. Thank you for the input though, and I'm glad you guys were able to find a work-around!

[NightHour]

I don't think you can block, dodge or parry while stunned in any MMO.

[Shurrikhan]

I don't think you can block, dodge or parry while stunned in any MMO.

I don't think I've ever seen a steel wall collapse just because its creator was briefly distracted sometime after its creation.

The question still just comes down to whether one skill should have two unique disadvantages without any relevant compensation elsewhere in its kit.

The base block chance is mere sustain over time, as unreliable and thereby unlikely a source of survival at a key moment as Soul eater, and irrelevant to any discussion of active mitigation, let alone the 15-to-25s on-demands.

[NobleWinter]

Why not change the text from a "100% Guaranteed Block Rate" to "Block Most attacks with 100% chance to avoid Critical Hits"

That way the old Awareness Skill is baked in and it becomes a more useful Dungeon Cooldown with a unique effect. It wouldn't be shocking when you are stunned and unable to Block either.

[Absurdity]

Why not change the text from a "100% Guaranteed Block Rate" to "Block Most attacks with 100% chance to avoid Critical Hits"

That way the old Awareness Skill is baked in and it becomes a more useful Dungeon Cooldown with a unique effect. It wouldn't be shocking when you are stunned and unable to Block either.

While definitely an improvement it still wouldn't solve the issue of Shelltron being flat out worse than Drk's, WAR's and GnB's equivalents when you're stunned. Now this wouldn't be a big deal in a world where all tanks had their unique stengths and weaknesses. But with the current tank design, where they all more or less have the same defensives, Paladin is the only tank with this issue.

[Lyth]

This is the main reason why jobs become progressively more homogenized over time.

PLD has an additional passive block proc effect on top of the standard parry that no other tank has access to as part of its aesthetic. People fixate on a singular case where block doesn't work. Block gets completely removed next expansion and replaced with %DR effects on Sheltron. Players next expansion are confused over the sudden homogenization. I'm all for the 'unique strengths and weaknesses' approach, but people have to buy into that mindset first.

[Shurrikhan]

That RNG block value is unreliable over-time sustain at best, though. Why should otherwise standard active sustain (by way of mitigation or added simple eHP and healing capacity) suffer for what is most alike, functionally, to Souleater's heal (appreciable only vaguely and over time).

"X must have a dysfunctional active mitigation tool because part of its passive/unreliable sustain is handled uniquely!" Not because Paladin has uniquely high passive/unreliable, but simply because it looks different. ...Why?