[Suggestion] The "Guard" skill.

[Reika]

I think the Guard skill should be removed as the normal sorce of making your shield do it's job. Instead, your shield should automatically block. determined by its Blocking value and if you are wearing the optimal rank shield. In addition, Deflection, Aegis Boon, and Outmaneuver should be switched to set times instead of dependent on the shield wield rate and if you have self-preservation equipped or not, Altered by if your shield is the proper rank. Given that, Self-preservation can be changed to increase shield blocking rate instead of the duration your shield arm is kept up.

[DeadRiser]

I actually like how the guard skill works. If that was the case, people would be spamming Phalanx more than they already do.

On another note with auto-attack being implemented, we don't know how shields are going to play sooooo we have to wait and see.

[Reika]

I wouldnt mind Guards current application if it didnt take stamina and didnt stop your movement whenever your raise it or it lowers...

Either way, as it is, I spam Phalanx all the time anyways lol. Theres not much of time i leave my guard down.

[Freedan]

I agree that guard should also be automated because when you're getting pounded as a tank you don't have time to worry about wheather or not your shield is up while trying to use Cures and Aegis Boon to try to stay alive so your party doesn't wipe.

[DeadRiser]

I wouldnt mind Guards current application if it didnt take stamina and didnt stop your movement whenever your raise it or it lowers...

Either way, as it is, I spam Phalanx all the time anyways lol. Theres not much of time i leave my guard down.

True I did spam it, we will just have to wait and see with auto-attack being implemented.
Personally I like to use guard every so often, and if you have it up, your attack should be reduced while it is. Seems right I guess? Just stating my opinions and mindless suggestions is all lol.

[ChiefCurrahee]

A lot (if not all) of the current battle mechanics still revolve around the battle system that they had in Alpha.

With the combat revamp, I do hope they take into account situational skills, and triggered responses.

I would like to see "Guard" become a more passive type ability and put more focus on actual shield skills than worrying about keeping your shield arm up. Maybe rework it so that if you "auto block" like Reika suggested, that "Guard" increases your change to block at the cost of movement speed, or even "Root" you into place while it is active.

While all we can do is speculate or express wishes of the new system, we should continue to do so to give the devs as many ideas as possible. Not only for immediate system changes, but things that can be implemented over time. Or even mechanics for new classes.

But I agree with Reika, Shield blocking should be automated so we can focus on the excitement of battle, instead of the micromanaging of defensive abilities.

[Crowley]

/agreed

Block needs to be passive, the animation(s) really screws the current situation up.

[Jinko]

Agree, hopefully when they go to auto attack the shield will auto block based on chance/block rating.

[Aldarin]

The main reason for automating guard is....

I agree that guard should also be automated because when you're getting pounded as a tank you don't have time to worry about wheather or not your shield is up while trying to use Cures and Aegis Boon to try to stay alive so your party doesn't wipe.

[AshelyRiot]

I agree with block being automated as well, I hate the fact that you just stop mid battle and just hold your shield up.