by Karen Hertzberg on Sep 15, 2005
Paladins are our defenders of light and all that is good. We've had a taste of what is to come with this noble class. However, we wanted more information. TinyRebel, our Paladin class specialist submitted these questions and concerns about the Vanguard: Saga of Heroes Paladin. We were fortunate enough to have Darrin McPherson, answer these questions for us. It looks like the Paladin is going to remain the trusty steadfast class that we've come to know and love over the years.
Question: Paladins are traditionally a heavy tank with small buffing and healing abilities. Since Vanguard is taking a whole new approach on some of these traditional roles, how will this affect the Paladin class? Will we see Paladins as a support type role to the cleric and warrior with less damage dealing and minor heals/buffs or will the Paladin be a primary damage dealer with melee and spells?
Answer: The Paladin of tradition is the Paladin of Vanguard for the most part. The Paladins job is that of the Protective Fighter. Protective Fighters (or Tanks if you prefer) are responsible absorbing incoming damage and protecting everyone else in the party. As a protective fighter, the Paladin will be on equal footing with the Warrior, Inquisitor and the Dread Knight when it comes to tanking abilities. At that point the classes diverge into more specialized niches. The Paladins secondary jobs are group based buffs and heals.
The Paladin also has access to Gifts of Virtue and gains Virtue Points that govern their use. Gifts of Virtue are powerful spells with varying effects The Paladins first Gift of Virtue is (predictably) Lay on Hands, a powerful, instant cast heal. The use of any Gift of Virtue discharges a number of Virtue Points. Once these points are exhausted, the Paladin cannot call for divine aid until some time has passed. As the Paladin gains in strength and experience he will gain more Virtue Points and more Gifts of Virtue.
Question: In Everquest Original, Paladins used the Two-Handed sword as their primary weapon of choice; will there be other alternatives to make each Paladin unique in his class?
Answer: The Paladins choices for weapon style are limited to Weapon and Shield, which is the more defensive option and Two-handed wielding which is the offensive choice.
Question: Traditionally the Dwarf and the High Elf have been the races most suitable for playing Paladins. Will there be a bigger selection of races that can play this holy knight in Vanguard?
Answer: Humans are the largest race that gains access to the Paladin class. Our larger races tend to be more barbaric or tribal in nature and they would typically not choose the path of the Paladin.
Question: Lastly, what is the chosen deity for those who choose the path of the Paladin or holy knight?
Answer: The Paladin of Vanguard is a servant of Righteousness, Truth and Light. These aspects are embodied by several of the gods in the Vanguard Pantheon, but it is not required of the Paladin to prescribe to a certain deity in order to gain his powers. Allegiance to a particular god will be a choice that the Paladin is free to make, but only when he is ready to take that step.
The Paladin of Vanguard is a servant of Righteousness, Truth and Light. These aspects are embodied by several of the gods in the Vanguard Pantheon, but it is not required of the Paladin to prescribe to a certain deity in order to gain his powers. Allegiance to a particular god will be a choice that the Paladin is free to make, but only when he is ready to take that step.