Templars are fun

[Sebastian]

Hey all,

Those looking to make an alt should seriously consider a Templar.

You might read on the forums that they are slow to level and that they blossom late in the game.

While you won't be leveling as fast as a pure dps class you can still dish out a decent amount of damage.Having the best weapon at all times is a must, and buying gear that allows you to socket more, highest level manastones available is also essential.

10-17 so far has been a breeze. I chew through equal level mobs quickly, and I can take on mobs 2-3 levels higher with little to no downtime.

The "feel" of the classes is very different from the others classes I've played (Chanter/Cleric/Gladiator/SM/Sorcerer). In addition to having many instant attacks you can use on demand, you also have many reactive shield abilities. The shield abilities require you to shield block before use, but you get an ability that increases block value/def/parry indefinitely until you use another ability. After spamming all your instant abilities, you raise your shield, wait for a block, then slam the crap out of them with your shield. By the time your shield moves proc your other abilities are off cooldown. At level 15 I already feel like my rotations are rich and dynamic and that they require a lot of timing/planning.

I've yet to tank in PvE but I can see how managing threat generating moves and rotating them at the appropriate time is going to make for some interesting tanking. I can't wait to do some testing on which moves generate the most agro. I don't believe we get any AOE damage moves, and the AOE threat moves come at later levels and some require stigmas. Multi mob taking will require finesse and tab targeting.

My Survivability is insane. I hardly take any damage when moving from 1 mob to another. I've killed 3 +1 level mobs at once and was only at 60% health. After using the Templars first heal ability (+25% healing +50% hit points and +50 natural health regen for 3mins) you're ready to start plowing through mobs again with 50% more health and crazy health regen. I have around 2.3k hit points at level 17 with this ability activated.

Right now I have one on demand stun on a 1min cooldown, and one of my reactive block moves also stuns.

I will post more as I level to share my experiences with you all! hopefull more people will become interested in making Templar alts.

[Kali]

Damn

you've nearly sold me and I never play a tank - nice writeup