The Paladin: The Independent Protector
The Paladin is the quintessential “Holy Warrior.” In Ashes of Creation, taking Tank primary and Cleric secondary creates a frontline unit that doesn’t need to beg for heals every 5 seconds.
The Synergy: Tank + Cleric
Your secondary Cleric archetype infuses your shield with the Life school.
- Mitigation -> Restoration:
- Shield Bash -> Holy Smash: Deals Holy damage (bypassing armor) and heals you for 50% of the damage dealt.
- Grit (Stance) -> Aura of Light: Instead of just defense, you pulse minor healing to melee party members.
The “Progression” Tank
The Paladin is often considered the best Progression Tank (for new dungeons).
- Why?: When your Healer makes a mistake and dies, a Knight (Tank/Tank) eventually dies too. A Paladin can keep themselves alive long enough to finish the boss or resurrect the healer (if they have a combat res mechanic/item).
Weaknesses
You are not as “hard” as a Knight. In a massive raid boss fight where the hit deals 90% of your HP, you might get one-shot where a Knight would survive. You rely on healing back damage, not preventing it.