Guardian AT

[Starhammer]

So every so often (usually under a different name used on another server group) discussion arises about an AT using Support/Melee powersets.

This is just some thoughts on that.

I would prefer "Guardian" as an AT name over "Paladin"
Even setting aside potential (probably unlikely) confusion with the Clockwork Paladin, I feel like "Paladin" has a bit of a medieval fantasy theme almost hardcoded into it at this point (The AT certainly isn't going to be an armored artillery cannon [if you don't get that reference, don't worry about it, just ask one of your Army buddies later]). "Guardian" is a lot more open to thematic interpretation.

Even using Melee and Support sets, I would like to see some differences in power selection compared to standard versions.

For one thing, while I would like to see the melee sets be more or less what other Melee ATs use, I would like to see at least one ranged attack built into the mix, preferably at Tier 2. Something thematically appropriate to the rest of the set. Energy Bolt for Energy Melee, Throwing Dagger for Broadsword, things like that. Perhaps Mace could have a Pistol attack (Police baton idea for the mace. It leans a little more specific than I prefer, but I feel like at least one of them should come with a gun). And a bit shorter range, like Sentinel's 60 feet. Enough for engagement and smacking runners, allowing more variety in tactics without being a dependency. Also a container for Ranged Damage purples. Perhaps at mid-high tier, a shorter ranged (again, 40' like Sentinels) ranged AoE. So still a predominantly melee set that still feels a little different in usage from others. I think Melee should be the primary, but the damage should be somewhat higher than Tanks, yet lower than Scrappers. Furthermore, even if they didn't in other ATs, each Guardian Attack power should have some sort of debuff attached to it to lean into the Support role of the AT in general.

For the Support secondary (Let's make them a smidge better than Controllers and Corrupters, but not as good as defenders) go with most of the same Support themes as already exist, but as a rule try to lean in on making every set have some point blank AoE powers. At least 1 click, at least 1 toggle. All buffs/heals should be self-effecting as well (This may require some rebalancing with bubbles of various sorts). Much like the attack has a pair of ranged powers, I'd like to see the support lose a pair of support powers in favor of two defensive powers (self only), one toggle, one auto. These two powers should each hold some status protections. Being designed to be in the thick of things, they should be a bit tougher than Defenders, even if not so much as ATs with proper armor sets. Some of the support sets already have PBAoE toggles that can be repurposed with little or no change to fill this need. As a note, no powers that would phase an enemy out of interaction. Those just feel like grief powers as is.

For their AT power, I would suggest a passive PBAoE buff of significant radius, like 40-60 feet, that buffs the secondary effects of everyone's buff powers... so a boost to leadership, other support ATs, and so on. Obviously still affecting self also. They make everyone a little better at what they already do, but without having to click a button to do so.

Epic/Patron pools should probably offer a bit of range/control and a defensive toggle that is weaker than what most ranged ATs get but offers a little more status protection and maybe some regen/recovery, along with a pet at Tier 5. These options let the character choose between filling in holes or supplementing what they already do. The best mix of variety, in my opinion.

Anyway, just what I'd like to see. Your views may vary.

 

[FupDup]

First thing, I've seen someone else suggest the name "Warden" for an AT like this, so I think we should go with that to keep it separate from Rebirth's Guardians. 

 

Second, I think they should get an actual full melee set, not some assault/hybrid thing. Even though we're not using the name Paladin here, part of the point of the AT is to fulfill that very specific fantasy, so big weapon-based sets like TW, Baxe, etc. need to be usable on them. Ranged attacks can be saved for epic pools like the other 4 melee classes. 

[biostem]

I had suggested something similar, but the difference there was that the player character themselves benefitted from their ally-only buff powers, in order to survive being in melee...

[Starhammer]

On 2/8/2025 at 1:38 PM, FupDup said:

First thing, I've seen someone else suggest the name "Warden" for an AT like this, so I think we should go with that to keep it separate from Rebirth's Guardians. 

 

Second, I think they should get an actual full melee set, not some assault/hybrid thing. Even though we're not using the name Paladin here, part of the point of the AT is to fulfill that very specific fantasy, so big weapon-based sets like TW, Baxe, etc. need to be usable on them. Ranged attacks can be saved for epic pools like the other 4 melee classes. 

Some of the standard melee sets already include (short) ranged attacks, Claws, Spines, and now Axe. A Lunge could also fill the role of one of these attacks, adding more examples of "ranged" potential already in melee. This idea is just an evolution on that. It's still primarily a melee set idea, not half & half like Dom Assault or VEATs. Just Melee with options. I find I'm always trying to add a ranged attack or two for runners and the like, and for holding purple sets. This also helps ensure, if they're built into the set from the start, that they're thematically appropriate to the melee set, as opposed to being a Nemesis Staff or something.

Also, Rebirth calls them Guardians? My mistake, I thought they were calling them Paladins. I'm not very knowledgeable of Rebirth, just a few of the rumors. I still like Guardians better, but Wardens would do the job.

Edited February 10 by Starhammer

[Starhammer]

On 2/8/2025 at 2:14 PM, biostem said:

I had suggested something similar, but the difference there was that the player character themselves benefitted from their ally-only buff powers, in order to survive being in melee...

That was part of my idea as presented too.