I really like the idea that different tanks will have different strengths. Ooh, a rhyme!! "Different strengths for different tanks!" I hope it catches on. Anyway, I like that some tanks will be strong due to armor and shields, and others will be strong due to other means of avoidance. It really adds flavor to the game.
BamBam said: @Iksar i agree but i do find it funny, that VR now need even more bnuses for the DL, for it to match the other two. And i rly like stronger shields compared to other games, aslong as it wont neglect non shield users.
I wouldn't say that they now need even more bonuses for the DL as this has been the plan for a very long time, so I'd imagine it was already figured in for DL.
Remember that shields will most likely do little to nothing to mitigate magical attacks. Dire Lords have lots of magic mitigating abilities, including a passive magic resistance ability (the name escapes me at the moment) which would essentially function as AC against spells. I'm glad that Dire Lords can't use shields and plate, because I'm sure that would make them way overpowered when paired with all of their anti-magic "Armor Class."
Warriors are always going to be better vs. physical attacks, Dire Lords will be better vs. magic attacks, and Paladins will be better vs. Undeath. The devs have stated that while they want all classes of a given archetype to be equally viable, they don't want them all to be completely equal in every situation, which I think is the perfect mindset. I don't see any reason yet to doubt that they can balance the tanks properly so that they will all be at least decent in most encounters while still shining in their respective specialties.
Also, some shields grant protection vs magic, extra damage reduction, increases to resistances, ability-bonuses, or a combination of these depending on how powerful the shield is. If a paladin can find a shield that has physical attack absorption or protection vs. magic to a significant degree, he would be as versatile as the warrior or dire lord. Same goes for the warrior, because these two classes can use shields. There is also the option of hiring a crafter to craft a specific shield, and enchant it to the brim with these types of resistances.