Anti-Swarming Kung Fu

[Nicodemus Phaulkon]

No, the only reliable way for a Paladin to deal with a pack like that in Hell level is to run.

That's exactly what's chafing me, WB. The fact that a mêlée-build's skill spread seems unadaptable leaves only the equipment to cover the gap. I find that annoying, essentially leaving the paladin (the so-called adaptable one) in the situation similar to a wereform with a Physical Immune: You need the right stick, nothing you HAVE works alone.

At the moment, I'm toying with the possibility of having a Lacerator and Sanctuary paladin shield on the weapon-switch.

The Lacerator giving a missile/mêlée adaptability, along with the HIGH chance of inciting either an Amp Damage curse or a Howling. Amp Damage would (hopefully) provide a option for zealing the PI packs, and Howling would perhaps help thin out the groupings. Of course, this is all assumptive that the correct curse would fire off at the correct time... EVENTUALLY. At the very least, a Fanatic Zealot can whip these suckers around at a pretty good RoF.

The Sanctuary Shield is essentially there for the maintenance of blocking, resists and the ability to cast Slow Missiles. So far, the Slow Missile charges have proven VERY effective when dealing with Succubi packs.

But, once again, reliance on EQUIPMENT instead of skills, and pretty EXPENSIVE equipment at that. NOT what I'd call a "viable" answer.