Defender build questions

[LucianDK]

Does Holy shield still increases your whole armor rating now as in the beta? Instead of just the shield as it used to in the past.

If the first, then a defender paladin will clearly out defence a barbie with maxed shout and ironskin, because of the synergy from defiance to holy shield.

But can you survive as a defender char with extreme defense? Or is it a hopeless venture?

Im not counting in the barb's concentrate, as the defense value from it isnt permanent enough to rely on consistently, like what you can attain with holy shield and defiance.

And what complements a defender well? What other skills would you use?

[Guen]

From the Blizz...

http://www.blizzard.com/support/?id=mdt076...3p#Enhancements

Under "Major Bugs"

"- Holy Shield now boosts the defense of the player, not the shield."

It would seem that HS and a defiance merc is an easy way get an effective DR.

- Guen

[ldw]

Aye, it seems to be that way.
I dug out my old smiter who maxed HS just for smite damage and blocking.
He used to be around 2,400 defense in 1.09d when HS was in effect and with all his other gear (Guardian angel the only other memorable piece).
Yesterday I took him for a spin in 1.10 and he's about 5,900def with HS going.

Did I mention he wears some rare circlet that has totally junky defense?

[Freepaperclips]

It still affects total armor class, however, with the new monster HPs in Hell, you now need a offensive aura to deal with the Venom Lords 9555-15167 HPs. Carrot and stick, thats the blizzard way. Still, I think I'll survive with my 10444 DR without Defiance active.