5/16/25 - Paladin Update / Sivakrux Update

Hey all, got some big changes in this one.

IMPORTANT: DODGE AND BLOCK SKILL HAVE CHANGED -- you will need to go to Port Azure to buy your upgraded versions.

The goal of this patch was to establish Paladin's identities more clearly:

• The Tank Paladin: Using sword and shield, Paladins receive mitigation bonuses and rely less on dodge and block. This should lead to more predictable damage rates, having the Paladin be more likely to be 'chipped down' instead of either mitigating everything via Dodge or Block, or taking a big hit.

• The DPS Paladin: Using a 2H Weapon, Paladins forfeit their mitigation bonuses, but gain a 2x attack damage modifier and some new skills. While 2H Paladins may find it harder to tank on-tier content, they'll compliment certain group structures quite well.

Additionally, other classes were dodging and blocking TOO much. By splitting Dodge and Block into different levels, I was able to limit how effective the skills are for non-paladin classes, This will keep Dodge and Block as a "bonus mitigation chance" and not a reliable way to off tank.

Feedback is welcome (and wanted) on these changes.

PALADIN CHANGES

• While using a shield, Paladins will gain a 2x bonus to all armor mitigations

• When not using a shield, Paladins will have no armor bonuses

• Damage bonus increased for 2H weapons from 1.3x --> 2x.

• Added 2H Skill CLEAVE skill for Paladins. SimPlayers will automatically learn this skill. a.) Cleave hits all nearby enemies in front of Paladin. b.) Cleave can proc weapon effects c.) SimPlayers will not use Cleave if a group member is flagged to CC.

• Added 2H Skill Celestial Smite to Paladins. This is a high damage attack.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• •Dodge is now broken into SKILL LEVELS (I - IV). Books can be found in Port Azure at the General Book Vendor. Not all classes will be able to use Dodge up to level IV.

• •Block is now broken into SKILL LEVELS (I - IV). Books can be found in Port Azure at the General Book Vendor. Not all classes will be able to use Block up to level IV.

MAPS, PLANARS, SIVAKRUXES

• Sivakruxes will be less likely to drop from any mob (from .1% chance to .01% drop chance)

• Treasure map pieces are far more likely to drop from mobs (from .2%, to 2% drop chance)

• Planar Stones are now extremely rare from mobs (from varied drop chance to .001% drop chance) -- these will be available in raid content. -Many players have a large collection of Planar Stones from the previous drop rate -Using them will possibly trivialize early raid content - this is your choice as a player: Enjoy the game however you like!

• With the tank changes, higher end content should be easier overall and the feeling of need for "purple" items should be reduced.

ACHIEVEMENTS

• "Is this a Church" and "Climbing is a Bug" are both achievable. Climbing locations will continue to be added.

BUGS

• Fixed a bug where SimPlayers were not properly proc'ing shields during bash

OTHER

• Patch notes now available on the main menu