Guardian
守護者 · Guardian — An iron wall that holds back the world with a single shield
The guardian is a combat class completely specialized in defense and party protection. Though weak in offense, they protect allies through world-class defense and aggro maintenance, absorbing any enemy attack. Filling the MMORPG 'tank' role, massive shields and sturdy armor are their trademarks. Beyond just absorbing attacks, they possess techniques converting defense to offense — shield counters, parry counterattacks, shield throws. FF's Guardian, Diablo's Crusader, and WoW's Protection Paladin are prominent examples, also embodying the tragic hero archetype like Tolkien's Boromir who sacrifices himself to protect companions.
Origin
A concept derived from the frontline shield-bearers of the Spartan phalanx formation, combined with the fantasy party system. The archetype of the Tanker role.
Features
- Taunt skills to concentrate enemy attacks on themselves
- Shield Counter: a counter-attack immediately after blocking an enemy strike
- Provides defensive buffs to the entire party
- Complete immunity or high resistance to status ailments
Usage
The party's lifeline. An essential role to the point where some bosses are considered unbeatable without a guardian.
Related
Paladin
聖騎士 · Paladin — A warrior of light blessed by divine grace
Warrior
戰士 · Warrior — The foundational melee combat class fighting with strength and endurance
Lancer
槍騎士 · Lancer — A specialist in charges and piercing strikes
Knight
騎士 · Knight — Warrior of the Lower Nobility
Dragon Knight
龍騎士 · Dragon Knight — A celestial warrior who has made a pact with a dragon
Cleric
聖職者 · Cleric — A battle priest who fights and heals through divine power
Archer
弓手 · Archer — A specialist in long-range precision strikes
Sword Saint
劍聖 · Sword Saint — A legendary realm reached at the absolute limit of swordsmanship
Samurai
武士 · Samurai — A Japanese warrior who unifies martial arts and the Way
Wandering Swordsman
俠客 · Wandering Swordsman — One who traverses the martial world with justice and a blade
Beast Tamer
野獸調鍊師 · Beast Tamer — One who makes ferocious beasts into companions
Dark Knight
暗黑騎士 · Dark Knight — A fallen warrior bound to darkness