Shield and Sentinel RankFollow

I got my shield few days ago and realized that additionally to sword skill point I was earning shield skill points.

Not just that but also I ranked up as a different class "Sentinel" which makes me believe that wielding sword and a shield we become some sort of multi-class sentinel/gladiator.

Moreover Sentinel seems to have its own ability list, including things like Aegis Boom (recover hp while blocking) which seems extremely effective.

So far so good, but does anyone has an idea of how to check this "Sentinel" class current accumulated experience and the necessary points for the next rank?

Also, I haven't tried with any other "single handle" weapon/class (perhaps Thaumaturge being the only option) but do you also get shield skill ups?

Please feel free to discuss any of this ideas or post your finding about this particular "Sentinel" class, any type of input is appreciated.

Ken

So I brought this up a few days ago when I was checking out another site. It I was wondering if anyone has equiped a Dagger or a Club if available. According to the site you can become an Enforcer with a club equiped. Looks like there is a whip class as well as several others. Anyone found these weapons?

Can you tell us what other class abilities you are using? Just wondering it maybe it is not just by adding the shield but maybe by the abilities we add? I dunno, just a thought.

Edited, Sep 7th 2010 11:36am by TylerDurdun

Damn really? I just used loads of mats to make a bronze gladius too..

Gonna try get a Spatha next..

I understand that much but unfortunately that opens new questions:

1- if sentinel is not my main class will my abilities will be affected? like when you equip them from another class?
2- still, how can I check the necessary skill points to the next level?
3- Why is Guard auto-equipped upon wearing a shield (same as other classes basic ability) and it's not removable.

And I think my only question is: why if sentinel (or shield skill) is just a sub skill of gladiator, they didn't make the shield a secondary weapon (like craters secondary tool) and remove put the abilities together.

I guess what I'm trying to say it's that the whole sentinel skill systems seems incomplete/incompatible for me.

Ken

Again, you're complicating it needlessly. Gladiators use a shield. That shield has its own skill rank and upon reaching certain skill ranks with your shield, you gain access to certain abilities that are only available if your gladiator has a shield equipped. Those abilities are listed as gladiator abilities, not sentinel abilities. Try not to overthink it. It is what it is.

Shield skill doesnt seem to show up in the log anymore... but if you arent actively gaurding you won't get any skill for it.

right now the only way i know of to check how much exp you need for rank on sentinel is in the players site, though it doesnt update in real time. hopefully SE will realize their oversight and add an extra exp bar in the menu screen when you have shields equipped.

thaumaturge and conjuror both have one handed weapon variants, and therefore can equip and accrue shield skill.

I am thinking that marauder at some point will get one handed axes as well, but I can't say for certain.

I bit more interesting information regarding shields.

The first ability level 10 Aegis Boon has to be equipped in the off hand, otherwise you can't use it.

Unfortunately I was expecting it a bit better, although the ability does the following:

Recast: 60 seconds
Duration: 20 seconds
Description: while it's in effect, you non-failed block attempts will be reduced to 0 damage, and the damage you were supposed to receive will be transformed on HP, it only works if you have guard up.
Note: at the moment you trigger the ability your guard will raise automatically, unless it was raised already.

ken

Gladiator, linked to dagger weapons is a class.

Sentinel is linked to the shield subhand item and can level up and gain abilities that you will be able to use if you have a shield equipped.

However Shield (Sentinel) xp dosent go towards your Gladiator rank total, it is seperate and to my knowledge, you cannot see your XP or TNL ('Till Next Level) on it.

Sentinel and Gladiator are seperate skills, as some shields can be used by Disciples of Magic too, and it gives them access to Shield abilities. (For a DoM class to be able to use a shield they must have the one-handed version of their weapon)

Check lodestone for your character. Shows xp.

http://lodestone.finalfantasyxiv.com/rc/character/status?cicuid=1389961

im guessing that sentinel lvls separate because not only gladiators can use shields. i started lvling thaumaturge and use a 1 handed weapon so i can lvl my shield while im not a gladiator.