damn sandre, that post was harsh
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In any case, welcome to the server, you're going to find a lot of generous and fun people here, I'd say its a great environment for both new and returning EQ players.
As far as classes go, I believe paladins and shadow knights each have their own special niches where one will excel over the other, but in general you're looking at a very strong tank in both classes. Paladins are fantastic at getting snap aggro, just as good as an SK any day, though it is true the SK is going to have a bit more utility (but you don't want utility, it doesn't sound like, you want to TANK!). Good choice going dwarf, I'd say they make the best paladins by far (except gnomes of course... wait, could gnomes ever become paladins? I dont remember. I do remember gnome warriors being the SHIT though!!)
I will say this though - and this is coming from someone who is IN NO WAY a min/maxer (i play a fucking iksar shaman as my main, I don't think anyone could accuse me of min/maxing) - that 40% xp penalty WILL scare some people away. If I was putting together a group (and I often do) I will pick a warrior over a pally/sk any day because you WILL notice that 40% penalty. Guaranteed. I actually avoid grabbing paladins or sk's if I can (this isn't to say I wont pick one up - I will, but only if my other tank options are exhausted). I have nothing against either class, it's just that my xp bar starts to crawl whenever we happen to pick one up. God forbid its a troll or iksar SK with that 60 something % penalty.. *shudder*
That being said, I've noticed that 90% of the population does not give a fuck, at least pre-50. After that level xp gains come very slowly and I think some people are a little more particular about who they pick to level with. Still, I don't think it will be a problem for you to find a group (there are a LOT of players post 50, probably more than any other level range, and there are always tons of groups everywhere you look).
All that ranting aside, welcome again to the server! You should have a blast here, and feel free to /friend gotrocks, i *always* have time to answer questions, and often have a few pp or an item to toss new players (keep in mind i am NOT rich like most of the people here - I'm probably one of the poorest forum regulars because of my casual playtimes).
And if you're having a technical problem come on over to the tech boards and let myself, falkun, lyra, or one of the other extremely helpful and overall amazing folks on the tech board figure out your problem
[You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]. Or better yet, if you're a bit tech savvy yourself, please come join us! We can always use new people to help out in answering questions over there, regardless of experience level!
Enjoy p99!!