SK, Paladin, or Bard?

[Buns]

Hey all...

I'm back. [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.] I created a post a few weeks ago asking advice on a decent solo character after I wasn't a fan of Enchanter's play style. I was a lot of helpful suggestion, and whittled it down to either a Necro or a Druid.

I recently got both to the high teens, and haven't really enjoyed either. Necro I mainly didn't like because I just don't like Iksar, despite trying to, and I felt super squishy. Druid was fine, but again, I felt really squishy and the solo style was very similar to Enchanter (charming), which I am not a fan of. I know I can quad kite when I get higher, but I don't want to play a character until level 34 or whatever before I know whether or not I'll enjoy them. I also couldn't get over the fact that for times when I don't want to solo, neither class is that desirable, so grouping would be harder. I have a hard enough time finding a group on my Cleric, so I can't imagine how hard it is for a Druid or Necro.

I think I want to avoid casters. I feel like I've given them a decent shot since I've tried three now up to the late teens, and I'm just not sure it's for me.

Now that Velious will be out soon, and the exp penalties are hopefully going away, I think I'd like to try a hybrid. I like the idea of being in plate, so I can take more damage, as well as being able to melee, which I think would be closer to my playstyle. I'm avoiding monk because as this is more of a first character, the weight restrictions would affect my ability to get money, and their gear seems pretty expensive.

Few questions, I guess.

1. From what I've read, SK is better at Paladin at soloing and tanking. Is it even worth considering a Paladin?

2. I have about 600pp. I imagine I should prioritize those 55hp/5ac rings, but that would eat up pretty much all my money. Is that still smart to do?

3. How do hybrids deal with not being able to bind themselves? Do you just shout for binds until someone finds one?

4. Finally, I put Bard in there because I know they can solo well, but probably are more akin to a caster, since they don't really melee. Would they be worth trying over a Paladin or SK? I just feel like I see so many Bards running around.

I don't know what I want to do. I'm sick of doing the 1 - 20 grind just to find a character. [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Thanks for the help again!