This is basically a concept of a tank class that gives perks to being a good functional tank.
Usually MMORPG tanks take brunt of the damage but playing as them isn't so rewarding.
What I thought up is a tank that has duality support/offense skills so the play style isn't passive.
This will most likely be a Gasoru class, maybe even Ehrui.
Lore:
Bulwarks were great Gasoru warriors who have been "favored" to be born anew. They form an elite sect that was once deemed indestructible, but their secrets were lost in history. Presently, aided by their shamans, this once formidable sect has been founded again. Using methods some would call brutal and unmerciful, recruits are trained to be unflinching despite great pain and unwavering in the face of peril. Stricter and more disciplined, these warriors have honed their battle prowess and focus to greater levels. They serve in the vanguard, striding the battlefield with little fear of what lies ahead.
"Only few have spilled a Bulwark's blood, fewer still those who survived to claim it."
Borrowing from the two existing classes [Crystal Shield] and [Iron Cross] in terms of equipment concept.
-Will be able to equip a gauntlet and bludgeoning weapon or a sword.
-Gauntlet will serve as a defensive equipment.
-Heavy armor type class
Skills
These would mostly revolve around granting a primary effect on the Bulwark with a minor "residual effect" to party mates.
For example, an AoE skill that will grant a significant defense buff to the user, party is granted a portion of that buff while a smaller amount is subtracted from the enemy.
Some theoretical numbers:
Skill grants +50 defense to Bulwark, 25 to party and -15 to enemies within an 8 second duration.
A similar skill can be applied to damage, attack/move speed, regeneration or whatever stat makes it to the final release.
In terms of passives, the Bulwark can have a sort of regeneration skill that heals hp/mana depending on his damage output
Theory:
Let's say his base damage is 100, this passive would then heal hp for 15% and mana for 7% of total damage.
The point of this is to discourage "meatshield" builds and reward more balanced ones. Also, this will make it easier to solo if the need arises.
Other skill ideas that I will build on are the following:
-a push-back ability
-a "threat" system that will make monsters prefer to attack the Bulwark as it goes up.
-a single target shield that can be applied to self or ally that gives defense boost as well as heals the Bulwark for a portion of incoming damage.
-an absorb damage skill that returns a portion of damage received within a short duration.