I believe it's a nod to the notion that you can train whatever you want to circle with, in theory.

I would say you are definitely Doing It Wrong if you don't train shield, especially as a Paladin, but I guess it's an option.

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Rev. Reene

Your mind hears Khurek thinking, "Perhaps some of you should realize something is wrong with your argument when even the province's premier heretic is preaching against you."

Shield can be your highest armor. Shield will most likely become your highest armor. So it will become a 5 rank/circle req, even when it is not explicit.

That is better than training a specific armor, IMHO.

It's easier to train shield then it is to train an armor most times, this is because of the way some critters soft cap. Dont be scared to let those shield ranks skyrocket.

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Alexii points at a Velakan slaver and shouts, "Another one! Don't let it get away!"