if you're making a new char and want peoples input i feel obligated to give you mine. something similar to those too.
Blighter Battlerage > shadowplay > defense
i played paladin all the way to 50. not bad for pve although as i got higher and into shared areas you are forced into pvp whether u like it or not ( unless ur one of those people that just craft and trade to 50

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i could give u my build if u wanted. as far as gear goes i would suggest leather for both pvp/pve simply because its the middle of the road for phy/mag defense. u can become more versatile.
weapons _ i use sword and shield but im stuck with these. if i could do it again i would choose 2h for pvp as a blighter. idk about the benefits of dual wielding, id say either sword and board or 2h