Trying to decide on Monk vs. Paragon, old player returning

Hi. I'm returning to Guild Wars after a year break or so and I can't decide if I want to start again as a Paragon or as a Monk. I am looking to support, no doubt about it. I want to play a character that's good in PvE, but not tossed aside in PvP. I don't like the squishy aspect, I'm told, that the monk has and the Paradon's avid ability to survive is nice. I would, however, like to be able to heal people.

When I left Guild Wars it was almost strictly PvP as there wasn't much PvE content to keep people interested once they hit level 20 and unlocked skills for their build. Has that changed? Is PvE or PvP more proliferant now?

Anywho, Want to heal, hate squishy-ness, would like a support role, PvE mostly, but some PvP. Any tips?

Thanks much!

I'd have to say it's mostly pve atm (and for a while now), and I'd suggest giving monking a shot, as that's the more popular profession and meets most of your criteria. If you don't like you can always make a paragon later.

You can be a paragon that keeps people alive in PvE and contributes to Fortress-way in PvP.

for PvE paragon is the beacon of awesomeness, while you may not get into too many groups as a paragon, many people are ignorant about paragon's ability, you will be able to survive with heros and henchies without any problem. Now in PvP however the paragon is not used too often, while they do have a warrior's DPS at a range its still used less often. Back to pve, with the combination of the skill called save yourselves you will able give a permanent 100+ armor boost, combine that with a warrior's DPS at a distance, excelent energy management and such things you will easily be able to survive in PvE

Thanks much. I'd leaning towards Paragon, but it seems like Imbagon is the only thing that people do and I'm worried about being underpowered should a massive nerf come towards the Paragon.

Thanks again for the help!

If you plan on playing by yourself or with guildies, not in PUGs, then i'd go with the para. Monks, on the other hand, are used EVERYWHERE, even in Ursan groups. it's your pick, but in the long run Monks are more needed, like it or not

well imbagon is the most powerful but its not the only build they can run, you can run a battery paragon, a motigon or even a speargon, keep in mind that paragons are only accepted rarely in PUGs and only in guilds that understand their value, but also keep in mind heros and henchies will always love you.

you CAN make your own builds as well.....
paragons are fun to play, but still many people dont understand them
monks are never not needed ---but they are still squishes.

I have both, I play smiting on my monks more than healing however.