Question regarding Mercy at lvl 3 and Divine Defender Alternate class option

[Griffin]

Following with an idea I have been thinking and started using last week (An all out defense paladin), I was going to take the Divine Defender Alternate class option, however I found that this replace the mercy, however what I do not understand is, if it replaces only the 3rd level mercy or, if it replace mercy of all levels, ¿can someone please clarify?

And while thinking on that and the posibilities, lets say that I didn't take the alternate class option, the divine bond that a paladin gains at level 5 with his/her weapon, can be applied to a shield?

[Griffin]

no, one really?

[Thrice Dead Cat]

Generally speaking, if an alternate class feature replaces something and gives no mention of still keeping the original feature, then it replaces it for good. I don't have the text on hand here, but that's the usual trend.

[Cog]

Yes, it replaces the entire Mercy ability. Notice that the Shared Defense ability that replaces it scales with level, so you're not just trading future ability for a momentary gain.

[Griffin]

thanka, anybody has anything about the shield?

[Cog]

By my reading, you could apply it to the shield bash, getting enhancement or equivalents to your attack. It definitely wouldn't make the shield's defense any better.

[Griffin]

Thanks a lot fellas