World of Warcraft Classes - The Paladin
Background Information on the WoW Hybrid Tank Class
Feb 11, 2009
Clad in heavy armor (mail to begin with, plate at level 40), the World of Warcraft Paladin is a holy warrior protecting her allies and smiting her enemies. Whether playing the role of tank, off-tank or back up healer, the Paladin's healing, protection and resurrection skills are a boon to any group or raid.
WoW Paladin Talent Trees - Holy, Protection and Retribution
The Paladin's Holy talent tree improves the healing power and casting utility of the Paladin in World of Warcraft. A Paladin who focuses on the Holy tree will find a higher utility in group and raid settings, though there is little chance of replacing the Priest as the main healer. Highlights of the WoW Paladin Holy tree include Blessed Life (10% chance of incoming attacks causing half damage with 3 points) and Pure of Heart (curse and disease durations reduced by 50% with 2 points).
The Protection talent tree focuses on increasing defense and reducing damage to the Paladin in WoW. This talent tree is useful for those Paladins who wish to aid their group in the tank or off-tank position. Highlights of the Paladin's Protection tree include Improved Righteous Fury (incoming damage reduced by 6% while Righteous Fury is active, with 3 points) and One-Handed Weapon Specialization (one-handed damage increased by 10% with 5 points).
The Retribution talent tree is designed to increase the overall DPS of the Paladin. The Paladin in WoW is not a DPS class by any means, but those who choose to spec Retribution will have the best solo capabilities. Highlights of the Retribution tree include Conviction (critical strike chance for spells and attacks increased by 5% with 5 points) and Two-Handed Weapon Specialization (two-handed weapon damage increased by 6% with 3 points).
The Paladin and Their Role in WoW – Support
The Paladin in World of Warcraft is a support character, and a powerful one at that. Anyone who has faced a Paladin in Player vs. Player (PvP) combat understands how truly difficult a well played Paladin is to take down. They are heavily armored with high hit points, and they have the ability to keep themselves and their allies alive as long as they have mana to spare. Paladins are always welcome in both group and raid situations.
Paladins are capable solo characters, especially during the earlier levels. Their survivability in PvE combat is outstanding, as the Paladin is often capable of withstanding assault from multiple enemies in World of Warcraft. A Retribution spec Paladin will find leveling through their twenties relatively painless. Another nice bonus is the free mount gained at level 30, saving the Paladin a nice amount of gold to upgrade to plate armor at level 40.
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