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Paladin
Paladin
Paladin Crest
Available to Blood elfBlood elf Blood elf
Dark Iron dwarfDark Iron dwarf Dark Iron dwarf
DraeneiDraenei Draenei
DwarfDwarf Dwarf
HumanHuman Human
Lightforged draeneiLightforged draenei Lightforged draenei
TaurenTauren Tauren
Zandalari trollZandalari troll Zandalari troll
Specializations Holy Holy (healer)
Protection Protection (tank)
Retribution Retribution (melee DPS)
Resource(s) Mana, Holy Power
Primary attribute Strength or Intellect
Weapon skills Polearms, One-handed, Main-hand or Two-handed Swords, Axes and Maces
Armor type Plate; can also equip Mail, Leather, Cloth.
Signature abilities Spell holy divineshield [Divine Shield]
Spell holy avenginewrath [Avenging Wrath]
Spell holy searinglight [Holy Shock]
Spell holy innerfire [Consecration]
Spell holy righteousfury [Judgment]

“In all things, paladins must reflect the Light, which supplements our strength. To strive to be divine for one of our kind does not mean we strive for godhood--we strive to be good in all actions. Although called upon to smite evil in these harsh times, you must always remember that it's aiding others that will truly set you apart from the other citizens. Compassion, patience, bravery--these things mean as much to a paladin as strength in battle.”

Inv misc book 07 [Tome of Divinity]

The paladin (often shortened to "pala" or "pally" by players) is a holy knight,[1] a hybrid class with the ability to play a variety of different roles — healing (holy), tanking (protection), and DPS (retribution). Firstly introduced in Warcraft II, then as hero units in Warcraft III and a character class of World of Warcraft, the paladins stand directly in front of their enemies, relying on heavy armor and healing in order to survive incoming attacks. Whether with massive shields or crushing two-handed weapons, Paladins are able to keep claws and swords from their weaker fellows – or they use healing magic to ensure that they remain on their feet.

Stalwart paladins are trained to use the heaviest armor and shields, and can utilize their skill to ensure that enemies focus on them, defending weaker members of their group. Their potent healing abilities ensure that their allies remain in fighting shape and can be resurrected, while they charge their weapons with holy might, allowing them to deal additional damage with their strikes. As champions of order, paladins are extremely potent in a group – their blessings and auras can improve damage and survivability for both themselves and their party, while withstanding heavy physical damage with plate armor and strong defensive abilities.[2]

The greatest strength of a paladin is their conviction, that determination to strive to be good in all things.[3]

Paladin talents increase their ability to heal the wounded, strengthen their capacity to protect their companions, and allow them to deal out vicious damage in the name of justice:

  • Holy paladins invoke the power of the Light to heal and protect allies and vanquish evil from the darkest corners of the world.[2]
  • Protection paladins use holy magic to shield themselves and defend allies from attackers. Through the use of a shield and the wearing of plate armor, they can mitigate quite a bit of physical damage.[2]
  • Retribution paladins are righteous crusaders who judge and punish opponents with weapons and Holy magic.[2]

Class overview[]

Paladins are holy knights, protectors of the people, and dispensers of justice. Where a Holy Priest serves as voice of the Light, preaching to the downtrodden and disillusioned, the Paladin serves as hand of the Light, defending the faithful and enforcing divine law like a righteous hammer.[4]

Game guide[]

This is the call of the paladin: to protect the weak, to bring justice to the unjust, and to vanquish evil from the darkest corners of the world. These holy warriors are equipped with plate armor so they can confront the toughest of foes, and the blessing of the Light allows them to heal wounds and, in some cases, even restore life to the dead. Ready to serve, paladins can defend their allies with sword and shield, or they can wield massive two-handed weapons against their enemies. The Light grants paladins additional power against the undead and demons, ensuring that these profane beings corrupt the world no longer.

Paladins are not only zealots, but also guardians of the righteous, and they bestow blessings on those the Light would shine upon. The Light radiates from paladins, and worthy allies who stand near them are emboldened by its power.[2]

Creation screen description[]

Paladins do battle to protect the world from the forces of shadow. Powerful warriors in their own right, they can also call upon the Light to heal wounds, create shields of force, and incinerate evil creatures. Although paladins were once exclusively human, a number of stout-hearted dwarves have recently been welcomed into the Order of the Silver Hand.[5]

Paladins are champions who call upon the Light to heal wounds and combat evil. The draenei employed such holy warriors for millennia before arriving on Azeroth to find like-minded souls among the Alliance. Recently blood elves, too, began wielding paladin abilities. Yet these elves, having little in common with their counterparts, must bend the Light to their will. [6]

Paladins are heavily-armored fighters and defenders who use Holy magic to heal wounds and combat evil. They can focus on two-handed weapons, shields or healing.

Classic guide[]

Limited to the Alliance, Paladins are bastions of divine light, meting out justice with magic and might.[7]

Background[]

See also: Paladin races
Chronicle2 Death knights versus paladins

Death knights versus paladins in the Second War.

The first paladins may have been draenei, who were introduced to the Light by the Naaru after fleeing their home planet of Argus. Many of them joined the ranks of the Army of the Light, and through a ritual during which they infused themselves with the Holy Light, they became Lightforged draenei and waged war against the Burning Legion throughout the Twisting Nether.

Second War[]

WC2BnE-logo This section concerns content related to Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness or its expansion Beyond the Dark Portal.
Main article: Paladin (Warcraft II)
Paladin

Founded during the Second War, the paladins were a holy order of warriors whose purpose was to defend and shepherd the war-torn populace of Lordaeron. The Archbishop Alonsus Faol had perceived that the pious Clerics of Northshire, who had suffered such terrible attrition in the First War, were ill-suited for the dangers of combat. Along with many of the surviving Clerics of Northshire, he sought those of only the greatest virtue among the knighthood of Lordaeron and tutored them in the ways of magic. Led by the crusading Uther the Lightbringer, it now rested upon the new paladins - christened the Knights of the Silver Hand - to heal the wounds sustained in combat and to restore faith in the promise of freedom from orcish tyranny.[8]

Paladins were also known to minister to the masses during the war, gathering inside churches to deepen their faith. Through meditating, communing and tithing at these sanctified sites, they discovered new ways to channel their healing and spiritual powers.[9]

After the war, the members of Tyr's Guard, a secret order sworn to protect the tomb in Tyr's Fall, followed the path of the Silver Hand and learned how to wield the Light to become mighty paladins.[10]

Third War[]

WC3RoC-logo This section concerns content related to Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos or its expansion The Frozen Throne.
Main article: Paladin (Warcraft III)
BTNHeroPaladin
Chronicle3 Arthas in Stratholme

Paladin Prince Arthas Menethil purging Stratholme.

Although the paladins were once loved and revered throughout the lands of Lordaeron, by the time of the Third War, they had since fallen into hard times. The entire Order of the Silver Hand was disbanded for refusing to kill innocent townsfolk who were believed to be contaminated by the dreaded Undead plague. Disenfranchised and driven from their former homes, the paladins still worked selflessly to protect humanity from the gnawing jaws of evil. Empowered by the Light, these mighty warriors brandish both their warhammers and holy fire in the battle against all who would trample the meek and innocent.[11]

Many paladins traveled to quarantined lands to ease the suffering of those left within the plague-ridden colonies, but although the paladins were immune to disease of any kind, they were persecuted by the general populace who believed that they had been infected by the foul plague. Some of these paladins traveled to Northrend. When they finally reached Ner'zhul's icy fortress, embittered by the trials they had to suffer through, they had become dark and brooding. The Lich King offered them untold power in exchange for their services and loyalty, and they accepted to become death knights to his service.[12]

After the war, the paladins who remained in Lordaeron continued to fight against the Scourge. The Scarlet Crusade evolved from the Knights of the Silver Hand dedicated to the eradication of the undead.[13] However, there were those who believed that the zealous and fanatic Crusade had fallen from their once-noble purpose, and left to form their own order, the Argent Dawn.

World of Warcraft[]

WoW Icon update This section concerns content related to the original World of Warcraft.

Following the Third War, the humans of Stormwind City and the dwarves of Ironforge trained their own paladins as members of the Knights of the Silver Hand.[14][15] A few years later, Tirion Fordring restored the original Order of the Silver Hand in Lordaeron, which later merged with the Argent Dawn to form the Argent Crusade. During the third invasion of the Burning Legion, the Order of the Silver Hand was formally reestablished and supported by each major paladin order on Azeroth under the leadership of the Highlord of the Silver Hand.

The Hand of Argus is an order of draenei paladins and vindicators based in the Azuremyst Isles, they serve as the primary military and police force of the Exodar draenei.

The Blood Knights are an order of blood elf paladins formed by sapping Light energy from the captive naaru M'uru, once the Sunwell was restored in the wake of Kil'jaeden's defeat the Blood Knights channel their holy powers through it.

The Sunwalkers are an order of tauren paladins, who recently learned to use the power of An'she, the sun in tauren mythology, to wield the Light, much as druids use the power of the moon.

During the Cataclysm, the Twilight's Hammer deployed its own vindicator zealots.

The Zandalari prelates are Zandalari troll paladins who worship the loa Rezan. Some joined Zul's campaign in Pandaria, but most stayed in Dazar'alor serving the empire.

Code of conduct[]

“I will establish a new branch of the Church, the paladins. I have already selected the first candidates for this order. Some were knights before but others were priests. I chose these men for both their piety and their martial prowess. They will be trained, not only in war but in prayer and in healing. And each of these valiant fighters will possess both martial and spiritual power, particularly in blessing themselves and others with the strength of the Holy Light.”

Archbishop Alonsus Faol[16]
The Light

Vindicator Maraad wielding the powers of the Holy Light.

Like priests who serve the Light, paladins are devout in their faith. To serve as an instrument of the Light is to hold an unshakable faith. After spending much of their lives in hallowed halls studying divine doctrine, those who pledge themselves to a holy order become beacons of the Light for their allies in conflict, taking up the heavy armor and weaponry of justice. Stalwart and steadfast, these protectors are ardent defenders of the Light and all that it touches, and are rejuvenated by its radiance in return. So dedicated they are to their cause that they consecrate the very ground upon which they battle corruption. Holding the unwavering belief that any battle waged to eradicate evil in the world is righteous, these paladins stand on the frontlines in service to all others dedicated to the cause. The truth and virtue of the Light imbue these sacred knights with the power to revitalize their comrades. If necessary, they even lay down their own lives to serve as a martyr for the greater good. Oftentimes the most dedicated paladins become fanatical in their devotion, instruments of retribution against those who dare defy the laws of the divine. These vengeful guardians of the weak are crusaders judging and punishing the wicked. Their resolute conviction in the divine order of all things assures them that victory is inevitable—but they will fight to the end to ensure that the Light prevails.[17]

As "warriors of the Holy Light", they uphold all that is good and true in the world and revile all that is evil and sinister. They are the embodiment of good and selfless dedication to the protection of their peoples, and offer assistance to the beleaguered while smite their enemies with holy fervor. Found in almost every corner of Azeroth fighting the forces of evil and barbarism, these stalwart, zealous warriors ceaselessly maintain their vigil. Some paladins are known to fight with the ferocity of warriors, but their creed calls for them to temper their rage with patience, to make compassion a greater strength than their force of arms.[3]

Not all wielders of the Light follow the same path. For example, humans and dwarves follow the path and faith of the Church of the Holy Light, while the tauren Sunwalkers revere the sun god An'she, whose power can appear either as red flames or as golden magic similar to other divine magic.[18] Among the blood elves, the Blood Knights embraced the renewed Sunwell, and through it they ask for the Light's blessing to wield their holy powers.[19] It is a harmonious relationship, no longer one of discord caused by the blood elves' attempts to bend the Light to their will by draining the energy of the naaru M'uru, which will likely have a positive effect on blood elf society in the long run.[20] In the Zandalari Empire, the Zandalari prelates once received their holy powers from the Loa of Kings Rezan, but since his death, it is their faith in his ideals that give them their powers, in order to stand as a beacon of light against the darkness.[21]

Paladins don't always have to work within good or neutral organizations, as seen by the Scarlet Crusade, a faction of paladins and priests who broke away from the Knights of the Silver Hand, took their commitment to eradicating the Scourge so far that they turned on their former allies, suspecting anyone whom they believed carried the "taint" of the undeath.[20] However, they do have to believe they are working for good organizations or have faith that their cause is good and just. As long as they believe their cause to be just, the Light will continue to serve them because wielding the Light is a matter of willpower and faith in one's own ability to do it.[20] Since he felt conflicted, Arthas Menethil's ability to use the Light began to wane after he culled Stratholme. He perceived this as the Light choosing to abandon him, which weakened his faith in it further.[22]

Similarly, the connection with the Light cannot be forcibly stripped from a paladin that personally conducts himself in an honorable manner. When Tirion Fordring defended the orc Eitrigg from his fellow humans, he was excommunicated from the Order of the Silver Hand after a ceremony was performed by Uther the Lightbringer to strip him of his light-given powers. Even if the ceremony succeeded, as he lost the blessings and holy powers he had obtained during his ceremony of initiation, he managed to reconnect with the Light through his desperate will to save and heal an injured Eitrigg,[23] and used the Light even after that in the years and wars to come.

In his grimoire, the broker Ta'lora mentioned that the paladins of Azeroth, alongside the Light-Bearers from the planet Fanlin'Deskor, were an example of mortals who dedicated themselves to service and duty in life and whose souls were consequently sent to Bastion in the Shadowlands after death.[24]

Notable[]

See also: List of paladins
Uther HoW

Uther the Lightbringer, first of the human paladins.

Name Role Affiliation Status
Alliance IconSmall Uther Uther the Lightbringer First human paladin, Co-founder and Supreme leader of the Knights of the Silver Hand, and mentor of Arthas Menethil. Knights of the Silver Hand, Church of the Holy Light, Kingdom of Lordaeron, Alliance of Lordaeron Deceased
Alliance IconSmall Turalyon Turalyon Regent Lord of Stormwind, High Exarch of the Army of the Light and founding member of the Silver Hand. Army of the Light, Knights of the Silver Hand, Kingdom of Stormwind, Alliance Alive
Alliance IconSmall Gavinrad Gavinrad Leader of the Champions of Peace, Guardian of the remains of Kel'Thuzad and founding member of the Silver Hand. Knights of the Silver Hand, Kingdom of Stormwind, Alliance of Lordaeron Deceased
Neutral IconSmall Tirion Tirion Fordring Highlord and Supreme Commander of the Argent Crusade, wielder of the Ashbringer, and founding member of the Silver Hand. Argent Crusade (formerly Knights of the Silver Hand, Kingdom of Lordaeron, Alliance of Lordaeron) Deceased
Neutral IconSmall Saidan Saidan Dathrohan Grand Crusader of the Scarlet Crusade (corpse possessed by Balnazzar) and founding member of the Silver Hand Scarlet Crusade, Crimson Legion (formerly Knights of the Silver Hand, Kingdom of Lordaeron, Alliance of Lordaeron) Deceased
Alliance IconSmall Human Male Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker Mission specialist of the Silver Hand and leader of the paladins in Stormwind City. Knights of the Silver Hand, Kingdom of Stormwind, Alliance Alive
Alliance IconSmall Dwarf Male Valgar Highforge Grand Smith of the Silver Hand and paladin trainer in Ironforge. Knights of the Silver Hand, Kingdom of Ironforge, Alliance Alive
Alliance IconSmall Maraad Vindicator Maraad Vindicator of the Hand of Argus and military leader of the Alliance in Draenor. Hand of Argus, Exodar, Valiance Expedition, Alliance Deceased
Alliance IconSmall Draenei Male Vindicator Boros First-in-command of the Triumvirate of the Hand, leader and champion of the Silver Hand. Hand of Argus, Knights of the Silver Hand, Exodar, Alliance Alive
Alliance IconSmall Arator Arator the Redeemer Leader and champion of the Silver Hand. Knights of the Silver Hand, Honor Hold, Alliance Alive
Horde IconSmall Liadrin Lady Liadrin Matriarch of the Blood Knights and leader of the Sunsworn. Blood Knights, Sunsworn, Kingdom of Quel'Thalas, Horde (formerly Knights of the Silver Hand) Alive
Horde IconSmall Tauren Female Aponi Brightmane Founder and Chieftain of the Sunwalkers. Sunwalkers, Thunder Bluff, Horde (formerly Knights of the Silver Hand) Alive
Horde IconSmall Tauren Male Sunwalker Dezco Chieftain of the Dawnchaser tribe, de facto leader of the Shrine of Two Moons. Dawnchaser tribe, Sunwalkers, Thunder Bluff, Horde (formerly Knights of the Silver Hand) Alive
Horde IconSmall Zandalari Female High Prelate Rata Leader of the Zandalari prelates and member of the Zanchuli Council. Rastari, Zandalari prelates, Zandalari Empire, Horde Alive
Neutral IconSmall Arthas IconSmall LichKing Arthas Menethil The Lich King, formerly champion of the Silver Hand and crown prince of Lordaeron. Scourge (formerly Knights of the Silver Hand, Kingdom of Lordaeron, Alliance of Lordaeron) Deceased
Neutral IconSmall Mograine Alexandros Mograine Original wielder of the Ashbringer, former leader of the Four Horsemen and Highlord of the Silver Hand. Knights of the Silver Hand, Kingdom of Lordaeron, Alliance of Lordaeron
Four Horsemen, Scourge (unwillingly)
Deceased
Neutral IconSmall Maxwell Maxwell Tyrosus Leader of the Argent Crusade, leader and champion of the Silver Hand, formerly leader of the Argent Dawn. Argent Crusade, Knights of the Silver Hand (formerly Argent Dawn) Alive
Neutral IconSmall BolvarUndead2 Bolvar Fordragon Highlord of the Ebon Blade, formerly Lich King of the Scourge, Regent Lord of Stormwind, and paladin of the Silver Hand. Knights of the Ebon Blade (formerly Valiance Expedition, Knights of the Silver Hand, Kingdom of Stormwind, Alliance) Active
Neutral IconSmall Yrel Yrel High Exarch of the Lightbound. Lightbound, Council of Exarchs Alive
Neutral IconSmall Lothraxion Lothraxion High Commander of the Army of the Light, and first notable nathrezim infused with the Light. Grand Army of the Light, Knights of the Silver Hand (formerly Burning Legion) Alive

Organizations[]

Sanctum of Light

The Sanctum of Light, class hall of the paladins during Legion.

Name Leader Status
Alliance Knights‎ of the Silver Hand IconSmall Adventurer The Highlord Active
Alliance Hand of Argus IconSmall Draenei Male Vindicator Boros
IconSmall Draenei Male Vindicator Kuros
IconSmall Draenei Male Vindicator Aesom
Active
Horde Blood Knights‎ IconSmall Liadrin Lady Liadrin Active
Horde Sunwalkers IconSmall Tauren Female Aponi Brightmane Active
Alliance Brotherhood of Northshire Unknown Active
Alliance Light's Chosen IconSmall Velen Velen Active
Neutral Tyr's Guard IconSmall Human Male Travard Active
Horde Zandalari prelates IconSmall Zandalari Female High Prelate Rata Active

Races[]

Liadrin Hearthstone

Lady Liadrin, Matriarch of the Blood Knights.

Main article: Paladin races

The paladin class can be played by the following races:

Strength Agility Stamina Intellect Spirit Armor Health Mana
Alliance Alliance DraeneiDraenei Draenei Bc icon 23 17 22 20 23 34 58 80
DwarfDwarf Dwarf WoW Icon update 27 16 23 19 20 32 68 79
HumanHuman Human WoW Icon update 22 20 22 20 21 40 58 80
Lightforged draeneiLightforged draenei Lightforged Legion N/A
Dark Iron dwarfDark Iron dwarf Dark Iron Battle for Azeroth N/A
Horde Horde Blood elfBlood elf Blood elf Bc icon 19 22 22 23 19 44 58 125
TaurenTauren Tauren Cataclysm 27 15 24 15 23 24 71 76
Zandalari trollZandalari troll Zandalari Battle for Azeroth N/A

Racial mounts[]

Each paladin order has a different mount.

Specializations[]

For a full list of specialization abilities, see Paladin abilities

Holy[]

Paladin preview Holy

"The truth and virtue of the Light imbues these sacred knights with the power to revitalize their comrades"

Spell holy holybolt

Invokes the power of the Light to protect and to heal.

Holy paladins have devoted themselves to healing, with powerful specializations including Ability paladin beaconoflight [Beacon of Light] and Spell paladin lightofdawn [Light of Dawn]. With their plate armor, Holy paladins are some of the toughest healers in the game. They are most powerful when close to their allies, due to their Inv hammer 04 [Mastery: Lightbringer]. When they need to deal damage, they have access to both ranged and melee Holy attacks like Spell holy searinglight [Holy Shock] and Spell holy crusaderstrike [Crusader Strike].

Like priests who serve the Light, holy paladins are devout in their faith. After spending much of their lives in hallowed halls studying divine doctrine, those who pledge themselves to a holy order become beacons of the Light for their allies in conflict, taking up the heavy armor and weaponry of justice. Holding the unwavering belief that any battle waged to eradicate evil in the world is righteous, these paladins stands on the frontlines in service to all others dedicated to the cause. The truth and virtue of the Light imbue these sacred knights with the power to revitalize their comrades. If necessary, they even lay down their own lives to serve as a martyr for the greater good.[4]

Protection[]

Paladin preview Protection

"Stalwart and steadfast, these protectors are ardent defenders of the Light"

Ability paladin shieldofthetemplar

Uses Holy magic to shield <himself/herself> and defend allies from attackers.

Through the Protection spec, paladins gain an increased ability to tank enemies. Paladins are especially well known for their ability to tank many enemies at once with rapid threat production. Strong stamina scaling, simple and very high threat generation and the superb Spell holy ardentdefender [Ardent Defender] ability make paladins powerful tanks. With plate armor, shields and an array of powerful self-healing and defensive options, Protection paladins are often hard to defeat even without a healer by their side.

The paladin’s tools of war lay bare their motivations. Clenched in one hand is the weapon, a deadly device for exacting righteous judgment. Locked in the other hand is the shield, a symbolic and literal barrier protecting good from evil. Stalwart and steadfast, these protectors are ardent defenders of the Light and all that it touches, and are rejuvenated by its radiance in return. So dedicated they are to their cause that they consecrate the very ground upon which they battle corruption.[4]

Retribution[]

"Retribution" redirects here. For the paladin ability, see Spell holy crusade [Retribution].
Paladin preview Retribution

"Oftentimes the most dedicated paladins become fanatical in their devotion"

Spell holy auraoflight

A righteous crusader who judges and punishes opponents with weapons and Holy magic.

Retribution paladins favor slow two handed weapons, causing sudden damage spikes through both melee and spell crits. They favor single-target attacks like Spell holy crusaderstrike [Crusader Strike] and Ability paladin bladeofjustice [Blade of Justice] to build Holy Power, powering regular use of Spell paladin templarsverdict [Templar's Verdict], or Ability paladin divinestorm [Divine Storm] for AoE. In PvP, Retribution paladins can be very effective off-healers, but have poor mobility. Retribution paladins can use powerful augments like Spell holy avenginewrath [Avenging Wrath] to buff their damage output.

To serve as instrument of the Light is to hold an unshakable faith. Oftentimes the most dedicated paladins become fanatical in their devotion, instruments of retribution against those who dare defy the laws of the divine. These paladins are vengeful guardians of the weak—crusaders judging and punishing the wicked. Their resolute conviction in the divine order of all things assures them that victory is inevitable—but they will fight to the end to ensure that the Light prevails.[4]

Holy Power[]

Paladin Holy Power UI
Main article: Holy Power

In addition to the mana, paladins have a unique resource system called Holy Power. Similar to the rogue's combo points, Holy Power can be gained through certain spell and talents, such as Spell holy crusaderstrike [Crusader Strike] and Ability paladin bladeofjustice [Blade of Justice], and is used for casting other spells, such as Spell paladin templarsverdict [Templar's Verdict] and Ability paladin divinestorm [Divine Storm]. Up to 5 Holy Power can be stored, and does not decay until 30 seconds out of combat.

Gear[]

WoW Town Hall Paladin-character

A human paladin model as originally seen on the official World of Warcraft website.

See also: Paladin sets

Paladins can wear cloth, leather, mail or plate armor and may use a shield. They can use one-handed, main-hand or two-handed swords, axes, maces, and polearms.

Paladins cannot dual wield, or wield daggers, fist weapons or staves. They also cannot use ranged weapons.

They can summon their own Warhorse at level 10 and automatically learn the Apprentice Riding skill. At level 17 they can summon their epic Charger, however, it does not give the benefit of 100% movement speed boost until Journeyman Riding is learned.

Lore-wise, paladins are often depicted wielding large two-handed warhammers. The "paladin hammer", in addition to the book of incantations paladins often carry, is perhaps the most characteristic feature of a paladin. Some hammers are even known to have names, such as Arthas Menethil's Inv hammer 04 [Light's Vengeance] and Uther's Hammer of the Lightbringer. Draenei paladins also tend to prefer their own two-handed hammers, a Light-blessed crystalline weapon known as the Inv hammer 28 [Hammer of the Naaru]. Blood elf paladins seem to prefer polearms instead.

Abilities[]

Divine Shield WoW

Paladin with Divine Shield.

Main article: Paladin abilities

Paladins stand directly in front of their enemies, relying on heavy armor and healing in order to survive incoming attacks. Whether with massive shields or crushing two-handed weapons, paladins are able to keep claws and swords from their weaker fellows – or they use healing magic to ensure that they remain on their feet.

Paladin talents increase their ability to heal the wounded, strengthen their capacity to protect their companions, and allow them to deal out vicious damage in the name of justice.

They have several anti-undead and demon abilities such as Spell holy senseundead [Sense Undead], Inv sword 2h artifactashbringerfire d 03 [Wake of Ashes], and Ability paladin turnevil [Turn Evil] which make them very effective when fighting Demon and Undead targets (not including Forsaken players, who are considered Humanoids for balance reasons).

Blessings[]

Main article: Blessing

Blessings are spell buffs that can be cast on party and raid members. Blessings are derived from previous Hands, and include Spell holy sealofvalor [Blessing of Freedom], Spell holy sealofprotection [Blessing of Protection], and Spell holy sealofsacrifice [Blessing of Sacrifice].

Auras[]

Main article: Paladin auras

Auras are spell buffs that can boost the abilities of the party and raid members with passive effects, but only within a certain radius of effect around the paladin. They can be changed at any time, but with only one aura active at a time. Since Shadowlands, all paladin specializations once again have access to auras, among them Spell holy devotionaura [Devotion Aura], Spell holy crusade [Retribution Aura], Spell holy mindsooth [Concentration Aura], and Spell holy crusaderaura [Crusader Aura].

Healing[]

All paladin specializations have access to spells like Spell holy flashheal [Flash of Light], or Spell holy layonhands [Lay on Hands] to instantly heal themselves or an ally for the paladin's maximum health, and Spell holy resurrection [Redemption] to resurrect an ally back from death. Holy Paladins also have Ability paladin savedbythelight [Absolution] to resurrect all dead allies, and Spell holy purify [Cleanse] to remove all poison, disease, and magic effects from them or an ally.

Crowd control[]

Paladins have regular access to spell interruption through Spell holy rebuke [Rebuke] and Spell holy sealofmight [Hammer of Justice], as well as talents including Spell holy prayerofhealing [Repentance] and Ability paladin blindinglight [Blinding Light].

Stats[]

Paladin stats vary by role. Secondary stats can be optionally obtained after primary stats have been met.

Holy Protection Retribution
Stat priority
  1. Intellect
  2. Mastery
  3. Critical Strike
  4. Versatility
  5. Leech
  6. Haste
  7. Avoidance
  1. Armor
  2. Leech
  3. Avoidance
  4. Versatility
  5. Mastery
  6. Haste
  7. Critical Strike
  8. Stamina
  9. Strength
  1. Haste
  2. Strength
  3. Critical Strike
  4. Versatility
  5. Mastery
  6. Leech
  7. Avoidance

In the RPG[]

Icon-RPG This section contains information from the Warcraft RPG which is considered non-canon.
Epic paladin

Epic paladin warrior art from Shadows & Light.

A paladin must be good and will lose all Light-given abilities if he ever willingly commits an evil act. Additionally, the paladin's code requires that he respects legitimate authority, acts with honor (not lying, not cheating, not using poison and so forth), helps those in need (provided they do not use their help for evil or chaotic ends), and punishes those who harm or threaten innocents. While he may adventure with others from different organizations, a paladin will never knowingly associate with evil persons, nor will he continue an association with someone who consistently offends his moral code. A paladin may accept only henchmen, followers or cohorts whose intentions are good. A paladin who violates this code becomes an ex-paladin, and loses all Light-given abilities until he atones for his violations.[25][26]

According to Brann Bronzebeard, most paladins are a terrific aid in the war — skilled in combat, riding, and even doing a bit of healing here and there — "Except those damn "Retribution Paladins" — most of 'em can't heal worth a damn".[27]

Epic paladin[]

The epic paladin warrior shines as a burning fire, a living embodiment of the Holy Light, banishing the shadows of demonic and undead corruption. He stands as a legendary symbol among the good races and champions his party's holy cause. Demons and liches loathe and plot against him, while the Alliance leaders shower him with laurels and praise. He focuses on increasing his offensive and defensive capabilities. He finds that Commander feats are also appropriate. He does not neglect the fact that he is a living monument of righteousness; his reputation often precedes him, and rare is the individual who will not offer aid based solely on his cause and power. He increases his charisma primarily, with a few boosts to strength and constitution to improve his combat potential.[28]

Notes and trivia[]

Gallery[]

TCG[]

Hearthstone[]

Heroes of the Storm[]

Fan art[]

Videos[]

Patch changes[]

  • Legion Patch 7.0.3 (2016-07-19): Now begins with plate armor at level 1 instead of mail armor.
  • Mists of Pandaria Patch 5.0.4 (2012-08-28):
    • Paladins can now store up to 5 Holy Power at a time at higher levels, but still can only use up to 3 on each Holy Power spender.
    • Auras have been removed from the game.
    • Seals now work as "stances" instead of being a timed buff, which makes them persist through death.
    • Relics have been removed from the game.
  • Cataclysm Patch 4.0.1 (2010-10-12):
    • Paladins now have a new resource, Holy Power, which works similarly to combo points.
    • Greater Blessings have been removed. Regular Blessings now have the same mass effect without the need for a reagent.
  • Wrath-Logo-Small Patch 3.0.2 (2008-10-14): All Auras now affect all party and raid members within the area of effect.
  • Bc icon Patch 2.0.1 (2006-12-05): With the introduction of the blood elves, paladins are now playable by both the Alliance and the Horde.

See also[]

References[]

 
  1. ^ Of Blood and Honor, pg. 5
  2. ^ a b c d e https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/game/classes/paladin
  3. ^ a b Exploring Azeroth: Northrend, pg. 137
  4. ^ a b c d Legion Class Preview Series: Paladin
  5. ^ World of Warcraft: Classic class description
  6. ^ World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade class description
  7. ^ Taking Your First Steps in World of Warcraft Classic
  8. ^ Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual, Alliance Ground Units, Paladin
  9. ^ Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual, Alliance Buildings, Church
  10. ^ Libram of Ancient Kings: The Silver Hand
  11. ^ Warcraft III - Humans -> Units -> Paladin.
  12. ^ Warcraft III - Undead -> Units -> Death Knight.
  13. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3, pg. 103
  14. ^ A IconSmall Human MaleIconSmall Human Female Paladin [3] Consecrated Letter
  15. ^ A IconSmall Dwarf MaleIconSmall Dwarf Female Paladin [3] Consecrated Rune
  16. ^ Beyond the Dark Portal, chapter 5
  17. ^ Legion Class Preview Series: Paladin
  18. ^ The Sunwalker Kodo's eyes and war-drums noticeably emit red and orange flame, while in contrast, the saddle emits faint waves of golden light.
  19. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3, pg. 159
  20. ^ a b c Ask CDev - Round 1
  21. ^ Rastari Prelate#Quotes
  22. ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King
  23. ^ Of Blood and Honor
  24. ^ World of Warcraft: Grimoire of the Shadowlands and Beyond, pg. 69
  25. ^ Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, pg. 90
  26. ^ World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, pg. 79
  27. ^ Alliance Player's Guide, pg. 134
  28. ^ Shadows & Light, pg. 22
  29. ^ World of Warcraft: The Comic, Issue 22: Whispers
  30. ^ A Paladin [60R] Redemption Spaulders
  31. ^ Concept art gallery
  32. ^ a b The Comic Volume 1, pg. 3 - 4 — Chasing Thunder: A foreword by Chris Metzen

External links[]

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