Retribution Paladin Glyphs

Retribution Paladin Glyphs are current as of Cataclysm Patch 4.0, Patch 4.0.6 and Patch 4.1. The entire Glyph system has been revamped, with many new and many altered Retribution Paladin Glyphs.  Let’s go over some of the new changes:

• There are now 3 Minor Glyph sockets, 3 Major Glyph sockets, and 3 Prime Glyph Sockets.  Prime Glyphs are the new additions.
• Many glyphs have been revamped.  Some have been removed all together.
• The way you acquire glyphs and use them has changed.  To learn a glyph permanently, you must purchase or make the glyph, then right click to learn. This will add it to your Glyph Book. You won’t have to purchase the glyph again, and it can be used and re-used as needed.
• To replace an existing glyph, a Vanishing Powder reagent must be used.

Essentially, we get 3 extra glyphs to help us out.  I will list what I currently believe to be Best in Slot Ret Paladin glyphs.  Before all chaos ensues, know that this is the first list I am posting.  This is definitely going to change is our DPS is hashed out.  I am closely watching Elitist Jerks and other Ret forums to provide you guys with the best info possible.

NOTE: It is MUCH easier to swap glyphs out now.  I expect us to have a set for AoE, bosses, PvP, 5-mans, etc.  As our situational combat experiences evolve, we will get a much clearer picture of what our glyph sets will be.  For instance, in a 10 man raid, you may encounter 6 pulls of trash before the boss.  If these pulls are mostly AoE, you will be using your AoE glyph set.  Once you get to the boss, it’s back to the single target glyph set.  I am predicting now that prior to each boss fight, raid leaders will be calling out glyph swaps as their part of their routine ready checks!

Ret Paladin Prime Glyphs

1. [Glyph of Seal of Truth] – Grants 10 expertise.  I am on the edge with this one.  We will see how important expertise is in Cata, and how abundant it is on gear.  I am not quite sure of the expertise cap (if there is one), so expect this ranking to possibly change.
2. [Glyph of Templar's Verdict] – Increases Templar’s Verdict damage by 15%.  At the 3 Holy Power ranks, the damage percent increases to 45%/125%/240%.  With our rotations in their present state revolving around Templar’s Verdict, this is one of your BiS Major Ret Paladin Glyphs.
3. [Glyph of Exorcism] – Causes 20% of its damage over 6 seconds.  While it won’t stack with an existing Exorcism DoT, it’s still optimal over the Crusader Strike glyph.

Optional

• [Glyph of Crusader Strike] – Increased Crusader Strike crit chance by 5%.  Probably will not see much use in end game content when compared to the main three listed above.  Still, it is a Ret Glyph, and can be used if one of the above is for some reason unavailable.

Ret Paladin Major Glyphs

1. [Glyph of Lay on Hands] – Reduces cooldown by 2 minutes.  Not quite as nice as tthe previous 5 minute version.  But still useful enough to fill a minor glyph slot.
2. [Glyph of Ascetic Crusader] – Reduces mana cost of Crusader Strike by 30%.  At level 85, conserving mana through longer boss fights may prove to be a challenge.  This glyph could be a very strong tool in keeping mana plentiful, especially with Crusader Strike being our bread and butter attack.
3. [Glyph of Consecration] - Extends duration and cooldown of Consecrate by 20%. I am going to catch some flak for this one, and yes, it could easily be replaced by one of the other options, but this will continue to help keep stronger attacks available more often.  Rets are arguing Consecrate isn’t worth the mana cost at over 50% base mana, but we will wait and see how things play out at 85.

Optional

• [Glyph of Divine Plea] – Provides an extra 5% total mana.  This could easily replace the Consecrate glyph, and I am convinced for single target fights, this may be a must have if mana is an issue.
• [Glyph of Divinity] - Grants 2x the mana than normal, and also grants you the same amount of mana as the player you cast it on.  While I see this as a huge healing tool, this may also find some utility in fights where tanks are taking a brutal beating.  Keep in mind this would be extremely situational, and only one Paladin may be required to carry it, and if that, only for one or two particular fights.  Remember, glyphs will be able to be switched out much more often now.
• [Glyph of Holy Wrath] – Now stuns elementals and dragonkin.  I’m not sold on this at all, but if there are fights involving heavy dragonkin/elementals, this control method may see situational use.
• [Glyph of Rebuke] – Reduces mana cost by 100%.  Could see extensive use in PvP.  PvE use would be minimal.
• [Glyph of Salvation] – Reduces all threat over duration of spell instead of reducing threat over time.  Great tool, and I’d love to see it in use.  However, if we are pulling off that much threat, it’s ashame it would have to replace a mana conserving glyph.  Still more to evolve from the usage of this glyph it would seem.

Ret Paladin Minor Glyphs

1. [Glyph of Blessing of Might] - Extends duration of Blessing of Might by 20 minutes.  Still going to be useful when grouped with other Paladins.
2. [Glyph of Blessing of Kings] – Reduces mana cost by 50%.  Really no other decent option here.  Kings will still see heavy usage in groups and raids.

NOTE: These glyphs can and will change up until Cataclysm launches, so keep checking back for the most current builds!