The Paladin class is being re-designed for Cataclysm. We knew this much. What we did not know was how much was going to change. Sure, we will retain our attacks and basic talent tree abilities, but I wasn’t prepared for the Holy Power announcement. I didn’t know we were changing into Death Knights! Hah!
Well, not Death Knights maybe, but definitely something along the lines of a rune system it would appear. Holy Power will accumulate with the use of Crusader, Holy Shock, and other abilities yet to be named. The example given to us for Ret Paladins was Templar’s Verdict.
MMO Champion has the Paladin specific posts from the recent Twitter Developer Chat gathered nicely for us. Click here to view the changes!
Templar’s Verdict
Templar’s Verdict: An instant weapon attack that causes a percentage of weapon damage. Consumes all applications of Holy Power to increase damage dealt:
- 1 Holy Power: 55% Weapon Damage
- 2 Holy Power: 125% Weapon Damage
- 3 Holy Power: 225% Weapon Damage
Ret Paladins wanted a more complex DPS rotation system? We just got it.
This looks like a great twist to our combat abilities. Holy Paladins and Prot Paladins will see similar changes. I, for one, cannot wait to see how this system works! The attacks are instant, which, at 225% weapon damage, may jump to first priority in rotations when active. This all depends, of course, on how often Holy Power is acquired. So not only will we now have to watch our mana, we also have to manage our Holy Power accumulation as well.
They did what to Divine Storm again? Seems I already forgot. Seems I also pointed out previously Blizz would find some way to compensate the DPS loss. This looks to be the beginning of the answer we were seeking.
Oh, by the way, did you notice the little tidbit about Holy Power increasing the damage done by Divine Storm. I did.
YES YES YES!!!! TEMPLAR’S VERDICT =WIN!!!
I doubt we will have to worry about mana. Taken from my post at MMO-C: http://www.mmo-champion.com/threads/738941-How-does-Ret-Mana-Management-work
Hey look, we’re rogues with mana.
My thoughts exactly, Benji
I don’t know why, but this makes me think of the new Eclipse system for druids as well. What was really weird was i remember when they announced both Runic Power system before Wrath and the Eclipse system, i said to a friend of mine that its only a little bit longer til they introduce some alternate resource for pallies, and said they could call it Holy Power. So when he told me about this being implemented i just kind of stood dumbfounded on my stairs for like 5 minutes.
From the sounds of it, it reminds me of the new Warlock soul shard mechanic. Granted, I’m not all that familiar with how Warlocks will be gaining soul shards.
One more reason for slow and powerful weapons.
I like the idea of a change. I’m just not a fan of the name “Holy Power”. Another site had a good suggestion, but I forgot what it was. Holy Power though sounds lame.
From what i saw before my computer froze ¬.¬, it looked sooo complicated and what have they done with the talents :S