The Knights of the Silver Hand, created in response to the devastation of the First War, are an order of noble holy warriors trained to smite as well as heal. The Silver Hand was instrumental in the Alliance's victory during the Second War, and enjoyed vast influence for some time thereafter... but since the horrific betrayal by Arthas in the Third War, the Silver Hand is discredited and divided, struggling to recover its relevance in a shattered world. Paladins are "knights in shining armor" who fight for all that is good and Right, protecting the world from evils such as demons and the Undead.
Paladins can do whatever they like, of course, but it's nice to know what your group will be expecting! Your expected role is essentially "off tank/secondary healer." The term "tank," named for those infamous dwarven steam-powered siege engines, means that you'll be required to take and dish out a good deal of punishment. But don't forget the value of your healing and protective powers!
The best paladin healers are not quite as efficient as priests at mending wounds mid-battle. The best paladin "tanks" are not quite as good as warriors at keeping large groups of enemies focused on them. However... no one in the Alliance beats a paladin for sheer versatility and survivability. If your primary healer should fall, you'll still be there, encased in steel, keeping your party alive, casting protective shields around them, and bringing your fragile priest friend back to life. And if your party is without a warrior, or there are just too many enemies for one warrior to handle, you can bravely march to the front of the line with sword or hammer, and dish out the Light's own punishment. Best of all, a paladin doesn't need to worry, as a priest does, about "accidentally" attracting attention by healing. Bring it on!
Paladins have a lot to think about when it comes to equipment, because in many cases, "equipment makes the paladin." Armor rating and weapon damage are important when playing "tank," but don't forget that you're a spellcaster as well! Even when you are focusing more on whomping bad guys than healing friends, you need a large mana pool to pull off some of those extra special tricks. So when looking for enchantments, think Stamina (survivability), Intellect (mana!), Spirit (quick bounceback!), and Strength (damage!) in approximately that order of priority. Solo Paladins or "main tanks" will need to bump Strength up the list, however. Look for items marked with the sign of the Eagle (Intellect and Stamina), Whale (Stamina and Spirit), Gorilla (Intellect and Strength), or Bear (Stamina and Strength).
ARROGANT, CHARISMATIC, COMPASSIONATE, COURTEOUS, EDUCATED, FERVENT, HEROIC, HOLY, IDEALISTIC, INSPIRING, NARROW-MINDED, NOBLE, RAGEFUL, RESPECTFUL, RIGHTEOUS, STUBBORN, TENACIOUS, UPRIGHT, WELL-BRED
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Official Paladin Page