#0 - Dec. 3, 2007, 1:24 a.m.
I have much to say, so I'm trying to format this to make an easy read for those who lose interest as the number of text in a given post increases.
Quick Background
As most of you know, I had a paladin in the works, I created a new Blood Elf Paladin two weeks ago today, (I did so because I wanted to be on the same realm/faction as my Troll Shaman). I am now nearing level 43, which I'm quite happy with considering there were also a few days I didn't have time to login and play.
Why Post Here?
As a Community Manager who has unlimited access to all design information, and obviously has a strong knowledge of all classes, why gather information from you all and ask "n00b" questions? I am very familiar with all classes, and do continue to gain from my regular interaction with design, as well as grow from my own research and play-experience -- not to mention the amount of feedback I do gather from reading all class forums.
With that being said, my goal is to know as much as humanly possible. In order to do so, talking to you all from one paladin player to another gives me additional insight. I'm not going to lie, while not a primary motivation -- it's also really nice to just have regular discussion.
Enough, Eyonix! What are your Questions???
We're going to start out with one at a time (partially for ease of reading, but also because I believe it's imporant that I offer one last important bit of background for all questions to come)...
I was leveling as retribution until level 40 and having a great deal of fun. One thing that is important to note here is that my goal with this character at 70 is to be protection and operate as a tank. Not only have I always wanted a paladin, tanking is the final frontier for me. My main for two years was a healing priest; my druid and shaman (though both have been specced healing) are caster dps. My shaman for quite some time was also enhancement, i.e. melee dps.
At 40 (retribution) I decided to try tanking SM Cathedral and as a result went to level up my sword skill from 23, using a equal level green shield and sword. Once skilled up, I noticed my damage was actually still fairly competitive, and while not as high, I required noticeably less downtime. I did my research that many players find protection (provided you adjust your play-style accordingly) to be the fastest paladin leveling spec but typically from what I've read that is at level 50+.
I respeced full protection, and got myself a nice quick one-handed sword and from what I can tell I kill within the ballbark of the same time of being retribution, it's more steady and reliable, but most importantly I was tracking how many even level mobs I could kill before having to drink and eat and it averaged (after numerous tests) 24. Lastly, it's also nice to level as the spec that you'd like to be at end-game.
Eyonix?!?!?!
Okay, okay... Question: 1) What are your opinions as to which is the faster leveling spec, at 40+ and At 50+?
(FYI)- I realize that this was tons of background for just two small questions but it all paved the way for many of my questions to come.
Thanks to all three of you who had it in you to read this far!!! :