Holy Power

Holy Power is a new paladin resource mechanic in Cataclysm, which works similar to the Rogue's Combo points. Holy Power can be gained through certain spell and talents, and is used for casting other spells.

When fighting, paladins will generally want to build up Holy Power by using their abilities. Once Holy Power has been built up, it can be consumed to augment specific Holy Power-based spells. For example, Word of Glory (which is one of them) can be used to cast an instant-cast and mana-free heal. Common to all these spells is that they consume all the Holy Power the paladin currently possesses, increasing in power depending on the amount consumed. Depending on the paladin's specialization and the scenario, this mechanic gives paladins several options for how to spend their Holy Power.


 * Notes
 * Holy Power becomes available for Paladins at level 9, prior to learning Word of Glory.
 * As vaguely mentioned, Holy Power exists as charges. It is possible to have 3 charges at a time.
 * Unlike a Rogue's Combo points, Holy Power appears in a "Holy bar" below the paladin's portrait (see picture). This makes it similar to a Death Knight's Rune system.
 * The spells using Holy Power doesn't need to be used on the same target the spells generating it were used on.
 * Holy Power decays over time when not in combat. It must therefore be spent quickly before it's wasted. It decays approximately 10 seconds after leaving combat, one charge at a time. This means that a paladin with 3 charges will lose 1 charge after 10 seconds, another charge after 20 seconds, and the last charge after 30 seconds.

Generic

 * Crusader Strike generates 1 charge.

Holy (talents)

 * Holy Shock generates 1 charge.
 * Blessed Life gives a 50/100% chance to generate 1 charge when the paladin is struck by a melee attack (2 sec cooldown).
 * Tower of Radiance gives a 33/66/100% chance to generate 1 charge when the paladin heals the target of his/her Beacon of Light with the following spells:
 * Flash of Light
 * Divine Light

Protection (talents)

 * Hammer of the Righteous generates 1 charge.
 * Shield of the Templar causes Divine Plea to generate 1/2/3 charges.
 * Grand Crusader (paladin talent) generates a charge of Holy Power if the Avenger's Shield it procs is used within 6 seconds

Retribution (talents)

 * Divine Storm generates a charge of Holy Power if it hits (i.e. successfully lands on) 4 or more targets.
 * Pursuit of Justice gives the paladin a 50/100% chance to generate 1 charge when struck by a Stun, Fear or Immobilize effect.
 * Zealotry increases the generation-rate of Crusader Strike to 3 charges each strike for 20 sec.
 * Divine Purpose doesn't generate Holy Power, but gives the following abilities a 7/15% chance to cause the next Holy Power ability to consume no Holy Power and to be cast as if 3 Holy Power were consumed:
 * Judgement
 * Exorcism
 * Templar's Verdict
 * Divine Storm
 * Inquisition
 * Holy Wrath
 * Hammer of Wrath

Generic

 * Word of Glory
 * Inquisition

Holy (talents)

 * Light of Dawn

Protection (talents)

 * Shield of the Righteous

Retribution (talents)

 * Templar's Verdict