This guide, which introduces the idea of multi-mob grinding, was introduced by Iloveari of Muradin-US server. In his forum post, Iloveari explains how a protection-specced paladin can level up faster by taking on a few mobs at one time. This introduces a different playstyle from the boring method of grinding mobs one by one with just Seal of Command.

Overview
Protection tree talents are mainly based on utilizing the shield to block as much damage as possible and in turn reflect damage back to the attacker. The effectiveness of this build is greatly increased when the paladin takes on multiple mobs at a single time.

Strengths

• Ability to easily solo 4 mobs who are 2 levels above you, 5-6 mobs your level and end fights with nearly full health and mana, thus reducing leveling downtime.
• Very strong against melee classes such as rogues or warriors in both PvE and PvP. It is recommended when leveling to look for mobs that dual-wield or hit fast to effectively harness Protection tree talents.
• Assumes the role of Tanks in instance runs, which is another great way to gain experience points.

Weaknesses

• Low DPS against a single target.
• Caster classes are able to melt down the paladin without breaking a sweat.
• Disadvantaged against ranged mob as paladins are primarily melee-based.
• Mana can be depleted fast if no attention is paid to it.

The Build (0/26/0)
The ability to start AoE leveling should start at level 35 where core talents such as Redoubt, Improved Righteous Fury, Blessing of Sanctuary and Reckoning are obtained. For more information, go to the Protection Talent Builds page.

Key Talents/Skills

• Redoubt
  Together with Shield Specialization, the paladin is able to reduce damage taken.
• Improved Righteous Fury
  This talent is used as it reduces incoming damage to the paladin by 6%. Not a lot but when multiple mobs are attacking you it is extremely useful.
• Reckoning
  This allows chance to proc 4 extra swings for a duration when attacked. By taking on a few mobs the chance of Reckoning to proc is high, thus allowing the paladin to increase his damage.
• Blessing of Sanctuary
  This reduces damage taken and also returns damage to the attacker. Here is where the paladin’s shield is put to great use, not only does it blocks damage but it is used as a weapon. Again it is most effective when taking on multiple mobs.
• Holy Shield
  A great shield spell that increases your chance to block, mitigating more damage and also damages attackers when the paladin blocks.
• Retribution Aura
  Provides additional damage dealt to the attacker.
• Seal Of Light/Seal of Wisdom
  Essential spells for keeping the paladin healthy and mana-rich.
• Consecration
  AoE spell to lower target’s health. Spam Rank 1 Consecration to conserver mana

Essentials

• Shield Spikes
  Equiping shield spikes allows your shield to deal damage when you block, with talents and spells such as Blessing of Sanctuary and Holy Shield your shield becomes an offhand weapon.
• Weapon
  Make sure the speed of your weapon is between 1.80 - 2.20 seconds to fully harness the power of Reckoning. Too fast a swing speed you cannot deal decent damage, too slow you are unable to take advantage of Reckoning in its 8 seconds duration. Examples are Sword of Omen and Vanquisher’s Sword.
• Stats
  Primarily focus on Stamina to increases survivability. Before level 60 the gear you are able to get are mostly suited for warriors, this is because there is not much armor specifically for paladins until Outlands. So you should throw in caster necklaces and rings (+Intellect, +Stamina) to supplement your mana pool, this way of itemization also allows you to switch between the Retribution and Protection Tree. I recommend testing different builds while you are leveling to find the playstyle you like.

Video

Method
Finally, here is the explanation on how to AoE grind in steps:1. First make sure you have the above mentioned talents and shield equipped with shield spike, approach a blacksmith if you do not have it. Cast:

• Retribution Aura
• Righteous Fury
• Blessing of Sanctuary
• Seal of Light/Seal of Wisdom depending on which attribute you lack.

2. Aggro 4-6 mobs. The number of mobs depends on your level, 4 mobs if they are 2 levels above, 5-6 if they are the same level. Focuses on mobs that purely does melee and nothing else, progress will be affected if the mob does nifty tricks such as Disarm. Also some mobs, normally Humanoids, tend to run away when they are at low health, avoid them as well unless you welcome the adds they bring to the grind.

3. Start tanking and spanking, judge Seal of Light or Wisdom on the first mob and cast Seal again, rinse and repeat this. The Judgement and Seal will keep you up, the choice of whether to use Seal of Light or Seal of Wisdom is up to you.Use a combination of both spells to reduce downtime. I always start with Seal of Light and Judgement of Light and repeat all the way to the second last mob where I switch to a combination of Light and Wisdom to regenerate health and mana. Depending on which stat I am low on, I finish off with that Seal.

4. When you attain Holy Shield at level 40, optimize it with Redoubt. Don’t forget that Holy Shield grants a 30% block chance aside from its damage ability, with Redoubt an additional 30% block chance is added and thus you get a higher block chance. Of course you should use Holy Shield whenever possible, but remember to take note of your mana pool.

5. Do not panic when things do not go your way, use Divine Shield and heal yourself back to safety and continue. If Divine Shield is on cooldown you still have Lay on Hands to fall back on. If you accidentally pulled too many mobs, well… No leveling experience is complete without ghost running right?