In most raids the Protection Paladin is used as a tank able to control huge groups of enemies, although he is excellent at tanking single opponents as well. The most important spells for a Protection Paladin are Consecration, Retribution Aura, Blessing of Sanctuary, Righteous Fury and Holy Shield. Consecration makes the area around the Protection Paladin cause holy damage to any enemy standing in it.
Retribution Aura causes attackers to take holy damage whenever they strike someone affected by aura. Blessing of Sanctuary reduces the incoming damage by 3% and can be buffed on anyone in the Paladin's group or raid. Additionally the target will gain 2% of his maximum mana whenever he blocks, parries or dodges an attack. Righteous Fury increases the threat created by holy spells by 90%. Since most of the damaging abilities of the Protection Paladin are holy spells this ability is essential for keeping the enemies on the Paladin. Additionally this buff will reduce the Paladin's incoming damage by 6%, provided he takes the corresponding talent in Protection tree.
The Holy Shield buff should be kept active as much as possible, as it increases the block chance by 30%, reducing the incoming damage and damaging the attackers on every blocked attack.
Hammer of the Righteous is one of the new Protection Paladin spells. This attack hits the current target and up to two additional enemies in the vicinity. It causes holy damage equal to four times the Paladin's weapon damage.