Gnostic
by Charis
hats off to Moriah for his research on the telekinesis spell

Class: Any (Sorcerer typical)
Tag: PAX (which means "Peace")

Introduction

Characterized by distrust of anything physical. They believe that strength and happiness come through the mind alone. Sometimes falsely branded as pacifists, they path they choose is not an easy one. They share some similarities with Scavengers, BUDs and Mind Flayer.

Mind flayers are physically very weak and have a very low pain tolerance, but psionic powers. BUDs are the most pacifist by their nature, not wishing to see others come to harm. The Dungeon Scavenger is a greedy humanoid who would rather find than earn a good item.

Gnostics are none of these. They believe the mind to be 'purer' than the body, and so seek to minimize physical influences. They neither like to, nor avoid killing, rather they avoid the physical nature of combat and offensive spells. PAX like to travel in packs.

Rules

No points distributed to vitality, nor quiet shrines, nor elixirs, until other three stats are maxed. At least +3/lvl to magic is highly suggested.

Items

Weapons
The mind is their weapon. The following may be wielded to help the mind and to minimize distractions of the body:

- "Useless" weapons (a constant reminder of the futility of physical combat)
- Bear weapons (for their knockback)
- magic/mana enhancing weapons

Useless and bear are the only which may be swung at an opponent, to try to push them off you, when swarmed. A bear bow/Windforce, must actually push back, not attack an already cornered foe.

Armor & Uniques

- Minus dfe items, and thorns, are the once by far most highly sought.
- Ring of Engagement is extremely nice for the Gnostics.
- The Fool's crest is one of the favorite helms, as it brings damage upon the heads of attackers, "dilutes" effects on the body with it's +100 hp, and it reduces str, dex and vitality by four. It's +dfe is the only bad side effect.
- The Protector staff is also wonderful, with dmg to attackers and -5 dfe. (Alas, in Diablo, thorns effect is not additive.)
- The Scavenger's Carapace, with supreme -dfe is extremely nice.
- Torn Flesh of Souls is -1 dfe and symbolic reflection of state of flesh.
- Gladiator's bane is -2dfe and -3all, very nice.
- Wisdom Wrap, -1 dfe and +magic and mana is truly outstanding.
- Holy Defender is nice, but with fast block may be alluring for too combat.

Only a weak and worldly gnostic would choose something like NLP or DF over the items listed above.

Spells

The idea is that *NO* direct damage spell is ever cast.

The first book of each of the below spells is special.

- Golem, Guardian are highly key spells.
- Elemental and Bone Spirit may be used ONLY for probe/offscreen shots.
- Firewall may only be cast with no monsters in sight.
- Osmotic Life Drain (Telekinesis) - a highly useful spell, not only for moving objects, but in coop, to sap the life of a foe and grow in power yourself (i.e. You get EXP for monsters you TAG with TK1).
- Gnostic flash - a special technique, where the gnostic stands still and closes his eye, emanating a double flash of pure energy. The mental drain this takes requires a brief pause after casting as well. The Gnostic flash *must* be started *before* any creature is on you.
- Stone Curse is allowed, and especially encouraged for coop.
- Utility spells (Heal, H/O, TP, Phase, Portal, etc) are fine.
- Firebolt may be learned purely to help the Guardian spell.

Do not clutter your spell choice screen with other disallowed spells.

1: As a warning, Telekinesis can cause some very strange desync to occur.

Knowledge is power. And the quest for purity and power drives the PAX. Simply finding a book is not sufficient for the following powerful spells: Golem, Guardian, Flash, Elemental, Bone Spirit, Stone Curse, Teleport.

For these, the book must be dropped by a boss, or on a level with a Book of the Horadrim (dlvl 4, 8, 12) or an Altar (lvl 15). The book must, in that game and without trip to town, be read at the book or altar. Readers may be worn, but not borrowed, for this purpose. If dropped by a boss but no such Tome (The Sin War, Tale of the Three, etc.) is found, the book may be carried around until such a place is found.

Titles

These are optional, but honor distinguishes PAX characters.

- Pacifist: Clear a level using thorns items, with at least one lvl-up occurring.
- Telekineticist: Clear a section coop with TK as only damage producing spell.
- PAX of Purity: The body is purified by a sound beating. Sir Gorash must be slain while taking all the abuse he can give, using only a Golem and thorns.
- Osmotic Master: Buy and wear an osmosis item, for a total of at least -12 not counting the Scavenger's Carapace. Diablo must be slain in H/H using this setup.
- Astral PAX: Wear items giving at least -20 all, a zero vit stat.