Deva
by Charis

Class: Rogue
Tag: DEV

Introduction

It ain't over til the fat lady sings... (oops, no that's Diva) A Deva is a powerful astral being, while a diva is a perfectionist with a powerful presence. This character is a little of both :)

Rules

Dex is extremely important to the agile Deva, with magic also not to be neglected. There are several modes eventually available to the Deva: a Viking like Mauler/Hammer wielder (the dex AC bonus should compensate for lack of Full Plate), a Cudgelizer (but then, only buckler allowed), a mini-mage (DF and Emerald or Brilliance Buckler), or for the brave, a Klingon-like shield basher (Stormshield and Sparking Mail making an odd but effective combination).

The Deva likes to focus on one thing, and do it very well, hence the selection of a primary mode/track at higher levels. Also, within a given game, she will almost always select a mode and stick with it (unlike AMZ's or CAT-rogues).

The Deva should get along well with others (except, most likely Netherspawn and Mediums). A Bloodguard dual class would be nice, using no resists but fast blocking bloodstars aimed at their partners, and frequent heal other and stoning. An Amazon would be unlikely, given the total lack of interest in traditional AMZ weapons. A VIK would be interesting (greater armor and jewel restrictions). Sorceress would work, Summoner would not.

Items

S&S? No. S/S! The Sword *or* shield rogue. The same time the Medium forms a weak alliance with the Netherspawn, comes a force more comfortable with Diakons, the Deva. Short, but ornery, they can't manage well trying to wield a weapon and shield at the same time. Hammers and Mauls are favorite weapons, but a Mace and Buckler is a possibility.

Armor
All but Full Plate (just too big for her)

Helms
Used to being the center of attention, a Crown is preferred.
When using a bow, vision is key, so no helms with bow (Crown, Cap, Skull Cap only)

Shields
Only a Buckler can be used, and that with a Mace or Club only.

Weapons
Maul, Hammer, Morning Star, Mace, Club
Only 'of Heavens' bows, Emerald, and Celestial Bow are allowed.
Only Angel's and Arch-Angel's staves are allowed.

Enchantments
The following are not allowed...

Crystal, Jagged, Sharp, Vicious, Serpent's, Snake's
Whale (she *hates* being called fat), Piercing, Puncturing, Blood, Gore.

Allowed but dissuaded are Obsidian, Diamond, Crimson, Cobalt.

Strong favorites include Emerald, Godly, Saintly, Dragon's.

Spells

Almost all spells are allowed, but her pride does not allow her to use spells poorly, so a spell must be known at the fifth level before it can be used. The exceptions, which may be used immediately, are: Healing, Heal Other, Town Portal, and Mana Shield (very much a favorite spell). Summoning spells, too similar to those used by the Medium, are illegal: Blood Star, Bone Spirit, Elemental, Guardian, Golem.

Quests

Titles
Monadic Deva: First dot
Solar Deva: Second dot

The third dot has different title, depending on the path taken by the Deva.

Astral Wind: Those who choose the wizardly path of weapon and shield, or those who change styles.

Astral Knot: Celtic Devas who choose the path of the cudgel.

Astral Champion: Those who wield only a shield, weaponless except for a bash or kick.

Astral Storm: Those who choose the path of the Maul and two-fisted Hammer. Among these, some are called Deva of Jholm (who loves indestructible gear), Deva of Schaefer (Lightning, Sparking Mail, the Hammer, Storm Spire, etc., drive them), Astral Firestorm (love fire spells, sometimes use Immolator, etc.)

While the Astral Wind is a strong and respected title, greater honor is ascribed to those who select and follow a tougher path. Those who can pull off a 3@3@30, however, are known as "Astral Tornado," highly respected and having displayed mastery of several fields, are free to continue pursuing each. While 30th lvl they must slay Diablo solo THRICE, each with a different primary mode. Whatever modes they use and kill him with (solo) may continue to be practiced.