The Cleric
by Occhidiangela

Class: Paladin
Tag: CLE

Introduction

The Cleric is a devotee of The Light who seeks to enlighten a World besieged by the forces of Darkness.

He relies on the powers of the Spirit to persuade those living in darkness to seek the light. He avoids the use of weapons in general, although on occasion he is moved to rise up and smite those who lead others down the path of darkness. He thrives when leading a party of disciples of the Light. (Hirelings or other co-op players.)

The Cleric seeks to bring the Peace of the Light to those whose souls are troubled by evil. His empathy is such that he would as soon shed his own blood as cause another to bleed by his hand. By setting a good example he can recruit others to the Light, and so defeat the forces of darkness.

There are two Orders of Clerics.

- The Order of the Aegis (Shield emphasis)
- The Order of the Beacon (Spell emphasis)

They share some common rules, and some rules specific to each order.

Items

Armor
Things like Balrog Skin and Demonhide are not worn.

Enchantments
In general, no -LR affixes are allowed on items unless one has enough +LR equipped to overcome it consistent with rank requirements. (see below) If you reduce your level of LR, skills allowed by that rank are prohibited until sufficient LR is equipped. (Example: if you are a Bishop, and only equip +3 to LR, you lose the ability to use the skills that come with +4 and greater LR.)

Vileness is a forbidden affix, as is Hit Blinds Target. Poison is acceptable so long as there is +LR on the item, but it is not preferred. Any Holy Affix is preferred. Descriptives like demon hide, Balrog, Hellforge, or any demonic reference pretty much takes an item out of play. Necromancer skills typically remove an article from consideration, with the exception of Amp Damage on weapons.

Rune Words
The following are allowed for Clerical use.

Ancient's Pledge, Lionheart, Lore, King's Grace, Rhyme, Honor, Steel, and Holy Thunder are allowed to both orders.

Radiance and Strength are allowed to the Order of the Beacon.
Stealth is allowed to the Order of the Aegis.

Sets
Iratha's set is allowed to Aegis only. Civerb's, Angelic, and The Disciple are allowed to both. Certain individual set items are allowed, though other pieces are not.

- Milabrega: Rod and Diadem
- Arctic: Furs and Belt
- Immortal King: Detail
- Griswold: Valor
- M'avina: True Sight and Tenet
- Orphan: Haemosu's Adamant Curiass
- Hwanin: All items, minus the Bill
- Cow King: Hooves
- Naj: Circlet
- Sander: Riprap

Uniques

- Amulets: Eye of Elitch and Rising Sun are preferred due to +Light. Mahim Oak Curio, Cat's Eye, Nokozan Relic, Mara's Kaleidoscope, and Highlord's Wrath are also allowed.
- Armor: Duriel's Shell is not allowed. Darkglow, Venomward, and Iceblink are preferred due to their +Light qualities. Heavenly Garb, Spirit Shroud, Spirit Forge, Guardian Angel, and Que Hagan's Wisdom are preferred due to name. Hawkmail, Sparking Mail, Iron Pelt, Gladiator's Bane are ok. Skin of the Viper Magi is also ok (Moses turned sticks into snakes).
- Belts: Lenymo and Goldwrap are preferred due to +Light. Nightsmoke, Razortail, Snowclash, and Thundergod's Vigor are also allowed.
- Boots: Hotspur, Gorefoot, and Waterwalk are allowed. Aegis may use Treads of Cthon and Silkweave.
- Gloves: Chance Guards is preferred due to +Light. Hand of Broc, Bloodfist, and Grave Palm are also ok.
- Helms: Order of the Aegis may use Tarnhelm, Rockstopper, and Stealskull.
- Rings: Manald Heal, Stone of Jordan, Bul Kathos Wedding Band, Dwarf Star, and Raven Frost are allowed.
- Shields: Pelta Lunata, Stormguild, Viscerataunt, Moser's Blessed Circle, Storm Chaser, and Herald of Zakarum are allowed.
- Maces/Sceptres: Knell Striker, Rusthandle, Stormeye, Zakarum's Hand, and Hand of Blessed Light are allowed. Aegis may use Crushflange, Bloodrise, the General's Tan Do Li Ga, Ironstone, Sureshrill, Frost Moon Fall, and Baezil's Vortex.
- Wands: Suicide Branch is allowed, though the Clerics call it the Sacrifice Branch.

Skills

No permitted combat skill may be a higher slvl than the highest level of Holy Bolt, until Fist of Heavens is attained. When FoH is higher than HB, no combat skill may be raised higher than FoH, with the exception of Holy Shield for the Order of the Aegis, and Blessed Hammer for the Order of the Beacon. In no case may any Combat Skill or Offensive Spell be greater than twice the level of Holy Bolt (Base).

- Thorns Concentration and Might: One point each max, limited in application.
- Fanaticism: < HB slvl/2, or FoH slvl/2, whichever is greater.
- Conviction: < HB slvl or FoH slvl whichever is greater.
- Salvation, Defiance, Vigor, Cleansing, Prayer, Redemption, Meditation, Resist Cold, Resist Fire, Resist Lightning, Sanctuary, Holy Shock, Holy Freeze, and Holy Fire are unlimited, once earned.

## Order of the Aegis

"The Light Is My Shield" -Motto of the Order of the Aegis

Items

Armor
Any Cloth, Leather, and Metals up to Chain Mail, Light Plate, and Field Plate.
Belts, Boots, and Gloves are unrestricted.

Helms
Crowns, Skull Caps, Helms, and Circlets only.
No Masks or other helms that completely cover the face.

Shields
Only circular shields. The Sun, the Source of the Light, must always be symbolically presented to the hordes of darkness.
Spiked Shields are allowed if they have at least one +LR affix, as that represents sun with rays coming out. Swordbackhold is permitted if it is socketed with +LR.

Weapons
Any blunt weapon. Mace, Scepter, etc.
Swords, pole arms, axes, and spears maim without the opportunity to stun the unbeliever into a more tractable frame of mind, the better to receive gentle instruction in the ways of the Light.
(Example: Mephisto, having been smacked upside the head, looks at you somewhat crosseyed and says "uh-huh, yeah, I get it now, be nice to people, uh- huh, uh-huh.")

Skills

No Charge (one exception). No Zeal. Vengeance only after NM Baal defeated.

Ranks

1) Brother
Must equip at least +1 LR once quests are completed.
Skills allowed: Smite, Sacrifice*, Prayer, Res Fire

The Brother is an initiate into the spiritual approach to victory, and may revert to means of the flesh. Using a sword causes him spiritual pain, so he forsakes his sword upon finding the first blunt weapon while questing. This blunt is a sign from the Light that he must change his approach to converting the heathen. He must Sacrifice his own blood (first point must go into Sacrifice) to ensure he experiences pain of those converted by the Stroke of Mercy. Henceforth, if he uses any weapon other than a shield, he MUST Use sacrifice as his combat skill.

1. Collect all edged weapons found in Blood Moor and Cold Plains. Return to Charsi in an effort to turn "Swords into plowshares."
2. Defeat Blood Raven and Rakanishu, the cult leader of the Fallen (they always call his name)before advancing to Deacon. If either of these two drops a blunt weapon, that weapon can be used immediately. Otherwise, another sign is required before a new weapon can be used. Any scepter found is eligible.

If a Nun offers her services, she must wear at least a +1 LR item at all times, to differentiate her from those tawdry rogue wenches. (Rogue Merc= Nun. In later acts you will find Jannisaries, 'Gnostic, and Baptists.) Now that you have a congregation of at least one, and have defeated a heretic, you can become a Deacon.

2) Deacon
Must equip at least +2 LR once quests are completed.
New Skills Permitted: Holy Fire, Holy Bolt, Defiance, Res Cold

The Deacon leads by example, emphasizing the power of the spirit over the flesh. His Sermons stress that Co-op partners seek the Light. Partners are encouraged to type "Amen, Deacon" after any sermon if they are still awake. One point allowed for Thorns after discovering the body of Wirt in Tristram. The Brother's righteous rage inspires vengeance and "an eye for an eye." No further points may be put into this skill, and it's use is strictly limited to revenge for the death of a member of the Congregation. (Hireling Coop Partner, or Convert)

Cleanse Tristram with Holy Fire and Holy Bolt. Bosses may be Smitten, the rest must be cleansed by fire. You may "reawaken" Griswold by Smiting him back to the Light, or re-convert him by emptying your mana ball three consecutive times (firing Holy Bolt at him) before you have killed anyone else in Tristram. Once Griswold is re-awakened, you may apply one point to Might.

Lead your Nun in her vow to cleanse the Dark Tower, during which you may not slay any enemy, save champions and bosses. Your leadership allows you to become a Missionary(later, see below.) If you screw this up, and the nun dies in the Tower, you have to lead her to the defeat of Andariel (without dying) to earn the next rank. (Use those pots, and use that Shift key)

3) The Missionary
Must equip at least +2 LR once quests are completed.
New Skills Allowed: Cleansing, Res Light.

The Missionary earns favor by "Climbing the Mountain" and traveling to far lands to spread the Light over a larger area. He brings vengeance upon the Demoness from Wirt, and cleanses the sewers of Lut Gholein.

1. Earn Cleansing by defeating Andariel. The only weapons you may use is a gemmed, or unadorned, Wirt's Leg.
2. Cleanse the Sewers of Lut Gholein With Holy Fire and Holy Bolt. Blunt weapons permitted against Invader bosses and champions, as well as cats. Radamant must be slain by either Holy Fire or Holy Bolt.

Resist Lightning is required when in a party fighting LEB and Dung soldier types. You move into the "The Light is my shield" philosophy.

Upon Commencing the Dark Sun quest, you may seek to become a Reverend, and thus attract a Jannisary. (Act II Merc) To do so, the Tunnels in the Ancient City must be cleansed with Holy bolt and Holy Fire.

4) Reverend
Must equip at least +3 LR once quests are completed.
New skills available: Holy Freeze, Vigor

The Reverend is a spiritual leader, an activist for the rights of the oppressed. Mercs are not to die, or a double payment must be made as wereguild, and a holy item sacrificed (rare blunt weapon or shield): they are victims of a materialistic world.

Co-op play: Convince at least one warrior (be it Amazon, Assassin, or Barb) to use a blunt weapon and get a screen shot proclaiming that they have "Seen the Light, and now wield the Hammer of Righteousness."

1. Earn the right to use Holy Freeze by cleansing the Maggot Lair. Fire pots may be used against bugs, but not poison.
2. Slay the Summoner with Wirt's Leg.
3. Defeat Duriel armed only with your faith, and your ability to lead others into righteousness. Your Merc must survive the combat with Duriel, or you have failed and must then cleanse all Seven Tombs of their embedded evil. Upon Defeat of Duriel, one may be assigned to Charge, which can only be used against LEB's.
4. Purify the hot, steaming, evil Jungles of Kejistan with cold.

Upon completing these quests, and equipping +3 to LR, you can become a Pastor.

5) Pastor
+3 LR Equipped at all times.
New Skills Allowed: Conversion, Holy Shield, Holy Shock, Meditation, *Concentration

The Pastor brings peace by harnessing the powers of the spirit to overcome evil. Completing quests is more important than slaying monsters. Converting the foe to the Light is the preferred method of overcoming Darkness, but the occasional "slap upside the head" against bosses is not bad form. A Pastor leads his congregation from the front.

Holy Shock earned when you defeat an LEB in the Jungle, or at any rate the LEB guarding Lower Kurast.

Concentration earned when Mephisto is defeated. If using the Concentration Aura for one's allies, weapons may not be used, but shield attack is allowed. Weapon attacks are only allowed against champions and bosses. Concentration is limited to One Point.

Conversion is earned with defeat of the High Council and the shattering of the Orb.

With the Defeat Of Mephisto, the Reverend may hire a 'Gnostic to replace his Janissary, or keep his Janissary. The decision must be made before entering Act IV. All Act IV quests must be completed prior to killing Diablo, and all of Act IV must be cleared to bring Light into every corner of the home of darkness.

Upon defeating Diablo, the Pastor earns the rank of Priest once he equips +4 LR.

6) Priest
Must equip +4 LR.
New Skills Allowed: FoH, Redemption, Sanctuary

The Priest is the leader of his flock. Every effort must be made to attract more followers. Converting demons to the light is a particular sign that the Light is with You. The Priest has one goal. The defeat of Baal. All Quests must be completed.

Earn Redemption by defeating the Ancients.

He must defeat Baal in order to earn the right to use Fanaticism and Conviction, and Salvation, to earn the title of Bishop.

7) Bishop
Must Equip +5, +6 LR, or +7 LR.

Bishops are accomplished leaders in the light. They always equip no less than +5 to LR. Upon Defeating Baal, the first point must be Salvation. Only then can Conviction be taken, if +6 or greater LR is equipped. After that may Fanaticism be taken, if +7 LR is Equipped. Fanaticism is allowed to encourage disciples onto greater deeds. (In Nightmare...)

Act 1: Defeat Andariel with Converted monsters, preferably Rogues from the Tamoe Highland. This could be very hard solo, and may take the help for friends with TP's to attempt to get rogues, tp to cats 4, fight, etc.

Act 2: Keep Merc Alive Against Duriel or lose the right to use Act II Mercs until Mephisto is Defeated.

Act 3: Slay every Ghoul Lord in the Durance with Holy Bolt.

8) Cardinal
Defeat Baal in NM, and Equip +8 LR.

Only Cardinals may operate in Hell Difficulty, and use Vengeance, provided +8 or greater LR is equipped. (Bring On The Comfy Chair, Cardinal Fang!!!)

9) Pope
Defeat Baal in Hell. Retire and take up skiing. 8^)

## Order of the Beacon

"Illuminating the Spirit from Within" -Motto of the Order of the Beacon

Items

Armor
Any cloth, leather, linked mail, breast plate, or light plate.
Any Belts or Gloves. Only Leather and Chain boots.

Helms
No Masks, Caps, or Helms. Crowns and Circlets only.

Shield
Any Round Shield. No triangular or square shields are permitted. The Sun, the Source of the Light, must always be symbolically presented to the hordes of darkness.
No spiked or bone shields. In order to use Smite in self defense (smite to stun foe, then retreat) the shield must have +LR on it, either via Rune or naturally.

Weapon
Only Scepter, and wands without +Nec skills on them.

The Order of the Beacon seeks to bring the Light from within and generally avoids the use of weapons. A round shield representing the Sun, the source of the Light, must always be equipped per above.

The Order of the Beacon does not use weapons, except for scepters and wands without Necromancer Skills. (i.e. fast cast Wands are allowed.)

No scepter can be wielded that has any skill that he cannot use, although they may be saved for when he can.

Skills

No Charge, No Zeal, No Vengeance. A watered down Hammerdin, depending on how he is played.

He may use Sacrifice, to ensure he bleeds for every blow he lands.

Ranks

1) Brother
Skills Allowed: Smite*, Prayer, Res Fire

The Brother follows the spiritual path to victory. He discards the sword in camp, and lays hands on the evil ones to convert them. He may use Smite defeat the leaders of the unbelieving if he has equipped +1 LR, i.e. champions and bosses, and may only wield his scepter in self defense against bosses. All lesser minions must be given spiritual guidance from the Light to either repent, or perish.

1. Collect all weapons found in Blood Moor and Cold Plains. Return to Charsi in an effort to turn "Swords into plowshares."
2. Defeat Blood Raven and Rakanishu, the cult leader of the Fallen (they always call his name) before advancing to Deacon. If either of these two drops a sceptre, that weapon can be used immediately against bosses if Sacrifice is used. Otherwise, sceptre from Akara when Cain rescued, you pay for it.

If a Nun offers her services, she must wear at least a +1 LR item at all times, to differentiate her from those tawdry rogue wenches. (Rogue Merc= Nun. In later acts you will find Jannisaries, 'Gnostic, and Baptists.) Now that you have a congregation of at least one, and have defeated a heretic, you can become a Deacon.

2) Deacon
New skills Allowed: Holy Fire, Holy Bolt, Thorns* Defiance, Res Cold

The Deacon leads by example, and emphasizes the power of the spirit over the power of the flesh. He eschews Smite for the time being. A Deacon must always have a follower, be it Co-op or other disciple. Otherwise, how can he lead by example?

Cleanse Tristram with Holy Fire and Holy Bolt. Bosses may be Smitten, the rest must be cleansed by fire. You may try to re-convert Griswold by emptying your mana ball three consecutive times (firing Holy Bolt at him) before you have killed anyone else in Tristram. Once Tristram cleansed, you may apply one point to Might. This aura is only to be used to help your disciples fight better.

Lead your Nun in her vow to cleanse the Dark Tower, during which you may not slay any enemy, save champions and bosses. Your leadership allows you to become a Missionary(later, see below.) If you screw this up, and the nun dies in the Tower, you have to lead her to the defeat of Andariel (without dying) to earn the next rank. (Use those pots, and use that Shift key)

3) Missionary
Equip at least +2 LR once quests completed.
New Skills: Cleansing, Res Light

1. Earn Cleansing by defeating Andariel. The only weapons you may use is a gemmed, or unadorned, Wirt's Leg.
2. Cleanse the Sewers of Lut Gholein With Holy Fire and Holy Bolt. Smite permitted against Invader bosses and champions, as well as cats, if you have +1 or more LR on the Shield. Radament must be slain by either Holy Fire or Holy Bolt.
3. Upon Commencing the Dark Sun quest, you may seek to become a Reverend, and thus attract a Jannisary. (Act II Merc) To do so, the Tunnels in the Ancient City must be cleansed with Holy bolt and Holy Fire.

Resist Lightning is earned after defeat of the first Dung Beetle, and is thereupon required when in party fighting LEB and Dung soldier types. You move into the "The Light is my shield" philosophy here.

4) Reverend
Must equip at least +3 LR once quests are completed.
New skills allowed: Holy Freeze, Blessed Hammer Holy Freeze available at earliest convenience

1. Slay the Summoner with a Blessed Hammer.
2. Defeat Duriel without using weapons. Your Merc must survive the combat with Duriel, or you have failed and must then cleanse all Seven Tombs of their embedded evil.
3. Purify the hot, steaming evil Jungles in Kejistan with cold.

Upon completing these quests, equip +3 to LR and you can become a Pastor.

5) Pastor
Always equips +3 LR
New Skills Allowed: Conversion, Holy Shield, Holy Shock, Meditation, *Concentration

The Pastor attempts to bring peace to a troubled world by harnessing the powers of the spirit to overcome evil. Completing quests is more important than slaying monsters. Converting the foe to bring the Light to others is a preferred method of overcoming Darkness, but the occasional "slap upside the head -- Out Demons!!!!--" is not considered bad form. A Pastor leads his congregation from the front.

Holy Shock is earned when you defeat an LEB in the Jungle, or at any rate the LEB guarding Lower Kurast.

Conversion earned with defeat of the High Council and the shattering of the Orb.

Concentration earned when Mephisto is defeated. Smite attacks are only allowed against champions and bosses. Concentration is limited to One Point.

With the Defeat Of Mephisto, the Reverend may hire a 'Gnostic to replace his Janissary, or keep his Janissary. The decision must be made before entering Act IV. All of Act IV must be cleared, the light brought to every corner of the Home of Darkness. Defeat of Diablo earns the title of Priest.

6) Priest
Must equip +4 LR.

The Priest has one goal. The defeat of Baal. All Quests must be completed. He must defeat the Ancients to earn the right to use Redemption. He must defeat Baal in order to earn the right to use Fanaticism and Conviction, and Salvation, to earn the title of Bishop.

7) Bishop
Must Equip +5, +6 LR, or +7 LR.

Bishops are accomplished leaders in the light. They always equip no less than +5 to LR. Upon Defeating Baal, the first point takes must be Salvation. Only then can Conviction be taken, if +6 or greater LR is equipped. After that may Fanaticism be taken, if +7 LR is Equipped. Fanaticism is allowed to encourage disciples onto greater and greater deeds. (In Nightmare...)

Act 1: Defeat Andariel with Converted monsters, preferably Rogues from the Tamoe Highland. This could be very hard solo, and may take the help for friends with TP's to attempt to get rogues, tp to cats 4, fight, etc . . .

Act 2: Keep Merc Alive Against Duriel or use the right to use Act II Mercs until Mephisto is Defeated.

Act 3: Slay every Ghoul Lords in the Durance with Holy Bolt.

8) Cardinal
Defeat Baal in NM, and Equip +8 LR.

Only Cardinals may operate in Hell Difficulty, and use Vengeance, provided +8 or greater LR is equipped. (Bring On The Comfy Chair!!!)

9) Pope
Defeat Baal in Hell. Retire and take up skiing. 8^)

May the Light Be With You!!