Beastman
by Syntari

Class: Warrior
Tag: BST

Introduction

A character created by Chaos and tormented to destroy those who serve it.

Rules

Every ten character levels (not including 1), the Beastman receives an item which, from then on, he must wear, unless it is replaced by another. The item must be at least semi-random, and not from the character's controller, and may be cursed, enchanted, or hybrid.

Items

Armor
Common Armors, designed for a full Human, or at least something humanoid, rarely fit a Beastman. His body twisted by Chaos, he must have the armors changed to fit him. Luckily, his fists make suitable forge hammers. He must use his 'Repair' skill on any item found, and must use it on an item bought as soon as, or quickly after, it becomes damaged. An armor, however, doesn't have to be repaired if it has a 'Beast' suffix (one of the +hp suffixes). These rules go for Helms, too.

Shields
Likewise, the grips on shields are rarely built to accommodate the paws or clamps that make up the average Beastman's 'hands'. These, likewise, must be repaired by the use of the skill before they can be used. Again, a 'Beast' suffix allows use. Note that the Dragon's Breach, designed, obviously, for something other than a Human, can be used without needing repair.

Jewelry
Rings, except for unique ones, are nearly impossible to fit over the deformed hands of Beastmen. Amulets, on the other hand, will fit, if not always well, around the neck of almost any mutation.

Weapons
Beastmen have unusual taste in weapons. They will almost always choose the biggest available, no matter what enchantments the smaller may have. This often provides problems in their development, as large, well enchanted items are hard to find early on. Also, blunt weapons seem to be a bane of theirs, they will almost never use one, although, after all, their own claws serve nearly the same purpose.

Enchantments
Prefixes and Suffixes are invaluable for Beastmen, as their preferences for large Weapons make enchantments rare things in the early levels. Available prefixes are those which are named after animals (the +mana series), obsidian and jade (the colors of Logrus), the +ac% series except for those 'religious' ones (Holy, Saintly, Godly, etc), a few +dam/+th prefixes (namely: Lord's, Master's, Warrior's), and Flaming/Lightning. Available suffixes are those named after animals (the +hp series), the +strength and +vitality series, items of the bear, bat, leech, or vampires, and 'of thorns'.

Uniques
Several uniques were created for other-than-human beings, it seems. The result of this is that several of them are of particular use to Beastmen. These special uniques can be kept in place of a 'gift' item, except on certain quests. They consist of the Dragon's Breach, the unique Rings, The Grizzly, Ealgehorn (the only usable bow, which MIGHT be useful... for spitter bosses :) ), and other, appropriately named, uniques.

Spells

Utility spells, such as healing, town portal, and the other non-offensive spells, are allowed, but offensive spells are regulated: Anything that can't be directly aimed (i.e., Nova, Charged Bolt, Flash, Flame Wave) is ok. They are, after all, creatures of Chaos. Chain Lightning, Fireball, Lightning, and those which cannot be directly controlled, but are controllable, can be cast from scroll. Bone Spirit and Blood Star are the exceptions, their life stealing and Bone Spirit's odd damage are chaotic enough to fit in. Others are not allowed, as they are, well, just not chaotic enough :)

Quests

1) Rampage
Upon reaching level 20, the Beastman has the option of removing all non-gift items worn (i.e., two items are worn if at the minimum level), and starting out in Normal/Hell. His objective is to make his way down to level 16 (avoiding as many monsters as possible, for obvious reasons ;) ), and slaying Diablo. If he succeeds, he gains the title of Mutate. He may undertake this again on Nightmare difficulty whenever he wants, and again on Hell whenever he wants, gaining the title of Beast and Grotesque Beast, respectively.

2) Frenzy
In a Frenzy, the Beastman attempts to clear the highest possible difficulty/Hell wearing minimal protection. He's permitted to wear any Leather Armor gift he's received, and an amulet( I also recommend he equip, for example, a Staff of apocalypse that he can't use to prevent picking up dropped weapons). For a successful Frenzy, he earns the title of Initiate, Chaos Wielder, and Logrus Master, respectively, on normal/nightmare/hell difficulty.