Cleric
by Aldwyn

Class: Paladin
Tag: None.

Introduction

The basic idea is a Paladin that uses only Defensive Auras (particularly Prayer) and Holy Bolt, and uses only blunt weapons.

Rules

Champions and Named Monsters must be killed first in a fight, then Undead must be vanquished as they are the true enemy (zombies, skeletons, etc.). Then the shaman-types because they are doing the dark, dark act of raising the dead. Finally kill the rest after the others are slain.

If you hire a mercenary and she/he dies, you are not allowed to hire another. (Quest reward mercenaries are free gifts, so they're not actually "hired.")

Be wary of partying with Necromancers.

Items

Weapons
You must always use a blunt weapon (i.e. non-bladed such as Wands, Scepters, Staves) - NO EXCEPTIONS

Enchantments
+ poison damage, anything that steals life, Knight's, Lord's, King's, Monk's, Priest's, Emerald, Amber, Ruby, Sapphire and Wyrm's are reserved for higher stages.

Skills

No Offensive Auras other than Sanctuary may be used.
Of the combat skills, Holy Bolt, Blessed Hammer, and Fist of the Heavens are allowed.

Tests

1) Test of Faith
Attempt at level 1 or higher.

You have begun your journey as a Cleric. You have yet to earn the Townfolk's trust, so no buying/selling with the merchants yet. Akara tells you of a place of great evil. Venture there and enter the Den of Evil. Clear this place of the demons, and more importantly, of Corpsefire the zombie. When you return to Akara you have gained her trust, so you may buy/sell from her.

Kashya, however, does not trust you just yet. She tells you of a corrupted rogue, Blood Raven. When you have disposed of her you are allowed to hire mercenaries. As your last task, you must enter the Dark Wood and slay TreeHead Woodfist, guardian of the Scroll of Inifuss. When Akara tells you what order to touch the stones, take the portal to Tristram and rescue Deckard Cain. When he is safely back in the encampment, you can now buy/sell from Charsi and Gheed and you have earned the title of Disciple.

Reward
Title of Disciple. Ability to buy & sell items.

2) Test of Power
Attempt at level 10 or higher.

After the great victory in Tristram, you must seek out Coldcrow, Rakanishu, The Countess, The Smith, Pitspawn Fouldog, Bone Ash, and Andariel. With a 2-handed blunt weapon, you must mercilessly slay them. Pick up the standard gem that Andariel drops, obtain a socketed Dirk, and gem it with the standard gem. The color that the dirk changes when the gem is inserted is your god's color. Save this dirk, you'll need it for your next Test. You have earned the title of Warrior.

Reward
Title of Warrior

3) Test of Honor
Attempt at level 16 or higher.

Ah yes, remember your Gemmed Dirk? Take it out, equip it, find the best socketed (not Gemmed) shield you can find, and equip that. Next, equip a socketed (not Gemmed) helm. You will now clear act 2 using that equipment (as well as other things you can equip simultaneously). If you come along another gem of the same type as your Gemmed Dirk, place it in the helm, and another one in the shield should you find two. You will now be wielding the shield of your God, the helm of your God, and the dirk of your God. (You may later substitute Milabrega's Diadem, Rod, and Robe if you manage to collect all 3.) When Duriel lies dead at your feet, you have earned the title of Honorable.

Reward
Title of Honorable