******************************************************************************* * * * DIABLO II * * PALADIN GUIDE * * * * By: SloDeth vFINAL August 1, 2001 * * * ******************************************************************************* =============================================================================== NEWS: Diablo II has changed vastly as a game. This may be good for the game itself and the players by keeping things fresh, but it has made it impossible for me to keep this guide current. I don't even enjoy the game any more! As a result, I am finished with this guide. I won't take it down - I'll leave it up for anyone who still plays an older version of the game. Please don't send me any email concerning the changes in the game or any problems with the guide. =============================================================================== Table of Contents 0. Introduction What is this guide? Why should I be a Paladin? What are auras? Can I use this guide on my website? Can I send you E-mail? 1. SKILLS Intro OFFENSIVE AURAS Might Holy Fire Thorns Blessed Aim Concentration Holy Freeze Holy Shock Sanctuary Fanaticism Conviction DEFENSIVE AURAS Prayer Resist Fire Defiance Resist Cold Cleansing Resist Lightning Vigor Meditation Redemption Salvation COMBAT SKILLS Sacrifice Holy Bolt Smite Zeal Charge Vengeance Blessed Hammer Conversion Holy Shield Fist of the Heavens HOW SHOULD I DISTRIBUTE MY SKILL POINTS? 2. Other Paladin Questions WHAT ARE SOME GENERAL PATHS TO TAKE WHEN MAKING A PALADIN? What equipment should I use? How should I distribute my stats? How do I get my skills to level 30? How should I play in Multiplayer? What should I do when the party has several Paladins? What about Hardcore Mode? What about dueling? 3. Diablo II: Lord of Destruction - the Expansion Pack 4. Version History 5. Contributor Recognition 6. Contact Info E-mail address ICQ # Web Page Copyright Info --------------- 0. Introduction --------------- ******************* What is this guide? ******************* This is a detailed guide for the Paladin class in Diablo II. Diablo II is an RPG brought to you by Blizzard Entertainment. The Paladin is one of the five classes in the game, and this guide will explore every nook and cranny of being a Paladin. ************************** Why should I be a Paladin? ************************** Paladin is the most strategically demanding class. If you play online, everyone will want you in the party, no matter what level you are(99% true). There are too many Necromancers and Barbarians already! You are a natural party leader. You've always wanted to be like a knight from the Middle Ages. *************** What are auras? *************** This is quite important...an aura is something that affects you and anybody in a certain radius. A Paladin can use one aura at once, and has a choice between twenty different auras. Each aura has a different affect on you and your party. You can choose which aura to use in each situation. *********************************** Can I use this guide on my website? *********************************** It depends. Here's how it is: YOU MUST E-MAIL ME(slodeth@iname.com) AND ASK FOR PERMISSION! You may not make any changes to it. You can ask, but the answer will be "no" in almost every case. You cannot make it seem like you wrote the guide yourself IN ANY WAY. It must be clear that it is my original work. You may not re-write it yourself in your own style. It's called plagiarism. Even if you change every word, plagiarism is the theft of IDEAS. If I grant you permission by E-mail, you should give me an E-mail address which I can inform you about updates to the guide. If I grant you permission by E-mail, you should give me a hyperlink to the web site on which you post the guide. If you follow each of these steps above, you will almost certainly be given permission. ********************** Can I send you E-mail? ********************** Yes, but PLEASE read the Contact Info section at the bottom of the guide! ================= 1. PALADIN SKILLS ================= Before we start, I need to clarify a few things... Every aura will have its name, requirements, a statistical chart, description, advantages, and disadvantages listed. The charts go to level 30, but you can only put 20 points into each skill. There's more about that in the FAQ at the bottom. All radii(radius plural) are in yards, and all durations are in seconds. --------------- OFFENSIVE AURAS --------------- ***** Might ***** REQ: Level 1 Level | + Damage | Radius ------|----------|----------- 1 | 40% | 7.3 2 | 50% | 8.6 3 | 60% | 10 4 | 70% | 11.3 5 | 80% | 12.6 6 | 90% | 14 7 | 100% | 15.3 8 | 110% | 16.6 9 | 120% | 18 10 | 130% | 19.3 11 | 140% | 20.6 12 | 150% | 22 13 | 160% | 23.3 14 | 170% | 24.6 15 | 180% | 26 16 | 190% | 27.3 17 | 200% | 28.6 18 | 210% | 30 19 | 220% | 31.3 20 | 230% | 32.6 21 | 240% | 34 22 | 250% | 35.3 23 | 270% | 36.6 24 | 280% | 38 25 | 290% | 39.3 26 | 300% | 40.6 27 | 310% | 42 28 | 320% | 43.3 29 | 330% | 44.6 30 | 340% | 46 Might is very simple-it adds to your damage. Your damage is increased by the percent listed. Advantages: Obvious! Disadvantages: Not as good as Concentration, which is worth waiting for. ********* Holy Fire ********* REQ: Level 6, Might Level | Fire Damage | Radius ------|-------------|-------- 1 | 1-3 | 4 2 | 1.5-3.5 | 4.6 3 | 2.5-4.5 | 5.3 4 | 3-4 | 6 5 | 4-6 | 6.6 6 | 4.5-6.5 | 7.3 7 | 5.5-7.5 | 8 8 | 6-8 | 8.6 9 | 7-9 | 9.3 10 | 7.5-9.5 | 10 11 | 8.5-10.5 | 10.6 12 | 9-11 | 11.3 13 | 10-12 | 12 14 | 10.5-12.5 | 12.6 15 | 11.5-13.5 | 13.3 16 | 12-14 | 14 17 | 13-15 | 14.6 18 | 13.5-15.5 | 15.3 19 | 14.5-16.5 | 16 20 | 15-17 | 16.6 21 | 16-18 | 17.3 22 | 16.5-18.5 | 18 23 | 17.5-19.5 | 18.6 24 | 18-20 | 19.3 25 | 19-21 | 20 26 | 19.5-21.5 | 20.6 27 | 20.5-22.5 | 21.3 28 | 21-23 | 22 29 | 22-24 | 22.6 30 | 22.5-24.5 | 23.3 Holy fire deals fire damage to any enemy in its radius. Advantages: Deal damage without even attacking. Disadvantages: Very weak. Useless in Nightmare and Hell. * NOTE: this skill is enhanced by Magefists, which is primarily a Sorceress item. It might not be a good idea to use them, but it's interesting! ****** Thorns ****** REQ: Level 6 Level | DMG Returned| Radius ------|-------------|------- 1 | 250% | 7.3 2 | 290% | 8.6 3 | 330% | 10 4 | 370% | 11.3 5 | 410% | 12.6 6 | 450% | 14 7 | 490% | 15.3 8 | 530% | 16.6 9 | 570% | 18 10 | 610% | 19.3 11 | 650% | 20.6 12 | 690% | 22 13 | 730% | 23.3 14 | 770% | 24.6 15 | 810% | 26 16 | 850% | 27.3 17 | 890% | 28.3 18 | 930% | 30 19 | 970% | 31.3 20 | 1010% | 32.6 21 | 1050% | 34 22 | 1090% | 35.3 23 | 1130% | 36.6 24 | 1170% | 38 25 | 1210% | 39.3 26 | 1250% | 40.6 27 | 1290% | 42 28 | 1330% | 43.3 29 | 1370% | 44.6 30 | 1410% | 46 For every hit taken from the enemy, the amount of damage given to you is given back to the enemy, times the percent. This is extremely powerful and useful. Advantages: Kill enemies without taking a swing! Useful against enemies of any level. Disadvantages: You still take damage, so it might not be wise to have a strategy based on you taking damage. It doesn't work with ranged attacks. *********** Blessed Aim *********** REQ: Level 12, Might Level | + ATK Rating| Radius ------|-------------|------- 1 | 75% | 7.3 2 | 90% | 8.6 3 | 105% | 10 4 | 120% | 11.3 5 | 135% | 12.6 6 | 150% | 14 7 | 165% | 15.3 8 | 180% | 16.6 9 | 195% | 18 10 | 210% | 19.3 11 | 225% | 20.6 12 | 240% | 22 13 | 255% | 23.3 14 | 270% | 24.6 15 | 285% | 26 16 | 300% | 27.3 17 | 315% | 28.3 18 | 330% | 30 19 | 345% | 31.3 20 | 360% | 32.6 21 | 375% | 34 22 | 390% | 35.3 23 | 405% | 36.6 24 | 420% | 38 25 | 435% | 39.3 26 | 450% | 40.6 27 | 465% | 42 28 | 480% | 43.3 29 | 495% | 44.6 30 | 510% | 46 This aura increases your attack rating. Advantages: Good if you have low Dexterity. Disadvantages: Not very useful overall. ************* Concentration ************* REQ: Level 18, Might, Blessed Aim Level | + Damage | Radius ------|-----------|-------- 1 | 60% | 7.3 2 | 75% | 8.6 3 | 90% | 10 4 | 105% | 11.3 5 | 120% | 12.6 6 | 135% | 14 7 | 150% | 15.3 8 | 165% | 16.6 9 | 180% | 18 10 | 195% | 19.3 11 | 210% | 20.6 12 | 225% | 22 13 | 240% | 23.3 14 | 255% | 24.6 15 | 270% | 26 16 | 285% | 27.3 17 | 300% | 28.3 18 | 315% | 30 19 | 330% | 31.3 20 | 345% | 32.6 21 | 360% | 34 22 | 375% | 35.3 23 | 390% | 36.6 24 | 405% | 38 25 | 420% | 39.3 26 | 435% | 40.6 27 | 450% | 42 28 | 465% | 43.3 29 | 480% | 44.6 30 | 495% | 46 *Note that no radius is displayed in the game. The radius listed is assumed to be the same as Thorns and various other skills. Concentration increases your damage. This becomes a powerful aura very quickly and is a wise investment. It also makes 20% of your attacks uninterruptable, which means that an enemy's attack will not stop your attack from connecting. The radius is not displayed by the game, so this is a rough estimate. Advantages: Very useful. L13 Concen beats L20 Might. Disadvantages: Not helpful if you can't score a hit. *********** Holy Freeze *********** REQ: Level 18, Might, Holy Fire Level | Enemies Slowed | Radius ------|----------------|-------- 1 | 30% | 4 2 | 34% | 4.6 3 | 37% | 5.3 4 | 40% | 6 5 | 42% | 6.6 6 | 44% | 7.3 7 | 45% | 8 8 | 46% | 8.6 9 | 48% | 9.3 10 | 48% | 10 11 | 49% | 10.6 12 | 50% | 11.3 13 | 51% | 12 14 | 51% | 12.6 15 | 52% | 13.3 16 | 53% | 14 17 | 53% | 14.6 18 | 53% | 15.3 19 | 54% | 16 20 | 54% | 16.6 21 | 54% | 17.3 22 | 55% | 18 23 | 55% | 18.6 24 | 55% | 19.3 25 | 56% | 20 26 | 56% | 20.6 27 | 56% | 21.3 28 | 57% | 22 29 | 57% | 22.6 30 | 57% | 23.3 *Post-L20 data may be inaccurate for this table. This spell will freeze and slow your enemies. Advantages: Most useful of the Holy spells. Useful in Nightmare and Hell. Since the enemy is slowed, they make fewer attacks and are easier to hit. Disadvantages: Increases in effectiveness quickly. I recommend stopping around L10. ********** Holy Shock ********** REQ: Level 24, Might, Holy Fire, Holy Freeze Level | Lightning | Radius | Damage | ------|-------------|------- 1 | 1-5 | 3.3 2 | 2-6 | 4 3 | 4-8 | 4.6 4 | 5-9 | 5.3 5 | 7-11 | 6 6 | 8-12 | 6.6 7 | 10-14 | 7.3 8 | 11-15 | 8 9 | 13-17 | 8.6 10 | 14-18 | 9.3 11 | 16-20 | 10 12 | 17-21 | 10.6 13 | 19-23 | 11.3 14 | 20-24 | 12 15 | 22-26 | 12.6 16 | 23-27 | 13.3 17 | 25-29 | 14 18 | 26-30 | 14.6 19 | 28-32 | 15.3 20 | 29-33 | 16 21 | 31-35 | 16.6 22 | 32-36 | 17.3 23 | 34-38 | 18 24 | 35-39 | 18.6 25 | 37-41 | 19.3 26 | 38-42 | 20 27 | 40-44 | 20.6 28 | 41-45 | 21.3 29 | 43-47 | 22 30 | 44-48 | 22.6 Holy Shock does lightning damage to each enemy in the radius. Advantages: Do damage without taking a swing! Disadvantages: Quite useless in Nightmare and Hell. ********* Sanctuary ********* REQ: Level 24, Thorns Level | Magic | Radius | Damage | ------|-------------|------- 1 | 8-16 | 3.3 2 | 12-20 | 4 3 | 16-24 | 4.6 4 | 20-28 | 5.3 5 | 24-32 | 6 6 | 28-36 | 6.6 7 | 32-40 | 7.3 8 | 36-44 | 8 9 | 40-48 | 8.6 10 | 44-52 | 9.3 11 | 48-56 | 10 12 | 52-60 | 10.6 13 | 56-64 | 11.3 14 | 60-68 | 12 15 | 64-72 | 12.6 16 | 68-76 | 13.3 17 | 72-80 | 14 18 | 76-84 | 14.6 19 | 80-88 | 15.3 20 | 84-92 | 16 21 | 88-96 | 16.6 22 | 92-100 | 17.3 23 | 96-104 | 18 24 | 100-108 | 18.6 25 | 104-112 | 19.3 26 | 108-116 | 20 27 | 112-120 | 20.6 28 | 116-124 | 21.3 29 | 120-128 | 22 30 | 124-132 | 22.6 Sanctuary repels and damages undead enemies. Advantages: Knocking back the enemies can be a huge advantage. Damage is decent, but not spectacular. Disadvantages: Only damages undead, not as cool as it sounds. ********** Fanaticism ********** REQ: Level 30, Might, Blessed Aim, Concentration Level |+ ATK Speed |ATK Rate| Radius ------|------------|--------|------- 1 | +14% | +40% | 7.3 2 | +18% | +45% | 7.3 3 | +20% | +50% | 7.3 4 | +23% | +55% | 7.3 5 | +25% | +60% | 7.3 6 | +26% | +65% | 7.3 7 | +27% | +70% | 7.3 8 | +28% | +75% | 7.3 9 | +29% | +80% | 7.3 10 | +30% | +85% | 7.3 11 | +31% | +90% | 7.3 12 | +31% | +95% | 7.3 13 | +32% | +100% | 7.3 14 | +33% | +105% | 7.3 15 | +33% | +110% | 7.3 16 | +34% | +115% | 7.3 17 | +34% | +120% | 7.3 18 | +34% | +125% | 7.3 19 | +34% | +130% | 7.3 20 | +35% | +135% | 7.3 21 | +35% | +140% | 7.3 22 | +35% | +145% | 7.3 23 | +35% | +150% | 7.3 24 | +36% | +155% | 7.3 25 | +36% | +160% | 7.3 26 | +36% | +165% | 7.3 27 | +37% | +170% | 7.3 28 | +37% | +175% | 7.3 29 | +37% | +180% | 7.3 30 | +37% | +185% | 7.3 *Post-L20 data may be inaccurate for this table. Fanaticism increases your attack speed and rating. Advantages: Speeds up your attack significantly. Especially useful if you have a slow weapon. Disadvantages: No damage bonus. Attack rating bonus isn't enough. ********** Conviction ********** REQ: Level 30, Might, Holy Fire, Holy Freeze, Thorns, Sanctuary Level | Enemy | Enemy | Radius | Defense | Resists | ------|---------|---------|------- 1 | -49% | -26% | 6 2 | -56% | -32% | 6.6 3 | -61% | -36% | 7.3 4 | -66% | -39% | 8 5 | -70% | -42% | 8.6 6 | -73% | -44% | 9.3 7 | -75% | -46% | 10 8 | -77% | -47% | 10.6 9 | -79% | -49% | 11.3 10 | -80% | -50% | 12 11 | -82% | -51% | 12.6 12 | -83% | -52% | 13.3 13 | -85% | -53% | 14 14 | -86% | -54% | 14.6 15 | -86% | -55% | 15.3 16 | -88% | -56% | 16 17 | -88% | -56% | 16.6 18 | -89% | -56% | 17.3 19 | -89% | -57% | 18 20 | -90% | -57% | 18.6 21 | -90% | -57% | 19.3 22 | -91% | -58% | 20 23 | -91% | -58% | 20.6 24 | -91% | -59% | 21.3 25 | -92% | -59% | 22 26 | -92% | -60% | 22.6 27 | -92% | -60% | 23.3 28 | -93% | -60% | 24 29 | -93% | -61% | 24.6 30 | -93% | -61% | 25.3 *Post-L20 data may be inaccurate for this table. Conviction lowers enemies' defense and maximum elemental resists. Advantages: Your attacks will do much more damage! Affects enemies instead of your party. Disadvantages: Affects enemies instead of your party(it's personal preference). --------------- DEFENSIVE AURAS --------------- ****** Prayer ****** REQ: Level 1 Level | Healing | Radius | Mana Cost ------|---------|--------|---------- 1 | 2 | 7.3 | 1 2 | 3 | 8.6 | 1.1 3 | 4 | 10 | 1.3 4 | 5 | 11.3 | 1.5 5 | 6 | 12.6 | 1.7 6 | 7 | 14 | 1.9 7 | 8 | 15.3 | 2.1 8 | 9 | 16.6 | 2.3 9 | 10 | 18 | 2.5 10 | 11 | 19.3 | 2.6 11 | 12 | 20.6 | 2.8 12 | 13 | 22 | 3 13 | 14 | 23.3 | 3.2 14 | 15 | 24.6 | 3.4 15 | 16 | 26 | 3.6 16 | 17 | 27.3 | 3.8 17 | 18 | 28.6 | 4 18 | 19 | 30 | 4.1 19 | 20 | 31.3 | 4.3 20 | 21 | 32.6 | 4.5 21 | 22 | 34 | 4.7 22 | 23 | 35.3 | 4.9 23 | 24 | 36.6 | 5.1 24 | 25 | 38 | 5.2 25 | 26 | 39.3 | 5.4 26 | 27 | 40.6 | 5.6 27 | 28 | 42 | 5.8 28 | 29 | 43.3 | 6 29 | 30 | 44.6 | 6.2 30 | 31 | 46 | 6.3 Prayer regenerates your life slowly. Advantages: With some patience, you can regain all your life without potions. Disadvantages: Too slow. Not as useful as it sounds. Uses mana. *********** Resist Fire *********** REQ: Level 1 Level | Fire Resist | Radius ------|-------------|------- 1 | +54% | 7.3 2 | +58% | 8.6 3 | +60% | 10 4 | +63% | 11.3 5 | +65% | 12.6 6 | +66% | 14 7 | +67% | 15.3 8 | +68% | 16.6 9 | +69% | 18 10 | +70% | 19.3 11 | +71% | 20.6 12 | +71% | 22 13 | +72% | 23.3 14 | +73% | 24.6 15 | +73% | 26 16 | +74% | 27.3 17 | +74% | 28.6 18 | +74% | 30 19 | +74% | 31.3 20 | +75% | 32.6 21 | +75% | 34 22 | +75% | 35.6 23 | +75% | 36.3 24 | +76% | 38 25 | +76% | 39.6 26 | +76% | 40.3 27 | +76% | 42 28 | +77% | 43.6 29 | +77% | 44.3 30 | +77% | 46 Resist Fire increases your resistance to fire. Advantages: Good against fire enemies. Disadvantages: Limited use. Not as good as Salvation. ******** Defiance ******** REQ: Level 6 Level |+ Defense | Radius ------|----------|------- 1 | 70% | 7.3 2 | 80% | 8.6 3 | 90% | 10 4 | 100% | 11.3 5 | 110% | 12.6 6 | 120% | 14 7 | 130% | 15.3 8 | 140% | 16.6 9 | 150% | 18 10 | 160% | 19.3 11 | 170% | 20.6 12 | 180% | 22 13 | 190% | 23.3 14 | 200% | 24.6 15 | 210% | 26 16 | 220% | 27.3 17 | 230% | 28.3 18 | 240% | 30 19 | 250% | 31.3 20 | 260% | 32.6 21 | 270% | 34 22 | 280% | 35.3 23 | 290% | 36.6 24 | 300% | 38 25 | 310% | 39.3 26 | 320% | 40.6 27 | 330% | 42 28 | 340% | 43.3 29 | 350% | 44.6 30 | 360% | 46 Defiance increases your defense, allowing you to take less damage. Advantages: Great for decent pieces of armor. Aura of choice for many people. Disadvantages: Only helps when you actually get hit... *********** Resist Cold *********** REQ: Level 6 Level | Cold Resist | Radius ------|-------------|------- 1 | +54% | 7.3 2 | +58% | 8.6 3 | +60% | 10 4 | +63% | 11.3 5 | +65% | 12.6 6 | +66% | 14 7 | +67% | 15.3 8 | +68% | 16.6 9 | +69% | 18 10 | +70% | 19.3 11 | +71% | 20.6 12 | +71% | 22 13 | +72% | 23.3 14 | +73% | 24.6 15 | +73% | 26 16 | +74% | 27.3 17 | +74% | 28.6 18 | +74% | 30 19 | +74% | 31.3 20 | +75% | 32.6 21 | +75% | 34 22 | +75% | 35.6 23 | +75% | 36.3 24 | +76% | 38 25 | +76% | 39.6 26 | +76% | 40.3 27 | +76% | 42 28 | +77% | 43.6 29 | +77% | 44.3 30 | +77% | 46 Resist Cold increases your resistance to cold and freezing attacks. Advantages: Good against cold enemies. Disadvantages: Limited use. Not as good as Salvation. ********* Cleansing ********* REQ: Level 12, Prayer Level |Reduction| Radius ------|---------|------- 1 | 39% | 7.3 2 | 46% | 8.6 3 | 51% | 10 4 | 56% | 11.3 5 | 60% | 12.6 6 | 63% | 14 7 | 65% | 15.3 8 | 67% | 16.6 9 | 69% | 18 10 | 70% | 19.3 11 | 72% | 20.6 12 | 73% | 22 13 | 75% | 23.3 14 | 76% | 24.6 15 | 76% | 26 16 | 78% | 27.3 17 | 78% | 28.3 18 | 79% | 30 19 | 79% | 31.3 20 | 80% | 32.6 21 | 80% | 34 22 | 81% | 35.3 23 | 81% | 36.6 24 | 82% | 38 25 | 82% | 39.3 26 | 82% | 40.6 27 | 83% | 42 28 | 83% | 43.3 29 | 83% | 44.6 30 | 84% | 46 Cleansing reduces the time you and your party are effected by curses and poisons. Advantages: Very helpful in the Chaos Sanctuary. Disadvantages: Very limited usefulness. **************** Resist Lightning **************** REQ: Level 12 Level | Lightning | Radius | Resist | ------|------------|------- 1 | +54% | 7.3 2 | +58% | 8.6 3 | +60% | 10 4 | +63% | 11.3 5 | +65% | 12.6 6 | +66% | 14 7 | +67% | 15.3 8 | +68% | 16.6 9 | +69% | 18 10 | +70% | 19.3 11 | +71% | 20.6 12 | +71% | 22 13 | +72% | 23.3 14 | +73% | 24.6 15 | +73% | 26 16 | +74% | 27.3 17 | +74% | 28.6 18 | +74% | 30 19 | +74% | 31.3 20 | +75% | 32.6 21 | +75% | 34 22 | +75% | 35.6 23 | +75% | 36.3 24 | +76% | 38 25 | +76% | 39.6 26 | +76% | 40.3 27 | +76% | 42 28 | +77% | 43.6 29 | +77% | 44.3 30 | +77% | 46 Resist Lighting increases your resistance to lightning attacks. Advantages: Good against enemies that use lightning. Disadvantages: Limited use. Not as good as Salvation. ***** Vigor ***** REQ: Level 18, Prayer, Cleansing, Defiance Level | Speed| Max Stamina | Stamina | Radius | | | Recovery | ------|------|-------------|-----------|-------- 1 | +13% | +50% | +50% | 10 2 | +18% | +75% | +75% | 12 3 | +22% | +100% | +100% | 14 4 | +25% | +125% | +125% | 16 5 | +28% | +150% | +150% | 18 6 | +30% | +175% | +175% | 20 7 | +32% | +200% | +200% | 22 8 | +33% | +225% | +225% | 24 9 | +35% | +250% | +250% | 26 10 | +36% | +275% | +275% | 28 11 | +37% | +300% | +300% | 30 12 | +38% | +325% | +325% | 32 13 | +39% | +350% | +350% | 34 14 | +40% | +375% | +375% | 36 15 | +40% | +400% | +400% | 38 16 | +41% | +425% | +425% | 40 17 | +41% | +450% | +450% | 42 18 | +42% | +475% | +475% | 44 19 | +42% | +500% | +500% | 46 20 | +43% | +525% | +525% | 48 21 | +43% | +550% | +550% | 50 22 | +44% | +575% | +575% | 52 23 | +44% | +600% | +600% | 54 24 | +44% | +625% | +625% | 56 25 | +45% | +650% | +650% | 58 26 | +45% | +675% | +675% | 60 27 | +45% | +700% | +700% | 62 28 | +46% | +725% | +725% | 64 29 | +46% | +750% | +750% | 66 30 | +46% | +775% | +775% | 68 Vigor increases your speed, your stamina, and your stamina recovery rate. Advantages: Great for marathon running. Disadvantages: Easily replaced with patience. Stamina is never a large problem in later levels. ********** Meditation ********** REQ: Level 24, Prayer, Cleansing Level | Mana Recov | Radius ------|------------|------- 1 | +65% | 7.3 2 | +80% | 8.6 3 | +95% | 10 4 | +110% | 11.3 5 | +125% | 12.6 6 | +140% | 14 7 | +155% | 15.3 8 | +170% | 16.6 9 | +185% | 18 10 | +200% | 19.3 11 | +215% | 20.6 12 | +230% | 22 13 | +245% | 23.3 14 | +260% | 24.6 15 | +275% | 26 16 | +290% | 27.3 17 | +305% | 28.6 18 | +320% | 30 19 | +335% | 31.3 20 | +350% | 32.6 21 | +365% | 34 22 | +380% | 35.6 23 | +395% | 36.3 24 | +410% | 38 25 | +425% | 39.6 26 | +440% | 40.3 27 | +455% | 42 28 | +470% | 43.6 29 | +485% | 44.3 30 | +500% | 46 Meditation, much like Prayer, increases your mana recovery rate. Advantages: Great if you depend on spells with high mana requirements. Disadvantages: Easier to use potions. ********** Redemption ********** REQ: Level 30, Prayer, Cleansing, Defiance, Vigor Level | Chance To | Life/Mana | Radius | Redeem | Bonus | ------|-----------|-----------|-------- 1 | +23% | 25 | 7.3 2 | +34% | 30 | 7.3 3 | +42% | 35 | 7.3 4 | +49% | 40 | 7.3 5 | +55% | 45 | 7.3 6 | +59% | 50 | 7.3 7 | +63% | 55 | 7.3 8 | +65% | 60 | 7.3 9 | +69% | 65 | 7.3 10 | +71% | 70 | 7.3 11 | +73% | 75 | 7.3 12 | +75% | 80 | 7.3 13 | +77% | 85 | 7.3 14 | +79% | 90 | 7.3 15 | +80% | 95 | 7.3 16 | +81% | 100 | 7.3 17 | +82% | 105 | 7.3 18 | +83% | 110 | 7.3 19 | +84% | 115 | 7.3 20 | +85% | 120 | 7.3 21 | +85% | 125 | 7.3 22 | +86% | 130 | 7.3 23 | +86% | 135 | 7.3 24 | +87% | 140 | 7.3 25 | +87% | 145 | 7.3 26 | +87% | 150 | 7.3 27 | +88% | 155 | 7.3 28 | +88% | 160 | 7.3 29 | +89% | 165 | 7.3 30 | +89% | 170 | 7.3 Redemption uses corpses to increase your life and mana. Advantages: Another way to increase your life and mana without potions, except this one is very good. A very wise investment. Disadvantages: Need corpses first. Potions are still a good backup. ********* Salvation ********* REQ: Level 30 Level | Resist All | Radius ------|------------|------- 1 | +54% | 7.3 2 | +58% | 8.6 3 | +60% | 10 4 | +63% | 11.3 5 | +65% | 12.6 6 | +66% | 14 7 | +67% | 15.3 8 | +68% | 16.6 9 | +69% | 18 10 | +70% | 19.3 11 | +71% | 20.6 12 | +71% | 22 13 | +72% | 23.3 14 | +73% | 24.6 15 | +73% | 26 16 | +74% | 27.3 17 | +74% | 28.6 18 | +74% | 30 19 | +74% | 31.3 20 | +75% | 32.6 21 | +75% | 34 22 | +75% | 35.6 23 | +75% | 36.3 24 | +76% | 38 25 | +76% | 39.6 26 | +76% | 40.3 27 | +76% | 42 28 | +77% | 43.6 29 | +77% | 44.3 30 | +77% | 46 Salvation increases your resistance to all elemental attacks. Advantages: Good against any elemental enemies. Disadvantages: Increase isn't very high later on, so leave it around L10. ------------- COMBAT SKILLS ------------- ********* Sacrifice ********* REQ: Level 1 Level | ATK Rating | Damage ------|------------|-------- 1 | +20% | 180% 2 | +25% | 192% 3 | +30% | 204% 4 | +35% | 216% 5 | +40% | 228% 6 | +45% | 240% 7 | +50% | 252% 8 | +55% | 264% 9 | +60% | 276% 10 | +65% | 288% 11 | +70% | 300% 12 | +75% | 312% 13 | +80% | 324% 14 | +85% | 336% 15 | +90% | 348% 16 | +95% | 360% 17 | +100% | 372% 18 | +105% | 384% 19 | +110% | 396% 20 | +115% | 408% 21 | +120% | 420% 22 | +125% | 432% 23 | +130% | 444% 24 | +135% | 456% 25 | +140% | 468% 26 | +145% | 480% 27 | +150% | 492% 28 | +155% | 504% 29 | +160% | 516% 30 | +165% | 528% CLARIFICATION: Every time you do damage, 8% of the damage comes back around to you. This can be deadly if you do high damage, and yes, you can Sacrifice yourself to death, so be careful. Advantages: Each hit does alot of damage, and it's powerful even at L1. Great with life-leech items. In fact, if you can get over 8% life leech, this is the perfect skill for you. Disadvantages: Most people aren't willing to spend their life for an attack. If you can't get the life leech, be very careful. ***Thanks to Yohu "Genjuro" Zayirebatsu for clarifying this skill. He's argued with me about the usefulness of this spell, but I'll stick to my opinions. There are many people out there who swear by this spell, so you should form your own opinion on this one. ***** Smite ***** REQ: Level 1 Level | Stun | Damage | Mana Cost | Time | | ------|------|----------|----------- 1 | 0.6 | +15% | 2 2 | 0.8 | +30% | 2 3 | 1 | +45% | 2 4 | 1.2 | +60% | 2 5 | 1.4 | +75% | 2 6 | 1.6 | +90% | 2 7 | 1.8 | +105% | 2 8 | 2 | +120% | 2 9 | 2.2 | +135% | 2 10 | 2.4 | +150% | 2 11 | 2.6 | +165% | 2 12 | 2.8 | +180% | 2 13 | 3 | +195% | 2 14 | 3.2 | +210% | 2 15 | 3.4 | +225% | 2 16 | 3.6 | +240% | 2 17 | 3.8 | +255% | 2 18 | 4 | +270% | 2 19 | 4.2 | +285% | 2 20 | 4.4 | +300% | 2 21 | 4.6 | +315% | 2 22 | 4.8 | +330% | 2 23 | 5 | +345% | 2 24 | 5.2 | +360% | 2 25 | 5.4 | +375% | 2 26 | 5.6 | +390% | 2 27 | 5.8 | +405% | 2 28 | 6 | +420% | 2 29 | 6.2 | +435% | 2 30 | 6.4 | +450% | 2 Smite is an attack with your shield. It stuns the enemy that it hits briefly. Every shield a Paladin gets has the Smite damage listed. Advantages: The Stun is useful. Kills invincible enemies(if you can't kill an enemy and his health is minimal, Smite him to death). Disadvantages: Generally weak and useless. ********* Holy Bolt ********* REQ: Level 6 Level | Heal | Magic DMG | Mana Cost ------|------|-----------|----------- 01 | 1-6 | 8-16 | 4 02 | 3-8 | 14-22 | 4 03 | 5-10 | 20-28 | 4 04 | 7-12 | 26-34 | 4 05 | 9-14 | 32-40 | 4 06 |11-16 | 38-46 | 4 07 |13-18 | 44-52 | 4 08 |15-20 | 50-58 | 4 09 |17-22 | 56-64 | 4 10 |19-24 | 62-70 | 4 11 |21-26 | 68-76 | 4 12 |23-28 | 74-82 | 4 13 |25-30 | 80-88 | 4 14 |27-32 | 86-94 | 4 15 |29-34 | 92-100 | 4 16 |31-36 | 98-106 | 4 17 |33-38 | 104-112 | 4 18 |35-40 | 110-118 | 4 19 |37-42 | 116-124 | 4 20 |39-44 | 122-130 | 4 21 |41-46 | 128-136 | 4 22 |43-48 | 134-142 | 4 23 |45-50 | 140-148 | 4 24 |47-52 | 146-154 | 4 25 |49-54 | 152-160 | 4 26 |51-56 | 158-166 | 4 27 |53-58 | 164-172 | 4 28 |55-60 | 170-178 | 4 29 |57-62 | 176-184 | 4 30 |59-64 | 182-190 | 4 Holy Bolt strikes an enemy to do damage or an ally to heal life. Advantages: Another alternative to potions. Disadvantages: Not very powerful. **** Zeal **** REQ: Level 12, Sacrifice Level | ATK Rate | # Hits | Mana Cost ------|----------|--------|----------- 1 | +10% | 2 | 2 2 | +15% | 3 | 2 3 | +20% | 4 | 2 4 | +25% | 5 | 2 5 | +30% | 6 | 2 6 | +35% | 7 | 2 7 | +40% | 8 | 2 8 | +45% | 9 | 2 9 | +50% | 10 | 2 10 | +55% | 11 | 2 11 | +60% | 12 | 2 12 | +65% | 13 | 2 13 | +70% | 14 | 2 14 | +75% | 15 | 2 15 | +80% | 16 | 2 16 | +85% | 17 | 2 17 | +90% | 18 | 2 18 | +95% | 19 | 2 19 | +100% | 20 | 2 20 | +105% | 21 | 2 21 | +110% | 22 | 2 22 | +115% | 23 | 2 23 | +120% | 24 | 2 24 | +125% | 25 | 2 25 | +130% | 26 | 2 26 | +135% | 27 | 2 27 | +140% | 28 | 2 28 | +145% | 29 | 2 29 | +150% | 30 | 2 30 | +155% | 31 | 2 Zeal is a multiple-hit attack. Instead of taking a single-swing, you will take several swings in quick succession. It also increases your attack rating. Advantages: Low mana cost. Very useful for situations in which many enemies are around you at once. Great in the early levels. Disadvantages: After you begin the sequence of hits, you cannot hit any enemies that start attacking you during the sequence. This means that if you use Zeal against a single enemy, then a group of enemies surrounds you soon after, you will not be able to hit any of them, but you will swing at them anyway. This wastes valuable time and can get you killed. For this reason, you should not invest many points in Zeal. ****** Charge ****** REQ: Level 12, Smite Level | ATK Rating | Damage | Mana Cost ------|------------|----------|----------- 1 | +50% | +100% | 9 2 | +65% | +125% | 9 3 | +80% | +150% | 9 4 | +95% | +175% | 9 5 | +110% | +200% | 9 6 | +125% | +225% | 9 7 | +140% | +250% | 9 8 | +155% | +275% | 9 9 | +170% | +300% | 9 10 | +185% | +325% | 9 11 | +200% | +350% | 9 12 | +215% | +375% | 9 13 | +230% | +400% | 9 14 | +245% | +425% | 9 15 | +260% | +450% | 9 16 | +275% | +475% | 9 17 | +290% | +500% | 9 18 | +305% | +525% | 9 19 | +320% | +550% | 9 20 | +335% | +575% | 9 21 | +350% | +600% | 9 22 | +365% | +625% | 9 23 | +380% | +650% | 9 24 | +395% | +675% | 9 25 | +410% | +700% | 9 26 | +425% | +725% | 9 27 | +440% | +750% | 9 28 | +455% | +775% | 9 29 | +470% | +800% | 9 30 | +485% | +825% | 9 Charge is a running/striking attack. You quickly charge toward the enemy and deliver a crushing blow. Advantages: Crazy attack bonus! Very wise choice for an attack. Disadvantages: Must be a few yards away from target. High mana cost. ********* Vengeance ********* REQ: Level 18, Sacrifice, Zeal Level | Freeze | Elemental | Mana Cost | Length | Damage | ------|--------|-----------|----------- 1 | 1.2 | +35% | 4 2 | 1.8 | +40% | 4.5 3 | 2.4 | +45% | 5 4 | 3 | +50% | 5.5 5 | 3.6 | +55% | 6 6 | 4.2 | +60% | 6.5 7 | 4.8 | +65% | 7 8 | 5.4 | +70% | 7.5 9 | 6 | +75% | 8 10 | 6.6 | +80% | 8.5 11 | 7.2 | +85% | 9 12 | 7.8 | +90% | 9.5 13 | 8.4 | +95% | 10 14 | 9 | +100% | 10.5 15 | 9.6 | +105% | 11 16 | 10.2 | +110% | 11.5 17 | 10.8 | +115% | 12 18 | 11.4 | +120% | 12 19 | 12 | +125% | 13 20 | 12.6 | +130% | 13 21 | 13.2 | +135% | 14 22 | 13.8 | +140% | 14 23 | 14.4 | +145% | 15 24 | 15 | +150% | 15 25 | 15.6 | +155% | 16 26 | 16.2 | +160% | 16 27 | 16.8 | +165% | 17 28 | 17.4 | +170% | 17 29 | 18 | +175% | 18 30 | 18.6 | +180% | 18 Vengeance adds elemental damage to your attack. Advantages: Freezes enemies briefly. Effective even when enemies are resistant to elements. Good investment. Disadvantages: High mana cost. ************** Blessed Hammer ************** REQ: Level 18, Holy Bolt Level | Damage | Mana Cost ------|----------|----------- 1 | 12-16 | 5 2 | 20-24 | 5.2 3 | 28-32 | 5.5 4 | 36-40 | 5.7 5 | 44-48 | 6 6 | 52-56 | 6.2 7 | 60-64 | 6.5 8 | 68-72 | 6.7 9 | 76-80 | 7 10 | 84-88 | 7.2 11 | 92-96 | 7.5 12 | 100-104 | 7.7 13 | 108-112 | 8 14 | 116-120 | 8.2 15 | 124-128 | 8.5 16 | 132-136 | 8.7 17 | 140-144 | 9 18 | 148-152 | 9.2 19 | 156-160 | 9.5 20 | 164-168 | 9.7 21 | 172-176 | 10 22 | 180-184 | 10.2 23 | 188-192 | 10.5 24 | 196-200 | 10.7 25 | 204-208 | 11 26 | 212-216 | 11.2 27 | 220-224 | 11.5 28 | 228-232 | 11.7 29 | 236-240 | 12 30 | 244-248 | 12.2 Blessed Hammer is a projectile that spirals outward, dealing damage to any enemy it touches. Advantages: Paladin's best projectile attack. Disadvantages: Projectile attacks are obviously not Paladin's strong point. * UPDATE * I really underestimated this skill. Zealous-Knight wrote a decent guide at http://www.planetdiablo.com/diablo2/characters/paladin/strategy/zealous/ Basically, it says that using Hammer and Concentration is a great combination. He's right on this one, and many up-and-coming Paladins are trying this one out. ********** Conversion ********** REQ: Level 24, Sacrifice, Zeal, Vengeance Level | Duration | Conversion | Mana Cost | | Chance | ------|----------|------------|----------- 1 | 20 | +7% | 4 2 | 30 | +13% | 4 3 | 40 | +18% | 4 4 | 50 | +22% | 4 5 | 60 | +25% | 4 6 | 70 | +27% | 4 7 | 80 | +29% | 4 8 | 90 | +31% | 4 9 | 100 | +33% | 4 10 | 110 | +34% | 4 11 | 120 | +35% | 4 12 | 130 | +36% | 4 13 | 140 | +37% | 4 14 | 150 | +38% | 4 15 | 160 | +39% | 4 16 | 170 | +40% | 4 17 | 180 | +40% | 4 18 | 190 | +41% | 4 19 | 200 | +41% | 4 20 | 210 | +42% | 4 21 | 220 | +42% | 4 22 | 230 | +43% | 4 23 | 240 | +43% | 4 24 | 250 | +44% | 4 25 | 260 | +44% | 4 26 | 270 | +45% | 4 27 | 280 | +45% | 4 28 | 290 | +45% | 4 29 | 300 | +46% | 4 30 | 310 | +46% | 4 When you hit an enemy while using Conversion, there is a chance that the enemy will become converted to your side for a duration of time. This means the enemy will fight for you against your enemies. Advantages: Quite useful for evening the odds when you're overwhelmed. Enemies often die before Conversion runs out of time. Disadvantages: When Conversion runs out, if the enemy doesn't die, the aura you use will stay on for about five seconds. This can be dangerous if, for example, you hit your own Thorns. Was nerfed with the 1.03 patch(not as effective). The v1.03 values are displayed, which are roughly 1/3 less. *********** Holy Shield *********** REQ: Level 24, Holy Bolt, Blessed Hammer, Smite, Charge Level |Duration| Defense | Successful | Mana Cost | | | Blocking | ------|--------|---------|------------|----------- 1 | 30 | +25% | +08% | 35 2 | 40 | +40% | +10% | 35 3 | 50 | +55% | +12% | 35 4 | 60 | +70% | +13% | 35 5 | 70 | +85% | +15% | 35 6 | 80 | +100% | +16% | 35 7 | 90 | +115% | +16% | 35 8 | 100 | +130% | +17% | 35 9 | 110 | +145% | +18% | 35 10 | 120 | +160% | +18% | 35 11 | 130 | +175% | +19% | 35 12 | 140 | +190% | +19% | 35 13 | 150 | +205% | +20% | 35 14 | 160 | +220% | +20% | 35 15 | 170 | +235% | +20% | 35 16 | 180 | +250% | +21% | 35 17 | 190 | +265% | +21% | 35 18 | 200 | +280% | +21% | 35 19 | 210 | +295% | +21% | 35 20 | 220 | +310% | +21% | 35 21 | 230 | +325% | +22% | 35 22 | 240 | +340% | +22% | 35 23 | 250 | +355% | +22% | 35 24 | 260 | +370% | +22% | 35 25 | 270 | +385% | +22% | 35 26 | 280 | +400% | +22% | 35 27 | 290 | +415% | +23% | 35 28 | 300 | +430% | +23% | 35 29 | 310 | +445% | +23% | 35 30 | 320 | +460% | +23% | 35 Holy Shield increases your defense and the % Chance To Block of your shield. Your shield is replaced with a white holy graphic. Advantages: Great for anyone who uses a shield. Not an aura, so you can turn it on each time the duration runs out. Disadvantages: Useless if you use two-handed weapons. ******************* Fist of the Heavens ******************* REQ: Level 30, Sacrifice, Zeal, Vengeance, Conversion, Holy Bolt, Blessed Hammer Level | Holy | Lightning | Mana Cost | Bolt | Damage | ------|--------|-----------|----------- 1 | 1-16 | 1-40 | 25 2 | 1-22 | 9-48 | 27 3 | 1-28 | 17-56 | 29 4 | 1-34 | 25-64 | 31 5 | 1-40 | 33-72 | 33 6 | 1-46 | 41-80 | 35 7 | 1-52 | 49-88 | 37 8 | 1-58 | 57-96 | 39 9 | 1-64 | 65-104 | 41 10 | 1-70 | 73-112 | 43 11 | 1-76 | 81-120 | 45 12 | 1-82 | 89-128 | 47 13 | 1-88 | 97-136 | 49 14 | 1-94 | 105-144 | 51 15 | 1-100 | 113-152 | 53 16 | 1-106 | 121-160 | 55 17 | 1-112 | 129-168 | 57 18 | 1-118 | 137-176 | 59 19 | 1-124 | 145-184 | 61 20 | 1-130 | 153-192 | 63 21 | 1-136 | 161-200 | 65 22 | 1-142 | 169-208 | 67 23 | 1-148 | 177-216 | 69 24 | 1-154 | 185-224 | 71 25 | 1-160 | 193-232 | 73 26 | 1-166 | 201-240 | 75 27 | 1-172 | 209-248 | 77 28 | 1-178 | 217-256 | 79 29 | 1-184 | 225-264 | 81 30 | 1-190 | 233-272 | 83 Fist of the Heavens is another projectile attack. When the first bolt hits an enemy, it will scatter into several bolts aimed at other enemies on screen. Advantages: Useful when many enemies are on the screen, since other bolts are sent out after the first one. Disadvantages: Takes way too much mana, not very efficient. ---------------------------------------- How should I distribute my skill points? ---------------------------------------- Here's a list of the skills and how I feel about investing in each of them. Note that when I say "no points," it really means "zero or one point" depending on whether or not you want the later skills. If another skill that you want requires one of these skills, give it a point. Prayer-No points. It really isn't useful enough. Resist Fire/Cold/Lightning-No points. Save your points for Salvation. You can put one point in each if you wish, but it would be better in the long run to skip these three. Defiance-Not a bad aura, but I don't recommend investing in it. Cleansing-No points. Too selective! Vigor-No points. Stamina shouldn't be a problem. Meditation-No points. Useful in Multiplayer if you play with Sorceresses, but they generally can take care of themselves. Redemption-As many as you wish, but I recommend around or less than ten. This aura is simply amazing in Single Player, but Necromancers will hate you in Multiplayer if you use up their corpses. Salvation-Several points. This spell is very useful, but it doesn't increase in power very much in the higher levels. At level five, it only raises by one percent or less for each point. Use your best judgment. Might-No points. Save up for Concentration. Holy Fire/Shock-No points. Do you want to poke your enemies instead of fight them? I didn't think so. Holy Freeze-Up to you. Seven should be enough if you want to invest in it. I don't find it that useful. Thorns-Twenty! Most higher-level Paladins use this with Conversion. It gets the job done, period. I don't like it that much, but most people do. Necromancers appreciate it the most. Concentration-Twenty! People like this one too, especially Barbarians. It might not be as useful in Single Player, but this is my favorite aura. Blessed Aim-Your call. I don't like it very much, since I invest many points in Dexterity. Sanctuary-No points. Too limited. Fanaticism-All or nothing. Good choice if you use two-handed weapons, bad choice if you use Vengeance. Conviction-Slumps off at level nine, so keep it under there. Sacrifice-Has potential, but I say "no points" to this one unless you can get enough life leeching to make it worthwhile. Holy Bolt/Fist of the Heavens-No points. Not powerful enough. Blessed Hammer-All or nothing. If you need to have a projectile weapon, this is the one. Smite-One point, for the invincible enemies. This may be more of a superstition, but one point can't hurt. Zeal-Just a few points. It really does help, but too many points can be very dangerous. Charge-All or nothing. This is the attack of choice for many Paladins, and it is a wise investment. I can't get used to the way it works, but if you can, it will serve you well. Vengeance-Not too many points. My attack of choice, for better or for worse. Conversion-It's up to you. This is a wise investment, even though it just got nerfed with the last patch. I've got five points in it. Holy Shield-Your choice. Don't waste your points if you've got a great shield or if you don't use a shield. Remember, you can't use each of these skills! Choose a few skills to invest in, but just a few! If you spread your points too thin, you won't be strong enough later in the game. In the end, the choice is yours... ========================== 2. Other Paladin Questions ========================== ********************************************************** WHAT ARE SOME GENERAL PATHS TO TAKE WHEN MAKING A PALADIN? ********************************************************** (Steel Goat convinced me to do a section like this...hope it helps.) In this section, I'll discuss a few of the general strategies used when making a Paladin. Good strategies usually involve a primary attacking skill, one secondary(as a backup plan), and the skills that will back them up. Anything else is either too specific or it spreads the points too thinly. I'll organize it like this, then list the pros and cons. I want this to be more of a guide based on user submissions, since I can't research all this stuff myself! If you have a "general path" to submit, send it over to slodeth@iname.com with a subject line like "Diablo II Paladin Path" and I'll add it here when I get around to it. Please put it in a format somewhat like the one here. It was really strange for me to think about the skills like this - by taking a skill and working around it. It really puts everything in perspective. You should try it too! You can't just look at a list of skills and decide which ones you want for your Paladin - you have to pick the ones that will be the most useful, or your skill points will be a waste. ------- / PRIMARY: Zeal SUPPORT: Fanaticism or Concentration, Thorns I'm not a big fan of Zeal-based Paladins, since I started out with one and fell flat on my face. While it seems like a great idea when you begin the game to use a bunch of attacks at a time, it just doesn't work out as well as it should. Later on in the game, if you leave Zeal going for too long, you will get surrounded. The surrounding enemies will wail on you, and you won't even be able to run away! Still, with Fanaticism, these multiple attacks will go very quickly, so if you invest less than ten points in Zeal, you can certainly be effective and efficient. Use a one-handed weapon to keep everything swift. / ------- ------- / PRIMARY: Conversion SUPPORT: THORNS, Charge or Vengeance, Vigor or Defiance This is my first successful path. To pull this off in a large group, you simply need to Convert one enemy, switch to Thorns, then Convert a few more while the Converts distract the rest of them. The enemies start disappearing pretty quickly! The only problem with this is trying to get that first Convert without dying. I don't use it myself, but I would recommend some way to get out of the fire quickly like Vigor, or some way to protect yourself in the fire like Defiance or Holy Shield. I use Holy Shield myself, but alone, it isn't enough./ ------- ------- / PRIMARY: Blessed Hammer SUPPORT: Concentration I read a well-written guide by a "Hammerdin" when they were popping up on the net, but the link has since disappeared. To explain it, Concentration increases the power of Blessed Hammer, making it a lethal killing machine! Some versions of the game didn't list this change in the Stats page, but the difference was there. Of course, the skill isn't effective alone, since you can't aim it. Use it to thin out the pack, then use a regular attack skill, like Charge or Fanaticism. / ------- ------- / PRIMARY: Charge, Sacrifice SUPPORT: Concentration If you're going to be a melee fighting-based Paladin, Concentration is an obvious skill choice. As for the attack itself, Charge and Sacrifice are two great choices. While Sacrifice seems like a bad idea at first, an item or two with life leech should solve this. This skill has great potential, so don't write it off as a useless skill. Charge is also a great idea, if you don't mind using the hit-and-run technique. Use a two-handed weapon with these skills. / ------- ------- **************************** What equipment should I use? **************************** The game is designed so that a Paladin should use a scepter(Scepter, Grand Scepter, or Divine Scepter), since these generally add to your skills. You can use a scepter along with a shield. However, scepters generally don't do enough damage. You may want to use a powerful two-handed weapon, such as a maul or an executioner's sword. This will do much more damage, but will compromise your skills and your defense. You should make a decision at this point based on your skills. If you plan on using Conversion, I recommend a scepter because damage will not be important to you. Scepters will attack fast, which is just what you need. If you plan on using Charge or Vengeance, go with a two-handed weapon since each hit will cost mana, and you want to do as much damage as possible with each hit. Of course, you can't expect to find exactly what you need. You may want to remain flexible and use the best weapons that you find. If you do this, make sure the skills you select are well-rounded, so you can use one or two-handed weapons at all times. All the equipment besides your weapon isn't complicated-use the best things you can find. If you use attacks which take plenty of mana, find a mana-leeching ring or shield. Find boots with fast walk/run so you don't have to rely on Vigor. Use your own discretion for everything else. ********************************* How should I distribute my stats? ********************************* Again, this depends on how you want to play. If you use Conversion, put most of your points in Dexterity so you get more hits. If damage is more important to you, put your points in Strength. I recommend putting 170 points into Strength so you can use the best armor in the game(generally), the Ornate Plate. Don't go over 170 though, since the other stats are important too. You may not need to put any points into energy unless mana is a big problem for you. *********************************** How do I get my skills to level 30? *********************************** Level 20 is the maximum for skills, but you can use equipment to get your skills above twenty. Level 30 is really much too high, and I used it more as a theoretical reference, but this is how you could do it: Weapon: At least a scepter with +2 to all Paladin skill levels Armor: Silks of the Victor(+1 Skills, unique ancient armor) Rings: Two Stones of Jordan(+1 Skills each, unique ring) Shield: Sigon's Guard(+1 Skills, set item) Amulet: Priest's Amulet(+2 Paladin Skills) Helmet: Tarnhelm(+1 Skills, unique skull helm) That's +9...then just go to a Skills Shrine to get up to 31. Of course, this is pretty much impossible in Single Player. Only players on Multiplayer should even try to get this. ********************************* How should I play in Multiplayer? ********************************* First and foremost, behave respectfully. There are enough assholes online already, so be nice. The manual identifies Paladins as natural party leaders, so act like one! Take charge if you must, but adapt to everybody else and their situation. Choose your aura based on the other people in your party. A Necromancer with minions will find Thorns most useful, Barbarians will prefer Concentration, and Sorceresses will prefer Meditation. Ask if you can't decide for yourself. Stick with the group. You don't need to be the first one into battle, but remember that every aura has a radius, so keep your party within the radius. ***************************************************** What should I do when the party has several Paladins? ***************************************************** The special things about auras is that they will stack, i.e. each aura will affect each party member at the same time. If two Paladins, one with Thorns and one with Might, for example, stand near each other, they both are affected by Might and Thorns at the same time. The graphic switches back and forth, but the effects are still there. However, if both Paladins use Might, only one Might will do anything at one time. For large groups of Paladins, it is recommended that you do an Aura Check before you begin. Talk to the other Paladins and discuss which aura everyone will use so that everyone uses a different aura. With everyone using a different aura, you can be affected by up to eight auras at once! ************************* What about Hardcore Mode? ************************* Personally, I'm scared to even touch it! If you really want to try out Hardcore Mode, play through in Normal Mode until you feel like you know absolutely EVERYTHING about being a Paladin. Then, sit down and plan everything out(skills, stats, at what level to do each act). I recommend a program called the Diablo II Character Planner(check planetdiablo.com or fileplanet.com), which lets you plan out skills and such. You need to find a strategy that is unstoppable! ******************* What about dueling? ******************* * UPDATE * I plan to make this section based on user submissions. Send them to slodeth@iname.com with the subject line "Diablo II Dueling" or something. Also, include how you would like to be identified in here. I won't put your email address in here unless you request it. While you don't see too many good dueling Paladins, it is not at all difficult to win duels if you've invested in the right skills. Charge, Concentration, Thorns, and Holy Freeze are the most important skills for dueling. Also, make sure you use a high-damage weapon, such as a Pike or a Maul. Here's a guide for each character class... VS AMAZONS Charge and Concentration will work fine against them. Get into a position where they are at the edge of the screen and Charge. You may want to use a potion during the Charge in case you get hit by arrows. Get a nice shield so you can block a few arrows. The other option is Holy Freeze instead of Charge. IMHO, go with this one. The Amazon will try to stay out of the aura, so she won't get nearly as many shots off. "For example a charging pally these days can suffer to an amazon with Cleglaw's Pincers (gloves that slow down the enemy 25%). Instead the best alternative would be an FOH *Fist of the Heavens* since the damage has been increased after patch 1.08. My suggestion would be vigor , then holy freeze, then a Fist of the Heavens to finish the zon, conviction could help as well. Yet if you were to attack with charge and concentration , first off you would move too slowly. Holy shield would also be helpful." (submitted by: Steel Goat) VS BARBARIANS These are tough, especially since Whirlwind goes straight through your Charges. Use Holy Freeze and run around until he runs low on mana. Then, Charge in when you can. Use Thorns if you want to take the easy way out, but he'll get angry, I promise! In fact, most Barbs will tell you not to use Thorns at all. *Note that Thorns is 1/10 as effective in Player vs Player matches. Either rely on Thorns less or put more points into it. Zeal also works nicely against Barbs, but it's not a good investment. VS NECROMANCERS Use Holy Freeze, run away from Bone Spirits, and Charge when there's a good opportunity. Cleansing will help against Iron Maiden if you're willing to invest the points. Sanctuary is also a great idea, since it will damage all the minions. VS PALADINS This is like a game of rock/paper/scissors. You can Charge, but you'll be dead if he uses Thorns. You can also wait for him to Charge and turn on Thorns. My advice is to use a ranged attack, like Blessed Hammer or Holy Bolt. This will get him nervous and he'll Charge sooner, and you can switch to Thorns to kill him. The ranged attack doesn't need to be powerful if you're just trying to scare him, but a powerful attack will be much more effective. VS SORCERESSES These aren't so hard. Wait until her mana is depleted. When she refills, Charge in and you'll probably get a one-hit kill. Most Sorceresses have low vitality. Or, you can use high-level Salvation! You won't take hardly any damage, since the Sorc uses mostly elemental attacks. ** Thanks to Pizzarino@aol.com for almost all the info in this section! ** ** Thanks to Holy_Thorn for some more info in this section! ** ------------------------------------------------------ 3. Diablo II: Lord of Destruction - The Expansion Pack ------------------------------------------------------ Sorry, this section has become obsolete... ------------------ 4. Version History ------------------ vFINAL August 1, 2001 Added a closing message...goodbye! v1.5 July 6, 2001 Added an important section to the "Other Paladin Questions" heading. Changed the Dueling section a bit. Added an Expansion Pack section. v1.4 January 27, 2001 Added more dueling info, and fixed a few more things. Notice the addition to the Blessed Hammer section. I probably won't need to update this guide until the expansion pack comes out. v1.3 October 27, 2000 Added dueling info. Fixed a few things here and there. Added Contributor Recognition section. v1.1 September 22, 2000 Updated everything about Sacrifice. v1.0 September 17, 2000 First version of the guide. I'm sure I will be adding more in the following weeks, and any email suggestions I get will make it into the guide. -------------------------- 5. Contributor Recognition -------------------------- Thanks to Steel Goat for a little reality check, and a renewal of the urge to improve this guide. Thanks to "Genjuro"(jdelpy@magic.fr) for explaining the skill Sacrifice in more detail. Thanks to Pizzarino@aol.com for the dueling advice! --------------- 6. Contact Info --------------- E-mail: slodeth@iname.com ICQ UIN: 15025844 Web Page: http://go.to/SloDethFAQs E-mail Rules: IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT v1.5 AND ABOVE OF THE GAME ITSELF, I CANNOT ANSWER THEM. PLEASE ONLY ASK ABOUT EARLIER VERSIONS OF THE GAME, IF YOU MUST! Include the name of the game or guide in the subject. E-mail me just about ANYTHING: questions(not answered in the guide), comments, praise, criticism, requests... Ask me if you can use this guide. I will almost certainly let you, as long as you ask politely. Don't E-mail me crap. Don't ask me to join a website, like AllAdvantage. Don't spend any less than one minute writing your E-mail. Check it over and make sure you used correct spelling, decent grammar, and capitalization. AOL slang is not up to my standards. Don't use "r u" instead of "are you" or anything like that. ********************************************************************************* DO NOT ASK ME FOR MY CD-KEY! ********************************************************************************* ICQ Rules: Do whatever you wish. I don't care about ICQ very much. Put my number on spam lists, tell it to your friends, and flood it with whatever you want. What you can find at my web page: -More info on me(in case you care)! -Links to all of my guides! -The most recent versions of my guides! -HTML versions of my guides! -Feedback forms, surveys, and some other crap! -News on what I've done and what I plan on doing! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please do not distribute this guide in any way without my explicit permission. I'm sure you could use it and mutilate it to your pleasing, but I'd appreciate it if you write to me first. I'm very willing to give out this guide, given that it is not changed in any way. Or, as they say, This document Copyright 2001 by Martin Silbiger. .___. /) ,-^ ^-. // / \ .-------| |--------------/ __ __ \-------------------.__ |-=====-| |>>>>>>>>>>>>> | />>\ />>\ |>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>:> `-------| |--------------| \__/ \__/ |-------------------'^^ \\ \ /|\ / \) \ \_/ / | | |{/\/\/}| \ / ^-----^ _______ _ _______ ______ _______ _________ _ _ /_______|| | / ___ \| ____ \ | ______||___ ___|| | | | | | | | | / \ || | \ || | | | | | | | | |_____ | | | | | || | | || |____ | | | |____| | \______ \ | | | | | || | | || _____| | | | ____ | | || | | | | || | | || | | | | | | | _______| || |_____ | \___/ || |___/ || |_____ | | | | | | |_______/ |_______|\_______/|______/ |_______| |_| |_| |_|