True Acolyte Guide : RO Discussion

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Ragnarok Online True Acolyte Guide
Version 1.3
by Heiko-Jiro
Philippine Ragnarok Online
Copyright 2003

Version History:
*******************************************************************************
v1.3 - I can't seem to make up my mind lately. I just updated yesterday and
here I am updating again... Anyway, made a few changes in the skills
build.

v1.2 - Hey! It's been weeks since I last updated. Just found out about ano-
ther middle headgear that has a slot. Check that one out at the re-
commended Equipment Section. Also I changed the skill builds for all
the Acolyte Builds.

V1.1 - Added the quest to get Holy Light. I just found out the other day that
there is actually a headgear equipable in the Middle Part that has a
slot! Bet you a lot of people don't know that. Wanna know what it is?
See the recommended equipment section. Oh, and I fixed some spelling
errors too...

V1.0 - Created this FAQ! Ok, this is my 2nd FAQ for Ragnarok Online. Kinda
shows how much of an addict I am, don't you think? =) Made this kinda
impromptu, and there might be some errors I haven't noticed
*******************************************************************************

Contents:
I. Introduction

II. Getting Started

III. Acolyte Basics

IV. Skills

V. Acolyte Builds

VI. Recommended Equipment

VII. Legal Stuff, Credits and Contact Information

*******************************************************************************

I. Introduction:

Acolytes are basically God's Servants. They use their knowledge of the
magical arts in order to do God's Will. In Ragnarok Online, Acolytes are a
character class that specializes in healing and making others stronger via
support spells. Typically, they are not known for being excellent in battle,
except when confronted with hordes of the undead, which they dispose of much
quicker than other character classes.

The Acolyte class is the first class that I've played in Ragnarok Online,
since I began playing it in June of 2003 (back when pRO was still free =).
From my humble beginnings as a lowly acolyte, to my current standing as our
guild priest, I have studied the way of the acolyte for so long that I believe
I know how to play an acolyte better than any other class. Hence, I write
this FAQ. Nowadays, battle acolytes and pre-monk builds are becoming more
popular. This is bad, since it shows that most people prefer now to become
individuals instead of social persons. This is also another reason why I
made this guide. Anyway, enough with this useless yapping...

*******************************************************************************

II. Getting Started

What exactly is a true acolyte? An Acolyte is meant to be either a support
character, or an anti-undead character - this is the true essence of an
acolyte. Most of the time, they are meant to party with people - and they
do that very well. Of course, it doesn't mean that they can't go solo -
which they can also do pretty well. Still, being in a party helps out a lot
for both the acolyte and the party.

So you've decided to become an acolyte. Before you do, let's make a few
things clear:

1. Next to GM's, Acolytes are the characters that get harassed by other
people most often because of their healing and support abilities.
2. Acolytes are basically looked down upon since most people think they can
only handle undead monsters.
3. Acolytes typically don't do well in PvP (unless you use a specialized
build), meaning one has to prepare to be heckled by challengers.
4. Everyone wants to party with acolytes, and most just invite them without
asking first, which brings up that annoying invitation window... a lot!

Got that? If you have the patience of a ticking time bomb, then look away
from the path of the acolyte. Being an acolyte requires patience - LOTS of
patience. Apart from that, an acolyte must be a people-person, which means
you'll have to deal with all sorts of people, both nice people and jerks,
during your time as an acolyte. If you fit these qualifications, then by all
means, let's get down to becoming an acolyte.

*******************************************************************************

III. Acolyte Basics

Most Acolytes rely on these stats.

INTELLIGENCE - The most important stat of the acolyte. This determines your
maximum SP and SP recovery rate. It also determines how power-
ful your spells (Heal, Magnus Exorcismus, etc.) are.

DEXTERITY - This determines your Hit Percentage and your Casting Speed. De-
pending on your skill build, this can be nearly as important as
Intelligence when building an acolyte.

AGILITY - This determines Attack Speed and Dodge rate. This, or Vitality, is
the defensive stat of the acolyte. More Agility means you get hit
less.

VITALITY - The other defensive stat of the acolyte. This determines maximum
HP and HP recovery rate, as well as your defense. More Vitality
means more HP and less damage from hits.

These other stats are not that important, except in specialized builds.

STRENGTH - Determines Weight Limit and Attack Damage. Only Battle Acolytes
use this.

LUCK - Determines Critical Attack Rate, Dodge Rate and other factors. Only
Pre-monks and Turn Undead Priests use this.

All Acolytes that will rely on their spells need INT and DEX. For their de-
fensive stat, Acolytes can take either AGI or VIT, depending on their
preference. Let's make a comparison of the two.

Agility:
+ You take less hits
+ Less hits mean that your spells don't get interrupted often
- Low HP
- Difficult to handle mobs, since dodge rate decreases per monster

Vitality:
+ You survive longer because of higher HP
+ Hits hurt less
- You get hit more
- Not good if you rely on spells that can get interrupted

All in all, it's up to you. My preference is if you're always with a
party, go for VIT. If you go solo a lot, go for AGI. Having a little
of both doesn't hurt either, IMO.

*******************************************************************************

IV. Skills

Okay, now you know what stats you need. Now for the skills.

***************
Acolyte Skills:
***************

Heal(10)
Effect: Heal a certain amount of HP. Effect increases per skill level.
Damages Undead.
Comments: The most important skill of the Acolyte. Max this.

Divine Protection(10)
Effect: Reduces damage taken from undead. Passive.
Comments: Not that useful, IMO, since level 10 only takes away 30 damage
per hit. Get only level 5 as a pre-requisite.

Demonbane(10)
Requires: Lvl 3 Divine Protection
Effect: Increases physical damage to undead. Passive.
Comments: True Acolytes don't use their fists a lot against the undead, so
skip it. This is necessary for monk skills though.

Signum Crucis(10)
Requires: Lvl 3 Demonbane
Effect: Decreases defense of evil enemies within line of sight.
Comments: Most undead/demon/ghost opponents have low defense anyway. IMO,
skill points are better spent elsewhere.

Angelus(10)
Requires: Lvl 3 Divine Protection
Effect: Increases party's VIT by percentages for a duration. Additional
points increase duration and effect.
Comments: Useful for characters with VIT builds. If your party is composed
mainly of knights and battlesmiths, max it. If not, just get it
for pre-requisites.

Blessing(10)
Requires: Lvl 5 Divine Protection
Effect: Increases target's STR, INT and DEX for a duration. Curses undead.
Comments: One of the most useful support spells in the game. Max this.

Increase Agility(10)
Requires: Lvl 3 Heal
Effect: Increases target's Agility and walking speed for a duration.
Comment: Not as important as Blessing, but useful nonetheless. A few points
here and there are crucial, if only for the walking speed bonus.

Decrease Agility(10)
Requires: Lvl 1 Increase Agility
Effect: Decreases target's Agility and walking speed for a duration. Skill
can fail.
Comment: Nice when handling bosses or people in PvP, but not worth the skill
points, IMO.

Cure(1)
Requires: Lvl 2 Heal
Effect: Heals certain status ailments. Causes Chaos on undead.
Comments: Status Recovery is better. Don't bother with this.

Ruwach(1)
Effect: Reveals hidden opponents. Does damage to hidden opponents
(unconfirmed).
Comments: Useful for detecting hidden thieves in PvP. Get it as a pre-
requisite.

Teleport(2)
Requires: Lvl 1 Ruwach
Effect: Teleports to random area(Lvl 1) or to save point(Lvl 2).
Comments: Very useful. Makes wings obsolete. Max it.

Warp Portal(4)
Requires: Level 2 Teleport
Effect: Opens a portal to save point or memo point. Memo points are
made by typing /memo in the chat window to save the current
position. Uses 1 Blue Gemstone.
Comments: You can make a few zenies this way, plus it makes traveling around
a lot easier. Put a few points here, or max it if you want.

Pneuma(1)
Requires: Lvl 4 Warp Portal
Effect: Creates a barrier which neutralizes all ranged attacks.
Comments: It has its uses. It's up to you if you want to get it. With all
the ranged attackers that came out in Comodo, this could really
help.

Aqua Benedicta(1)
Effect: Creates 1 Holy Water from an empty bottle. Holy Water cures Curse
status. Need to stand in water for skill to work.
Comments: You can either use this skill to get more zeny out of selling empty
bottles (Holy Water sells for 10z, compared to 2z), or as a pre-
requisite to Aspersio.

************
Quest Skill:
************

Holy Light
Requirements: Job level 30, 1 Rosary, 1 Opal, 1 Crystal Blue
Effect: Deals holy damage to target opponent.
Quest: Talk to a priest in Prontera Church with the requirements
Comments: It doesn't use any skill points, so you have nothing to lose by
getting it.

**************
Priest Skills:
**************

SP Recovery(10)
Effect: Increase SP Recovery while sitting down or standing. Same as Mage
skill. Passive.
Comments: This is very useful indeed. Though some people would consider
having lvl 3 or higher Magnificat a suitable, or even better,
alternative, I would rather be sure and get both.

Mace Mastery(10)
Effect: Increase damage dealt with Mace class weapons. Passive.
Comments: 10 skill points is a lot. Although it does make you stronger if
you use maces, remember that eventually you'll be using your
spells to deal most of your damage, so don't bother.

Impositio Manus(5)
Effect: Increases target's ATK for 40 seconds.
Comments: Very nice for only 8 SP. Get this as high as possible.

Suffragium(3)
Requires: Lvl 2 Impositio Manus
Effect: Reduces Casting Duration for target.
Comments: Important if you party with a lot of mages, especially in a party
with good communication between members. Spammed Storm Gust,
anyone?

Aspersio(5)
Requires: Lvl 3 Impositio Manus
Effect: Change's target's weapon to Holy attribute. Damages Undead. Uses
1 holy water.
Comments: A second use for Holy Water! Very nice, since you and your party
won't need to get elemental weapons for enemies immune to physical
now. Get this as high as possible.

Sanctuary(10)
Requires: Lvl 1 Heal
Effect: Creates an area which heals people in it. Caster cannot move for
spell's duration. Damages and knocks back undead. Uses 1 Blue
Gemstone.
Comments: What I really hate about this spell is that people swarm around
the area even if you meant to heal only your party. This kind of
abuse is very annoying! But anyway, having the patience of a brick
wall prepares you for stuff like that. Get this as a pre-requisite
or get it to the point where it heals 777 HP per cycle.

Status Recovery(1)
Effect: Cures more status ailments than Cure. Turns monster passive, or
changes its target.
Comments: Much better than Cure, since it can handle more status ailments
(not sure which ones, though). Get it for Resurrection.

Slow Poison(4)
Requires: Lvl 1 Status Recovery
Effect: Slows the effects of poison.
Comments: Why slow, when you can use a green potion to cure? Skip it.

Resurrection(4)
Requires: Lvl 4 SP Recovery, Lvl 1 Status Recovery
Effect: Raises dead player or monster back to life. Uses 1 Blue Gemstone.
Comments: Very Important. Although additional points increase HP restored
after raising, you can just follow up with a heal instead. Get
only 1, which will make Yggdrasil Leaves obsolete.

Safety Wall(10)
Requires: Lvl 4 Aspersio, Lvl 3 Sanctuary
Effect: Creates a barrier on a chosen spot which prevents all physical
damage. Same as Mage Skill. Uses 1 Blue Gemstone.
Comments: Somewhat useful. I would just get it for the pre-requisite.

Kyrie Eleison(10)
Requires: Lvl 2 Angelus
Effect: Protects target from attacks for a certain duration and amount of
damage.
Comments: I'm not too sure of the effects. Some people say it only blocks
for a maximum of 3 hits. Some say that it will be dispersed
only after receiving a total damage equal to the target's max
HP. No one can doubt its usefulness though. Get it if you can.

Magnificat(5)
Effect: Doubles HP and SP recovery rate for all party members.
Comments: Very useful, even if you don't party. Lvl 3 is a long
enough duration for me (60 seconds). It's up to you if you
need more or less points.

Gloria(5)
Requires: Lvl 4 Kyrie Eleison, Lvl 3 Magnificat
Effect: Raises party's LUK stat by 30 points.
Comments: Assassins, Forgers, Hunters, and pretty much all your party
members will love you for this. Especially important if you use
TU.

B.S. Sacramenti(5)
Requires: Lvl 5 Aspersio, Lvl 3 Gloria
Effect: Imbues Holy Property to all party member's armor. Requires two or
more acolytes/priests near the caster.
Comments: It's up to you if you want it, but it is difficult to have a
party with more than 1 priest. Using this in combination with
Aspersio (ie. casting it, then casting Aspersio on enemies)
should make you invulnerable in theory.

Lex Divina(10)
Requires: Lvl 1 Ruwach
Effect: Causes Silence on target for a duration.
Comments: Useful for PvP, although I'm not sure in other cases. Get this
as a pre-requisite.

Turn Undead(10)
Requires: Lvl 1 Resurrection, Lvl 3 Lex Divina
Effect: Chance for One-Hit kill on target. Deals Holy damage if failed.
Undead targets only.
Comments: One of the two offensive spells of the Priest. Higher LUK would
increase the chance of a successful One-Hit kill. Max either this
or ME.

Lex Aeterna(1)
Requires: Lvl 5 Lex Divina
Effect: Doubles damage dealt to target for one hit.
Comments: Very useful, especially when dealing with high HP opponents.
Get this.

Magnus Exorcismus(10)
Requires: Lvl 1 Safety Wall, Lvl 3 Turn Undead, Lvl 1 Lex Aeterna
Effect: Creates an area which damages all evil monsters in it for
extreme amounts. Uses 1 Blue Gemstone.
Comments: The other offensive spell for the Priest. This is probably the
best way to MVP evil monsters such as Baphomet. Max either this
or TU.

*******************************************************************************

V. True Acolyte Builds

Okay, now you know what the skills do. Here are some acolyte builds that you
can follow. Note, I made these myself and you are free to make changes as you
see fit.

*****************
ME/Support Build:
*****************
Start with 9 INT, 5 DEX, 5 VIT, 9 AGI

1+5 STR
9+4 AGI
62+5 VIT
99+5 INT
71+4 DEX
1+7 LUK

OR start with 9 INT, 9 DEX, 9 AGI

1+5 STR
64+4 AGI
1+5 VIT
99+5 VIT
71+4 DEX
1+7 LUK

Acolyte Skills (Job Level 40):
10 Heal
5 Divine Protection
10 Blessing
10 Increase Agility
1 Aqua Benedicta
1 Ruwach
2 Teleport

Acolyte Skills (Job Level 45):
10 Heal
5 Divine Protection
10 Blessing
10 Increase Agility
1 Aqua Benedicta
1 Ruwach
2 Teleport
4 Warp Portal
1 Pneuma

Priest Skills:
10 SP Recovery
1 Status Recovery
1 Resurrection
3 Impositio Manus
4 Aspersio
3 Sanctuary
1 Safety Wall
5 Lex Divina
1 Lex Aeterna
3 Turn Undead
10 Magnus Exorcismus
3 Magnificat
3 Suffragium

1 Extra Skill Point

This build relies on getting Magnus Exorcismus to deal with large groups of
evil enemies. Of all builds, this requires highest dexterity, since ME takes
so long to cast. Suffragium is also there to speed up ME. As an Acolyte you
may choose to change jobs at job level 45, so you can get Pneuma.

*****************
TU/Support Build:
*****************

start with 9 INT, 9 DEX, 9 AGI
1+5 STR
52+4 AGI
1+5 VIT
99+5 INT
26+4 DEX
73+7 LUK

OR start with 9 INT, 5 DEX, 5 VIT, 9 LUK

1+5 STR
1+4 AGI
52+5 VIT
99+5 INT
26+4 DEX
73+7 LUK

Acolyte Skills (Job Level 40):
10 Heal
5 Divine Protection
10 Blessing
8 Increase Agility
1 Aqua Benedicta
1 Ruwach
2 Teleport
2 Angelus

Acolyte Skills (Job Level 47):
10 Heal
5 Divine Protection
10 Blessing
10 Increase Agility
1 Aqua Benedicta
1 Ruwach
2 Teleport
4 Warp Portal
2 Angelus
1 Pneuma

Priest Skills:
10 SP Recovery
1 Status Recovery
1 Resurrection
3 Magnificat
5 Lex Divina
10 Turn Undead
1 Lex Aeterna
4 Kyrie Eleison
3 Gloria

11 Extra Skill Points

This build relies on Turn Undead to kill undead monsters. The spells used are
pretty fast, which eliminates the need for high DEX. Gloria is there to help
TU perform a One-Hit kill. As an acolyte, you may choose to change jobs at
job level 47 to max Increase Agility and get Pneuma.

*************
Pure Support:
*************

start with 9 INT, 5 DEX, 5 VIT, 9 AGI
1+5 STR
81+4 AGI
16+5 VIT
99+5 INT
46+4 DEX
1+7 LUK

OR start with 9 INT, 5 DEX, 5 VIT, 9 AGI

1+5 STR
26+4 AGI
77+5 VIT
99+5 INT
46+4 DEX
1+7 LUK

Acolyte Skills (Job Level 40):
10 Heal
5 Divine Protection
10 Blessing
3 Increase Agility
4 Warp Portal
1 Aqua Benedicta
1 Ruwach
2 Teleport
2 Angelus
1 Pneuma

Acolyte Skills (Job Level 50):
10 Heal
5 Divine Protection
10 Blessing
10 Increase Agility
4 Warp Portal
1 Aqua Benedicta
1 Ruwach
2 Teleport
5 Angelus
1 Pneuma

Priest Skills:
10 SP Recovery
5 Impositio Manus
5 Aspersio
1 Status Recovery
1 Resurrection
3 Magnificat
10 Kyrie Eleison
3 Gloria
5 Lex Aeterna
1 Lex Divina

5 Extra Skill Points

This build relies on making party members really, really strong. You'll be
loved by everyone in your party, but don't expect to be able to kill enemies
(except undead monsters with Heal). As an acolyte, it is very advisable to
reach job level 50 so you can max Increase Agility as well as make Angelus
more effective.

***********
Monk Build:
***********

Don't bother... you're a true acolyte.

***************
Battle Acolyte:
***************

See above.

*******************************************************************************

VI. Recommended Equipment:

****************
ME/Pure Support:
****************

Weapon - Bone Wand, Arc Wand w/ Mysteltainn, Stem Worm or Andre Larva Card/s,
Bible w/ Same Cards
Helm(Upper) - Slotted Biretta w/ Elder Willow, Pharoah, Willow, Mistress or
Marduk Card
Helm(Mid) - Slotted Sunglasses w/ Elder Willow, Pharoah, Willow, Mistress or
Marduk Card, Slotted Glasses w/ Same Cards
Helm(Lower) - Any, or None
Armor - Slotted Saint's Robe w/ Steel Chonchon, Desert Wolf Puppy
or PecoPeco Card
Shield - Slotted Buckler w/ Ambernite or Bongun Card
Garment - Slotted Muffler w/ Whisper or Reydric Card
Footgear - Slotted Shoes w/ Sohee or Verit Card
Accesories - Earrings, Celebrant's Mittens, Slotted Clip/Earrings w/ Smokie,
Alarm, Sting or Phen Card

***
TU:
***

Weapon - Arc Wand w/ Lunatic Cards, Bible w/ Same Cards
Helm(Upper) - Slotted Biretta w/ simulate Card, Bunny Band
Helm(Mid) - Slotted Sunglasses w/ simulate Card, Slotted Glasses w/ simulate Card
Helm(Lower) - Any, or None
Armor - Slotted Saint's Robe w/ Poring Card
Shield - Slotted Buckler w/ Brilight Card
Garment - Slotted Muffler w/ Whisper or Reydric Card
Footgear - Crystal Pumps(for Females), Slotted Shoes w/ Sohee or Verit Card
Accesories - Rosaries, Slotted Rosaries w/ Smokie Card

************************
Monk and Battle Acolyte:
************************

Don't bother... you're a true acolyte!

*************Note on Shields and Garments*************

Cards that protect from certain species and attributes are also acceptable.
Just switch between equipment with such cards on different monsters.

***********Note on Slotted Middle Headgear************

Slotted Sunglasses and Slotted Glasses can be only acquired via an Old Blue
Box, and possibly via an Old Violet Box or a Gift Box. Both are slotted
like upper helms, and the Sunglasses also give protection from the Blind
Status. When you get your hands on one, be sure not to mistake it for a re-
gular one and sell it, just like what my guildmate has done. =(

*******************************************************************************

VII. Legal Stuff and Credits (aka. Stuff People Don't Read)

This FAQ was submitted on www.gamefaqs.com and you can always find this there,
every updated version will likewise also be posted there first. While it's OK
to post this FAQ anywhere else, it is advised that you credit the original
author of this FAQ as with the other reference materials that you may have
possibly used and please tell me before doing so. There is also the thing
I hate, please do not sell this FAQ for personal profit OR post it in those
websites that have those BOTS and HACKS and the other stuff that just makes
the game SO unfair. Please also tell me if you plan to post this FAQ, I
would appreciate it very much! Any infraction of the afore-mentioned stuff
will prompt me to pursue legal action.

^_^. Thanks for reading this FAQ by the way! I'd appreciate any comments you
would give me!

Thanks to H0BGOBLIN, for making his Acolyte guide, which is my big
inspiration. Keep up the good work!

A Big big thank You to gameFAQs for accepting and posting this FAQ!

You can contact Heiko-Jiro: i_am_johnsay@yahoo.com. Make sure to indicate
the subject as "Your Acolyte Guide on GameFAQs", or something.

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