Crusader/Vindicator (c/v) guide by hardcore_virus
Introduction
What is a c/v ?
A paladin who uses charge and smite as his main attack and fanaticism as his main aura.It is a pure pvp char.
Why build this char ?
I had a zealot and a vindicator/templar before.What i didnt like about the zealot was not having the ability to stun.And what i didnt like about the v/t is that i almost never used the FoH.
So this char is fast,deals alot of damage on the first hit.(charge) It stuns, is unblockable and ignores targets defence (smite).Sounds good ?read on.
Why should you NOT build this char ?
It is expensive (to be succesfull)
It is not untouchable like a bone necro/wind druid (but can kill them)
Skills
Max smite
Max holy shield
Max Charge
Max fanaticism
Prereqs 1
I will discuss 1 point wonders later on this guide
Smite
Why smite ?
It stuns,is unblockable and ignores targets defence.
Wich are all very large advantages in PvP.
The only drawbacks are:relative low damage and it doesnt leech (not that leech is very effective in 1.10 PvP anyway)
I copied this from the paladin FAQ:
Things that work with smite:
Crushing blow
Chance to cast something on striking
Hit blinds target
Hit freezes target
Open Wounds
Enhanced Damage
+Damage modifier on the Redeemer (unique Mighty Scepter) and Astreon's Iron Ward (unique Caduceus)
Curses such as Life Tap, Amplify Damage...
Things that won’t work with smite:
Life or Mana leech
Deadly Strike
Elemental Damage
+Max/Min Damage
The +damage modifier is specially useful in PvP, since it adds the straight amount of damage indicated (it won't be displayed in the character screen) to your attack, without being affected by the PvP penalty, Damage Reduction...
Charge
Why charge ?
-Superfast
-A good deal of damage in 1 hit
-shift-charging allowes you to dodge most attacks
Drawbacks
-Buggy (sometimes u will freeze while charging)
-You cannot charge within melee range (when the target is in weapon range)
-Only 1 hit
Holy shield
Why holy shield ?
-Because it adds more damage to smite,than smite itself.
-Big defence boost
-More % chance to block (allowes less dex and more vit)
Fanaticism
Why fanaticism ?
-IAS
-Damage
-Attack rating
Drawbacks
-Relative small damage boost
One point wonders
Vigor:Comes in very handy against bone spirit or guided arrow
Holy freeze (optional):i did not use this skill but it can come in handy when u need to run away.
Salvation
epends on equip if u need this or not.
Stats allocation
Pretty much standard here
Strength:Enough to wear your heaviest piece of equip (after +from items)
Dexterty:Enough for max block with max holy shield
Vitality:As much as possible
Mana:Nothing
Equipement
Helm
Shako:IMO best helm for this build,life,mana(charge uses some mana),2skills and 10 % damage reduce.
Rockstopper:Nice helm if u cant afford shako or gaze and need DR
Vampire gaze:Only use if you need DR
Armor
Shaft: Yes,shaft: nice def,30%DR and life.I have used enigma,CoH,arkaines and still i prefer shaft over all of these armors.
Stone: Well what can i say:Great def when put in the right armor.
Enigma: Decent armor with great stats altho considering its price i wouldnt waste it on this build because it isnt the best armor here.
CoH:Great armor,if u can afford enigma,u should get this instead.
Guardian Angel: I use this armor vs elemental casters.1skill,increased block chance,rate,highers ur max res and a skill.
Arkaines Valor: IMO there are better armors for this build.2 skills,vitality and minor damage reduce
Duress: Good runeword if u cant afford enigma or CoH
Lionheart: ed,stats,res: great armor.
Belt
Thundergods:Strength,Vitality,raise max light res,absorb light.I use this belt vs trappers,fohadins,lightsorcs
Verdungos:R and vit.I use this belt against melee chars
String of ears: Cheap alternative for verdungo.
Boots
Goreriders:CB/OW IMO the best boots for this build.
Sandtreks:Fhr and stats make these a viable choise.
Waterwalks:life and dex,very good boots.
Gloves
Bloodfists:Best gloves for this build:life,fhr and ias
Draculs:Life tap,strength gives u the ability to leech with smite
Souldrainers:Only the weaken would be handy in duels
Steelrends:ED
Shield
Herald Of Zakarum: Great shield,skills,stats,res,and good def.Lack of high smite damage tho (it is decent but not very high) This is what i use.An upgraded one for the ppl on ladder is THE best shield for this build possible.
Exile:Very expensive shield:Great smite damage,great defence,great stats.Best shield for ppl on nonladder.I m trying to get a hold of one.
Alma Negra:Good smite damage,fhr but the lack of res might be a problem.
Weapon
Kingslayer berserker axe:IMO the best waepon for this build (some might dissagree)CB,OW make this a great charging weapon.
Silence phase blade:fhr,res,skills but not good enough damage to put charge to its full use.Still pretty decent but if u can afford this, get a kingslayer.
The Redeemer Adds its + damage to smite.lack of ow,ds,cb or good damage makes this a less good weapon to charge with.
Shaeffers IMO pretty viable for its nice damage,ar and range.
Amulet
Highlords:IAS,light res,skill and DS make this the best amu for this build.
Maras: Res,skills,stats
Rares/crafted: Could be great amulets
Rings
Ravenfrost:Cold absorb,dex,ar,cbf
Dwarf star:life,fire absorb
Bull cathos:life,skill
My Paladin
vs melee
shako
shaft
zaka
Kingslayer berserker axe
gores
bloodfists
raven/crafted
highlords
vs trappers/fohadins
shako
guardian angel
zaka
Shaefers
gores
bloodfists
raven/crafted
highlords
vs casters:
shako
guardian angel
zaka (um)
kingslayer berserker axe
goreriders
bloodfists
raven/crafted ring
highlords
The end
I hope u all like my guide,any input is appreciated.
I have enjoyed this char more than any other.I hope you do to.
Hardcore_virus
*hardcore_virus
*shadows_exile
[email protected]
(zelfs baal ni gekilled)
) (en voor jullie wil ik die uitzondering wel maken 
)
