Herald of Xotli

From WikiAOC

Some demonologists are either too weak minded or venture too far down the path of demonology to remain untainted. The Heralds are those that bargained with the demon god Xotli and paid the ultimate price, becoming a host to true demonic powers. In battle, the Herald transforms into a demon, preferring to melee opponents and feel the enemy's flesh tear rather than rely on spells, although they retain a fearsome arsenal of spells to call upon as needed.

[edit] Spells and Combos

• Herald of Xotli Spells & Combos

[edit] Specialties

• Summon weapons
• Demonic Form
• Two-handed Edged weapons
• Daggers

[edit] Available races

• Stygians

[edit] Preview

Some of those who meddle in the demonic arts are either too weak-minded or venture too far down the path of demonology to remain untainted for long. The Heralds are those who with an insatiable lust for power regardless of the cost have bargained with the demon god Xotli and paid the ultimate price.

They become a host to true demonic forces, allowing their very flesh and blood to be twisted and shaped to the purposes of their master.

The arcane and twisted pacts that have allowed the Herald to call upon the power of Xotli mean that they are powerful and dreaded foes in combat. Whereas other priests or students of the demonic arts can call upon the servants or blessing of their respective deities the Herald actually transforms themselves into a walking incarnation of Xotli’s wrath.

In battle, the Herald transforms into a demon, preferring to melee opponents and feel the enemy's flesh tear rather than rely on spells, although they retain a powerful arsenal of spells to call upon as needed. With their frenzied appearance and blood soaked muscles rippling with demonic strength the Herald becomes one of the most fearsome sights on the battlefield.

While many of the Herald’s abilities concentrate on strengthening themselves and their allies they can also call upon the primordial forces of fire and brimstone, hewn from the demonic depths, to smite their foes.

‘Hellfire Breath’, that the Herald can cast from level 25 onwards, deals instant fire damage to enemies in a cone in front of the caster. Likewise from 55 onwards, their ‘Hellflare’ spell blasts the enemies around the caster with an intense searing wall of heat, lowering their damage output and causing them to take more damage from physical attacks.

When combined with spells like their ‘Inferno Curse’ these attacks can be even more lethal. 'Inferno Curse' is available from level 40 onwards and allows the Herald to curse enemies in his near vicinity so that they take increased damage from fire based attacks.

So while the demonic flames might be their specialty the Herald is usually in the thick of the action and uses spells like ‘The Exultation of Xotli’, which is available from level 45 onwards, to increase their melee damage for a short period of time but with a period of reduced damage for a short while afterwards.

At higher levels the Herald gets access to the ability to not just strike fear in their opponents but can actually force them to run away in terror through their ‘Dread Visage’ ability. So the Herald is not only a fearsome foe at close quarters on the battlefield but their demonic powers can actually instill dread and make even the most hardened of opponents flee from them in stark fear.

[edit] Play Style

The herald of Xotli is excellent at doing close combat AOE, but can also (by choosing the proper abilities) be great at doing heavy damage to single targets.

The herald's biggest problem is taking damage himself; Since the class can only wear low protection armor, this will take a lot of damage if targeted by multiple mobs. There are some Abilities that grant the herald extra health (Mindless Brute) on the cost of less mana. Due to the heralds lack of stamina, it is very important to keep the buff Contract of Protection up all the time along with Sign of Xotli.

The herald can become a demon for a sort period of time through the spell Desecrating Essence, increasing his damage output and survivability greatly. Again the spell has a few minutes cooldown and should be used for challenging mobs. The herald's demon form can be extended in duration and damage output through abilities in the Avatar Tree.

[edit] AOE Damage

If AOE is what you want then the Possession Tree is the way to go. ..more to follow

Not yet added

[edit] Single Target Damage

If you want to concentrate your damage on single targets you will probably want to choose the Avatar feat tree. It grants you some very powerful combos and enhances your demonic form. The herald's most damaging combo is by far Fire Lance, and can even take out some single player bosses in a single blow. The combo is gained by the feat by the same name in the Avatar Tree. But Fire Lance has a cooldown of 2 mins. and can therefore only be used for (Special Occasions).

More to follow.

[edit] See Also

• Xotli (God)