Home Gaming Diablo 3: The Crusader cometh

Diablo 3: The Crusader cometh

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Diablo 3 - Reaper of Souls

I rather enjoyed the console version of Diablo 3 that was released last year and one of my current regrets is that I haven’t managed to keep playing it due to work load and other issues.

So I’m definitely looking forward to the upcoming Reaper of Souls upgrade to the game in the coming weeks and the first hero we’ve been deemed fit to see is The Crusader.

I find religion and old-school Christianity fascinating and so this character definitely appeals to me. Using the power of Christianity to rid the world of demons this character is on a never-ending quest for what he believes is the greater good.

In try Blizzard style the above character intro is brilliantly done and I do love how the characters are given such deep backstories.

And once again Blizzard haven’t disappointed with the following backstory and lore posted on the official site

The History Behind the Crusade

Faithful of Akkhan. Bastions of the Light. Stalwart redeemers of the Zakarum. All of these names could very well describe the newest hero class available in Reaper of Souls™.

Unlike other orders of the Zakarum, the Crusaders bring a distinctly grittier version of a traditional holy warrior to the world of Sanctuary. But where did they come from? What is their role in the Zakarum faith? How will they tackle the looming threat of Malthael on the horizon?

The answers to these questions and many more lay below, so let’s kick off our week-long inside look at the Crusader class with some delectable servings of lore!


The Rise of the Zakarum

The Zakarum faith was founded many years ago, sometime after the Mage Clan wars by the prophet Akarat, a wandering ascetic from Xiansai. According to many historical accounts, it was during this pivotal time (in which humanity was beginning to reject magic for the comforts of religion) that Akarat received a startling revelation from a being he referred to as Yaerius, or “son of light” in his native language.

While there is some debate among scholars as to the true nature of Akarat’s prophecy—specifically, whether the “being” Akarat saw was the archangel Yaerius or simply an echo of Uldyssian’s sacrifice at the end of the Sin War—its significance is undeniable. It is said that the vision, manifesting as a magnificent flash of light and energy across the sky, ignited the fundamental belief within Akarat that humans were powerful vessels of light, and that all should seek their “inner light” in order to live good lives.

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Upon receiving this revelation, Akarat set out on a grand journey to the cities Kehjistan, spreading word of his findings and encouraging others to embrace the Light he knew existed within them. Although Akarat would eventually vanish from all historical record, his teachings lived on through the people of Sanctuary, serving as the spiritual basis for the Zakarum faith and church. (Fun fact: The name “Zakarum” comes from “Zakara,” meaning “inner light.”)


Light’s Dawn: The Birth of the Crusader

During the reign of Emperor Tassara and shortly before General Rakkis’ historic march to the West, a priest by the name of Akkhan sensed a foul taint growing within the Zakarum church. This taint, unknown to Akkhan at the time, was caused by no other than that of the Prime Evil Mephisto, Lord of Hatred, his darkness steadily seeping from the soulstone which lay beneath the Temple of Light in Travincal.

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Determined to redeem his beloved faith, Akkhan sought out the most devout, talented warriors and issued them a sacred mission: find a way to cleanse the Zakarum of decay and corruption once and for all. These warriors traveled to the east, directly opposite the Paladins traveling with General Rakkis, following the rumored path Akarat took in the last days of his life before disappearing.

And so the Crusader order was born.


Amongst the Zakarum: The Crusader’s Role

Long time players of the Diablo franchise are likely familiar with the Zakarum faith and may even fondly remember time spent with their Paladin, the playable holy warrior from Diablo II. While Crusaders and Paladins share a devotion to the Zakarum faith, they aren’t directly related to one another nor necessarily serve the same goals.

So how exactly do the Crusaders fit into the picture?

Of Paladins Past and Present:

Let’s go over what we currently know: a quick overview of the well-beloved Paladin. Paladins are devoted warriors of the Zakarum. Over time since their founding, different sects of Paladins began to form, with separate goals and bases of operation.  This includes the Knights of Westmarch, the Order of Paladins, and the Hand of Zakarum.

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During the events of the Zakarum Inquisition, the Hand of Zakarum was discovered to be corrupt and collapsed shortly after the events of Diablo II. The Order of Paladins, disgusted by the corruption of their faith, broke away and fled to the west, eventually settling in Westmarch. The Knights of Westmarch, already established from General Rakkis’ conquest and eager to diminish their connection to Mephisto’s corruption, absorbed the Order of Paladins and disassociated themselves from the Zakarum faith.

These different orders, some intentionally while others as a result of malevolent misdirection, evolved their arts and practices over the years, eventually developing into the Paladins we see today.

The Crusade Continues:

Unlike the Paladins, the Crusaders are an elite and insular group that has seen very little change since their founding, maintaining beliefs and practices most close to the original teachings of Akarat. Though Crusaders may exhibit similar ability to wield and bend the Light to their will as their Paladin counterparts, their fervor comes from a much more pure sense of righteousness. This is in part by design. During their formation, Akkhan made certain to only recruit those with the strongest conviction and battle potential. He also actively avoided bringing in anyone with Paladin training, fearful of any existing defilement or corruption carrying over into his crusade.

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As a result of this focused purpose and very guarded lifestyle, the order itself is actually quite small. In total, only 427 Crusaders were sent east, and over time, their numbers have dwindled to the 341 known today. In practice, the Crusaders remain a loosely organized group, often traveling alone or with, at most, a single apprentice—a partnership which will persist until the Crusader’s death. When it comes time for the Crusader to lay down their weapon, generally by falling in battle, their apprentice will not only take up their shield and armor, but their name as well, continuing a legacy set in motion so many generations ago.


Starting the Journey: The Nephalem Crusader

As with the other Diablo III classes, the Crusader is a nephalem, their blood pulsing with same hidden power. Hearing the tales of a mysterious star falling from the sky and having exhausted their search in the East, the Crusader has traveled to New Tristram, hoping to discover anything that might save their faltering faith.

Will you take up the flail and shield in the name of the Zakarum? Are you eager to smite your foes with the pure, unblemished power of the Light? Let us know in the comments below if you’ll be rolling out your living, battle hardened tank on launch day!

Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls is releasing on PC on 25th of March 2014

Last Updated: March 12, 2014

84 Comments

  1. Neji

    March 12, 2014 at 12:26

    Been grinding like crazy since patch 2.0 came out for D3… soon… I shall grind RoS

    Reply

    • Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!

      March 12, 2014 at 12:39

      The game has been made amazing with the new patch hey!

      Reply

      • Neji

        March 12, 2014 at 12:41

        It has added more game play. Now I just need my so called friends to level up.

        Reply

        • SargonTheGreatPandaOfAkkad

          March 12, 2014 at 12:43

          What are you playing on? PC or console? If PC I can add you. I’m still grinding like a madman. Can’t wait for RoS.

          Reply

          • Neji

            March 12, 2014 at 12:49

            PC
            add me at NEJI#2404
            The D3 servers are still down at the moment

          • SargonTheGreatPandaOfAkkad

            March 12, 2014 at 13:38

            I hear they’re only back up around 5pm. I’ll add you this evening. Won’t be playing this evening though as watching Orena DotA 2 cup. But we can do a run soon. 😀

            What difficulty you currently playing in?

          • Neji

            March 12, 2014 at 13:39

            Torment 3

          • SargonTheGreatPandaOfAkkad

            March 12, 2014 at 13:41

            Sweet I’m running Torment 3 myself with my WD.

          • Neji

            March 12, 2014 at 13:42

            Demon Hunter with templar healing

          • A 2 Cthulhu?

            March 12, 2014 at 14:23

            Add me too please 🙂 Torment 3 Monk and a Torment 3 Wizard. DE4DLOCK3D#2307

          • SargonTheGreatPandaOfAkkad

            March 12, 2014 at 14:55

            Will do. 😀

        • Tarisma

          March 12, 2014 at 13:30

          I’ve restarted now due to the new patch and loving it

          Reply

      • A 2 Cthulhu?

        March 12, 2014 at 13:50

        Llew what’s your battletag? Mines DE4DLOCK3D#2307

        Reply

        • Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!

          March 12, 2014 at 14:21

          Raptor#2237

          Reply

          • A 2 Cthulhu?

            March 12, 2014 at 14:23

            Thanks man!

          • VampyreSquirrel

            March 12, 2014 at 14:27

            Add Cassius#2712 as well… just in case I come back to Diablo 3.

        • Craig "Crios" Boonzaier

          March 13, 2014 at 07:51

          Will go through this list tonight to add everyone.
          Crios#1871

          Reply

  2. Unavengedavo(aka. Bilbo)

    March 12, 2014 at 12:26

    So is this going to be Blizzard’s new cash cow?

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      March 12, 2014 at 12:29

      Till this video his Kitty city was my favourite

      Reply

  3. VampyreSquirrel

    March 12, 2014 at 12:33

    I stopped playing Diablo 3 over a year ago (I think it was)… highly doubt I’ll start again.

    Reply

    • TiMsTeR1033

      March 12, 2014 at 12:35

      I will get D3 for 360 though.

      Reply

      • VampyreSquirrel

        March 12, 2014 at 12:41

        I got it from a friend for PC… got bored after my Monk hit lvl 40

        Reply

        • TiMsTeR1033

          March 12, 2014 at 12:44

          pitty no offline.

          Reply

        • Rags

          March 12, 2014 at 13:00

          Amazed you lasted that long!

          Reply

          • VampyreSquirrel

            March 12, 2014 at 13:09

            Me too lol

            The friend I got it from hasn’t stopped playing since he got it.

          • Rags

            March 12, 2014 at 13:12

            Has he played any of the previous games? Or is he making money from it? 😮

          • VampyreSquirrel

            March 12, 2014 at 13:22

            He has played Diablo 1 and 2 with expansions… not making money from it (that I know of) 😛

    • Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!

      March 12, 2014 at 12:38

      Actually, if you update it to the new 2.0.1 patch it’s like a whole new game. It is now amazing!

      Yes, I, sir rants who ranted about how they destroyed Diablo with D3 am saying the game IS GOOD!

      Reply

      • TiMsTeR1033

        March 12, 2014 at 12:40

        what has changed?

        Reply

        • SargonTheGreatPandaOfAkkad

          March 12, 2014 at 12:42

          Almost everything. Loot system completely revamped. Paragon system revamped. Enemy hero skills revamped. Looks a little darker to me, as well as various changes to hundreds of small things.

          The game just IS better. I’m loving playing it now. Can’t wait to get the expansion. Pre ordered it, even after how disappointed I was with initial D3.

          Reply

          • VampyreSquirrel

            March 12, 2014 at 12:43

            Makes me tempted to try it again… but have to install the damned thing.

          • SargonTheGreatPandaOfAkkad

            March 12, 2014 at 12:44

            Plus the huge 2.01 patch download! Meeep!

            I found it worthwhile. Feels a little more like D2 to me now. And skills revamped so much that you can now use all the different builds you want. Whenever you want. 🙂

          • Rags

            March 12, 2014 at 12:45

            I’d have to find my disk in the garbage dump and glue the fragments.

          • Unavengedavo(aka. Bilbo)

            March 12, 2014 at 12:48

            Well technically you just need to get the “client” form some one as far as I understand it…

            EDIT: Unless you only have a console version O_o

          • Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!

            March 12, 2014 at 12:51

            That is correct. Or if you have uncapped just download it via Blizzards new app

          • Tarisma

            March 12, 2014 at 13:28

            Actually not that bad I did it over the weekend, the game becomes “playable” after 4 gigs of dl so there isn’t too much waiting

          • VampyreSquirrel

            March 12, 2014 at 13:36

            I’ll install from disk and then let it download whatever it’s gonna try break my pc with… but that’s if i reinstall… dunno if i will

        • Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!

          March 12, 2014 at 12:54

          Oh so so so much. Including attribute points on each paragon level to increase stats for attack speed/ life on hit etc etc.

          All ths skills have been redone and balanced. All builds are now feasible. I know coz I’ve been playing around with builds to see what it’s like.

          Loot is so much better. I have rares from the 2.0.1 patch that beat the legendaries I had pre 2.0.1

          It’s just so so good right now

          Reply

        • Gareth L (That Guy)

          March 12, 2014 at 13:38

          Far too much to mention. The full patch notes are nearly 54 pages long!

          Reply

        • VampyreSquirrel

          March 12, 2014 at 14:18

          Just btw… I started reading the patch notes for 2.0.1… and now my head hurts more.

          Reply

          • TiMsTeR1033

            March 12, 2014 at 14:19

            LOL I will only try D3 on pc when get uncapped, but somehow will prob enjoy it more on console.

          • VampyreSquirrel

            March 12, 2014 at 14:28

            It’s quite possible you might.

      • VampyreSquirrel

        March 12, 2014 at 12:40

        Is that just because of the XP boost? 😛

        Reply

        • Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!

          March 12, 2014 at 12:51

          Hahahaha. Nice.

          But seriously no. The whole game has changed. Paragon levels give you stat points which you can use to increase various things like attack speed/life on hit/etc etc etc.

          The loot system is now amazing. Rare items are actually worth looking at. In fact I replaced some Legendaries with some new rares because they were better than the rares pre 2.0.1 patch.

          New monster abilities. More randomised monsters. Actual benefits to completing side quests.

          More balanced.

          The whole game just feels amazeballs

          Reply

          • Admiral Chief of comments

            March 12, 2014 at 12:55

            High praise indeed

          • Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!

            March 12, 2014 at 12:57

            Inderdaad

          • Rags

            March 12, 2014 at 12:58

            Can I actually select the stats I want? Or still the handholding?

          • Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!

            March 12, 2014 at 13:01

            there are, if I recall, 4 sections.

            Offence, defence, and I can’t remember the rest.

            But each one has multiple stats that can be increased (I haven’t looked so in depth yet but I believe each class is slightly different.)

            Each paragon level you gain 1 point and then it randomly selects one of the main 4 parts and you can put that 1 point in to one of the attributes in that section.

            So the handholding for that is still a little there but far less so. You can actually consciously choose how you want to shape your char

          • Rags

            March 12, 2014 at 13:11

            Good to hear it is at least moving in the right direction by fixing the loot system and actually giving you a tiny bit of freedom to shape your character(its an rpg afterall).
            But I think I’ll still be annoyed without the traditional minimaxing from D1&2 wrt skills and stats. Other things are also not fixable that was so bad, like the graphics, voice acting, annoying NPCs you need to keep on a tether, online only, story etc:(.

            Seeing as I can dl it maybe I’ll give it another go after auction house is closed. WIth the DarkD3 mod ofcourse.

          • Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!

            March 12, 2014 at 13:20

            The what mod now?

          • VampyreSquirrel

            March 12, 2014 at 13:34

            Lighting and shading mod

            very much debated if it’s allowed or not though.

          • Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!

            March 12, 2014 at 13:35

            ah just did a google search. Yeah, I’d be careful. Blizzard might take offence lol

          • Rags

            March 12, 2014 at 13:57

            They did take offence to community feedback and instead of listening the D3 secret level was their response. 🙁

          • Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!

            March 12, 2014 at 14:19

            ponies!

          • Rags

            March 12, 2014 at 14:29

          • Rags

            March 12, 2014 at 13:36

            I’ve used it from the start, haven’t had a problem. The final levels look like a joke with it disabled.

          • Tiaan Pat

            March 12, 2014 at 13:50

            What @Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!! said….. What dark mod?

          • Rags

            March 12, 2014 at 13:52

          • Gareth L (That Guy)

            March 12, 2014 at 13:39

            Paragon has that aspect to it.

    • Draco Lusus

      March 12, 2014 at 12:55

      What @LlewellynCrossley:disqus said, I stopped about a year ago, ranted and moaned for ages.I was so bleak. After playing on PS3 I was even more pissed off, cause that is what the game should have been. With the 2.X patches, game is what it should have been on release. Loot drops in Torment difficulty is a little over the top, but I guess that is what the loot whores wanted.

      Give it a try…

      Reply

    • Gareth L (That Guy)

      March 12, 2014 at 13:37

      I felt exactly the same way dude, but then they released that excellent patch last month. It’s a totally different game. They didn’t change some things – they changed *everything*!

      It’s totally worth a relook. 🙂

      Reply

    • Charl van der Merwe

      March 12, 2014 at 14:53

      I’ve hard many good things about the latest patch!

      Reply

  4. Devourer of Small Bunnies

    March 12, 2014 at 12:40

    Do we know if this is going to be a standalone disk for the consoles or will it just be a DLC patch?

    Reply

    • Neji

      March 12, 2014 at 14:55

      DLC patch

      Reply

      • Devourer of Small Bunnies

        March 12, 2014 at 15:55

        Sweet, thanks guy 🙂

        Reply

  5. JustAnotherGamer

    March 12, 2014 at 12:41

    Good write-up but just meh to teh game.

    Reply

  6. Neji

    March 12, 2014 at 12:42

    /me wonders if lazygamers has a Clan setup in Diablo3 already…

    Reply

    • VampyreSquirrel

      March 12, 2014 at 12:47

      That can probably be arranged on most platforms

      Reply

    • Tiaan Pat

      March 12, 2014 at 13:52

      I would def join if a clan is created!

      Reply

    • A 2 Cthulhu?

      March 12, 2014 at 13:52

      Well technically no, but I have a clan running in D3. SAR, for all us Saffa’s. Feel free to join!

      Reply

  7. Corporal Stick

    March 12, 2014 at 13:22

    to me Diablo is the Gattaca of the RPGs.

    Reply

  8. Draco Lusus

    March 12, 2014 at 13:35

    Only issue is the price…R400 for this “Expansion” is a little steep. Its more like a DLC as far as the reviews have gone…

    Reply

    • Gareth L (That Guy)

      March 12, 2014 at 13:40

      After the new patch, I feel no inclination to pay for the expansion. The patch adds so much!

      Reply

    • VampyreSquirrel

      March 12, 2014 at 13:50

      It’s basically just one act and a new class and couple other additions (adventure mode, Bounties and Nephalem rifts according to the site)… I won’t pay that for just that

      Reply

      • Draco Lusus

        March 12, 2014 at 13:54

        Not R400 at least. Lets hope that I still get my Kalahari preorder with R200 discount, LOL.

        Reply

  9. Craig "Crios" Boonzaier

    March 12, 2014 at 13:40

    Hey guys.

    I spoke briefly with Gavin about this.
    Would you all be interested in setting up a Lazygamer.net community and clan in Diablo 3.
    The idea would be similar to the Steam group we currently have.

    Reply

    • VampyreSquirrel

      March 12, 2014 at 13:57

      Would be cool, might even rejoin the D3 universe, but not sure just yet.

      Reply

    • HighlanderZA

      March 12, 2014 at 16:21

      I think it is a good idea, but correct me if I am wrong but you can only join one clan, if not I will gladly join yours.

      Reply

      • Craig "Crios" Boonzaier

        March 13, 2014 at 07:47

        Ye, clan is a one only thing.
        However the point is more for a Community, clan can be more of secondary thing, for people that don’t really have one.

        Reply

  10. loftie

    March 12, 2014 at 14:45

    meh, POE is much better than auction house 3 in my opinion.

    Reply

    • Craig "Crios" Boonzaier

      March 12, 2014 at 15:44

      Auction house is being removed.

      Reply

      • loftie

        March 12, 2014 at 15:48

        hehe yeah I know. Im just l enjoying POE more than I have ever enjoyed D3. It actually brings back more memories of D2 for me than what D3 did. 🙂

        and its free!

        Reply

  11. Charl van der Merwe

    March 13, 2014 at 08:05

    I can confirm what people are saying about Diablo 3, the latest patch has transformed the game, my eagerness to play has been re ignited from just 10 minutes this morning on my old lvl 60 sorceress!

    Go give it a bash!

    Reply

  12. UltimateNinjaPandaDudeGuy

    March 13, 2014 at 13:20

    The new patch is AMAZING! Feels like D2 again! o/

    Reply

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