Difference between revisions of "The Shining One"

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[[File:The shining one altar.png]] ''"Lead the forces of light to victory!"''
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[[File:The shining one altar.png]] "Lead the forces of light to victory!"''
 
 
 
{{flavour|Followers of the Shining One are bound to the code of the honourable warrior, soldiers in their god's eternal crusade against evil. For forsaking dark magic and underhanded tactics, the Shining One rewards them and their allies with the power they need to slay demons and the undead. Especially devout warriors can even call upon angels in times of need. The Shining One's followers can convert to Elyvilon or Zin while keeping some piety.
 
{{flavour|Followers of the Shining One are bound to the code of the honourable warrior, soldiers in their god's eternal crusade against evil. For forsaking dark magic and underhanded tactics, the Shining One rewards them and their allies with the power they need to slay demons and the undead. Especially devout warriors can even call upon angels in times of need. The Shining One's followers can convert to Elyvilon or Zin while keeping some piety.
  
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The Shining One likes it when you kill the undead, you kill demons, you kill evil beings and you encounter other hostile creatures.
 
The Shining One likes it when you kill the undead, you kill demons, you kill evil beings and you encounter other hostile creatures.
  
The Shining One strongly dislikes it when you use evil magic or items, you attack non-hostile holy beings, you attack neutral beings, you attack allies, you kill non-hostile holy beings, you perform cannibalism or you desecrate holy remains.}}
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The Shining One strongly dislikes it when you use evil magic or items, you attack non-hostile holy beings, you attack neutral beings, you attack allies or you kill non-hostile holy beings.}}
  
 
==Racial Restrictions==
 
==Racial Restrictions==
[[Demigod]]s cannot worship the Shining One (or any other god).
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*Like the other [[good god]]s, The Shining One does not accept [[demonspawn]] or undead species ([[ghoul]]s, [[vampire]]s, or [[mummies]]) as followers.
 
+
*[[Demigod]]s may not worship The Shining One (or any other god).
The Shining One does not accept worship from [[Demonspawn]] or [[undead]] species ([[Ghoul]]s, [[Mummies]], or [[Vampire]]s).
 
  
 
==Appreciates==
 
==Appreciates==
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==Prevents==
 
==Prevents==
The Shining One prevents you from attacking in unchivalrous manner - ie, [[stabbing]]. Your attack will still take place, but you will receive no stabbing benefit.
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*The Shining One prevents you from attacking in unchivalrous manner - ie, [[stabbing]]. Your attack will still take place, but you will receive no stabbing benefit.
 +
*While not a direct conduct, worshippers are given a [[halo]], which prevents the ability to go [[invisible]].
  
 
==Deprecates==
 
==Deprecates==
 +
*Inactivity: You lose 1 piety per 700 turns, on average (1/35 chance every 20 turns).
 +
 
The Shining One strongly dislikes it (i.e. [[penance]]) when:
 
The Shining One strongly dislikes it (i.e. [[penance]]) when:
*You perform [[cannibalism]].
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*You use [[Necromancy]].
*You desecrate holy remains.
 
*You drink blood from a [[potion of blood]].
 
*You use [[Necromancy]]. Casting [[Necromutation]] causes instant excommunication.
 
 
*You use [[unholy]] magic or items.
 
*You use [[unholy]] magic or items.
*You attack non-hostile holy beings.
 
*You or your allies kill non-hostile holy beings.
 
 
*You attack neutral beings.
 
*You attack neutral beings.
 
*You attack allies.
 
*You attack allies.
  
Note that equipment that violates the Shining One's commandments will be labeled as such in its (in-game) description, so inexperienced players can check there if they're not sure an item is kosher. They will also have their names printed in red in your inventory or stash. Lastly, you'll receive a warning when you equip a weapon you shouldn't be using. Also, the Shining One will forgive accidental transgressions (i.e. performing a forbidden action via an unidentified item) but only once.
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Note that equipment that violates the Shining One's commandments will be printed in red, be labeled in its (in-game) description, and you'll receive a warning before doing a transgression. Also, the Shining One will forgive accidental transgressions (i.e. performing a forbidden action via an unidentified item).
 
 
On average, your piety will decay naturally by 1 every 700 turns.
 
  
 
==Given Abilities==
 
==Given Abilities==
 
'''[[Piety|Piety level -]]''': "Acolyte"
 
'''[[Piety|Piety level -]]''': "Acolyte"
*'''Protection from harm''' - If you receive lethal damage, there's a piety-based chance that the Shining One may nullify the damage (at the cost of reducing your piety). This is possible even if you're under penance. (Passive)
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*'''Protection from harm''' - If you receive lethal damage, there's a piety-based chance that the Shining One may nullify the damage (at the cost of reducing your piety). This is possible even if you're under penance. The chance increases linearly from 10% at 0 piety to 28% at maximum. (Passive)
 +
*'''Divine Halo''' - You are surrounded by a [[halo]]. It starts off only illuminating you, but it grows in size every <code>piety/20</code> tiles, extending to your full [[line of sight]]. Anything (except you) inside the halo is easier to hit, and both you and monsters are revealed if [[invisible]]. Also, your [[stealth]] is divided by x2.5. (Passive)
 
*'''Protection from negative energy''' - The Shining One provides [[negative energy]] resistance. This improves as piety rises, up to rN+++ at full piety. (Passive)
 
*'''Protection from negative energy''' - The Shining One provides [[negative energy]] resistance. This improves as piety rises, up to rN+++ at full piety. (Passive)
 +
In addition, the Shining One protects your allies:
 +
*'''Protection against abjuration''' - When [[Abjuration]] is cast against your summoned servants, the power (duration reduction) is reduced, depending on your servant's HD. (Passive)
 +
*'''Bless Allies''' - The Shining One may bless one of your allies when it kills an enemy or gains experience. The chance for this rises with your piety. The following blessings are possible:
 +
**10%: Give the ally's weapon increased accuracy, damage, and the [[holy wrath]] brand OR give the ally's armour increased [[AC]] and [[negative energy resistance]].
 +
**90%: Increase the duration of your ally's stay, with a 50% chance to remove [[poison]], [[sickness]], [[confusion]], [[slow]]ing, or [[exhaustion]]. If none apply, heals 25% of its HP.
 +
 
'''[[Piety|Piety level *]]''': "Righteous"
 
'''[[Piety|Piety level *]]''': "Righteous"
*'''Gain power from killing''' - You sometimes gain HP and MP whenever you kill demons, the undead, and evil creatures. The amount recovered depends on the slain creature's HD. This effect is similar to the healing and MP recovery provided by [[Makhleb]] and [[Vehumet]], except that it only triggers on certain monsters, and while it restores both HP and MP at once, the gains to each are smaller on average. As piety rises, so does the chance of this effect triggering. (Passive)
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*'''Gain power from killing''' - You sometimes regain HP and MP whenever you kill demons, the undead, and evil creatures. You have a <code>(piety - 30)/200</code> chance of healing <code>1d(2*HD + 1) - 1 HP</code> HP and <code>1d(2 + HD/3) - 1 MP</code> MP when killing valid monsters.<ref>{{source ref|0.31.0|mon-death.cc|2303}}</ref><ref>{{source ref|0.31.0|mon-death.cc|2320}}</ref> (Passive)
*'''Divine Halo''' - You are surrounded by a halo (up to your line of sight or Piety/20 tiles). You receive an accuracy bonus when fighting creatures inside your halo, and neither they nor you can be invisible. The halo will also reveal the presence of monsters hiding in water. Monsters are twice as likely to notice you when they are inside the halo. (Passive)
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*<span id="divine_shield"></span>'''Divine Shield''' - Grants a divine shield, providing <code>6 + Invocations * 2/5</code> [[SH]]. Duration is also controlled by [[Invocations]]. This shield is controlled by The Shining One, so it stacks with any other shield and does not interfere with two-handed weapons. (3 MP and 2-3 piety)
 
'''[[Piety|Piety level **]]''': "Unflinching"
 
'''[[Piety|Piety level **]]''': "Unflinching"
*<span id="divine_shield"></span>'''Divine Shield''' - Grants a divine shield whose strength and duration depends on your [[Invocations]] skill. This shield is controlled by The Shining One, and thus will not interfere with your wielding of a two-handed weapon. The shield will stack with other physical and magical shields. (Costs 3 MP, 50-100 food, and 2-3 piety)
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*No new abilities.
 
'''[[Piety|Piety level ***]]''': "Holy Warrior"
 
'''[[Piety|Piety level ***]]''': "Holy Warrior"
 +
*<span id="cleansing_flame"></span>'''Cleansing Flame''' - Creates a large burst of holy energy centered on yourself, dealing unavoidable holy damage to all monsters around you. This affects all monsters within two spaces of you. Your Invocations skill increases damage dealt and chance of success. Because this ability emits holy energy, it does double damage to demons and undead, normal damage to other creatures, and no damage to holy beings, neutral creatures, or allies. Base damage is <code>2d(10 + Invocations * 7/6)</code>.<ref>{{source ref|0.31.0|spl-goditem.cc|1260}}</ref><ref>{{source ref|0.31.0|ability.cc|2797}}</ref> (5 MP and 2-3 piety)
 +
'''[[Piety|Piety level ****]]''': "Exorcist"
 
*No new abilities.
 
*No new abilities.
'''[[Piety|Piety level ****]]''': "Exorcist"
 
*<span id="cleansing_flame"></span>'''Cleansing Flame''' - Creates a large burst of holy energy centered on yourself, dealing unavoidable holy damage to all monsters around you. This affects all monsters within two spaces of you, except for the corners. Your Invocations skill increases damage dealt and your chance of success. Because this ability emits holy energy, it does double damage to demons and undead, normal damage to other evil creatures, half damage to other monsters, and no damage to holy beings, neutral creatures, or allies. (Costs 5 MP, 100-200 food, and 2-3 piety)
 
 
'''[[Piety|Piety level *****]]''': "Demon Slayer"
 
'''[[Piety|Piety level *****]]''': "Demon Slayer"
*'''Summon Divine Warrior''' - Summons a friendly [[Angel]] or [[Daeva]]. (Costs 8 MP, 150-300 food, and 6-9 piety)
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*'''Summon Divine Warrior''' - Summons a friendly [[Angel]] or [[Daeva]]. (8 MP and 6-9 piety)
 
'''[[Piety|Piety level ******]]''': "Bringer of Light"
 
'''[[Piety|Piety level ******]]''': "Bringer of Light"
*'''Brand Weapon With Holy Wrath''' - the Shining One can bless a non-artifact weapon. This will un-curse it, add +2 to its enchantment level, and add the [[holy wrath]] brand (replacing any existing brand). [[Demon whip]]s will become [[sacred scourge]]s, [[demon blade]]s will become [[eudemon blade]]s, and [[demon trident]]s will become [[trishula]]s. [[Holy Word]] is cast when you bless a weapon. Doing this has no cost, but it can only be invoked once per game.
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*'''Brand Weapon With Holy Wrath''' - the Shining One can bless a non-artifact weapon. This will add +2 to its enchantment level and add the [[holy wrath]] brand (replacing any existing brand). [[Demon whip]]s will become [[sacred scourge]]s, [[demon blade]]s will become [[eudemon blade]]s, and [[demon trident]]s will become [[trishula]]s. [[Holy Word]] is cast when you bless a weapon. Doing this has no cost, but it can only be invoked once per game.
  
In addition, the Shining One provides the following:
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==Punishments==
*'''Protection against abjuration''' - When [[abjuration]] is cast against your summoned servants, the power (duration reduction) is reduced, depending on your servant's HD. (Passive)
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{{flavour|The Shining One forgives followers for abandonment; however, those who later take up the worship of an evil god will be punished. (Kikubaaqudgha, Yredelemnul, Makhleb, Lugonu, Beogh and Dithmenos are evil gods.)
*'''Bless Allies''' - The Shining One may bless one of your allies when it kills an enemy or gains experience. The chance for this rises with your piety. The following blessings are possible:
 
**10%: Give the ally's weapon increased accuracy, damage, and the [[holy wrath]] brand OR give the ally's armour increased [[AC]] and [[negative energy resistance]].
 
**90%: Increase the duration of your ally's stay, with a 50% chance to remove [[poison]], [[sickness]], [[confusion]], [[rot]]ting, [[slow]]ing, or [[exhaustion]]. If none apply, heals 25% of its HP.
 
  
==Punishments==
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The Shining One's wrath is straightforward and unmistakable. Its victims find themselves smote with holy fire and beset with holy warriors. Sinners will be silenced, and the Shining One will also shout to alert the victim's foes.
{{flavour|The Shining One forgives followers for abandonment; however, those who later take up the worship of an evil god will be punished. (Kikubaaqudgha, Yredelemnul, Makhleb, Lugonu, and Beogh are evil gods.)
 
  
The Shining One's wrath is straightforward and unmistakable. Its victims find themselves smote with holy fire and beset with holy warriors. Sinners will be silenced, and the Shining One will also shout to alert the victim's foes.}}
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The Shining One's wrath lasts for a relatively short duration.}}
  
The Shining One will never actively punish you while you are under penance unless you convert to an evil god ([[Beogh]], [[Kikubaaqudgha]], [[Lugonu]], [[Makhleb]], or [[Yredelemnul]]). Switching to other gods will not result in any wrath, and converting to [[Elyvilon]] or [[Zin]] will transfer half of your piety to them.
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The Shining One will only punish you if you convert to an evil god ([[Beogh]], [[Dithmenos]], [[Kikubaaqudgha]], [[Lugonu]], [[Makhleb]], or [[Yredelemnul]]). Switching to other gods or violating TSO's conduct will not result in any wrath, and converting to [[Elyvilon]] or [[Zin]] will transfer half of your piety to them.
  
 
The possible forms of [[divine retribution]] include:
 
The possible forms of [[divine retribution]] include:
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==Strategy==
 
==Strategy==
The Shining One is a useful god in both the early and late game, although for different reasons. In the early game, player accuracy is generally much lower, making Divine Halo extremely desirable. Divine Shield is also useful for surviving fights with heavy hitting melee opponents. By the time you reach the [[Lair]], you should have enough piety and Invocations to safely summon Divine Warriors, which are effective even against non-evil opponents. Unfortunately, The Shining One prevents you from taking advantage of evil, poisonous, and [[stabbing]] attacks, all of which can be extremely helpful in the early game.
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===Extended===
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The Shining One is most powerful in the [[extended game]], where evil monsters (demons/undead) are incredibly common. With so many evil creatures, this god really ''shines'':
 +
*Piety gain is rapid. You can get from 0* to 5* or 6* just by doing [[the Crypt]].
 +
*Healing on kills help you recover quickly. Most relevant in [[Pandemonium]], which has random areas and respawning monsters (making it hard to rest).
 +
*Cleansing Flame is a very powerful AOE against evil creatures, if you have high Invocations skill. It hits a 2-radius area and never misses - allowing you to finish off that [[tormentor]] or [[hellion]] without the chance of missing.
 +
*[[Holy wrath]] is the strongest brand against demons. Also, guaranteed rN+++ is nice, it can also free up inventory slots.
 +
 
 +
Players will often switch to TSO once they reach the extended part of the game; common gods to switch from include [[Okawaru]], [[Trog]], and [[Yredelemnul]]. You can deal with your old god's [[divine retribution|wrath]] by going to places like [[the Crypt]] and [[the Abyss]] (both rife with evil monsters).
 +
 
 +
===Pre-extended===
 +
The Shining One is a decent, if not the best, god for the earlier stages of the game. The halo increases accuracy - both yours and your [[allies]] - against monsters. Divine Shield and Divine Warriors are helpful active abilities, even against non-evil monsters. Summoners may appreciate TSO the most, with the halo providing significant buffs to the inaccurate early-game summons.
  
By the late and extended game, you'll be facing far more evil, undead, and demonic opponents than natural ones. At this point, the healing from kills, Cleansing Flame, rN+++, and holy wrath branded weapon gift will become much more useful, so much so that it isn't uncommon for players to switch to TSO specifically for clearing [[the Tomb]], [[Pandemonium]], and [[Hell]]. Some of the more popular gods to switch to TSO from include:
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However, TSO is often considered a weaker choice. Without as many evil monsters, piety gain is slow. Gods like [[Trog]] and [[Mahkleb]] offer similarly strong abilities, but at a faster piety rate. Overall, TSO is a ''passable'' god, but not the greatest. Keep in mind that TSO itself is safe to abandon; you won't get wrath unless you switch to an [[evil]] god later. So if you get TSO from a [[faded altar]], no need to fret.
*[[Elyvilon]] or [[Zin]]: Both encourage training Invocations and you won't suffer [[divine retribution]] after switching to the Shining One. Their code of conduct is also similar, preparing you for life as a crusading zealot.
 
*[[Okawaru]]: Trains Invocations and gifts you weapons and armour that you can continue to use after switching. Wrath isn't too difficult to deal with (learn [[Blink]] and be prepared for Okawaru's [[Okawaru#Punishments|divine retribution]]).
 
*[[Makhleb]]: Trains Invocations by letting you fire magical bolts and summon demons, and heals you on kills. Makhleb's summons are manageable, especially considering you'll now be following a god who specializes in dispatching demons, but be mindful of the occasional Greater Destruction, which will include an unavoidable [[Lehudib's Crystal Spear]].
 
*[[Yredelemnul]]: Along with all the reasons you'd switch from Makhleb, Yredelemnul followers will almost need to switch to another god for the extended game, as Yredelemnul grants almost no piety in these areas.
 
*[[Trog]]: Doesn't train Invocations, but is ''the'' early-game god for melee characters, letting you go [[berserk]] and summon similarly irate monsters. You can also keep Trog's weapon gifts. Trog's wrath is among the most deadly wrath effects, but can be survived with good physical strength or methods of quickly escaping berserked summons.
 
  
You should train Invocations to 8-10 in the last levels before you visit the [[Crypt]] (if your skill isn't already that high), then switch to the Shining One and go to maximum piety in the Crypt. Once you can summon divine warriors to your aid you should be set for the rest of the game; just keep an eye out for good weapons to bless (see below).
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The other downsides of worshipping TSO are the various conducts. You won't be able to [[stab]] opponents or go [[invisible]], and the halo lowers your [[stealth]] significantly. Additionally, you are not allowed to use evil spells ([[Necromancy]], [[Call Imp]], [[Malign Gateway]], [[Summon Horrible Things]]), which can be helpful throughout the game.
  
 
===Tips & Tricks===
 
===Tips & Tricks===
 
When worshipping the Shining One, keep the following in mind:
 
When worshipping the Shining One, keep the following in mind:
*Make sure you bless a weapon before taking on the [[Hells]] or [[Pandemonium]]. The best choice is usually either a [[broad axe]], [[executioner's axe]], [[bardiche]], [[demon trident]], [[demon whip]], [[eveningstar]], or [[demon blade]]. Ranged weapon users can do quite well by blessing [[longbow]]s/[[arbalest]]s.
+
*Make sure you bless a weapon before taking on the [[Hells]] or [[Pandemonium]]. The best choice is usually either a [[broad axe]], [[executioner's axe]], [[bardiche]], [[demon trident]], [[demon whip]], [[eveningstar]], or [[demon blade]]. Ranged weapon users can do quite well by blessing their best ranged weapon, from [[longbow]], [[hand cannon]], or [[triple crossbow]].
 
*Don't underestimate the Cleansing Flame ability; it can deal very respectable area-of-effect damage once you reach high Invocations. When surrounded by demons, one or two uses will quickly clear out the weaker pests, provide quick healing, pay for its own MP/piety cost, and deal significant unavoidable damage to any [[Fiend]]s or worse that are in range. A [[haste]]d TSO worshiper spamming full power Cleansing Flames can take down all but the hardiest end-game bosses.
 
*Don't underestimate the Cleansing Flame ability; it can deal very respectable area-of-effect damage once you reach high Invocations. When surrounded by demons, one or two uses will quickly clear out the weaker pests, provide quick healing, pay for its own MP/piety cost, and deal significant unavoidable damage to any [[Fiend]]s or worse that are in range. A [[haste]]d TSO worshiper spamming full power Cleansing Flames can take down all but the hardiest end-game bosses.
*TSO's Bless Allies effect doesn't just affect the angels and daevas TSO sends your way; ''any'' ally will be protected from Abjuration and blessed when it gets kills. TSO doesn't mind if your summoned forces die at the hands of an enemy.
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*TSO's Bless Allies effect doesn't just affect the angels and daevas TSO sends your way; ''any'' ally will be protected from Abjuration and blessed when it gets kills.
*One of the more annoying aspects of being a worshiper of the Shining One is fighting in a chivalrous manner. Any number of unintended actions may incur penance. Keep the following in mind:
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*One of the more annoying aspects of being a worshiper of the Shining One is fighting in a chivalrous manner. Fortunately, all situations that don't outright prevent you from acting unchivalrous will warn you if you attempt them (such as trying to act while confused when it might cause you to attack an ally).
**[[Miscast effects]] can sometimes harm your allies or poison your enemies. [[Air Magic]] miscasts can generate poisonous gas clouds that will happily ruin your day in the middle of a big battle.
 
**Trying to act while confused may cause you to attack an ally (or an enemy in an unchivalrous manner). Wait out the confusion or remove it with a [[potion of curing]].
 
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
*Prior to [[0.16]], the Shining One could create enhanced-stat versions of Long Blades with max piety (called [[blessed blade]]s. Players will still gain a holy wrath brand and enchantment bonus when blessing a weapon, however, and will convert any demonic weapons to their holy counterparts. Also, TSO's Divine Shield used to benefit from training in the [[Shields (skill)|Shields skill]].
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{{CBA|0.32|TSO's halo will no longer make allies easier to hit. Additionally, Divine Shield will no longer increase your SH. Instead, it will block a number of attacks depending on Invocations. Ranged attacks blocked by Divine Shield will be [[reflection|reflected]], while melee attackers will have a 50% chance to be [[blind]]ed. Also, the chance to gain HP and MP from killing demons/undead/evil creatures will scale from 30% at 1* to 80% at 6* piety.}}
 +
*Prior to [[0.28]], Divine Shield was available at 2* piety, and Cleansing Flame at 4* piety.
 +
*Prior to [[0.27]], branding a weapon with holy wrath would un-[[curse]] it.
 +
*Prior to [[0.26]], the three good gods forbid [[cannibalism]].
 +
*Prior to [[0.20]], TSO disapproved of poison and stabbing [[:Category:Human intelligence|intelligent]] monsters (with stabbing not outright prevented). Cleansing Flame was also weaker and did half damage to non-evil monsters.
 +
*Prior to [[0.19]], the Shining One would inflict penance if the player desecrated holy corpses or committed cannibalism; these were not outright forbidden.
 +
*Prior to [[0.16]], the Shining One could create enhanced-stat versions of Long Blades with max piety (called [[blessed blade]]s). TSO's Divine Shield also used to benefit from training in the [[Shields (skill)|Shields skill]].
 
*Prior to [[0.15]], followers of the Shining One were occasionally seen as allies by [[:Category:Holy holiness|holy monsters]]. The chance of this recognition rose with piety. Also, blessing a weapon would affect it as though you'd just read a [[scroll of enchant weapon III]] rather than giving it a flat +2 enchantment level.
 
*Prior to [[0.15]], followers of the Shining One were occasionally seen as allies by [[:Category:Holy holiness|holy monsters]]. The chance of this recognition rose with piety. Also, blessing a weapon would affect it as though you'd just read a [[scroll of enchant weapon III]] rather than giving it a flat +2 enchantment level.
 
*Prior to [[0.10]], followers of the Shining One gained piety passively, up to a limit, and piety did not decay.
 
*Prior to [[0.10]], followers of the Shining One gained piety passively, up to a limit, and piety did not decay.
 
*Prior to [[0.8]], the [[paladin]] background started the game worshiping the Shining One.
 
*Prior to [[0.8]], the [[paladin]] background started the game worshiping the Shining One.
 
*Prior to [[0.4]], TSO would occasionally gift permanent allies.
 
*Prior to [[0.4]], TSO would occasionally gift permanent allies.
 +
 +
==References==
 +
<references/>
  
 
{{gods}}
 
{{gods}}
 
[[Category:Good Gods]]
 
[[Category:Good Gods]]

Latest revision as of 20:00, 10 August 2024

Version 0.31: This article may not be up to date for the latest stable release of Crawl.
The shining one altar.png "Lead the forces of light to victory!"
Followers of the Shining One are bound to the code of the honourable warrior, soldiers in their god's eternal crusade against evil. For forsaking dark magic and underhanded tactics, the Shining One rewards them and their allies with the power they need to slay demons and the undead. Especially devout warriors can even call upon angels in times of need. The Shining One's followers can convert to Elyvilon or Zin while keeping some piety.

Followers of the Shining One are surrounded by a halo that reveals their enemies to them. Followers will gain power by killing evil beings, and with growing piety their life force will be protected. The Shining One will keep summoned and charmed allies on their side longer, should the allies prove worthy of the crusade. Followers will gain use of a divine shield to protect them in battle. Later, they can channel blasts of cleansing flame that are particularly damaging to unholy beings, and can call upon powerful divine beings as temporary allies. Highly pious followers may request the Shining One's blessing upon a weapon. The Shining One may occasionally directly intervene to save a follower's life.

The Shining One likes it when you kill the undead, you kill demons, you kill evil beings and you encounter other hostile creatures.

The Shining One strongly dislikes it when you use evil magic or items, you attack non-hostile holy beings, you attack neutral beings, you attack allies or you kill non-hostile holy beings.

Racial Restrictions

Appreciates

  • You or your allies killing the undead, demons, or evil creatures (such as followers of evil gods). Chance of +1 piety, higher chance for creatures with high HD.
  • Encountering non-evil monsters you've never encountered before.

Prevents

  • The Shining One prevents you from attacking in unchivalrous manner - ie, stabbing. Your attack will still take place, but you will receive no stabbing benefit.
  • While not a direct conduct, worshippers are given a halo, which prevents the ability to go invisible.

Deprecates

  • Inactivity: You lose 1 piety per 700 turns, on average (1/35 chance every 20 turns).

The Shining One strongly dislikes it (i.e. penance) when:

  • You use Necromancy.
  • You use unholy magic or items.
  • You attack neutral beings.
  • You attack allies.

Note that equipment that violates the Shining One's commandments will be printed in red, be labeled in its (in-game) description, and you'll receive a warning before doing a transgression. Also, the Shining One will forgive accidental transgressions (i.e. performing a forbidden action via an unidentified item).

Given Abilities

Piety level -: "Acolyte"

  • Protection from harm - If you receive lethal damage, there's a piety-based chance that the Shining One may nullify the damage (at the cost of reducing your piety). This is possible even if you're under penance. The chance increases linearly from 10% at 0 piety to 28% at maximum. (Passive)
  • Divine Halo - You are surrounded by a halo. It starts off only illuminating you, but it grows in size every piety/20 tiles, extending to your full line of sight. Anything (except you) inside the halo is easier to hit, and both you and monsters are revealed if invisible. Also, your stealth is divided by x2.5. (Passive)
  • Protection from negative energy - The Shining One provides negative energy resistance. This improves as piety rises, up to rN+++ at full piety. (Passive)

In addition, the Shining One protects your allies:

  • Protection against abjuration - When Abjuration is cast against your summoned servants, the power (duration reduction) is reduced, depending on your servant's HD. (Passive)
  • Bless Allies - The Shining One may bless one of your allies when it kills an enemy or gains experience. The chance for this rises with your piety. The following blessings are possible:

Piety level *: "Righteous"

  • Gain power from killing - You sometimes regain HP and MP whenever you kill demons, the undead, and evil creatures. You have a (piety - 30)/200 chance of healing 1d(2*HD + 1) - 1 HP HP and 1d(2 + HD/3) - 1 MP MP when killing valid monsters.[1][2] (Passive)
  • Divine Shield - Grants a divine shield, providing 6 + Invocations * 2/5 SH. Duration is also controlled by Invocations. This shield is controlled by The Shining One, so it stacks with any other shield and does not interfere with two-handed weapons. (3 MP and 2-3 piety)

Piety level **: "Unflinching"

  • No new abilities.

Piety level ***: "Holy Warrior"

  • Cleansing Flame - Creates a large burst of holy energy centered on yourself, dealing unavoidable holy damage to all monsters around you. This affects all monsters within two spaces of you. Your Invocations skill increases damage dealt and chance of success. Because this ability emits holy energy, it does double damage to demons and undead, normal damage to other creatures, and no damage to holy beings, neutral creatures, or allies. Base damage is 2d(10 + Invocations * 7/6).[3][4] (5 MP and 2-3 piety)

Piety level ****: "Exorcist"

  • No new abilities.

Piety level *****: "Demon Slayer"

  • Summon Divine Warrior - Summons a friendly Angel or Daeva. (8 MP and 6-9 piety)

Piety level ******: "Bringer of Light"

Punishments

The Shining One forgives followers for abandonment; however, those who later take up the worship of an evil god will be punished. (Kikubaaqudgha, Yredelemnul, Makhleb, Lugonu, Beogh and Dithmenos are evil gods.)

The Shining One's wrath is straightforward and unmistakable. Its victims find themselves smote with holy fire and beset with holy warriors. Sinners will be silenced, and the Shining One will also shout to alert the victim's foes.

The Shining One's wrath lasts for a relatively short duration.

The Shining One will only punish you if you convert to an evil god (Beogh, Dithmenos, Kikubaaqudgha, Lugonu, Makhleb, or Yredelemnul). Switching to other gods or violating TSO's conduct will not result in any wrath, and converting to Elyvilon or Zin will transfer half of your piety to them.

The possible forms of divine retribution include:

Strategy

Extended

The Shining One is most powerful in the extended game, where evil monsters (demons/undead) are incredibly common. With so many evil creatures, this god really shines:

  • Piety gain is rapid. You can get from 0* to 5* or 6* just by doing the Crypt.
  • Healing on kills help you recover quickly. Most relevant in Pandemonium, which has random areas and respawning monsters (making it hard to rest).
  • Cleansing Flame is a very powerful AOE against evil creatures, if you have high Invocations skill. It hits a 2-radius area and never misses - allowing you to finish off that tormentor or hellion without the chance of missing.
  • Holy wrath is the strongest brand against demons. Also, guaranteed rN+++ is nice, it can also free up inventory slots.

Players will often switch to TSO once they reach the extended part of the game; common gods to switch from include Okawaru, Trog, and Yredelemnul. You can deal with your old god's wrath by going to places like the Crypt and the Abyss (both rife with evil monsters).

Pre-extended

The Shining One is a decent, if not the best, god for the earlier stages of the game. The halo increases accuracy - both yours and your allies - against monsters. Divine Shield and Divine Warriors are helpful active abilities, even against non-evil monsters. Summoners may appreciate TSO the most, with the halo providing significant buffs to the inaccurate early-game summons.

However, TSO is often considered a weaker choice. Without as many evil monsters, piety gain is slow. Gods like Trog and Mahkleb offer similarly strong abilities, but at a faster piety rate. Overall, TSO is a passable god, but not the greatest. Keep in mind that TSO itself is safe to abandon; you won't get wrath unless you switch to an evil god later. So if you get TSO from a faded altar, no need to fret.

The other downsides of worshipping TSO are the various conducts. You won't be able to stab opponents or go invisible, and the halo lowers your stealth significantly. Additionally, you are not allowed to use evil spells (Necromancy, Call Imp, Malign Gateway, Summon Horrible Things), which can be helpful throughout the game.

Tips & Tricks

When worshipping the Shining One, keep the following in mind:

  • Make sure you bless a weapon before taking on the Hells or Pandemonium. The best choice is usually either a broad axe, executioner's axe, bardiche, demon trident, demon whip, eveningstar, or demon blade. Ranged weapon users can do quite well by blessing their best ranged weapon, from longbow, hand cannon, or triple crossbow.
  • Don't underestimate the Cleansing Flame ability; it can deal very respectable area-of-effect damage once you reach high Invocations. When surrounded by demons, one or two uses will quickly clear out the weaker pests, provide quick healing, pay for its own MP/piety cost, and deal significant unavoidable damage to any Fiends or worse that are in range. A hasted TSO worshiper spamming full power Cleansing Flames can take down all but the hardiest end-game bosses.
  • TSO's Bless Allies effect doesn't just affect the angels and daevas TSO sends your way; any ally will be protected from Abjuration and blessed when it gets kills.
  • One of the more annoying aspects of being a worshiper of the Shining One is fighting in a chivalrous manner. Fortunately, all situations that don't outright prevent you from acting unchivalrous will warn you if you attempt them (such as trying to act while confused when it might cause you to attack an ally).

History

  • In 0.32, TSO's halo will no longer make allies easier to hit. Additionally, Divine Shield will no longer increase your SH. Instead, it will block a number of attacks depending on Invocations. Ranged attacks blocked by Divine Shield will be reflected, while melee attackers will have a 50% chance to be blinded. Also, the chance to gain HP and MP from killing demons/undead/evil creatures will scale from 30% at 1* to 80% at 6* piety.
  • Prior to 0.28, Divine Shield was available at 2* piety, and Cleansing Flame at 4* piety.
  • Prior to 0.27, branding a weapon with holy wrath would un-curse it.
  • Prior to 0.26, the three good gods forbid cannibalism.
  • Prior to 0.20, TSO disapproved of poison and stabbing intelligent monsters (with stabbing not outright prevented). Cleansing Flame was also weaker and did half damage to non-evil monsters.
  • Prior to 0.19, the Shining One would inflict penance if the player desecrated holy corpses or committed cannibalism; these were not outright forbidden.
  • Prior to 0.16, the Shining One could create enhanced-stat versions of Long Blades with max piety (called blessed blades). TSO's Divine Shield also used to benefit from training in the Shields skill.
  • Prior to 0.15, followers of the Shining One were occasionally seen as allies by holy monsters. The chance of this recognition rose with piety. Also, blessing a weapon would affect it as though you'd just read a scroll of enchant weapon III rather than giving it a flat +2 enchantment level.
  • Prior to 0.10, followers of the Shining One gained piety passively, up to a limit, and piety did not decay.
  • Prior to 0.8, the paladin background started the game worshiping the Shining One.
  • Prior to 0.4, TSO would occasionally gift permanent allies.

References

Gods
Good ElyvilonZinThe Shining One
Neutral AshenzariCheibriadosDithmenosFedhas MadashGozag Ym SagozHepliaklqanaIgnisOkawaruQazlalRuSif MunaTrogUskayawVehumetWu Jian
Chaotic JiyvaNemelex XobehXom
Evil BeoghKikubaaqudghaLugonu *Makhleb *Yredelemnul
* Chaotic & Evil