Crusader

"A mighty sword arm anchored by holy purpose - a zealous warrior!"

- The Ancestor

The Crusader is one of the playable Characters in Darkest Dungeon. He is one of the 4 religious characters.

Class Description
"Every cause needs a champion, a hero to rally otherwise common men to a righteous cause and lead them to victory. The Crusader is that champion. With holy blade in hand he smites the wicked and sends them back to the darkness from whence they crept. While his armor restricts his movement it affords him great protection, allowing him to stand in the frontlines to take the blows that his weaker comrades cannot. No matter the pressures he faces he will remain strong, finding strength within himself to keep fighting on while inspiring others to do the same. Even in the midst of battle he can galvanize his allies, giving them the strength to fight off madness for a little longer. When the Crusader is leading the charge, all of hell will know to fear the flame."

Combat Skills
"Battle-hardened and stalwart, the Crusader has held the front lines in a hundred holy wars. He either attacks foes head-on with righteous fury, or embraces a melee support role by leveraging his powerful defensive buffs & off-heals."

- Guild

Note: New Crusaders will always come with Smite skilled.

==Camping Skills== "Righteousness and conviction inspire compelling speeches around the campfire! In the face of mounting stress, the Crusader is a leader, standing tall and refusing to break. His unshakable belief can assuage companions' fear, reassuring them that despite the hardships they will most certainly endure, all will be well in the end."

- Survivalist

Equipment
"The Crusader wears heavy plate mail and wields a longsword. While affording him excellent protection and damage, his armor restricts movement, and his sword cannot be swung effectively in the back ranks."

- Blacksmith

Each Hero has Trinkets unique to them that only they can equip. The Crusader has eight; 3 common, 2 Crimson Court, and 1 uncommon, rare, and very rare. In the base game, his lower level trinkets are crests (likely war decorations) and his high level trinkets are scrolls, likely what he uses in his Zealous Accusation attack. The Crimson Court DLC adds a pauldron and conscription letter.


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District Bonus
The Crimson Court DLC adds Districts to the Hamlet, some of which confer passive benefits to heroes.


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Customisation
As for every hero, the Crusader has four different color palettes to choose from: purple, red, white and blue.

Barks
Critical Hit =

Landing a Critical Hit
Fearful =
 * A righteous blow!
 * Crushed by justice!
 * I banish thee!
 * I judge thee guilty!
 * Thou art judged!
 * Truth prevails!

Becoming Fearful

 * Oh, justice has failed me!
 * I... thought death would be honorable...
 * Where is the white light? I see only blackness...
 * Why now, facing death, do I crave a different life?
 * Terrible... So terrible!

Stressing Party

 * Light preserve us. The twilight deepens...
 * So dark here. And so cold...
 * Black as hate, this, the darkest of all nights.
 * Wherefore does the Light fade?
 * Beware — the will wanes in the gloaming.

Switching Position to the Back

 * W-we must fall back! We cannot hold the line!
 * WITHDRAW! I am beset!
 * Back! BAAACK!
 * Yield! Yield, ye bastards!
 * We must away! They drive out the Light!
 * I-I am not retreating! This is a counter-advance!

Passing Turn

 * No...noooooo!
 * Soft! The time isn't yet right!
 * ... Why do I hesitate!? Disgraceful!
 * Not yet... N-not yet!
 * Hold a moment! The enemy knows my mind!

Camping Stress

 * The Pagan hordes gather in the dark.
 * Stoke the fire. I trust not this creeping gloom.
 * Shh! ... Just keep watch! That's your job!

Getting hit by Enemy

 * HAAAGH! You Lightless fiend! Leave us be!
 * AAAGH!... No... No! We must away! It is too powerful!

Enemy Missed Self

 * Light, protect me!
 * No! I am too young to be judged yet!

Party Member Attack Misses

 * Light in heaven... What are we to do?
 * The enemy is too strong! We must flee!

Party Member Hit

 * We are too weak... pathetic in the eyes of the divine...
 * It will kill us! We are doomed!

Enemy Missed Party Member

 * Gods, no! You've left us open!
 * As it is spoken, we shall all soon perish in darkness.

Blocks Move

 * So dark... so black...
 * No! I must fight, here, now, or die!

Refuses to Perform Camping Skills
Paranoid =
 * I cannot. The Light denies a disquieted soul.
 * "Anno domai vistu--" Hold, what was that sound?!
 * They are upon us! We should move, not sit about!

Becoming Paranoid

 * Even my blade whispers of doom!
 * Stay where I can see you! I know your mind!
 * Silence! Demons whisper in the dark...
 * This is a test of my faith! I sense it!
 * Persecutors! I live by the law of the truth!

Stressing Party

 * This place reeks of evil...
 * Soft! Ruin beckons from the shadows.
 * The silence warns of dark deeds a-brewing.
 * Light fades. The mission is benighted.
 * Beware the creeping gloom; not all will flee the Light.

Switching Position to the Back

 * There is blackness here! Cannot let it touch me!
 * You seek to corrupt me! You shall NOT!
 * Shadows in the black! They sense my power!

Passing Turn

 * I cannot, I will not!
 * The enemy is no fool! I could be walking into a trap!
 * No... that's exactly what the darkness wants!
 * The Light is watching, and it disapproves.
 * I will not. Not while their eyes are upon me.

Random Action

 * I heard you talking about me!
 * These foes' minds are sharp. Must keep them guessing.
 * No... I trust the Light alone to illuminate my path.
 * Like this!... Yes, the shadows cannot see us now!
 * I do not take orders from trickster devils!
 * Your words are poison... I choose otherwise.

Camping Stress

 * What was that? What did you say?
 * Eat in silence! Even the shadows have ears.
 * Keep thy weapons at the ready. We are not alone here...

Attacking Party Member

 * I shall extinguish your black profanity!
 * Your persecution has come to an end!

Refuses to Retreat

 * I knew it! You profane word of justice!
 * What?! Why would you seek to undo my good works?

Getting hit by Enemy

 * The darkness sent them! They are emissaries of death!
 * There must be more of them! They're just softening us up!

Enemy Missed Self

 * These ones hate the Light!
 * Why are they attacking me? What have you done?!

Party Member Attack Misses

 * You shall be judged for your failure...
 * How did you miss?! Unless...

Party Member Hit

 * The Light forsakes us? But why?
 * The final judgment is soon upon us, I fear...

Enemy Missed Party Member

 * You cannot trick me! You conspire with them!
 * Ha! You cannot hide this deception from the Light!

Blocks Move

 * Methinks not. Stand tall, you coward.
 * You chose your path. I'll not help you flee it.

Refuses to Use Item

 * You shall not befoul my sacred body!
 * Ha! Your parlor tricks shan't distract me! ONWARD!

Refuses to get Healed

 * Don't touch me, sorcerer!
 * No! Your ministrations will weaken my spirit!
 * You are mad! Those bandages are filthy!

Refuses to get Buffed

 * I will not submit to your pagan rituals!
 * Keep thy folksy heresies to thyself!
 * I'll not taint my soul with your... flimflammery!

Refuses to Perform Camping Skills

 * No... can't let the others see my holy rituals.
 * I'll not produce my relics here! I may lose them!
 * Absolutely not. The Verses forbid that.

Refuses to be Target of Camping Skill

 * I will be censured if I accept that sort of charity.
 * I must rely on myself now. The Light is ever-watchful.
 * This is a trial. I will not disappoint the Light.

Refuses to Eat while Camping
Masochistic =
 * The food is unclean. I cannot risk my divine purity.
 * Look, it's all pink. Cook it properly.

Becoming Masochistic

 * I will bear any wound!
 * The pain is my penitence!
 * I'll not avert mine eyes. T'would offend my vows.
 * The flesh doth test my will. It shall not break it!
 * To the faithful, scars are but a memento!

Stressing Party

 * Aye, die I shall! 'Twas for thus I was forged!
 * Good! Anoint the black earth with my sacred fluids!
 * Our deaths shall honor the conquest of this Evil!
 * Go on, fool! Drown in our blood!
 * Slay us all! It makes so little difference!

Switching Position to the Front

 * I am invincible! I am anointed by the Light!
 * I shall fire my heart upon thee if I must!
 * I shall be the finest martyr the world has e'er known!
 * I sacrifice myself unto the Light! DO THY WORST!
 * Work thy butchery on me, foe... I am not afraid!

Random Action

 * Give me pain!
 * I risk all to pronounce thy judgement!
 * Stand aside! If harm is inevitable, let it come to me!
 * Blood may run, but faith never falters!
 * I act on faith alone, come what may!
 * I have the moral high ground! Do what thou will!

Camping Stress

 * I've always got more blood to bleed.
 * Blessed Light, grant me martyrdom this day.
 * Blessed Light, let my blood sanctify this unholy place.

Marking Self

 * My blood will be your judge! Spill it, and be damned!
 * My body is a shield against your misdeeds!

Damaging Self

 * I... I must do as the Light commands...
 * Power through sacrifice!

Refuses to Retreat

 * To glory and to ruin!
 * Light preserve my soul, for my body shall be broken!

Getting hit by Enemy

 * That one was for the Light.
 * This persecution only strengthens my devotion!

Enemy Missed Self

 * Show your worth! Spill my holy blood!
 * Wretched fool! I judge you weak!

Party Member Hit

 * Yes... Let yourself be punished. The Light wills it.
 * Mmm... Your cries of pain are like angel-song to my ears.

Blocks Move

 * I am made of the Light. And it shall restore me...
 * If my death is the only solution, then bring it on!

Refuses to Use Item

 * No! I shall endure my punishment!
 * No. Pain and humiliation made me what I am.

Refuses to get Healed

 * No! The Light commands my pain!
 * Save your sympathy. This pain is a gift.
 * Nay. The sight of blood enrages my spirit. Leave it.

Refuses to get Buffed

 * I embrace my own fate!
 * Nay! I self-flagellated last eve! Vigorously!
 * Begone! Providence alone shall suffice!

Refuses to Perform Camping Skills

 * Nay. A little adversity will but focus the mind.
 * There is no substitute for penitence and prayer.
 * Commit they soul first. Then I shall petition the Light.

Refuses to be Target of Camping Skills

 * Shields are for those who fear death.
 * There is no shame in hardship.
 * No... evil must have its fair trial.

Refuses to Eat while Camping
Abusive =
 * I will feast only after victory.
 * Nay, Hunger is next to holiness.

Becoming Abusive

 * Stand in my way and I will smite you down!
 * I could have done this alone! I SHOULD have!
 * You are ALL consigned to hell! ALL OF YOU!
 * Fester and die, heathens!
 * You sick, unholy vermin! You stain my honor!

Stressing Party

 * Without my sword, you'd all be dead already!
 * Must I do all the slaying myself?!
 * Woe that I alone brought a sword of adequate size!
 * I am saddled with iniquitous cowards. For shame!
 * You profane my holy works!
 * Quiet. This is a battle, not some baseborn tavern!

Random Action

 * Suffer not the faithless!
 * Naught but contempt for the mewling, faithless masses!
 * That is foolishness! The Light defies you!
 * Your recklessness will be my ruin!
 * You are not trained in tactics. That much is certain.

Camping Stress

 * Eyes down, you cowering sheep!
 * Quiet, sinners. Your low prattle disturbs my prayer.
 * Your foul talk is an affront to the Light. For shame.

Attacking Party Member

 * None but I has the blessing of the Light!
 * Profanity! I will excise that black tongue!

Party Member Attack Hits

 * The faithless have no right to harm anyone...
 * Pathetic. You lack the will of the Light...

Party Member Attack Misses

 * A curse upon you! The Light is displeased!
 * Blasphemy! Your weakness offends the Light!

Party Member Hit

 * Fool! Stop getting in the way of the soldiers!
 * Good, let them kill you. Frees up some swinging space.

Blocks Move

 * No. And if thou breaks rank again, I will smite thee.
 * Stop stamping about! It does not become a warrior!

Refuses to Perform Camping Skills

 * It profanes the Light to visit blessings upon you unworthy dogs!
 * I suggest prayer instead... sinner.
 * (snort) Find a task worthy of the Light.

Refuses to be Target of Camping Skills
Selfish =
 * You again, with your witchcraft!
 * If you think I need you, you are sorely mistaken.
 * You are not worthy of aiding me.

Becoming Selfish

 * I claim this victory for the church!
 * I have sacrificed much... Now I shall claim all!
 * Count the gold again. I have tithes to pay.
 * Let me shoulder the gold, my aura will exorcise it.

Stressing Party

 * Surely the Light has a grander purpose for me?
 * That one is mine.
 * I claim these souls for justice.
 * Their hopeless flailing encroaches on my swing...
 * You threaten my mission with your foolish antics!

Switching Position to the Front

 * Mine!
 * Make way! This one suffers by my hand alone!
 * This cretinous aberration begs me for redemption!
 * I will judge, you needn't concern yourselves.
 * Step back! I alone may commit their souls to the grave!

Switching Position to the Back

 * I've done enough for you, fools.
 * You will have need of my strength later.
 * Ah... a much better position. Carry on!
 * Hold! My armour has a scratch! ... Bugger.
 * 'Tis enough for now. Here — you take over.

Passing Turn

 * I fight on my own terms
 * The Light does not will it!
 * That would leave me vulnerable!
 * I will not expose myself like that! What game is this?
 * No... my only chance is to hold fast.

Random Action

 * My sword preserves me, and I honor its gifts.
 * Nay — the Light demands otherwise!
 * My blade thirsts for blood. None shall deny it.
 * I judge otherwise. Such is my divine prerogative.
 * Assign your busy-work elsewhere. I am a weapon of law.

Camping Stress

 * I deserve more than all of you!
 * If we return victorious, the church will reward me greatly.
 * This gold is tainted. I will bear it for the party.

Getting hit by Enemy

 * If I die, I am owed last rites. Don't forget.
 * Ungh! I deserve worse!

Party Member Attack Hits

 * Aye yes... Just take all the glory, then.
 * STOP! That one belongs to the Light!

Party Member Attack Misses

 * I knew it! The Light is saving that one for redemption!
 * Move aside! If you cannot prevail, then the Light shall!

Refuses to Perform Camping Skill
Hopeless =
 * No. I will save my blessings for when I need them most.
 * ... My blessings are for emergencies only.
 * That's unnecessary. Besides, this incense isn't cheap.

Becoming Hopeless

 * Can so much death ever truly be justified?
 * How can I fight for truth when I betray all I love?
 * Why did I trade her for this life? She loved me...
 * Send me to the Light! I beg for absolution!

Stressing Party

 * Wherefore is the guiding Light so dim?
 * The darkness holds fast here. So strong...
 * My mind cannot recall the Verses. We are forsaken.
 * Forsooth — even I am afflicted with doubt!.
 * My reverie is haunted by things unsaid, loves lost...

Switching Position to the Front

 * It matters not...
 * Take me now. I have already sacrificed so much...
 * Come then. Commit my soul to the holy Flame.
 * There is nothing for it. Redeem me, villain.
 * I shall be the finest martyr the world has e'er known.

Switching Position to the Back

 * I am not the man I thought I was.
 * As the candle that burns too bright, I melt away.
 * I am no champion. I profane the field of battle.
 * This formation is weak. Surely we shall perish.
 * And lo, the twilight claims the sun once more.

Passing Turn

 * I am but a man... and no more.
 * Such an action betrays justice itself.
 * The blackness looms... like a mountain of dread.
 * My will is weak. The fight has drained me...
 * That way lies failure — this I know.
 * My wasted life — measured in steel and blood...

Random Action

 * My discipline fades. I am carried along by hate and whim.
 * Nothing matters now. The Light is extinguished...
 * Will alone cannot slow the setting sun, so why try?
 * All I have left is hate. Let it be my guide.
 * It is too late. No battle tactic can save us now.

Camping Stress

 * Bah. I've lost more money than you can dream of.
 * There are no friends here. Keep to yourselves.
 * So cold here. Like... like a mausoleum.

Marking Self

 * I will not endure another day in this world of darkness!
 * Send me to the Light! I beg for absolution!

Damaging Self

 * I give myself to the Light...
 * I judge myself... "not worthy."

Refuses to Retreat

 * One more failure, and I'll be excommunicated. We stay.
 * Forsaking the Light will only ensure our doom.

Refuses to Use Item

 * I cannot accept your mercy. Just go...
 * If I die from this, it is the Light's judgment.

Refuses to get Healed

 * I am not worthy of aid.
 * Saving me is a sin. The helpless profane the Light.
 * Leave me alone. The others need aid more than I.

Refuses to get Buffed

 * I am not worthy of improvement.
 * And how would that improve our lot? HOW??!
 * No. Leave me to my regrets.

Refuses to Perform Camping Skills

 * It's no good. The will lacks.
 * The Light abandons me. It knows I will fail.
 * A desperate soul is an undisciplined soul...

Refuses to be Target of Camping Skills

 * Do not interrupt me. I pray for salvation.
 * Go away! I must focus on my strength now!
 * That will do me no good. Little will...

Refuses to Eat while Camping
Irrational =
 * No... The Light says I need to lose a few stone.
 * How can you eat at a time like this?

Becoming Irrational

 * I hear the chirping of birds and the baying of donkeys!
 * I DEFY the Verses! Dance and love and drink for all!
 * Damned be the Light! My humours churn with lust!
 * I could eat off this blade! Its lustre is so pure!
 * I smell brimstone. Or is that hyacinth?

Stressing Party

 * Clang clang, steel steel!
 * Take a turn around the maypole! LA-LA DEE-DEE DEE-DEE!
 * I will fight any of you! I will fight you barehanded!
 * MAY THE LIGHT RAVAGE YOUR SOUL ETERNALLY!
 * Where is my war-steed? He was at my side moments ago!

Switching Position

 * Where are you now General?! Have I no orders?
 * HOLD! My britches have torn! I must mend them!
 * SQUIRE! SQUIIIRE! Where is that blasted lob-lolly?
 * I will learn my Verses, Father! Not the whip! PLEASE!
 * Fetch me cheese and cider, there's a good lad.

Passing Turn

 * Buff the pommel, boy! When it strikes, it must impress!
 * Where is my Versebook? In the outhouse again!? Fie!
 * What, no peas? What sort of banquet is this?
 * Summon the chirurgeon. My verrucas need paring.
 * Not now. I'm praying.

Random Action

 * Dust clings to the blade as easily as blood!
 * Ungh... My mind reels. What devil embraces me?
 * A shining star... streaking through the aether...
 * How can the blackness glow? And yet... it RADIATES!
 * My sword guides itself! Driven by no mortal soul!

Camping Stress

 * The duck pond was always frozen at that time of the year...
 * Blast, this armour is heavy. I'll leave it behind.
 * Pardon me, but I am enamoured with your hair. Hmmm.

Marking Self

 * Eternal suffering in the black hells for you! ETERNAL!
 * I CONSIGN YOU TO HELL.

Attacking Party Member

 * Demon! Foul creature from the pit!
 * DAMN YOU TO THE BLACK!

Damaging Self

 * Father! I defy all that you made me!
 * (sobbing)

Refuses to Retreat

 * No one shall survive!
 * You will fall! ALL WILL FALL!

Getting hit by Enemy

 * FALL TO THE LIGHT, HEATHEN!
 * Father!... FATHER! I HEAR YOU!

Enemy Missed Self

 * Yes, your eminence. Blood and bread, as you command.
 * No, no! Swing higher, and harder! There's a good lad.

Party Member Attack Hits

 * LIGHT! BLESS MY ALLIES THAT THEY MAY STOP FOOLING AROUND!
 * (incoherent babbling)

Party Member Attack Misses

 * I JUDGE THEE MENTALLY INCOMPETENT!
 * I denounce you! Fall before me and beg forgiveness!

Party Member Hit

 * Who threw that? Mock my allies and you mock me, kind sir!
 * NOO! He is just a child! He didn't do anything wrong!

Enemy Missed Party Member

 * BY THE LIGHT, I SHALL... I shall... Oh, sod it.
 * MAY THE LIGHT BURN YOUR FLESH, FOOL!

Blocks Move

 * In rising black, debuts the bacchanal... here all shall perish.
 * Immodesty and song... All herald the return of night.

Refuses to Use Item

 * NO! No, Father, no! Leave me beeeee!
 * And that's why I joined the order. Now fetch me a goose.

Refuses to get Healed

 * My life is a wound upon the world.
 * Leave me be! I am not even wounded!
 * Did you wash your hands? DID YOU WASH YOUR HANDS!!??

Refuses to get Buffed

 * You're more afraid than I am!
 * Just... STOP TOUCHING ME!
 * TALKE YOUR LIGHT-FORSAKEN ARSE AND BEGONE!

Refuses to Perform Camping Skills

 * No one is worthy — we are all shadowed, the Light hates us!
 * It's too stuffy in here. Open a porthole.
 * Work the lash all you wish, Father! I defy you! (sob)

Refuses to be Target of Camping Skills

 * BEGONE! OR I WILL SMITE YOU DOWN!
 * These scars are on the inside... and much too old...
 * I... I want only one thing, and it is forbidden.

Refuses to Eat while Camping
Stalwart =
 * Nay — I must leave room for the souls of the unjust!
 * I thrive on Light alone!

Becoming Stalwart

 * I will not succumb to weakness!
 * Stand aside! Let the Light in!
 * I armoured in more than just steel, blasphemers!
 * The soul is resourceful, It will stand!
 * I turn their evil like an arrow from my blade!

Self Stress Healing
Courageous =
 * Light, grant me your strength!
 * I have been judged worthy!

Becoming Courageous

 * Rally to me, friend!
 * OOONWAAARD!
 * Nothing can extinguish the Light!
 * I have sacrificed much... Now I shall claim all!
 * Light be our vanguard!
 * CHAAAARGE!

Stress Healing Party
Focused =
 * Courage, men. We shall prevail.
 * You will survive. I judge it so.

Becoming Focused

 * Light, guide my sword!
 * Light grace my strikes! Turn away the blackness!
 * Justice and honor guide my hand.
 * The holy Light is relentless... as am I.
 * Born of rage... destined to triumph!

Buffing a Party Member
Powerful =
 * I dub thee Soldier of the Light!
 * Go forth, friend. TO VICTORY!

Becoming Powerful

 * I will turn this madness into force!
 * I am consumed in holy Light!
 * Now you shall know how bright the Light!
 * I have sacrificed much... Now I shall claim all!
 * Stoke the bonfire and tie the noose — justice is nigh!
 * The trumpeter sounds the call! Great deeds arise!

Buffing Party
Vigorous =
 * GLORY AND HONOR! Ever thus to the brave, my friends!
 * Light bless you all!

Becoming Vigorous

 * Overwhelming faith!
 * Light seize me! Make me your instrument!
 * My every step sanctifies this unholy earth!
 * The Light incarnate!
 * I am purified!

Self Healing
Final_Boss(Spoiler) =
 * The power of the Light flows through me...
 * I am a ray of the Light... warm, bright, indomitable.

"Unholy foulness! I will take you with me!"

- Crusader

Trivia

 * The design of the Crusader is based on armor from troops in "The Crusades", which were a series of conflicts between the 11th and 15th century.
 * The predetermined name of the Crusader is Reynauld, named after an actual crusader who died during The Battle of Mount Cadmus.
 * The Crusader has the most Backer Heroes with a staggering 64, with the runner up (the Man-At-Arms) only having half as many.
 * A previous iteration of the Crusader during development featured an open-helmet chain mail design with the Crusader's face visible. This design has a wallpaper on Red Hook Studio's main website and it was shown off in the game's "Terror and Madness" trailer in 2013.
 * According to his Hopeless barks, the Crusader used to love somebody and was even married once. This was confirmed in his origin comic where he leaves his wife and child to embark on the crusade, but was changed so much by the war he chose to remain on the crusade rather than return to his family.
 * Another one of his afflicted barks, this time while being Irrational, shows that he might have been mistreated by his father or a priest during childhood.
 * While most characters have seven trinkets, The Crusader, Highwayman, Plague Doctor and Vestal all have the most at eight.
 * The fact that Crusader can kill his enemies by showing them a document was claimed by fans as the most absurd thing in the game. Thus probably making his skill "Zealous Accusations" the most recognizable skill in the game, as seen on some fan-arts on the official darkest dungeon website.