Vestal

"A sister of battle - pious and unrelenting!"

- The Ancestor

The Vestal is one of the playable Characters in Darkest Dungeon.

Combat Skills
"The warrior nun channels her zeal for battle into healing abilities, holy judgements and dazzling explosions of light. A strong backbone to any party, the Vestal can also hold her own on the front line with a powerful mace bash and close-quarters condemnations."

- Guild

Note: New Vestals will always come with Divine Grace skilled.

(All buffs and debuffs last for 3 rounds unless otherwise specified.)

Camping Skills
"Prayers, chants, and blessings bring peace and solace to the Vestal and her party. She can improve a companion's combat prowess, or instead focus on reducing the group's stress, and making the campsite a safe place for a good night's rest."

- Survivalist

Tactical Analysis
The Vestal is one of the game's two dedicated healers, the other being the Occultist. With two reliable healing skills at her disposal - one for a single target and one for the whole party - she easily becomes a staple in many parties for her ability to keep their health replenished. Due to the position restrictions of Divine Grace, she is often placed in the back of the party, locking her out of her melee skills. However, Dazzling Light and Judgement still offer good offensive options from that far back in the party.

As damage is often of low priority to a back-row Vestal, Dazzling Light becomes a very useful offensive skill, providing stuns and sustaining the light levels. However, the stun chance is not as strong as those of the Houndmaster or Plague Doctor, especially if her trinkets are reducing their potency. Judgement becomes very useful when the Vestal needs to keep herself alive or sane - because it has both a damaging and healing component, it has twice as many opportunities for criticals, which will contribute to stress relief. A simultaneous critical hit and critical heal from Judgement will combine to 7 Stress healed.

With the Profane Scroll and Atonement Beads trinkets, it is possible to build a melee Vestal, nudging her into position 2 to give her access to Mace Bash, Hand of Light, and Divine Comfort. This build is more focused on combat than healing, so it is important to supplement with another healer - perhaps an Occultist - whenever a party member needs healing more urgently than others. The buff that Hand of Light bestows is a very potent one, turning her Mace Bash into something that stands toe-to-toe with other damage dealers in the party. While she won't be as good as a Crusader even with the bonus vs Unholy, she can still make short work of them.

Equipment
"Blessed plate mail encases the Vestal as she delivers terrible violence and healing comfort in equal measure. A mace in one hand, and holy book in the other - a study in contrast and all the more effective for it!"

- Blacksmith

Each Hero has Trinkets unique to them that only they can equip. The Vestal has eight; 2 uncommon, 2 rare, 2 Crimson Court and 1 common and very rare. In the base game, her lower level trinkets are chalices and her high level trinkets are scrolls and a tome. The Crimson Court DLC adds a diary and beads.


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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 Vestal has four different colour palettes to choose from: brown, red, green and beige.

Barks
Battle =

Landing a Critical Hit

 * Light take you!
 * Blacken our world no longer!
 * Begone, foul thing!
 * You shall suffer as I have!
 * Burn in the holy Flame!
 * You are DAMNED!

On Death's Door
Fearful =
 * I am ready, Light!

Becoming Fearful

 * I am not up to this task, Light forgive me!
 * I will not fear martyrdom. I will not!
 * Light, grant me passage through these cursed halls...
 * Verse XXI: Heathens alone fear death...
 * Spare me this one time, oh Light. Please spare me...

Stressing Party

 * Has the Light forsaken us?
 * Deliver me, oh holy Flame...
 * The shadows are crawling. This place is alive with evil!

Switching Position to the Back

 * The Light is eclipsed!
 * No! NOOO! They are too strong!
 * Get back! Their eyes are cold with murder!

Passing Turn

 * Dark whispers bind me!
 * Blackness... so much paralyzing blackness...
 * I... I can't move... Light protect me!

Camping Stress

 * These shadows are unnatural - unholy!
 * I have had a vision! Our deaths are imminent!
 * The holy Flame whispers of torture and misery!

Getting Hit by Enemy

 * Flame... oh Flame... why do you forsake me?
 * I have been so very faithful! And yet... now I suffer!?

Enemy Missed Self

 * No! No, please, NOOO!
 * Leave me be! PLEASE!

Party Member Attack Misses

 * No! NOOOO! Keep away from me!
 * Now I know my end has come...

Party Member Hit

 * No... No, please... (bursts into sobs)
 * (tears streaming) Spare me... spare me... spare me...

Enemy Missed Party Member

 * I have known despair. Yet the fear of imminent death... (shudder)
 * Gods, how I long for the safety of the convent...

Refuses to Move

 * The sacred Flame flickers... The path falls to darkness.
 * Verse LXI: When all is lost, stand firm. The Flame endures.

Refuses to Perform Camping Skill
Paranoid =
 * I... I cannot read the ritual while I shudder so...
 * I am trying... but the Light denies a disquieted soul.
 * There'no time for that. Evil is drawn to my purity.

Becoming Paranoid

 * You are all godless, luring me to my end!
 * You test me? Shall I demonstrate the power of faith?
 * Stop staring at me. I know your mind!
 * Verse XXV: trust not armed men, for they seek to wound.
 * You mock me behind my back! Do not deny it!

Stressing Party

 * That stone...it gazes at me!
 * Must watch their eyes. They all know of my vows...
 * There is a presence here. Dark and foul.

Switching Position to the Back

 * They will sell us to slavers if they defeat us!
 * Ugh! Their foul taint is anathema to my virtue!
 * Sin swirls about them... Do not breathe their air!

Passing Turn

 * I alone am the bearer of the Light!
 * The Verses command patience! I'll not defy them!
 * The darkness plays tricks, I will hold fast.

Random Action

 * Cowards! You reject the Light!
 * I can decide for myself! I am no scullery girl!
 * Hands off! I command myself, thank you!

Camping Stress

 * Conspiracy, all around me...
 * Something disrupts my prayer. An unholy presence...
 * Verse XII: quick-burning fires herald pain and torture.
 * Don't deny your lust, it's... fully apparent.

Damaging Party Member

 * I will not sit idly by and wait for your betrayal!
 * I can smell deceit. I've lived among much worse than you!

Refuses to Retreat

 * And betray my honor? Is that what you want?
 * My virtue far outweighs your falsity. So we stay.

Getting Hit by Enemy

 * They know I serve the fire! They seek my death!
 * I KNOW them! They are foes of the Flame!

Enemy Missed Self

 * My purity is attracting them! They can smell it!
 * I like not how that one is looking at me!

Party Member Attack Misses

 * I know a liar when I see one. You missed on purpose!
 * Traitor! You could not have missed so easily! TRAITOR!

Party Member Hit

 * Someone has trained them... We have been tricked!
 * You LET yourself be hit... Why would that be?

Enemy Missed Party Member

 * I know a liar when I see one. They missed on purpose.
 * Traitor! They could not have missed so easily! TRAITOR!

Refuses to Move

 * Ha! I see your mind! Stay there, you... filthy lech.
 * Oh, yes, any chance to brush by the virgin. I see.

Refuses to Use Item

 * Why? To tarnish my pure soul? You are jealous!
 * Stand away! Faith alone will heal me!

Refuses to Get Healed

 * Don't touch me! The Devil works through you!
 * The Light is quite enough for me, thank you.
 * I deny your shamanism, kind though it may seem.

Refuses to Get Buffed

 * Don't touch me! The Darkness works through you!
 * Verse XII: Forbid thyself from incurring debts!
 * I cannot trust you!

Refuses to Perform Camping Skill

 * And reveal my secrets? I think not.
 * ... No. This is intimacy masquerading as aid.
 * I'll not sully my virtue like that. It's... improper.

Refuses to be Target of Camping Skill

 * Verse CXI: The pure shall refuse all strangers' gifts.
 * We are becoming too familiar. I shall cope alone.

Refuses to Eat when Camping
Masochistic =
 * The Verses forbid me to eat this... Whatever this is.
 * The Verses say nothing about fuzzy bread... hmmm...

Becoming Masochistic

 * Through suffering, I will know my faith!
 * Verse XIII: only the faithless fear death.
 * My mortified flesh armors me against your hate!
 * My blood is my penance. Take it, heretic!
 * Ha! The Light has already burned away all feeling!

Stressing Party

 * Only through pain shall we know forgiveness!
 * The pain only proves my devotion!
 * Only the unfaithful fear death!

Switching Position to the Front

 * I am the Light's martyr - strike me down!
 * You cannot harm me! I bear the holy Flame!
 * Their lashes will fuel the hearth within!

Random Action

 * I relish my trials, I relish my wounds!
 * Spill my blood! Its purity shall exorcise you!
 * I hurl myself on the altar of faith!

Camping Stress

 * Pain is the gateway to divinity!
 * We die today. Consumed in the Flame of hope.

Marking Self

 * I sacrifice myself for the good of the Light!
 * My blood will purify you!

Damaging Self

 * The Flame grants power through sacrifice!
 * Hear me, Flame! This blood is yours! Now grant me POWER!

Refuses to Retreat

 * These marks reveal my faith.
 * The Flame fears nothing -- no pain, no defeat.

Getting Hit by Enemy

 * (deep inhale) Yes... again!
 * It hurts, yes... But also... (blesses herself)

Enemy Missed Self

 * Please, please! End this life of slavery! I BEG YOU!
 * NOOO! The Flame calls to me! Send me to the Flame!

Party Member Hit

 * Yes... Your pain makes you powerful.
 * No! Take me instead! I... I have sinned so grievously!

Refuses to Move

 * No. The Flame tests my fear of death. I must face it.
 * My resolve is weak here. I must train it more fully

Refuses to Use Item

 * I thrive on pain. It's the way of my order.
 * Let me endure it a bit first. It rejuvenates my soul.

Refuses to Get Healed

 * No! The Light commands my pain!
 * Take your hands off me... unless you seek to wound me further!
 * My vows demand I refuse. You wouldn't understand.

Refuses to Get Buffed

 * The Light demands my blood!
 * Stay back! My power wanes grows as my wounds mount!
 * Save your blessings! The Light relishes in my suffering!

Refuses to Perform Camping Skill

 * A brush with death can truly purify the spirit.
 * The Mother Superior would be right to impose ten lashings instead...
 * In my life, suffering has been a potent motivator...

Refuses to be Target of Camping Skill

 * Pain is a gift from the holy Flame. I cherish it.
 * I can take more yet. Save your folksy charms.

Refuses to Eat when Camping
Abusive =
 * "Going without" is the chief tenet of vestalhood...
 * I decline. The Light shall nourish me.

Becoming Abusive

 * I am chosen - you are nothing!
 * May the Light bring courage to you pathetic cast-offs!
 * Stop soiling yourself and fight!
 * Blasphemers! You offend my ears AND my eyes!
 * That I should be made to breathe the air AND your stink.. Appalling!

Stressing Party

 * God favors not the meek! Find some courage or burden me no more!
 * Light forsake you, you fiends!
 * Burn and die, craven beasts!

Random Action

 * You are faithless, but the Light gives me strength!
 * I banish you, demons!
 * Holy Flame, cauterize the wound of their existence!

Camping Stress

 * I'll strike you all down if you get in my way.
 * Silence! I am praying for your worthless souls!
 * Your rude tongues offend the Light. And me.

Damaging Party Member

 * Unholy wretch! I will teach you some propriety!
 * Burn! Burn in effigy to the Light!

Party member Attack Hits

 * Impressive. But the sacred fire grants superior power.
 * ... I could do better. Given half a chance.

Party Member Attack Misses

 * Eight year-old girls in the convent are better trained...
 * I could fight better in my temple garments...

Party Member Hit

 * I am ashamed to be in your presence.
 * How uninspiring you are. Sigh.

Refuses to Move

 * Don't touch me! I know your.. type.
 * Oh yes, a simple touch on the shoulder now. But what later?

Refuses to Perform Camping Skill

 * I'll not lay my hands upon you... defilers.
 * Oh? Shall I next bless the innkeeper's wench?
 * The Light prescribes my blessings upon the worthy alone!

Refuses to be Target of Camping Skill
Selfish =
 * I see you worrying that stone. That is idolatry.
 * Ugh. And will you read my palm next, you vile peddler?

Becoming Selfish

 * The Light guides me, and only me.
 * Pay a donation to the church and I will bless your weapon.
 * Cast aside your gods. Mine alone is the one holy Light.
 * Give me your jewels and I will absolve you of idolatry.
 * Collection plate! Please give freely!

Stressing Party

 * Surely the Light has grander plans for me?
 * Your grunting and crying is disturbing my focus!
 * Silence, all! I will now sing a battle hymn!

Switching Position to the Front

 * I am chosen!
 * Their souls must suffer the flame!
 * I cannot see the enemy! Move over!

Switching Position to the Back

 * The Light... commands me to serve in other ways.
 * Curses, my hair is tangled in my gorget! A moment!
 * I can't read the Verses in this light! Ah, that's better.

Passing Turn

 * My faith alone is the measure of purity!
 * I walk my own path!
 * No. The time is not yet right.

Random Action

 * The Light's rewards are for me alone!
 * My power came at a great price. I use it as i wish.
 * The Light alone commands me. None else have the right.

Camping Stress

 * I alone hold the pitiful group together.
 * Yes, ten percent for the church! This was discussed!
 * Give your share to the Light and all will be forgiven.

Getting Hit by Enemy

 * For that, I claim your soul! FOR THE FLAME!
 * Ungh! For these injuries, I require a greater fee!

Party Member Attack Hits

 * Let me kill it! Its soul must perish by my hand!
 * Leave that one to me! I must cauterize its existence!

Party Member Attack Misses

 * You know, for a donation, the Flame may grant you skill.
 * Yes, distract that one while I do the real work.

Refuses to Perform Camping Skill
Hopeless =
 * I am quite used to keeping what is mine, thank you.
 * Verse VI: Preserve thine own virtue above all else.
 * Feh! Only the Light can guide my actions!

Becoming Hopeless

 * There is no higher purpose here...
 * This mission frays my spirits...
 * Why does everyone hate me? Even the mother superior...
 * Even the destitute of spirit refuse the Light. Why?
 * Verse LXVIII: Pray to the Light, for it will grant you joy...

Stressing Party

 * Why have I been abandoned?
 * Verse XXXIV: pride is the path to foolishness...
 * I feel cold. Dark...

Switching Position to the Front

 * My faith... is a lie.
 * Why slow the inevitable? Damnation awaits me.
 * What is the point of life, of faith?

Switching Position to the Back

 * I am unworthy. I cannot carry the Light.
 * I cannot lead. I am too... inexperienced.
 * Take my place. You are stronger than I.

Passing Turn

 * Where there is no Light, there can be no hope...
 * Shhh... not even the Light can save us now.
 * Call down the Flame yourself. It heeds me no longer.

Random Action

 * I am just a shadow in the dark - nothing at all.
 * I am no hero! Just a little girl in a woman's garb!
 * Poor experience begets poor decisions...

Camping Stress

 * The holy Verses no longer resonate, all is lost.
 * Dark times, these. Demons and undead plague the land.
 * The holy flame flickers. 'Tis a black omen.

Marking Self

 * I will burn in blackness... And so shall you!
 * Join me! Join me in the black world, denizens of evil!

Damaging Self

 * I care not about judgment... I tire of slavery.
 * Flame, consume me.

Refuses to Retreat

 * What cowardice.
 * No. I shall at least die with some dignity.

Refuses to Use Item

 * If the Flame cannot suffice, then the Flame has done with me.
 * The power of virtue will save me... I hope.

Refuses to Get Healed

 * This is my destiny, let me be.
 * I am well enough. Go, help the others.
 * Verse CXV: when health wanes, only prayer can restore it.

Refuses to Get Buffed

 * There is nothing without the Light.
 * Stop. I am tainted enough already...
 * With every touch or glance, my resolve is corrupted...

Refuses to Perform Camping Skill

 * No blessing in the world will make any difference now.
 * Verse LXI: Always know -- never exceed -- thy limits.
 * The Light cannot illuminate one shrouded in black...

Refuses to be Target of Camping Skill

 * My life, wasted. There is no power in faith.
 * I have defied so many Verses... It is futility.

Refuses to Eat when Camping
Irrational =
 * Why do they scoff at the Verses? Do I misrepresent them?
 * Not unlike the last meal of an unchaste vestal...

Becoming Irrational

 * There is Light in the stones! And in the smiles of flies!
 * My eyes are on fire... So beautiful, I must gouge them out!
 * The Versebook is in my hand. I tear a bit and eat it. Mmm.
 * Verse XVI: the meek shall... Lords, this scroll is heavy.
 * Fetch me a newborn lamb. I must make an offering. Now!

Stressing Party

 * A fine crystal shatters! Pottery cracks!
 * My flesh turns black! My eyes splinter!
 * You are but children! Motherless children!

Switching Position

 * The verses number 36 and so too the constellations!
 * There is music in the air! LA, LA-LOO, LA-LOOEEOOOAAA!
 * Take my arm, like the ladies on the promenade! Weee!

Passing Turn

 * It was a beautiful hymn, sung by the pigs of St. Martha's.
 * My gloves are soiled, and they in turn soil the holy pages!
 * A candle in the dark! Burn, burn, BURN!

Random Action

 * The stars and sun are of the same Light, yet I see neither...
 * One stunted tree in a fruiting orchard...
 * The Flame flickers...
 * I see now... Shadows are the children of Light...

Camping Stress

 * That Sister Abigail... always a cheat.
 * Lord, this chastity belt chafes. Pass the lamp oil.
 * Mutilation is a most holy act. Any takers?

Marking Self

 * Demons, all. You, my mother, my father... all.
 * Anoint yourself with my holy blood, and be damned.

Damaging Party Member

 * The fire burns within me! I wield it like a blade!
 * You all seek my virtue! But it is not mine to give!

Damaging Self

 * FIRE AND DEATH!
 * I will be no mother, "superior" or otherwise...

Refuses to Retreat

 * HOLD YOUR GROUND! YOU SHAME THE FIRE!
 * FLEE NOW, YES! AND MAY THE FIRE DAMN YOUR COWARD SOUL!

Getting Hit by Enemy

 * Mother! MOTHER!
 * Please! Be kind to me, Sisters!

Enemy Missed Self

 * The hissing embers... like a choir of the faithful.
 * I am a Flame -- a beacon to the devout.

Party Member Attack Hits

 * Mother - Father! Too late! The convent has taken me...
 * Hah! Even the pigs of St. Martha's can carry that tune!

Party Member Attack Misses

 * But I am only a child. How can you ask that of me... How...
 * I ask thee, oh Flame: is it privilege... or slavery?

Party Member Hit

 * You will burn for that. .. BUUURRRRRRRRNNNNNN!
 * (sobbing uncontrollably)

Refuses to Move

 * You touched me... you touched me... you touched me...
 * Your heat... it is noticeable... Does the Flame also feel?

Refuses to Use Item

 * I don't need anything, not even my faith! Hahaha...
 * I have known much darkness. But this seems so very... inky!

Refuses to Get Healed

 * It's full of stars - beautiful and horrifying!
 * Nonsense! I need only bay leaf and cow urine!
 * The whip. The cat. The lash. The scourge.

Refuses to Get Buffed

 * I cannot accept help from the faithless...
 * I descend into the black lake below. I am lost...
 * Horrors! The Flame turns glaucous and crepuscular!

Refuses to Perform Camping Skill

 * My versebook pages flutter on the wind - like butterflies!
 * They whipped us in the Convent, day and night...
 * I am tired, and the sunset is beautiful, is it not?

Refuses to be Target of Camping Skill

 * I can't hear you, I've fled this place on wings of light!
 * I-I've lost a page...it sits stop the steeple, hee hee hee!

Refuses to Eat when Camping
Stalwart =
 * Temptation is a wild snake; its venom, my release.
 * I'll not eat that! It swarms with dragonflies!

Becoming Stalwart

 * My faith shall be my guide!
 * My purity shall burn away all blackness!

Reducing Own Stress
Courageous =
 * I cannot be extinguished when fire burns within.
 * Power is purity!

Becoming Courageous

 * Worry not, friends. We are protected from above!
 * The night is black, yes -- but the Fire burns bright.

Stress Healing Party
Focused =
 * The fire stands with you. Fear not the black.
 * Do not despair. As the black deepens, my power grows...

Becoming Focused

 * My path is illuminated!
 * By the holy Flame, I shall persevere!

Buffing Party Member
Powerful =
 * What grace has given me, let it pass to you, hero.
 * The sacred fire whispers your name. You are most blessed.

Becoming Powerful

 * Holy power courses through me!
 * It is as the Versebook says: purity is power.

Buffing Party
Vigorous =
 * Our actions have pleased the sacred Flame.
 * This is a holy boon. Use it wisely.

Becoming Vigorous

 * Though caged in steel, my faith burns through.
 * I set my soul aflame. Nothing can extinguish it.

Self Healing
Final_Boss(spoiler) = "I-it's too horrible! Noooo!"
 * As mother said... my suffering has prepared me well.
 * No ill wind can snuff out the sacred Flame.

- The Vestal

Trivia

 * The Vestal's predetermined name is Junia, the name of an apostle mentioned by Paul in the Bible.
 * Both the Vestal's and Man-at-Arms' weapon are called "Mace," despite both the artwork and stats of the weapons being entirely different.
 * The Vestal's quote on applying a virtuous buff while Focused, "What grace has given me, let it pass to you, hero", is a reference to a similar quote from Arwen Undómiel of The Lord of the Rings: "What grace is given me, let it pass to him. Let him be spared. Save him."
 * While most characters have seven trinkets, The Crusader, Highwayman, Plague Doctor and Vestal all have the most at eight. The Vestal is also the only character to have two rare trinkets
 * The fifth level weapon has the same name as one of her attacks - "Hand of Light".
 * Many of her barks when afflicted, particularly hopeless and irrational, along with her origin comic point toward her not being chaste enough, and other barks imply that she was forced into becoming a nun.
 * Several barks while irrational imply that she (and other nuns) were whipped daily in the convent