The Crusaders, a playable character class new to the expansion, were formed by the cleric Akkhan in order to expose and cleanse the corruption at the heart of the Zakarum faith. Crusaders believe their mission would never end; to this end, each crusader is obliged to train an apprentice who would eventually take up their arms and their very name to preserve their legacy. The Crusaders are notably more focused on offensive abilities than Paladins or Templars, capable of both using weapon-based attacks up close and cast holy magic from a distance. The Crusaders' class-specific weapon is a flail, which comes in one-handed or two-handed versions. As many of their abilities rely on having a shield equipped, they are the only class that may opt to wield a two-handed weapon in one hand while using a shield in the other.