Dark Knight Transformation

For the 2nd Transformation, see Dark Knight: 2nd Transformation

Additional Details
Dark Knights are specialized in extreme offense, and are at their best in dangerous battles. Once transformed into a Dark Knight, the user will gain an initial 700 ATT and M. ATT boost as well as gain access to unique transformation skills. Their unique status boost skill improves ATT and M.ATT. The player will gain an additional +500 max HP as well as +50 max Stamina. 4 Balance is also immediately added. Their weapons also become augmented with the power of darkness, which extends their reach and attack speed for the entire duration.

Activation of the skill will cause the player to enter a transformation animation. The player cannot move during the animation, but will be invulnerable during that time and for a few seconds after (10 seconds total). The animation ends with a small blast that damages nearby enemies.

Once time runs out, the user will transform back to normal and all equipment—excluding shields—are destroyed.

NOTE: Any player that chooses to become a Dark Knight will not be able to become a Paladin, and vice versa. This decision is irreversible. Dark Knight vs. Paladin On the European and Chinese servers of Vindictus, players can purchase a coupon in the Cash Shop to change their selected path, refunding all the points so they can be re-allocated.

How to Obtain

 * Complete the story Pact: Dark Knight (level 40).

Summary

 * Columns in red indicate ranks not currently released.

Ranks

 * Rows in red indicate ranks not currently released.

Path Skills
List of Dark Knight Skills

Upgrading
Unlike AP skills that require "Action Points" gained through missions, the Paladin and Dark Knight transformation skills are upgraded by repeated use. The Dark Knight Skill tree can be viewed in the Character Menu, pressing c, and clicking the "Path" tab. Leveling up the transformation earns Path Points which allow for ranking transformation skills. The first transformation automatically brings you a Path Point into the skill tree, after that, you must level the tree manually.

You can only gain EXP for the Dark Knight skill trees by using the skill during a mission. A wise decision is to save SP until the boss, then to unleash hell.

The maximum amount of Path EXP per transformation is 100 points. Players will earn an initial 75 points and may earn up to 25 points by dealing damage to enemies. By being in a level 17 or higher guild, 10% bonus Path EXP is earned.

Path EXP will only be received when:
 * the mission's boss has been defeated.
 * leaving the mission.
 * you are dead.
 * timer has run out or manually canceling the transformation.

Story
Paladins and Dark Knights are soldiers that fight for the goddess, and are given incredible power to do so. The knowledge to become one is held by the Silent Brotherhood, and they will only pass the knowledge to other members.

Though it may seem that Paladins are good and Dark Knights are evil, this isn't the case. As Brynn says in "The Light and the Dark – a Vindictus Prelude", "Light is not Good. Dark is not Evil." Instead, Paladins and Dark Knights are mostly divided based on their answers to the following question (from Pact: Decisive Action): "Do you think it is right to kill for the oracle? Do you think that is what Morrighan truly wants?" Those who are willing to kill in the search to find paradise become Dark Knights, and those who are not become Paladins.